Christmas Carols 2009: Spreading Football Cheer

Another holiday season is upon us, which means family, friends, and the spirit of giving. My gift to you, as it has been these last few years, are everyone’s favorite Christmas carols with an NFL (and now college) spin.

Be sure to load up on eggnog, put on your ugly sweater, and sing these carols loudly this Christmas. Maybe Santa will be so wowed he’ll give you the gift of your team in the playoffs. Unless you’re a Jets fan.

 

Here comes Tom Cable
(to the tune of “Here Comes Santa Claus”)

Here comes Tom Cable,
Here comes Tom Cable,
Coming to punch us out.
Bad on defense,
And worse on offense,
And a great big gout.
Bells are ringing, women screaming,
Oh what a terrible sight.
So hang your stocking but lock the door
‘Cause Tom Cable comes tonight.

Here comes Tom Cable,
Here comes Tom Cable,
In his mid forties.
Al Davis has got his seat
At 800 degrees!
See his Raiders trip and bumble
Future’s sort of bright,
So jump in bed, leave the team for dead
‘Cause Tom Cable comes tonight.

An Ochocinco Christmas
(to the tune of “Deck the Halls”)

Did you hear ‘bout Ochocinco,
Fined fined fined fined fined, fined fined fined fined!
Tried to bribe the refs a dollar,
Fined fined fined fined fined, 20 grand.
Don he now a big sombrero,
Fined fined fined, fined fined fined, 30 grand,
Wore a wrongly colored chinstrap
Fined fined fined fined fined, fined ten thousand.

Wanted to wear Henry’s 15,
Fa la la la la, would have been cool.
But the NFL said no,
Fa la la la la, la just chill out.
We just wish Goodell would relax,
Fa la la, la la la, you’ve been fined
Maybe he should kiss the baby,
Fa la la la la, oh Child Please.

Home Field Isn’t Comin’ to Town
(to the tune of Santa Claus is ‘Comin to Town)

You better play well,
You better go fight,
Even though Favre has played all right,
Home field isn’t comin’, to town.

Drew Brees is a stud,
His numbers are nice
And under pressure he’s as cool as ice,
Home field isn’t comin’, to town

They score when you are sleeping,
They score when you’re awake,
And they’ll play the big game in the Superdome
With the Superbowl at stake

Oh, AP better run,
And Percy take flight,
Though Minny will play with all their might,
Home field isn’t comin’, to town.

Silent Night
(to the tune of…uh…”Silent Night”)

Silent night…
Quiet night…
Just another…..Jaguars home game
Game’s been blacked out, once again.
Cannot sell out, can’t explain.
Off to LA we go-o…
Off to LA we go.

Silent night…
Quiet night…
David Garrard, gets no breaks.
MJD, took a knee.
Searching for playoffs, but it’s not to be.
We should just draft Tim Te-bow…
We should just draft Tim Tebow

On the 12th day of Christmas, the NFL gave to me…
(to the tune of “12 Days of Christmas”)

Twelve on the field
Eleven Drew Brees touchdowns
Ten failed fake field goals
Nine Packers O-lines
Eight Cribbs kickoff TD’s
Seven wild card hopefuls
Six new kickers
FIIIIVE CUTLER PICKS!!
Four Oakland QB’s
Three canned OC’s
Two Tampa wins
And a brand new Brett Favre team!

“We Wish We Were In the Title Game”
(to the tune of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”)

We wish we were in the title game,
We wish we were in the title game,
We wish we were in the title game,
But we’re from TCU.

The BCS stinks,
It hates us Horned Frogs.
It’s just scared we’ll throttle ‘Bama
Someone pass the eggnog.

No love for the WAC,
Or the Mountain West
So we’ll have a fiesta
Mauling Idaho’s best.

We wish we were in the title game,
We wish we were in the title game,
We wish we were in the title game,
But we need a playoff!! 

