The Patriots moving forward

Its been 9 days since the Patriots lost their second Superbowl in the last 4 years. It hurt yes, but not nearly as much as the 18-1 season. The patriots were as I would like to say maybe a year too early to get there. They had been on a decline since almost making history in February of 2008. We all know what happened to Brady the season after the 18-1. The 2009 Patriots were a team that made the playoffs but in the end were blown out at home against the ravens. The 2010 team may have been 14-2 but that was do to a stunning performance by TB12 and a defense that made plays. This past year was remarkable that they made it to the Superbowl. They had some lucky bounces along the way. Another solid year by Tom and a breakout season from Gronk really helped. Ultimately the patriots down fall in the final game was not the defense as many expected but an offense that couldn't get the motor running.

The future is bright at least for the remaining window that Tom Brady is a top notch QB. He will be 35 in August and you figure he has 2-3 solid seasons left. With that said this is what the Patriots need to do.

Let me preface this by saying, Obviously i am not a professional writer. I am not Nick Caserio, Josh McDaniels, Matt Patricia or by any means BB I am a fan of the team. A fan that remembers the squish the fish and bury the Bears moto. A fan that even though young at the time remembers crying on my dads shoulder when we lost super bowl xx. A fan that remembers the drug scandals, The Rod Rust 1-15 season. the Dick McPherson 6-10 Miracle season. I remember sitting on my couch looking at the draft saying please pick Bledsoe over and over and that same year at the ripe age of 15 sitting in the Foxborough stadium parking lot watching grown men burning Budweiser boxes screaming don't take our team when it looked as though James Orthwein was going to move our beloved Patriots to St Louis to become the Stallions. I watched as Bledsoes arm carried us on a 7 game wins streak in 94 and how a Jaguars victory over the Broncos in 96 helped get us to a Superbowl. I remember the day BB was hired and i was excited and scared. I don't need to recap whats happened over the last 10 years as everyone knows. But moving forward this is 1 fans view of what can wont or should happen.

The Offense. There are so many ways this team could go. With Brady at the helm we will always score points. But too many times last year we got predictable and we all saw what happened to the O when Gronk wasn't healthy. Fortunately for the Pats they have some cap space 26 million and 4 high draft picks.

The sentiment has been we need a deep threat and everyone seems to be hopping on the Randy Moss coming back band wagon. Don't get me wrong I love Randy. But this is the 35 year old out of football for a season Randy Moss not the need to prove something 07 Moss. The patriots could use a big play receiver and getting Moss could be the answer but more likely its not. Brandon Lloyd has been a target i have looked at. He could provide a nice spark but he is getting older too. Yet he does know the offense a huge plus. We have seen many free agent receivers come in that just don't get the system and fizzle out. Donald Hayes in 02 Galloway in 09 and Holt 2 years ago. And don't forget Chad Ochocincos first forgetable season. Signing Welker is the first must. He is a key in the cog. The future is uncertain for Branch he would be a nice 3 or 4 receiver next season. I think Ocho is back on a restructured deal. A full off season could help. Other options on the free agent market are Pierre Garcon, Reggie Wayne, Robert Meachum, Colston and Mike Wallace. Garcon is interesting and he is only 26. Stay away from wayne too old. Meachum and Colston are products of the dome. That brings me to Mike Wallace. A free agent who was taken the pick after Brandon Tate, boy that would be something to take back. Pittsburgh has cap issues and probably wont franchise Wallace. They will probably offer the highest tender a first round pick. I ask you would you give away the 31st pick in the draft for him.. I would. But if that is not the way the pats will go then its Moss or Lloyd and draft and develop a good WR. Not a project like Tate or Price or Bethal Johnson but a legitimate receiver. They havent drafted a quality reciever since 02 the year they got Branch and Givens.

Now another thing the Patriots could really do to help themselves is actually develop a running game. With the 2 tightends we have a commitment to the run could do wonders. Imagine a real running threat the play action pass would become a weapon again. Remember back to the early part of the century when the pats could really run. I'm not just talking about the Corey Dillon year im talking all 3 super bowl champions could milk the clock. They need to get back to that. The law firm is an unrestricted free agent and might get a look to come back. But the Pats have Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley on the Roster as well as a kevin faulk type back in Woodhead. A power run game would help huge amounts. It would take the heat of of Tom Brady and he could then have the time to hit every pass on the route tree. As well as bringing back the screen game. Running the ball will help keep Brady upright, Give matchup nightmares with the double Tight ends and allow the pats to go deep when the defense brings 8 men in the box.

The offensive line bears watching, we don't know yet if Brian Waters is coming back. Volmer needs to stay healthy and Light has 1 year left on his deal. Center also has Koppen set to become a FA as well as Dan Connelly. Last seasons first round pick Nate Solder looks to be solid and we all know what Mankins can do. Marcus Cannon came off the PUP after his battle with cancer and looked pretty decent. He could be a dominant gaurd. A real road grader for the power run game i am asking for.

Defense Everyone's whooping boy this past season because of the yards they gave up, but they are young and clamped down when it mattered. In the playoffs they held their opponents to just over 15 points per game. Not bad. They have the anchors up the middle with Wilfork, Mayo and Chung. The question is where does McCourty fit. An amazing first season was followed by a huge Sophomore slump. He was constantly beat for big plays or drew costly PI penelties this season and looked a step slow. He looked pretty good at safety maybe that's his position. I think Rasi Dowling if he can stay on the field could really be a playmaker. Kyle Arrington is a nice player but in an ideal world he is your 3rd or 4th cb. And afc championship hero Sterling Moore could be good with an offseason in Foxborough.

