Predictions For Week Three Of The 2009 NFL Season

Cleveland Browns @ Baltimore Ravens

The Browns are the worst team in the NFL right now. But things can change instantly. I just do not seeing it happening against Baltimore.

Ravens 31   Browns  13

Washington Redskins @ Detroit Lions

Many seem to be thinking the Lions win finally this week. So do I.

Lions 21    Redskins 17

Tennessee Titans  @ New York Jets

I cannot see the Titans losing this one. It could kill their season if thy do.

Titans 24    Jets  20

New Orleans Saints  @ Buffalo Bills

I expect the Saints to throw, but Buffalo has a decent secondary.

Bills 35    Saints 31

 

New York Giants  @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Bucs will have some trouble even againbst an injured Giants defense, but I can see this going to the wire.

Giants 24   Buccaneers 17

Chicago Bears  @ Seattle Seahawks

Forte is the key here, because Seattle could not stop the run last week. I don’t see Seattle winning with Wallace at quarterback this week.

Bears  24   Seahawks 19

Green Bay Packers  @ Saint Louis Rams

Green Bay has to be upset after being run over by the Bengals at home last week. Champions don’t do those types of things.

Packers 31     Rams 10

 

Pittsburgh Steelers  @ Cincinnati Bengals

I like this game. Both teams are good on defense, but rely on the pass to move the ball. I am not convinced Palmer is his old self yet, so I’m going with Big Ben as the difference maker.

Steelers 24   Bengals 13

Denver Broncos  @ Oakland Raiders

Denver has lead a charmed life so far. The problem here is that the Raiders hate them. This should be a bruising affair where injuries could be plentiful on both sides of the ball.

Raiders 20   Broncos 14

 

Atlanta Falcons @ New Orleans Patriots

This will be a very good game. If Atlanta gets Michael Turner going, Atlanta will be in good shape to win. I am sure the Pats are aware of that.

Patriots 38   Falcons 34

 

Miami Dolphins  @ San Diego Chargers

The Chargers did well against the Ravens with so many starters injured last week. They will be in better shape this week.

Chargers 31   Dolphins 17

 

San Francisco 49ers  @ Minnesota Vikings

I think the Niners will keep this close, but the Vikes defense will make the key play to win.

Vikings 23   49ers  17

Indianapolis Colts  @ Arizona Cardinals

Game Of The Week

Two great quarterbacks with good offenses and decent defenses duel. I just think Kurt Warner has more weapons/ options.

Cardinals 38   Colts 34

Jacksonville Jaguars  @ Houston Texans

The Jags don’t get blown out. Del Rio is keeping them competitive while rebuilding. Houston, on the other hand, is ready to win now.

Texans 27   Jaguars 14

Carolina Panthers  @ Dallas Cowboys

I just have this feeling the Panthers are going to run all over that suspect Dallas run defense.

Panthers  24   Cowboys 21

Kansas City Chiefs  @ Philadelphia Eagles

SPECIAL MENTION TO WATCH HALFTIME!

Eagles 38   Chiefs 24

I think it will be close, but I don’t care about that game this week. I am interested in what is happening at halftime of that game! Why? Because AL WISTERT is finally going into the Eagles Ring Of Honor.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Philadelpia Eagles: This Sunday They Find Respect For History!

FINALLY! RESPECT IS BORN!

Give The Philadelphia Eagles credit today!

They recognize their tradition now.

FINALLY!

Al Wistert is being inducted into the Eagles Ring Of Honor on 9/27/09.

It will occur during a halftime ceremony when the Eagles host the Kansas City Chiefs.

BUT, the job is not done for Al.

He SHOULD be in Canton!

Here is his story again.

Consider getting on board.

Al Wistert
6’1″ 214
Tackle
Philadelphia Eagles
1943 – 1951
9 Seasons
95 Games Played
8 Time All Pro

Albert Alexander Wistert was drafted in the fifth round by the Philadelphia/Pittsburgh Steagles in 1943, the 32nd player chosen overall. The Steagles were a team that was comprised of Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers into one team because of World War II.

Al had played college football at the University of Michigan. He was a legendary two way player there. He had two brothers, Alvin and Francis, also play for the Wolverines. They all played the same position, Tackle on both sides of the ball, and wore the same number 11 jersey.

Francis was the first, Albert was the second, then Alvin was last. Their number 11 jersey has been retired by Michigan University, and is one of only seven to have achieved that honor. Albert played on Wolverine teams that lost only five games in his three years there. He was an All-American and was named the MVP of the team in 1942.

One famous moment in Michigan University football history came against Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana. Going in the locker room trailing at halftime, the Notre Dame fans told Michigan to go home because it was over. Wistert would have none of that and inspired his teammates with a pep talk that had the Wolverines fired up. Michigan rattled off 21 straight unanswered points in the third quarter and dominated Notre Dame to a 32-20 victory.

After playing in the 1943 East-West Shrine Game, Al was team captain of the College All-Stars who played against the NFL World Champion Washington Redskins. Al’s team stomped the Redskins, led by Hall Of Fame Quarterback Sammy Baugh, 27-7.

Al Wistert is a member of the Michigan University Hall Of Honor, and a member of the College Football Hall Of Fame, as are both of his brothers.

Al went to his first Steagles practice knowing no one. He saw Hall Of Fame Defensive End Bill Hewitt sitting on some rocks smoking a cigarette. Al approached Hewitt to introduce himself to the fellow Wolverine Alumni who had played alongside his brother Francis in college. Hewitt had just come out of a three year retirement to play for $4,000. It was the most Hewitt had ever made in the NFL. Al had just signed with the Steagles for $4,500. Al extended his hand and introduced himself, but Hewitt did not say a word or offer his hand. Al then decided to run laps around the field by himself. Pretty soon, the entire Steagles team was following Al and running around the field.

The Steagles disbanded the following season, and the Steelers and Eagles went back to being separate teams. Wistert stayed in Philadelphia. Al would make his first All-Pro Team that year in 1944, and would garner this achievement for every year of the rest of his NFL career. In 1946, he was named team captain. An honor he served until 1950.

The Eagles went to their first championship game in 1947, but lost to the Chicago Cardinals 28-21. The 1948 season saw the Eagles win their very first championship during a blizzard in a rematch against the Chicago Cardinals 7-0. The Eagles then went back to the NFL Championship the next year and beat the Los Angeles Rams 14-0 in heavy rain.

The Eagles are the only team in NFL history to win back to back championships and not allow their opponents to score. Al announced he would retire after the 1951 season. The Eagles held an AL WISTERT DAY in the fourth from last home game that year. The team gave Al a brand new car, and many other gifts. One gift was a hand crafted dining room table that Al still uses this day to eat his meals off of.

The Eagles then retired his #70 jersey in 1952, the first Eagle to ever have had this done. Al Wistert is a member of the NFL 1940’s All Decade Team.

I find it utterly amazing that Al Wistert has yet to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall Of Fame!

This man truly embodies what Canton is supposed to represent. Not only was he an eight time All-Pro in his nine year career, but he was a very important member of an Eagles team that dominated the NFL in the late 1940’s.

He introduced the NFL to the stand up style of blocking you all see today, instead of the rolling type of blocks that were employed then, which allowed Wistert to use his speed and agility to keep on blocking more defenders downfield and making him better than all the rest.

