HarleyQuinn

Morris Buttermaker

Ah, right. As for the reach comment, all it takes is one team to fall in love with a player (Tennessee with Chris Johnson comes to mind) and "reach" to turn the expected on its head. Detroit has the #1 and #23 though Black's a Jr. and I'll wait to see if he comes out. Everything I've read about Boone has me liking him more and more and think he could be a great fit for a Detroit team that needs his kind of style. I've also seen him projected anywhere from Late 1st to 3rd Round. "He likes to get downfield in the run game and run over people in the secondary. Boone also happens to be a very, very intelligent offensive lineman, which helps him while pass blocking. He is always careful to slide past protection to pick up blitzing linebackers or defensive backs. He uses excellent leverage and technique while blocking, and possess fantastic speed for such a huge lineman." - FFToolbox "He's a right tackle and he might have to be moved to guard, but he's a nasty type of player. He's not real flashy and he dropped a little bit, but in the end he's going to be a heck of a football player in the NFL. He's played with good technique and he's so durable and nasty and offensive line coaches will fight for him but scouting directors who love upside will want to pass on him. He'll slip enough to be underrated." - NFLDraftBible IMO, Detroit could get a steal if they select him in the 2nd (or get lucky if he falls to the 3rd) where they can move him to RT or inside to RG. He sounds like one of those O-Linemen who fall due to a lack of real upside but are just good, solid football players overall.

I'd target the D-Line and O-Line. People forget that while Atlanta took Ryan, they also traded up into the 1st round again to take OT Sam Baker. I'd probably take DE Brian Orakpo (6'4", 260 with a reported 4.75 40) at #1 overall and then trade the 2.01 to move up into the 1st and aim for OT Phil Loadholt (Oklahoma 6'8" 337) or OT Alex Boone (Ohio State 6'8" 312). - Alex Boone (from Ohio State Bio): tremendously talented veteran player who possesses the physical tools to be a standout ... can play either tackle spot, but has settled into the left side for the Buckeyes ... big, strong, aggressive and smart ... effective as a pass protector because of his combination of deft footwork and balance ... studies the game intently.

Fair enough as I don't follow the Bears and trust your judgment on the team. You say that he's "destined to be a backup quarterback" and maybe it's seeing every snap, but it seems that everybody wants Orton out. He played up and down in the few games I caught (Atlanta, Minnesota Game 1, New Orleans, and Green Bay). He seems like he can keep the Bears in a game and is an enigma in that he can win you one or lose you one any given game but he's not that dissimilar from Rex Grossman (less arm strength, fewer mistakes). Why the general dislike from Bears fans/Jerry Angelo?

Ouch... finished 2nd in the PF race with 133 and yet had a record of only 8-8. Damn schedule!

I still contend Orton could be a decent QB if given a proper coach or even just a decent OC. He threw for 2,972 yards with 18 TD vs. 12 INT and was only sacked 27 times. His big issue is fumbling (6) and the lack of a wide open offense that doesn't think it's still in the mid 80's where they can get by with running the ball 35-40 times a game and playing a conservatively "safe" passing game. The games that Orton threw 30+ times (9 Games): 196/320 (61.3%), 2154 yards, and 14 TD vs. 7 INT. As for the wide receivers, they really need a go to possession guy but they have some decent depth. Devin Hester, despite the arguments against him, averaged 13.0 a catch and should improve with more experience under his belt (Manning seems to be doing fine as the returner). Rashied Davis and Brandon Lloyd both seem like solid #3 and #4 receivers for depth as Davis averaged 12.7 YPC and Lloyd a surprising 14.0 on only 26 catches. Having 3-4 dependable receivers (see a Gaffney in NE or Nate Washington in Pittsburgh) can make an offense even deadlier and the Bears have a 2, 3, and 4. Just need a #1 threat. Ideally the Bears Offense would do the following... #1: Get an offensive line that can run block as well as they seem to pass block. #2: Get a "beast" at Wide Receiver to take over the 1 spot. Jerry Angelo's killing them here... #3: Get an OC who will open the playbook and challenge Orton to throw downfield a bit. When your RB leads the team with 63 catches despite a paltry 7.6 YPR, something's wrong. If need be, ditch Kevin Jones (and Adrian Peterson) and use Garrett Wolfe as your screen receiving back ala Darren Sproles in San Diego. He had a 13.0 YPR last year despite only 9 catches.

