NFL Week 15 Christmas Miracle Part 3

By Dan Rodgers

Before I go into this, just another quick congrats to Kellen Moore and the Boise State Broncos on their victory and Moore getting to 50 wins.

I did pick Houston on TNF because I figured they would dominate. TJ Yates looked decent and Foster had a great game. Somehow the Texans couldn't score and Indy made them pay. Now Baltimore is back in the driver's seat for the first-round bye.

Well, the night games followed suit. The Ravens were in prime position to go into San Diego and win on the road, further prove they are an elite team, and move one step closer to earning the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs. However, they decided to suck and the Chargers looked like the 10-3 team looking for a first-round bye.

San Diego is 7-7 and somehow still alive in their division. Oh wait, they play in the AFC West, the worst division ever (biggest competition is the NFC East).

Well, the Ravens lost, which means the Steelers are in prime position to steal away the No. 1 seed in the playoffs because they would have a better record and the tiebreaker over the Pats. But wait, just when you expect the Steelers to take advantage of everyone else messing up, they get spanked (like I predicted they would).

The 49ers more than dominated the game and all but knocked the Steelers out of the division race. With Big Ben hurting, the Steelers probably won't try to aggravate the injury. Luckily for the wild card teams, the division winner they will face in the first round will be an apparently bad Texans team, and whichever terrible team represents the AFC West (probably Denver).

Events like week 15 are the reason the NFL is so incredibly popular. They aren't helping their cause with all of the stupid rules and the refs sucking, but the competition is incredible.

Not a good start to this week... I'll be getting my swag back the rest of the season since the semester is over.

Rodgers That

NFL Week 3: Steelers suck

By Dan Rodgers

This will be a short post because I really just need to update the Dallas/Washington line.

Dallas has opened at -4, but I've found it interesting that the line has already moved to Dallas -2.5 and I won't pick the game until tomorrow night. The spread is freaking me out and I want to see how the public reacts to everyone betting the Skins this hard. I'll update this post later with my thoughts on the game...if I have any.

UPDATE: I've decided I like the Skins tonight. I've been reading up on some things and I think they will stay competitive enough to cover the four points. Dallas has enough injuries that Washington should be able to at least keep it close. Also, a fun fact is that the road team has covered in six of the previous seven meetings. Make sure you root for Tim Hightower so I can lock it up in fantasy this week.

As for the Pittsburgh Steelers... they can go to hell. They come out firing and they look phenomenal in the first quarter, and then they just suck the rest of the game. I don't understand if an 85-yard bomb to Mike Wallace worked once, it should work again. Also, how do you not change your protection scheme when Freeney and Mathis are feasting on your offensive line? Big Ben is partly at fault, but Tomlin needed to put extra tight ends or something to help block. The Colts get rocked week one by Houston and couldn't keep up with Cleveland, but the Steelers allow them to drive right down the field on them for the tie?

Anyway, the Steelers are overrated and I will not fall for that one again. The Ravens performed as expected. Tennessee didn't cover, but they won so I'm still alive. It was a crazy week because Detroit, Tennessee, Carolina, San Diego and Pittsburgh all played close games and were choices in survivor. Only three of 21 people were eliminated this week: New England (road and divisional), Arizona (road) and a guy who didn't pick.

Next week, an early look-ahead: the only two games I'm even considering are Chicago at home against Carolina and Green Bay at home against Denver.

Be back with more on the MNF game later. CHECK UP TOP.

Rodgers That

NFL Week 3 Picks and more

By Dan Rodgers

I know you're disappointed that I'm not doing a video again this week. However, you should have been happy that last week I was 10-6 ATS and 13-3 SU.

I'm starting to get into a groove and you don't want to fall behind, but before I get too cocky/confident, this week has a ton of close games that could go either way. Fortunately, I feel pretty solid about the games.

