Tuesday Debate - Tight Ends

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This is week 4 of the Tuesday Debate. Today we are focusing on defense. Here is the rankings from cbssports.com.

Dallas Clark - He is always a good bet. Peyton has been with Clark forever and they have a strong bond. He will go early and he is a consistent player year after year.

Antonio Gates - He is a good tight end but beware as it looks like he will miss part of training camp because of his foot. He has put up good numbers in the past but I would be worried about how his foot will be throughout the year.

Dustin Keller - I think he will be a good late round pick. Mark Sanchez will be a 2nd year QB so he will be relying alot of his Tightend. So expect good numbers out of him.

So who are you ranking on your top 10?

To view previous Tuesday Debate articles click the category below.

Quarterbacks

Runningbacks

Wide Receivers

Defenses


Cheers!

Monday Gossip

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Here is your weekly gossip.

Image Credit: Michael DeMocker/The Times-Picayune

In today’s “Famous People You Don’t Want to Picture Doing It” news…The gossip websites are all atwitter with rumors that Saints defensive end Charles Grant is “getting his tackle on” with the ever-outspoken NeNe Leakes from “The Real Housewives of Atlanta.” The rumor stems from a call into a radio show by fellow RHOA castmate Kim Zolciak. She claims Leakes has been cheating on her husband Greg with Grant for years.
Click here for the article.



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Reggie Bush and Kanye West's ex-flame Amber Rose were inseparable at Axe Lounge at Dune in Southampton. "They sat close together, went for bathroom breaks together, and she was doing some sexy moves for him. It looked pretty hot and heavy."

Click here for the article

Image Credit: tvrage.com
These Joes say they got hosed.

Two seething Long Island men have filed a federal lawsuit against Spike TV, claiming the television network flagrantly ripped off their copyrighted script for the sports reality show "Pros vs. Joes."

Hosted by former Giants star Michael Strahan and now entering its fifth season, the hit show depicts sports stars like Michael Vick and Donovan McNabb competing against amateurs in athletic competitions.

The two medical-supply salesmen, Chris Castorina, of Huntington, and Steven Morse, of Lake Grove, claim in their suit filed last week in Central Islip that the format of the show is nearly identical to a script they wrote, copyrighted and floated to television executives before the program hit the air.

"The little guy got screwed here," said Morse, a former NYPD cop. "We just want what we deserve."

Click here for the full article.

Cheers!

Madden NFL 2011

Image credit: gamestop.com

Madden NFL 2011 comes out August 10th. It is expected to be an amazing game. They are saying that alot of the issues that have been plaguing players since Madden 05 have been fixed. Here is a few of the big changes in 2011.

• Pre-owned Game/New Game - You will have to shell out an extra $10 for an "Online Pass" from EA to play a used copy of the game online. EA announced this change to all of their games lineup earlier this year. Madden NFL 2011 is one of the 1st to do so. So buying new may be your best bet at least for the 1st few months if you plan on playing online.
• From 350 Plays Down to 1 – Introducing GameFlow, an all-new playcalling system that automatically selects the best play for your team based on situational, authentic NFL game plans. Listen as your coach calls in the play from the sidelines based on your favorite team’s real-life tendencies, or add a new level of strategy by creating and customizing your own offensive and defensive game plans.
• Full Games in Half the Time – With an all-new playcall system, spend less time in the huddle and more time on the field. Experience all of the drama and excitement of a full game in as little as 30 minutes.
• Less Buttons, More Moves– Enjoy success using only the two control sticks. Run through holes, break tackles, and explode in the open field thanks to the intuitive and responsive Dual Stick Control. All-new locomotion provides true acceleration and deceleration, as well as natural planting and cutting, making Madden NFL 11 the most authentic looking and feeling football game to-date.
• See It. Hear It. Feel It. – Experience a new level of excitement with completely revamped audio presentation from the booth to the field. Gus Johnson, one of the most electrifying commentators in sports injects his energy into the play-by-play call, while Cris Collinsworth provides his Emmy winning analysis. Authentic team specific chants and stadium music bring game day to your living room like never before. (BTW, make me gag I hate Cris Collinsworth)
• Online Team Play – Madden NFL 11 becomes a true team sport in an all-new cooperative mode. Play 3-on-3 online with, or against, up to five friends, with each team member controlling a squad of skill players: QB, RBs, and WR/TEs on offense, and D-line, LBs, and D-backs on defense.
• Online Scouting – Study your opponents like an NFL coach. Gain an edge on your online competition by scouting their play tendencies throughout the course of the game, both on offense and defense.
• Build the Ultimate Team – Madden NFL Ultimate Team combines the best aspects of Madden NFL 11 gameplay, card collecting, and fantasy football – all into one unique mode. Earn, purchase, and participate in user auctions to collect player cards, all while managing your fantasy roster. Compete in matches online and see where you rank amongst your friends. Madden NFL Ultimate Team has something for every fan of the NFL.

Check out the video below for game play.