Al was a true leader on and off the field. He captained a powerhouse squad full of Hall Of Fame players like Steve Van Buren, Pete Pihos, Alex Wojciechowicz, and Chuck Bednarik. His coach was Hall Of Famer Earle “Greasy” Neale. Al also gave back to the community by coaching a high school team in New Jersey over 50 miles away, even though he did not own a car. Neale liked and respected Wistert so much that he would lend his personal car daily to Wistert so Al could go teach kids how to play football. This says a lot, because Neale was a noted task master.

One game, Al came to the sideline to tell the coach he thought he had just broken his leg. Neale replied, “Well, get back in there until you are sure that it is.” Al never missed a game in his career. He started every game of his career except the first five of his rookie season. He would supplant veteran Ted Doyle after the fifth game. The only other time he missed a start was in 1950 season opener against the Cleveland Browns. Wistert had a severely sprained ankle and could hardly walk, but he ended up playing most of the game anyways.

A 60 minute man, he never left the field at any time. Whether it was opening up holes for runners on offense or closing them on defense, Wistert was an amazing athlete—durable, strong, and cerebral. Al was the smallest Tackle in the NFL, weighing 214 pounds, but he was a master technician who would out think, outwit, out gut, and dominate his opponents on both sides of the ball for every minute of every game.

Al said, “I never gave them the same thing twice. I always confounded them with a new plan of attack.” His team mates dubbed him “Ox”, because he was incredibly strong and dependable.

The game was much different then. A rougher and more violent game with less rules and padding for self preservation. They played games in all sorts of poor weather, unlike the climate controlled stadiums so many players enjoy today. They would spend days travelling to cities by train, instead of a few hours on an airplane like today.

Just to get a taste of these times, the Eagles took a train from Philadelphia to Los Angeles after beating the Giants. Despite only having a few days in L.A., they shut out the Rams in monsoon like conditions to win an NFL Championship. To say these men were tough is an understatement. They did this for the love of the game, not the love for the money.

Many great football players eschewed the NFL in those days because they could earn more money outside of sports, and in other sports. Francis Wistert was given $100 by Cardinals owner Charles Bidwell just to sign a contract, even though he had no intention of ever playing in the NFL. Francis chose to pitch for the Cincinnati Reds in Major League Baseball instead of playing football.

Albert Wistert decided to play professional football and was great at it. After he retired, he became successful in the life insurance business and made million dollar deals. But he chose to play football first, and he is one of the path pavers who made the NFL the multi-billion dollar empire what it is today.

The fact the Eagles retired his number first, and only one year after his retirement, shows how special a football player he was. Al Wistert is also a member of the Philadelphia Sports Hall Of Fame.

As the years go on, the more we tend to forget great gridiron stars like Al Wistert. The veterans committee for the Pro Football Hall Of Fame MUST be blamed for not doing the jobs they were given to do. It is plainly evident to see, with all of the accolades, that a grave injustice has been perpetrated in regards to Al. It was not lost on his fellow players. After he retired, over 23 players and NFL’ers have written to the Hall Of Fame asking that Wistert be put in. Greats ranging from Chuck Bednarik to even former Eagles owner Norm Braman. Why the voters have chosen to ignore such a rich, diverse cast of NFL Alumni requests is bewildering. There is NO QUESTION that Albert Wistert belongs in Canton .

YOU can help by signing this petition:

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/AlOxWistertHOF/

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Philadelpia Eagles Respect History This Sunday by Honoring Al Wistert

FINALLY! RESPECT IS BORN!

Give the Philadelphia Eagles credit today!

They recognize their tradition now.

FINALLY!

Al Wistert is being inducted into the Eagles Ring Of Honor on Sept. 27, 2009.

It will occur during a halftime ceremony when the Eagles host the Kansas City Chiefs.

BUT, the job is not done for Al.

He SHOULD be in Canton!

Here is his story again.

Consider getting on board.

Al Wistert
6’1″ 214
Tackle
Philadelphia Eagles
1943 – 1951
9 Seasons
95 Games Played
8 Time All Pro

Albert Alexander Wistert was drafted in the fifth round by the Philadelphia / Pittsburgh Steagles in 1943, the 32nd player chosen overall. The Steagles were a team that was comprised of Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers into one team because of World War II.

Al had played college football at the University of Michigan. He was a legendary two-way player there. He had two brothers, Alvin and Francis, also play for the Wolverines. They all played the same position, tackle on both sides of the ball, and wore the same No. 11 jersey.

Francis was the first, Albert was the second, then Alvin was last. Their No. 11 jersey has been retired by Michigan University, and is one of only seven to have achieved that honor. Albert played on Wolverine teams that lost only five games in his three years there. He was an All-American and was named the MVP of the team in 1942.

One famous moment in Michigan University football history came against Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind. Going in the locker room trailing at halftime, the Notre Dame fans told Michigan to go home because it was over.

Wistert would have none of that and inspired his teammates with a pep talk that had the Wolverines fired up. Michigan rattled off 21 straight unanswered points in the third quarter and dominated Notre Dame to a 32-20 victory.

After playing in the 1943 East-West Shrine Game, Al was team captain of the College All Stars who played against the NFL World Champion Washington Redskins. Al’s team stomped the Redskins, led by Hall Of Fame Quarterback Sammy Baugh, 27-7.

Al Wistert is a member of the Michigan University Hall Of Honor, and a member of the College Football Hall Of Fame, as are both of his brothers.

Al went to his first Steagles practice knowing no one. He saw Hall Of Fame Defensive End Bill Hewitt sitting on some rocks, smoking a cigarette. Al approached Hewitt to introduce himself to the fellow Wolverine Alumni who had played alongside his brother Francis in college.

Hewitt had just come out of a three-year retirement to play for $4,000. It was the most Hewitt had ever made in the NFL. Al had just signed with the Steagles for $4,500. Al extended his hand and introduced himself, but Hewitt did not say a word or offer his hand.

Al then decided to run laps around the field by himself. Pretty soon, the entire Steagles team was following Al and running around the field.

The Steagles disbanded the following season, and the Steelers and Eagles went back to being separate teams. Wistert stayed in Philadelphia.

Al would make his first All-Pro Team that year in 1944, and would garner this achievement for every year of the rest of his NFL career. In 1946, he was named team captain, an honor he served until 1950.

The Eagles went to their first championship game in 1947, but lost to the Chicago Cardinals 28-21. The 1948 season saw the Eagles win their very first championship during a blizzard in a rematch against the Chicago Cardinals 7-0.

The Eagles then went back to the NFL Championship the next year and beat the Los Angeles Rams 14-0 in heavy rain.

The Eagles are the only team in NFL history to win back-to-back championships and not allow their opponents to score. Al announced he would retire after the 1951 season. The Eagles held an AL WISTERT DAY in the fourth from last home game that year.

The team gave Al a brand new car, and many other gifts. One gift was a hand crafted dining room table that Al still uses this day to eat his meals.

The Eagles then retired his No. 70 jersey in 1952, the first Eagle to ever have had this done. Al Wistert is a member of the NFL 1940’s All Decade Team.

I find it utterly amazing that Al Wistert has yet to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall Of Fame! This man truly embodies what Canton is supposed to represent.

Not only was he an eight time All-Pro in his nine year career, but he was a very important member of an Eagles team that dominated the NFL in the late 1940’s.

He introduced the NFL to the stand-up style of blocking you all see today, instead of the rolling type of blocks that were employed then, which allowed Wistert to use his speed and agility to keep on blocking more defenders downfield and making him better than all the rest.

Al was a true leader on and off the field. He captained a powerhouse squad full of Hall Of Fame players like Steve Van Buren, Pete Pihos, Alex Wojciechowicz, and Chuck Bednarik. His coach was Hall Of Famer Earle “Greasy” Neale.

