THE SAINTS GO MARCHING IN...

By Your Athletic Supporter, Jack Strap

I waited patiently for the SFH's Joey Mays to make his pick (check out his playoff prognosticating record below) and now I'm going the opposite way with the Saints. That and I polled my facebook friends and those results tell me that the Colts will be leading before Drew Brees & THE SAINTS GO MARCHING IN for a late touchdown to win the Super Bowl 28-22. And remember, you heard it right here in the Sports Fountainhead.

My Picks for 2010 NFL Playoffs: Super Bowl XLIV

K.I.S.S. - Keep it simple stupid.

High scoring, light on defense. Cliches out in full force: turnovers, line play, great QBs being great.

Peyton Manning - soon to be the greatest QB of All-Time - is too much for the mediocre Saints defense, and he out guns Drew Brees and a surprisingly balanced New Orleans attack. The Saints ground game looks good early but can't keep up with the high-flying Colts.

PREDICTION: Colts 38, Saints 27

AMERICA'S TEAM?

By Your Athletic Supporter, Jack Strap

Years back they said that the Dallas Cowboys were AMERICA'S TEAM. I never understood that, but realized that maybe that was because I was an Eagles fan & simultaneously a Cowboys-hater. In the midst of the Jerry Jones era, I'm not hearing that anymore which is good, but think it's time for a real AMERICA'S TEAM & would like to nominate the New Orleans Saints.

My case for the Saints as AMERICA'S TEAM starts with the severe strife that New Orleans has gone through since Hurricane Katrina. This football franchise has had a lot more disappointments (i.e. Aints) than success, but now they are in their inaugural Super Bowl. Their QB Drew Brees also seems like a really good guy in addition to being a top-rate QB. So let's kick-off the Saints as AMERICA'S TEAM with everybody getting behind them to upset Peyton Manning (Who Dat?) & his Colts (who dem?). And following that will be the greatest Super Bowl celebration in history--think Mardi Gras on Bonds/Sosa/McGwire Steroids.

Colts, Saints Set for Showdown in Miami

Congratulations to the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints, the AFC and NFC Champions, respectively, for the 2009 NFL season. This will be New Orleans' first appearance in the Super Bowl.

Also, congratulations to the Jets and Vikings on putting together great seasons as well. Though I have to say for personal reasons I'm glad you lost today. Sorry, but it is true. Still you both had wonderful seasons and should be applauded for that.

I have officially finished 1-9 in the 2009-2010 playoffs, prediction wise. I'm telling you people, it's hard to prognosticate as well as I do.

Super Bowl XLIV will be epic, as two potent offenses will face off with the ability to put points on the board on every play from scrimmage. I won't do any predicting now; we have two weeks to do that!

During those 2 weeks I expect plenty of coverage of what the media believes is the most important thing after these games - will Favre retire...again?

(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Bye bye, Favre!

My Picks for 2010 NFL Playoffs: Conference Championships

Nope, I didn't get to 0-8 thanks to the Cardinals Cowboys Chargers Colts; 1-7 will have to do. Alas, there are 2 more games to pick! Onward for my 2009-2010 Conference Championship selections...

#5 Jets @ #1 Colts - Seriously, WTF?!?! How is this possible?!?! I get the Bengals, but the Chargers too? There is something that wants the Jets in this position, but what is it? AND WHY? Regardless of those philosophical musings, the Jets are here and only the Colts stand in their way of the freakin' Super Bowl. I've been picking against them for a few weeks now. It's time to end that. I picked against them because, well, I HATE them and believe they're overrated. And they are. That's not different. They're 9-7 regular season record says that. As does their subpar QB. But they're playing hot at the right time, just like a few past Wild Card teams. Props to them. And of course, as the cliche goes, defense wins championships (a good running game doesn't hurt, either). Sorry, Peyton. These Jets are soaring - all the way to Miami.

PREDICTION: Jets 17, Colts 13

#2 Vikings @ #1 Saints - I hate Brett Favre. Hate. HATE. So seeing him do this again is aggravating. I don't want him to accomplish anything more. It burns me up inside. That's why I need the Saints to win. I can't handle Favre in another Super Bowl. I don't want him in one again, let alone to win the whole damn thing. The Vikings looked great last week against an overmatched Cowboys team, which surprised most people. Can they do it against a supposedly stronger opponent? On their field? In a city that has never seen a Super Bowl-caliber team (other than when they're hosting it)? Won't happen, right? Well I'm going to say - much like the Jets/Colts game - that whoever I want to win, won't. Damn, damn, damn!

