Field Hockey Seniors Live up to Expectations

With their collegiate careers officially complete, the Iowa field hockey senior class finally has a legacy comparable to the all-time greats. (2008 Big Ten Tournament Champion pictured above).

No longer will they be remembered as the team that could not go beyond the first round of the NCAA tournament, or the second round for that matter. The Hawkeyes advanced to the Final Four on Nov. 11 after defeating No. 10 Michigan State, 1-0, for the third time this year.

However, the No. 4 ranked Hawkeyes fell two victories short of their ultimate goal, the national championship. Iowa faced off against top seeded and eventual national champion Maryland, on Nov. 21, and were sent home after a 2-1 double overtime loss.

The 2008 Hawkeyes became the 11th team in Iowa history to make the Final Four, but could not become only the second team to finish at the top – the first and only National Championship came in 1986.

“Despite falling short of our ultimate goal, there is so much that we can take from this season,” senior Caitlin McCurdy from Mountain Top, Pa. said (pictured to the right). “Just to make it to the Final Four is such a great accomplishment, regardless of the outcome.”

Despite the Hawkeyes’ early exit from the Final Four, their first since 1999, the eight graduating seniors still went on to claim the highest winning percentage, 69.5, over a four year span since the class of 1998.

It has been a long time coming though for the class of 2009, who lost a combined 17 games in their freshman and sophomore campaigns – the most in a two year stretch since 1997-1998. Even before the early struggles of their Hawkeye careers, the class of 2009 forged a connection before ever stepping foot in Iowa City.

With five of them calling Pennsylvania home, and two others from the Northeast, playing for the Hawkeyes has only furthered their bonds.

"I think it's really awesome how we all came here, all eight of us together," senior captain and Lewisberg, Pa., native Roz Ellis said (pictured below). "Having other people from Pennsylvania in our class as well, it's just a nice home away from home."

More literally, Ellis shares an apartment with senior Caroline Blaum from Wilkes-Barre, Pa., and senior Katie Naughton (pictured on the right) from Goffstown, N.H. – and is a neighbor of several others on the team.

Where as most freshmen get comfortable on the bench in their first year, these now-seniors have been contributing throughout their careers. All but one started at least two games in their rookie season with five making the starting lineup for every game.

"They've done so much for the program as a whole. They were young and bright-eyed when they came in as freshmen, but they had to really fill in and provide a lot of output for us right off the bat," head coach Tracey Griesbaum said. "It was trial by error for a handful of them in the beginning. But really, every year they've increased their work rate and increased everything we've asked them to do. They've really meant a lot to the program."

In the annual senior game, the time came to recognize one of the most successful classes to ever call Grant Field home. However, the event was spoiled courtesy of an upset loss to Ohio State, 2-0.

Following the disheartening loss, Griesbaum had some very strong feelings regarding the senior recognition.

"I'll seriously consider whether we're going to ever do this again," she said after the game. "You have eight seniors, and if they're more worried about the flowers than winning a game, then that's my bad."

Griesbaum’s frustration comes as a result of a 3-6 record on senior days since taking over as head coach in 2000. The frustration even carried over to the team, who at 12-4 and 2-2 in conference play, were unsure how much longer their season would last.

“We have a good chance now of not making the [NCAA] tournament,” a senior said following the loss. “We could actually lose our last three games.”

Down, Iowa and its seniors rallied and pulled off victories at Michigan State and rival Michigan. With a newly found resurgence, the Hawkeyes then went on the claim their third straight Big Ten Tournament title (picture to right is the team celebrating after their first title in 2006). The last time an Iowa team won three consecutive Big Ten titles was from 1994-1996 and only one time prior from 1989-1992.

Despite finishing strong, Iowa and its seniors could not break the tradition of its predecessors. Three times a Hawkeye team had faced off against Maryland in the national semi-final, with the results not in their favor, losing by one goal – in 1987, 1993, 1999 and now 2008. In each circumstance, the Terrapins went on to become the National Champion.

Upon the completion of their final season and graduation from Iowa, two seniors will continue their field hockey careers, while rest will hang it for good. Co-captains and roommates Blaum and Ellis will enter the Olympic Development program in hopes of representing the United States as successfully as they have represented Iowa.

“It still hurts right now, but I’m sure after awhile I’ll actually be able to appreciate what we accomplished,” Blaum said (pictured to the left). “It’s been great. I’ve enjoyed every moment."

Bowl Games

Maybe it’s because of the Christmas season, but it’s no wonder the college football bowl season is widely considered, the most wonderful time of the year.

For almost three weeks, college football’s finest, and Notre Dame, compete in their most meaningful football game of the year. Sure there are games during the regular season which claim the national spotlight and have meaning, but none like the bowl season.

No other sport can crown 34 post-season champions in a little less than three weeks. The nearest competitor is college basketball with two – the NIT and NCAA championship.

Everybody’s a winner. It’s like they’re going back to their youth league football days when it didn’t matter who won or lost, but how they played the game.

It’s also an opportunity to see games which likely wouldn’t be scheduled. Outside of the anomalies like Ohio State vs. Texas, which played each other in the regular season two years ago, almost every other game has a team slated against an opponent which it hasn’t seen in years, if ever.

Take for example the Outback Bowl, which features Iowa vs. South Carolina. This match-up has never been seen in college football, and likely would have never been seen if not for the three week championship festival.

Big football programs across the country will be competing against one another in a sport that witnesses little variation. With schedules in college football determined three and four years in advances, the bowl season provides the lone surprise in a sport that offers very little.

The bowl season also determines which conference, top to bottom, is the most talented. Comparable to the ACC/Big Ten challenge in basketball, which schedules each conferences No. 1 vs. the others No. 1, it determines which conference has the most depth.

The 34 games also bring out the frauds and phonies which might have been hiding in a weak conference. Take for example Penn State. The Nittany Lions take on USC in the Rose Bowl, where they have the opportunity to validate the national title consideration they received throughout the year. Or, like their counterparts from the 2008 Rose Bowl, Illinois, get manhandled by the very same team.

Though critics question the bowl games, the bowl games leave a lot less questions than the alternative – playoffs.

Fantasy Pick up of The Week

Justin Gage WR Tennessee Titans (image from nfl.com)

Gage got his second TD of the year last week against a stingy Bears defense, and it should continue this week against Jacksonville. Justin McCareins is questionable with a concusion and should open up more passes to Gage. The underperforming Jaguars had an average defense ranking 16th in total yards allowed and 17th in passing yards allowed.

