Los That Links 9-6-10

Happy Labor Day! America, (F--- Yeah)!

Speaking of "labor", its a tad bit ironic that the Labor Day Weekend coincides with the NFL Layoff Weekend. While America is celebrating the working man, the NFL is sending men to look for work elsewhere.

Every year, football fans sit back and watch the "Notable Cuts" list scroll across the bottom of their TV screen, and read the list of all-pro/high-priced veterans, former first-round draft picks who've underwhelmed, and college standouts who were looking to catch on with a team, who've all had their plans put on hold in the name of fiscal responsibility.

This year wasn't any different. The all-pro/high-priced veteran (TJ Houshmandzadeh cut by Seattle), the first-round pick who underwhelmed (Matt Leinart cut by Arizona) and the college standout looking to catch on (Colt Brennan, Pat White, Ian Johnson, and another Heisman winner, Troy Smith, were all let go by their teams).

Its all a part of the game. Some of the guys cut sign to new teams quicker than you can say "Houshmandzadeh" (Leinart was signed to a one-year deal with the Houston Texans, and TJ signed for the vets minimum to play in Baltimore). Some will try the same song and dance with a new team next year. Some will go to Canada, the UFL, the Arena League, or if they have no other options, will be playing in a flag football league near you.

We tend to hate on the guys who flamed out, but really, we should wish them the best. What makes a better story, Leinart never starting another NFL game, or him relocating his USC-swag enough to challenge Matt Schaub for a starting position (because we all know, by Week 5, Schaub is going down with an injury)? We love redemption stories in this country, the land of opportunity. This is still America, dammit!

(F--- yeah!)

Los That Links

- In other NFL labor news, Darrelle Revis agreed to terms with the NY Jets just in time for the "Hard Knocks" season finale. Coincidence? I have my doubts.

- Albert Hayensworth may never escape Mike Shanahan's dog house.

- The USA Men's basketball team is back to showing third world countries that despite our economic problems, we can still oppress them on the basketball court.

- 50 Cent is still trying to make a living off of dissing. This time his target is Lebron James. Rushing to James' defense... Perez Hilton?

- Don't look now, but the NL West leading San Diego Padres have dropped 10 straight (opening the door for my beloved Giants).

- College football came back into our lives this weekend. What better way to start off a season than with:

A Hail Mary TD pass to a 6'8" freshman?

How about a road win by an FCS team against an SEC team coming off back-to-back Sugar Bowl wins?

Or, what about a kid returning to play after a bout with cancer?

Even better, Michigan and Notre Dame looking like real football programs, and not washed-up shadows of their formerly dominant selves?

God still loves a sloppy Florida without a Tebow to be found?

Los The Fallen

The first edition of Los The Fallen was a tough write for this blogger because it was about one of my favorite NBA players. This second edition, not so much, this is a gloating "I told you so" to all the people who told me that Matt Leinart would be a great pro, LOS DOH!

Matt Leinart played his college football at USC and was a college great. Coached by the incomparable Pete Carrol, he had a stellar collegiate record of 37-2 as a starter, he led SC to back to back championships in 2003 and 2004 and also won the Heisman Trophy in 2004. Then he made the biggest mistake of his career... He chose to take his talents to the NFL, hahahaha...

With the 10th pick of the 2006 draft the Arizona Cardinals selected Matt Leinart. Leinart was supposed to be one of the 3 stars of that draft class, Reggie Bush and Vince Young being the other 2.

2006 was an understandable learning curve year for Leinart, but in 2007 ageless wonder Kurt Warner proved he can still sling the ball around the field the same way that made him a great story with "The Greatest Show on Turf". That was the beginning of the end for the former Heisman winner, as Leinart's playing time was limited to Warner concussions and various other small injuries that come with age. Warner would retire at the end of last season, and finally The Leinart can return to the field, hahahahaha...

Leinart's soft delivery and woefully under-thrown deep passes for an offense that likes to stretch the field has made him a casualty in Arizona. Journey man Derek Anderson is now the starter for the Cardinals and Leinart was released on Saturday. Sir Leinart is now backing up Matt Shaub in Houston, which I personally don't get. Why would you complain about not getting the starting job, but then sign to be a backup? LOS DOH! I'm sure there are greater things at work here, but on the surface it looks quite retarded. Good luck Sir Leinart, I always knew the intangibles would not translate to NFL stardom, but I do hope you salvage your career somehow.

Matt Leinart will be a great pro... hahahahahaha

-@lostheord

2010 Arizona Cardinals Preview

The Arizona Cardinals have had quite a busy off-season, to say the least. The original "good guy" of the NFL Kurt Warner (you aren’t the first, Tim Tebow) decided to call it quits after they got smacked in the playoffs by eventual SB Champions New Orleans, and disgruntled yet highly productive receiver Anquan Boldin was shipped off to The Ravens. For a team that was a play away from a Super Bowl victory just 2 seasons ago, the Cardinals are on the verge of a rebuilding period. Unless the young talent can produce right away.

Offense
With Warner retiring the offense is left in the hands of former Heisman Winner & 1st rounder Matt Leinart, who has a little experience as a starter earlier in his career. It's time to live up to that first round billing. Leinart's accuracy (or lack thereof) will make or break this once high powered passing attack. Expect a contrast to last season's 2nd most pass-heavy offense, a lot of running plays and a heavier load for young RBs Beanie Wells, and the scrappy Tim Hightower, . If Wells can stay healthy he should be a lock for 1,000 yards on the ground.

The WR core is still anchored by superstar Larry Fitzgerald. He'll be Leinart's favorite target in just about all situations. You can pencil him in for 100 catches, 1200 yeards and 10 TDs. Boldin's absence leaves the door open at #2 receiver for Steve Breaston and Early Doucet. Doucet plays similar to Boldin's style while Breaston is the faster receiver with more experience, and most likely giving him the edge in battle to start. TE's don't see much pass-catching action in the Cardinals offense, so there is no fantasy value here.

Defense
The Cardinals defense is not the strongest in the league, ranking 20th overall, but there are a few bright spots. Moving Darnell Dockett to DE opposite 3rd year sleeper Calais Campbell should put more pressure on opposing QB's. Arizona also added pass rusher extraordinaire LB Joey Porter, who despite his antics and loud mouth has all been productive. The secondary is decent with playmaker Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie patrolling one side of the field while the other side is a toss-up between a number of young DBs. SS Adrian Wilson is excellent in run support and ex-Jet Kerry Rhodes can cover a lot of ground over the top.

Prediction
10-6
Despite the loss of Warner & Boldin, a soft schedule will keep the Arizona Cardinals in playoff contention. If Leinart can focus on football and complete 60% of his passes and keep defenses honest the Cardinals should be competitive again in 2010 before losing early in the playoffs, which could be counted as a success this season.

-ALR