The Illusion That Is The Goodell NFL

For years now the NFL has dominated the main stream sports landscape in America.  The Super Bowl is a national holiday, Fantasy Football is a staple of any group of friends and and gambling on games is more popular than ever.  In all regards, the NFL has been viewed as an untouchable commodity that could do no wrong.

I'm here to tell you that its all smoke and mirrors, and has been for a few years now.

There has been many a diatribe written today about what happened in the Monday Night Football game last night between the Seahawks and the Packers.  If you are reading this, I am sure you know what happened and it is pointless for me to rehash it.  The call was blown and it was obvious to everyone. The NFL has looked like a joke now for 3 straight weeks, all because they refuse to pay that people that keep the game in line, the officials.  The replacement refs that have been brought in have been a disaster.  Not only are these people unaware of all the rules of the game, they can not keep the game in control.  When there is a disagreement on the field, it is taking 10 minutes to clear it up.  The games are starting to go over 4 hours long.  It is anarchy and most people will say that its very uncharacteristic of the NFL.

However, i contend that it is very inline with how the NFL acts, or at least has been acting in this era of Roger Goodell.  Goodell has set himself up as a dictator during his reign as commissioner of  the most powerful league in the country.  This is not always inherently a bad thing in the sports world.  David Stern has been the dictator of the NBA for 38 years now, and more often than not has been highly regarded.  This is not the case with Goodell.  This debacle with the referees has been the tip of the iceberg, but people love the NFL so much, that they have turned a blind eye to everything else

Roger Goodell champions himself as a guy who cares of player safety.  This has always been his reasoning behind handing out harsh penalties for hits that may or may not actually be against the rules.  I think that Roger Goodell is full of crap.  If he really cared about player safety, he wouldn't be trying so hard to push for an 18 game regular season.  Right now a 16 game season is such a grind for these players, its a miracle if you escape the season unscathed.  By adding two more games, you can expect many more injuries.  Now, why would a guy who cares about player safety be so adamant about adding these games?  Easy, the almighty dollar.  Goodell has always been guided by the dollar.  Last season when the NFL was locked out, everyone knew no games would be missed, because Goodell would never let the owners miss out on that money at the gate.  The fact remains that Goodell didn't care about player safety until people outside the NFL started researching the long term effects football has on the body and more specifically the brain.

This leads us to the idea that Goodell makes his word, and only his word, the final word.  He is the judge, jury and executioner.  When the Saints Bounty gate was exposed this past summer, most people were disgusted by it but few were surprised.  Many former players around the league had stated that this type of stuff happens in every locker room.  When it came time for Roger Goodell to doll out punishments to the players involved, he did so without hearing from the players and with no consultation.  This resulted in very stiff penalties and no real process for appeal because the appeal would be heard by Goodell, and why would he appeal his own decision?  Makes no sense right?  Making it even worse, Goodell refused to provide the proof he claimed he had of these bounties and of how he knew which players were involved.

As you can see, Roger Goodell has had a rough stretch as the commissioner of the NFL.  In his time span, even though the NFL has been as popular as ever, Goodell has been boneheaded, greedy, and arrogant.  This replacement referee situation is the tipping point.  I think that Goodell's hubris lead him to believe that the ref lockout was actually a good thing for the league.  It put the league in the news weeks before the season even started.  It took the attention away from Bounty Gate and concussions.  I don't think he ever thought the situation would get as dire as it did last night on Monday Night Football.  What he does next could very well define his place in NFL history.

A famous old British historian named Lord Action once said "Absolute power corrupts absolutely".  Lets hope the power trip of one man doesn't continue to ruin the sport we all love.

Week 1 NFL Picks

With fall comes a cool breeze, pumpkin deliciousness and of course football.  This season, we get a mid week game all 17 weeks, except for week 1 where we get the opener on Wednesday night game.  Here are my week 1 pics against the spread.  I used the Las Vegas Hilton's current lines.  If you choose to use this for your gambling needs, i am not responsible if you lose.  I better get a cut if you win though.