Week 10: Rex Grossman 20-37 173 yards 1 TD passing, 1 TD rushing, 1 Int

Week 9: Jamaal Charlses 18 rushes 106 yards 1 fumble

Week 8: Arnaz Battle 3 receptions 26 yards

Week 7: Kevin Walter 3 receptions 27 yards; 1 rush 7 yards

Week 6: Bye Week

Week 5: Jonathan Stewart 19 rushes 72 yards 1 fumble

Week 4: Ray Rice 1 rush 0 yards

Childhood Friend

When I moved into my new subdivision way back in 1995, my family's house was the fourth one built, so the availability of friends my age was slim. The first friend I made was a hockey player named Zach who moved from Michigan to Naperville, Il.

My main sport growing up was basketball, so to suggest that Zach and I would have any type of relationship involving sports was seemingly thin. Not to say that we didn't have anything in common, but our relationship did not revolve around sports.

However, often times we couldn't decide on something that satisfied both of our interests, so we alternated with our favorite sports.

Although we never played ice hockey, we did play roller hockey. I actually bought roller blades and appropriate hockey equipment just to play. Although I tried, I was never actually any good at hockey. It was always hard for me to multi-task, I was never coordinated enough to handle the puck while skating, or shot the puck while skating.

I had fun, and Zach remembers it very similarly. He pointed out how I was always over competitive in everything that we did. Hockey for him was his chance to beat me and make sure that I knew I lost.

Self admittedly, I am a trash talker, so he really handed it to me in hockey. We even both recalled not talking for an extended period of time (extended means about four days).

However in basketball, it was a complete role reversal. I handed it to him and made sure to let him know. Unlike myself, Zach was a little less willing to play basketball. Not because I would always win, rather because it wasn't physical enough. He always made fun of the sport, claiming it was too soft, and that fouls were called when somebody got poked. Although not completely true, he had a point, especially compared to hockey. We still dispute the physically of basketball and why little touch fouls are actually fouls.

In any case, what resulted was a compromise of both of our sports, and the creation of ZBA. It's official name is Zach Basketball Association. Pretty much, it's fight club with an objective to score. However the scoring soon turned into, "Whose Line is it Anyways," where the scoring didn't actually matter.

We soon found ourselves playing ZBA constantly and as a result found many more aches on both of our bodies.

ZBA only last one summer, but the memories have lasted more then 12 years, as well as the scars.

Live Blog 49ers vs. Cardinals

I really wanted to do an NBA game, and I thought there was one on tonight but I was wrong. Alas, I'll do the rest of the MNF game

8:48 Warner just completed a 3rd and 13. How is he still in the league

8:49 There talking about Warner potentially quitting after he laid out Boldin. Yeah right, he got into the league when he was 50, I doubt he would have laid it up at this point.

8:53 Singletary just talked about teams not surviving with marginal athletes...uh look at your team big guy. Oh yeah, Cardinals just scored. 49ers 14 - Cardinals 13.

8:56 I just put a pizza in. Haha, that was for you Dave.

8:57 Wow, Sean Hill, on a designed QB run gets a first down on 3rd and 11. At first I thought it was a stupid play but I guess it works out.

8:58 49ers just had a delay of game. Why don't they talk about the discipline Singletary brings to the table now?

9:01 Is SF's Roger Cromartie related to the Cromartie on the Chargers? I hope so.

9:02 Like I said I missed the start of the game and I just saw the touchdown highlights, I'm very impressed with the 104 yard return TD to start the game.

9:04 Who is Sean Hill

9:07 What's with the red line of scrimmage line? Didn't it always used to be blue? I mean I understand the Cardinals are home so they might use red, but you never see the Bears use orange?

9:08 That was actually a really good throw. Again, how can they talk about Singletary before as a great leader and role model then he hugs and embraces Vernon Davis after his 15 yard penalty? It doesn't make sense. They say he runs a tight ship and then this happens. I bet the 49ers score.

9:11 Well I was wrong, at least they got a completion to up their stats.

9:16 I'm pretty sure you can't kick the ball after it gets blocked. But apparently you can in the CFL as Boomer just showed us.

9:18 I don't know if the Shaq commercial is new, but that's the first time I've seen it. He's playing scrabble and everything involves Shaq in the words, very funny.

9:26 Thanks Tony for telling us what the column in Arizona should be about, since the entire listening audience is sports writers.

9:28 I looked away...how did the Cardinals get down the field so fast?

9:33 Nice fourth down play for a touchdown. I thought run, and so did the 49ers. 21-20 San Fran.

9:36 If I can brag a little bit, I put Warner as my No. 3 on my MVP list, and now everybody is talking about the possibilities.

9:38 49ers just did a WR Screen. I've never been a fan of screen plays, I think primarily because they don't work in EA.

9:40 Vernon Davis was close on another potential TD, maybe he should have dived. That's probably why he only has 1 TD on the year.

9:41 Apparently Tony thinks everybody makes fun of Mike Martz, I don't.

9:43 Field goal. 49ers up 24-20. I agree with Singletary, Martz wanted to go for it on 4th and 1. Smart move head coach and grab the points.

9:48 Another first down with Boldin. Boldin and Fitzgerald are the best tandem in the NFL.

9:50 Great grab by Tim Hightower for the first down after Warner laid another guy out(i.e. Boldin earlier in the season.) maybe you should retire for this one too.

9:51 That was a legit helmet to helmet call. In the past the NFL has called too many close Helmet to Helmet calls when they weren't actually helmet hits.

9:52 Offsetting penalties...probably my least favorite part of the game. How can you rationalize an illegal man down field for a defensive pass interference. Not saying that was the call but still.

9:54 I think the NFL seriously needs to re-evaluate the stupid petty penalties they call and bring back the physicality of the game. It's turning soft.

9:55 I agree with the fans' boos, at least try and get in field goal range. But for some reason the ESPN crew is mocking the Cardinals.

9:57 Haha, Kevin Love commercial where he goes into the luggage compartment on the bus cause he's a rookie.

9:58 Pick 6 by Rolle. But even more impressive is his back flip

9:59 Whoa! played called back for an offsides, that's too bad, that was pretty cool. I always think it's funny when guys celebrate then a play gets called back.

10:01 I would have preferred to see the 49ers score after getting the ball back. Instead, they turn it over and its not called back. The Cardinals will score soon.

10:04 Encroachment 49ers. I always love how the O-line and D-line point at each other when there is either an offsides or false start

10:05 And again they point. False start this time. 2nd and goal on the 9.

