2010 Preview Buffalo Bills

Los Sigh is all that comes to mind when I think of the Buffalo Bills. When Jim Kelly (yes that is him in the pic) was running the show this franchise was a perennial football powerhouse. Four straight Super Bowls appearances, all losses but still, they were playoff shoe-ins and contenders. A decade later the mighty have fallen, dare I even say Los The Fallen. They have one winning record in the past decade, really enough said. So let's dive into the team who hasn't made any significant improvements, shall we...

Offense

C.J Spiller is an unsigned draft pick, that will provide a good multi-faceted threat out of the backfield. He has the big play threat ability the Bills need, and from what I've read, he has the intangibles a RB needs to be successful. Fred Jackson had a 1000yd season and a league leading 2 tds (sorry couldn't resist), kind of an easy task in a 17 game season, but he did it, look for more of the same from him. Marshawn Lynch is a hell of a back, but who knows if his off the field issues will be a problem, certainly hope not.

At WR, the Terrell Owens project wasn't the answer last year, but I don't think it was his fault. With the speedy Lee Evans on the other side, Buffalo had good opportunity to spread the field, it just didn't materialize. So now with the departure of Owens, Evans has to find a compliment which will more than likely come from... Uh, your guess is as good as mine. Roscoe Parrish comes to mind, but we just have to wait and see. The problem with this roster of Bills isn't necessarily at the RB and WR skill positions, it comes at O-line and QB.

Ryan Fitzpatrick, Trent Edwards and Brian Brohm make up the QB trio in Buffalo. They all have the ability to complete an NFL pass, but it's kind of tough when you are on the turf or running for your life most of the afternoon. I just knew the franchise would address these issues in the draft, maybe Colt McCoy, a QB that can run for his life and still pass. Maybe one of the talented lineman that were available at the 9th pick... WRONG... Not that CJ Spiller isn't good, I think he will make plays, I just don't think he was a 9th pick need for the Bills. They did draft Edward Wang out of Virginia Tech, who may turn out to be a steal, I hope so for QB sake, anyway, I wish those 3 luck, cause they will need it.

Defense

The loan standout on defense pulled a Favre. Pro Bowler Aaron Schobel threatened retirement so he could get released. Smart move for him, bad sign for a defense that doesn't have that big name draw that puts some kind of doubt in an opposing offense. Statistically, they were bottom half of the NFL and with no significant improvements, I don't see much of a change. Los Sigh...

Prediction

Last year Bills circled the wagon at 6-10, but with an AFC East that is kind of loaded now, I like for them to be a -2 in that win column. New coach Chan Gailey has is work cut out for him, but he is the man for the job. Good luck rebuilding Buffalo Bills

2010 Miami Dolphins Preview

Not many NFL teams can go 7-9 with only a mild amount of disappointment. After winning only one game in 2007, the Miami Dolphins brought in the man, the myth, the tuna Bill Parcells as Executive Vice President, and saw immediate results, winning 11 games and the AFC East championship the very next season. They entered 2009 with high hopes, but an 0-3 start combined with key injuries (QB Chad Pennington, RB Ronnie Brown, and LB Channing Crowder) quickly derailed their season.

The Dolphins are an unknown commodity entering the 2010 season. Will they be able to regain the form that won them the division championship in '08, or will they fall back into another rebuilding cycle?

Offense

The Dolphins made a big splash in the off-season by trading two second round draft picks to the Denver Broncos for mercurial wide receiver Brandon Marshall. Marshall is a definite upgrade over the receivers from last season. He's coming off of three consecutive seasons of 100 catches, last season being the most impressive having to caught 10 TD passes from Kyle Orton.

Of course Marshall has had his fair share of on-field and off-field trouble. Last season, with the playoffs on the line, Bronco coach Josh McDaniels benched Marshall for reasons that still aren't clear. Still Marshall should make an impact for a team that was relying on Ted Ginn Jr. to make big plays last season.

Chad Henne will enter the season as the starter, and likely will stay that way regardless of what the other Chad (Pennington) does in terms of recovery. Henne threw for almost 3,000 yards last season in 14 games as a starter, but what was most impressive was his 60 percent accuracy. He'll be asked to do more this season, but the Dolphins will still be a run-first offensive team.

