NFL, still a man's game?

By Dan Rodgers

The NFL owners just approved a rule change...that's never a good thing.

The rule moves kickoffs from 30 yard-line to the 35. If you're not a huge football fan then you have no idea the kind of impact this will have on the game. Not to mention, a touchback is still only put at the 20 yard-line. So the kicking team just gained a huge advantage.

I know they are trying to protect player safety, but the owners want an 18 game schedule and that isn't safe. Basically, teams with good return teams (i.e. Bears, Browns, Jets, Seahawks) will be at a huge disadvantage. Not to mention, return specialists like Brad Smith, Devin Hester and Leon Washington become much less valuable.

Ravens kicker Billy Cundiff tied the record for the most touchbacks in a single season this past season. This coming season, whether it's this year or whenever, he and possibly other kickers will shatter that record. Every kickoff that was at the goal line or a yard or two deep in the endzone will now be five to seven yards deep and most likely be touchbacks.

This will also help the defense because there will be more touchbacks and more drives starting from the 20 yard-line.

There isn't much to debate because the rule change has already been implemented. It's just interesting because teams will be changing how they spend their money.

Rodgers That

Super Bowl Quickie

By Dan Rodgers

The Super Bowl is about a week away and two of the most storied franchises in NFL history will face off in what looks to be a phenomenal game.

The Steelers survived a second half comeback by the New York Jets and the Packers held off a late surge by the Bears third-string QB.

Pittsburgh has an elite defense and a play-making offense.
Green Bay has an elite offense and a play-making defense.

On paper these teams should provide an excellent Super Bowl. I just hope we get the best out of both teams. Steelers C Maurkice Pouncey has been ruled out for the game per an ESPN source, but I wouldn't be surprised if he attempted to play. He has an entire offseason and maybe more to recover and this is the most important game of his career.

I'm not going to say much right now about the game because there is still a week to go, but even though my Jets are out I'm still excited as a football fan for a great game.

Right now I like the Packers (-2.5) because their offense is much better than the Jets and Ravens and both of those teams were able to score on Pitt. GB also has a play-making defense and should be able to capitalize on any Pitt mistakes. They just have to contain Big Ben and make sure he doesn't hurt them outside the pocket.

More on the SB later.

Rodgers That

Were you a fool?

By Dan Rodgers

So I was at my buddies place watching the Chicago game thinking to myself, "Oh my gosh! What are all my readers going to do without my insightful posts regarding the NFL Playoffs?"

Well, all I can say is that I hope you weren't one of the suckers that fell into the Seattle trap. They faced another double digit spread, but this one wasn't the same as the last. Chicago has a much worse offense, but a defense that is world's better than the Saints. If you are a good decision maker, you wouldn't have bet on the game; HOWEVER, if you are an intelligent sports bettor then you would have placed a decent sized bet on the Bears to beat the crap out of the Seahawks.

Sure, it's easy for my to say this now you might think. I did pick the Bears in my personal NFL pool, and I would have "best bet" them if I wasn't more confident in the Pack (which I was).

The guy who is in first place (shocked it's not me?), thinks he is the man but this was an easy pick. He was riding the Seahawks until they didn't cover instead of taking a halfway decent look at the game. Seattle is just a downright bad team and last week was an absolute fluke. You might say, "Chicago is inconsistent, Cutler sucks a lot and QB's in their first playoff game in the last eight or so years are like 5-19."

WELL, I combat that by saying, Seattle is terrible. They are playing in freezing temperatures and the Bears are used to that. They are playing a good defense, something the Saints definitely didn't have. Seattle threw the kitchen sink at New Orleans because everyone was writing them off, but team's like Seattle can't continue to pull that out because they aren't good.

Whatever, Seattle sucks, Chicago will lose to Green Bay next week and the Pack will represent the NFC in the Super Bowl like I predicted in the preseason. Gosh it feels good to be right...

Rodgers That

NFL Week 12: Games to watch

By Dan Rodgers

Okay, so my girlfriend was in town for Thanksgiving weekend and she just left so I didn't have time to do the post before the early set of games. However, the only one I would have included would be Green Bay at Atlanta and since it's early I'll still include it. Just so you know, there are quite a bit of good games this week so I'll be writing about four today.