10:06 I'm getting bored with this game, penalties will do that to you when it's a game you really don't care about in the first place.

10:07 Well the penalty gets taken away after discussion, but didn't you already discuss it. Like I said, I'm getting bored with this game and it just keeps going.

10:08 Jaws, your stupid. I'm probably going to mute it soon cause I don't want to hear you argue any more and think it's good commentary.

10:11 Pretty cool stat of the Raiders and 49ers on how bad they've been recently.

10:12 Oh yeah, the Cardinals settled for a field goal. 24-23 49ers.

10:14 Good throw by Hill to old man Issac Bruce for the first down.

10:18 After the timeout Frank Gore messes up the play with a drop. Now it's time to punt, and far...52 yards.

10:20 I agree with Tony. Arizona needs to win this game in order to be taken seriously.

10:22 Great toss and great catch. 1st down Cardinals. I'm a believer in the second half that Kurt Warner could actually win the MVP.

10:23 Holy Crap, Warner gets 300 yard games 45% of the time. The highest ever. I am very impressed.

10:28 Hey Stuart Scott. Does everybody know how his eye got messed up. Apparently he was shooting a commercial for ESPN with Vinny Testaverde and a ball was thrown at him and it went threw his hands and got him square in the eye.

10:29 Another pick 6 called back for an offsides. Really Arizona?

10:30 Did Sean Hill actually think Issac Bruce could actually catch up to a deep ball. He's too old to be moving that fast.

10:32 Another pick and to my surprise... It wasn't called back. Although there was a flag it was actually offensive interference. Arizona ball on the 5.

10:33 Surprise surprise, a TD pass to Boldin. We all knew it was either going to him or Fitzgerald.

10:35 I hope after the commercial the Arizona cheerleaders come up.

10:36 No avail, no cheerleaders. But some more pointing at the line of scrimmage with a false start.

10:37 Missed 2 pt conversion. Cardinals 29 - 49ers 24

10:39 Neil Rackers on the tackle. I'm happy for him, I'm sure he feels like more a part of the team now.

10:41 Really a challenge? Will this game just end and Mike Singletary stop pretending he's coaching.

10:43 Wow, late hit. You are stupid. You just stopped them. During this game I've really begun to dislike Singletary as a coach. I think it's because of his praise from the announcers that set me off. Also the lucky penalties that have saved his team from getting destroyed. I.e the two pick 6's and that last late hit penalty keeping him in the game. Does he even call any plays?

10:45 See another penalty. Go Singletary.

10:46 I'm getting really frustrated. Lets get this going.

10:48 Another flag, for some reason this doesn't surprise me. 18 penalties so far in the game and counting.

10:49 More finger pointing and another flag. False Start, 2nd and 25.

10:50 Zeigler first NFL catch, congrats.

10:51 You're not Brett Favre Sean Hill, No shuffle passes. Good game you just lost. You got 250 plus games to play before you can claim that honor.

10:54 Another timeout. I feel like I'm participating in some illegal form of torture with how long this game is dragging on. And to think I haven't even watched the entire game. I can't imagine having watched the whole game. I probably would have been started to complain an hour earlier.

10:55 Hey Stuart Scott.

10:56 Interesting. The 49ers still have a chance after the three and out. I still don't see it happen especially with Sean Hill as your QB.

10:57 There's Singletary, trying to be a part of the action and see what's goin on.

10:58 Bad punt, but you're still going to lose 49ers.

10:59 Good football play by Hill getting out of bounds, first down 49ers. And another catch by Hill.

11:00 Is this actually happening. 49ers on the 15, how is Hill all of a sudden turning it on.

11:00 Ok, I might have to eat my own words 49ers only one yard away from claiming the game. Three straight passes to No. 89.

11:02 Whoa, Gore trips up on what looks to be a clear TD. But it shows that he was tackled and it was challenged. We'll see what happens. I'm in the same situation as Tony, he called it over too but now there only 1 yard away.

11:06 Why didn't they spike it? They had 4 seconds to spike. I don't understand, anyways, the rookie coach loses again. Cardinals 29 - 49ers 24.

Fantasy Pick up of the Week

Rex Grossman QB Chicago Bears(image from imagecache2.com).

I know this will probably be overlooked and disregarded, but look for Rex Grossman to have a career game on Sunday. Grossman, whose playing for his NFL career against the Titans, needs a big game if he wants to be back in the league next year. Fortunately, or unfortunately, his only chance is against the best team in the league. However, I think he'll perform up to the task. He had his second half against the Lions as his opportunity to get the cob webs off his game.



Week 9: Jamaal Charlses 18 rushes 106 yards 1 fumble
Week 8: Arnaz Battle 3 receptions 26 yards
Week 7: Kevin Walter 3 receptions 27 yards; 1 rush 7 yards
Week 6: Bye Week
Week 5: Jonathan Stewart 19 rushes 72 yards 1 fumble
Week 4: Ray Rice 1 rush 0 yards

Fantasy Pick up of the Week

Jamaal Charles RB Kansas City Chiefs (photo from nfl.com)

With the official suspension of Larry Johnson coming this week from the NFL, expect Charles to be the number one back. He's fresh of his most productive week as a pro and has a chance to improve. He's averaging a whopping 5.5 yards per carry with limited touches. I'm looking for him to have a breakout game against the Bucs. Although the Bucs are 5-3 and have looked pretty solid, they have struggled on the road. They're 1-3 on the year outside of Tampa bay. Also, their starting SS Jermaine Phillips will be out in Sunday's game with a forearm injury.

Week 8: Arnaz Battle 3 receptions 26 yards

Week 7: Kevin Walter 3 receptions 27 yards; 1 rush 7 yards
Week 6: Bye Week
Week 5: Jonathan Stewart 19 rushes 72 yards 1 fumble
Week 4: Ray Rice 1 rush 0 yards

Midway through the Season...Top 10 for MVP

10) Andre Johnson WR Houston Texans

Why not, the statistical leader in catches, yards and yards per game deserves to make the list. He’s got 56 receptions, 776 yards and averages 110.3 per game. Only problem is he doesn’t have any production beyond that, only two TD catches and his team is 3-4.

9) Adrian Peterson RB Minnesota Vikings

Through seven games he has the second most rushing yards in the league with 684, and averages the second most rushing yards per game. Although he’s a landslide behind Portis, Peterson is the reason why the Vikings have won any games this year, let alone three. So as my first player whose on a team with a losing record, this is a suitable place for Petereson.