SF/Cin 2.5 Weird spread...have to go with Cincy
NE 7/Buf NE SU, wouldn't be surprised by Buffalo
Hou/NO 4 Houston isn't quite ready to battle with the big boys
NYG/Phi 8.5 Division games are tough, Eagles SU
Mia/Cle 2 Miami SU
Den/Ten 7 Will CJ2K ever get going? SURVIVOR PICK (2-0)
Det 3/Min Lions 3-0?
Jax/Car 3 Newton gets his first win
KC/SD 14 Hate this game, Gates is out...SD SU
NYJ 3/Oak Letdown game for Jets...stay away
Bal 4/Stl Ravens rebound strong
Atl/TB 1.5 Matty Ice melts in the Florida sun
Ari 3.5/Sea Seattle SU, 12th man
GB 4/Chi SB Champs
Pit 10.5/Ind Colts suck for Luck

Week 1: 7-9 ATS 10-6 SU
Week 2: 10-6 ATS 13-3 SU - Expect this kind of success throughout the season. I know what I'm doing and it will show. Everyone has rough weeks, but winners come out on top in the end.

OK, this is an interesting week. You have three spreads over a touchdown and six that are three points or less. Usually, I like to take the underdog in massive spreads because it's so difficult to cover. However, in the Steelers case, they showed that they are actually good last week by shutting out Seattle and the Colts are just terrible. So, I feel comfortable with Pittsburgh.

However, for the Eagles and Chargers, both games are against divisional opponents and anything can happen in division games. KC has lost by over 30 points in consecutive weeks, but you can bet your ass they will get up for this one. The Chargers lost to New England last week and you know they wanted that game. They will also be without Antonio Gates.

Remember: Survivor picks are only straight up... I know Tennessee kind of breaks the rule of picking a bad team, but they played well against Baltimore so they should take care of business against a terrible Denver squad. Hopefully, CJ2K will finally get going and look for the Titans defense to force the Broncos to be one-dimensional.

The two spreads I love the most:

Steelers -10.5: The Steelers proved the Ravens game was a fluke and they can still play. Indy is terrible without Peyton: He is to the Colts as LeBron James was to the Cavs...

Ravens -4: This spread is so wrong. Baltimore was terrible last week, so everyone is thinking they aren't that good. Well, they weren't as good as everyone thought after the Steelers game. For some reason, even though the Rams couldn't score touchdowns against the Giants injured defense, people think the Rams can score on the Ravens? No. Ravens by two touchdowns.

Week 3 bold prediction: The NFC North and AFC East will be the only divisions with undefeated teams and both will have two.

Lastly, I only went 3-3-1 in fantasy this past week. Fortunately, two of the losses were in free leagues and the other loss was to the guy who scored the most points last week. And yes, I did tie last week: 126.52-126.52 I couldn't believe it. The only guy I had left was Mike Sims-Walker and I was down 9.2 points. He had 92 receiving yards (not a PPR league). He made a garbage catch but there was holding on the play. I'm experiencing pretty decent success and I'm not 0-2 in any league that matters.

Rodgers That

Is that all she wrote?

By Dan Rodgers

The Super Bowl is over and that means the NFL season has concluded. The Packers beat the Steelers 31-25 in a good game. It could be the last NFL game that we've seen for quite some time because the current CBA expires on March 4.

Personally, if there is no 2011 NFL season, I might cry. I am not surprised that the NFL is on the verge of a lockout when the Jets are on the up-and-up...

There will be billions of dollars lost just by one season not being played, not to mention the things other people will do with their time which could effect the future of the NFL. People may lose interest because they will gain interest in other sports or activities.

I don't think it's possible for the players/owners to be willing to lose so much money so they should come to an agreement. However, I'm not a greedy millionaire so what do I know?

If there is any kind of update, I'll be sure to write about it.

Rodgers That

Cheese 21 Steel City 10

By Dan Rodgers

First, something is wrong with Dallas' sound system because this half-time show was half-ass. I did enjoy seeing Slash come out. Holy hell, Usher just dropped down from the big screen.

Okay, this show has vastly improved as it went along due to two surprises that most people should have loved. Back to the game...