Game 1

Green Bay at Atlanta - This is a NFC Championship preview. These two teams are the cream of the crop in the NFC and this game is going to play a huge factor in home field advantage/seeding. If Atlanta wins: commanding lead and just about a lock for the one seed. If Green Bay wins: holds tie-breaker over Atlanta and will have the same record. As for the game, Atlanta is clearly the safe pick because Matt Ryan has only lost one career game at home. I think this could be number two. Green Bay has a high-powered offense and a play-making defense, a combination (other than Saints?) that the Falcons haven't really seen this season. Look for a one possession game down until the end.

My Prediction: Green Bay (+2) 23 Atlanta 20

Game 2

Tampa Bay at Baltimore - This game is between a young, over-achieving team against an older, more experienced team. Clearly no one expected the Bucs to be 7-3 with a serious chance at the playoffs. The Ravens are tied with the Steelers for the lead in the division and currently hold the tie-breaker. I think this will be a close, low-scoring game. The Ravens should be able to pull it out because they are at home. Not much else to say about this; I would be surprised to see a sloppy game full of turnovers.

My Prediction: Tampa Bay (+7.5) 13 Baltimore 17

Game 3

Philly at Chicago - This is another game that will play a large roll in determining the NFC playoff picture. Both teams are 7-3 and have a slim lead in their division. I think Philly is just too good and Michael Vick is just playing too well for the Bears to stop him. IF they do, you can bet that Julius Peppers will play a large roll in it. I am curious to see what they do to try to contain Vick because it might a good idea to just spy him the entire game. Look for DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin to make some big plays deep.

My Prediction: Philly (-3.5) 27 Chicago 20

Game 4

San Diego at Indianapolis - This is the Sunday night game and is more important than usual for both teams. Jacksonville is tied with Indy for the division, has the tie-breaker and is currently ahead of the Giants. San Diego is 5-5 and needs a win to stay pace with Oakland and KC. They have also been hot and I like them to upset the Colts and put both teams at 6-5. Looks for Rivers to tear up the Indy secondary. The Colts will have to put up a ton of points to stick with the Chargers and I think the SD defense will be able to make a play.

My Prediction: San Diego (+3) 37 Indianapolis 28

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Wade out, parody in

By Dan Rodgers

Wade Phillips has been fired from being the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, and Jerry Jones is the new Andy Reid.

A while back Reid said that Kevin Kolb would be the starting quarterback of the Eagles, but that didn't last long as Michael Vick was named the starter a few days later.

Earlier in the season, at the beginning of the Cowboys struggles, Jones stated that Phillips would finish the season. Clearly he didn't know the team would fall to 1-7, and this move is probably more to satisfy the fans than anything else. Dallas is not going to make the post-season and everyone hates Wade Phillips. Dallas is without a doubt the most underachieving team in the NFL and is having an extremely disappointing season. They were expected to win the NFC East, and were among the favorites to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.

Jason Garrett will take over for at least the rest of the season.

In more pleasant news, parody is rocking the NFL. On Sunday, the Browns absolutely manhandled the Pats. Buffalo gave Chicago a run for their money, and the Jets and Vikings staged double-digit comeback wins. The Eagles held on against the unusually not-dominate Colts.

Days like this are good for the NFL; fans want to see comebacks and upsets and it looks like this is a season in which we could see a 'Cinderella' team emerge.

Hopefully next week will be as good as the last.

Rodgers That

Moss officially waived

By Dan Rodgers

Former Minnesota Vikings WR Randy Moss has officially been waived by his twice former team and can be claimed as soon as Wednesday.

There are numerous reports as to reasons why he was waived, including but not limited to:

• Insulting teams catering
• Insulting random people around teammates
• Alienating teammates
• Showing praise to former coach and team that just beat him

Basically, Moss is back to his former ways. He was an outspoken jerk when he used to play for the Vikings, and has now reverted back to that. When with New England, he was winning, happy and quiet. He was not going to get resigned by the Pats after his contract was up after this season, so they unloaded him for a pick. Minnesota is going nowhere fast and Brad Childress should be fired.

