Back To Football

I'll readily admit that I've likely developed a bit of a problem when it comes to my obsession with professional (and to a much lesser extent) collegiate football. Proof? I just signed up for the preseason pass on NFL.com, which allows me unfettered access to NFL preseason games. Yeah, it's f&*#ed up.


Flat Tires

The loss of Mikel Leshoure for the season this last week is a significant blow to the Detroit Lions. The first year player out of Illinois, a 225 lb. hard runner with a bruising style, was drafted to be a compliment to incumbent Jahvid Best. Now, it's not a big secret that the Lions had concerns about Best's durability as an everydown back with a pick of Leshoure in the 2nd round. Best didn't have a single game over 100 yards rushing, was injured and averaged 3.2 YPC. He's undersized and cannot run between the tackles 25-30 times per game. Jerome Harrison and Mike Bell were brought in as additional options. Don't look for much fantasy production out of the Lions' backfield in 2011. But you can look for them to finish ahead of Austin's Vikings, who will be last in the NFC North in 2011.

Same 'Old Boobs



While the fantasy universe touted the future that was Ryan Matthews in San Diego, Boobs couldn't help himself to yet another rookie skill position player. 2010 yielded not a whole hell of a lot for Matthews, and he looked timid and unsure in his timing and hitting holes when he wasn't hurt. Mike Tolbert, TD vulture extraordinaire, became the starting option. Thus far in camp, Matthews has been unimpressive, and even failed the 'conditioning test' that Fat Albert made famous last preseason. Tolbert is currently listed atop the Chargers' depth chart, but rest assured that they'll try to ram Matthews in the line-up as much as possible. The gave up too much to draft him.

Half-Breed

While I'm going to go ahead and ignore Austin's absurd 13-3 Arizona Cardinals prediction (because it's absolutely retarded and ignorant), I AM going to say that Kolb is not the best QB in his division. Sam Bradford is. In 2010, the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year took every snap for an emerging Rams team, throwing the ball more than any rookie since Dan Marino. And he was throwing to absolute nobodies, especially after Mark Clayton was injured. Enter Josh McDaniels and his history of making nobody receivers into legit receiving threats. Danny Amendola (chance to be an excellent Y or Slot Receiver), Donnie Avery (burner), and Mike Sims-Walker (untapped potential) could all have break out seasons and are sleepers at their position. Sam Bradford-top 12 FF QB in 2011.


Pick-to-Click

Roy "Legend" Williams



While this pick is sure to curry 'homer' calls from the masses, it's a legit football opinion despite the fact that yes, I legitimately think he'll have a nice 2011. Roy landed in Chicago where he's reunited with Mike Martz, who coached him in Detroit to his best professional seasons. Replace Joey Harrington with Jay Cutler (who's a pussy, but still a lot better than the 'Piano Man'), and you got the makings of a nice revival.