Dallas Cowboys @(-3.5) New York Giants-  The Cowboys start the year with a lot of offensive line problems.  The Giants are the last team you want to play, what with their plethora of great defensive linemen.  Tony Romo will likely be without his favorite target Jason Witten and his second favorite target, Miles Austin, is banged up.  Add that to the fact that the defending champs always seem to win these season openers, i think they Giants are a very safe bet.  Giants minus 3.5

Indianapolis Colts @(-9.5) Chicago Bears-  Andrew Luck is getting thrown into the NFL deep end and i do not think the results are going to be pretty.  Lovie Smith has made his money destroying young, inexperienced quarterbacks, and Julius Peppers is salivating at the chance to welcome Luck to the league.  Look for the Bears to show off their new offensive toys early, and then ice the game with their revamped running back core. Bears minus 9.5

Jacksonville Jaguars @ (-3.5) Minnesota Vikings- I think the Jaguars have a chance to be comically bad this year.  The rebirth of Blane Gabbert this past preseason has been much exaggerated and i don't see MJD being much of a factor in week 1 after just reporting to camp a day ago.  I still think the Vikings would be better off with Joe Webb as their quarterback, but they should have enough in the tank to beat a team like the Jaguars at home. Vikings minus 3.5

Buffalo Bills @ (-3) New York Jets-  While the Jets still have a decent defense, they have a chance at being one of the two or 3 worst offensive teams in the league.  The Bills on the other hand,  had one of the hottest offenses in the league last year until Fred Jackson was put on the IR and Ryan Fitzpatrick was forced to play through injury.  The Jets do not have the firepower to exploit a Bills defense that has only gotten better with the addition of star DE Mario Williams. Bills plus 3

Miami Dolphins @(-12.5) Houston Texans- An argument could be made that the Texans could have been Super Bowl champs last year had they not been down to their third string QB.  The Texans will look to get a lot of pressure on Dolphins rookie quarterback and first-round pick Ryan Tannehill. Tannehill will be running for his life whenever he drops back to pass. With so few weapons at the skill positions, he still won't find someone to throw to most of the time.  Texans minus 12.5

New England Patriots @ (+5) Tennessee Titans- Could the 2012 version of the Patriots offense be even more explosive than their 2007 counterparts?  I happen to think the answer is yes.  With 2 solid young running backs, as good of a receiver tandem as any in the league and the best tight end duo ever, look for the Patriots to score early and often.  For what its worth, i think the titans should have stayed with Matt Hasselbeck if they wanted any chance at being competitive.  Patriots minus 5

St. Louis Rams @ (-7)Detroit Lions-  On paper you would think this would be a no brainier.  The Lions were one of the most explosive teams last year while the Rams struggled to put any points on the board.  However, i think the addition of Jeff Fisher as a coach has really gone under the radar for the Rams.  Fisher can do amazing things with a running game and he hasn't had a running back as consistent as Steven Jackson.  Sam Bradford has a horrible combination of injuries and a Sophomore slump last season.  Look for him to bounce back.  I like the Lions to win but i think the Rams keep it close.  Rams plus 7

Washington Redskins @ (-7)New Orleans Saints-  As a rule, i try to stay away from "bad karma" bets.  Teams that seem to have bad karma on their side can rarely over come it.  This past weekend i went against that rule and backed Penn State.  We all know how that turned out.  That being said, I think in this first game, the Saints come out with a "Win one for the coach!" mentality.  They are very tough at home and i think RG3 might be a little overwhelmed in his first NFL game.  Saints minus 7

Philadelphia Eagles @ (+8.5) Cleveland Browns- If Mike Vick stays healthy, the Eagles have a shot in every game.  Seems like you can just say that every week.  However, i am fairly certain the Eagles could start me at quarterback and still beat the Browns.  Brandon Wheeden instantly becomes the worst starting QB in the league.  Seriously, who drafts a 28 year old rookie QB in round 1?  It boggles my mind.  Look for the Browns to lose big here en route to 0-16.  Eagles Minus 8.5

Atlanta Falcons @ (+2.5)Kansas City Chiefs-  The Falcons have trouble playing tough road games.  That has been proven over the last couple weeks.  Arrowhead is a tough place to play.  I really like the Chiefs this season.  With Jamal Charles back in the mix and Peyton Hillis to re leave some of his workload.  the Chiefs should be able to run opponents in to the ground.  The Falcons are a trendy pick this season but i just don't see how they have improved much over last season, while a lot of other NFC teams have improved.  This is my upset special of the week.  Chiefs plus 2.5

