SteelMember
07-23-2010, 08:24 AM
For what it's worth...
Hey, football fans: Take a big hulking swig of happy juice – NFL training camps are upon us!
No more half-pint diva actors pretending to be shot down with sniper fire in that OTHER football (see: Cup, World). Forget about any sports where the players are so much bigger and egotistical than the teams, that they can form their own (that means you, Miami Thrice).
It’s time for America’s passion to come back as the biggest, baddest dudes around knock each other silly just to make their own teams.
But safety first: Put on your cups, toss in your mouth guards and button your chinstraps. Here’s where we stand entering our camp odyssey, 2010 style.
1. Saints (13-3) – PRE-CAMP OUTLOOK: The Saints hoped to hit the offseason and hit up some defenders to widen Drew Brees' margin for error. Mission accomplished via free agency (added DEs Alex Brown and Jimmy Wilkerson) and the draft (first-round pick CB Patrick Robinson). Keeping Darren Sharper in the mix solidifies their No. 1 ranking, as does that Lombardi Trophy they haven’t stopped flaunting.
2. Colts (14-2) – PRE-CAMP OUTLOOK: Indy has followed Bill Polian’s post-Super Bowl pledge to beef up the O-line, but will Peyton Manning actually run the ball or just audible to a pass on every down like it seems every year? Concerns aside, the Colts are still the class of the AFC – even if Reggie Wayne holds out until mid-late August.
3. Vikings (12-4) – PRE-CAMP OUTLOOK: You can make the case that the Vikings should have been the NFC champs, if not for a beaten-down brainfart by the King of Wranglers in New Orleans. Still, the Vikings are as close to a complete team in the business. If/when Favre comes back (probably in time to play in Minnesota’s third preseason game), then the Vikes may be the NFC's Super Bowl favorites.
4. Jets (9-7) – PRE-CAMP OUTLOOK: The new Jets are brash and bold in every way, and they show with every offseason move. The draft was no different, as the Jets supplemented their draft haul by cutting guard Alan Faneca and trading RB Leon Washington to the Seahawks. Replacing Faneca is New York's second-round pick, OL Vladimir Ducasse (which sounds more like a cello player than a lineman). The Jets dealt Washington once they traded up to grab USC star Joe McKnight in the fourth round. And adding first-round CB Kyle Wilson to Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie could be deadly for opposing QBs.
5. Ravens (9-7) – PRE-CAMP OUTLOOK: With offseason additions Anquan Boldin and Donte’ Stallworth, the Ravens are being talked about as legitimate Lombardi trophy contenders. That’ great and all, and Joe Flacco may be bragging to everyone this summer how great they will be. But until Ed Reed returns from the PUP list in proper working condition, we’ll hold back a tad on the Ravens. But just a tad. If Reed returns as good as new, this is your sleeper Super Bowl team.
6. Cowboys (11-5) – PRE-CAMP OUTLOOK: This has been a shockingly silent offseason in Dallas considering expectations entering one without a salary cap. But maverick owner Jerry Jones just couldn't help himself in the draft once enticing WR Dez Bryant starting slipping in the first round. In Bryant, Dallas added a major weapon. But at what expense? Dallas did not address their OT hole left by Flozell "The Hotel" Adams, instead hoping Doug Free can hold down the spot for a full season. Tony Romo sure hopes he can.
7. Packers (11-5) – PRE-CAMP OUTLOOK: The happiest Packer on draft weekend was QB Aaron Rodgers, who likely chest-bumped someone after Green Bay grabbed stud OT Bryan Bulaga in the first round. But some Cheeseheads are worried that Ted Thompson ignored the void at LB made by Aaron Kampman's free-agency defection, in addition to the aging cornerback corps. Now with the D-line taking a hit from Johnny Jolly’s suspension, too many questions remain for a team that otherwise should be in the NFC mix to play on Super Sunday.
8. Chargers (13-3) – PRE-CAMP OUTLOOK: Not many 13-3 teams have transition years. Yet here are the Chargers, post L.T., Antonio Cromartie and Jamal Williams. But they like their subs, first-round RB Ryan Mathews (the NCAA leader in rush yards/game in 2009), free-agent pickup Nathan Vasher and fifth-round space-eating DT Cam Thomas. GM A.J. Smith may need sensitivity training, but he can scout and draft with anyone. The question in camp is whether or not his pride is getting the best in him as he stands off with probable holdouts Vincent Jackson and Marcus McNeill.
9. Bengals (10-6) – PRE-CAMP OUTLOOK: In the draft, many were stunned that the Bengals didn't leap all over troubled, yet talented WR Dez Bryant late in his first-round slide. But that's mainly because Cincy had already signed free-agent former problem child Antonio Bryant. Instead the Bengals focused on giving QB Carson Palmer a nice pass option at tight end by snatching Jermaine Gresham, then adding two other WRs in the third and sixth rounds. Is it enough? Only if Cedric Benson can follow up his solid 2009 season on the ground.