Wildcat offense fans will look to the leaders of the concept to continue to find ways to accumulate points in atypical ways. Look for RB's Ronnie Brown to return to form, and Ricky Williams to continue to defy Father Time (and marijuana legislation) running behind T's Jake Long and Vernon Carey.

Defense

The Dolphin defense will have a harder time proving themselves. The loss of LB Joey Porter (31 sacks in 3 seasons with Miami) and NT Jason Ferguson will be difficult to replace. They've essentially traded Porter for Arizona Cardinal free-agent, LB Karlos Dansby. Dansby isn't the player Porter was, but he's athletic and has a high motor. DE Charles Grant was also brought in via free agency.

The Dolphins are solid, not spectacular at corner. Sean Smith and Vontae Davis (4 INTs) both got extensive playing time as rookies, with decent results. Strong Safety Yeremiah Bell is a fierce hitter, and made the Pro Bowl last season. Free Safety is still up for grabs between fifth round pick Reshad Jones, and Chris Clemons.

Prediction
8-8

Too many unproven commodities in key positions. Head coach Tony Sporano will have his work cut out for him putting all the pieces in place. With the Patriots and Jets being the power brokers of the division, this year should be only a moderate-to-mild improvement.

Los That Links 8-5-10

Good mawnin'. "Who is that picture of?" you ask. That is Canadian Football League wide receiver, Dave Stala. His image makes the lead because he did this very cool thing. If you do something cool like that, maybe you'll make the lead.

That's the theme for today's links. There's been a lot of things going on this summer that wear down the resolve of the average sports fan ("The Decision", Favre, A-Rod's 600th, etc.). Its important to remember why it is we follow sports in the first place.

So here we go. Los That Links Thursdays: Los That Awesome.

- The headline reads "Spider Man Outfielder Makes One of the Greatest Catches Ever".

- Evan Sellers and the kids at DcuStudios2 making trick shots. Is it real? Don't hate.

- Tim Tebow on the cover of NCAA Football 2011 or Tim Tebow highlights for Madden 11? What? That's not Madden 11? God, you're a hater.

- Okay, can I interest you in a REAL story on just how the Madden video game franchise became so powerful? Thought so.

- Stephen Colbert wishing Brett Favre a happy retirement. Probably motivated Favre's return. That' the power of the "Colbert Bump".

- Shaquille O'Neal in a Twitter beef with Jim Rome. Call him "Chris" Rome, I dare you.

- Shannon Brown is set to return to the Los Angeles Lakers. Brown is known for stuff like this.

- Basil Marceaux for Governor of Tennessee. Nothing to do with sports. Just funny, and real. I repeat, real.

2010 NY Jets Preview

The NY Jets seem to be set up perfectly for a reality-style televison series, don't they? Overacheiving 2009 campaign where they almost made the Super Bowl. Brash yet enetertaining head coach. Charismatic young starting quarterback. Discarded former MVP with a vendetta to prove he can still play. "Gang Green" '10 was tailored made to be the subject of HBO's hit show about NFL training camp, "Hard Knocks". The challenge for the Jets will be to translate all this pre-season hype to on the field success, culminating in a championship.

Offense
With rookie Mark Sanchez at the helm, the 2009 Jets fielded the league's most run-heavy offense, choosing the run on just over 60% of their snaps. This turned out to be a good decision given that Sanchez threw a whopping 20 INTs to only 12 TD in his rookie campaign. While the young QB will most likely cut back on the turnovers this year as he matures and is better prepared to handle NFL defenses, expect more of the same run/pass ratio. Leading rusher Thomas Jones is no longer with the team but he is replaced by TD machine LaDainian Tomlinson. He will backup 2nd year RB Shonn Greene, who had a strong showing in the post season before going down with an injury. Add in the versatile change-of-pace rookie back Joe McKnight and the Jets should be set for their running game. DeBrigashaw FergusonD'Brickashaw Ferguson at LT and C Nick Mangold achor the best O-line in the AFC.

