Friday, July 31, 2009
Twins Bullpen Proves The point That I Did Not Want Proved
Professor Badcock's Preview: First Glance
Professor Badcock had no choice but to scale back his operating costs for NFL prognostication. Behold, Professor Badcock's 2009 NFL Pre-Viewer.
With only a stale bag of cheerios for fuel, the Pre-Viewer is fully operational. And so safe, a non-union ethnic operator doesn't even need to wear shoes. Good job, #22436-J6!
Just as a test of its powers, let's take a first glance at the upcoming season and the prospects of some favorite IDYFT teams as NFL training camps begin. Next up will be in-putting training camp and preseason data. This will allow an Auto-Accurate Conference Pre-View. All this pre-viewing should come in handy for this season's IDYFT Pick'em, featuring more marvelous as-yet-undetermined prizes. God bless us, one and all: football is back.
Green Bay Packers
In position to win the dreadful NFC North by default, the Packers have stability at a handful of key positions. They are relying on miraculous rookie contributions in other areas. But changing to a 3-4 alignment could delay progress for the soft defense. They have a pathetic easy-cheese schedule, as befits the NFC Norse. Prediction: 8-8
Offense: QB Rodgers showed promise and chemistry with WRs Driver and Jennings. However, Rodgers played poorly in 4th quarters. The running game was lame; they're relying on injury-prone RB Grant again. The line is in upheaval and will take time to jell - and there's no guarantee they will.
Special Teams: The Packers are poor in kickoffs, kick returns, punts and field goals. The only bright spot is the 6th-ranked punt return unit.
Defense: Decent against the pass but terrible against the run, the Packers decided to start over with a new alignment. It is a better fit for their personnel up front. The lineman won't make many plays but could free up Kampman (now an OLB) and the other LBs to make some tackles. They have a talented secondary that spends too much time supporting the run.
Minnesota Vikings
This is a team without a rudder. Begging after Favre made them look pathetic and sets them up for swapping ineffective, 3rd-string caliber QBs. Last year they won the division by default; if they can somehow pass the ball, they should edge the Packers and Bears. Their easy schedule has a hump in the middle to get through. Prediction: 9-7
Offense: RB Peterson, the NFL's leading rusher in 2008, is a great player. The Vikes need to involve him in the passing game more, and give more carries to backup Taylor, to spare Peterson from another 363-carry season. The passing game is poor; WR Berrian has great talent but disappears ... an average of over 20 yards per catch but less than fifty catches. If the Vikes have to throw 25 passes in a game they will lose.
Special Teams: Except for K Longwell, the Vikings have poor special teams. Their coverage units allowed an NFL-record seven TDs last year.
Defense: Just as lopsided as the offense, ranking #1 versus the run and #18 in passing. The outcome of the Williams's lawsuit regarding their suspension will have a heavy impact on the line's effectiveness. The Vikings are excellent against the run and a bit better against the pass than the numbers indicate; they faced 53o attempts last year and produced 45 sacks. However, with that many chances they need more than 12 INTs.
Detroit Lions
Rebuilding isn't quite the word. It's more like trying to breed dinosaurs using advanced cloning techniques, as in "Billy and the Cloneasaurus." The Millen era is over but the effects will linger ... just look at that offensive line. Better yet, don't. The Lions have a harder schedule than the rest of the division because they don't get to play against themselves. Prediction: 4-12
Offense: The rookie Stafford or the tiny-handed veteran Culpepper? Either way, the only pass-catcher is WR Calvin Johnson. Second-year RB Smith has potential but no depth behind him. The line, like the rest of the division, is in transition, although in Detroit's case it looks like poo transitioning to diarrhea. No reason to expect they'll give up less than 52 sacks again.
Special Teams: Coverage units were decent, K Hanson was excellent. They are looking for kick returners. Probably the best of Detroit's three teams.
Defense: The new coaches will address a defense ranked dead last two years in a row, and nearly gave up the most points in NFL history last year. The line is old and weak; the secondary is relying on gambling CB Buchanon to help a unit that only intercepted one pass in 2008. Linebacker is suddenly a strength with the acquisition of Larry Foote and Julian Peterson.
Oakland Raiders
Suck.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Jack Johnson Hadn't Been Pardoned Yet?