PREDICTION: Vikings 28, Saints 24

If my predictions come true then I'll go undefeated in a round for the first time. However it will also cause this to happen...

Me if the Jets AND Vikings win on Sunday.

And I won't be watching.

However, if I go 1-1 or, better yet, 0-2 (hey, it's VERY likely based on the past 2 weeks) then I will be very happy.

Go Colts. And Saints.

Conference Title Game Picks

AFC Title Game

Well there my Jets are, actually in this thing. I still can't believe it. But I know they're not there by accident. They've got one heck of a squad and their confidence is soaring sky high right now. I struggle to pick against them because it seems like they just have "it." Similar to the Steelers/Giants making the run from Wild Card team to Super Bowl Champs a few years ago. Now Manning is the best QB ever. Period. I won't even try to debate that. For the Jets to win this, they need to do a decent job of bottling up Dallas Clark and force at least one big turnover. That coupled with a big special teams play (perhaps Brad Smith running another one back in Indy?) will see the Jets through. Hey, why stop picking them now?

J! E! T! S! Jets! Jets! Jets! 19 Colts 17...if that's not the score, its gonna be 16-7 Jets. Now that would be something.

NFC Title Game

I honestly don't really care about this game. It's hard to care when your team is in the other game. Only way I'll end up caring about it is if the Jets win the Sunday opener. Guess I gotta pick it anyway. Both teams blew out their opponent last week which makes it a hard call. Both also have explosive offenses with solid Ds. Call it a cop out but I'm going with the Saints solely because they're the home team.

Saints 27 Vikings 20

AFC & NFC CHAMPIONSHIPS

By Your Athletic Supporter, Jack Strap

So I'm coming off a 3-1 prognosticating week with the J-E-T-S Jets as the only blemish--besides the Sports Fountainhead's "E", who had the Jets last week? So now it's on to the Big Time--The AFC & NFC CHAMPIONSHIP Games:

Jets @ Colts
Remember 1969 when "Broadway" Joe Namath guaranteed a CHAMPIONSHIP victory over the Colts? OK, some of you weren't born yet, but you've heard about that right? Another interesting parallel from 1969 was that Buddy Ryan was then a Jets Coach and this week it's his son Rex whose leading his Jets vs. the Colts. Maybe all this is telling me something about who I should pick? Could "Hollywood" Mark Sanchez be the modern day "Broadway" Joe? Nah, Colts 20 Jets 10

Vikings @ Saints
Remember 2008 Week 5 MNF when the Vikings ventured into New Orleans? Come on, you were all living then. Let me refresh you, Minnesota won 30-27 on a FG with 13 seconds left. Noteworthy was that this game was the first in NFL history that had a combination of a blocked field goal, a TD pass by a non-quarterback (Chester Taylor), two field goals of beyond 50 yards and two punt return touchdowns (by Reggie Bush). The Vikes prevailed then despite having Gus Frerotte at QB & Andrian Peterson only rushing for 32 yards on 21 carries. So I predict in this NFC CHAMPIONSHIP Game that Brett Favre will make Vikings fans forget about Gus Frerotte (I'm really out on a limb there) & Adrian Peterson will run for over 100 yards (that sounds like an easy prediction, but he hasn't run for 100 since Week 10 vs. Lions), and Drew Brees' Saints will still come marching into the Super Bowl with a 28-27 victory.

And remember, you heard it right here in the Sports Fountainhead.

Jets Win Again. Any more questions?

Wow. Much to the dismay of lead writer JMays, the Jets are in the AFC Championship Game for the first time in 10 years. While I remember that heartbreaking loss like it was just yesterday (I still remember eating pizza and watching the first half at my friend's house before watching the Jets collapse at my house in the second half), this is totally different. That year, the Jets essentially were the Chargers of this year. They had a first round bye, winning 10 of their last 11 regular season games and were also a team that a lot of people had running past the Broncos to the Super Bowl. Basically what I'm trying to say is that people were expecting something from those Jets. These Jets? Not so much.