I'll write more about this when Moss gets picked up; here are 10 teams who I think might be interested, in order of their chance (waiver order, team with worst record/best chance at top):

• Dallas Cowboys - Why wouldn't they want to bring in a high profile receiver...haha
  
• Denver Broncos - Coach Josh McDaniels had Moss when he was in NE
  
• San Diego Chargers - With Vincent Jackson's future past this year up in the air...
  
• Washington Redskins - They have no receivers over 5'10"
  
• St. Louis Rams - Bradford is playing well, could use a big target...weak division
  
• Oakland Raiders - Playing well and had Moss a few years back
  
• Seattle Seahawks - Playing well and didn't have Moss a few years back
  
• Chicago Bears* - Cutler could use Moss-like receiver
  
• Tennessee Titans* - See above, insert Young for Cutler
  
• Kansas City Chiefs - Surprising a lot of people, could use a big offensive weapon

*Coin flip to determine order

It will be interesting to see who takes him...he has a lot of issues but there is no doubt that he is a great receiver. I suspect that someone off this list will claim him, but wouldn't be surprised if a team that wasn't put in a claim. Moss is a guy that a lot of teams probably wouldn't mind having because he is a game-changer. Let's see what happens...

Rodgers That

Wow, it's Sunday

By Dan Rodgers

Wow, I can't believe it is Sunday already. I'm sorry for letting this week slip by without a post. I obviously have been a bit out of it and had a rough night of work last night. I forgot to do the games to watch, so I am going to take care of that right now with the late games.


Game 1

Colts at Broncos - This isn't that good of a game because I think the Colts are going to come out, still upset over losing to Houston in week one, and just unload on Denver. Manning showed that the Colts hadn't lost a step by destroying his brother last week. Denver looked great last week killing Seattle. However, they are going against the cream of the crop in the AFC. If Denver wants to show they can compete with the best they will keep it within a touchdown, but I don't even think that will happen. Look for Addai/Brown to rush for over 100 yards combined and Manning to throw for over 300 yards.

My Prediction: Colts (-5.5) 34 Broncos 20

Game 2

Jets at Dolphins - This is a huge game for both teams. It is the Sunday night game and both teams are looking to make a statement. The Jets defense has looked phenomenal and looks to shut down the Dolphins dynamic running game, as well as big-play receiver Brandon Marshall. The Phins passing game hasn't amounted to much this year, but they will look to take advantage of a Jets defense that is without Calvin Pace, Kris Jenkins and Darrelle Revis. Mark Sanchez looks to follow up a strong effort against the Pats, against a Miami defense that has allowed an average of 10 points per game. This should be a smashmouth game; look for some blood.

My Prediction: Jets (+2.5) 20 Dolphins 13

Game 3

Packers at Bears - This is without a doubt the game of the week. Chicago's offense has been on fire with new offensive coordinator Mike Martz. Jay Cutler looks like he did when he made the pro bowl back in Denver. However, they are going up against the Packers. Green Bay has one of the best offenses in the NFL with Aaron Rodgers and Greg Jennings being the main combo for them. They have a lot of talent on defense, but typically don't shut out their opponents so Chicago will be able to put up points. This should be a fairly high-scoring affair and it could come down to last possession.

My Prediction: Packers (-3) 31 Bears 27

Enjoy the late games, I'll be back later with a fantasy update.

Rodgers That

UPDATED: Jets add CB, Bears get spicy

By Dan Rodgers

Other signings/trades so far:

• Brandon Manumaleuna also signs with Chicago
• Nate Burleson and Kyle Vanden Bosch sign with the Lions
• Dunta Robinson expected to sign with Falcons by Sunday
• Anquan Boldin traded to Baltimore for a third and fourth round pick.
• Fins bolster defense with the addition of Karlos Dansby
• Giants steal Antrel Rolle from the Cards in free agency
• Jets get ripped off, deal S Kerry Rhodes to Cards for a fourth and seventh round pick.
• Jaguars agree to terms with Pro-Bowl pass rusher Aaron Kampman
• Chiefs being in veteran Thomas Jones to mentor young stud Jamaal Charles
• Report: Bengals pass on T.O. and sign Antonio Bryant
  

The Jets made a splash right before free agency began last night. Gang Green traded a conditional third round pick to San Diego in return for the 25-year-old Antonio Cromartie.

