The DC Sports Page

AFC North Prediction

2008-09-07T02:41:10Z

If there was a prototypical blue collar division in football, this would be it. It’s a bit funny, but if I were ranking this division just based on their cities and not their teams, I’d probably rank them the same.

Pittsburgh Steelers
If there is only one word to describe this team, it would be ‘Consistent.’ Steelers fans are renowned for supporting their team and how could they not? Almost every year they can be assured of seeing a team who will be competitive, mostly likely make the playoffs and have that chance at going all the way. As a fan in the NFL, that’s all you can ask from your team. This year is no different for the Steelers as they bring back the #1 defense from last year, which if they can stay healthy will continue to keep the Steelers in every game. And the only question about the offense seems to be the O-line which has 2 new starters. Other than that they have the firepower with Big Ben and his receivers Ward, Holmes and Miller and a solid running game with Parker and the addition of Mendenhall for a 1-2 punch.

]]> Cleveland Browns
It’s been a long time coming, but the Browns seem to be slowly building back to being a contender. If there’s any question about this team being able to put up big numbers, last year’s Bengals v. Browns game should have dispelled any of those notions. If Anderson’s protection is solid and he can cut down on the interceptions then this offense could be exceptional. At the same time there are still questions about this defense. There’s a significant drop off after the starters and it’s not as if the defense is that strong to start, although improvements were made on the d-line. However, given the strong AFC, this team will probably still be on the outside looking in come playoff time.

Cincinnati Bengals
From the city that brings us Skyline Chili come the Bengals (I just needed to get in a Skyline Chili reference). Flashy name changes by the star receiver won’t help the defense of this team. While the offense can put up big numbers, the defense also gives up big numbers. It’s funny how Marvin Lewis known as a defensive guru before become head coach can’t get a defense that works for him in Cincinnati. With a disappointing o-line as well, this team will have to rely a lot on the air game to keep them competitive.

Baltimore Ravens
I almost was going to give the Ravens a nod over the Bengals, but that’s too much given that practically everything on the offense is new on this team. Injuries on the offensive side have decimated this team and a rookie, Flacco, will have to begin the season at QB. With a new head coach and a rookie QB, one can’t expect much from this team. It’s too bad that this strong D has never had a strong O to complement it. The Sports Freak expected me to rant against the city of Baltimore… but that’s like kicking a puppy that’s sick… and only has 3 legs… it’s kind of inhumane.

AFC South Prediction

2008-09-07T00:30:28Z

The AFC South is a top heavy division with everyone else looking up.

Indianapolis

The Colts are starting to show some age on offense and have always been undersized on defense. The Colts window of opportunity is beginning to close before they have to completely overhaul the team and find ways to sign free agents with some of the players taking so much of the salary cap. The Colts should still be able to pull away from Jacksonville.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville, the most heavily criticized city by announcers and writers to not host a Super Bowl or event will come up short to the Colts once more. Tony Kornheir made such a statement and was then blasted by the city. Having never visited the city I'll have to take co-worker and Tony K. and the Sports Guy's advice to heart. Overall Jacksonville will look to improve its passing game and gain more of a pass rush. IF they can accomplish both tasks, they'll give Indy a run for the money for the division.

]]> Houston

Houston has improved as a team with the addition of Schaub and development of Andre Johnson, but need a better running game and a playoff defense to move forward in the playoff and division hunt. Slayton could be the surprise in the division, but without a tough defense the Texans are going to have to win some shootouts.

Tennessee

The Titans have one of the most underrated coaches in the NFL who really deserves better and more accolades for the number of wins with as little talent as he's had. Young may have more to work with this year, but not much. It will be the Titans defense that keeps games close or is it the lack of scoring for the Titans? This team is still several players away from moving up, but Fischer will always give them a chance to win tight games. If they string enough them together they could make some noise.

NFC South Prediction

2008-09-06T15:50:07Z

The NFC South appears to be very competitive this year. There will be plenty of questions and surprises in the division. Below are predictions and analysis for the NFC South.