This makes me wonder... why don't these teams go after either top end defensive college coaches or good position coaches on average teams? Guys I would take a look at (Not sure if they can even be interviewed...) - George Catavolos (Buffalo Bills DB Coach): Were 13th in passing yards and 4th in passing TDs allowed - Raheem Morris (Tampa Bay Buccaneers DB Coach): Were 4th in passing yards and 4th in INT - John Pagano (San Diego Chargers OLB Coach): Were 11th in rushing yards and 8th in TDs allowed Some other minor news... - Jacksonville Jaguars signed WR D'Juan Woods (Brother to Rashaun Woods, who failed spectacularly) to a contract. - Green Bay Packers signed P Durant Brooks, WR Brett Swain, and WR Lorne Sam to contracts. - New England Patriots signed DL Titus Adams to a futures contract. - Kansas City Chiefs signed RB Dantrell Savage to a futures contract.

I guess my issue is... I weigh the "top end" of the schedule more than I do the total. - New England (2007): 120-120. They played 11 games with 7-9 opponents or better. 6 teams won 10 or more games. - New England (2008): 118-122. They played 12 games with 7-9 opponents or better. 4 teams won 10 or more games. People are crying about how the Patriots had the easiest schedule ever this year... Their opponents lost just 2 more games in total than they did last year and they even played 1 more game with an opponent at 7-9 or better. The difference? They played 2 fewer games against teams that won 10 or more games by season's end. People equate top end win totals with tougher schedules.

As an aside... HUGE news! Adam Schefter Broncos fire long-time coach Shanahan Posted: Adam Schefter | Adam Schefter | Tags: Denver Broncos, Mike Shanahan The blockbuster of the coaching season just came in: The Denver Broncos fired Mike Shanahan. Shanahan had three years and upwards of $20 million remaining on his contract. Shanahan was the longest tenured coach in Broncos franchise history.

The remark was to Kinetic who stated that the Patriots seemingly hadn't played a tough schedule in a while. Last year, the Patriots played 8 teams with a record of .500 or better and the Bengals/Bills (twice) both finished 1 game shy. They played 11 games against teams with at least a 7-9 record. That's 69% of their total schedule. 38% of their opponents had at least 10 wins, with Washington at 9. Kinetic - "Nice to see New England finally drawing a difficult schedule" You're saying the above schedule wasn't difficult, Naiwf? Sure, they had some easy cream puffs but EVERY team has some of those on their schedule (just look at Pittsburgh this year... Cleveland, Houston, Cincinnati, Jacksonville, San Diego, Washington) Thanks for playing though.

Last year the Pats had one of the most difficult schedules and went 18-1... Amazing how short memories are... 2007 Schedule (Notable Opponents in Regular Season) - San Diego Chargers (11-5) - Cleveland Browns (10-6) - Dallas Cowboys (13-3) - Washington Redskins (9-7) - Indianapolis Colts (13-3) - Philadelphia Eagles (8-8) - Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6) - New York Giants (10-6) Combined W/L: 84-44 (65.6%)

http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d8...mp;confirm=true Patriots have a tougher schedule next season... - Jacksonville Jaguars (Home) - Tennessee Titans (Home) - Baltimore Ravens (Home) - Atlanta Falcons (Home) - Carolina Panthers (Home) - Houston Texans (Away) - Indianapolis Colts (Away) - Denver Broncos (Away) - New Orleans Saints (Away) - Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Away) Baltimore, Atlanta, Carolina, Tennessee, and Indianapolis are all playoff teams. I'm really curious to see how Belichick defends against the Saints offense.