This is an original article by Pigskin Heaven Writer, Whit Prowdy, you can read it, more of Whit Prowdy’s articles and more from the Pigskin Heaven staff, here.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Christmas Carols 2009: Spreading Football Cheer

Another holiday season is upon us, which means family, friends, and the spirit of giving. My gift to you, as it has been these last few years, are everyone’s favorite Christmas carols with an NFL (and now college) spin.

Be sure to load up on eggnog, put on your ugly sweater, and sing these carols loudly this Christmas. Maybe Santa will be so wowed he’ll give you the gift of your team in the playoffs. Unless you’re a Jets fan.

 

Here comes Tom Cable
(to the tune of “Here Comes Santa Claus”)

Here comes Tom Cable,
Here comes Tom Cable,
Coming to punch us out.
Bad on defense,
And worse on offense,
And a great big gout.
Bells are ringing, women screaming,
Oh what a terrible sight.
So hang your stocking but lock the door
‘Cause Tom Cable comes tonight.

Here comes Tom Cable,
Here comes Tom Cable,
In his mid forties.
Al Davis has got his seat
At 800 degrees!
See his Raiders trip and bumble
Future’s sort of bright,
So jump in bed, leave the team for dead
‘Cause Tom Cable comes tonight.

An Ochocinco Christmas
(to the tune of “Deck the Halls”)

Did you hear ‘bout Ochocinco,
Fined fined fined fined fined, fined fined fined fined!
Tried to bribe the refs a dollar,
Fined fined fined fined fined, 20 grand.
Don he now a big sombrero,
Fined fined fined, fined fined fined, 30 grand,
Wore a wrongly colored chinstrap
Fined fined fined fined fined, fined ten thousand.

Wanted to wear Henry’s 15,
Fa la la la la, would have been cool.
But the NFL said no,
Fa la la la la, la just chill out.
We just wish Goodell would relax,
Fa la la, la la la, you’ve been fined
Maybe he should kiss the baby,
Fa la la la la, oh Child Please.

Home Field Isn’t Comin’ to Town
(to the tune of Santa Claus is ‘Comin to Town)

You better play well,
You better go fight,
Even though Favre has played all right,
Home field isn’t comin’, to town.

Drew Brees is a stud,
His numbers are nice
And under pressure he’s as cool as ice,
Home field isn’t comin’, to town

They score when you are sleeping,
They score when you’re awake,
And they’ll play the big game in the Superdome
With the Superbowl at stake

Oh, AP better run,
And Percy take flight,
Though Minny will play with all their might,
Home field isn’t comin’, to town.

Silent Night
(to the tune of…uh…”Silent Night”)

Silent night…
Quiet night…
Just another…..Jaguars home game
Game’s been blacked out, once again.
Cannot sell out, can’t explain.
Off to LA we go-o…
Off to LA we go.

Silent night…
Quiet night…
David Garrard, gets no breaks.
MJD, took a knee.
Searching for playoffs, but it’s not to be.
We should just draft Tim Te-bow…
We should just draft Tim Tebow

On the 12th day of Christmas, the NFL gave to me…
(to the tune of “12 Days of Christmas”)

Twelve on the field
Eleven Drew Brees touchdowns
Ten failed fake field goals
Nine Packers O-lines
Eight Cribbs kickoff TD’s
Seven wild card hopefuls
Six new kickers
FIIIIVE CUTLER PICKS!!
Four Oakland QB’s
Three canned OC’s
Two Tampa wins
And a brand new Brett Favre team!

“We Wish We Were In the Title Game”
(to the tune of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”)

We wish we were in the title game,
We wish we were in the title game,
We wish we were in the title game,
But we’re from TCU.

The BCS stinks,
It hates us Horned Frogs.
It’s just scared we’ll throttle ‘Bama
Someone pass the eggnog.

No love for the WAC,
Or the Mountain West
So we’ll have a fiesta
Mauling Idaho’s best.

We wish we were in the title game,
We wish we were in the title game,
We wish we were in the title game,
But we need a playoff!! 