What are the patriots? Are they a 3/4 ot 4/3 defense. If they are a 3-4 defense then they have 2 solid middle linebackers in Mayo and Spikes and a Vrabel type in Ninkovich. But where is the Willie Mac/Rosie Colvin pass rusher. They defenetly need a rush OLB. if they stay in the 3-4 then Wilfork is your NT and Kyle Love and Brandon Deaderick are good 34 ends. If they move to 43 then Spikes is your MLB with Ninko and Mayo as your outside and bringing back Carter and Anderson are options. Either way either defense more pass rush and CB are the most needed. It may or may not happen and i didn't think it to be possible but Mario Williams is going to be a free agent in either alignment he could be amazing in the Willie Mac elephant roll. And with the pats having 26 million in cap space it could get done. Another option to help even more is a new thing i found out about the new CBA The pats can actually use the unused portion of last season cap around 10 million if they notify the NFL in writing. So that could give them around 36 million. The Pats have gone on spending sprees before. In 03 with Harrison and Colvin, In 07 with Stallworth Welker, Thomas and to a degree Randy Moss. Any way they go it will be an interesting offseason. I say its time to go all out with Brady and Belichick coming to the end of their careers.

My list of players I would love to see the Pats bring in.

WR Mike Wallace

WR Brandon Lloyd

DE/OLB Mario Williams

CB Stanford Routt

CB Bryan McFadden

Moss Only for the sentimental value. I dont see it happening.

Either or as free agency gets closer and we see who is resigned and who is let go by their repective teams I will update my wish list.

If you like what you have read you can follow me on twitter @bostonfatguy or follow our fans radio program @patriot1stdown.

Super Bowl 46

Here we go again the rematch of super bowl 42.









Many New Englanders wanted to see the Giants in the superbowl for the revenge. I was not one of them. The Giants create a tough matchup for the patriots. 2 weeks ago i was sure it was doom for the patriots. Now i believe the patriots will earn the victory.









Back in the offseason 2 owners stood above all in assuring we got this season in. Kraft of the Pats and Mara of the Giants. It is only fitting that these 2 franchise will be playing each other for the ultimate prize. Both teams got here in separate ways. The patriots finished 13-3 on the season and had home field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs. They stayed home and demolished the not ready for prime time Broncos and then squeaked out a victory on a botched fg against the Ravens. The Giants won the NFC east on the final weekend of the season at 9-7. They were the 4 seed and demolished Falcons and their QB Matty Ice. A player who melts like ice in the biggest games.. Who didn't see the Giants beating the Packers I know i did. They hung with them in the regular season and then shut them down on division weekend. In the NFC Championship game they got lucky as well with the 9ers Muffing 1 punt and fumbling away another.









Here we sit the morning of the super bowl. I take this game differently then 4 years ago. I'm not over it at all but its a different entity. Super Bowl 42 was like a bad divorce you had all the joy right there but then the bitch just took it away. Now you are with a new wife or girlfriend for a new experience. The 2011 Patriots are a reason to believe things always happen for a reason. The pats are favorites but they are not the better team. Vegas is not full of dumbies by making the Pats favorites they can get more money in on the Giants. The Pats will use this to their advantage they might be listed as the favorites but listen to any person with an opinion and most pick the Giants.








On paper i see a mismatch when the Giants Offense goes up against the Pats Defense. Or at least it looks that way. The patriots are playing some of their best defensive football at the most important time. Vince Wilfork is playing better than he has in all his years in New England. The Pats will move in and out of 3 and 4 man fronts all game. They have played more zone this season then i can remember. My thought is the BB has figured something out. No longer can you play as physical on the wr so by going to zone the pats will try to clog the lanes to throw to Nicks, Manningham, Ballard and Cruz. They need a 4 or 5 man pass rush to get after Eli Manning and make him throw into the zone coverage. The patriots can stop the run but their main focus will be 1 player. In 2001 it was Marshall Faulk In 2003 it was stopping the 2 headed Carolina rushing attack and in 2004 it was stop Brian Westbrook. In all 3 wins the Patriots did what needed to happen to win. In 2007 the pats game plan on D was to have manning beat them and stop the run. They played it to perfection only problem was Manning beat them. This year the key will be to stop the big pass play from manning he is the key to this game. Eli is an Elite QB and he is going to get his team in the best position to win. The key is to stop Hakeem Nicks. Cruz will get his catches but Nicks is the man who can get the huge play. The Patriots in order to win need to limit the Giants to 3's and not 7's. It will be bend but don't break at its finest. Belichick and Matt Pratricia will have the right design to limit Eli Manning and the Giants receivers big play ability.

The Patriots Offense has been hard to stop all season. The 2 TE attack has been vital. With Gronk and Hernandez the Pats can come out in so many different looks. Everyone talks about the front 4 wreaking havoc against the pats. They did in the Superbowl 4 years ago but this year will be different. The pats in 07 needed more time. This team is a quick strike offense using both TEs and Welker to short pass their way down the field. That will help keep the Giants NASCAR front from getting constant pressure on Brady. Another way for the pats to help on this is bringing in Nate Solder as a 3rd TE or basically an extra tackle. The pats need to establish a run game with the Law Firm as well. An effective run game can lead to some nice play action passes and with the way the pats can be multidimensional with their packages they can spread the giants out and attack. And if all else fails just go to the hurry up no one else has stopped that this season.