10. Pats (10-6) – PRE-CAMP OUTLOOK: The big cloud in New England remains an under-reported cold war between Tom Brady and the organization, specifically with his lack of a contract extension. Mr. Bundchen took a discount to help his homies in his previous deal, but the buzz is that Brady may not be willing to do it again. If anyone can shut this out and keep personal issues away from the field, it’s Tom Terrific. Good news for the Pats too that the amazing Wes Welker should be ready to rock full-time at camp months ahead of rehab schedule for his busted knee.
11. Falcons (9-7) – PRE-CAMP OUTLOOK: With most of the offense set, Atlanta focused on defense in the draft – zeroing in on a big need by grabbing tackling machine Sean Weatherspoon at linebacker in the first round. The Falcons hope he becomes the heir apparent to Mike Peterson. Still, can this pass rush get to the QB, or will they be rocking the "matador" defense in 2010? Say it with me, "Ole!"
12. Texans (9-7) – PRE-CAMP OUTLOOK: Offensive lineman Eric Winston reportedly described Houston’s new philosophy for 2010 by admitting that the team ended every minicamp workout with a chant for the Super Bowl. Even though the franchise has never made the playoffs and only earned their first winning season in team history by winning their last four games of 2009, the Texans are thinking playoffs and beyond for 2010. If the running game can be revived, count on it.
13. Eagles (11-5) – PRE-CAMP OUTLOOK: You may think they are rebuilding, but talk to anyone associated to the team and 100% will respond with how much they all believe in their new young QB Kevin Kolb. Many thought he was ready for full-time action last season, and some whisper that he could be a better fit in Andy Reid’s offense than Donovan McNabb himself. Words are great and all, but the true reveal begins at camp.
14. Steelers (9-7) – PRE-CAMP OUTLOOK: Maurkice Pouncey is the latest Steeler involved with a controversy as the NCAA reportedly is breathing down his big neck. Whatever – from Big Ben to Santonio Holmes and on and on, controversies fill newspaper and online quotas. Getting to training camp will be cathartic for Pittsburgh players and coaches (including the newly-extended head honcho Mike Tomlin).
15. Titans (8-8) – PRE-CAMP OUTLOOK: Out with the old (former Titans DE Kyle Vanden Bosch, who signed with Detroit this offseason, in with the new (first-round pick Derrick Morgan). The Titans are psyched about the future defensive captain Morgan falling into their laps at No. 16 in the draft, one in which they also rid themselves of headache RB LenDale White. With a full season of VY and a happier CJY2K, the Titans should be AOK.
Hey, football fans: Take a big hulking swig of happy juice – NFL training camps are upon us!
No more half-pint diva actors pretending to be shot down with sniper fire in that OTHER football (see: Cup, World). Forget about any sports where the players are so much bigger and egotistical than the teams, that they can form their own (that means you, Miami Thrice).
It’s time for America’s passion to come back as the biggest, baddest dudes around knock each other silly just to make their own teams.
But safety first: Put on your cups, toss in your mouth guards and button your chinstraps. Here’s where we stand entering our camp odyssey, 2010 style.
1. Saints (13-3) – PRE-CAMP OUTLOOK: The Saints hoped to hit the offseason and hit up some defenders to widen Drew Brees' margin for error. Mission accomplished via free agency (added DEs Alex Brown and Jimmy Wilkerson) and the draft (first-round pick CB Patrick Robinson). Keeping Darren Sharper in the mix solidifies their No. 1 ranking, as does that Lombardi Trophy they haven’t stopped flaunting.
2. Colts (14-2) – PRE-CAMP OUTLOOK: Indy has followed Bill Polian’s post-Super Bowl pledge to beef up the O-line, but will Peyton Manning actually run the ball or just audible to a pass on every down like it seems every year? Concerns aside, the Colts are still the class of the AFC – even if Reggie Wayne holds out until mid-late August.
3. Vikings (12-4) – PRE-CAMP OUTLOOK: You can make the case that the Vikings should have been the NFC champs, if not for a beaten-down brainfart by the King of Wranglers in New Orleans. Still, the Vikings are as close to a complete team in the business. If/when Favre comes back (probably in time to play in Minnesota’s third preseason game), then the Vikes may be the NFC's Super Bowl favorites.
4. Jets (9-7) – PRE-CAMP OUTLOOK: The new Jets are brash and bold in every way, and they show with every offseason move. The draft was no different, as the Jets supplemented their draft haul by cutting guard Alan Faneca and trading RB Leon Washington to the Seahawks. Replacing Faneca is New York's second-round pick, OL Vladimir Ducasse (which sounds more like a cello player than a lineman). The Jets dealt Washington once they traded up to grab USC star Joe McKnight in the fourth round. And adding first-round CB Kyle Wilson to Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie could be deadly for opposing QBs.