Al also gave back to the community by coaching a high school team in New Jersey over 50 miles away, even though he did not own a car.

Neale liked and respected Wistert so much that he would lend his personal car daily to Wistert so Al could go teach kids how to play football. This says a lot, because Neale was a noted task master.

One game, Al came to the sideline to tell the coach he thought he had just broken his leg. Neale replied, “Well, get back in there until you are sure that it is.” Al never missed a game in his career.

He started every game of his career except the first five of his rookie season. He would soon supplant veteran Ted Doyle after the fifth game.

The only other time he missed a start was in 1950 season opener against the Cleveland Browns. Wistert had a severely sprained ankle and could hardly walk, but he ended up playing most of the game anyways.

A 60 minute man, he never left the field at any time. Whether it was opening up holes for runners on offense or closing them on defense, Wistert was an amazing athlete durable, strong, and cerebral.

Al was the smallest Tackle in the NFL, weighing 214 pounds, but he was a master technician who would out think, outwit, out-gut, and dominate his opponents on both sides of the ball for every minute of every game.

Al said, “I never gave them the same thing twice. I always confounded them with a new plan of attack.” His team mates dubbed him “Ox,” because he was incredibly strong and dependable.

The game was much different then. A rougher and more violent game with less rules and padding for self preservation.

They played games in all sorts of poor weather, unlike the climate controlled stadiums so many players enjoy today. They would spend days travelling to cities by train, instead of a few hours on an airplane like today.

Just to get a taste of these times, the Eagles took a train from Philadelphia to Los Angeles after beating the Giants. Despite only having a few days in L.A., they shut out the Rams in monsoon-like conditions to win an NFL Championship.

To say these men were tough is an understatement. They did this for the love of the game, not for the love of the money.

Many great football players eschewed the NFL in those days because they could earn more money outside of sports, and in other sports.

Francis Wistert was given $100 by Cardinals owner Charles Bidwell just to sign a contract, even though he had no intention of ever playing in the NFL. Francis chose to pitch for the Cincinnati Reds in Major League Baseball instead of playing football.

Albert Wistert decided to play professional football and was great at it. He was a 60-minute man who stayed on the field at all times. After he retired, he became successful in the life insurance business and made million dollar deals.

But he chose to play football first, and he is one of the path pavers who made the NFL the multi-billion dollar empire what it is today.

The fact the Eagles retired his number first, and only one year after his retirement, shows how special a football player he was. Al Wistert is also a member of the Philadelphia Sports Hall Of Fame.

As the years go on, the more we tend to forget great gridiron stars like Al Wistert. The veterans committee for the Pro Football Hall Of Fame MUST be blamed for not doing the jobs they were given to do. It is plainly evident to see, with all of the accolades, that a grave injustice has been perpetrated in regards to Al.

It was not lost on his fellow players. After he retired, over 23 players and NFL’ers have written to the Hall Of Fame asking that Wistert be put in: greats ranging from Chuck Bednarik even to former Eagles owner Norm Braman.

Why the voters have chosen to ignore such a rich, diverse cast of NFL Alumni requests is bewildering. There is NO QUESTION that Albert Wistert belongs in Canton.

YOU can help by signing this petition:

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/AlOxWistertHOF/

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Jim Zorn Flops on While Redskins Nation Flounders in Anger

Did Jim Zorn get hold of the Denver Broncos’ playbook for 1983? Watching the Redskins struggle with the St. Louis Rams this past Sunday, it seems so.

While Washington barely won in spite of Zorn’s inept play calling, it was a victory so shallow that the most loyal of Redskins fans sent boos cascading down onto the field after the final gun. Hopefully, the reactions sunk into Zorn enough to understand where he is at.

The Redskins play in the NFC East, not the AFC West. The weak finesse style of play Zorn seems to want will not work in Washington’s division. The West Coast system may work in other divisions, but it has never produced a champion out of the rough NFC East.

This is a division known for being won by the strongest, not the prettiest. Though some of the mashers who became champions out of the division were deemed pretty by some after successes, usually the champion limps into the playoffs having battled some of the NFL’s best teams, which happen to reside in the NFC East as well.

The inadequacies of Zorn’s offensive philosophies shone brightest under the spotlight of scrutiny on the team’s final drive. As the Redskins clung to a 9-7 lead with the game clock winding down, they found themselves inside the Rams’ 10-yard line. It was first down and critical that the Redskins score a touchdown to put the game out of reach.

Zorn then resorted to calling a series of plays that were both ludicrous and baffling. The first play was an attempted shovel pass that was incomplete and was destined to go nowhere. Then it was fourth and less than a yard. Zorn decided to go for it.

Conventional wisdom would mandate either a sneak play from quarterback Jason Campbell or a run up the middle with running back Clinton Portis. Zorn elected to do neither. He called a sweep play with Portis that went nowhere and caused the Rams to acquire possession of the ball.

Luckily for Zorn, the Redskins defense held the Rams from moving the ball. The game ended in favor of the Redskins, though it was viewed unfavorably by many of their fans. Going into Detroit next week, they may find refuge on the opposing team’s field. Hopefully Zorn will also have left some pages of his playbook in Washington as well.

Many pundits of the NFL say that a head coach usually gets a pass in his first year on the job. Zorn is now entering his second season, and his offensive scheme is as ineffective as it was last year. If this season continues on as it has started, it would be hard to imagine him back for a third season.

NFL LUCUBRATIONS

The NFL Rules Committee is out of control. Last year we saw a defensive player getting a 15-yard penalty for hitting Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan as he was releasing the ball. The reason for it? Putting too much weight on the quarterback.

Most know the quarterback has had many rule changes since 1979 to make his job obscenely easy, but now it is quite clear that the NFL quarterback is no longer a football player. He has become a media image full of unworthy hype and adulation.

I guess now the powers that be decided to change the definition of a touchdown now. Last week saw rookie Louis Murphy catch a ball in the end zone. He came down with both feet and had full control of the football.

Murphy then landed on his elbow, which is considered down and makes it a dead ball—though that should not matter, because the ball itself is supposed to be dead once it crosses the goal line.

The thing was that Murphy then lost the football after crashing down to earth. The new rule states it is an incompletion, not a score. This is perhaps the dumbest new rule farted out of the bowels of the committee, though the new rule on only having two players form a wedge to block on kickoffs is pretty darn close as well.

When does enough become enough for this group trying to justify their paychecks? These rules all subtract from the game and prove that not all busybodies provide positive contributions.

Perhaps in these lean economical times it would be prudent to disband this insipid council for at least a decade so the players can play football with the little rules left that allow them to do so. This is not the NBA, though Paul Tagliabue tried to make it so.

 

My NFL Power Rankings After Week Two

1. New York Giants
2. Baltimore Ravens
3. Minnesota Vikings
4. New Orleans Saints
5. New York Jets
6. Pittsburgh Steelers
7. San Diego Chargers
8. Indianapolis Colts
9. Atlanta Falcons
10. New England Patriots
11. Houston Texans
12. Denver Broncos
13. Philadelphia Eagles
14. Chicago Bears
15. San Francisco 49ers
16. Tennessee Titans
17. Dallas Cowboys
18. Buffalo Bills
19. Arizona Cardinals
20. Oakland Raiders
21. Cincinnati Bengals
22. Green Bay Packers
23. Seattle Seahawks
24. Washington Redskins
25. Miami Dolphins
26. Jacksonville Jaguars
27. Carolina Panthers
28. Kansas City Chiefs
29. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
30. Detroit Lions
31. St. Louis Rams
32. Cleveland Browns

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Week Two NFL Predictions To Consider

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

NFL Week One Predictions With Campbell Looking to Stir Jints

WASHINGTON REDSKINS @ NEW YORK GIANTS

The Redskins head into 2009 with a second-year coach hoping his system is now fully understood by his young quarterback. Jason Campbell started off 2008 in stellar fashion until his offensive line and running backs began to crumble around him from injuries.