More Madden NFL 11 Videos

I am impressed by the reviews and the changes. It sounds like Online play may be getting a big boost this year. The player switching sounds like it has gotten much better too. I can't wait to see what it looks like in person.


BTW, If you pre-order through Gamestop you will receive a one-time use code to download the GameStop Boost Pack: 20,000 Madden NFL Coins (Valid online and in stores). Get $10 off a future order when you preorder Madden NFL 11. The $10 coupon code will be emailed within 2 business days of when your order ships.(Online Offer only. Not valid in stores or for in-store pick up customers.)

Cheers!



**I am in no way affiliated with Gamestop.com or EA Sports. I did not receive any compensation for this post.**

The Weekly Buzz

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Here's is your weekly dose of the buzz...

Packer's profit slides more than $10 million

The Green Bay Packers remain profitable, just not as much as they have been in recent years.

The Packers are the only NFL team that opens its books to the public, and this year's financial report is certain to come up in the league's labor negotiations.

Packers officials said Wednesday that the team posted an operating profit of $9.8 million in the fiscal year that ended March 31, down from $20.1 million the previous year. The team has been in a slide since posting an operating profit of $34 million four years ago. -- Associated Press

LaRon Landry has toe surgery

Safety LaRon Landry, coming off a disappointing 2009 season, underwent successful toe surgery recently and is expected to be ready for the start of training camp, two people familiar with the procedure said Wednesday.

The surgery was performed in North Carolina on June 23, the team sources said. Landry was slowed for more than a month of the Redskins' offseason program because of what Coach Mike Shanahan described as "soreness."

Attempts to contact Landry were unsuccessful. Tony Wyllie, the Redskins senior vice president, said the team had no comment. - Washington Post

Farve: Surgically repaired ankle may prevent return

Brett Favre said during the ESPY awards show on Wednesday night in Los Angeles that he would "love to play" for the Vikings this season but still hasn't decided if he will return because his surgically repaired left ankle continues to give him problems.

"I still have a little bit of time, and believe it or not, [I'm] not completely healthy," Favre said during a backstage interview at the Nokia Theatre that was aired on the ESPN3 website after the show ended. "I guess at 40 I may never be. I'm not getting any younger, but I am working hard trying to feel as best I can. Last year, I felt great. My arm was totally different than it was the year before [in 2008 with the Jets] and that made my decision a little bit easier. But we'll see." - Star Tribune

St. Louis Rams & Sam Bradford to start work on deal

The St. Louis Rams and quarterback Sam Bradford's representatives are scheduled to meet Friday in St. Louis, according to a league source.

It is thought to be their first face-to-face meeting since the Rams selected Bradford with the No. 1 overall pick. The two sides spoke before the draft, but could not complete a deal and tabled talks.

Whenever Bradford signs -- and nobody expects him to miss much, if any, training camp -- the deal will include the most guaranteed money in an NFL contract. - Espn.com

Cheers!

Tuesday Debate - Defense

This is week 3 of the Tuesday Debate. Today we are focusing on defense. Here is the rankings from cbssports.com.

New York Jets -Jets, Jets, Jets! That's right I think Jets are going to be the defense to get this year even if Revis holds out. Rex Ryan will keep them in check so get them fast. They will go 1st I am sure.

San Franciso 49ers - I think they are going to be a great option this year. I think you could get them late and they will produce big numbers.

Houston Texans- They would be a great pickup as a backup defense. Cushing is suspended for the 1st 4 games so they will not be a good option then. But I think they have good potential for rest of the season. Look to see them go really late. You may even be able to pick them on the waiver.

Defenses are always a hard pick. As you could switch defenses every week and have a better year then just getting one. So good luck!

To view previous Tuesday Debate articles click the category below.

Quarterbacks

Runningbacks

Wide Receivers


Cheers!

Monday Gossip

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Here is your weekly dose of gossip.



Image Credit: XposurePhotos.com

Jessica Simpson was seen making out with her new ex-NFL player boyfriend, Eric Johnson at her 30th b-day party. Eric Johnson was a 7th round pick by the San Francisco 49ers in 2001. He was their starting tight-end until the 2006 season when he split time and then lost his job to Vernon Davis. He then spent 1 year in New Orleans before he was released in 2008. Eric Johnson is currently married but has filed for divorce.

It looks like Jessica has found herself another winner football player....

Click here to read the full story...





Image Credit: popcrunch.com


Chad Ochocinco debuts new reality tv show on VH1 called "Ochocinco: The Ultimate Catch". On “Ochocinco: The Ultimate Catch,” Chad – with a little bit of help from Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Bernard Berrian – will evaluate a group of 85 women, and whittle them down to just 17 lucky ladies. The women will then be put through a variety of weekly challenges.


As if the reality dating shows were not bad enough now we get NFL players looking for love. We all know how well the reality tv dating shows work out....

Click here to read more..







Cheers!

