Yardbarker: Osi Umenyiora

2008 IDP Rankings: Defensive Linemen

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 11:30:52 -0500

Tiered defensive lineman rankings for 2008 fantasy IDP leagues.

Mike Florio Stays Consistent & Makes Dumb Comments On the Colts

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 18:56:34 -0500

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3RocbkSz3c For people who happen to read Mike Florio at Pro Football Talk, you should already know that he thinks the Colts are going to be passed by the Jaguars. He backs up this ridiculous thought with bad information and the twisting of facts. On the link posted above, you can see Mike Florio spouting off his usual "The Colts are doomed. There time is up." crap that he has been saying since the offseason started. He pretty much gives us three reasons on why the Colts are doomed: There are a bunch of injuries, the Colts give out big contracts which causes a lack of depth, and the Jaguars spent a lot of money this offseason. True, the Colts do have a lot of injuries. They also have said and shown that everything is fine. Bob Sanders has said that he is almost at 100%. Dwight Freeney has been running in practice, which gives me the right to assume that he is around 90 to 100%. Peyton Manning had an infected bursa sac which is not a big deal at all. Marvin Harrison is 110% and is only missing tomorrow night's game just to be careful that he wouldn't reinjure them. The contract comment was ignorant and stupid. If the Colts have bad depth, then teams with good depth should have multiple Pro Bowlers on the bench. Here are all of the players that were projected starters or contributors going into training camp that missed multiple games: Marvin Harrison Anthony Gonzalez Tony Ugoh Ryan Diem Dwight Freeney Anthony McFarland Raheem Brock Robert Mathis Rob Morris Freddy Keiaho So we didn't have 9 starters and our first round draft pick for multiple games, and still went 13-3 losing to the 2 teams who played in the AFC Championship Game by a combined score of I think it was 7 and a game where we rested the starters. That comment was made out of pure ignorance to what happened last year. He chose a little fact, and he ignored the other facts to make it seem like it was a problem. Jeff Saturday will get a big contract this offseason or at least the franchise tag. It won't hurt the team. Sure, Tyjuan Hagler might have to leave, and some players might be cut, but it won't affect the team. Throw in Cato June, Nick Harper, Jason David, and Dominic Rhodes, all of whom started in the Super Bowl season left, and we had a better playoff seed this time around. Also, his comment about the Jags spending money was another dumb one. In that case, I guess the Redskins should win the Super Bowl, the Knicks should win the NBA Championship, the Yankees should win the World Series, and USC should win the BCS National Championship Game. The teams that spend the most money don't always win the most games. It's not how much money you spend. It's how wisely you spend it. The Colts signing Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne, Dallas Clark, Dwight Freeney, and Bob Sanders to big contracts is better than giving players like Jerry Porter big contracts. These players are proven stars. Jerry Porter hasn't done anything recently to deserve that contract. Good teams don't spend money in the offseason on big name free agents. Look at the Patriots. They have drafted well over the past 8 years and made smart trades to get Welker and Moss, and they did great last year. The Chargers did well drafting LT, Luis Castillo, Shawne Merriman, Antonio Cromartie, and signing Antonio Gates as an undrafted free agent. The Giants drafted Corey Webster, Justin Tuck, Brandon Jacobs, Gibril Wilson, Osi Umenyiora, Michael Strahan, Ahmad Bradshaw, and made a draft day trade for Eli Manning. All of these guys were key to the Super Bowl victory. My point is, signing big name players in free agency does not make a winner. Sure, the good teams all have some players that were acquired through free agency. The Colts have Adam Vinatieri. The Patriots have Rodney Harrison. The Giants have Plaxico Burress. However, none of these teams have been out signing every big name free agent that comes their way. That's what the Raiders do. They get players like Javon Walker and suck. Free agency is not the way to build a team. Drafting well and making smart personnel moves is. So to sum it up, Mike Florio is as knowledgable as a five year old in Pakistan about the NFL and the game of football in general.