Indianapolis? That way. (McIsaac/Getty)

So many people were saying these Jets backed into the playoffs and would be one and done. While the Jets were the beneficiaries of some convenient scheduling, they took advantage of what was given to them. Deal with it. The rest of the league should be glad that they're in the AFC Title Game. With it, they proved that they were worthy of that playoff spot. Winning at Cincinnati and San Diego is no picnic, that's for sure. As much as people seemingly don't want to admit it, the Jets have a great team. They're a team that easily could have finished around 12-4 were it not for some terrible errors (Sanchez INTfest against Buffalo, letting Ginn run wild, gift wrapping the Saints games with INTs). These Jets are something to be proud of and really built from the ground up with a foundation from the draft. The Jets TRADED UP in the draft for arguably the 5 most crucial pieces on the team right now: Nick Mangold, David Harris, Darrelle Revis, Mark Sanchez, and Shonn Greene. If that isn't incredible front office work and scouting, I don't know what is, especially with those first 3 (OK, I guess the jury is still out on Sanchez). Imagine if that worthless Buckeye Gholston hadn't turned out to be a bust. For those that think the Jets will take a step back next year (coughJMayscough), I don't think so. Barring serious injuries, they should at least be favored to make the playoffs again. These Jets may be lucky, but they're also good. Both Rex and Sanchez made plenty of rookie errors throughout the year that will not be made again and with Revis on their side, the defense will still be great.

Alright so enough commentary on that other stuff, on to the game. Again, wow. I'll admit, the Jets did not look great. But they were good enough. The first half was uneventful, that's just how the Jets wanted it. Going in to halftime only down by a touchdown was very encouraging for these Jets. Regardless, I knew the Jets needed a huge turnover at some point in the game and they got it with that Leonhard pick on the awful throw by Rivers. It was then that I knew it was the Jets' game to lose. The reason the Jets won was because of their defense. It kept them in the game. If the Jets fall behind by 2+ scores in the second half, they're in trouble. If not, they're in it. The Chargers couldn't seal the deal. Especially Nate Keading. Who I must say, as a PSU fan, has given me closure on the situation with Iowa kickers. Even so, if the Chargers make 2 of those 3 kicks (keep in mind one of those was well over 50 yards), the Jets still would have been in it (their play calling certainly would have changed there in the 4th). It was all about defense and Sanchez minimizing mistakes. It was New York Jets football. And it won. Again.

Shonn Greene sprints to paydirt in the 4th to put the Jets up by 10. (William Perlman/The Star-Ledger)

Now on to the Colts. Interesting game, especially for me on a personal level. The Colts are my dad's team and have always been my 2nd favorite. I was at that playoff game 7 years ago where the Jets decimated the Colts 41-0 with him. He still remembers Super Bowl III and still references it multiple times a year. Now the Jets and Colts square off in the most important game they are able to face each other in. This is going to be one rough game for the Jets but I would not count them out...just like everyone seemed to do for the Chargers game. When a team can shut down an offense and keep it close, anything can happen. They need to put pressure on Manning and hope for one or two errant throws that can tip the balance. All while Sanchez continues to play mistake-free football. It won't be easy, but they can win. Will they? My man Rex Ryan seems to think so, and that is good enough for me.

Can the Jets improve their postseason record against the Colts to 3-0?

Elite 8 Picks

Alright, we're only an hour away from this round kicking off so I'll keep this short and sweet.

Cardinals @ Saints

If you like points, then watch this game. I think the Saints got lucky in a heck of a lot of games this year and haven't looked good in a long time. The Cardinals have this guy called Kurt Warner who I would take over Drew Brees in these playoffs. Cardinals pull away late in the 3rd behind a huge game from Warner.

Cardinals 44 Saints 31

Ravens @ Colts

Close one here. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Ravens pull it off but I think the Colts are just too good. Flacco ailing is certainly a worry too. I see Matt Stover sinking his old team late.

Colts 20 Ravens 17

Cowboys @ Vikings

Simply put, the Cowboys are just too good right now to be shut down by the struggling Vikings (that game against the Giants doesn't count). I see them going to the Super Bowl, to be honest. Cowboys shut down Favre (thankfully) and Peterson and their 3 backs have a huge game.