San Francisco 49ers @ (-5)Green Bay Packers-  Who will win when the best offense squares of against the best defense?  In this day and age thee safe bet is on offense.  The Niners offense is a little better than last year with the additions of Randy Moss and Mario Manningham, but if this game goes to a shoot out which i believe it will, i just don't see anyway that San Fran hangs with the Packers.  Packers minus 5

Seattle Seahawks @ (+2.5)Arizona Cardinals- I don't understand why this line is so low.  It could be 10 points and i would still take the Seahawks.  The Cardinals have an awful offensive line to go with some of the worst quarterbacks in the league.  Larry Fitzgerald can only do so much if no one can get him the ball.  While i don't fully support the decision to start Russell Wilson over Matt Flynn, i do think the Seahawks have enough weapons to compete for the division.  They for sure have enough weapons to destroy the Cards.  Seahawks minus 2.5

Carolina Panthers @ (+2.5)Tampa Bay Bucs- The Panthers were better than their record last year.  Cam Newton took the league by storm and despite a less than stellar second half, should be ready to build upon that this season.  The Bucs are a trendy sleeper pick this year but i just don't see it.  I don't think Josh Freeman can carry an NFL team.  The only real thing the Bucs did to improve was hire a new head coach and i don't think that's enough to beat a young and hungry Carolina team.  Panthers minus 2.5

Pittsburgh Steelers @ (-1.5)Denver Broncos- The Steelers are really banged up on both sides of the ball.  That's before you take in to account that their safety can not play in the mile high altitude.  All eyes will be on Peyton Manning, who will be taking his first meaningful snaps in a year and a half.  With all the defensive injuries for the Steelers, coupled with the fact that Manning always delivers in these Sunday night games, i like the Broncos for the early season upset.  Broncos minus 1.5

Cincinnati Bengals @ (-7) Baltimore Ravens-   There is a lot of Joe Flacco buzz coming out of the preseason.  I don't buy it.  If Flacco was going to break out, he would have done it already.  The Ravens lost so much with the injury to Terrell Suggs.  This once majestic defensive unit all of a sudden looks a little old and a little thin.  I am not the biggest Bengals supporter either, but 7 points is a lot in a divisional match up to start the season.  I say take the points.  Bengals plus 7

San Diego Chargers @ (-1)Oakland Raiders-  I understand the Chargers weren't that great last year, but how is Oakland favored in this game?  I expect this division to be a two horse race between thee Chargers and the Chiefs.  Every year i hear about the rebirth of the Raiders, and every year i don't believe it.  This year is no different.  Chargers plus 1

Breaking Bad Review: Buyout

                             

                           "Everybody Wins" - Walter White

Boy oh boy things can go from high to low very quickly in the world of breaking bad.  Up until the very end of last weeks episode, things were going as well as they could go for a meth empire.  With one trigger pull last week however, things began to descend into familiar territory for Jesse Pinkman and Walter White.  And while i look forward to seeing just how bad things are going to get, to see what exactly drives Mr. White to need an alias and a machine gun one year from now, this is the first episode this season to really feel like it was cramped by the 8 episode format.

That's not to say i disliked the episode.  On the contrary, i loved many parts of the episode.  I loved the opening montage, with no words, showing just how good this group of people has become of disposing bodies; a skill that they wish they never had to use.  I also loved the scene at the White household, with not only Jesse being allowed in, but even staying for dinner and trying to make conversation with Skyler.  The scenes between Anna Gunn and Aaron Paul have been VERY few and far between, but i can imagine an alternate sitcom that pairs the two of them as some wacky mother son duo.  I loved Walter White as a modern day spy, working his way out of being restrained by Mike.  Heck we even got a Saul Goodman sighting, which i always love.  All these things were pretty good, but in the end the episode seemed bloated and haphazardly put together.