DC Skins Training Camp 2009/day one
Well no, but I am almost embarrassed by how enjoyable this practice report is. It does remind me of the first day of three-a-days. Walking back into the smell of that locker room, everyone chuffed up because of nerves and no hitting to release it. Stretching out for the first time in cleats. The brand new mouthpiece.
Here's a little nugget I've already learned. Backup QB Colt Brennan was named after Colt Seavers on The Fall Guy. Classy. Can't say I remember anything from the show besides this:
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Statistics Don't Lie; Idiots Use Them to Lie
Gomez is going to make mistakes, but he's one of the best center fielders around.
"The defense," Gardenhire said. "He's all over the field. And when he's not out there, you see a difference. You want to try to use everybody and we're going to have to. But the way he's running the ball down and his energy, we just have to have it right now.''
Gomez entered Wednesday's game batting .313 this month with a .500 slugging percentage.
Friends, that's a stat we can believe in, because unlike Reusse's, it takes in a full range of games, and shows a growing confidence at the plate. Two different writers, two different takes. One lazy, dismissive and arrogant; the other delivering straight dope. If the Star Tribune had more writers like La Velle Neal, and fewer like Patrick Reusse, I'd be willing to support that last gasp of print journalism.
DC Skins: 2009 Pre-Camp Preview
2008
DC got off to a hot 6-2 start including wins at Dallas and Philly. Portis was on his way to 2,000 yards and steady QB Campbell looked as if he would never throw an interception. Then the aging line wore down, RBs Portis and Betts went out with sprained knees and the offense died. The tough defense broke down, exhausted. Team unity crumbled in the locker room; they finished 8-8.
Offseason
Coach Zorn did his best to keep the boat steady despite the best efforts of the front office. Undermining Campbell served no purpose. Adding $100 million Haynesworth could be a great move or yet another bust in the grand tradition of Snyder's Free Agent Busts. During the offseason this is Snyder's team. Zorn needs to make it Zorn's team in this second year of his tenure.
DC Skins 2009: Offense
Longtime captain RT Jansen was let go; the job is young Stephen Heyer's to lose. If this Offensive Line can stay healthy they might be decent, but that hasn't happened in a dozen years. Pass protection was a problem all year; their 38 sacks allowed (23rd) would have been doubled if not for Campbell's tackle-breaking strength. Grade: C
Quarterback Jason Campbell has exemplified poise and dignity. What he needs this year is bellyfire. Finally getting a second year in a system should allow him to play instinctively, a zone he hasn't yet reached. In Seattle, Hasselbeck's second year under Zorn was a break-out. Campbell doesn't have a contract for next year, so this season is make-or-break. He clearly has the ability; does he have the willpower to raise his game to the next level? I think that he does. Grade: B+
Running Backs are solid with Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts, so long as both are healthy. When Betts went down, the DC Skins didn't have a good option to spell Portis. Portis had 342 carries last year and his yards per rush plummeted late in the season. FB Sellers is a monster blocker and went to the Pro Bowl last year. They have some inexperienced speedsters in the stable; can one of them emerge? Grade: A-
The DC Skins' Receivers underperformed last year. Moss disappeared under blanket coverage. Despite 83 catches, Cooley only found the endzone once last year -- on a throw from Randle El. The door is open for Devin Thomas to step up in his second year. Too often, that "West Coast Offense" resulted in a five yard reception on 3rd and 6. The blitz was very effective against them last year; hot receivers must make teams pay in 2009. Grade: B-
DC Skins 2009: Special Teams
The Punting game was a weakness last year. Acquisition P Hunter Smith should change this: last year his Colts were tied for first in yard per punt return. But who will return punts? Randle El has not done well. Grade: C+
Kickoffs and Kickoff Returns were very good last year, 1st in the NFC in both categories. Rock Cartwright continues to lead the team in returning and tackling. Grade: A
K Suisham was yet another disappointment from this musical-chairs position. It looks he'll be the guy in 2009; he has a decent leg but has poor accuracy beyond 40 yards. Too many blocked kicks last year, a killer. Grade: C-
DC Skins 2009: Defense
The Defensive Line received a much-need upgrade with DT Haynesworth and rookie DE Orakpo. They bolster a run-stuffing line that hasn't generated any pass rush for years. This unit is finally on par with the rest of the defense which has ranked in the Top Ten the last two years and, remarkably, has been a Top Ten defense in seven out of the last nine seasons (with only one playoff win to show for it). Grade: A-