Cowboys 30 Vikings 20

Jets @ Chargers

I'll be honest, it's tough to pick this game without any bias. I know that this certainly won't be as easy of a game for the Jets as the Bengals game was. Huge matchup issues ahead for New York with the SD tight end attack. I think the Jets will be able to put up some points as the Chargers run defense is suspect and the Jets have the best O-line and rushing attack (statistically at least) in the land. I'm calling for a huge interception by Kerry Rhodes late, leading to a Jay Feely FG in the final minute.

Jets 29 Chargers 27

EAGLES-LESS 8

By Your Athletic Supporter, Jack Strap

If Sports Fountainhead Founding Father J.Mays can courageously come back from an 0-4 picking week & make predictions for the EAGLES-LESS 8, then so can I from 1-3. With my EAGLES out, I guess their big question is if Donovan "Chunky Soup" McNabb will "be back" (say it like The Terminator, the now CA Governor)? Well to semi-quote The Clash "If he stays there will be trouble, if he goes there will be double." On to the teams still playing:

Cardinal @ Saints: Over/Under is 57 points, I'm going with the Under as Drew "Cool" Brees (my fantasy football QB) shows why he should have been the NFL MVP by leading his Saints marching in for a late TD & a 28-27 win.

Ravens @ Colts: OK, Peyton "Place" Manning was the MVP yet again, but he'll just be good enough to win in this one, 20-14.

Jets @ Chargers: Nobody's talking about the Chargers, so I will--they have a good team. Good enough to shut-up Rexy Ryan's Jets 21-13.

Cowboys @ Vikings: I saved what I believe is the best game of the EAGLES-LESS 8 Round of the Playoffs for last. It's also the most interesting game to me as a Cowboys-hater. So I can't be unbiased, but that won't stop me from predicting that Brett "Wrangling Man" Favre will move one-step closer to why he came back this year by sending Tony Romo down to Kokomo. Vikes 30 Cowboys 20.

And when it's all said & done, Remember you heard it right here in the Sports Fountainhead.

My Picks for 2010 NFL Playoffs: Divisional Round

I'm back, aiming to take sports predicting to a whole new low. Can I make it to 0-8? Time will tell.

Saturday's Games
#4 Cardinals @ #1 Saints - Oh, Kurt Warner. You and your buddies had to ruin my dream. I'll forgive you. I like you. I wish you all the best this Saturday. You'll need it. NOLA is a hell of a place to play. The Saints were flying high with 13 straight wins before falling flat at the end. They're not in this situation (read: the playoffs) often so it's kind of new territory. Brees was an MVP candidate and they have a tough OL and some speedy WRs. The defense has some holes, as usual. You'll have some fun with that, won't you? Yes, I'm taking Arizona in another barn burner. I've been picking the Saints to be a great team long before the talking heads. And they proved me right, for the first few months. December? Eh, not so much. Can they respond and rebound or will a terrible finish dash Who Dat hopes? Sorry, Saints. It's not your year. Warner's Cards have found that '09 playoffs groove!

PREDICTION: Cardinals 48, Saints 42


#6 Ravens @ #1 Colts - The team that formerly inhabited Baltimore faces the team that currently resides there. A lot has been said about rust for the Colts since they haven't played a meaningful game in a month. And they're 0-3 when they have a bye. The Ravens, on the other hand, punched the Patriots in the face and groin (thank you for that, by the way) and are flying high. People are mentioning them in the same breath as some team from almost 10 years ago. They played in a meaningful game, apparently. Are they that good. No? Close? Maybe. But they are feeling pretty good right now and are facing a team under scrutiny from fans and the media. The best QB ever will be too much for Ray Lewis and Co. (again). Manning will lead his team to yet another victory, silencing the talk from weeks 16 and 17. It'll be until the end. The Ravens will have a chance to tie but Flacco won't pull it out.