The defense was good last year, and returns virtually the same with a few upgrades. Albert Haynesworth is a high priced defensive tackle Washington signed to help them improve the run defense.

Brian Orakpo is the Redskins first round draft choice this year. He played defensive end in college, but Washington is having him help out their dreadfully thin outside linebacker unit. He will be exposed if he has to cover anyone, but Washington is hoping they can use him as an edge rusher.

The Giants are all about their trenches. The offensive line is one of the best in the NFL, and the defensive line may be the best in the NFC East. This is what makes the team go. Though quarterback Eli Manning gets the press from a media driven to love the quarterback, he is about the sixth most important member of the offense.

The one problem for the Giants this game might be their injured cornerbacks. New York will be forced to start a third stringer, and have a rookie play nickel back. This could bode well for the Redskins, a team trying to find out what wide receivers they can rely on. If New York goes to a zone to protect the corners, All-Pro tight end Chris Cooley could have a field day.

WASHINGTON 31  NY GIANTS 28

 

Now for the rest of the NFL :

MIAMI DOLPHINS @ ATLANTA FALCONS

Miami and Atlanta meeting in the first week of 2009 actually is a moment to pause and reflect on 2008. Both teams came out of nowhere, and exceeded the expectations of everyone. Including themselves probably.

This year, they both expect to exceed last years results. While Miami stuck to their guns by drafting to build a team, Atlanta brought in veteran tight end Tony Gonzales to upgrade the team.

Miami and Atlanta both rely on the run to set up the pass, though Falcons QB Matt Ryan has a stronger arm over veteran Dolphin QB Chad Pennington. This helps make the Falcons more explosive, while Miami relies on a methodical attack.

Miami has the edge on defense and special teams in this meeting. If Miami can control Falcons All-Pro running back Mike Turner, they will help themselves to a better chance for victory. Miami has upgraded their defensive secondary, so Atlanta might have more difficulty without the effectiveness of the run.

This game will come down to the trenches, and Miami’s offensive line may be better than the Atlanta defensive line. It should be a low scoring affair, where the winner won’t take it by much. Either way, this game will be a good gauge on which of these teams will be at least as good as last year.

MIAMI 23   ATLANTA 17

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS @ BALTIMORE RAVENS

Kansas City is not going to have a easy schedule until their bye. Four of their first seven games are against teams that made the playoffs last year. Being winless into the bye is a real possibility.

Their quarterback, Matt Cassell, is not at full health. Their offensive line is in flux, and they appear years away from being a consistent threat.

Baltimore, on the other hand, expects to go further. They were one win away from a Super Bowl appearance last year, and are looking much improved coming into this year.

Basically, expect the Ravens to beat up the Chiefs for 60 minutes.

BALTIMORE 24  KANSAS CITY 3

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES @ CAROLINA PANTHERS

My pick for Game Of The Week.

Both teams expect to be in the playoffs this year, and both teams offenses strengths are the others weaknesses. This will be a fun game to watch.

Philadelphia offense is basically Donovan McNabb. Their running game scares no one, and their offensive line is already banged up. Though the Panthers run defense is not a top rated unit, there are questions about their ability to defend the pass over the middle with their safeties.

Expect to see the Eagles to use multiple receiver sets and throw the ball over 40 times. If Julius Peppers and his gang can get to McNabb fast and often, it could spell a blowout for the Panthers.

Carolina relies on the rushing attack. Their passing game is basically Steve Smith, but the Eagles have an excellent cornerback on Asante Samuel to shadow him all game. Expect to see the Panthers run the ball mostly, as they try to exploit the Eagles suspect run defense.

It will be a case of explosive versus deliberate. Will the Eagles outscore Carolina or will the Panthers beat down Philadelphia? Stay tuned to this game for the answer.

PHILADELPHIA 34  PANTHERS 24

DENVER BRONCOS @ CINCINNATI BENGALS

This game features an improved Bengals hosting a rebuilding Broncos. Though some may not think much of this encounter, it could be fun.

Cincinnati has a running attack no one knows what to expect from it. Denver has a rush defense many expect to be as poor as last year. The Bengals want to throw the ball better than last year, while the Broncos pass defense is very good.

Denver heads into 2009 with a star receiver, Brandon Marshall, who wants to play elsewhere. They also have a new quarterback in Kyle Orton who is more ball control oriented than last years starter Jay Cutler. Orton is hoping rookie running back Knowshon Moreno is at full health after a preseason injury, because many think Moreno will be a star in the league.

The Bengals have a good defense. They will have a chance on showing it versus a team with a new coach, system, and players. This should be a fun game to watch, and it could come down to special teams.

CINCINNATI 35  DENVER 24

MINNESOTA VIKINGS @ CLEVELAND BROWNS

Already I am sickened by the headlines that are attached to this game. It will be a sickening quarterback love-fest, mainly directed at Brett Favre.

The Vikings win in the trenches, while the Browns are praying theirs are majorly upgraded from last seasons poor showing. Expect a heavy dose of the Vikings rushing attack, led by Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor. Though the Vikings will try to exploit a decent Browns secondary, rookie Percy Harvin might get a few screens to test the OLB’s.

Brady Quinn heads in as the starter for the Cleveland 2009 season. It is doubtful he will be able to rely on their running game against Minnesota’s tough defense, so he will have to pass often. The hope is that Quinn can stay strong, and not get happy feet, against the Vikings pass rush. The offense will be on his shoulders most likely in this game.

In the end, the Vikings expect to wear down the Browns. That could change if All-Pro return specialist Joshua Cribbs runs wild.

MINNESOTA 30  CLEVELAND 13

NEW YORK JETS @ HOUSTON TEXANS

The Texans are many peoples pick as a dark horse team this year. They have an explosive passing attack, and an up and coming defense. The only question to the Texans is their running attack. Steve Slaton was excellent in his rookie season last year, but some question whether or not he is the guy who can carry the load.

The Jets come in expecting to blitz, blitz, blitz on defense. They feel they can afford to gamble because they have an excellent secondary. The offense should be run oriented, because they will be relying on rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez to throw the ball.

This game will come down to the passing game. Houston’s success versus the Jets secondary measured against the Texans defensive line attacking the Jets offensive scheme.

HOUSTON 24  NY JETS 10

JACKSONVILLE @ INDIANAPOLIS

It wasn’t long ago this would have been called the game of the week. After the Jaguars poor 2008 season, some are expecting the Colts to roll.

The Colts still is about Peyton Manning and his ability to control a game. They are hoping the running attack is improved with the addition of rookie Don Brown, but they go as far as Manning goes.

The Jaguars are rebuilding, but they still have many players to make for a successful 2009 campaign. Dave Garrard is the quarterback, and is reportedly in the best shape of his career. Maurice Jones-Drew is now going to be the main running back, and he is recovering from a minor injury.

Jacksonville will need to pass the ball to win this one, while the Colts appear to have the more balanced attack in this matchup. It could remind many of their past battles, which were wire jobbers.