New Orleans

It's another year of hope and dreams for the Saints. They've re-tooled the offense to include more touches for Bush and have the return of McAllister to add a power rushing game. The Saints solidified their passing game by adding Shockey to the mix. Brees has plenty of weapons in his arsenal. Can the Saints defense clamp down on opposing offenses when it counts come playoff time or will it be a wait to next year ending that so many Cubs fans have ended so many season saying?

]]> Carolina

In a division full of questions, the South sports four teams with so much promise. The Panthers have two running backs that can steal the show and take the pressure off of an ailing offense last year due Delhomme's injury. Steve Smith is one of the league's premier game breakers and a threat to score every time he touches the ball. Carolina added depth to its receiving core with the addition of Hackett and despite the suspension of Smith teams will have plenty to keep their hands full as long as Delhomme stays healthy.

Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay's resurgence on defense will keep them in most games, but how effectively can Garcia manage the game with a running game that may falter and serious concerns in the passing game with Galloway starting show signs of the aging process. Garcia has never been one to air it out with the deep ball and win games like Favre. The defense and a methodical offense will put up the wins and keep them in playoff contention in a weak NFC, but will have them looking up from the middle of the division.

Atlanta

Although many fans will predict the Falcons finishing fourth in the division, the games will be closer than most think. The games the Falcons will win this year will help them move up the division and towards the playoffs over the next couple of years. Ryan looks poised and if Turner pans out then the future looks bright for Atlanta over the next few seasons.

Bad, Bad Game

2008-09-05T18:03:56Z

Apparently it was the 6th pre-season game last week we saw. The Redskins lost to the NY Football Giants 16-7. The Giants dominated the Redskins for most of the first half, but then both teams thought the game only last 30 minutes as neither decided scoring was important in the second half.

It was coach Jim Zorn's first game as head coach, so I will give them a pass. Time management, questionable play calling, and overall game management seemed to be lacking.

]]> The defense looked like they missed Gregg Williams so badly in the first Giants drive as Eli Manning and Brandon Jacobs ran over the defense. Jacobs literally did that later in the game by plowing through the defense. However, after giving up the first touchdown, they got better and better, holding the Giants to 3 more field goals before shutting down the G-men offense. Or maybe the Giants felt sorry for them. Of note was that Fred Smoot got kneed in the back and looked like he was in an awful lot of pain.

The Redskins offense on the other hand, never seemed to be in sync. Jason Campbell was sacked on the first play from scrimmage. They managed to put together a decent drive at the end of the 2nd quarter and scored on a pass from Campbell to Santana Moss. Of note, Sam Huff provided comedy during this drive. I headed out halfway during the 2nd quarter to run some errands so I listened until the half on the radio. Sam in his great ways said "This is the best I've seen the Redskins QB play all season". Really Sam? All Season? Neither Larry Michael nor Sonny Jurgensen bothered to point out the progress of the season.

Clock management was horrible. At the end of the first half, they were lucky to score as fast as they did because seconds were wasted. At the end of the game, with 2 and possibly 3 timeouts left with less than 4 minutes to play, the Redskins let the clock run down on many plays even though they were down two scores.

Let's hope they can put together a better game plan for the Saints in the home opener next Sunday.

NFC West Prediction

2008-09-05T00:47:24Z

The more things change, the more they stay the same.

Seattle Seahawks
Let’s face it. This is the weakest division in football which means that Seattle automatically gets 6 wins to start the season. Now, Shaun Alexander is gone, but he hasn’t been much of a factor the past couple of years anyway. As long as this team stays mostly healthy, they’ll finish the season like they do every year, with a loss in the first round of the playoffs.

]]> Arizona Cardinals
You mean Kurt Warner is still playing? With all the weapons on offense this team has the ability to pull off an upset here and there. On the same token though there isn’t much to say about this defense. They were among the worst in the league last season in terms of points given up and there haven’t been significant enough changes there to think that this year will be that different. Given the parity of the NFC past the top 2-3 teams, there’s an outside chance this team could actually sneak into the playoffs, but I wouldn’t put any money on it.