PREDICTION: Colts 27, Ravens 20


Sunday's Games
#4 Cowboys @ #1 Vikings - Has Dallas broken through? Are they as good as the media says? I don't know. I really wanted to take them last week, but it would have ruined my "Green Bay-destroying-Brett Favre-in-the-divisional-round" hopes. Turns out, the Cardinals and Eagles both destroyed that. So here I am with the Cowboys and the Minnesota Favres. That's all they have, right? It's what the media wants you to think. After all, he's "America's QB" just like the Cowboys are "America's Team". Yes, I seriously heard Greeny on Mike & Mike in the Morning say that. Anyway, I try not to let my opinions on teams or players drive my picks (didn't work last week). I'll stay true and try to base this on what I'm comfortable with: stats and gut feelings. Say hello to another game in Jerry's World. Dallas takes it to Minnesota in the dome, overcoming many Flozell false starts. Dallas runs outside and hits on 2 big plays (the Viking secondary is 'meh' at best). All heavenly Favre doesn't have enough.

PREDICTION: Cowboys 24, Vikings 21


#5 Jets @ #2 Chargers - The Jets haven't given up more than 15 points since a week 11 thumping by the Patriots, who are now spectators. I think that streak ends in beautiful San Diego on Sunday evening. Why? Because the Chargers average 28 points per game and scored 20 or more in all 16 games this season. And they have an 11 game winning streak. And they are playing at home. I have to give props to New York though because they truly remind me of the 2000-2001 Ravens. We know how that ended, right? I don't foresee them repeating that feat but, as is the case in the playoffs, a strong D and great ground game will take you places. That place is San Diego, not Miami. J! E! T! S! should mean journey ends this Sunday (thanks, Marcellus).

PREDICTION: Chargers 28, Jets 16

Passing thoughts on the Jets

As JMays mentioned early, sorry for the lack of posts. I'll try to pick up on them in the coming days. New Years resolution perhaps? Well I'll start with a few things on the Jets.

For starters, I am incredibly grateful that the Jets made the playoffs. 4 way tie for 2 spots and they got in. Doesn't always break in your favor but luckily for the Jets, it did. Now about the last two weeks that some would deem controversial. OK, so the Colts game was pretty much handed to us. While I won't try to validate that win, keep in mind that we were certainly not out of that game when the Colts benched Manning and other starters. Would we have won if they stayed in? Probably not...but I wouldn't flat out say 'no.' Now yesterday against the Bengals...I've heard a lot of people discrediting that win because the Jets had everything to play for and the Bengals had nothing to play for. Fair enough...but the Bengals went in to that game playing all their healthy starters (outside of Benson) and the Jets just flat out pummeled them for 60 minutes. Sure the Bengals did not want to tip their hand but I'm certain they didn't want to get caught with their pants down on national television when they keep whining about not getting any respect.

The Jets are looking pretty good heading into Wildcard Weekend and I think they could certainly make some noise. Statistically, they have the top defense in the league and Revis is sure to shut down Ochocinco (has he changed his name back to Johnson yet?) again. The Jets also have the top rushing offense in the league and that's due to one thing. The O-Line. I think it's safe to say it's the best in the league and I'm not saying that as a homer. It's stacked. Mangold, Faneca, Ferguson, Woody, Moore...that's a pretty sick line. You need a strong rushing attack and shut down defense to go places in the playoffs and the Jets have both of those things. I'm not going to be a disillusioned fan and say they're going to run all the way to the Superbowl but you can't just count these Jets out.

If anything, these Jets will be playoff (and hopefully Superbowl) contenders in the coming years as long as they stay healthy and Sanchez progresses.



Also, on a sad note, the daughter of Jets owner Woody Johnson was found dead in LA earlier today. She was apparently engaged to Tila Tequila...who knew? Thoughts are certainly with the Johnson family at this time.

Credit the Newark Star-Ledger with the pictures (Andrew Mills)

SNT: Former PSU DT Ed Johnson's Second Chance

Ed Johnson had his share of problems at Penn State. The much maligned DT was temporarily expelled from Penn State in 2005 and was suspended from participating in the Outback Bowl following the 2006 season. During the 2007 draft the very talented player was undrafted because of character concerns. He landed a UDFA contract with the Colts and immediately became a force in the middle and Indianapolis' best run stuffer. He started all 16 games as a rookie and the first game in 2008. Then the bad stuff found him again. During a traffic stop for speeding, police found marijuana in Johnson's car. The next day he was released, despite the Colts huge hole at the position.

Sporting News Today has a more in depth look at the life of Johnson after the most recent incident in today's issue. Check it out below.

Click to enlarge.