Age-old question about Eagles' Westbrook

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 00:07:52 -0500

"Here's how Osi Umenyiora would handle the Eagles' contract negotiations with Brian Westbrook if the Giants' Pro Bowl defensive end was in charge of the Birds' purse strings: He would give Westbrook a blank check and tell him to include as many zeroes as he thinks is fair."To be completely honest with you," Umenyiora said, "if Philadelphia really understood his value to that team, they would never even have allowed him to get upset with his contract. You take Westbrook off that team and nobody would fear them. I don't think they truly understand that."You've got to game-plan against him. You've got to know where he is every play. As a defensive end, the things that we do change when he's in the football game. When you've got a player on your team like that, you have to take care of him."He should be one of the highest-paid players in the league. Period. I'm not saying this as a friend of his. I don't even know the guy that well. I'm just saying it because it's the truth."Umenyiora might find this surprising, but the Eagles wholeheartedly agree with his assessment of the running back's value to their offense. Over the last two seasons, the guy has notched 4,020 rushing and receiving yards, which is 34 percent of the team's net yards over that period. A player everybody thought was too small to be an every-down back in the NFL had a league-high 687 touches in 2006 and '07.They also agree that Westbrook has outperformed his current contract. He is entering the third year of a 5-year, $25 million deal he signed in November 2005, which is small potatoes for a guy who is no worse than the second-best running back in the league right now.The dilemma for the Eagles isn't gauging Westbrook's worth to the team today. It's predicting what it will be tomorrow; what it will be 2, 3 and 4 years from now as he gets older and the physical pounding from 300-plus touch seasons begin to take a toll.It might seem like Westbrook hasn't been around all that long, but he is entering his seventh pro season. He will turn 29 in early September, which is young for a doctor or lawyer or stockbroker, but close to retirement age for an NFL running back.No position in football has a more dramatic production drop-off than running back. One minute you're bursting through holes for 8-yard gains, the next minute those holes are closing around you. Case in point: Shaun Alexander. Three years ago, the former Seahawks running back rushed for 1,880 yards and 27 touchdowns and was the league MVP. Now, just a couple of weeks shy of his 31st birthday, he can't find work.Precious few NFL running backs have managed to remain really productive into their 30s. Former Rams"

NFC East breakdown.

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 08:37:27 -0500

I feel like no one believes that the eagles can win the NFC east but I am going to break it down by position, and that will show they are plenty good enough to win the division QB: This is where i differ from most, everyone LOVES Romo but his numbers were pedestrian both years. He throws too many pics and does not come up when it counts. If Mcnabb can stay healthy I would put them like this 1.Eagles 2.Cowboys 3.Giants 4.Redskinsl RB: At the running back position the clear cut best back is westbrook, and with Buckhalter and Booker backing him up the Eagles take the cake at RB. I love the way marion barber runs the ball, but he is very overrated many people watch espn and see barber and go wow this guys great. However, he only had 975 yards, he needs to be the feature back for a full year and put up bigger numbers then that. People also forget how good Portis is and the redskins have betts too so they are in front of the cowboys, and then i put jacobs and the giants at the back of the pack even though that is very good RB corps. 1.Eagles 2.Redskins 3.Cowboys 4. Giants Wr/TE: This is where the eagles sturggle, they have no number one, can beat double coverage, wide reciever, niether do the redskins, but the giants and cowboys do(Owens and Plaxico). Owens is better then Plaxico and the cowboys also have other option i.e. Witten, and craytons alright too. Then its between the redskins and eagles for three ands four. While I love curtis and the addition of desean jackson they are not great, at least not yet for desean. The redskins do have moss, cooley, and then about 5 number 2/3 wide recievers. so this poistoin goes 1.Cowboys 2.Giants 3.Redskins 4. Eagles OL: This is an interesting position. the O-lines for all the teams have been streaky but i put them like this 1.eagles 2.cowboys 3. Giants 4. Redskins DL: At DL this division is stacked names like, Osi and Jayston taylor, and demarcus ware(I know LB but hes a pass rusher), Trent Cole, Justin Tuck, Greg Eliis. They are all very good or great pass rushers. At DT last year Mike patterson was one of the best in the league leading all D-linemen in tackles. I can't really tell yo how good the years were for the otehr teams DTs but i know the D-lines in general and they go like this, but they are all very good. 1.Giants 2.Cowboys 3.Eagles 4.Redskins LB:I differ here from many people. I know no one knows the eagles linebackers but I think they are going to be playmakerrs all year this year, they are young talented athletic playmakers. The cowboys have very good Lbs, I do not like Zach thomas as much as most, too slow and old, but he is still a geart LB. The Giants have pierce but that is about it ecspecially after losing kawika mitchell, and the redskins have LFB and marcus washington. I rank the LBs, but i think by the end of the season the eagles could have the best corps in the division and for years to come. 1.Cowboys 2.Redskins 3.Eagles 4.Redskins DB: In my opinion this is the most clear cut, the Eagles have the best with three pro bow caliber corners, then the cowboys with a lot of talent at the position, then the redskins, and then I just dont think the giants are very good in teh secondary. 1.Eagles 2.cowboys 3.Redskins 4. Giants Then special teams. this will shock everyone but I think the eagles now ahve the best special teams on the division. Desean jackson is a wizard of return and we all know how good david akers can be, and if you've been to leigh you can see Sav Rocca's potential. Then plus the free-agent signings of the free agent specialist it makes for a great unit I rank um like this. 1.Eagles 2.Cowboys 3.Redskins 4.Giants From thos rankings it is clear that the eagles have the talent to win this division. They just have to put this together on the field. The NFC representitive in the Suber Bowl will be from this division, my opinion I think it will be the Eagles or Cowboys, can not wait to watch those two teams play. As jessica simpson(or Justin timberlake) said at the espys, Romo Romo Wherefor art thouh Romo.