INDIANAPOLIS 28  JACKSONVILLE 24

DETROIT LIONS @ NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

This clash features a team expecting playoffs against a team just wanting a win. Detroit drafted well this year, but they may be too young of a team to do much against a Saints team on a mission.

Though the Lions will win a few games this year, the opening game of their season isn’t going to be one of them.

NEW ORLEANS 38  DETROIT 21

DALLAS COWBOYS @ TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

Tampa Bay is hoping a few veteran players brought in this year can carry the team to a division title while they wait on the youngsters to develop. Josh Freeman might be the future quarterback of the team, but Bryan Leftwich will start this year. Derrick Ward is a running back who many think will add a much needed wrinkle to the teams attack.

Dallas is a team that has not lived up to the media hype the last several years. They have many good players, but have fallen short thus far. Now that the team is coming into this year expecting less drama in their locker room, the theory is that they will get over the hump finally.

Though the Cowboys are not a lot better than the Buccaneers, their defense might make the difference in this game. Many expect it to be much improved, especially versus the run. Tampa Bay’s only chance of winning this one is having their young and excellent offensive line control the clock running the ball.

DALLAS 24  TAMPA BAY 17

SAN FRANCISCO 49ers @ ARIZONA CARDINALS

Arizona is going to throw the ball. They have seven wide receivers on their roster, so they may as well gun it often. The Cardinals are also hoping rookie Beanie Wells teams with Tim Hightower  to give them much needed balance, especially in short yardage situations.

The 49ers, on the other hand, love to run the football. They are hoping for a better passing attack, even with first round draft choice Michael Crabtree not in uniform. One way to improve the offense is to line up tight end Vernon Davis off the line in the slot, much like Antonio Gates is in San Diego. Davis is bigger, stronger, and faster than Gates, so this is hopefully the year the Niners use Davis to the best of his abilities.

Both teams have good defenses, so it will come down to who executes best on offense.

ARIZONA 31  SAN FRANCISCO 17

SAINT LOUIS RAMS @ SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

This is a inter-divisional battle of two teams in the rebuilding mode, though the Seahawks won’t be as busy as the Rams are for another year or two. Saint Louis was recently dealt a serious blow when defensive tackle Adam Carriker was lost for the season due to injury.

Seattle’s offensive strength is passing the ball, while the Rams best attack is giving the ball to running back Steven Jackson often.

This won’t be a barn burner, but these teams still have a chance to win one of the weakest divisions in football.

SEATTLE 21  SAINT LOUIS 17

CHICAGO BEARS @ GREEN BAY PACKERS

The Packers are building a team that could be special in the future, though they hope that future is now. Aaron Rodgers proved the team made the right decision by installing him at quarterback last year, and appears to be on the verge of a breakout season after a sharp preseason showing. Ryan Grant is the teams best running back, but the team is at its best when they go to the air with their fine assortment of diverse receivers.

The defense was also excellent in preseason at creating turnovers, but it remains to be seen if they truly have made the transition to the newly installed 3-4 defense. It is a good possibility, because the defense is full of veterans.

The Bears are a team that traditionally has won running the ball and playing great defense. Matt Forte in the running back who carries on that tradition, though the veteran Bears defense was showing a few cracks of aging late last season.

Chicago seemingly hasn’t had a good quarterback since Hall Of Famer Sid Luckman retired in 1950. They traded their future to the Denver Broncos away in hopes that Jay Cutler could provide them brighter roads ahead. Cutler has an excellent arm, but it will be interesting to see how he adjusts to tossing the pigskin in the Windy City instead on the mile high air of Colorado.

This won’t be the classic Black and Blue warfare of years past, but it has a chance to spin it’s own yarn. The ball with be in the air this game, while two experienced defenses battle to keep the end zone clean.

GREEN BAY 28  CHICAGO 24

BUFFALO BILLS @ NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

This is the first game of a double header on Monday night. It also will be hyped to mark the return of quarterback Tom Brady to the gridiron.

New England is a deep veteran team many pundits expect to make a serious run for a championship. The one major weakness that easily could be exposed is that Brady’s lone backup is rookie Bobby Hoyer. An injury to Brady could very well end all hopes for the team.

Buffalo is hoping their newly installed no huddle offense wreaks havoc on the league. The questions on their offensive line might be an issue exposed by the Patriots. Though Buffalo has a decent defense, they may end up tired by mid-season if the no huddle is a failure.

NEW ENGLAND 45  BUFFALO 21

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS @ OAKLAND RAIDERS

“Just Win Baby!” That is the motto of Raiders owner Al Davis. It is also a motto the Chargers  should be chanting this year. Davis may not mind, considering he once worked for the Chargers in their AFL days.

Oakland has the makings of a young and exciting offense, led by a deep unit of excellent running backs. They have a chance to be unpredictable and explosive. Their big problem is that their defense cannot seem to stop the opponents from rushing the ball down their throats. Richard Seymour is a defensive end who was just acquired from the New England Patriots for a first round draft pick, so Oakland hopes the veteran can show his teammates how to win.

The Chargers are a team that appears to be without weakness. They are stacked with talent at virtually every position. They can beat you on offense, defense, or special teams. They also realize their window if opportunity is closing, and this could be their last real shot at a championship for awhile after a few key players become free agents at seasons end.

Neither team, nor their fans, like each other much. It will be a battle, but the Chargers may have too much talent for the Raiders to stop.

SAN DIEGO 37  OAKLAND 20

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Breaking Down The AFC East

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

One thing you can say about the Patriots is they are stockpiling talents on their roster unlike any other team in the league right now. The phrase “the rich get richer” certainly applies to them.

Tom Brady returns after a major knee injury early in 2008. It is an injury that usually takes 18 months to get close to all the way back from, but New England is gambling Brady will continue to exceed all others and their expectations. In fact, they are so confident in Brady they traded Matt Cassel away. Cassel started for the injured Brady last year and performed better than expected. New England has only rookie Bobby Hoyer as the backup, which could be a disastrous decision if Brady goes down with an injury again.

The running game is a group of backs who figure to share the ball over the course of the year. Fred Taylor, Sammy Morris, Laurence Maloney, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, and Kevin Faulk all do different things when they have the ball, and New England will try to use this to their advantage. This versatility and depth should keep all of the running backs fresh, since none are expected to carry the load primarily.

Randy Moss and Wes Welker are the primary receivers for the Patriots. Moss is the guy who can hit the home run at any time, while Welker works the underneath routes. New England recently picked up veterans Joey Galloway and Greg Lewis to add much-needed depth. One player to watch is rookie Julian Edelman, a quarterback in college. Edelman is very athletic, albeit injury-prone. The possibility of using him in the single wing is plausible if he makes the team.

The tight end position received an offseason upgrade in preparations for the possibility of Ben Watson’s departure at the end of the year. They picked up veterans Chris Baker and Alex Smith, both who have experience as starters.

The offensive line is deep and sound. New England went out and drafted a few more players to learn from their veterans. Led by veteran Matt Light, the group is equally good in the running or passing game. Factor in the young players learning, and the future appears as bright as the present.

Defense is where head coach Bill Belichick excels, and he has built up an impressive group of defenders. The defensive line is maybe one of the deepest in the AFC. Led by Vince Woolfork and Ty Warren, the Patriots added pass-rushing defensive end Derrick Burgess and drafted defensive tackle Ron Brace to help Jarvis Green add impressive depth. This is the unit that makes the linebackers look good.