2009 NFL Draft Grades: Indianapolis Colts

A teams ultimate success is measured in Super Bowl victories. In the last decade the Colts have only one. But if you look at their overall body of work, you'll see a team just as dominant as the Patriots and Steelers. Since the 1999 season Indianapolis has amassed 114 wins (to only 46 losses), six division titles (five straight from '03 through '07), six straight seasons with 12 or more wins (2003 through 2008), and a Super Bowl title (XLI). New England and Pittsburgh are routinely mentioned as the best teams of the new millennium but Indianapolis deserves equal praise.

INTRODUCTION
The Colts have become synonymous with offense (though New Orleans is making a good case of late) thanks to Peyton Manning and his stable of WRs. It doesn't hurt that pretty much any RB can do what the scheme dictates; a superstar is not needed. And it was perfectly clear after last season that passing is all that matters (if it wasn't already clear) as the Colts were 31st in rushing yards per game. The running game rarely worked, no matter who was running the ball. But you have Manning so who cares? The Colts were 5th in passing yards per game. Their lack of rushing game dropped their total yards average to 15th in The League. The offense wasn't as explosive as it had been in recent years, putting up 23.6 points per game (13th). Fortunately they didn't have to be. Even though Indianapolis gets a bad rap on 'D' they actually have a pretty formidable unit. They allowed only 18.6 points per game (7th) and 6th and 11th respectively in passing and total yards allowed per game. Their downfall, as it has been recently, was in the running game. They can't stop it, surrendering over 120 yards on the ground per game (24th).

Tony Dungy is gone, after contemplating retirement for some time. Jim Caldwell replaces him, as had been announced a year before Dungy's retirement. Caldwell inherits a strong team capable of competing as long as Peyton Manning is under center. However, to win another Super Bowl Caldwell and his coaches must fix the running game on both sides of the ball.

DRAFT RECAP
Round/Pick/Overall
1/27/27 - Donald Brown, RB, Connecticut
2/24/56 - Fili Moala, DT, USC
3/28/92 - Jerraud Powers, CB, Auburn
4/27/127 - Austin Collie, WR, BYU
4/36/136 - Terrance Taylor, DT, Michigan
6/28/201 - Curtis Painter, QB, Purdue
7/13/222 - Pat McAfee, P, West Virginia
7/27/236 - Jaimie Thomas, OT, Maryland


BASED ON NEEDS

• DL - Check!
  
• WR - Check!
  
• LB - Try again.
  
• RB - Check!
  

Four offensive players, four defensive players, and one specialist. Seems to be the norm for the Colts. They addressed their biggest needs - DT, RB, WR - and added a new punter (who can also kick) plus some depth at CB and OT. It would have been nice to get a LB somewhere in there. Overall solid in filling holes. For their sake I hope the DTs can play early and often.

GRADE: 90/100


BASED ON TALENT
Pick 1 - Should RB have been the #1 priority for the Colts? They needed some quality depth behind Joseph Addai as he proved last year he couldn't stay healthy. Dominic Rhodes is gone once again. Can second year man Mike Hart be the guy? Apparently not. With Evander Hood still on the board I have to question this pick. Solid backup/complementary RBs can easily be found in rounds two and three. Potential impact DTs are less likely. Grade: 7

Pick 2 - Now they fill their DT need. Moala was once considered a first round pick but a lack of production, strength concerns, and minor character issues dropped him down the board. Moala, cousin of Ravens Haloti Ngata, is perfect for the quick defense the Colts employ. He rarely has to shed blocks because of his speed and play recognition skills. If he gets caught in a double team or reading the play incorrectly though he's doomed. He needs some work but could be a good one. Grade: 9

Pick 3 - Powers is the type of CB the Colts love. Undersized but quick with good cover skills. However I must ask why? They have upwards of 20 DBs on their roster now. Was Powers really a necessity? He won't start over Kelvin Hayden or Marlin Jackson and I'd bet Dante Hughes, Tim Jennings, and T.J. Rushing all have better chances at being the nickel or dime backs. Where does Powers fit? He may have more upside and, in a season or two, could push for the nickel spot but why now? Couldn't a LB have been selected here? Grade: 4

Pick 4 - Marvin Harrison was finally released after wearing down the last few years. Collie could become a fitting replacement. He doesn't have blazing speed but has good size and hands to work next to Reggie Wayne and Anthony Gonzalez. If he can learn the offense quickly he may start the season as the #3 or 4 guy. Grade: 9