Gilbert Grape

Well... ALLEN PARK, Mich. -- Detroit Lions Owner and Chairman William Clay Ford announced the following today: The promotion of Tom Lewand to Team President. The promotion of Martin Mayhew to General Manager. Rod Marinelli has been relieved of his duties as Head Coach. The following assistant coaches will not be retained: Joe Barry (Defensive Coordinator), Mike Barry (Assistant Offensive Line) and Jimmy Lake (Secondary). The contract of Joe Cullen (Defensive Line) will not be renewed. The team also announced that Jim Colletto has been re-assigned to offensive line coach. Additionally, Dave Boller (Assistant Director of Pro Personnel) will not be retained.

A little surprised to see Eric Mangini go (10-6, 4-12, 9-7) but then again, this is a team that fired Herman Edwards after he went 10-6, 9-7, 6-10, and 10-6 with three playoff appearances in four seasons. I'm curious where Romeo lands... would love to see him back in New England as our DC but doubt that will happen. I also read that Mike Singletary was announced as the 49ers HC after the game for 2009. to Singletary for finally getting a HC position.

Is it just me or was there a ton of parity this season? Near as I can tell, the worst record is 3-11-2 with an impressive low of only 5-11 in the NFC. At least 16 teams finished in the area of 7-9 to 9-7.

and Favre could end his career with an even 21 TD/21 INT season too.

For me, when I think of the Horsemen I think of Ric Flair who's elite on the mic and in ring, Tully/Arn who create a very good tag team whilst also being able to bring it on the mic (Arn moreso), and then there was the 4th member who seemed to constantly rotate at times during the Horsemen's total run in WCW. So with that criteria, I'm mainly looking at Flair, a 2nd who can challenge for the IC Title/Tag with the 3rd and cut a great promo, a 3rd who can form a solid tag with #2, and the 4th who can basically act as an intimidator while still being a decent wrestler. In terms of "players" in the group... - Ric Flair: Leader striving for the WWF Title - Ted Dibiase: Ya know... I really like this selection (I would've chosen Bret Hart if he hadn't just turned face). He would later tag with IRS anyway as Money Inc and he'd be a perfect compliment to Flair in both workrate and on the mic, which is really just as important. - Irwin R. Schyster: I would drop the tax gimmick but here's a guy who would be a good 3rd man and can cut a decent promo as part of a group. He has some history with Flair and could make a solid tag team with my #2 guy. - "Texas Tornado" Kerry Von Erich: He would be a great little 4th man. Decent wrestler with a notable history in Texas/with Ric Flair and at this point could use a heel turn to try and revitalize his stagnant character. He really seems to me as if he'd be a great fit as he could slide into a variety of tag teams within the faction. So now you have 2 guys who can tag together in "big" matches in Flair/Dibiase who will be taken seriously as threats, a tag team of Dibiase/IRS that can compete for the Tag Titles and be credible enough, and Kerry Von Erich who can be credible against the mid-card level and is a former IC Champion himself meaning he could have some credibility with the fans. Von Erich could also team with any of the other 3 members and not look terribly out of place either. My main feuds would be as follows... - Ric Flair vs. Roddy Piper (or Hulk Hogan for the WWF Title) - Ted Dibiase vs. Bret Hart for the IC Title (or feud him with a bigger name like Sid Justice/Undertaker/Randy Savage) - IRS vs. Big Bossman or Ricky Steamboat - Kerry Von Erich vs. Davey Boy Smith or Jake Roberts You really have a multitude of feuds that can be chosen from for each individual wrestler, whilst also setting up multiple tag match combinations (imagine a Flair/Dibiase/IRS/Von Erich vs. Hogan/Piper/Steamboat/Roberts match at Survivor Series).

So basically here's who the teams in the AFC East should be cheering for... in their cozy locker rooms anyway. New England Win and Buffalo Loss = Patriots Clinch AFC East NY Jets Win and Buffalo Win = NY Jets Clinch AFC East Buffalo Win and NY Jets Loss = Bills Clinch AFC East Jeez... sounds almost like the real situation (except I don't have to cheer for the NY Jets as a Pats fan). So now I'm basically trying to spoil the Bills and Jets, awesome.