The Packers came to play and I am sorry I forgot to post before the game because I was telling everyone that I loved the Pack. As I suspected, Rodgers is finding holes in that below-average Pitt secondary. However, I didn't expect Big Ben to throw two first half interceptions.

I like the Steelers to try and run the ball more effectively in the second half if they can stop the Packers on their opening drive. (Which they did)

I don't feel like saying much because the game is back on.

Prediction: Pack win, A-Rod MVP...I know I'm so bold...

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

Can't Wait

By Dan Rodgers

At the post-game conference following the Jets win over the Patriots in the second round of the AFC playoffs, LB Bart Scott was congratulated on the victory and the reporter said, "See you in Pittsburgh." Scott's response, "Can't wait."

Of course, now the entire Jets organization is using it and Sports Center is currently mocking the hell out of it and it's hilarious.

We'll see how that goes this Sunday at 6:30. The Jets travel to Pittsburgh for the second time this season and look to beat the Steelers to advance to the Super Bowl for the first time since Super Bowl III.

Two notable injury updates are that Pitt DE Aaron Smith will not play and NY QB/WR/KR Brad Smith is likely to play.

Two game breakers in this one will the Steelers safety Troy Polamalu and Jets receiver Santonio Holmes. Holmes returns to Pittsburgh for the second time this year and faces the team that dumped the Super Bowl MVP for a fifth round pick. Holmes didn't have a big game last time so he will look to get some payback against his former team.

Polamalu is the kind of guy that can give Chezmo tons of issues. He blitzes whenever he wants and is probably the best player left in the playoffs. He is phenomenal against the pass and a great tackler. Chezmo needs to know where he is on the field at all times.

I think my Jets have a solid chance of beating the Steelers as they did so earlier in the season. I expect some big plays out of both defenses.

As for the NFC, I'm in love with the Packers. I think they'll cover their field goal spread (-3).

Rodgers That

Chezmo ends Brady Bunch's season

By Dan Rodgers

Mark Sanchez, commonly known as Chezmo in my group of friends, has beaten Peyton Manning and Tom Brady on the road in back-to-back weeks.

The Jets advance to the AFC Championship for the second time in as many years and it's Rex Ryan's third straight year there. In a post-season filled with rematches, the AFC Championship will provide us a rematch of the Jets @ Steelers. The Jets defeated the Steelers 22-17 in their regular season match, but of course that doesn't count because King Head and Shoulders wasn't available to play.

It will be interesting to see how the Jets approach this week because they don't have any grudge against the Steelers that I know of. In fact, it might have been better motivation right now for the Jets if the Steelers had beaten them earlier this season. Regardless, look for Rex Ryan to make it "personal" because he lost to the Steelers in the 2008 AFC Championship game as the Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator.

Look for more on both conference's title games later this week.

Rodgers That

Things to consider

By Dan Rodgers

Clearly I forgot that the Ravens suck in the second half and that a two touchdown lead at half-time means nothing. They are without a doubt consistently the worst second half team in the NFL on both sides of the ball.

The offense can't move the ball and the defense can't stop anyone as soon as it reads 3Q on the scoreboard. There have been numerous occasions, not including today's game against Pittsburgh, that the Ravens have blown a huge lead in the second half (note Texans game). Fortunately for them, they came out on top during the regular season, but that doesn't happen in January.

The Steelers didn't lose an ounce of confidence at half-time and came roaring back in the third quarter. They forced three turnovers and scored two touchdowns to tie the game. There was a botched snap (Flacco's fault), a Ray Rice fumble (he got popped), and a terrible throw that was intercepted (Flacco's fault).

The worst of it came on the Steelers last drive. The game was tied at 24-24, and on a third down and 10 they did a quick slant to Hines Ward for 11 yards and first down. Then, on THIRD AND NINETEEN, they completed a 58 bomb to ANTONIO BROWN. He is a rookie and only had 16 catches the entire season. Terrible...I don't even know what else to say.

I would rather the Jets lose 45-3 again then lose like that...

Now on to the good stuff. The Packers destroyed the Falcons. I apparently gave the Falcons way too much credit. I figured the amazing Matty Ice, who is 20-2 career at home, would put up a better fight than 48-21.