8) Chris Johnson RB Tennessee Titans

The first and only player on the board from the undefeated Titans,rookie Chris Johnson from East Carolina will probably not win the MVP award but he’ll at least claim the rookie of the year. He has the fifth most rushing yards in the league with 626, and fourth most rushing yards per game, averaging 89.4. I would have him higher on my list but his four touchdowns is a little low, he can thank Lendale White for that.

7) Jason Campbell QB Washington Redskins

Campbell is the only quarterback in the league without a pick, and as result claims the fifth best QB rating at 100.5. He’s eight games in and has only one turnover due to a fumble. Although he has only eight TD passes he compliments Portis and is a major reason for their success. With that said, he is currently ranked seventh in passing yards and still considered a threat outside the pocket.

6) Drew Brees QB New Orleans Saints

He’s my first candidate on a last place team, although, he is playing in the very deep NFC South. The Saints at 4-4 have used Brees like no other QB in the league. He has thrown for a league high 2,563 yards, almost 500 better then second place Kurt Warner. With that, he has the most passing yards per game at 320.4 and is the only one who averages more than 300. His QB rating is fourth best in the league. Plus he’s doing this all without a receiving core, his leading receiver is Reggie Bush with 42 receptions.

5) Larry Fitzgerald WR Arizona Cardinals

Fitzgerald has the fourth most reception yards in the league with 661 and sixth best with 94.4 reception yards per game. However, he would presumably have more if he didn’t have to share with teammate Anquan Boldin, who has the eighth most reception yards per game, but none the less, this guy is one of the main contributing factors why this team is winning. He has five TD’s, enough for second best in the league behind only, you guessed it Boldin. I would put Boldin in the discussion but he was out for two weeks with injuries, and unlike Steve Smith, he didn’t make up for his lost time.

4) Kurt Warner QB Arizona Cardinals

Warner claims the third highest QB rating at 102.1, behind only Tony Romo and Phillip Rivers. For all you non QB rating believers, he has the second most amount of passing yards and he’s already has his bye week. Not only that, but he has the fourth most TD passes with 14 and only six picks. Granted, he has two of the best receivers in the league, but somebody has to get it to them. He’s getting the W’s on the field, Cardinals are 4-3 with a two game lead in the division.

3)Michael Turner RB Atlanta Falcons

I know most of the attention is going to Matt Ryan, but Turner has turned this franchise around. He has the third most rushing yards in the league with 655 yards and 6 TD’s which is tied for fourth in the league. The team is 4-3, and if their success isn’t meaningful of his importance, look at his previous team, the San Diego Chargers and LT. LT is having his worst second worst season as a professional other than his rookie season, with his first 100 yard game taking half the season. Also, the Chargers are 3-5.

2) Steve Smith WR Carolina Panthers

Smith is the reason why the Panthers are winning, at 6-2. He averages 102.2 yards per game, good for second best in the league. Not only that but he ranks seventh in the league for total reception yards, which is pretty impressive considered he was suspended for two games to start the year. His four TD grabs are half of the TD’s Delhomme has thrown since he’s been back.

1) Clinton Portis RB Washington Redskins

This Guy is having a career year, he leads the league in rushing with 944 yards. That's 260 yards more than the second highest rusher in the league, Adrian Peterson. Not only that, but his 5.0 yards per carry rushing average is tops in the league for starting running backs. He has the second most rushing touchdowns in the league behind only fat Lendale White. And since most MVP voting is based on the teams output, it also helps to add that the Redskins are 6-2 in arguably the toughest division in football, the NFC East.

Fantasy Pick up of the Week

Arnaz Battle WR San Francisco 49ers

With the first game in the Mike Singletary era beginning on Sunday, I look for things to get shakin up a little bit. With that said, I think Battle will claim his first touchdown reception on the year. He has the most receptions on the team and he doesn't even start. Also, they'll be playing one of the worst teams in the league, the Seattle Seahawks. They're the fourth worst in points and pass yards allowed, so look for J.T. O'Sullivan to have a field day.

Week 7: Kevin Walter 3 receptions 27 yards; 1 rush 7 yards

Week 6: Bye Week

Week 5: Jonathan Stewart 19 rushes 72 yards 1 fumble

Week 4: Ray Rice 1 rush 0 yards

Fantasy Pick up of the Week

Kevin Walter: WR Houston Texans

He's the number two receiver for the Texans only behind Andre Johnson. Now that Matt Schaub is on his second week back from injury, expect Walter's to and Schuab to start connecting a little better. In last weeks game against Miami he had his highest amount of reception yards on the year.

But honestly, the real reason you should pick up Walters is because the Texans play the Lions at home. The Lions give up the 2nd most points with 31.8, the most total yards with 421.6 and the third most most pass yards with 250.6. Expect Schaub to be lighting up the field on Sunday and Walter to be the beneficiary.

Week 5 Pick: Jonathan Stewart 19 rushes, 72 yards and 1 fumble

Week 4 Pick: Ray Rice 1 rush and 0 yards

Five Most Overrated Players

In no particular order:

Donovan McNabb
Talk about a guy who doesn't show up to play in big games. Obviously, in the his only Super Bowl appearance, where he methodically ran the two minute offense and essentially gave the game away to the Patriots. Prior to that the three consecutive years in which the Eagles went to the NFC championship game and lost. Also as recent as their games against the Cowboys on Monday Night Football and their Sunday night game against the Bears, both on the main stage. Not only that, but he hasn't played a full season since 2003, and in his tenth season he's only played in every game three times. As the face of the franchise, McNabb has continually let down this team and it is his fault the Eagles have not won a Super Bowl.

LaDainian Tomlinson
Although history has been on his side, it's the what have you done for me lately that put LT on this list. In his six games thus far, he has only 405 yards, or 67.5 ypg along with only four TD's. These numbers alone should show how poor he has played this year. Not only that, he's averaging only 3.7 yards per carry which is he worst since his rookie year. LT is on pace to get only 1080 yards on the year which would be his lowest ever. He currently has the ninth-most rushing yards in the league and is ranked 105th in yards per carry.



Chad Ocho Cinco
I think this is a consensus pick for everybody. He has been a joke this entire season and last. He is the reason why people think professional athletes play only for the money. Since "Johnson's" last Pro Bowl he has been a one man publicity stunt. As a result his productivity has suffered. To put it simply, he's a joke.

Maurice Jones-Drew/Fred Taylor
These two backs are probably the most underachieving combo in all of professional football. In their three losses they have a combined 123 yards on 50 carries and 2 TD's; compared to their three wins where they have 410 yards on 87 carries and 3 TD's. What this tells me is when these two backs are productive, the Jaguars win, and when they're not, a Super Bowl contender turns into a pretender.