This is an original article by Pigskin Heaven Writer, Whit Prowdy, you can read it, more of Whit Prowdy’s articles and more from the Pigskin Heaven staff, here.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

NFL Team Previews: Seattle Seahawks

Pigskin Heaven‘s Sascha Bartels is breaking down every single team in the NFL prior to the season. Here is his analysis and forecast for the Seattle Seahawks. Click on a team to read its preview.

AFC East: BUF | MIA | NE | NYJ

AFC North: BAL | CIN | CLE | PIT

AFC South: IND | HOU | JAX | TEN

AFC West: DEN | KAN | OAK | SDG

NFC East: DAL | NYG | PHI | WAS

NFC North: CHI | DET | GBA | MIN

NFC South: ATL | CAR | NOL | TBA

NFC West: ARI | STL | SFO | SEA

 

What’s New?

Did the Seahawks of 2008 simply run into a string of bad luck and injuries, or was the season a sign of things to come?  Well, we’ll see.  Meanwhile, Mike Holmgren retires and Jim Mora takes over the squad.

Early in the offseason, the only news the ‘Hawks made was with the signing of T.J. Houshmanzadeh, and then the trading away of Julian Peterson for former Lions defensive tackle Cory Redding.

With a top five draft pick, the Seahawks helped themselves by taking the top rated linebacker in the draft, Aaron Curry.  Later in the draft the team also added help for the offensive line in Max Unger, as well as another receiver, Deon Butler and a quarterback, Mike Teel.

Later into the offseason, the Seahawks let go of back T.J. Duckett in favor of Edgerrin James.  The biggest problem in Seattle is Marcus Trufant, and his failure to report to camp.  For whatever reason, the team recently decided that Lawyer Milloy was a needed addition to the roster.

Three Burning Questions

Will Matt Hasselbeck be healthy and effective this season?

Last season, in seven games played, Hasselbeck only completed 52 percent of his passes, and threw twice as many interceptions than touchdowns.  Will he be more effective this season?

The big acquisition was Houshmanzadeh, but he isn’t the youngest anymore either. You would think Seattle saw enough of older receivers on injury lists last year to take that sort of chance.

Nonetheless, with T.J., rookie Butler, Deion Branch and tight end John Carlson, Hasselbeck should have a better season, at least until further notice.

 

Speaking of injuries, is Walter Jones back to his former self?

If he’s 100 percent, he’s probably still the best tackle in the game.

But missing time last season, coupled with being 35, and the Seahawks should at least brace for a diminished Jones.  At least it looks like the Seahawks did a little bit of preparing, and bolstering the line.

Unger is likely to start at guard, but Sean Locklear and Mansfield Wrotto don’t really scare anybody, do they?  With Jones likely not fit until a couple of weeks into the season, and starting center Chris Spencer out for even longer, the biggest concern this year for the Seahawks may be with that offensive line.

 

No Trufant, will the defense suffer a setback?

The Seattle defense features some talent, but nonetheless, they ranked only 30th in football last year, an overall stat that found them below even the atrocious Denver Broncos defense.

Enter Redding and Curry, two guys the Seahawks are counting on heavily to return the defense to credibility.  Patrick Kerney will be 33 soon, and Seattle will be hoping on some young talent to develop and help out the rest of that defensive line, guys like Michael Bennett, Brandon Mebane and Lawrence Jackson.

The leader of the defense is certainly still Lofa Tatupu, and being joined by Curry and Leroy Hill will make the linebackers the best unit on the defense.  But will it be good enough?

 

Fantasy Forecast

Good Plays:  There aren’t any Seahawks I would put in the really important category.  Houshmanzadeh should be solid, as should Carlson, but that could be about it.

Avoid:  James and Julius Jones at this point in their careers are marginal at best, and should only even be considered for roster spots on the really big leagues.

Sleeper:  I liked Deon Butler when the team drafted him, and it seems like he’s been playing quite well so far this preseason.  He may warrant a pick-up later in the year.

 

Prognosis

For the prognosis and final record, read the originally posted article here.