Aaron Rodgers came out to prove something today and he most certainly did to me. The kid threw for 366 yards and three touchdowns, and he ran another one in. He displayed phenomenal arm strength and excellent mobility. He is definitely one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL and has an extremely bright present and future. Behind Peyton Manning, Rodgers is without a doubt the QB I want to lead my team.

Rodgers That

Saturday Quickie

By Dan Rodgers

I got food poisoning two nights ago and I have to go to work in six minutes, so here we go:

I am going to make a bold prediction and say that both road underdogs are going to pull upsets today. The Ravens and Steelers always play close ones and today is when they turn the corner against Pittsburgh. Look for them to try to contain Mike Wallace from burning them, but I expect Wallace to have a decent game. If they can contain Mendenhall and tackle Big Ben when they first get their hands on them, they should be fine. Baltimore can ill-afford missed tackles against this team.

My Prediction: Ravens (+3) 16 Steelers 14


The Packers played the Falcons close in their regular season contest losing by a field goal. Green Bay did have plenty of opportunities and Aaron Rodgers will capitalize on them today. Rodgers is just a better QB than Matty Ice, and it will show today. I look for Clay Matthews to have a beast game coming off of the edge. Espect James Starks to have a big contribution today as well, similar to what he did against Philly. Atlanta continues to disappoint in the playoffs as Green Bay shuts down Michael Turner and forces Ryan to beat them. It's not going to happen.

My Prediction: Packers (+2.5) 27 Falcons 21

Enjoy day one of the NFL Divisional Round.

Rodgers That

Week 17 leaves much to desire

By Dan Rodgers

I am sitting on my couch watching NFL Redzone right now. If you don't know about it then you are probably not a football fan.

They are showing the Bengals @ Ravens because the Cincy is inside the five with 16 seconds left, and an incomplete pass puts them at fourth down and two yards to go.

Palmer makes a terrible throw to a an open receiver and the Ravens take over on downs. They knee the ball, win game number 12 and leave a lot of question marks as they head into Wild Card Weekend.

The Jets played their backups for almost the entire game against Buffalo, with the only thing that could change would be moving up to the fifth seed if Pittsburgh lost and Baltimore won. That didn't happen so the Jets will stick with the sixth seed.

Talking about the Steelers, they destroyed the Brownies 41-9 in Cleveland. The win clinched them the two seed and a first-round bye.

The Falcons win over Carolina clinched them home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, even though they would have earned it anyway because of the Saints loss to Tampa Bay. The Bucs keep their playoff hopes alive with the win. It was just about the only interesting thing to happen during the early games. They now need the Giants and Packers to lose to earn the six seed. If either win, the Bucs are eliminated.

It should be an interested set of late games. I think the Pack will take care of business against the Bears and clinch a playoff spot, but I also think the G-Men will beat the Skins to atleast keep the Pack looking over their shoulder during the game.

The other important factor is the Colts/Titans game. If Indy wins, they move up to the three seed and play the Jets in the first round. If they lose and Jacksonville wins, the Jags win the division and four seed. If the Jags lose and the Colts lose, the Colts get the four seed and host the Ravens. WOW, that's a lot to take and I'm ready to watch it all go down.

Rodgers That

Week 13: Two Games

By Dan Rodgers

So as we progress through to the end of the season, we get back to divisional games. This week, only two games matter: Steelers at Ravens - SNF, Jets at Patriots - MNF

I know we are almost at the of the first half, but in the book that I have with my friends I predicted the Ravens in the under. The Steelers have not played well as of recent and would have lost to the Bills in OT had Steve Johnson not dropped a beautiful pass that hit him right in the hands.

Sorry for being so late, went to Royal Farms with my friend. The game just got interesting as Mike Wallace got stopped on third down inside the five. Pittsburgh elected to kick the field goal and now trails 10-6. There are just under 13 minutes left and this game has been really uneventful minus those few deep bombs the Ravens had in the first half.