Where in the World is Michael Strahan?

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 15:40:53 -0500

In case you were wondering about the whereabouts of Michael Strahan, he was last seen in attendance at Affliction : Banned, giving an interview to Mike Straka of Fox News Fight Game.

Five Keys to a Giant Repeat in 08

Sun, 13 Jul 2008 07:38:08 -0500

After their incredible 2007 Super Bowl run, what's on the priority list for the G-Men in 2008? Hazem Kiswani tells us the 5 keys to a Giants repeat in 2008.

Super Cool Madden '09 Unlockable Characters

Sat, 12 Jul 2008 13:30:24 -0500

Hooray! Madden '09 is close to being released. I can't wait to get it for the ~~awesome high-definition game play, improved gang tackling, realistic fatigue, field goal nets, upgraded motion-capture system, passing cone,~~ updated rosters.

One of the best features of sports video games (besides creating yourself in the game and fulfilling all your childhood dreams while you prepare for your next day of work faxing T.P.S. reports to headquarters) is the Unlockable Characters features. It all started in NBA Jam for Sega, where after you pressed a sequence of 52 buttons and lit yourself on fire during the team selection menu, you could unlock Bill Clinton or Ted Kaczynski.

Da Great White Hype was able to contact EA Sports and get the super-secret list of unlockable characters...

1. Philadelphia Eagles Turnstyle

After Winston Justice's first start in the NFL (in which he played matador to Osi Umenyiora of the Giants, allowing 6 sacks), the folks at Madden have created the unlockable feature of the Turnstyle to substitute for Justice. To unlock the Turnstyle, all you have to do is catch a pass from Donovan McNabb that is thrown at your ankles. Not only will the turnstyle allow McNabb to have another precious second to release a pass, but it will actually not count against the salary cap at all, since it requires no money to eat, drink, or to buy jewelry or weed.

2. Abortion Doctor/Drug Dealer

Even though he is suspended for a year, you could unlock this feature in Franchise Mode, when you can pick up free-agent Travis Henry after his punishment is lifted by Rodger Goodell next year.

To unlock this feature, have your team average under 3.5 yards per carry combined with your first-round draft pick being a huge bust. Desperate times call for desperate measures...and you will be forced to sign the hydroponic running back, who also sports Shawn Kemp-like numbers (9 children from 9 different women, 18 ppg, 8 rebounds). But in order for him to stay on your team, you will have to have a character on the sidelines at all time with a dimebag and a wire hanger, ready for when Travis Henry needs a quick hit/termination of pregnancy.

3. Clipboard with Hand Warmers

One day after reportably asking for an unconditional release from Green Bay, the Packers have counteroffered with allowing Brett Favre to come back to the Pack...but only as a backup to Aaron Rodgers. This scenario seems highly unlikely to occur. But if he was to return as second fiddle, it would only be a matter of time until Rodgers was Nancy Kerrigan'd by one of the cheeseheads to allow the text-messaging gunslinger to start again.

So during those below freezing games on the frozen tundra, Aaron Rodgers will need something to keep those paws toasty while he reads off plays that he though he would be running since May. Unlock this feature by pressing up, down, RT, LT, down while you run out of the tunnel on opening day with Aaron Rodgers, to make him tear up while he gets booed by the Lambeau crowd, causing his eye black to run down his face.