I think Flair was also dealing with an injury at the time (which might've helped in the decision to hot shot the title to Bret along with the contract situation). It seems that Flair's peeve was more over the suddenness of the title switch rather than actually losing the title to Bret.

1994 Wrestling Tidbits 1: Royal Rumbles rumors were that Undertaker would win WWF Title and set up a WrestleMania main event of Undertaker vs. Lex Luger 2: Rumored female opponents to Alundra Blaze were Devil Masami (expressed interest), Akira Hokuto, Bull Nakano, and Noriyo Tateno 3: Steiners quit the WWF because they were upset over a rumored Scott Steiner vs. Rick Steiner feud 4: Rumor that the Heavenly Bodies would get a big push after King of the Ring 5: Brian Lee was rumored to come in as a more evil half of a tag team with Undertaker 6: Rumor that Brian Lee would team up with Undertaker after their one on one match 7: Rumor that Sgt. Slaughter would feud with Quebecer Pierre upon Slaughter’s return 8: Harvey Wippleman was injured in the car crash that killed Joey Marella 9: Rumor that a tag team of Mabel/Typhoon would pop up in the WWF 10: Post Summerslam Feuds – Owen Hart vs. Razor Ramon, Bret Hart vs. Jim Neidhart 11: Rumor that Headshrinkers refused to job the Tag Titles to Bam Bam Bigelow/IRS at Summerslam resulting in the Shawn Michaels/Diesel win 12: Rumor that Bret Hart would feud with the returning King Kong Bundy 13: Rumor that Undertaker would release a book titled, “Tombstoned” 14: Rumor that Bret Hart was offered a 2 film deal (both action movies) prior to Survivor Series 15: Rumor that Hercules Hernandez would come in as a gang member enemy of Razor Ramon 16: Rumor that WWF was talking to the Ultimate Warrior about returning 17: Rumor that Chris Candido would team with Louie Spicolli and be managed by Tammy Fytch