Tedy Bruschi is the leader of a linebacking unit that is very, very deep. Adalius Thomas, Pierre Woods, Vinny Ciuciu, and Eric Alexander are all veterans looking to help the team. Jarod Mayo is coming off of an impressive 2008 rookie season, while Shawn Crable’s rookie year was washed away by injury. Tully Banta-Cain excels on special teams, where second-year player Gary Guyton hopes to stick as well. Paris Lenon was an excellent pick-up in the offseason, and Tyrone McKenzie is a fluid tackling machine drafted in the third round this year. There will be a real battle in training camp for jobs among this deep group.

The secondary is an interesting group. Veterans Shawn Springs and Leigh Bodden are slated to start at cornerback, with youngsters Terrance Wheatley, Darius Butler, and Jonathan Wilhite providing depth. Brandon Merriweather is penned in as the starting strong safety, but he has the ability to play free safety. James Sanders is the starting free safety, but rookie strong safety Patrick Chung could soon push Merriweather over into that spot. If Springs can stay healthy, it gives guys like Wheatley and Butler another year to mature and learn. Chung’s development could provide a real boost to this unit, because of his play making abilities.

New England is a team full of specialists, which fits in perfectly with today’s NFL. It is becoming more of a rare occurrence to see a player on the field for every down these days. With the Patriots loaded with veterans, this could be important as far as keeping players fresh and healthy deep into the year. This edge is what the Patriots are hoping is what pushes them back on top of the league when the 2009 season concludes.

 

BUFFALO BILLS

Buffalo took a step backwards in 2008 after showing promise the season before. This is the year the Bills must progress, or Dick Jauron could very well lose his head coaching job.

The offense has a chance to be very effective, even with their starting running back Marshawn Lynch suspended for the first three games of the season. The depth behind Lynch consists of Fred Jackson and Xavier Omon.

Quarterback Trent Edwards had an injury-filled 2008 season plagued by inconsistency. He has shown glimpses of being very good, and this might be the season that will be most telling in the direction he is headed. He will have plenty of weapons at his disposal.

One of those weapons is the enigmatic wide receiver Terrell Owens. Owens was signed by the Bills after he was released by the Dallas Cowboys. He has athletic talent, but his main issue has been his propensity to draw negative attention to himself gleefully. Owens divides locker rooms and costs his teams victories with his destructive behavior. Now nearing the end of his career, the hope is that Owens keeps quiet and just plays football in hopes of finishing his career strong.

Across from him at WR is the underrated Lee Evans, a receiver who has the ability to stretch the seam. Evans might be the most important Bill on offense, because none of the other players have his home run capability.

The other receivers are a mix of slot guys and youngsters. Josh Reed is a consistent possession type who works the slot very well. Roscoe Parrish is a top-flight punt returner who has practice working the slot for Buffalo. Steve Johnson was drafted in the seventh round last year, but appears to have passed Hardy on the depth chart.

The tight end position is rather intriguing. Derek Shouman is the blocker of the group, but they have two young guys who excel at catching the ball. Derek Fine was drafted in the fourth round last year and started in 5 of the 10 games he played. Shawn Nelson is a rookie just drafted in the fourth round this year. He is very athletic, and has the ability to get deep. This trio gives Buffalo the ability to be flexible in many offensive sets.

The Bills’ offensive line has been very good the past few seasons, and many hope for them to continue to be even after trading All-Pro Jason Peters. Langston Walker moves into Peters’ slot and has shown the ability to play the position in the past. Buffalo also lost starting guard Derrick Dockery and starting center Duke Preston after 2008.

Buffalo attacked the 2009 draft with the want-to-fill slots. They used their second pick in the first round on center Eric Wood. They then drafted Andy Levitre in the second round, the first guard drafted. Both are expected to start alongside Walker and Brad Butler. It will be interesting to see if Wood plays center or guard, because the Bills signed the versatile Geoff Hangartner to a big free-agent contract after 2008. Hangartner can play center or guard. The Bills’ offensive line coaches, Sean Kugler and Ray Brown, will have quite a task sifting this out to a cohesive unit.

If the offense didn’t have enough exciting possibilities, the defense has created a unit that has Bills fans excited. They feature a defensive line that is full of possibilities. It is a veteran group that has had troubles staying healthy. If they can be that, it will help the back seven.

The secondary features quite a few exciting players. Terrence McGee and Leodis McKelvin are very athletic cornerbacks who also excel at returning kickoffs. They are backed up by veterans Drayton Florence and Ashton Youboty, who are solid players in their own right. Donte Whitner is the starting free safety who has assumed the leadership role of the group, and relishes supporting the run defense. This is the group that could carry Buffalo into the playoffs.

The linebackers need to improve. Veterans Keith Ellison and Kawika Mitchell start on the outside. Both are decent all-around types, but neither are considered game-changers. Aaron Maybin was the Bills’ first draft choice in 2009, and is very raw. He is also supremely athletic, and could see time as an OLB and DE in certain situations. Paul Posluszny is the starting MLB looking to improve upon his 110-tackle total in 2008. If this unit does not step up, it will be a problem coming down the stretch run of the season.

One thing Buffalo does really well is play special teams. Bobby April is the coach, and his unit has won several games for Buffalo over the past many years. Parrish, McKelvin, and McGee are explosive returners. Rian Lindell is a solid kicker who has sealed many victories for the Bills late in games. Expect more of the same in 2009.

You can call them the Buffalo Bills, the Toronto Bills, or the Buffronto Bills, but you very well could be calling them a playoff team this year. Dick Jauron, his family, and coaching staff is praying this is so.

 

NEW YORK JETS

If you’re a fan of the Jets, you have to be pleased with the pedal to the metal approach the team has taken lately. They went out and hired a head coach who embodies this philosophy in Rex Ryan. Rex, much like his legendary father Buddy, is a defensive-oriented coach who preaches constant pressure in all directions.

One of the Jets’ first moves to kick off the Ryan era was to be aggressive in the 2009 NFL Draft. They traded up to get quarterback Mark Sanchez, giving up three players and two draft choices. The Jets are hoping Sanchez can be the quarterback the team has sought since the days of Ken O’Brien at the least. He is expected to battle Kellen Clemens for the starting job.

One offensive strength the Jets have is their running attack. Thomas Jones is in his last year with the team, and should be playing hard for a contract next year. Leon Washington is a tiny back who excels on special teams. He is also in his contract year. Both will be pushed by rookie Shonn Greene, a compact runner who is best between the tackles. This is a three-headed monster that could wear teams down late in the game.

The starters on the offensive line are sound, but there is not much depth behind them. A few injuries to this unit could spell doom for the Jets’ 2009 hopes. They are especially good in the running game, and are helped by fullback Tony Richardson. Richardson has long been one of the better blocking backs in the NFL.

The receiving game may have as many questions as the quarterback situation. Jerricho Cotchery is the most proven receiver, and he has had moments of inconsistency. Chansi Stuckey is expected to start at the other spot, and it remains to be seen how he handles the duties full time. Neither are speed merchants, so the Jets are hoping David Clowney will be the home run threat. Clowney is raw and inexperienced, but might be the fastest receiver on the team. Other guys to look at in camp are veteran Aundrae Allison, Marcus Henry, Paul Raymond, and the versatile Brad Smith.

Tight end Dustin Keller could be the Jets’ best threat in the passing game. Keller is fast and athletic. His health is paramount, now that Alex Smith has left for Tampa Bay. All that remains on the roster behind Keller are three unproven rookies.

Defense is where the Jets’ season will be made or lost. Ryan has a lot of tools to work with, and the possibilities are endless. The biggest strength of the defense might be in the secondary.