4. The Garbage Picking, Field Goal Kicking Philadelphia Phenomenon

This Unlockable Character is based off the 1998 made-for-tv movie starring Tony Danza who portrays "a Philadelphia garbageman who develops leg muscles from kicking the hydraulic lever on his truck" who is subsequently discovered by the Eagles and signed to be their kicker.

This character brings to the team a rating of 97 for leg strength, a 93 on accuracy, and a 100 for hope. Unlock this character by unearthing the decayed carcass of Barbaro and adding the cooked horsemeat to some Campbell's chunky soup, which will be distributed to the Eagles by Miss McNabb.

Osi Umenyiora's Greatest Moments on Mike and Mike

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:07:39 -0500

My God, Osi is hilarious! You're going to have to go to the original articles to see all the videos, but here is the rundown of the contents. 1. Tom Brady, "Tell me how my ring tastes!" 2. His thoughts on Tiger Woods and Tom Brady as "athletes" 3. His Derek Jeter-Michael Strahan and Alex Rodriguez-himself comparisons Now go enjoy yourselves!

Read It And Weep, Prisco

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 22:49:48 -0500

I loved Prisco's top 50, but there were definite faults in it. Even though he did a great job tackling the Brady v. Manning topic, some of his picks were, how do you say, questionable. Here is my attempt at naming the top 50 players in the NFL. With 1696 players on the active roster, cutting it down to 50 is tough, but here I go. 1. Tom Brady/QB/New England Patriots (Prisco Ranking-1): Ugh. I hate this. I hate putting Brady at number one. 50 touchdown passes does qualify him for this spot though. This doesn't feel right. Do I have to put Patriots players on my list? 2. Peyton Manning/QB/Indianapolis Colts (Prisco-2): Ah, this feels better. Manning in his downyear through for more than 4,000 yards and 30 touchdowns, got his team a first-round bye while missing his top wide receiver for most of the year. Scary to think of what he can do with the whole team in his "great" years. 3. Randy Moss/WR/New England Patriots (Prisco-4): When he's not bumping traffic cops, he's pushing off of cornerbacks and safeties to break the receiving touchdowns in a season record (although that title is complete bogus). He should do well again this year, but not 20+ touchdowns. 4. LaDanian Tomlinson/RB/San Diego Chargers (Prisco-3): LDT is a Hall of Fame running back, but there are other backs in the league that are catching up to him. Tomlinson can do it all: run, catch, and even pass. He's the definition of an all-around back. 5. Bob Sanders/S/Indianapolis Colts (Prisco-7): Sanders is definitely the best defender in the league. No other defensive player changes a game in the way that Sanders does. We've all seen what the Colts did on defense in 2007 as opposed to the Sanders-less 2006. 6. Jared Allen/DE/Minnesota Vikings (Prisco-12): Legal matters aside, Allen has moved into the category of a healthy Julius Peppers and Dwight Freeney as the game's premier pass rushers. He got 15.5 sacks in 14 games last year. It is crazy to put him out of the top 10. 