Okay, admittedly, this post is not for all of you. But for fans of the NFL and Fantasy Football, I'd like to give my take on what I'm seeing right now in the world of football. Here goes:
- The Arizona Cardinals will contend and very possibly grab a Wild Card spot this year. I think they're going to have an explosive Offense, akin to the Colts. Now that Playboy holdout Leinart is in camp, they may have a viable backup for Kurt Warner.
- LaDanian Tomlinson may be a great pick in Fantasy leagues this year, despite the Chargers going with an untested QB. Phillip Rivers looked good in his 1st Pre-Season game. I know it wasn't for real, but I think alot of people got the feeling that Tomlinson will benefit from the new, young starter.
- Clinton Portis injured shoulder may not be separated and in as bad shape as was first reported, but how will it affect him in the first half of the season. Will he be able to heal enough over the rest of training camp to be able to take the punishing hits from defenders and man-up enough to do his blocking asignments? This is a major question for the Redskins. If Portis is not 100%, or has to play semi-injured all season, doesn't their stock fall significantly? They certainly can't rely on old Mark Brunnell to lead them to the playoffs with his arm. My prediction is that if Portis has to play hurt, the Redskins don't make the Playoffs. BTW has anyone read or listened to Portis' interviews? What a thug-like egomaniac.
- If Terrell Owens is healthy at the start of the season and his hamstring doesn't cause him anymore problems during the season, I believe the Cowboys may represent the NFC in the SuperBowl. Call me crazy, but he may have been the missing piece. How much of a distraction is he being while he recovers? Parcells will push this team, but will Owens respond? I think this will probably be Owens' last chance.
- Alot of people are talking about the strength of the Baltimore Ravens and new QB Steve McNair. While I think they're better with him, if Jamal Lewis is not back to top form, teams will key on McNair and punish him into a missed time injury. No vintage Lewis, no McNair-led playoff appearance.
- My beloved Kansas City Chiefs are going to live and die by their ability to run the ball effectively. Without Willie Roaf on the O-Line, is that a possibility? Larry Johnson and Tony Gonzalez are great and will probably do well enough. But once again, they didn't address the glaring problem of having only 2nd-rate Wide Receivers. Bank the year on who? Eddie Kennison? Sammy Knight? Is there a chance we can re-sign Otis Taylor, Carlos Carson, or Joe Horn? And don't get me started on the defense.
- Keep an eye on the backup Running Back for the New England Patriots. His name is Lawrence Maroney and he is large. He'll back-up Corey Dillon and if what I saw the other night is true, the Pats are in good hands if Dillon goes down. In fact Maroney may push Dillon to the sidelines before the season is done. Check him out if you get the chance.
- The Oakland Raiders have ALOT of talent on Offense. The Denver Broncos have alot of talent period. Jay Cutler looked very professional the other night. Here's what I think about both teams. I hope both teams experience debillitating hemorrhoid problems sometime during the year, as they are the Chiefs' hated rivals and I despise both teams.
- The League-leaders in off-season arrests, the Cincinnatti Bengals (led by Chris Henry, with 4 off-season busts), are going to live and die by what Carson Palmer is able to do. No healthy Palmer? No deep playoff run. They should have represented the AFC last year, if not for Palmer's knee injury on the 1st play from scrimmage in the 1st playoff game vs. Pittsburgh. A shame.
- I like Ronnie brown, but I'm not sure he's ready to handle 25-30 touches per game. He's always shared time and last year, his rookie campaign, he only averaged 13-15 touches per game. If he's not up to the task, the Dolphins aren't anywhere near as good.
- The New York Giants? Close, but no cigar. Try the Carolina Panthers instead.
- Donovan McNabb, Brett Favre, and Chad Pennington are all in trouble this year.
- The Saints will surprise alot of people this year, and will actually do better if they rely on Reggie Bush rather than Deuce McPukeister.
- The best Defensive teams for fantasy players will be Chicago, Washington, Pittsburgh, Dallas, Carolina, and the Ravens.
- LenDale White of the Titans is obviously a self-important thug and if he doesn't get a hold of himself soon, may turn into Maurice Clarett.
That's all for now on football. More as training camp progresses. Pay attention as the season moves along, and you'll see that Len Is Right!!
I am,
Len Tollerton
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