Tomorrow night should be interesting. My Jets travel to Foxboro to take on the Pats. Both teams are 9-2 and it's the first time in NFL history that two teams with such good records play this late in the season on MNF where Joe Montana and the 49ers are not one of the teams.

Hopefully you understood that crazy fact. I like the Jets chances and not just because I am a fan of the team. I think we proved in week two that we can play with them. However, they are clearly a much different team without Moss and with Woodhead and Branch. It will be interesting to see how the Jets defend the Pats passing game especially with the dangerous receiving tight ends they have.

I am also intrigued to see how the Pats will defend the Jets passing game with Holmes, Edwards, Keller etc. I think some people might surprised at the offensive output tomorrow night. I think we could see a relatively high-scoring game considering both head coaches are defensive minded.

I already told you I predicted the Ravens to cover the spread (-3) and the under (39.5).

I think the Jets will cover the spread because it's 3.5 and it feels like this could be decided by a field goal. The over/under is a steep 45 points. I would definitely stay away from this if I could, but since I have to pick it in my book I am going to play it safe and go over because of the terrible NE secondary and the injuries in the NY secondary.

Enjoy the end of SNF and the game of the year tomorrow night.

Rodgers That

The Way the World Works

By Dan Rodgers

Okay, so this post is going to a be a short description letting you know how the world works as of December 2010. Ready, go.

• Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera are Yankees
• Red Sox trade for Adrian Gonzalez in attempt to keep up with Yankees
• Troy Tulowitzki overrated? No sir, best shortstop in the big leagues

• Virginia Tech Hokies are ACC Champs having won 11 straight
• Oregon and Auburn stay unbeaten and head to BCS National Championship, sorry TCU - not this year...better luck next year in the Big East
• Cam Newton is a lock for the Heisman Trophy
  

• Jets and Pats battle Monday night for AFC East supremacy
• Ravens and Steelers battle Sunday night for AFC North supremacy
• The whole NFC is a complete mess and a .500 or sub-.500 team may win their division

• UNC Men's BBall is a joke even though they beat Kentucky by two at home
• On the other hand, Duke is playing at the level they are ranked, No. 1

• The Heat don't look too hot with their "Big 3"
• Why is the Western Conference so much better than the Eastern?
  
• Anyone surprised by New Orleans(13-6) and Utah(15-6), I sure am...

• Caps, Pens tied for most points in NHL - surprise surprise...
• Why is the Eastern Conference so much better than the Western?

As you can tell, quite a bit is going on in the sports world. Some eyebrow-raising, some not. The point is, it's unpredictable. I love it and I love that Jeter and Mo re-signed. It's no surprise that the Sox gone Gonzalez, but I was hoping SD would keep him. The NFL is beyond nuts and don't get me started on NCAA Basketball. The NHL seems to be the most predictable with the NBA being somewhat surprising. We'll see where we're at in a month or so.

Rodgers That

Powerhouse matchup

By Dan Rodgers

So the game tonight is between two AFC powerhouse teams, Pittsburgh and New England.

This game for a share of the best record in the AFC, 7-2 would tie whoever wins with the New York Jets.

The Pats really need a win to stay pace with the Jets because they already lost the first matchup between the two teams. This game would put Pittsburgh ahead by one game in the AFC North because the Ravens lost on Thursday to Atlanta.

It will be interesting how New England approaches this game defensively after getting man-handled by Cleveland last week. They couldn't stop Peyton Hillis (over 180 yards), and they face another dangerous back this week in Rashard Mendenhall. Mendenhall could have a huge night if the Pats don't key in on him, but if they do it should open up passing lanes for Big Ben against their suspect secondary.

NOTE: Apparently Mendenhall is hurt, which I didn't know...he will have limited carries so it' up to Moore to do work tonight...not a good start though

I see the Pats fighting until the end because of their offense, and Tom Brady will be in "F-U mode*" after being held to 14 points last week against the Browns. However, Pittsburgh has a good defense and should being able to get a few stops.

I'm not sure whether Pittsburgh covers the spread, but I think they'll win at home.