The Jets’ starting tandem at cornerback might be the best in the league. Darrelle Revis and Lito Sheppard are both excellent players. Their backups are Dwight Lowery and Donald Strickland, both very good players in their own right. The Jets appear set when opponents go to multiple WR sets.

Kerry Rhodes and Jim Leonhard are the starting safeties, but there is a chance rookie Emanuel Cook could push for playing time.

Linebacker has some depth behind a starting unit that could create havoc on the NFL in 2009. Led by David Harris and Bart Scott in the middle, the Jets are hoping the trio of Calvin Pace, Vernon Gholston, and Bryan Thomas crash teams off the edges with abandon and success.

The defensive line is a group of run-stuffers, so it is vital that the linebackers are able to penetrate and create the pressure. With the solid group of cornerbacks, Ryan can afford to gamble often.

The New York media will hype the quarterback, no matter how unnecessary the position is to the team’s game plan and success. Look at the team they share their stadium with as an example.

The real key to the Jets’ hopes in 2009 will be their ability to control the clock and dominate on defense. A formula Rex saw work in Chicago when his dad won a Super Bowl, and when Rex won a Super Bowl when he was the defensive line coach in Baltimore. He now hopes his Jets’ defense can get him another ring.

 

MIAMI DOLPHINS

Bill Parcells continues to build something in Miami, but there is a question if they can succeed with mirrors again. The single wing offense, now re-dubbed “Wildcat,” gave Miami a nice return from the NFL cellar last year. The offense, though easy to defen if opponents stay within their containment responsibilities, takes advantage of defenses with poor fundamentals.

Expect more of the same as Miami continues to gain experience in 2009. The offense is still led by quarterback Chad Pennington, though second-year quarterback Chad Henne might not be far away from replacing him. Rookie Pat White is very athletic, and might be seen running the Wildcat several times this year. White also might be used as a receiver.

Miami’s main offensive attack comes from the running game. Led by Ronnie Brown, it had proven to be effective. Ricky Williams provided a nice change of pace last year, and the effectiveness of this duo is critical to the Dolphins’ success.

The offensive line is young and promising. Offensive tackle Jake Long showed why the Dolphins selected him as the first player in the draft in 2008. His bookend is Vernon Carey, who is a seasoned veteran. Jake Groves was brought in via free agency to start at center, and is considered one of the better centers in the AFC. The guard situation is intriguing. Veteran Justin Smiley mans one starting spot, while second-year players Shawn Murphy and Donald Thomas will battle Andy Alleman, a third-year player, for the other starting job. This group will decide the fate of the team.

The receivers are a young group still learning the game. Led by tight end Anthony Fasano and wide receiver Davone Bess, Miami is still looking for more pass catchers. Ted Ginn, Brian Hartline, Patrick Turner, and Greg Camarillo will all battle for playing time. Ginn also serves as the Dolphins’ kickoff return specialist, while Bess returns punts.

The defense carried Miami to a surprising 2008 season, and this young group expects to be even better in 2009. Linebacker Joey Porter got most of the press, but that mainly came from his propensity of running his mouth without thinking. Porter did have a nice season rushing the passer, but his success was because of the improved play of the defensive line.

Parcells has built a deep unit for the defensive line. Led by young and promising defensive ends Kendall Langford and Phillip Merling, the unit rotates six deep every Sunday. Several of the players are versatile enough to line up all over the line of scrimmage as well.

The linebackers are led by Porter, and it is a deep unit. One of the most interesting moves the Dolphins made recently was re-acquiring Jason Taylor. Taylor is one of the best defensive ends in Dolphins history, but he is now slated to play SLB.

The secondary might end up being the story of the Dolphins defense in 2009. They drafted cornerback Vontae Davis in the first round and cornerback Sean Smith in the second round of the 2009 draft. Both will battle incumbents Eric Green and Will Allen for playing time. Miami also picked up free safety Gibril Wilson, after he had a disastrous season in Oakland last season. If this unit falters, Miami could be in for a long season ahead.

The special teams found a nice surprise in kicker Dan Carpenter in his rookie 2008 campaign. Brandon Fields was also excellent as their punter. Both kickers were solid last year, but Miami could improve on their return game.

The Dolphins aren’t going to sneak up on anyone this year, so it will be interesting to see how they handle the new founded attention their opponents will give them. Even if Miami doesn’t repeat last seasons success, it is clear Bill Parcells has them on the right path.

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Previewing The AFC East

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

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Predictions for the 2009 NFL Season

NFC East

1. Philadelphia – This year they are on a mission.
2. New York Giants – They are not easy to stop on the ground attack.
3. Dallas Cowboys – As flawed as that horrid TV at the fifty yard line.
4. Washington Redskins – Mediocre coaches get mediocre results.

NFC North

1. Minnesota Vikings – Blah, blah, blah Brett. It’s all about the trenches.
2. Green Bay Packers – The defense is very good.
3. Chicago Bears – They are a year away…maybe.
4. Detroit Lions – They will win games this year.

NFC South

1. Carolina Panthers – They like to ground and pound you old school style.
2. New Orleans Saints – If Pierre Thomas runs well, they will do well.
3. Atlanta Falcons – The mirrors used last year will be shattered this year.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – It will take time to get better.

NFC West

1. Arizona Cardinals – Warner has one good year left.
2. Saint Louis Rams – They are getting real good in the pits.
3. Seattle Seahawks – The rebuilding stage hits harder next year.
4. San Francisco 49ers – They appear on the right track.

NFC Playoffs

New York Giants over Carolina – The G-Men are superior in the trenches.

New York Giants over Arizona Cardinals – The Jints will control the clock.
Philadelphia over Minnesota Vikings – This year is for Jim Johnson.

Philadelphia over New York Giants – The mission for JJ continues.

AFC East

1. New England Patriots – Hopefully Brady plays, yet they proved they win without him.
2. Buffalo Bills – The offense is more explosive than you think.
3. Miami Dolphins – The talent pool is getting deeper each year.
4. New York Jets – Rookie QB’s rarely do well at first.

AFC North

1. Baltimore Ravens – Lewis inspires his teammates to overachieve again.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers – They will be in it to win it.
3. Cincinnati Bengals – The offense will score, the defense is underrated.
4. Cleveland Browns – The trenches look shaky.

AFC South

1. Houston Texans – The kids are ready this year.
2. Indianapolis Colts – Dungy will be missed in crunch time.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars – A few drafts away from coming back.
4. Tennessee Titans – Passing game will not produce, Young finishes the year starting.

AFC West

1. San Diego Chargers – The class of the weakest division in football.
2. Oakland Raiders – The collection of talented running backs will win some games.
3. Kansas City Chiefs – Things are improved in some areas, but aging in others.
4. Denver Broncos – The rebuilding process will take awhile.

AFC Playoffs

Pittsburgh over New England – Pittsburgh wins in the trenches.

San Diego over Pittsburgh – Defending champions rarely repeat.
Baltimore over Houston – Defense beats a young team.

San Diego over Baltimore – San Diego wins this with big plays on defense.

SUPER BOWL

San Diego over Philadelphia – L.T. runs for 150 yards and two scores.

Offensive MVP: Donovan McNabb, QB, Philadelphia
Defensive MVP: Julius Peppers, DE, Carolina
Offensive Rookie Of The Year: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Philadelphia
Defensive Rookie Of The Year: James Laurinaitis, LB, St. Louis
Coach Of The Year: Gary Kubiak, Houston

The Philadelphia Eagles FINALLY Find Respect

Give The Philadelphia Eagles credit today!

They recognize their tradition now.

FINALLY!