7. Antonio Cromartie/CB/San Diego Chargers (Prisco-NR): I have no idea how Antonio Cromartie was not ranked by Prisco. Cromartie led the league in interceptions, returned a missed field goal for a touchdown, and he recovered 2 fumbles. He was definitely the best corner in the league last year. 8. Adrian Peterson/RB/Minnesota Vikings (Prisco-15): Peterson exploded onto the scene last season, running for over 1300 yards, leading the league in rushing yards per game, and taking home the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. 9. DeMarcus Ware/OLB/Dallas Cowboys (Prisco-9): Last season, Ware had the best season of his career. He had career-highs in sacks and tackles, and he is only going to improve. 10. Walter Jones/OT/Seattle Seahawks (Prisco-16): Even though the Seahawks have no offensive weapons, the Seahawks have a top 10 offense. How is it possible? This man is the reason why. 11. Nnamdi Asomugha/CB/Oakland Raiders (Prisco-29) 12. Brian Westbrook/RB/Philadelphia Eagles (Prisco-20) 13. Reggie Wayne/WR/Indianapolis Colts (Prisco-22) 14. Steve Hutchinson/OG/Minnesota Vikings (Prisco-19) 15. Albert Haynesworth/DT/Tennessee Titans (Prisco-14) 16. Terrell Owens/WR/Dallas Cowboys (Prisco-13) 17. Jeff Saturday/C/Indianapolis Colts (Prisco-NR) 18. Champ Bailey/CB/Denver Broncos (Prisco-5) 19. Shawne Merriman/OLB/San Diego Chargers (Prisco-11) 20. Kevin Williams/DT/Minnesota Vikings (Prisco-10) 21. Dwight Freeney/DE/Indianapolis Colts (Prisco-25) 22. Ed Reed/S/Baltimore Ravens (Prisco-23) 23. Jason Peters/OT/Buffalo Bills (Prisco-27) 24. Richard Seymour/DE/New England Patriots (Prisco-30) 25. Braylon Edwards/WR/Cleveland Browns (Prisco-34) 26. Devin Hester/RS/Chicago Bears (Prisco-50) 27. Andre Johnson/WR/Houston Texans (Prisco-26) 28. Chad Johnson/WR/Cincinnati Bengals (Prisco-28) 29. Asante Samuel/CB/Philadelphia Eagles (Prisco-37) 30. Patrick Willis/MLB/San Francisco 49ers (Prisco-43) 31. Antonio Gates/TE/San Diego Chargers (Prisco-24) 32. Osi Umenyiora/DE/New York Giants (Prisco-42) 33. Tony Romo/QB/Dallas Cowboys (Prisco-NR) 34. Tony Gonzalez/TE/Kansas City Chiefs (Prisco-46) 35. Steven Jackson/RB/St. Louis Rams (Prisco-33) 36. Patrick Kerney/DE/Seattle Seahawks (Prisco-NR) 37. Mario Williams/DE/Houston Texans (Prisco-6) 38. Ernie Sims/OLB/Detroit Lions (Prisco-39) 39. Larry Fitzgerald/WR/Arizona Cardinals (Prisco-31) 40. Ben Roethlisberger/QB/Pittsburgh Steelers (Prisco-17) 41. Lofa Tatupa/MLB/Seattle Seahawks (Prisco-40) 42. Adrian Wilson/S/Arizona Cardinals (Prisco-NR) 43. Shawn Andrews/OG/Philadelphia Eagles (Prisco-38) 44. Tommie Harris/DT/Chicago Bears (Prisco-36) 45. Pat Williams/DT/Minnesota Vikings (Prisco-NR) 46. Aaron Kampman/DE/Green Bay Packers (Prisco-45) 47. Drew Brees/QB/New Orleans Saints (Prisco-35) 48. Brian Urlacher/MLB/Chicago Bears (Prisco-32) 49. Larry Johnson/RB/Kansas City Chiefs (Prisco-NR) 50. Plaxico Burress/WR/New York Giants (Prisco-NR) Unranked Players On My List That Are On Prisco's List: Carson Palmer (8) Charles Woodson (18) Steve Smith (21) Vince Wilfork (41) Kellen Winslow (44) Marcus Trufant (47) Wes Welker (48) Fred Taylor (49)