My Prediction: Steelers (-4.5) 26 Pats 20

Rodgers That

It's football day!

By Dan Rodgers

It's finally Sunday and that means it's football day! The best day of the week has arrived and I am so pumped for the Jets game I didn't write a segment. I am going to write something during the late games, and that will include a preview of the awesome Sunday Night Football matchup between the Steelers and Patriots.

I hope everyone enjoys another exciting Sunday full of football.

Go Jets!

Rodgers That

NFL Week 4: Games to watch

By Dan Rodgers

Another Sunday has graced us, and I'm pumped. The Jets face the Bills today and if all is right in the football world, they will be 3-1 at days end.

I want to wish everyone a Happy Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Everything goes pink in the NFL and I love it. My Jets hat is the sideline one from last year with the pink brim. I think it's great that the NFL participates and sells the gear.

Well, here are my three games to watch this week, so far this year I'm 6-3.

Game 1

Ravens at Steelers - Pittsburgh looks to improve to 4-0 without star quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. That would be extremely impressive for a Pittsburgh team that seemed to struggle mightily at times last year. It has been an interesting start for both teams, the Ravens were able to squeak out a win against a Jets team that only beat themselves. They looked awful against the Bengals and only beat the Browns by a touchdown. The Steelers defense has looked phenomenal and their offense had a breakout game last week against Tampa Bay. I think Pitt's defense will give Flacco trouble, just like Cincy did, and that is going to lead to a few turnovers for Bmore. The Steelers remarkable run will continue at home against a team that hasn't beat them at Heinz field since the Harbaugh-Flacco combo started.

My Prediction: Steelers (-1) 23 Ravens 16


Game 2

Redskins at Eagles - You might be curious why this game is on here. One reason: Donovan McNabb. He is once again playing at Lincoln Financial Field, but for the other team and that makes for great headlines. Typically when a star player returns to play his former team, he beats them. This is going to be a different story, the Redskins aren't playing good football and they just aren't good in general. Vick is playing out of his mind and the Eagles just seem to be rolling on all cylinders on offense. The Skins will probably look to control the ball and run a lot more than they have. I don't think Washington has enough talent to compete with an Eagles team that seems to be clicking. Look for DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin to have big games for the Iggles.

My Prediction: Eagles (-5.5) 27 Redskins 17


Game 3

Pats at Fins - As a Jets fan, this is an interesting game. I think I've decided I would rather New England win (if a tie doesn't happen), because I feel like Miami could be more dangerous if they stick around. So putting them at 2-2 and 1-2 in the division would be a pretty solid hole. Everyone knows what the Pats are made of, and I think they are going to make the playoffs anyway. The Pats are extremely one-dimensional, much like the Colts, but they are so good at that dimension that it doesn't matter. Look for Chad Henne to try and duplicate a Mark Sanchez performance in week two, and Tom Brady will also try to duplicate Sanchez's week three performance. So basically, in the crazy world we live in, everyone is trying to be like QB Nacho Taco.

My Prediction: Patriots (-1) 27 Dolphins 23

Stop the commish

Br Dr. Jekyll

Ben Roethlisberger is innocent. Ok, well maybe that’s a stretch. But at the very least, he’s not guilty, because the American Justice system says that much. Whatever does or doesn’t happen with Big Ben when he’s alone with high school girls or at a bar is important, but at the end of the day it’s the verdict that counts. So what’s going on here?

Roger Goodell has been a fine commissioner since coming into the position. He’s waived his flag and burnt his bridges, levying punishments as he sees fit. But the six game suspension he just pushed on Ben is absurd.

I understand protecting a brand name, and the image of the league is important. After all, we wouldn’t want convicted felons running around the league making it popular, now would we? But in that same breath, at some point in time the integrity of the game is in question. What Goodell has effectively done is force a backup to start for a competitive team that finds itself in the playoff mix year in and year out.