I believe the pats win the coin toss and defer. They hold the Giants and get good field position on a punt. The Pats will make it 7-0 and then after a giants fg it will be 14-3 patriots lead after another TD. Right before half time the Giants will make it 14-10. The pats will take the ball and get a FG to make it 17-10. Manning will tie the game up right before the start of the 4th quarter. Brady will have New england in a frenzy as he throws a TD pass to Gronk with 2 mins to go to put the Pats up. Only we will watch Manning tie it up on a last minute drive.

And......

Sure this is a rematch but these teams are totally different than they were 4 years ago. And this time the Patriots will win and bring the Lombardi back home. Patriots 30-24 in overtime on a Kevin Faulk 2 yard TD run to finish his career.



The Patritos will be Superbowl champions and Owner Robert Kraft will have a little happiness to help with the heart ache of losing his sweetheart. The season has been dedicated to Myra Kraft and the team will not disappoint.

Super Bowl MVP Rob Gronkowski. He and his ankle will be fine and will have 8 for 115 and 2 tds

Welcome 2012

Welcome to 2012 pats fans. What a season we had. Tom Brady eclipses Dan Marino's passing record but not Drew Brees's. Gronk had a season for the ages setting records for tight ends and Welker became only the 2nd wr in history with 2 120 catch seasons (Chris Carter). The defense couldn't stop anyone until the Redzone and gave up the most passing yards since well forever. But somehow here we sit at 13-3 without a dominate defense. The 1 seed for the second season in a row. A quiet confidence has come overthe team. You could feel it today when they went down by 3 scores. The Pats went to the no huddle and 49 points later won the game You really have to like the way it comes together. With 2 stud tight ends the pats are playing mismatches and that's making up for the lack of a great outside receiver. Stevan Ridley is showing some burst and BJGE is a solid back. Even better at the goal line and late in games. The pats can score with anyone.

The defense is something different. They give up yards in bunches yet have that '01 feel of bend but don't break. Losing Andre Carter was a big loss but Mark Anderson is picking up the pace and posted 10 sacks on the season. Devin McCourty had a rough sophomore season but a new wrinkle was added today that saw him at safety. One thing that is encouraging is the return of Chung and Spikes. My guess is the defense has what it takes to do just enough to help the Patriots advance to the teams 7th Super Bowl. The 5th in 10 years.

That brings us to who they could face 2 Saturdays from now. The Steelers Broncos and Bengals are the foes. With Pittsburgh being the toughest matchup. My guess is both away teams win next week in the Afc playoffs which sets up the Bengals here. No easy task but assuming a win the pats will host the winner of Piit/baltimore or world war 3. The road to the Super Bowl runs through route 1 yet again and I believe we will be playing in February.

Robert Kraft lost his sweetheart this past summer and the season has been dedicated to her. This team is coming together in her memory. Obstacles remain for a 4th championship but I love their chances.

NFC Preview

Back at it again this time with the NFC.


NFC East

New York Giants 12-4
Dallas Cowboys 11-5
Philadelphia Eagles 8-8
Washington Redskins 7-9

The Giants were the class of the NFC until Plaxico decided to shoot himself. With out him they struggled down the stretch. Eli Manning followed a great playoff the year before with a good season. The question is can he find someone to throw to. The running game is solid with Jacobs and Bradshaw. the loss of Ward will hurt some. Who steps up at wide out my guess is Manningham and Smith will be a decent 1-2. Kevin Boss is a solid option at TE and the line repeatedly opens holes for the backs. On Defense Osi is back which will lead to more sacks and kiwanuka off the bench. THe line backers get a new guy in boley who is atheletic and should help in the run defense. The secondary is ok but doesn't have to be surpurb because of the front 7


The Cowboys can finally get some peace and quiet with TO gone. Tony Romo should be better no forcing the ball into him. The running game is solid with Barber, Jones and Choice. Barber and Jones should get the bulk of the carries with Barber getting more receptions. Wide reciever has former #1 pick Roy Williams who only had 11 receptions after he was aquired from the Lions. He should explode this year. Miles austin and Patrick Crayton will fight for the # 2. Whitten is a special tight end. He should see his catches increase this year. The line is solid.
On defense the cowboys get after the qb like no one else. Demarcus Ware and Igor Olshansky will help each other rusing off the same edge. The secondary is led by newman and new comer Gerald Sensabaugh. A solid season is likely.


The Eagles always seem to be in the mix with McNabb and Reid. Just when you think donavan is washed up he comes back and leads his team to another championship game. The problem here is that Westbrook can never stay healthy. If he could the eagles would have one hell of an offense. To combat the injuries the eagles drafted McCoy who could eat up yardage. Deshaun Jackson came out of no where last year. Kevin Curtis will battle rookie Jeremy Maclin for the #2 wide out. Tight end is lead by Celek who is just there. The line got a boost when it trade for jason peters from the Bills. On defense the line is lead by trent cole whose 9 sacks led the team. Gaither steps in at MLB and lots is expected. The secondary is in good hands with assante samuel but will miss dawkins and sheppard.