Tips for Draft Prep

I came across a cool article on Tips for a Successful Fantasy Draft Prep. The writer went into how this time of year is the dreaded "waiting period" and how its the best time to start your homework for the next season. He made this statement in the article that I agree with completely, "Although a good draft does not guarantee you Fantasy Football Supremacy, a bad one will wreck your season. " So read the tips below and start doing your homework for the 2010 Fantasy Football season.

Below is a list of the 5 Tips he had for Draft prep...

1. Project players fantasy points - He goes into making sure you understand how your league scores points and setting up your "guesses" for how a player's stats may be for that year. Then convert that to fantasy points. And voila!, you have your list of players, now you need to rank them.

2. Get current on NFL off season moves - This one is self explanatory. You need to know where some people are now to see how that will affect their stats versus the previous year.

3. Review and Learn the NFL Schedules - This is important when setting your player rankings, b/c you can end up with one of those dreaded half of your starters have the same bye week situations. The bye weeks are also important for the playoff weeks as well!

4. Note Defensive Matchups in Playoff Weeks - This is important for making sure you have the best possible matchup for the playoff weeks. Who wouldn't love Petterson versus Detriot?

5. Participate in Mock Drafts - I personally do not see the advantage to mock drafts. I know there is some people who love them, but I do not get it. The writer suggests getting other people in your league to participate in a mock draft...but who is going to give away their "real" draft plan during a mock? The writer believes it is important b/c you get to see what people believe player values are and readjust your round strategies.

I hope these tips were helpful or at least provided a checklist for things to do prior to draft.

Now get out there and do your homework!

link to article: http://www.footballdocs.com/draft_preparation.html

**This i a re-post from last year. I will occasionally re-post articles from the past as they apply. **


Cheers!

Tuesday Debate - Wide Receivers

This is week 2 of the Tuesday Debate. Today we are focusing on wide receivers. Here is the rankings from cbssports.com.
Steve Smith - I think he is going to be a bust this year. He has no QB. I think he will end up being a #3 wide receiver maybe #2 this year.

Anquan Boldin - Expect BIG numbers from him this year. He will be #1 @ Baltimore this year so he will be bringing in the high numbers. I expect him to go early in the draft maybe even 1st round.

Sidney Rice - I am sure Brett is coming back and that will equal good numbers for him again. You will see him go in the 2nd round. He is definitely a #1 WR.

I think we will see alot more wide receivers go early in the draft since the RB's are all over the place. So pick wisely.

To view previous Tuesday Debate articles click the category below.

Quarterbacks

Runningbacks

Cheers!

Monday Gossip

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Here is your weekly douse of NFL gossip.

Image Credit: www.sportsbusinessdaily.com

Rumors are flying about Rich Eisen's involvment with ex-Philly anchorwoman Alycia Lane. Flirty emails have been released where she calls him "arm candy" and he calls her "hottie". Rich Eisen is married and just recently had a baby. She had previously emailed bikini shots to Eisen, but his wife intercepted them.

This is not good for Rich Eisen's image. He has always come off as a down-home, sweet guy. But that is looking further and further from the truth. I hate it, I always liked him.

Click here to read the full article.


Image Credit: AP

The cheating Tiki Barber is claiming he is broke and cannot afford his divorce settlement. He insists that is career is in the gutter since he lost his $300,000/year job with NBC.

I do not have any sympathy for him. Maybe he should of thought more about his choices before making them.

Click here to read the full article.


Image Credit: The Times-Picayune

Saints Assistant Coach pleads guilty in real estate swindle. Defensive line coach Travis Jones pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges on June 23rd. He still appears on the team's official website so we are still lead to believe he is employed my the Saints. Jones involvement was limited to only two situations that he received $86,225.28.

This looks like a case of you cannot trust your friends to me.

Click here to read the full article.


Cheers!

Are PEDs Worth the Gamble?

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Are PEDs worth the gamble?
Is the NFL doing enough to deter its players form using banned substances or is the standard 4-6 game suspension insignificant enough that too many players are willing to take the gamble?

I found this question on the Washington Post's The League section (you can click on the quest to go to the question and panels responses). I found it an interesting question to ask. They have a panel of experts respond to the question with their take. I thought it would be fun to take this question and give you my "expert" opinion.

I think that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has been good at being consistent in his response to the use of banned substances. It seems as though the problem is not in the punishment being handed out as much as the players not understanding the rules. I think the league needs to start encouraging and pushing for players to contact team doctors before they take anything including over the counter drugs. It seems that most of the players that have been busted lately had taken something over the counter that was on the banned substance list. Maybe the league needs to start giving players a list of drugs they can take that is over the counter for common issues such as cold, flu, etc (similar to what the doctors give you when you are pregnant). Then inform them that they must contact their team doctor about any other drug they wish to take. Then be strict in enforcing the rules. I believe they should lay out a standard concrete punishment system. For example, busted once gets 4 games, busted 2nd time gets 8 games, busted 3rd gets a season, busted 4 expulsion form the league.

What do you think? Do you think they are doing enough?

Cheers!