Pick 5 - Doubling up on DTs was a good move. The rushing defense was once again terrible in 2008 and they lost a starting DT as well as kicked one of them to the curb at the beginning of last season. Of course Ed Johnson was brought back recently. He could pair with the rookies and form a young and growing DT rotation. Grade: 8

Pick 6 - The Purdue QB was considered by some to be one of the five best QBs in college prior to last season. Following the season no one thought that. Painter, when healthy, was a disaster for the Boilermakers. He showed nothing during the season. Fortunately with Manning always healthy and Sorgi seeming as the life time backup, Painter can focus on taking down UDFA Chris Crane for the 3rd QB spot. Painter may have the tools to usurp Sorgi in a few years and become a competent #2. He has a long way to go. Grade: 6

Pick 7 - I don't like drafting specialists but, out of necessity, the Colts went with West Virginia's McAfee. They lost their punter and needed a new one; I get it. It's nice that McAfee could kick too if something ever happens to Vinatieri. Good pick for need but undrafted specialists can perform just as well - or better - than drafted ones. Grade: 6

Pick 8 - The tackle from Maryland provides some added flexibility to the OL. He can play OT or OG. He's been listed as a guard but based on depth at tackle he may see time there as well. The only better pick would have nee Trevor Canfield. I like young OL depth so Thomas was a decent pick. Grade: 7

GRADE: 56/80


OVERALL
They needed help at DT and got it. They found a complementary RB and a WR to assume the role vacated by Marvin Harrison. They added a new punter. Wonderful. Did the RB have to be in round one? Why any CBs? Where was a LB? They did some good things and some bad things. For them the good outweighed the bad and formed a solid class addressing most of their needs.

FINAL GRADE: B

WHY: I would have arranged the picks differently myself but, in the end, they were able to fill most of their needs with solid players. Not really any major reaches. A LB would have been nice over a CB though. Don't know if they needed to draft Painter, as he may have been available as a UDFA, such as Crane.

NOTE: My "final grade" is weighted and is not a simple combination of "needs" and "talent".


SUPERLATIVES
Best Pick: Moala
Worst Pick: McAfee
Sleeper: Collie
Instant Impact: Brown
Developmental: Taylor


OTHER DRAFT GRADES - Indianapolis Colts
CBS Sports (Prisco): B+
CBS Sports (Rang): B
ESPN (Kiper): C+
NFL.com (Brooks): C+
NFL.com (Fan's): B
Walter: A

UP NEXT

ON DECK

It's Always Sunny in Indianapolis

Working as a Data Specialist for the Indiana State Climate Office on the Purdue University campus doesn't usually relate to the wide world of sports. Until today. Front office and stadium crew/staff called the office today to inquire about varying degrees of sun data. While not the type of climatology most people relate to weather (the normal being precipitation and temperature), limited sun data (rise/set times, radiation, etc.) is available. See the Colts are opening a new stadium this fall, Lucas Oil Stadium (or "The Luke"), and it has a retractable roof. Weather elements had no impact on Peyton Manning and Co. at the RCA Dome. However, the Colts staff anticipates leaving the roof open whenever the weather allows. But that brings in an element of wind and sun. The Colts would like my office to provide them with data to determine if they should leave the roof open even if there is no rain in the forecast. Sports and weather: they go hand-in-hand.

P.S. - The Colts also let us know that they love our hourly database and use it all the time. I may have disable that so they call the office more often...

Speaking of no class...

This may be how many of Boston fans feel. And that is terribly sad.

The New England Patriots football organization has taken a dramatic turn within the last 6-12 months. Once seen as the epitome of a strong NFL -- great teamwork, player development, win with dignity and honor, etc. -- the Patriots are now the epitome of classless (Ohio State fans, I hear Belichick will be the keynote speaker at your graduation ceremonies this year). What started as taunting and childlike behavior from the players after they upset San Diego in the playoffs last year (remember how pissed L.T. was?) evolved into cheating and now running up the score. The only NFL fans that defend the Patriots are Patriot fans. The rest of this league is disgusted. What a turn of events.