The Redskins are a team in flux. Daniels Snyders money has not been able to buy any championships and few think it can happen. HC Jim Zorn was the 20th choice to be head coach last year. Jason Campbell was part of trade rumors all offseason. This year will be the first time he has the same offense so he could get better. Portis is the stud back who constantly clears 1200+ yards per season. With him and Betts the running game is in good hands. Santana Moss is inconsistant he has good and bad years in the same year. Randell El is a fabulous return man but only averages 10 yards a catch as a reciever. Tight End has a gem in Cooley who is a great option for Campbell Albert Haynesworth was the latest player to take the millions from the skins. The hope is he can solidify the defense. he is a big pass rushing DT who is a wide body against the run. Rookie Brian Orakpo should provide a nice speed rush from the linbacking position. The secondary is fast with Hall and Rogers and has big hitting LaRon Landry. The skins are still not consistant enough to make a push for the playoffs.


NFC North

Greenbay Packers 12-4
Chicago Bears 10-6
Minnisota Vikings 9-7
Detroit Lions 3-13


The Packers moved on from Brett Farve with solid play by Rogers. The 4th year Qb stepped in and lead the packers offense with 28 tds. Ryan Grant came back to earth after a leaghthy holdout but he should be back this year with a full offseason. Greg Jennings and Donald Driver are big play recievers who feed off each other. Driver is on his last legs but is still capable of over 1000 yards recieving. count on Jennings to bust out this year. Tight end has donald lee a big target who can get in the endzone. The packers will switch to the 3-4 this year and the drafting of BJ Raji out of Boston College was a step in the right direction. Aj Hawk and Nick Barnett will thrve in that defense. Charles woodson and al harris are a very nice pair of CB's Atari Bigbi steps in as the SS and is capable of big hits. The packers are ready to take the next step.



The Bears made the big splash this offseason in trading for Jay Cutler. Cutler was a rising star in denver and should finnally give the bears the QB they need. He is capable of spreading the field. With Matt Forte entreanched as the starting tail back who can run catch and block the bears have a great backfield. Devin Hester is the #1 WR and is still learning the position. He is a much better returner but the bears have few options at wide out so in he goes. Greg Olsen and Clark are a great tight end tandem The line is helped by orlando pace signed to protect Cutlers blind side. The defense is lead by Urlacher yet again. He is the all world middle linebacker and captain of a fierce defense. Tommy Harris and Alex brown anchor a solid line and Nathan vasher is a nice cornerback. The bears will go as far as cutlers arm will take them.


The Vikings are said to be a quarterback away from winning a superbowl. They traded for Sage Rosenfells to be that guy... Then flirted with brett farve who said he was retired. Well brett has no clue when to give it up and he is now back and leading the offense. The best running back in the league is all day Peterson he should easily lead the league in rushing yardage. The wideouts are lead by Berrian and Rice who are both blossoming players. Tight end Shiancoe will see his receptions improve with Farve. The defense is lead by the williams wall who despite testing positive for banned suspstances will not miss anytime in 2009 thanks to a court ruling. Seams the NFL will do anything to make sure Farve goes out a winner. EJ henderson is ready to take the next step and line backer and the secondary is solid with Winfield Williams, Josnos and Griffin. My question is with such a young core group of players why bring in the overrated favre who play down the streatch last season cost the Jets. Favre's best day are behind him and he should have stayed retired.

The first team ever to go 0-16 was the Detroit Lions. There is no way to go but up for them. Matthew Stafford is the savior at QB and he has young running back kevin smith and talented wide out Calvin Johnson. The defense should be helped by new head coach Jim Shwartz. Anything is better than last year. Simms and foote will lead a very good line baking crew. But its still a long way up to go for them.


NFC South

AFC Season Preview

Ok here it is the night before the season starts and its time for the picks

I am going to pick the final record of each team and give a opinion of how it will play out.


AFC East


New England Patriots 14 - 2
Buffalo Bills 7-9
Miami Dolphins 5-11
New York Jets 3-13


The Patriots are obviously the class of this division. Last year they finished 11-5 with Matt Cassel at QB. This year Tom Terrific returns and barring another catastrophic injury we can assume 35 td and 4500 yards. The running game should be deep with 3 solid runners plus Kevin Faulk the greatest 3rd down back of this generation. Moss and Welker are studs and they are joined by old man burner Joey Galloway. Baker and Watson should be good at TE. The defense does have holes ecspecially with the trade of Richard Seymour which might look like a steal if the raiders keep losing. The D line is still strong with big man vince wilfork in the middle. A switch to the 4-3 is possible. Jarod Mayo is now the man in the middle and if he can stay healthy he looks like a star. The secondary is new at both corner spots. BUt another year of sanders and merriweather looks strong. Special teams looks as strong as ever. With Brady healthy the skies the limit

The Bills come in to this season with 2 solid wideouts, Lee Evens and TO could be dynamic. The question is which Trent Edwards shows up. Will TO help more than he hurts. He is one of the best wide outs in the league but makes Keyshawn Johnson and Chad Ocho Cinco look like deaf mutes. The man never shuts up and yells at all his QB's this is by far the worst QB he has had in his carreer. Lych is back to tote the ball but is suspended for the 1st three games. Jackson is a decent back who can fill in for the first 3 games. Defensively is anyones guess lots of good individual players in Stoud, Posluszny and Whitner but can they come together?