Al Wistert is being inducted into the Eagles Ring Of Honor on 9/ 27/ 09.

It will occur during a halftime ceremony when the Eagles host the Kansas City Chiefs.

You may remember my calling the Eagles out on this in an older post.

The Philadelphia Eagles Are Devoid Of Honor

 

BUT, the job is not done for Al.

He SHOULD be in Canton!

Here is his story again.

Consider getting on board.

Al Wistert
6’1″ 214
Tackle
Philadelphia Eagles
1943 – 1951
9 Seasons
95 Games Played
8 Time All-Pro

Albert Alexander Wistert was drafted in the fifth round by the Philadelphia / Pittsburgh Steagles in 1943, the 32nd player chosen overall. The Steagles were a team that was comprised of Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers into one team because of World War II.

Al had played college football at the University of Michigan . He was a legendary two way player there. He had two brothers, Alvin and Francis, also play for the Wolverines. They all played the same position, Tackle on both sides of the ball, and wore the same number 11 jersey.

Francis was the first, Albert was the second, then Alvin was last. Their number 11 jersey has been retired by Michigan University , and is one of only seven to have achieved that honor. Albert played on Wolverine teams that lost only five games in his three years there. He was an All American and was named the MVP of the team in 1942.

One famous moment in Michigan University football history came against Notre Dame in South Bend , Indiana . Going in the locker room trailing at halftime, the Notre Dame fans told Michigan to go home because it was over. Wistert would have none of that and inspired his team mates with a pep talk that had the Wolverines fired up. Michigan rattled off 21 straight unanswered points in the third quarter and dominated Notre Dame to a 32 – 20 victory.

After playing in the 1943 East-West Shrine Game, Al was team captain of the College All Stars who played against the NFL World Champion Washington Redskins. Al’s team stomped the Redskins, led by Hall Of Fame Quarterback Sammy Baugh, 27 – 7.

Al Wistert is a member of the Michigan University Hall Of Honor, and a member of the College Football Hall Of Fame, as are both of his brothers.

Al went to his first Steagles practice knowing no one. He saw Hall Of Fame Defensive End Bill Hewitt sitting on some rocks smoking a cigarette. Al approached Hewitt to introduce himself to the fellow Wolverine Alumni who had played alongside his brother Francis in college. Hewitt had just come out of a three year retirement to play for $4,000. It was the most Hewitt had ever made in the NFL. Al had just signed with the Steagles for $4,500. Al extended his hand and introduced himself, but Hewitt did not say a word or offer his hand. Al then decided to run laps around the field by himself. Pretty soon, the entire Steagles team was following Al and running around the field.

The Steagles disbanded the following season, and the Steelers and Eagles went back to being separate teams. Wistert stayed in Philadelphia . Al would make his first All-Pro Team that year in 1944, and would garner this achievement for every year of the rest of his NFL career. In 1946, he was named team captain. An honor he served until 1950.

The Eagles went to their first championship game in 1947, but lost to the Chicago Cardinals 28 – 21. The 1948 season saw the Eagles win their very first championship during a blizzard in a rematch against the Chicago Cardinals 7 – 0. The Eagles then went back to the NFL Championship the next year and beat the Los Angeles Rams 14 – 0 in heavy rain.

The Eagles are the only team in NFL history to win back to back championships and not allow their opponents to score. Al announced he would retire after the 1951 season. The Eagles held an AL WISTERT DAY in the fourth from last home game that year. The team gave Al a brand new car, and many other gifts. One gift was a hand crafted dining room table that Al still uses this day to eat his meals off of.

The Eagles then retired his #70 jersey in 1952, the first Eagle to ever have had this done. Al Wistert is a member of the NFL 1940’s All-Decade Team.

I find it utterly amazing that Al Wistert has yet to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall Of Fame! This man truly embodies what Canton is supposed to represent. Not only was he an eight time All-Pro in his nine year career, but he was a very important member of an Eagles team that dominated the NFL in the late 1940’s.

He introduced the NFL to the stand up style of blocking you all see today, instead of the rolling type of blocks that were employed then, which allowed Wistert to use his speed and agility to keep on blocking more defenders downfield and making him better than all the rest.

Al was a true leader on and off the field. He captained a powerhouse squad full of Hall Of Fame players like Steve Van Buren, Pete Pihos, Alex Wojciechowicz, and Chuck Bednarik. His coach was Hall Of Famer Earle “Greasy” Neale. Al also gave back to the community by coaching a high school team in New Jersey over 50 miles away, even though he did not own a car. Neale liked and respected Wistert so much that he would lend his personal car daily to Wistert so Al could go teach kids how to play football. This says a lot, because Neale was a noted task master.

One game, Al came to the sideline to tell the coach he thought he had just broken his leg. Neale replied, ” Well, get back in there until you are sure that it is.” Al never missed a game in his career. He started every game of his career except the first five of his rookie season. He would soon supplant veteran Ted Doyle after the fifth game. The only other time he missed a start was in 1950 season opener against the Cleveland Browns. Wistert had a severely sprained ankle and could hardly walk, but he ended up playing most of the game anyways.

A 60 minute man, he never left the field at any time. Whether it was opening up holes for runners on offense or closing them on defense, Wistert was an amazing athlete durable, strong, and cerebral. Al was the smallest Tackle in the NFL, weighing 214 pounds, but he was a master technician who would out think, outwit, out gut, and dominate his opponents on both sides of the ball for every minute of every game.

Al said, “I never gave then the same thing twice. I always confounded them with a new plan of attack.” His team mates dubbed him “Ox”, because he was incredibly strong and dependable.

The game was much different then. A rougher and more violent game with less rules and padding for self preservation. They played games in all sorts of poor weather, unlike the climate controlled stadiums so many players enjoy today. They would spend days travelling to cities by train, instead of a few hours on an airplane like today.

Just to get a taste of these times, the Eagles took a train from Philadelphia to Los Angeles after beating the Giants. Despite only having a few days in L.A. , they shut out the Rams in monsoon like conditions to win an NFL Championship. To say these men were tough is an understatement. They did this for the love of the game, not the love for the money.

Many great football players eschewed the NFL in those days because they could earn more money outside of sports, and in other sports. Francis Wistert was given $100 by Cardinals owner Charles Bidwell just to sign a contract, even though he had no intention of ever playing in the NFL. Francis chose to pitch for the Cincinnati Reds in Major League Baseball instead of playing football.

Albert Wistert decided to play professional football and was great at it. He was a 60 minute man who stayed on the field at all times. After he retired, he became successful in the life insurance business and made million dollar deals. But he chose to play football first, and he is one of the path pavers who made the NFL the multi-billion dollar empire what it is today.

The fact the Eagles retired his number first, and only one year after his retirement, shows how special a football player he was. Al Wistert is also a member of the Philadelphia Sports Hall Of Fame.

As the years go on, the more we tend to forget great gridiron stars like Al Wistert. The veterans committee for the Pro Football Hall Of Fame MUST be blamed for not doing the jobs they were given to do. It is plainly evident to see, with all of the accolades, that a grave injustice has been perpetrated in regards to Al. It was not lost on his fellow players. After he retired, over 23 players and NFL’ers have written to the Hall Of Fame asking that Wistert be put in. Greats ranging from Chuck Bednarik to even former Eagles owner Norm Braman. Why the voters have chosen to ignore such a rich, diverse cast of NFL Alumni requests is bewildering. There is NO QUESTION that Albert Wistert belongs in Canton .

YOU can help by signing this petition:

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/AlOxWistertHOF/

 

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