During the 2001-2002 season when the Patriots began their "dynasty" they were the toast of the league. And again when they beat the Panthers and Eagles in back-to-back years to make it 3 Super Bowls in 4 years they were on top. The NFL didn't mind. In the age of free agency no team was really supposed to be this dominant. And they were doing it without big name players. They continued to let veterans walk. They didn't spend loads of money. They were a team under a genius of a coach.

This is all tainted now. I'm not speaking of your Super Bowls -- keep them; you earned them. But since January until now the team is a disgrace. There really is no need to address the stealing signals fiasco. Everyone knows what happened. But it seems that Belichick now has a chip on his shoulder. My question is, WHY? You were caught cheating! It's the fans fault? Its the other teams fault? It's the NFL's fault? No it is your fault (you Bill Belichick, you the New England Patriots). You don't deserve anything. There is absolutely no reason to steal signals. And there is certainly no reason to rub in inferior teams faces, as you have now done the last two weeks.

Being a Miami fan -- but more importantly, a football fan -- I was disgusted when Brady returned to the field two weeks ago to add another TD in a game that was already locked up. You were leading 42-0 at halftime. You ran a FAKE SPIKE PLAY at the end of the 2nd quarter to go up 42-0. Classless. Congratulations on destroying a team that probably couldn't beat Boston College right now. And now this week. What do you have against the Redskins? Against Joe Gibbs? Did they tip the league off that you were stealing the Jets signals? You were up 38-0 (and already ran your FAKE SPIKE PLAY) and went for it on 4th and 1 from the 7 in the 4th quarter? Did you ever hear of a field goal? Gostkowski not good enough for you? Might miss that FG from PAT range? 45-0. But, alas, you would out due yourself again. Fourth down later, you go for it...and score another TD. Final score: 52-7. Classless.

You cannot defend yourselves. It doesn't matter that Brady was no longer in the game. You were still throwing the ball. You were up by 5+ TDs. Run the ball. Run, run, run! I don't want to hear that sad excuse that these are professionals, either. And that they were just doing what an offense is supposed to do. Well all humans are supposed to possess humility and some dignity. Well you obviously don't. We understand how good you are. No need to humiliate a team. When you lead a team by more than 28 points in the 4th, your done. No more scoring. No more starters. If, with your backups, you continue to drive down the field running the ball then fine. But don't throw. Never throw.

Am I a little bitter? Yes. A little jealous? Of course. Who wouldn't want an all but perfect (talent wise, that is) team. The Super Bowl is almost a given. Beat Indy this weekend and the Lombardi is yours. As a football fan I will be cheering hard for the Colts (and I HATE Peyton Manning so this will be hard to do). There was an article published on ESPN's Page 2 recently about good and evil, Colts vs Patriots. I though it was a little far-fetched but possibly true. Now there is no doubt in my mind.

ESPN's Page 2 TMQ Article
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=easterbrook/071023&sportCat=nfl

The transition of the Patriots from the second coming of America's Team to the epitome of classless and evil was a quick one. I can only hope that the Colts run the score up on you.

END RANT

GO COLTS!

2007 NFL Predictions - Indianapolis Colts

Indianapolis Colts - Super Bowl XLI Champions. Big deal. They won't repeat. You cannot forsake the defense every year and expect to win the Super Bowl every year. Don't get me wrong, they will EASILY win the AFC South (probably by at least 2 games). But when you lose Nick Harper (CB-Titans), Jason David (CB-Saints), Cato June (LB-Buccaneers), and Mike Doss (S-Vikings), among others, you're going to suffer. The Colts do not care about their defense (except for Dwight Freeney, who they broke the bank for). Their D was horrible last year before Anthony (Booger) McFarland (torn ACL, out for year) and Bob Sanders made a huge turn around in the playoffs. Besides Freeney and Sanders, the rest of the defense is young and relatively unproven. There is absolutely no way their D is better than last year. Also, the loss of Tarik Glenn is going to hurt initially. Luckily for them they addressed the LT position in the draft by selecting Tony Ugoh. But the original plan was for him to be Glenn's understudy for 2+ years. Now he is thrown into the fire from week 1 his rookie year. There will be growing pains. And Peyton "I think I'm a God" Manning will be sacked more (that brings a smile to my face). But the Colts will win their division but will not have a bye.

Prediction: 1st, AFC South