San Francisco
There’s rumbling in the hills of gold that this team is the dark horse of 2008. I think these rumbles are from people who’ve drank too much of the Mike Martz Kool-Aid. Just because he’s teamed up with Isaac Bruce again doesn’t mean that wins will start happening all of the sudden. And who’s this O’Sullivan guy?

St. Louis Rams
Marc Bulger and Steven Jackson were once shining stars and there are thoughts by some that last year was a fluke and this year will be monster for them. Well, when you don’t have much of an o-line, it makes it hard for the offense to go no matter what the talent. The D-line is improved by the addition of Long… but one man does not make a defense.

Nationals Playing Spoiler

2008-09-04T18:41:36Z

The Nationals continue their winning ways, beating the Phillies 9-7 in a great game. Yours truly was in attendance, albeit in 226U. That's 8-1 for our Nats in the past 9 sweeping AL West contender the Dodgers and taking 2 of 3 from the Phillies. Tied 5-5 in the bottom of the 8th, Ronnie Belliard got a pinch hit RBI to give the Nats the lead. Then Cristian Guzman gets to the plate with bases loaded and clears the bases with a double, giving insurance runs. We needed those as Hanrahan gave up two runs in the top of 9th before closing it out. Ryan Howard hit 2 home runs for the Phillies in their losing effort and now trail the Met by 3 games for the NL East crown.

As part of the game, in the next section over, a Philadelphia Eagles fan wearing the Westbrook jersey led chants of "E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!" every once in a while. I missed it, but during the top of the 8th, apparently a Nationals or presumably Redskins fan yelled back "Z-E-R-O, ZERO!...Superbowls!". That shut up Mr. Westbrook.

Guzman, coming off last weeks cycle game, comes in the clutch. Let's hope these performances are indicative of the offense next season.

Up next, a road trip that includes Atlanta, the Mets, and the Marlins. Only a 2 game set against the Mets, but hopefully the Nats can continue the winning ways.

Are You Ready for Some Football?

2008-09-04T12:17:55Z

OK, it's not a Monday Night Party. It's a Thursday Night Party. OK, it does not have the same swing. The Redskins and Giants open the season in the Meadowlands tonight. Although it's only the first regular season game for both, there's a lot of need to win this NFC East matchup. The Giants are trying to defend their championship despite virtually no-one predicting that they'll even win the division. The Redskins with new head coach Jim Zorn, hope not to lose a step from last season.

Phillies vs. Nats Live

2008-09-03T21:30:00Z

Hi there. If you want to follow live with comments not made by the TV or Radio teams and oddball views from the fan seating, follow my Twitter postings here. It won't be play by play, but I'll summarize important plays or amusing anecdotes live. Also feel free to subscribe to my Twitter feed for instant analysis of future Redskins games, some Maryland Men's Basketball, and other sports or non-sports events. Summarized analysis and pictures on the next day.

follow bigmoneytony at http://twitter.com

Fantasy Football Advice

2008-09-03T01:16:19Z

With so many magazines touting their picks and advice, why not glob onto one more piece of information and possibly help turn a mediocre draft into a good one? From a quick list of rankings to sleepers and deep sleepers, just read below:

Sleepers:

Michael Turner - for his size he displays tremendous speed. Being on a bad team will most likely let Turner slip back several rounds. As veteran running backs with injuries, age, and other concerns start coming off the board Turner could be the steal of the round. He's young, healthy, and full of potential. He has more upside then most of the other backs in the draft in the round that he'll most likely be drafted. Ryan has already won the starting job. Ryan and Turner should compliment each other nicely.

Jonathan Stewart - He has the speed and power to rush past the first wave and even elude secondary. He's also strong enough to move a pile forward for a first down and touchdown in goal line situations.