The Miami Dolphins caught everyone including New England by storm last year with the wild cat. it led to an amazing season for them and a playoff birth. Miami was helped by an injury to Brady, Farve falling apart down the stretch, no serious injuries and a weak scheduel. They come back to earth this year. The wildcat started to slow down when defenses got to see it on tape. Pennington is a good QB and the running game is solid with Brown and Williams. The question here is the wide outs Devon Bess had a good season and Ted Ginn continues to improve, but neither is the go to guy you need. The defense is solid but getting older. they resinged Taylor after a year away but can he be the player he once was? A first place schedule and another year of tape on the wildcat will send the Fins back to earth.

The New York Jets enter a new error. Sanchez better be good with the bounty of picks traded to get him. Rex Ryan has alot of pressure on him in the big apple. The man does not seam to know when to shut up. He picks fights with the fins then says he's not here to kiss Bill Belichicks rings. My guess is just like his dad great defensive coordinator faliure as head coach. The jets will only go as far as the rook will take them. Jones and Washington are the key here. Both backs have talent but with no solid #1 reciever what gives. Keller should get better in year 2 at tight end. The oline is very strong and the guess is that ryan relies heavy on the run until Sanchez with only 16 career college starts gets comforatable. Defense wins championships and with ryans help the Jets should have a top 10. But with Pace being suspended for the first few games whats going to happen. Reavis is a stud at corner and Rhodes should flourish. All said and done we cant expect to much this year

AFC North.

Pittsburg Steelers 14-2
Baltimore Ravens 10-6
Cincinnati Bengals 6-10
Cleveland Browns 3-13


The Steelers are the reighning super bowl champs. And they are back for more. Big Ben has a knack for being in the right place at the right time in the 4th quarter. As i said in last years superbowl preview I have never been a fan of his but when the games on the line he comes through. His numbers should improve this year with a healthy running game with Parker Mendanhal and Moore. If willie can get back to his old self and Mendanhal can stay healthy thats a nice 1-2 punch, Moore is a great back out of the back field. The Holmes/Ward tandem is one every fan would like to have. Holmes saying he wanted the ball at the end of last years bowl shows he is a player. Hines Ward has always been a favorite of mine and i love his intensity. Heath Miller is a down and dirty TE who can make the plays when needed. The line gets alot of crap because of Roethlisberger, who always holds onto the ball to try and make the play. The defense is back and damn good. The Defensive line is strong and unsung. They take up the lineman for that great linebaking crew. Woodley Farrior Timmons And Harrison are as good as anyone can throw out there. The secondary is no frills and will give up the up and out patterns but they dont get beat often. Do the steelers have what it takes to repeat we shall see.

The Ravens played some good ball last year behind rookie Joe Flacco. Another trip to the AFC championship is unlikely though. Flacco made good decision and had a nack for winnning his first year. A solid running game lead by le'ron McClain helped. THis year McClain will move to full back and Ray Rice and Willis Magahee will take over the running load. Again this is the streagth of the team. The wideouts are lead by old man derrick Mason and Mark Clayton who has yet to show me anything. Todd Heap is just an average TE now. And the line looks good. Defense is baltimores calling card. WIll the loss of Ryan hurt. I would say no. The line is lead by Ngata who is a beast Linebakers Terrell Suggs and Ray Lewis are still there along with Ed Reed. They are an oportunistic defense that gets after the QB. A playoff birth is possible but 1 and done is what im predicting.

The Bengals get Mr Palmer back, and that can only be good news. They were lost without him and so was ocho cinco and whos you mamma. If healthy Palmer is a diference maker. The Bengals actually got something out of Ced Benson last year. A top draft pick with the bears he never quite panned out, but with the cats he was solid. He should be the #1 option all year. The loss of housh to the seahawks could have hurt but in comes former Jet Coles. Team him with Ocho and you got a solid 1 - 2 core. They are high on TE Coats and Jeremi Johnson is a solid Full Back. Coach Marvin Lewis was known for Defense with Baltimore but that has not been the case in Cinci. They are hoping to resurect Tank Johnson carreer. The LB's are decent but Dahani jones is not the player he was in Philly. The secondary is good with Joseph and Hall at the corners and if Roy Williams can bounce back from a wasted year in Dallas all could be good. This will be Marvin Lewis' last year in Cincinatti.

The Cleveland Browns. Sure they have all the records from the original browns but this team is nothing like them. They plain suck. As much as they hated Belichick when he was there the new owners have tried to get his clone. First it was RAC Romeo Crennel who caught lighting in a bottle with Anderson in '07 but last year was a mess. Do they really think they are better with Mangenius. Eric Mangini had one solid year in new york before losing his team. yet the browns think he is the man to lead this team. I swear they are in love with former patriot coordinators. Up until the other days it was anyones guess who would be QB1 now we know its Brady Quinn, Charlie Weiss has never been the same at ND with out him but he has yet to stay on the field in the NFL. Lewis returns as the lead back with no real challenger He was a stud and still can move the chains but the years are adding up. Wide out has Edwards who had a bit of the dropsies last year but is still # 1 on the depth chart. They traded thier best reciever in tight end Kellen Winslow JR. and no one else looks to be up to the job. Can Cribbs be anything more than a good returner. Joe thomas is a blossoming stud at LT. The defense is a work in progress with Wimbley being the only name with talent. Phil Dawson continues to kick well.