The commissioner would have been much better suited to let this one ride on Pittsburgh Steelers management. One of the classiest organizations in the league is more than capable of handling this on their own, internally. Let them fine their quarterback; have him issue an apology for degrading the franchise. But at no time should Goodell have the say to terminate a team’s season when the player in question is found innocent by society as a whole.

This just feels like a step in the wrong direction for the league. What’s to stop future punishments for wearing Reebok sneakers if the league decides to sponsor Nike? It’s bad enough that coaches are being relegated to what they can and can’t wear on the sidelines. In an effort to have an iron fist, we’ve lost sight of the reason rules are in place in the first place: for the integrity of the game. And that integrity is violated with every warrant-less suspension.

Mini NFL Draft Preview

By Dan Rodgers

This is a very interesting draft. There are numerous players on the trading block that could drastically change the outcome of each pick.

Players possibly on the move:

• DT Albert Haynesworth - WAS
  
• QB Ben Roethlisberger - PIT
  
• OL Alan Faneca - NYJ
  
• RB Marion Barber - DAL
  
• OL Jared Gaither - BAL
  
• RB Marshawn Lynch - BUF

I would do a mock draft, but it is nearly impossible to predict when there are so many unexpected trades.

Some rumors:

• The Jets and Ravens, depending on the players available may trade up or down from their pick.
• The Redskins and Browns have contacted the Rams about trading up.
• The Steelers have contacted the Rams about trading Ben Roethlisberger.
• The Redskins are considering Eric Berry instead of a QB or OL.
• The Cowboys are also looking to trade up.
  

It should be an awesome draft. I'll be at Buffalo Wild Wings...enjoy

Look for a post-draft analysis later.

Rodgers That

Moves around the NFL

By Dan Rodgers

Okay, this post is solely going to be about relatively significant moves made around the NFL, and my opinion about them if I feel necessary.

1. If you didn't know Donovan McNabb was a Redskin by now, quit life. If you were trying to ignore the fact that he wants T.O. to join him in D.C. I can't blame you. The Skins are bad enough, imagine that plus Owens...
2. The Broncos dealt Brandon Marshall to the Dolphins so he could get lost on Revis Island. At least the Broncos made out well getting a second round pick in this and next year's draft.
   
3. The Eagles acquired LB Ernie Sims from Detroit, sent a late round pick to the Broncos, who then sent TE Tony Scheffler to Detroit. Hmm, kind of confusing...Eagles easily got the best end in a good young backer.
   
4. Jason Taylor to the Jets...in the words of the Mighty Ducks, "Just because you wear the uniform, doesn't mean you're a real Duck."
   
5. Rams trade DT Adam Carriker to Skins...who cares?
6. Pats sign WR Holt...ugh, just the Pats bringing another old guy who is going to look like a pro-bowler in that offense?
7. Steelers bring back Byron Leftwich...enough said

I'll post any more as they happen

Rodgers That

Holmes to the Jets?

By Dan Rodgers

Okay, now this is definitely a confusing one on me. It has been reported that the Jets have traded a fifth round pick in this year's NFL Draft to the Pittsburgh Steelers in return for troubled receiver Santonio Holmes. Holmes, a former Super Bowl MVP, has great talent but has had some run-ins with the law. He has tested positive for marijuana, and was also accused for throwing a glass at a woman's head at a night club.

Personally, a former Super Bowl MVP for a fifth round pick is an absolute steal. Holmes, I believe, is already suspended for the first four games of the season due to violating the susbstance abuse policy. If Holmes doesn't go to prison for whatever reason and puts up good numbers this is a phenomenal trade for New York. On the other hand, Pittsburgh is just cutting their losses and getting whatever they can? I don't know. What I do know, is that this is a chance I would be willing to take.

The Jets now have a ridiculously talented receiving corps in Jerricho Cotchery, Braylon Edwards, and Holmes. Cotchery is the only one without off-the-field issues and he is now probably going to be put in the slot. Mark Sanchez now has plenty of targets to throw to including Dustin Keller. Don't expect outrageous numbers though because Sanchez is still only a second year player with a second year head coach. I would definitely expect some sort of improvement though. Gotta love Gang Green.

Rodgers That