Ray Lewis
This old man needs to stick to the spirited dancing before games because he definitely does not contribute on the field. This old man averages only a little more than seven tackles per game in what is supposed to be one of the best defenses in the league. This old man has only helped the Ravens claim victories against two of the worst teams in the league in the Browns and the Bengals. This old man looked silly on Sunday against the Colts while they were moving all over supposedly the best defensive player in the NFL. Other then his loud and funny, but spiritual pre-game dances, he's nothing but and old man.

Sunday Funday!!!

Yesterday in my opinion was the best Sunday of the entire year. There were five games decided in the final two minutes or overtime, and produced some of the most exciting football of the year.

Game 1 Falcons 22 Bears 20
I saw this as a very clean game with no turnovers. Depending on how you saw the game, I felt the Bears defense played well; they only allowed one touchdown and kept the Falcons out of the end zone. However with that said, the Bears did allow six scores totaling 22 points. Not only that the Bears gave up an almost 30 yard pass to allow the Falcons get into field goal range and take the victory against the Bears in the final minutes. A positive for both teams was the play at quarterback. Both Matt Ryan and Kyle Orton showed that they are more than just game managers. Obviously with Ryan getting the win and putting the offense in a position to score seven times(including one missed field goal), he was 22-30 for 301 yards a TD and no INT's. Orton also had impressive numbers at 26-43 for 286 yards with a TD and no picks. However unlike Ryan, he did not get the win despite what should have been a game winning touchdown drive and beautiful touchdown pass to Rasheed Davis.

Game 2 Vikings 12 Lions 10
I guess this was a historical Black&Blue division game? Only the way I saw it was one really bad team against a not quite as bad team. Honestly, the Vikings got lucky to hoard off the winless Lions and claim a tie for first place in the division at 3-3. I mean who is Dan Orlovsky? Apparently the Lions got tired of hearing about the 10-win guarantee from John Kitna that they benched him for some other QB who has no right to be a starter in the NFL. The Vikings may be tied for first in an average at best division, but this is the second straight week where they've squeeked by and eventually they'll be exploited and fall off.

Game 3 Rams 19 Redskins 17
The biggest shocker of the week was this game. The depleted and winless Rams took out arguably the best team in football, the Redskins on the road. I put this loss on the entire Redskins organization, as their star RB flat out said according to NFL.com, "We hadn't thought ahead all season long until this week...The previous four games the focus was there." Although I'm not entirely sure why the Redskins would look ahead, they play the Browns next week who will be 1-4 after tonight's loss to the Giants. In any case, the Rams won on a last second field goal off the leg of Josh Brown from 49-yards out, if only it was as easy as it sounds. The Rams tried to give it away in the closing moments following a 15-yard personal foul penalty after Richie Incognito started arguing with a ref, forcing Brown to make the 49 yarder instead of what would have been a much easier 34.

Game 4 Texans 29 Dolphins 28
Another winless team gets their first victory of the year against arguably the most over-achieving team in the NFL. The Dolphins fall to the Texans despite claiming the lead in the final two minutes of the game. After a Ronnie Brown TD run for the Dolphins seconds after the two-minute warning, the Texans came down the field and put together a touchdown drive of their own, thanks to a Matt Schaub 3 yard TD run with three seconds left. Prior to the start of the season I thought the Dolphins would be bad and the Texans would be competing for a playoff spot. So to say the outcome of this game was a little shocking is ironic. However, I'll look for the Texans to turn it around after they've had the past month entirely on the road thanks to Hurricane Ike. With a second half full of home games, I'm not going to rule out the Texans.

Game 5 Cardinals 30 Cowboys 24
For all you Cowboy haters out there, this was the complete package loss for the 'Boys. The scene: 24-21 Cardinals, Cowboys ball and Romo completes a pass to David Witten at the Arizona 40 and ensues to spike the ball with 3 seconds left. Unfortunitely for the Cardinals, one of their players was offsides after getting hurt on the previous play so the ball gets moved up five yards to the Arizona 35. With only three secons remaining the Cowboys kick and it gets blocked, only Cardinals head coach calls a time out right before the kick to negate the blocked kick. Cowboys kicker Nick Folk capitolizes and makes the 52-yarder to send it to OT. With everything looking right for Dallas, they also get the ball and a chance to put it away. On the first play in OT, Tony Romo gets sacked and ends up breaking his pinkie which will sideline him for upto four weeks. He stays in the game but the 'Boys get no where. They're forced to punt, but on the punt gets blocked and returned by Monty Beisel to score and finish the game.

I say this is the complete package loss for the Cowboy haters because, 1) they lose. 2) the only reason they go to OT is because everything was in their favor, but... Tony Romo goes down and will the next four weeks.

***All images from nfl.com***

Why I love the NFL

Following yesterday's loss of the White Sox to the Rays and ending their post season dreams, I had no desire to continue watching baseball. So I flipped on the Saints/Vikings game on ESPN and swallowed my pain by enjoying one of the most fun football games I've seen in a long time.

And now that baseball season is over, at least for the team I have immediate interest in, it's time shift my focus to watching meaningless but exciting games of football.

If you watched last nights game, you'll know why I'm this excited. At no point was the game ever secure, and it had the most twists I've seen since a deformed Stretch Armstrong. OK, corny, but I was feeling it.

So especially since today's only sporting event was Troy vs. Fla Atl, I feel it's perfect timing to re-look the best football game of the year.

The Saints look unstoppable to start the game, as they scored a quick touchdown followed by another promising scoring drive.

Twist #1

A 46-yard field goal was blocked by Minnesota and returned to the house by Antoine Winfield 59 yards after the ball just fell into his hands. (photo from startribune.com).

Following the return, the Saints went down and scored a field goal rather easily.

Twist #2

On the ensuing kick off, New Orleans attempted an onside kick but was recovered by the Vikings.

The Vikings got almost no yards and escaped with a Ryan Longwell 53-yard field goal

End of 1st quarter 10-10.

The Saints still had the momentum but was quickly taken away following another huge play by Antoine Winfield.

Twist #3

Winfield sacked Drew Brees and recovered the fumble on the Saints 5 yard line which led to another Vikings touchdown.

The Saints lost any momentum they may have had in the first quarter and it turned into a 20-10 Vikings lead at halftime.