Osi Umenyiora on Tom Brady: "He's 100% Not Very Athletic"

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 22:12:19 -0500

On ESPN's Mike and Mike, guest host and NY GIants defensive end Osi Umenyiora had some interesting things to say about Tiger Woods and the top quarterback in the NFL, Tom Brady.

Osi's Freestyle Rap About Tom Brady

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 12:15:24 -0500

Even though he was kidding, it's still bothersome that another Giant is making a noise in the media.

“The Big Kid” Ranked The 5th Best Guard In The NFL

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 23:21:35 -0500

According to New Era Scouting, Eagles right guard Shawn Andrews is the 5th best guard in the entire NFL. Ahead of him on the list are Eric Steinbach of the Browns, Steve Hutchinson of the Vikings, Alan Faneca of the Jets, and Brian Waters of the Chiefs. Rounding out the top ten are Leonard Davis [...]

Wes Welker: "Asante Samuel chose money over championships"

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 13:39:46 -0500

Wes Welker, WR of the New England Patriots, said that he was disappointed that they could not resign Asante Samuel. He said that when signing with the Eagles he chose money over championships. Samuel has two championships already as Welker has zero. So what is Welker saying about the Eagles?

Birdsfan536's NFC East Predictions and Breakdown

Sat, 28 Jun 2008 23:58:27 -0500

The NFC East is of course one of the toughest divisions in football. Along with the AFC South it has to be named the most competitive division in the NFL. This is always a topic of discussion so here is how I see it. 1. Philadelphia Eagles: The Eagles finished 4th last year at 8-8. The year prior they finished 10-6 and taking the division. So consistency is really the question here. Can the Eagles reclaim the division? Well I see them doing just that. Many will disagree but you cannot count out that they have been the favorite in this division since the McNabb era started. This year they will go for not only the NFC East, but the Superbowl. Strengths: The Eagles have great lines on both sides of the ball. Trent Cole leading the way on defense and the strong tackles Jon Runyan and William Thomas have been playing with Donovan McNabb his whole career. Not to forget Shawn Andrews who has emerged as one of the best linemen in the NFL. Opponents must consider Brian Westbrook as the most lethal weapon in the NFL out of the backfield or from the slot. The Eagles have made a statement in free agency this year and really had the best offseason in the division. Picking up Cornerback Asante Samuel on the first day and Defensive End Chris Clemons on the second day plus many more, they are hinting they want it all this year. With a healthy McNabb, they should be clicking all year long. Weaknesses: The Eagles have always been known as a pass happy team. Andy Reid and company have been trying to balance out their offense for the past few years but obviously this team operates through the air. So it is like they live by the pass, die by the pass. It makes them one dimensional if they don't make an attempt to establish a run game early. Injuries have hurt this team as well. Brian Dawkins, Lito Sheppard, and Donovan McNabb have all suffered injuries over the past few years. If the leaders on this team cannot stay healthy, it will not be a successful year. Question Marks: Offensive consistency. Can this team score in the red zone? Can this team march down the field when they need to and win games? Can the offensive click and make big plays? Turnovers and field position. Can this team create turnovers? Can the defense score off turnovers? Can the special teams get field position for the offense? 2. Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys have a high powered offense. We all know that. Quarterback Tony Romo has many weapons through the air and on the ground no mercy back Marion Barber runs with heart and power. The flashy superstar Terrell Owens is out to get his ring and after the water works last season in a press conference following the playoff loss against the Giants. He wants to make sure secondaries are the ones crying while he's running past them. Rookies like Felix Jones and Mike Jenkins look to make an impact as do new additions Adam Jones (formerly known as Pacman) and Zach Thomas. Strengths: Offensive firepower is what carries this team. Tony Romo passing to Terrell Owens and Jason Witten is torture to defenses. Romo threw for 35 touchdowns last season and looks to match that this upcoming season and show every doubter he is the real deal. Marion Barber and Felix Jones should be a fun duo to watch out of the backfield. With Jason Garrett calling the plays, Dallas can look forward to a very successful offense in 2008. Terence Newman and Demarcus Ware lead the Cowboys defensive unit which can create big plays. Weaknesses: The Cowboys don't have many weaknesses on offense. I would have to say the biggest weakness on offense is the 2nd and 3rd receivers. Patrick Crayton has showed flashes but not enough to be that solid number two receiver playing across from Owens. Terry Glenn was great next to Owens but has been rattled with injury the last few years. The biggest weakness on the Cowboys is their defense. They have a few good players but overall they are average. The secondary is the biggest weakness on the defense. Roy Williams is not a cover safety and big passes can be completed against this secondary. Newman received star status by many last year but I believe he is a bit overrated. He only had 4 interceptions last year. Not mind boggling, he is just an average corner who was given a huge contract. Newman will have to prove himself to me this season if he wants to earn my respect. Question Marks: Rookie impact. Can Felix Jones be the answer to Julius Jones' departure? Can Mike Jenkins hold his own at cornerback when given the opportunity? Will these two first round picks even get on the field? Offensive chemistry, drama free. Will Terrell Owens open his mouth and say the wrong thing this year? Can celebrity Quarterback Tony Romo keep his love life out of the media? Will disgruntled safety Roy Williams restart talks of a trade? 