5. Ravens (9-7) – PRE-CAMP OUTLOOK: With offseason additions Anquan Boldin and Donte’ Stallworth, the Ravens are being talked about as legitimate Lombardi trophy contenders. That’ great and all, and Joe Flacco may be bragging to everyone this summer how great they will be. But until Ed Reed returns from the PUP list in proper working condition, we’ll hold back a tad on the Ravens. But just a tad. If Reed returns as good as new, this is your sleeper Super Bowl team.
6. Cowboys (11-5) – PRE-CAMP OUTLOOK: This has been a shockingly silent offseason in Dallas considering expectations entering one without a salary cap. But maverick owner Jerry Jones just couldn't help himself in the draft once enticing WR Dez Bryant starting slipping in the first round. In Bryant, Dallas added a major weapon. But at what expense? Dallas did not address their OT hole left by Flozell "The Hotel" Adams, instead hoping Doug Free can hold down the spot for a full season. Tony Romo sure hopes he can.
7. Packers (11-5) – PRE-CAMP OUTLOOK: The happiest Packer on draft weekend was QB Aaron Rodgers, who likely chest-bumped someone after Green Bay grabbed stud OT Bryan Bulaga in the first round. But some Cheeseheads are worried that Ted Thompson ignored the void at LB made by Aaron Kampman's free-agency defection, in addition to the aging cornerback corps. Now with the D-line taking a hit from Johnny Jolly’s suspension, too many questions remain for a team that otherwise should be in the NFC mix to play on Super Sunday.
8. Chargers (13-3) – PRE-CAMP OUTLOOK: Not many 13-3 teams have transition years. Yet here are the Chargers, post L.T., Antonio Cromartie and Jamal Williams. But they like their subs, first-round RB Ryan Mathews (the NCAA leader in rush yards/game in 2009), free-agent pickup Nathan Vasher and fifth-round space-eating DT Cam Thomas. GM A.J. Smith may need sensitivity training, but he can scout and draft with anyone. The question in camp is whether or not his pride is getting the best in him as he stands off with probable holdouts Vincent Jackson and Marcus McNeill.
9. Bengals (10-6) – PRE-CAMP OUTLOOK: In the draft, many were stunned that the Bengals didn't leap all over troubled, yet talented WR Dez Bryant late in his first-round slide. But that's mainly because Cincy had already signed free-agent former problem child Antonio Bryant. Instead the Bengals focused on giving QB Carson Palmer a nice pass option at tight end by snatching Jermaine Gresham, then adding two other WRs in the third and sixth rounds. Is it enough? Only if Cedric Benson can follow up his solid 2009 season on the ground.
10. Pats (10-6) – PRE-CAMP OUTLOOK: The big cloud in New England remains an under-reported cold war between Tom Brady and the organization, specifically with his lack of a contract extension. Mr. Bundchen took a discount to help his homies in his previous deal, but the buzz is that Brady may not be willing to do it again. If anyone can shut this out and keep personal issues away from the field, it’s Tom Terrific. Good news for the Pats too that the amazing Wes Welker should be ready to rock full-time at camp months ahead of rehab schedule for his busted knee.
11. Falcons (9-7) – PRE-CAMP OUTLOOK: With most of the offense set, Atlanta focused on defense in the draft – zeroing in on a big need by grabbing tackling machine Sean Weatherspoon at linebacker in the first round. The Falcons hope he becomes the heir apparent to Mike Peterson. Still, can this pass rush get to the QB, or will they be rocking the "matador" defense in 2010? Say it with me, "Ole!"
12. Texans (9-7) – PRE-CAMP OUTLOOK: Offensive lineman Eric Winston reportedly described Houston’s new philosophy for 2010 by admitting that the team ended every minicamp workout with a chant for the Super Bowl. Even though the franchise has never made the playoffs and only earned their first winning season in team history by winning their last four games of 2009, the Texans are thinking playoffs and beyond for 2010. If the running game can be revived, count on it.
13. Eagles (11-5) – PRE-CAMP OUTLOOK: You may think they are rebuilding, but talk to anyone associated to the team and 100% will respond with how much they all believe in their new young QB Kevin Kolb. Many thought he was ready for full-time action last season, and some whisper that he could be a better fit in Andy Reid’s offense than Donovan McNabb himself. Words are great and all, but the true reveal begins at camp.
14. Steelers (9-7) – PRE-CAMP OUTLOOK: Maurkice Pouncey is the latest Steeler involved with a controversy as the NCAA reportedly is breathing down his big neck. Whatever – from Big Ben to Santonio Holmes and on and on, controversies fill newspaper and online quotas. Getting to training camp will be cathartic for Pittsburgh players and coaches (including the newly-extended head honcho Mike Tomlin).
15. Titans (8-8) – PRE-CAMP OUTLOOK: Out with the old (former Titans DE Kyle Vanden Bosch, who signed with Detroit this offseason, in with the new (first-round pick Derrick Morgan). The Titans are psyched about the future defensive captain Morgan falling into their laps at No. 16 in the draft, one in which they also rid themselves of headache RB LenDale White. With a full season of VY and a happier CJY2K, the Titans should be AOK.