DeAngelo Williams - a nice late round pick up who can provide a spark and fantasy stats similar to Jones-Drew. Although he'll be splitting time with Stewart, he should pick up some game breaking touchdowns outside the red zone from pass receptions and busted running plays that will spring him for long runs.

Ted Ginn, Jr. - With another year under his belt and a far better QB in Pennington, Ginn Jr. and his speed should see more passes his way this season.

Santonio Holmes - This could be his best year so far in his career. He's still not the #1 red zone read threat for the Steelers, but can deliver yardage and TD's. For leagues that give a bonus for big plays - Holmes should be moved up in the draft.

]]> Deep Sleepers

Ahmad Bradshaw - Low on the Giants depth chart, Bradshaw could see more playing time. He showed just how explosive he could be down the stretch helping the Giants win a title. Jacobs is a bit overrated and Ward isn't anything to write home about either.

Steve Slayton - He was on his way to unseating Green as the starter in Houston until an slight injury slowed him down. This could help him slip farther in the draft. His speed poses an intriguing possibility in the Houston offense.

Players Not High on My List:

Chris Chambers - Hands of Stone
Plaxico Burress - Feast or Famine big games and little games
Julius Jones - Not good enough for the Tuna and couldn't cut it in Big D. Tough running in Seattle.
LenDale White - too big and too slow
Andre Johnson - should be handled with care. Great top receiver...that can't stay healthy and have a break out year. When drafting Andre be sure to have quality depth with another solid receiver, because you can't count on Andre for the full season.

Running Back - Short List:
Tomlinson
Peterson
Addai
Jackson
Westbrook(will he make through the entire season?)
Portis
Gore
Jones-Drew
Lynch
Barber

Quarterbacks
P. Manning
Brady
Romo
Roethlisberger
Brees
Palmer
Anderson
Favre
E. Manning
Bulger (injury risk -get a good back up)

Receivers
R. Moss
Owens
Edwards
Wayne
Colston
Houshmandzadeh
Fitzgerald
S. Smith
A. Johnson
Ocho Cinco
Bonus - S. Holmes

Feel free to email The DC Sports Page for our opinions in fantasy football.

NFC North Prediction

2008-09-01T19:27:13Z

The NFC North is wide open this year with the departure of Favre from Green Bay. Below are predictions and analysis for the NFC North.

Detroit Lions

The Lions and Millen appeared to have stood pat this year and by default vaulted ahead of the rest of the division. Does this mean that they should be expected to win the division, NO. It's difficult to place anyone else ahead of them due to the lack of production at the quarterback position. The Bears and Vikings seem happy to play with only ten men on offense as they receive little help from their quarterbacks. This alone could help Detroit see the playoffs once more.

]]> Green Bay

Green Bay opted out of improving upon last year's performance by parting ways with Favre. Rodgers is ready to step into the starting role, but is he ready to make his entrance to the spotlight of the division crown and playoffs? He's been a student of the game for years behind Favre and will receive plenty of help in the running game.

Minnesota Vikings

Peterson is a one man show for the Vikings, but even he couldn't help his teammates and compensate for his quarterback to make the playoffs. He receives little help in the passing game. When the game and the playoffs are on the line, teams switch off pride in an attempt to extend their season one more game. Defenses will take away Peterson as best they can and force the passing game to beat them. Jackson falls well below Rodgers in this division and until he improves or a better quarterback emerges to man the helm for Minnesota they will have an uphill battle for the division.

Chicago Bears

Chicago faces many challenges from quarterback and the passing game to running back and defense. The lack of production at running back forced the Bears to rely on the rookie Forte this season. The loss of Berrian didn't help an ailing passing game or production problems at the quarterback position. The defense looks to regain form from its ferocious stature a couple of years ago. With scoring and field position problems in the future, it's the defense that will be looked to carry the heavy burden during the season.

Redskin's Heyer Becomes Starter - Jansen to Reserve Role

2008-09-01T16:18:26Z

It appears that many fans were caught "off guard" as no one seemed to know there was a competition between Heyer and Jansen for the RT position. It didn't become known until the switch was made. Hopefully both players were aware of the possibilities heading into the pre-season Right Tackle.