The Linebackers are led by MLB London Fletcher. A sure tackler, Fletcher is the linchpin for the entire defense. If the new line does its job, his tackle totals will only increase. On the weakside, Rocky McIntosh seems to have recovered from his pre-2008 knee surgery; hopefully he'll get his explosion back for this season. Strongside is the team's biggest question mark. Experiments with rookie Orakpo seem like a bad idea and a confusing waste of time for the youngster. Better if someone in the stable of journeymen can step up, otherwise this position is the only weakness on the defense. Grade: B+
The Secondary was an elite unit last year until injuries exposed a lack of depth. But it also exposed #48 Chris Horton, a seventh-round savior with a nose for the ball. With another year under his belt, the Horton-Landry safety tandem could be lethal this year, especially if Landry's solid play can blossom into play-making. Both starting CBs are excellent in coverage and run support. However, teams will likely spread the field to force a choice between age and inexperience at the nickel and dime spots. Grade: A
DC Skins 2009: Schedule
On paper, the DC Skins play a middle-pack strength of schedule. However, they face the rising NFC South and play against five playoff teams on the road. After visiting the Giants in week one, the DC Skins should be 3-1 when they head to Carolina on October 11th. We'll have a real insight into how good the DC Skins are during this game. Grade: B
With an pre-camp preview Overall Grade: B+, the team has the potential to challenge for the division crown. 10-6 is my prediction; a wildcard ticket will be hard to come by in the NFC. If the team develops a natural passing game, their running and defense could win some contests.
If not, they'll cease to be the Skins ... and become the Skinned.
From "Bodies: An Exhibition"
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Speaking of Iron Head Heyward
Adrian Peterson Is More Ready for Football Than I am For Fantasy Football
Brett Favre, We Did Not Hardly Know You
Dave Zirin on Michael Vick
"...none of it means a lick unless one of the NFL's thirty-two teams takes a chance and signs Vick, which is hardly guaranteed. It's a preposterous scenario. The NFL continues to employ J.T. O'Sullivan, Trent Edwards and Dan Orlovsky--quarterbacks who couldn't throw a tantrum, let alone a touchdown. They also employ players who have been convicted for manslaughter, spousal abuse and everything short of molesting pandas.
Yet Michael Vick could remain radioactive for some time. It's hard to believe that NFL owners care deeply about animal rights. According to political donations, a typical NFL owner runs slightly to the right of Ghengis Khan."
Go read the rest here.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Unbiased Insight From Bill Duffy
Oh, Mitch Albom, You So Stoopid
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Timberwolves Backcourt Looking Good
Friday, July 24, 2009
That's a Great Deal on Cock-Shaped Popsicles!
thanks Amazon's Friday Sale, for marking down a 6-Pack of Grape Flavored Cocksicles from almost $33 to $6.70!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
The Black Freighter Speaks: Joe Crede & Danny Valencia
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Superbowl XLIII: a final rinse
Previous posts traced the playoff paths of the Steelers and Cardinals and the Superbowl's first half. LB Marvin Harrison's heart-attacking 100 yard interception return on the last play of the first half gave his Steelers a 17-7 lead. What play could possibly be more exciting than that? Hint:
Third Quarter
The Cardinals were still stunned when they received the second half kickoff. Relying on vets QB Warner and RB James, Arizona dinked to midfield before LB Farrior crushed Warner and Harrison pounced on the ball. The play was challenged and reversed; the Cardinals were lucky to be able to punt.
The Steelers stuffed the ball into RB Wee Willie Parker's gut. The Cardinals defended the line of scrimmage well, but they borrowed the dunce cap of stupid penalties from their offense to help the Steelers get down to inside the five for the third time in the game. Arizona made a stand and the Steelers kicked another short field goal making it 20-7 at the end of the third quarter.
Fourth Quarter
With grim malice did the terrible towels whip the steamy Tampa night. The Cardinals offense bounced off the Steel Curtain, spazzing out with a holding penalty and a shanked punt.
The Steelers took over at midfield with 13:41 left in the game. They had their cleats on Arizona's naked throats. Arizona's defense committed a penalty and allowed a six-yard gash by RB Parker that seemed to foretell doom.