First, the beginning scenes with the fallout of Todd shooting the child.  I feel like they brushed over the reactions too quickly.  We've seen how Jesse Pinkman reacts to death or harm to child.  It normally would send him in to a tailspin..  The show has done Pinkman in a tailspin quite a bit, so i understand not wanting to go back to that well again, it just seems like something more could have been done.  I also feel like they jumped to the "I'm out" decision too quickly.  I can see it from Mike's perspective.  They established that these tails were not going to drop off of Mike anytime soon., despite Saul Goodman's best efforts at, well, being Saul Goodman.  But Jesse? As far as Jesse knows, Walter has been by his side the whole time, through thick and thin.  He does not know about Jane, or Brock.  I feel like there should have been more discussion between the two before Pinkman even brought up the idea of getting out of the Meth game

In a normal 13 episode season, all these things could have been spread out between multiple episodes.  There is still a lot of questions to answer.  What will come of the investigation of the missing child?  Will Todd become an even bigger wild card?  What exactly does Walter White have up his sleeve?  What kind of suit will Saul Goodman where next?  We still don't know if this season will have your typical cliff hanger ending that all season finales do or if it will just end on a normal Breaking Bad episode and just pick up next season.  Right now the latter seems to be the case.  All we know long term is that in a year, Walter White is going to have to no be Walter White, and he is going to have to purchase a heavy duty machine gun.

An entertaining episode for sure, just not one that is on par with some of the best Breaking Bad episodes.

NFL Predictions: NFC North

The preseason is underway and with comes hundreds and hundreds of expert predictions that will be rendered meaningless by November.  So why not throw my opinion into the mix?  I did things a little differently.  Instead of assigning arbitrary records to every team and picking favorites, i went through every game, week by week and picked the winner and then put together every teams record that way.  Lets start with the NFC North

                                                                                          Reunited an it feels so good!

Minnesota Vikings 3-13 (2011 record: 3-13)

Christian Ponder had an average debut season last year, but didn't really show me anything to be optimistic about.  I frankly think the team looked better behind the explosiveness of Joe Webb.  Adrian Peterson is usually as solid as they come but how will he rebound from ACL surgery? While adding rookie Tight End Kyle Rudolph is an upgrade on offense, there is little else to be thrilled about in the passing game, unless the inconsistency of Percy Harvin is turned around.  On the defensive side of the ball, Chad Greenway and Jared Allen are nice names, but this defense is way to susceptible to the big play to compete in this division

Detroit Lions 9-7 (2011 record 10-6)

There is no question the lions will continue to be a powerhouse in the passing game as long as Calvin Johnson is catching passes.  The thing people forget is that a year ago this time, not one person would have bet on Matt Stafford playing a full season.  So after one season, we now need to assume that it is a given?  I think Stafford misses a couple games at some point and the Lions will struggle in those games.  The defense showed us last year that they can be very good but they also showed us they can be very immature.  A small step back for the Lions is to be expected 

Chicago Bears 12-4 (2011 record 8-8)

Go ahead and call me a homer if you would like.  While people may see a team that was 8-8 last year, i see a team that was cruising along until their 2 best players on Offense got hurt.  Jay Cutler is back, is healthy and now has his favorite pro receiver (Brandon Marshall) and his favorite pro coach (Jeremy Bates) to go along with his favorite college receiver (Earl Bennett).  Gone is the idiotic Martz offense.  Gone is the idiotic philosophies of Jerry Angelo.  Sure the defense is another year older, and the Brian Urlacher surgery has me a little worried, but the schedule is easy and the Offense should be explosive.

Green Bay Packers 13-3 (2011 record 15-1)

Last year, the Packers were content just running teams death on Offense that defense didn't matter.  An then the New York Giants came calling in the playoffs.  The showed teams that there is a way to slow down the great Aaron Rodgers.  Which is why, while i think they will still won the division, reaching that 15-1 mark again is going to be a long shot.  The offense could be even better, with Aaron Rogers, Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb all with another year under their belt, and with the late signing of Cedric Benson.  Like last year though, if the Packers are going to have problems, it is going to be with the secondary.  With Charles Woodson moving to safety, it will be interesting to see who can step up at Corner for this team.


Offensive Player of the year:  Aaron Rodgers

Defensive Player of the year: Julius Peppers
Most Intriguing player:  Brandon Marshall
Most Intriguing rookie: Kyle Rudolph