Vastly looked upon as a highly athletic, yet troubled player, Cromartie comes to New York looking for a fresh start. As a Jets fan, I couldn't be happier with the situation. The 2011 draft pick at best would become a second rounder depending on Cromartie's performance this coming season. Cro' has displayed incredible athletic abilities and should complement Darrelle Revis well. The Jets already displayed the number one pass defense last season, but were exposed in the AFC Championship game. Peyton Manning shredded the other defensivebacks in the second half, one reason the Jets felt the need to bring in an established corner. This should solidify their defense and allow them to focus on drafting a pass rusher. AFC offenses beware...

The other big move on free agency Friday was the signing of Julius Peppers. The Bears signed the big name defensive end to a six-year deal worth as much as $91.5 million. Peppers should restore some of the Chicago defense that we are used to seeing, but keep in him: he is 30. The Bears also added former-Viking Chester Taylor to the backfield. He will compete with Matt Forte for time, after Forte had a sophomore slump following his impressive rookie campaign. Obviously, you can't go wrong with J-Pepp, but the Bears should focus a bit more on finding Jay Cutler a target (cough Brandon Marshall cough) instead of bringing in a two 30-year-old players.

Check back for more signings...

Rodgers That

TNF is becoming a joke

By Dan Rodgers

In case some of you football fans are unaware of the Thursday night games so far this season, it is as if the NFL took some of the worst games each week and decided to put them on NFL Network. The level of competition in these games has been remarkably pathetic and at times I regret my purchase of the NFL Network.

The games have been absolutely pathetic; some have been just awful games between two subpar teams and others have just been bad football. The first game was one of the worst; week 10 the 49ers beat the Bears 10-6. Not to mention the fact that Jay Cutler threw five interceptions. The following week Miami edged Carolina 24-17 so you think it would be a good game. Besides the fact that the teams were bleh, it was just an ugly game of football to watch. The following week was Thanksgiving so you assume there has got to be some good football on television, right? Wrong, because the Lions are always on. They lost by three possessions to the Packers, the Cowboys embarrassed the Raiders, and the Broncos showed that the Giants are a mediocre team in their 26-6 win over the G-men.

After a disappointing holiday weekend, I got to watch my Jets on television and even though I thoroughly enjoyed their win over Buffalo, I can honestly say it was just bad football. To top it all off the defending Super Bowl champs, who had lost four in a row, were embarrassed in a 13-6 loss in Cleveland. I mean let's be honest, no one wants to watch the 49ers, Browns, Bills, Lions, or Raiders.

I can only ask myself one question here...why aren't the Vikings, Saints, Colts, etc on TNF?

Just so you know, the games the rest of the way are:

Week 15: Indy @ Jax
Week 16: Bolts @ Titans

Both of these are at least watchable games and could turn into interesting contests, but that surely doesn't make up for the games earlier in the year. Hopefully next year the NFL will do a better job creating the schedule.

Rodgers That

Thursday Night Football?

By Dan Rodgers

Okay, due to this unbelievably boring (apparently professional) football game on Thursday night, I just want to note a few things:

I really paid for the NFL Network for this?

Three interceptions, one missed field goal, 10 first half points. Seriously?

The NFL needs to do a better job scheduling these games or people, such as myself, will do homework or go out on Thursday nights.

To go along with the previous, no one wants to watch a 4-4 vs. 3-5 game when there are games (Cinci @ Pitt) that are at 1 o'clock that the nation would much rather watch.

By the way, I was about the publish this post, but then Jay Cutler threw his 3rd interception of the game. Wow.

This game = Weak Sauce.

Rodgers That