AFC South

Indianapolis Colts 11-5
Houston Texans 11-5
Tennesee Titans 10-6
Jacksonville Jaguars 6-10

The Colts are still around as long as Peyton Manning is at the Helm. Sure they lost Dungy and Moore but Manning rivals Brady for the best around. The running game got a lift from Brown from UConn. And Addai will be better with Less carries. Reggie Wayne and A Gon are solid. But who is #3 without Harrison. Dallas Clark is a big play TE and The line is lead by Jeff Saturday. They still have the tools to win this division. The defense is lead by Bob Sanders who when on the field is a play maker but he can never play 16 games. Dwight Freeny and Robert Mathis are edge rushers that anyteam could want. But they are getting older. Linebakers are young and up and coming but a tad slow. Vinatieri might not have the leg anymore but he can still kick it when need be. They win this tough division.

The Texans are everyones darlings this year. Im picking them to finish 2nd. If Matt Schaub could stay healthy they could be scary good. Schaub is a smart qb with a good arm. The running of steve slaton was a surprise last year. He is fast and shifty and has really helped this team become more balanced. A Johnson is a young talented playmaker and other that Fitzy may be the best young reciever in the league. He averages almost 100 yards a game and catches over 7 balls. The other wideout is little known kevin walter a solid 2 in the last year of his contract. The TE is Owen Daniels who is a big safety valve for Schaub. The defense is lead by Williams the first pick in the draft a few years back. The texans were laughed at when they selected him over bush, all he has done is become one of the best dlineman in the NFL. 12 sacks last year. Ryans is the man in the middle the former rookie of the year a defensive play caller. Rookie cushing from USC should really help the outside rush. Look out for the weak link secondary.


The Titans stormed the league to a 10-0 start last year behind the running of Johnson and White. They combined for over 2000 yards rushing and look to do the same this year. White has lost a lot of wait by cutting out as he says the tequila. that guy must have been hammered all the time. Johnson was a stud last year running and recieving. Journeyman Kerry Collins leads the offense. He is a winner taking 3 different teams to the playoffs including a superbowl with the giants. The recievers are just there they threw big money to get washington from Pittsburg to help out. Justin Gage looks to build on last years coming out. Rookie first rounder Britt could be the real deal. Te Bo Scaife was the leading reciever last year but only scored twice. The defense lost Haynesworth and thats a big loss. Anyones guess how that will turn out. The line will need big play from the freak and vanden bosch. Bulluck and Thornton lead athletic linebakers who are always around the ball. The secondary is lead by courtland finnegan and his ball halking style. Coach Jeff Fisher is the longest tenured coach in the league and there are few better.

The Jaguars are anyones guess 2 years removed from the playoffs, they suffered through an injury riddled season. The Oline was starting guys who bagged my groceries by week 3 last year. David Garrard is a decent option whos first year as the full time starter was just average. They rely on Jones-Drew alot the question is can he hold up without All time leading rusher Fred Taylor. Torry Holt comes over from the rams, to bad it wasnt the Holt from 2 years ago. Not much is expected from this offense aside from Jones Drew. The defense is Del-Rio's specialty but its not that special. Aside from jones drew they got nothing.


AFC West

San Diego Chargers 12 - 4
Kansas City Chiefs 8-8
Denver Broncos 5-11
Oakland Raiders 3-13


The Chargers 8-8 last year but they made the playoffs. How you ask well the broncos lost there last 4 games and the charge caught fire at the right time. Phillip Rivers established himself as a big time qb last year. LT though aging is healthy this year. He has played in the preseason for the first time in years. Add that to the diminutive Sproles and you have thunder and lightning. Vincent Jackson has established himself as a true 1 wide out. Chris Chambers is a big endzone target who can get open in big spots. he may not be what he once was but he still has skills. Antonio gates was slowed last year by injuries but he is still an elite recieving option at Tight End. The line opens whos consistanly and keeps rivers on his feet. Defense missed merriman so much last year. It wasn't until the last few weeks of the season that they started to gel. With shaun back they should be back to one of the best in the league. If cromartie and jammer live up to thier potential they will be tough to throw agaist. The wildcard here is Norv Turner. He is a brilliant offesive mind, but for some reason or another that has not shown in his head coaching stops.


The Kansas City Chiefs were once a proud franchise that has fallen on hard times. Herm Edwards was a disaster as coach. The Hunt family needed something different to bring to one of the best fan bases in all of football. Enter Scott Pioli for vp of player personal for the New England Patriots. Pioli is Bill Parcels son in law and has his fire and spunk. In new england he helped create one of the best teams the league has ever seen in '07 along with only the second team to ever win 3 sb's in 4 years. Todd Haley was hired as coach fresh off a super bowl apperance with the cards. The first step was to bring in the franchise QB which Pioli traded a 2nd round pick for in Matt Cassel. Cassel was an unknown last year for the patriots when Tom Brady went down. He never started a game in College sitting behind Heisman trophy winners Carson Palmer and Matt Leinhart. All he did was out proform both of them while leading the Pats to an 11-5 record. Although he has alot to answer as to weather it was him or the pats offensive weapons... At RB Larry Johnson returns, He is on again off again and can still tote the rock. His best days are behind him but he can still be counted on for 1000 plus yards and helping cassel. Wide out has the up and coming Bowe. He's stuck between a 1 and 2 now maybe with better quarterbacking he will make the leap. The other wr's are no names. perhaps the man with the hardest job is sean ryan all he is being asked to do is replace the best tight end of the last 15 years in tony gonzalas. The defense is young upfront with second year man glen dorsey anchoring the line. But the linebacking crew got a bump in years in the cassel trade landing former Patriot star Mike Vrabel. Vrabel should help ease the transition to the 3-4 Kansas city will make big strides but they are still a few players away.