3. New York Giants: The Giants shocked the football world. No, scratch that. They shocked the entire universe! Beating the odds and the Patriots, they went on to win the Superbowl. The Giants showed everyone that defense wins championships. The Giants are anchored by their defensive line and high motor defensive ends. Eli Manning took a big step on the maturity level and drove the team down the field to score the winning touchdown. Plaxico Burress also has a lot to do with the Giants offensive success, and don't forget about the two headed monster of Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw. Strengths: The defensive ends of the NY Giants are Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck. Two players who never stop hustling on the football field. These two knocked around Tom Brady all game and really ruined the Patriots offensive gameplan. The Giants defense can really change games and help them win. The offense can be lethal at times with Plaxico Burress, the 6'5 receiver, at full health. Burress played all last year with a nagging ankle injury, never practicing. Jacobs, the big back, can run through defensive lines and score easily in the red zone. Weaknesses: The Giants lost three key defensive starters. Michael Strahan's recent retirement was the biggest loss. Strahan is a Hall of Famer and a legend to the Giants. Safety Gibril Wilson and Linebacker Kawika Mitchell were both signed as free agents by other teams. These players will be missed on the field next season as they all contributed heavily to the Superbowl run and win put together by the team. Eli Manning also still has lots of work to do. He has matured a lot over his career but still struggles at points in the regular season. He threw a league leading 20 interceptions. He has to be more consistent for this team to move up in the division. Question Marks: Overcoming losses on defense. Can the team move on without the leadership of Michael Strahan? Can the linebacking corps remain solid without Kawika Mitchell? How will the secondary react to the loss of Gibril Wilson, a young rising star? Quarterback consistency. Will Eli Manning return with a swagger? Can Manning keep his interception total down? Will Manning be able to live up to the star status he earned from "The Drive"? 4. Washington Redskins: The hard-nosed defense overcame the loss of Sean Taylor. The tragedy which took place midseason, Taylor was attacked in his home and died in the hospital, did not stop the Redskins from marching into the playoffs on the shoulders of backup Quarterback Todd Collins. Much like the Eagles 2006 run to the playoffs powered by Jeff Garcia, Jason Campbell was injured and veteran Todd Collins came in and took the team into the postseason. It should have been very motivating to be in the playoffs but the team fell short to Seattle in the first round. Joe Gibbs retired after the season was over and Jim Zorn was hired to coach the team. Strengths: The Redskins are a hustle team. The defense is made up of players who just play with pride. They want to win more than anything and they show it on the field. The offense has many weapons from Clinton Portis to Santana Moss to Chris Cooley. Many players who can hurt a defense in many different ways. Rookies Malcolm Kelly and Devin Thomas will try to win starting jobs at wide receiver in 2008. The Redskins offense is built around speed. Guys like Antwaan Randle El, Ladell Betts, Santana Moss, and Clinton Portis fly around the field to make plays. The Redskins have a solid offense and defense looking to improve next year in consistency. Weaknesses: The Redskins took a shot in the dark when they hired new head coach Jim Zorn. He was the quarterback coach of the Seattle Seahawks in 2007 and he has no experience as a head coach. This can make a huge difference on a team, especially a young one. The Redskins have not seen consistent play from their young quarterback, Jason Campbell. He has to improve his consistency and stay healthy to make an impact in the 2008 season. The defensive side of the ball has to all come together and play like they did at the end of 2007. The Redskins have to unite as a defense to win because they really do not have any standout leaders on that side of the ball. If they cannot play as one, the outcome could be brutal. Question Marks: Defensive leadership. Will the young defense be able to overcome the passing of team leader Sean Taylor? Can they play together as one unit and make plays? Can a young player step up and take charge of this defense? Coaching staff. Will Jim Zorn be able to productively coach this young team? With no experience, will Zorn know how to handle the emotions of this football team? We have seen frauds like Nick Saban and Bobby Petrino, will Zorn be one of them?

2008 Bruno Boys Fantasy Football Notes - New York Giants

Sat, 28 Jun 2008 02:14:10 -0500

Up until their amazing playoff run, capped by Eli's escape and David Tyree's miracle grab, the New York Giants' 2007 season was a solid, but not spectacular one. Carried mostly by a defense that ranked 7th in the league, despite giving up 45 and 35 points in weeks 1 and 2 respectively, the Giants were able to play themselves to a 10-6 record. However, with an offense that ranked just 16th in the league, it appeared the Giants were headed for an early playoff exit and Tom Coughlin would be filing for unemployment. But, as they say, that's why the play the game, and after the games were played, the Giants were the ones who hoisted the Lombardi trophy. Beware though, because come draft day 2008 you don't want to be one of those fantasy football owners who remembers the Giants of 2007 for their playoff run. Those owners won't remember that Eli Manning