Twist #4

With the momentum gone, and the offense struggling, Reggie Bush returned a 71 yard punt return for a touchdown to bring the Saints within three.

The Vikings punted on their next possession to Reggie Bush who tripped over himself with seemingly a clear path into the end zone. The good field position led to a field goal and a tied game at 20-20 early in the fourth.

Twist #5

He did it again, Reggie Bush returned his second punt Return for a touchdown minutes after he helped set up the tying touchdown. Saints lead 27-20.

On the very next drive the Vikings answered with a touchdown drive of their own and tied the game at 27.

Twist #6

With less than two minutes remaining, the Saints put themselves in a position to take the lead with a field goal. But kicker Martin Gramatica hooked it right and gave the Vikings another chance. (photo from nola.com)

Twist #7

The Vikings capitalized on the Saints' missed opportunity and won the game on a 30 yard chip shot.

Final Score 30-27.

So I know this was quick, but I just really wanted to give props to the best game of the year.

Fantasy pick up of the week

Despite last weeks horendous pick in Ray Rice, I am here to show my worth this week.

Jonathan Stewart: RB Carolina Panthers

(photo from cache.daylife.com).

He's really starting to come into his own, the rookie out of Oregon has been solid thus far in the first four weeks. He has 197 yards with four rushing TD's. He has been splitting time with DeAngelo Williams but has been receiving the bulk of the carries while inside the opponents red zone - Stewart has 18 rushes and four TD's compared to Williams who has two rushes and zero TD's.

Another reason to start him is he has been lighting up the scoreboard in the last three weeks. I already mentioned his four TD's, but each has come in the past three games.

If the previous reasons weren't enough to consider picking up Stewart, consider this, the Panthers play the Chiefs. The Chiefs are arguably one of the worst teams in the league, especially on defense. Its defense has given up an average of 176.5 rushing yards, third worst in the league and is ranked 20th in points allowed and 29th in total defense. To put it simply, Stewart should run all over the Chiefs.

Week Four Pick: Ray Rice 1 carry for 0 yards

J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS!!!

Just when we thought we could write off the Jets and Brett Favre's brilliance following last weeks horrible performance against the Chargers, Favre complete a feat he had never accomplished before - throw six touchdown passes. (photo from cbsnews.com).

Although this is something nobody has seen out of Favre before, nobody should be surprised. He has a history of being very streaky, albeit he is predominantly streaky in a favorable way, he is still streaky. So following his performance against the Chargers, it wasn't fair for anybody to completely call the Jets' season a bust.

After all, the Jets were only 4-12 last season, and going into the season most experts said that this season would be a success if they improved their record. With that in mind, I don't think everybody's expectations should been raised following their week 1 win against the Dolphins.

Again with that said, everybody should still sit tight and not expect too much out of the Jets and Favre following this weeks win against the Cardinals. As impressed as we are with their performance, everybody should remember that this team is probably not a playoff team, so anything over 4-12 will be a success.

Iowa Football and the Chicago Bears

I really wanted to write about how comparable the Iowa Hawkeyes were to the Chicago Bears, but unfortunately, and fortunately, I shouldn't because of their moderately impressive win last night. However, I couldn't refuse. Despite the Bears' victory, both teams are eerily similar.

(images from stuckiniowa.com and canyouseethesunset.com).

Lets start with the Coaching Staff:

Both the Bears and Iowa have very unpersonable, generic and for the most part boring head coaches.

-We can always expect them to say the right thing but it's never what anybody really wants to hear.

-They both speak in a very monotonistic manner and don't really show any personality.

-You pretty much know what each is going to say prior to their press conferences. I'm willing to bet that reporters that have been around both for a while could answer the questions for both of them with close to 100% accuracy.

-Neither could make a decision on a quarterback for the longest time, and neither was really willing to talk about it.

-This is an old one, but doesn't Ken O'Keefe and his play calling remind anybody of John Schoop? I mean both coaches would call for a three-yard slant when it's 3 and 13.

Defense

-Both defenses are supposed to be the trademark for each team, but when it matters most, they seem to be non-existent.(except in last night's game for the Bears).

-Both teams have blown leads in the second half in two games this year, which accounted for each teams two losses.

Offense

-The obvious, each team had quarterback controversies with nothing close to that great of quarterbacks.

-I don't trust either team to score when you need them too.

-Both teams have running backs that have potential.

-Both teams have a bunch of no name receivers, yet fans of each team will tell you, to steal a line from Tony the Tiger, "They're GREAT!!!"

-They both manage to score quickly yet are non-existent late in the games.

-Neither offense knows how to run the two minute offense.

-They look really good sometimes, and for the most part you're left wondering what they were thinking.

-Despite winning a few games, you wouldn't be surprised if they don't accomplish much more from here on out.

Feel free to add anything else that I may have forgotten...

Fantasy pick up of the week

Ray Rice: RB Baltimore (photo from the washingtonpost.com).



1) With the current status of Willis McGahee and how seriously he has been effected by the gouging of his eyes in last weeks game against Cleveland, it's not completely sure what type of role McGahee will play. He has been hampered with vision problems throughout the week of practice and if they continue will limit his touches and productivity in Sunday's game against Pittsburgh. This should increase Rice's touches throughout the game and increase his yardage.



2) Le'ron McClain, the starting FB for the Ravens, has not participated in practice all week. He is the leading rusher for Baltimore and has the most TD's with two. With his status and production also unknown, the goal line offense where he is a feature back will need to call on somebody else. With the goal line back out, Rice will become the feature goal line back.



3) The Ravens play against the Steelers, who although look good, are not that solid on defense. They rank in the lower half statistically in every defensive category including rushing. Poor defense=more yards.

Weekly Post

For all you fantasy buffs out there...I'll give you a surprise guy each week that I think is going to explode. I'll do this every Friday, and unlike the sportscenter advice they give you to sit Peyton Manning for Donovan McNabb, (because who actually owns both), I'll give you guys that will more then likely be on the free agents list that you might want to consider picking up.

Its time to step up Aaron

Although he hasn't thrown a pick on the year, and only committed one turnover, a la a fumble, I'm calling for Aaron Rogers to start performing. After watching the Packer loss to the Cowboys, 27-16, I started to realize how unintimidating Rogers is. At no point during the game was I, depending on how you were watching the game, scared or confident, that he was going to get it done.

His numbers weren't bad, 22-39 for 290 yards with one rushing touchdown. But his inability to get the ball into the endzone is what cost Green Bay the game. They had three red zone drives stalled and came away with only nine points. Its been a trend on the year as he's only thrown four TD passes, with three coming against the lowly lions.