Hows this for Josh McDaniels first season as Broncos head coach, in less than a month he was able to allienate the only QB to be mentioned in the same rocky mountain thin air as john elway in Jay Cutler. Cutler fired his way out of town and by demanding a trade away from the young team. In steps Kyle Orton who was a star at purdue and has the make up to lead the broncos in the spread attack. Knowshawn Moreno was drafted with the broncos first pick after a steller year at Georgia. THe last time the Broncos had a star back from georgia they were winning back to back superbowl. At Wideout there is Marshall who is trying to whine his way out. Eddie Royal had a good rookie season and Jabar Gaffney was brought in to help with the offensive transition. At TE in this offense is Dan Graham the former first round pick. The Defense is soft and only Champ Bailey has super talent. It was the defense not the offense that cost the broncos a chance at the division. Mike Shannahan was a legend and Josh McDaniels will find it just as hard to live up to him as every QB since Elway found it to live up to the great John


The Oakland Raiders, With so many top picks they are bound to turn the corner sometime. But not with Al Davis running the show. The man has lost his mind. He has played musical coach since "Chuckie" left. They made the super bowl the following year and have been terrible since. This is a make or break year for Russell at Q. He has all the talent in the world but a ten cent head. A long rookie hold out really hampered him. At running back McFadden has won the job. If he can stay healthy and thats a big if he could be speacial. Justin Fargas and Micheal bush are both dependable back ups. Wide reciever sees Higgens as there best talent although that not saying much. Their Tight end is still thier best option. New coach and former o line boss Tom Cable has work to do up front. Defense should be interesting Richard Seymour has reported so basically the raiders gave up Derrick Burgass and a 1st round pick for Seymour and a 5th. The raiders continue to be the patriots bitch in trades. A 4th for Moss???? Tommy Kelly is a solid DT but way over paid. At LB morrison is a star in waiting. Asomugha was laughed at for getting picked in the first round but he is now the leagues best corner. He is another bright spot for the raiders. The special teams are solid with Lechler and Janikowski. All in all this team is going no where as long as al davis is in charge.


Playoff Seeding

1. Steelers
2. Patriots
3. Chargers
4. Colts
5. Ravens
6. Texans


How it will play out

Wild Card
Chargers 34 - Texans 20
Ravens 20 - Colts 17

Division
Patriots 34 Chargers 28
Steelers 17 - Ravens 9

AFC Championship

Patriots 28 - Steelers 24


Again the steelers will host the pats in the championship game and will come up short. Big Ben will look like he sealed the deal with minutes left in the game but vintage brady will come back and lead the patriots back to the superbowl for the 5th time this decade.

Next up NFC Preview

Long time no post.

The fat guy is back to post.

Its has been a long time since i have posted anything, as life got in the way.

I am planning on being more dedicated now.

First off i would like to start by saying every column that i write from here on out will be dedicated to my father Chuck Kane who passed away this past July.

DAD you are my hero and i would not be who i am with out you. My heart is forever broken with the loss of you. i do know that we will meet again someday to have a beer together. I promise to take care of mike and mom. You can count on me. I love you.


Second.

I am now a married man again. If at first you don't succeed try try again. Well i have found my equal and michelle is her name.

Now on to the next post

The Superbowl Preview

The Steelers vs The Cardinals

Its super bowl sunday and the fat guy is going to compare the teams starting players and make a decision over who will win. Before i look at the stats I am picking Pittsburg 31 Arizona 17. Defense wins championships and the Steelers defense is better. Lets start on offense and see where that leads us

Quarterbacks

Kurt Warner.

At age 37 Kurt beat out former Heisman trophy winner (the most overrated award in the history of awards) Matt Leinart for the starting job. Kurt was thought to be washed up after he left the rams. But in the desert he has resurrected his career. This year he was on fire throwing for 4,583 and 30 Touchdowns vs only 14 picks He has been even better in the playoffs.

Ben Roethlisberger

I have never been a big ben fan. Sure he went 15-1 his rookie year and then won the super bowl in his sophomore season but I believe that was because of the coaching staff and a amazing defense. In 2005 the Steelers caught fire at the right time and road a defense and willie parker to a win over the Seahawks. This year Ben was pedestrian at best throwing for 3301 yards with 17 tds and 15 ints. Not very impressive but as always Ben was a little banged up. I think he had more trips to the x-ray machine than touch down passes. Ben has a way with his feet and to buy more time.

I believe that Kurt warner is the better qb and has played in 2 super bowls. In 99 he went up against a very stout Titans D and drove the game winning drive before handing his lead over to the defense. They stopped Steve McNair and the Titans on the one for the victory. In 01 his team went up against the Cinderella Pats and was stopped most of the day by a swarming Patriots D. With 1:43 to go he hit Ricky Proehl for the tying touch down. If it wasnt for the coming of age by Tom Brady the game would have gone to overtime and maybe we would be talking about a rams dynasty. Big Ben in his one superbowl appearance was 7-21 in passing and I still believe was stopped short on his touchdown run.