Some majorly interesting factoids from 1992 thanks to Herb Kunze's Wrestling Tidbits... 1A: Kerry Von Erich was fired for drug failure] 1B: Kerry Von Erich was to face Papa Shango at Summerslam 1992 2: Post SummerSlam 1992 Feuds - Randy Savage vs. Razor Ramon, Ultimate Warrior vs. Kamala, Davey Boy Smith vs. Repo Man, Bret Hart vs. Papa Shango, Undertaker vs. Ric Flair, Big Bossman vs. Nailz, LOD vs. Beverly Brothers, Tatanka vs. Rick Martel, and Nasty Boys vs. Money Inc 3: Talk that Randy Savage wanted to stay on past Summerslam as WWF Champion 4: Rumors that Bret Hart would jump to WCW and appear on COTC after losing the IC Title to Davey Boy Smith 5: Animal & Crush would work as the new Legion of Doom in Europe. If alright, they would tag in North America too. 6: Terry Taylor joined the WWF in 1992 because a deal with New Japan for an October tour fell through due to $$ 7: McMahon made an offer to Hulk Hogan in October to counteract possible offers from New Japan 8: Bushwhacker Butch was fired for missing a TV Taping (October '92) 9: Bret Hart was (supposedly) offered a short-term spot as WWF Champion to stick around post Summerslam 10: Ric Flair no-showed the TV Tapings and a Hamilton House Show over annoyance at losing the WWF Title to Bret Hart 11: The rumored contract from New Japan to Hulk Hogan was around $100,000 per appearance 12: Ric Flair vs. Big Bossman was taped to air on the 11/14/1992 SNME 13: LOD Animal left the WWF in November 14: Davey Boy Smith was set to face The Mountie at Survivor Series but Mountie quit due to knee injury 15: Post Survivor Series Feuds - Nailz vs. Ultimate Warrior, Razor Ramon vs. Undertaker, Money Inc vs. Nasty Boys, and Shawn Michaels vs. Marty Jannetty 16: Davey Boy Smith and Ultimate Warrior were fired for “unprofessional conduct” with likely cause being Steroids 17: Rumors that Sid would replace Ric Flair in the Savage/Perfect vs. Flair/Ramon match if Flair couldn’t work 18: Rumored Royal Rumble Match – Electric Chair: Undertaker vs. Nailz 19: Rumor that Bret Hart would drop the WWF Title to Ric Flair in February to set up a Flair vs. Perfect main event at WrestleMania Here's the more interesting 1993 News and Notes... 1: Bam Bam Bigelow no showed Toronto and several other house shows 2: Vince supposedly got bad press and had to tone down the Doink/Crush angle 3: Vince McMahon filed a lawsuit against Geraldo Rivera after former referee Rita Chatterton accused McMahon of making her perform oral sex and sexual intercourse 4: Sid Vicious was waiting for the WWF to release him in April 5: Genichiro Tenryu vs. Jerry Lawler was rumored late for WrestleMania 6: Brian Clark was rumored to be coming in with a vampire gimmick 7: The tentative Summerslam main event was Hulk Hogan vs. Bret Hart for the WWF Title 8: The Warlord was busted for illegal possession of steroids in Hastings, Minnesota and proclaimed he used them to increase muscle size for pro wrestling 9: Nasty Boys were suspended for a month and scheduled to be back before KOTR. Later fired 10: Rumor that Brutus Beefcake would cut Yokozuna’s hair after Hulk Hogan won at KOTR 11: Rumors that Scott Norton had signed with the WWF in June 12: Rumor that Curt Hennig quit the WWF after Marty Jannetty won the IC Title but was talked back 2 days later 13: Rumor that Adam Bomb was set to be pushed big after the King of the Ring 14: Rumor that the main event at Summerslam would be changed to Hulk Hogan vs. Lex Luger 15: Ted Dibiase and IRS walked from the WWF as a result of disputes over losing the Tag Titles to the Steiners, who also threatened to walk if they didn’t win the Tag Titles 16: Early rumored match for Summerslam was 1-2-3 Kid/Razor Ramon vs. Money Inc 17: Post Summerslam Feuds – Shawn Michaels vs. 1-2-3 Kid, Undertaker vs. Yokozuna, Mr. Hughes vs. Razor Ramon, Curt Hennig vs. Diesel, Bret Hart vs. Doink, Steiners vs. Bam Bam Bigelow/Adam Bomb, IRS vs. Tatanka, Well Dunn vs. Men on a Mission, Bushwhackers vs. Quebecers, and Lex Luger vs. Ludvig Borga 18: Rumor that Jerry Lawler had been fired prior to Summerslam (Could this have been partly in relation to later where he was indicted on counts of rape/sodomy of a 13 year old?) 19: Earthquake and Don Muraco were rumored to return to the WWF in September 20: Del Wilkes was rumored to eventually debut in the WWF with a magician gimmick 21: Some talk of Owen Hart getting a push in October 22: Greg Valentine returned to the WWF and helped Madusa (his girlfriend at time) get a job 23: Bobby Heenan left the WWF because he refused to move despite being flown in several times a week from Sarasota to Stamford

Northwestern State hired Bradley Dale Peveto, currently the co-DC at LSU. Notable Coaching Jump: Army hired Rich Ellerson, the head coach at Cal Poly since 2001. Ellerson will probably bring his triple option offense with him as well.

New England - 35 Atlanta (13.5) Baltimore (12.5) (6.5) New England Kansas City Green Bay (9.5) Chicago (3.5) Tennessee Minnesota (6.5) (3.5) Carolina N.Y. Jets (2.5) Philadelphia (1.5) Pittsburgh (10.5) Tampa (12.5) Arizona (6.5) San Diego (7.5) Washington

Eh... Notre Dame beat up on a 6-6 (Now 6-7) Hawaii team that only made that bowl because it's their home turf. Hawaii also has a bad pass defense year after year, which is a shame because their D-Line and LB can make great plays but the whole team lacks that consistency on defense to make at least a solid play the whole game play after play. Clausen threw 28 times and completed for 401 yards... that first deep bomb to Golden Tate came off a seriously weak route fake that the CB didn't have the pure speed to keep with afterwards. Any team with a halfway good CB would've been on Tate throughout that whole route.