Mason Crosby, the field goal kicker for the cheeseheads, is 6-7 on field goals for the year, with his longest coming off of a 42 yard strike. Meaning that Rogers has gotten the ball within the 25 yard line at least six times this year and failed to come away with more then three points. (picture below from greenbaypackersticket.net)

Now I know he's replaced a legend, and nobody expects him to turn into Brett Favre over night, but at some point the team is going to need him to do more than just run the offense. When he first stepped in, all he was asked to do was run the offense and not lose the game. While doing that, most people agreed that the rest of the team would pick up the slack and lead the Packers to an 11-5 or 12-4 record. To which I still think it can be done, but they clearly will not get more then that.

And based off of tonights game, all they'll be is an above average team. Because they clearly showed that when they compete against the upper echelon of teams, they just can't pull it through. So in order for the Packers to be a real contender in the league, they need Aaron Rogers to completely embrace the role that the Packers need to win, and not the role that is comfortable for him right now.

The One Man Show

Although it might not seem like it, I really don't particularly enjoy writing about the Patriots, I'm more indifferent then anything. However since the majority of my posts are on the Patriots, I apologize in advance for those of you who really don't enjoy following the Patriots regardless if it's negative.

Despite having proclaimed this already as a Patriots post, it's probably more proper to claim it as a Ronnie Brown fan zone then anything else. For those of you where under a rock and didn't realize what happened, the Dolphins beat the Patriots. Let me say that again, the Dolphins beat the Patriots, no joke, 38-13.

Brown, the main catalyst in the Dolphins upset had five total touchdowns, four of the rushing variety and one passing. They weren't just your boring punch it in from the goal line kind either, four of the five touchdowns were direct snaps. The play calling and the execution had the Pats looking like Ohio State last week against USC. (picture from espn.com)

But as far as Brown is concerned, this is hands down the biggest game of his career. Coming into the game he had only one game in which he scored more then two touchdowns, last year against the Jets. Now obviously this type of production won't happen every game, but hopefully for Brown he can use this as a stepping stone for his marginal career thus far.

Now although I was never too high on the Patriots, so-called analysts diagnosed that the only supposed problem with the Patriots was their offense. Without Tom Brady it's an obvious problem. But what about the defense? Prior the game, the same analysts have been using the word "experienced" to describe the Patriots defense, but now it's official, that "experience" word was just a cover up for old and aged. But thanks to Brown and his heroics, he exploited what they really are, old.

Top 10 Sports Moments

10) 2008 Summer Olympics - Usain Bolt: The fastest man ever showboating his way to the triple crown of sprints (100 meter, 200 meter and 4x100 meter).(Photo from http://www.thesun.co.uk/)

9) 2003 Illinois High School Girls Basketball Sectional Final - Naperville Central vs. Neuqua Valley: En route to her first of two state championships, Candice Parker and her Naperville Central team escapes a controversial victory over Neuqua Valley.

A last second shot that was called off prevents Neuqua Valley from handing Central what would have been their first and only lose of the season.



8) 2007 Fiesta Bowl - Boise State vs. Oklahoma: The "hook and ladder" followed by the "statue of liberty" make up college footballs greatest game. (photo from http://www.usatoday.com/).

7) 1999 Women's World Cup - U.S.A. vs. China: 0-0 after regulation and overtime, Brandi Chastain knocks home the game winning penalty kick. (photo from http://www.enquirer.com/).

6) 2005 Illinois High School Girls Soccer State Championship - Neuqua Valley vs. New Trier: Neuqua Valley upset New Trier 6-3 after trailing 3-0 in the first half. New Trier, the heavy won two consecutive state championships and had not lost a game in three seasons prior to their state championship loss.

5) 2007 Super Bowl - Colts vs. Bears: The first time ever any African-American made it to the Super Bowl as well as the first victory for an African-American in the Super Bowl. Colts win easily after Bears start strong.

4) 2000 Slam Dunk Contest - Vince Carter: For the first time in a long time the Slam Dunk Contest was more then just an over hyped comedy act, thanks to Vincanity!(photo from http://www.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/).

3)2008 Men's Wimbledon Final - Rafael Nadal vs. Roger Federer: The greatest tennis match of all-time, No. 2 Nadal defeats No. 1 Federer and 5-time defending Wimbledon Champion in five sets.

2) 2005 World Series - Chicago White Sox vs. Houston Astros: The White Sox Sweep the Astros in four games and end an 88 year World Series drought. (photo from http://www.bestsportsphotos.com/).

1) 2008 NBA Draft Lottery: The Chicago Bulls earn the rights to the Number 1 pick in the NBA draft. The Bulls had a 1.7 percent chance of landing the pick. (photo from http://www.theonion.com/).

John Kitna's Guarantee

Prior to last season, John Kitna, the quarterback for the Lions, guaranteed that his team would win 10 games. Unfortunately, they fell short with an 8-8 record. But for the first eight weeks of the season it looked like anything was possible, starting 6-2. And anybody that can do math will be able to tell you that they finished 2-6, and short of the playoffs.

However with the beginning of this year, came a new, almost guarantee. Kitna said during training camp, somewhere along the lines of, "We have a really good chance of winning 10 games." Now I know this isn't the same thing as using the most unnecessary and overused positive thinking in sports, the guarantee, but it might as well have been. (picture from http://images.prideofdetroit.com/images/admin/KitnaPatsGame.jpg)

To which I ask:

What do you see in your team now that makes you think you actually can win 10 games?

Is this still the team that uses four underachieving receivers that were drafted in the first round?

Aren't you, John Kitna, still the starting quarterback?

So following today's game, in which Kitna literally threw away the game against the Packers by giving up two 'Pick 6's' in the final three minutes, it appears as if the Lions will once again be insignificant in the NFC. I'm not trying to hate on the Lions, rather, Kitna.

Kitna is not a legitimate starting quarterback in this league, and I don't understand why he is given the permission to run his mouth. He is a bad player on a bad team. It's almost humorous, of all people who should be talking, it shouldn't be him. I "guarantee" you that by the end of this season he'll have lost more games for the Lions, then he will have won.

Lay off Vince Young

In the storyline that is Vince Young, it's hard to not be interested. But at the same time, if he is dealing with physcological issues it's probably in our best interest to leave him alone.

After his breakout rookie season, Young commented that he may retire sooner rather than later, to which we all shrugged it off as nothing. However, recent events have made that statement seem a lot more realistic.