This is an original article by Pigskin Heaven Staffer, Sascha Bartels. You can read it, more of Sascha’s articles, and more from the Pigskin Heaven staff here.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

NFL Team Previews: San Diego Chargers

Pigskin Heaven‘s Sascha Bartels is breaking down every single team in the NFL prior to the season. Here is his analysis and forecast for the San Diego Chargers. Click on a team to read its preview.

AFC East: BUF | MIA | NE | NYJ

AFC North: BAL | CIN | CLE | PIT

AFC South: IND | HOU | JAX | TEN

AFC West: DEN | KAN | OAK | SDG

NFC East: DAL | NYG | PHI | WAS

NFC North: CHI | DET | GBA | MIN

NFC South: ATL | CAR | NOL | TBA

NFC West: ARI | STL | SFO | SEA

 

What’s New?

Not a lot of happenings in San Diego this offseason. Some departures, like Igor Olshansky, and some arrivals, like Kevin Burnett.

For San Diego, the team is more worried about having their key players healthy this season. LaDainian Tomlinson was hobbled at times last season, and Shawne Merriman was sidelined for the year.  Both are back and looking good. That is, until Merriman’s arrest last week.

The draft brought another linebacker, Larry English from Northern Illinois.  The rest of the draft brought depth, but nothing flashy.  Offensive linemen Louis Vazquez and Tyronn Greene, defensive lineman Vaughn Martin, and a couple of skill players.

Three Burning Questions

Is Tomlinson healthy and ready to assume his position as best player in football?

According to coaches and teammates and coaches, Tomlinson has looked as good as ever this preseason, and he’ll likely play with a chip on his shoulder.

Hampered last year with toe and groin injuries, he was limited to his worst season of his career, one that still produced 12 TDs by the way.  He looks healthy, motivated, and the Chargers are better for it.

 

With Merriman back, will Chargers defense return to 2007 form?

In 2008, the Chargers ranked 24th in the league in defense, and 15th in scoring defense.  The 2007 Charger defense ranked 14th and fifth in those respective standings.

This team is certainly built to be better than it was last year, better even than the version from two years ago.

With Merriman and English joined at linebacker by the likes of Shaun Phillips and Stephen Cooper, a secondary that features Quentin Jammer, Antonio Cromartie and Antoine Cason, and a line that features Luis Castillo and Jamal Williams, this defense should be a consistent top five unit.

Let’s see if they can put that together this year.

 

Should Norv Turner be on the hot seat?

Last year the Chargers went 8-8, inexcusable considering their talent level, no matter how banged up they were.

They did luck into the playoffs and won a game.  Here’s the thing.  It seems that Charger fans are satisfied with the team making the playoffs on a regular basis, and maybe winning a game and losing a close one.  That’s all fine and dandy.

But to me, the Chargers are a team that should have visited the Super Bowl at least once over the last five years, and well, they haven’t.  I know it may be an unpopular decision to fire a coach who leads his team to the playoffs, but Charger fans should be able to expect more from this team.

 

Fantasy Forecast

Good Play:  The Chargers feature one of the five best running backs in Tomlinson, one of the five best quarterbacks in Rivers, and one of the five best tight ends in Gates.  Vincent Jackson is also a starter in any league.

Avoid:  I wouldn’t put too much incentive in Darren Sproles.  He’s certainly worth a late pick, and if Tomlinson gets hurt then Sproles’ value rises dramatically, but until then, he’s not worth much.

Sleeper:  Whoever steps up and becomes the third receiver behind Jackson and Chambers should see fairly decent numbers.  My money is on Malcolm Floyd.  He’s not worth a draft pick, but look for him on the waiver wire if he starts putting up numbers.

 

Prognosis

For the prognosis and final record, read the originally posted article here.

This is an original article by Pigskin Heaven Staffer, Sascha Bartels. You can read it, more of Sascha’s articles, and more from the Pigskin Heaven staff here.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

NFL Team Previews: Arizona Cardinals

Pigskin Heaven‘s Sascha Bartels is breaking down every single team in the NFL prior to the season. Here is his analysis and forecast for the Arizona Cardinals. Click on a team to read its preview.