Jansen's history of injuries over the past few years, age, and salary cap figure may have entered into the mix when considering such a move, but should any of this really mattered? Would Parcells or Gibbs have made such a move or was this a sign of a rookie head coach sending a message?

]]> The Hogs played well into their mid 30s. It's been done at this level before. Jansen on more than one occasion has been called a throwback to a former era or an old school offensive lineman. He must now learn a new role as a back up and the position of guard for the Skins. Jansen was quoting as saying he was "disappointed." He appeared to be playing his way back into form from injuries. You put the best players out there that give you the best chance of winning. Doesn't this include starting Jansen for at least another year?

Jansen's pass blocking was called into question. How much of a young Heyer with youth and exuberance played a factor has yet to be seen. Heyer's infusion of energy and talent may have contributed to the change in the starting offensive line. Where Jansen's absence will be most notable is during running plays. Thomas may be one of the better pulling lineman, but it's Jansen that Portis and Betts ran behind. When you needed a push to gain a yard or a yard and a half for a first down or break the goal line it was Jansen's side that received the call and not Samuels. Who will the Redskins run to now?

Samuels has been beaten by edge rushers and bull rushers this pre-season to so why the emphasis on Jansen. For nearly a decade the Redskins defensive line has survived without the likes of Mann, Manley, or Harvey and has relied upon the back seven. The hogs used to practice against some of the best defensive lineman in the league which made them even better during games. Carter is far from the likes of Mann, but with the addition of Taylor the offensive line will once again be able to practice against some of the best which would only have helped Jansen.

No reports have surfaced regarding the lack of technique or foot speed about Jansen. How could pass blocking regressed so far for Jansen is unclear. In the west coast offense the passes should come out of the pocket after only a three or five step drop. This should mean that blocks have to be held for a shorter period of time and not longer. The burden is placed on the quarterback to make a read and throw the ball quickly.

If youth and energy was needed to be inserted into the lineup, it would have made more sense to send Kendall to the reserve role and allow Rhinehart to concentrate on one position. Anyone talented enough to play tackle and guard besides withstanding the mental and physical challenges seems like the more likely candidate to replace a veteran.

Kendall was a last minute replacement for the departed Dockery. Kendall provided stability along the inside of the line, but lacked the speed and physical play that Rhinehart can provide. Kendall relies more on experience at this point in his career. Lessons he could pass along to Heyer and Rhinehart from a reserve role. Heyer would certainly gain a larger opportunity to play as injuries occur in the season. What's interesting about the change is the late breaking notice and the decision made by the head coach which is a marked change from Gibbs.

Time will tell whether this was the appropriate time for such a change. Keep an eye out on short yardage plays where the Redskins run behind and how successful they are as well as how Heyer can hold a block on obvious long distance downs.

Redskins Trim Roster - Analysis of Cuts

2008-09-01T16:13:05Z

The Redskins were forced to reduce the roster to the mandatory 53 Man league roster limit. Big Money Tony has already discussed the release of the punter Derrick Frost. The Redskins decided to keep ten defensive lineman and only five receivers.

Below are the roster cuts:

Matthias Askew
Ryan Boschetti
Nehemiah Broughton
Devin Clark
Andrew Crummey
Derek Devine
Derrick Frost
Horace Gant
Curtis Gatewood
Patrick Ghee
David Holloway
Cedrick Holt
Maurice Mann
Marcus Mason
Fred Matua
Billy McMullen
Anthony Mix
Matteral Richardson
Danny Verdun-Wheeler
Todd Wade
Tavares Washington
Byron Westbrook

]]> Marcus Mason

The release of Marcus Mason seemed to draw the most attention on the surface. He was in a numbers game with Rock Cartwright. It was reported that his pass blocking skills weren’t at expected NFL levels. In extreme circumstances the third running back on the depth chart vaults to the full time running back for the duration of the season due to injuries. In a normal situation this would provide ample time for Mason to learn and grow. If Mason was the more explosive running back with better vision that showed flashes on contributing more in a running back rotation then Rock Cartwright and at a lower price why not keep him and cut Rock? Mason appeared to have the better upside for a team looking for improved talent in all areas.