The Jets attempted to get Sanchez a new weapon in the receiving corps by trading for Santonio Holmes, but the troubled receiver will be out for the first 4 games after being suspended for violating the NFL substance policy (just say no, kids). When he returns, the former Super Bowl XLIII MVP is a reliable receiver with the speed to stretch the field and ability to make the big catch (see here). Braylon Edwards lines up on the other side of the field, and if he can shake the dropsies the 6'3 receiver can have a solid impact as Sanchez's red zone target. Dustin Keller is the only reliable target at TE as the rest on the roster are strictly blocking options.

Defense
The defensive side of the field is where the Jets really shine. They have all the pieces needed to be successful in a 3-4 scheme. Up front, DE Shaun Ellis and DT Kris Jenkins (if healthy) stuff the run and alow linebackers Bart Scott and David Harris to fly around the field and make plays. The Jets could potentially have a true lock-down secondary, if they can manage to get All-Pro CB Darelle Revis off "Revis Island" and end his holdout. Recently aquired Antonio Cromartie has the tools to shut down the other side of the field as well, and rookie CB Kyle Wilson has the reputation of a playmaker covering the slot. Expect big things from him in the return game as well. Hard to improve on a defense that led the NFL in 2009 fewest yards allowed per game(a paltry 252.3), passing yards allowed (153.7) and fewest points allowed (14.8ppg) but they just may be better this season.

Prediction: 12-4

The Jets dont play a particularly tough schedule in 2010, and as Sanchez progresses I think he'll cut down his turnovers and throw a few more touchdowns. And if that doesn't happen, the defense will shut down almost every team in the league and keep them in low scoring, winnable games. Expect them to challenge for the AFC crown this season.

That is, if they don't go too "Hollywood" on us. Thanks, HBO!

-ALR

Alex Rodriguez Hits No. 600 (But No. 1 in Our Hearts)

The wait is finally over. Alex Rodriguez joins such baseball greats as Barry Bonds and Sammy Sosa, as players to have hit over 600 homeruns while using insane amounts of steroids and other supplements. Sosa stands alone as the only one to have done so, and successfully completed Michael Jackson-like skin transformation.

The homerun came in the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays, and gave the Yankees a lead they wouldn't relinquish, cruising to a 5-1 win. Who says he isn't clutch?

Way to go, guy.

"Mr. Water Cooler"

He's the guy everyone is tired of hearing about around this time of year, but that everyone continues to talk about.

Every off-season since 2006 Brett Favre has managed to manipulate the media and his team's plans for the future with rumors of his retirement. It's almost the equivalent of that high school girl that would spread rumors about herself to remain relevant. Many sports fan grow sick of it. I find it to be genius from a PR standpoint. Here's why...

First off, this isn't some washed up veteran that wants attention and doesn't produce much anymore (cough, cough... Shaq, anyone?). Brett Favre proved with his performance last season that he is still a top NFL QB. He virtually rolled out of bed, practiced for a week in pre-season and picked apart defenses like he was playing Madden '09 on rookie level. He hasn't missed a single start since the fourth game of the 1992 season, after he was traded from the Falcons to the Packers. He hold the career records for most wins by a QB (181), most TDs thrown (497), completions, passing yards, you name it. Granted these stats are accumulated over an 18-year career, but you have to be pretty good at what you do to hold your starting job for that length of time, especially in the NFL where most starting QB's only last less than 10 seasons. The man is damn good at what he does. Period.

A few seasons ago, Green Bay's front office got a little tired of Brett handcuffing the franchise and preventing the progress of Aaron Rodgers, who was drafted in the 1st round in 2005 to replace him once Favre called it quits. Favre refuses to take a backup role and is eventually traded to the Jets. His season in NY was subpar, and again Brett decides to retire due to an injured biceps (and eventually be released from his contract w/ the Jets. Smart man.) Signs with the Vikings in 2009, and my guess it was to stick it to the Packers who wanted no parts of his return to play football. And did he ever. Vikings have a great season, Favre has arguably his best season statistically and all is roses in Minnesota. Until Favre injures his ankle and again says he'll let the Vikings know if he's healthy enough to play. See a trend here?