During Sunday's game against the Texans, Young threw his second pick of the game in the fourth quarter, and walked off to an attack of boos from the Titan "fans." It was said that while he was on the bench he either requested or showed that he did not want to go back into the game. Despite his alleged pleas, he went back into the game and four plays later left again, this time with a sprained ligament in his left knee.(picture from sportinglife.com).

What happened after the game however is the most shocking. The short and short of it is, that Young could not be reached on Monday and many people close to him feared that he was not in a good state of mind, and a potential hazard to himself. The authorities were informed as well as the Titan organization about the situation.

Eventually Young was found, and he dismissed the claims and said he had merely left his phone at home while he was out. However the following day, his mother came public and admitted that her son was not mentally right.

I never believed the thought that injuries only make you stronger when you come back, but maybe for Young, he needs this time away from the game to re-evaluate what's important for him. I think it's bad timing however because he's already had an entire off-season to think about the situation, this just might be his boiling point.

For a person in his situation I can't imagine that having this all public is the best for him either. Which is why I'm saying, Lay off, and give him the time he needs. And if he wants to walk away from the game let him and don't get in his way. The only thing important in this situation is his health, and if his health mentally is not where it needs to be, let him move on.

If you didn't believe me before about the Post-Patriot's Era, well...

Obviously the biggest story line coming from week one is the shocking season ending knee injury to Patriots QB, and boyfriend of Victoria's Secret supermodel Giselle Bundchen, Tom Brady. Brady left the game in the first quarter after getting hit by Kansas City Chief safety Bernard Pollard, (The photo above is the hit that took out Brady, from the AP.)

This is obviously a big blow to the Patriots, who many picked to have a similar season to last year, but an even bigger blow to the NFL. The NFL is losing the reigning MVP and one of the most marketed players and arguably the face of the NFL. I would argue that this is comparable to having lost Michael Jordan when he retired in the highlight of his career. However similar to the NBA at the time, the NFL has other superstars that will carry the league and continue to rack in millions and millions of viewers.

It will be interesting to see how well the Patriots can recover throughout the season and if Matt Cassel can pull an Aaron Rogers and replace a superstar, which we still don't know if it will work. Obviously the situation is different, but he will be put in a very similar role as Rogers to not blow the game but manage it. Based of his performance in the first game it looks possible but then again it was against the Chiefs. But what can we really expect from a quarterback who hasn't been a starter since high school? (Cassel was a back-up for both Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart at USC and drafted by the Patriots as a back-up.)

With all the drama following the Patriots, a story line to follow throughout the rest of the season will be the AFC East. Since it appears the Patriots are not the clear cut favorites any longer, a larger focus will be on the Brett Farve J-E-T-S Jets, Jets, Jets and the Buffalo Bills to see if they can actually compete with a down New England team. With that said the Bills looked good in their schlacking of the Rams and the Jets looked like another Brett Farve run team pulling out circus plays in order to get the win.

The Post-Patriots Era Begins!

Now you're all probably wondering, 'how can you actually claim that we're entering the post-Patriots Era?' It's simple, their window of opportunity has closed. To just get straight to the point, they missed their golden opportunity and unfortunately for them, this year will not result in anything similar to last years spectacular run.
Not necessarily because they don't have the talent or team to provide a threat to the rest of the league, rather because they had one year and one shot to do something never before done.
Several other teams in recent memory have missed out on claiming the grand prize, and the following season never recovered. Similarly, there are teams that did capitalize on winning it all and then the following years had meaningless season - similar to the season the Patriots will have.
Case # 1; The 2004 Auburn Tigers
In an unfortunate event, Auburn did not make the national championship game and finished the season ranked at No. 2, despite their perfect 13-0 record. It's a shame they didn't get to play for the national championship, but that's not the point. The point is that each of the following as well as the preceding seasons were nothing in comparison to their team in 2004. The window of opportunity for Auburn was 2004, and they didn't win.
Case # 2; The 2005-2006 Dallas Mavericks
Unlike the previous point, Dallas actually had an opportunity to play for the championship. However in a similar situation lost to the Heat in six games. What makes this more compelling is the Mavericks won the first two games before collapsing in the last four. The next season the Mavericks actually had a better team in the regular season but lost in the first round and again in the following season lost in the first round. The Dallas Mavericks' window of opportunity was 2006, and they missed it.
Case # 3; The 1997 and 2003 Florida Marlins
The only difference between this team and the previously mentioned, is that the Marlins capitalized on their one year. Leading up to the 1997 season, the Marlins never had a winning record, but in 1997 magic struck and they won in their only good season. Again in 2003, having only had one winning season prior, the 1997 season, the Marlins did not have a competitive team until 2003 where they took advantage of their one good season by winning it all. The seasons that followed were similar to all the other non World Series title years.
Case # 4; Super Bowl Losers of the previous decade
Six of the past seven Super Bowl losers have not made the playoffs(New York Giants 2001, St. Louis Rams 2002, Oakland Raiders 2003, Carolina Panthers 2004, Philadelphia Eagles 2005 and the Chicago Bears 2007.) This clearly shows how each of these teams' window of opportunity was the year in which they made the Super Bowl.
With all that said, I'm not convinced the Patriots will not make the playoffs. I think they'll end that trend, but they will not have the same dominating team that missed out in 2008.
Besides the scenarios provided above, they simply do not have as good of a team. The Patriots aren't getting younger, and the old guys that make up the core of their defense(Tedy Bruschi, Mike Vrabel and Rodney Harrison) are slowing down. Not only that but this years Patriots lost a lot more in the off-season then in previous years.
Most notably, they'll miss the presence of their two standout cornerbacks Asante Samuel and Randall Gay. Both corners opted to test the markets in free agency and signed with different teams; Samuel with the Philadelphia Eagles and Gay with the New Orleans Saints.
They will, however, bring back a similar offense from last year which set all kinds of records; but don't expect it to be as dominating again this year. By the end of the season several teams had started to figure them out but couldn't come away with a victory. Both the Eagles and the Ravens provided the Patriots with scares despite coming up short in the end. The Giants also came close in week 17, and proved that they only needed one more go around before they could beat them. I'll look for this as a main reason why the Patriots won't be as strong in their year following the Super Bowl.
The Patriots will play six teams that they played last year again in the 2008 schedule. Excluding the division opponents, who helped created arguably the easiest division in football with the Jets, Dolphins and Bills, they'll be playing Chargers, Colts and Steelers all over again. I look for these teams to really hand it to the Patriots in their second go around (third for the Chargers.)