Mason provides more speed and skill at the position at a lower cost. If pass blocking was a noted area that needed improvement then why not focus attention on this skill as he plays special teams and performs back up duties? This is where coaches also earn their money. Rock is durable, but not explosive and is not a threat in the running game. Mason has been picked up on the Raven's practice squad and may one day prove to be more then what the Redskins thought of him.

Todd Wade

The release of Todd Wade can only mean improved quality in depth along the offensive line. Wade already over 30 years of age only solidified an aging line last year. He filled in admirably, but should only be used in a reserved role. His release signals the improvement of Heyer, as well as, youth and skill from Rhinehart and Geisinger.

Billy McMullen

McMullen wasn't anything fancy. What he did was run routes and catch balls. He did the things necessary to keep the chains moving and the offense flowing. With the injuries and age concerns in so many other areas, it appears the Skins shortened their list somewhere and that fell on the receiver position. With none of the second round draft picks standing out and some of them injured (Thomas & Kelly), the bulk of the receptions will once again fall heavily on Randel-El and Moss. McMullen may find his way back on the roster as health improves along other areas of the roster or in the case of Randel-El (a broken hand) may force a quick move.

Crybaby Punter Frost is Given the Boot

2008-08-31T12:18:44Z

I was content to just state that Durant Brooks beat Derrick Frost out for the punting job with the Redskins. However, after his comments, he has put some diehard Redskins fans, including myself, in the position of choosing the lesser of two evils...defending Vinny Cerrato.

Frost somehow managed to hold on to the job since 2005. He may not have been the worst out there, but you can't tell me that the Redskins couldn't have found someone better. I get the feeling that he had something on the Redskins, like Terry Matthews had on the Orioles.

Vinny, a man that couldn't find an NFL job during the season that Marty Schottenhemier fired him, did the right thing. Frost was not a great punter, but if Brooks is not that good, it was possible for him to come back. Until those comments. Goodbye Derrick! Hope you screw up another team's punting for a few seasons.

That's Mr. Ocho Cinco to You.

2008-08-30T22:03:38Z

No add drop needed in your fantasy football league. If you have Chad Johnson, you now have Chad Javon Ocho Cinco, as he legally changed his name this past week.

I gotta say, funny as it is, it's going to be a mess for him personally. I mean think about it. He'll need to order new checks from his bank. Social Security is going to be a pain. Ever stand in that line? I guess that's why he's got an agent.

Maybe Big Money Tony should be my new legal name. That might be tough to sell on the business card.

Tampa Bay Rays attendance

2008-08-30T13:45:10Z

On last night’s edition of Baseball Tonight, Buster Olney and Eduardo Perez both hit the nail on the head as to why the Tampa Bay Rays struggle to attract fans to attend their home games despite the team being in first place. Buster Olney summed it up by saying that playing four good months of baseball does not make up for ten bad years.

]]> Fan attendance does not increase until after a team has had success. In my years of attending baseball games, I saw this situation with the Mets in the late 80s and the Yankees in the late 90s. In 1986 the Mets won 108 games and won the World Series. In 1989 the Mets won only 87 games and finished in second place. Yet the Mets had higher attendance in 1989 than they did in 1986. Why? Because in the four years prior to 1989, the Mets had won a World Series, been to the post-season twice, and won an average of over 19 more regular season games than they did the four years prior to the 1986 season.

The Yankees have drawn more fans every single year since 1995. That means attendance has been significantly higher in the years after the Yankees last won a World Series than during the years the Yankees held their dominance over all of the baseball by winning 4 World Series titles from 1996 to 2000.

So until the Rays have at least a couple years of success as a team, attendance is going to continue to be low.