I'm sure by now you've heard or read the numerous reports of if Favre is playing again or retiring. Whether or not Favre can still play isn't the issue here. What's amazing to me is how much one person can dictact the plans of an entire franchise. It's going as far as Minnesota being prepared to offer him more money to play in 2010 (mind you, he's already under contract for the upcoming season). Do they lack that much confidence in Tavaris Jackson? Are the Vikings that desperate for Brett to come back and start? When has there been talks of a hold out? Correct me if I'm wrong. I'll wait...

Let's call it what it is... As much as he portrays this image of down home Mississippi guy that just wants to play football and ride his tractor in the summer, Brett Favre is an attention whore. He loves being in the media and the spotlight. He relishes being a hot topic and a headliner on your daily local sports pages. And writers, editors, bloggers and fans alike all eat it up because he's proven that he can still play, and just might be deserving of all the attention. You can't be too upset at the man for using the media machine for the purpose it was intended for, to generate interest.

Plus, there's no way this pick in the playoffs can be his last NFL play. See you in Viking purple when the regular season begins, Brett.

-ALR

Los The Fallen

LOS THE FALLEN is going to be an occasional rant about a superstar in our sports world that is still trying to hold on to that last glimmer of hope... That bit of name recognition... That media stir that keeps the flame bright... You get the point...

The first star to hit Los The Fallen is tough for me because this guy is/was a person I patterned my own hoop game after, so dammit this one is personal!!!

This one is for you Tracy McGrady, yea I said it. T-Mac, once a NBA scoring champ avg over 30ppg, has gone above and beyond to make sure he is not picked up by a playoff team any time soon. He had a chance to get signed by the Bulls, had the endorsement of key players (Derrick Rose and T-Mac have the same agent) and had management ready to pull the trigger. So how does he blow this, by stating in his interview he "does not mind coming off the bench, but needs to start". Are you serious?!?!? Good sir, please realize that where you are a better option than half the Jazz the Bulls signed, you have a rare tropical knee injury (microfracture) and have not played a full season in years. It kind of reminds me of an episode of "Good Idea Bad Idea"...

(queue cartoon stick figure) 'Good Idea' signing with the Bulls and actually working your way into the starting lineup...

'Bad Idea' saying it'd be a no braininer to sign you and you would make them 30pts better, MINIMUM. (queue rain cloud over cartoon stick figure)

So to you Tracy McGrady I have an offer you can't refuse, as you still are on of my favorites. Come join my squad out in Orange County, It'll only cost you about $100 and you can shine and get out of the first round of the playoffs with us.

- @lostherod

Ed. note-

Here's the story where T-Mac shot his chances of signing with the Bulls a couple weeks ago, and here's a link for "Good Idea, Bad Idea" (quite funny)

-ALR

Los That Links 8-4-10 (UPDATE)

Good morning! Let's get right to it, shall we?

Brett Favre News

- BREAKING NEWS: Brett Favre apparently isn't as retired as we thought he was, according to ESPN's Ed Werder.

- Brett Favre retired yesterday, and America wept. But on the second day, has he arisen from the dead?

- Could the Favre retirement announcement really be a money play? Apparently he has 20 million reasons to reconsider.

- Steve Mariucci doesn't believe Favre is retiring.

- The Chicago Bears ain't buying the Favre retirement stories.

- How does all this Favre stuff impact Madden 11?

- How does all this Favre stuff impact Sidney Rice's fantasy numbers?

- How does all this Favre stuff impact the Viking stadium plans?

- Don't trip Viking fans, Tavaris Jackson got this.

Other news that Brett Favre gives you permission to discuss

- Detroit Lions sign their top pick, Ndamukong Suh, 5 years, $68 million, $40 million guaranteed.

- NBA releases 2010-11 schedule.

- Shaq to the Celtics.

- Alex Rodriguez will never hit a home-run again. Unless he does. (And he did)

- Slain former NBA player Lorenzen Wright's ex-wife isn't cooperating with police. Not a good look.

- Might Carmelo Anthony end up in New York? He's choosing free-agency over signing his extension.