My Pick Kurt warner

Running backs

Edge vs Fast willie Parker

Both players fell way short of expectations this year due to injuries and coaching decisions. Neither player topped 1000 yards this season. Edge received less than 200 carries for the first time in his career. Parker started out strong but injuries slowed his season. The question with Willie is which Willie shows up the man who can change a game with 1 big run or the guy who gets hurt and averages 3 yards a carry. For Edge before the playoffs started he was predicting his demise in the dessert. Upset that he no longer got to touch the ball. The playoffs he has been the starter and averaged 4 yards a carry. This matchup has more to do with the defenses they are going up against then the guys running the balls. Pittsburg in tough to run against and I don't feel that the cards have what it takes to pile up yards against them. Arizona has limited good running teams all playoff long by a suddenly good defense. How ever you need to run the ball to win in this league. Bill Parcells and Bill Belicheck have always said that its not the number of yards gained but the number of carries that win football games. Time of possession is huge and a key for the Steelers to slow the high flying Arizona passing attack.

I am taking Willie parker in this matchup simply because of his big play ability

Wide outs and Tight ends

Im going to take the top to WR's on each team as the slot recievers of washington vs breston is an easy win for AZ.

Arizona has Fitzgerald and Boldin Vs Pittsburgs Ward and Holmes.


Obviously Fitzgerald is the star here. He had a great regular season catching 96 balls for 1431 yards and 12 trips over the goal line. He has followed that up by breaking Jerry Rice's all time playoffs receiving yards record. He has 20+ catches for 400 plus yards. If you add up Ward and Holmes' regular season they combined to catch just 40 more balls for just over 400 yards and the same amount of touch downs.

Hines Ward has always been one of my favorite receivers a hard nose guy who will throw his head in any where. He has a mean streak and is not afraid to block down field. The man can run catch and throw. but he got banged up with a knee injury in the afc championship game. he is not a 100% but he is going to play. this guy is like cal ripkin minor aches and pains dont keep him out of action. He is older now and doesnt have the flash he use to but he has the fight in him.

Boldin is an amazing specimen on the football field, since his game breaking rookie season first game til now this guy can flat out play. In 12 games this season (he missed 3 games after a vicious jaw breaking hit against the jets an injury that cause him to play with wires plates and screws in his jaw. and 1 game with a hamstring injury) Boldin caught 89 passes for just over 1,000 yards and 11 touch downs. he is the perfect compliment to Fitzy and would be the number 1 receiver for many teams including the steelers if he played for them. With 2 weeks between games his hammy should be healing. He does have a hot head as we saw with the fight on the sideline with his fight with arizonas o coordinator. He is heading to free agency after the season and what better way to get the big bucks then a huge game in the biggest game of all.

Holmes is the wild card here in his 3rd season out of Ohio state. Holmes has proven to be a solid #2 receiver. Anyone who has seen him return punts or his catch run and touch down against baltimore know that when he is in the open field he is hard to bring down. On any other team I think his numbers would be better. But he is still solid. He is key for the steelers hopes of throwing the ball against an suddenly ball hawkin cardinals defense.



The tights end story is a different story for each team. Pittsburg has Heath Miller and he is the number 3 target for big ben catching 48 passes this season. He is a big part of pittsburgs offense and a threat in the redzone and on any third down play. Arizona counters with Pope and Patrick. They combined for 20 catches and just under 200 yards this season with no trips into the endzone. They are after thoughts in the pass happy arizona offense. they do see action on running downs and have been a big part in the improve cardinals playoff running game.

The edge here goes to the cards. but you can't count out hines ward


Defense

The cardinals ranked in the bottom half of defensive categories of pts allowed yards against pass againsts and rush against during the season. They were scored on at will on many occasions with the big ones coming by the jets 56 points the eagles 48 points and the patriots 47 points. The playoffs have been a different story. they held the falcons to 24 points and in the game had 3 sacks 2 picks and returned a fumble for a touch down along with a safety. And they held the vaunted falcons rushing attack to just 60 yards. vs the pathers they held a great running game to 75 yards and picked jake delhomme off 5 times along with recovering a fumble. Against the eagles they forced 3 turnovers and held the rushing attack to 95 yards 31 of those yards were on scrambles by mcnabb. they seam to be complimenting the offense quit well right now.

The steelers are the cream of the crop on defense first across the board on points yards and passing yards against and second against the run. James harrison and Lamarr woodley combined for 28 sacks this year more than some teams. And they have a great safety in Troy Polamalu who had 7 picks this season. In the playoffs they shut down the chargers in the second half and took out Flacco and the ravens in the championship game with 3 picks. Woodley has 5 sacks in the playoffs. This defense is the reason the steelers are in the big game.


Coaching

Winsenhunt vs Tomlin.

Both are in there second year with the respective teams.

Ken Wisenhunt took over a team that has not won in 60+ years and lead them to more playoff wins this year then combined in there franchise history. Mike Tomlin took over a much better team that has already won a super bowl this decade. Obviously Arizonas coach has done the impossible by taking the laughing stock of the NFL to the superbowl. And he was part of that 05 steelers championship. Does he have what it takes to make an upset.


The final

Ok i thought the steelers were going to win easily but i can change my mind. I see this game coming down to the wire Big Ben making a mistake in the forth quarter and Kurt warner throwing a touch down pass to Larry Fitzgerald with lamar woodley hanging on his back to win the game.

Cardnals 24 Steelers 20