But then monster DT Darnell Dockett took down Parker for a four yard loss. The next play, Dockett sacked QB Roethlisberger and the Steelers had to punt.
Starting at their own thirteen, the Cardinals went no huddle. Warner nailed eight passes in a row, gaining 87 yards in under four minutes while hitting five different receivers. It was a brilliant drive which culminated in a alley-oop catch by WR Fitzgerald and the Cardinals were back 20-14 with 7:41 in the game.
The Pittsburgh drive was exploded by a third sack by Dockett, tying the Superbowl record. Arizona accepted the deep punt. Both teams traded major penalties. Though the Cardinals made it as far as the twenty-six yard line, they had to punt. And what a beauty punt it was, downed on the Pittsburgh 2. A questionable roughness penalty pushed the Steelers back to their own 1 with 3:26 in the game.
The Steelers got nothing on their first two downs, then hit WR Santonio Holmes for nineteen yards and a first down ... except they held Dockett and got nailed for a safety to make it 20-16 with three minutes left.
The Cardinals received the ball. Warner hit Fitzgerald on a slant across the middle. Fitzgerald burned straight up the field, outrunning the flashbulbs, for a sixty-four yard touchdown. The Cardinals took the lead for the first time, 20-23, with two and a half minutes left.
Pittsburgh started on their 22 and were immediately called for holding. Holmes made a tough catches to get them a first down. With one minute left, Holmes took a short pass for 40 yards. The Steelers took their last timeout with 49 seconds left on Arizona's six yard line.
WR Ward and TE Miller were both covered; Roethlisberger fired a hot rocket to Holmes at the back edge of the endzone. The ball screamed through the defenders until it was snared by Holmes who tapped his toes for the game winning touchdown.
With 35 seconds left, the Steelers had their 27-23 Final Score.
The Cardinals valiant comeback was stripped away by the defense, a fitting end to a blood-frying Superbowl. Holmes earned his MVP and the Steelers are officially the best franchise in the NFL.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Some Twins Batters Have Gone Bananas Tonight
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Yep, That's a Penalty
Ron Coomer In Creepy-Vision
Who is reading this blog?
Friday, July 17, 2009
In Wisconsin, The Hot Dog Eats You
R.I.P. Walter Cronkite
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Hey, Emmys, You Fucking Suck
Two Bold Predictions: Ricky Rubio
I boldly predict that not only will Ricky Rubio play for the Wolves, he will do so this year.
The whole "playing for free" argument is kind of ridiculous. If he plays in Europe he'll be playing for $100,000. If he plays for the Wolves he'll be playing for "free" ($3.6M salary toward the buyout) + USA endorsement money. He may get less $$$ than he would in NY but he'll get more in MN then he will in Europe and he'll be in the NBA which is where he wants to be.
The Wolves are going to give him the keys to the franchise. He's going to get paid here. He's going to be here.
25 - 30 minutes a game is plenty for a rookie PG. Give Jonny Flynn the other 18-20. Draft a 2/3 next year or trade expiring contracts close to the deadline for a reasonable small forward. They'll be under the cap and have a year of understanding how the pieces (Rubio, Love, Jefferson, Flynn, Ellington, Gomes, Brewer) fit together. They'll have the Euro big coming over next year at the 5. I think this team wins 32 games this year and 48 next year.
That is a bold prediction. The issue (i always thought) is that the buyout can't come directly from the drafting team, only $500,000 of it can, so even if he making good money, he doesn't get the big signing bonus that puts him free and clear right off the bat. And he doesn't get endorsement deals until he is actually here.
I don't dispute the notion that he'd eventually (and quickly) getting paid more here than he is in Spain. But is his Spanish team going to him pay his buyout on a lay-away basis?
I think Team Rubio is kind of lying when they say he'd be happy to play here, and I think Flynn may outperform him, especially in the early years of their contracts, and I think Team Rubio thinks that, too. I guess I'm finding myself rooting, almost, for a Rubio trade, as I'm not sure I buy into the Transformational Player tag that Kahn gave him.
Using your definition of "next year" (which I would I would think of as 2 years down the road) I don't see more than four (and probably just 3) of the players you listed still on the team by the start of "next year".