AFC East: BUF | MIA | NE | NYJ

AFC North: BAL | CIN | CLE | PIT

AFC South: IND | HOU | JAX | TEN

AFC West: DEN | KAN | OAK | SDG

NFC East: DAL | NYG | PHI | WAS

NFC North: CHI | DET | GBA | MIN

NFC South: ATL | CAR | NOL | TBA

NFC West: ARI | STL | SFO | SEA

 

What’s New?

The Arizona Cardinals went to the Super Bowl.  Did that sink in yet?  The Cardinals!  Super Bowl!

And it took a spectacular drive capped by an even more spectacular play by the Steelers to keep the Cardinals from lifting the Lombardi.  Since then, the team had a quiet offseason.

Kurt Warner signed a new deal, and the team is still working on Anquan Boldin.  Edgerrin James was let go, which led to the drafting of Chris “Beanie” Wells.

After the pick of Wells, the team focused on defense, taking safety Rashad Johnson, hybrid lineman-linebacker Cody Brown, and corner Greg Toler.  They also added to the offensive line with guards Herman Johnson and Trevor Canfield.

Three Burning Questions

Can the team overcome the curse of Super Bowl losers?

Only the Seahawks were able to lose a Super Bowl, and return to the playoffs the following year this decade.

Even the Patriots missed the point last year, but they did win 11 games.  The Cardinals are no Patriots.

The team plays in an improved division, and the task to return to the postseason is certainly a difficult one.

 

Will Kurt Warner be able to duplicate his 2008 performance?

Warner started all 16 games for the first time since 2001.  His 598 attempts are easily the highest of his career.  The man is 38 years old.

Certainly his supporting cast is among the best in football, but the question is can Warner again stay upright, and can he keep Leinart on the bench.

I think he’s due for at least a small decrease in production.

 

Is the defense going to play better than last year?

Remember, there once was a time when Brett Favre led the Jets to 56 points against the Cardinals, and the Eagles and Patriots came within a field goal of eclipsing 50 as well.

The team ranked 19th in overall defense, and 28th in scoring defense.  Arizona will not duplicate last season’s success if they don’t improve on those numbers.

 

Fantasy Forecast

Good Plays:  Larry Fitzgerald is one of the top three wide receivers off any board, and Boldin won’t be far behind him.  Warner will still be an effective starter.

Avoid:  Stay away from the Arizona defense.  There is no tight end worth taking from the team either

Sleeper:  Steve Breaston was the sleeper last year.  I think this year that job will go to Jerheme Urban.

 

Prognosis

For the prognosis and final record, read the originally posted article here.

This is an original article by Pigskin Heaven Staffer, Sascha Bartels. You can read it, more of Sascha’s articles, and more from the Pigskin Heaven staff here.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

NFL Team Previews: Pittsburgh Steelers

Pigskin Heaven‘s Sascha Bartels is breaking down every single team in the NFL prior to the season. Here is his analysis and forecast for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Click on a team to read its preview.

AFC East: BUF | MIA | NE | NYJ

AFC North: BAL | CIN | CLE | PIT

AFC South: IND | HOU | JAX | TEN

AFC West: DEN | KAN | OAK | SDG

NFC East: DAL | NYG | PHI | WAS

NFC North: CHI | DET | GBA | MIN

NFC South: ATL | CAR | NOL | TBA

NFC West: ARI | STL | SFO | SEA

 

What’s New?

Pittsburgh became the first NFL team that needs to use two hands to show off their jewelry, so how much change does their need to be?

For the most part, all Pittsburgh did was re-sign their own free agents, and pick up wide receiver Shaun McDonald. They did part ways with Byron Leftwich because Charlie Batch is back and healthy, and they extended Heath Miller for six years.

It was in the draft were the Steelers addressed most of their issues, drafting for depth on the defensive line with Evander Hood, offensive line with Kraig Urbik, at wide receiver with Mike Wallace and in the secondary with Keenan Lewis.

Three Burning Questions

Will the offensive line find a way to improve?

They really didn’t do all that much to address the problem, possibly thinking that keeping the players they have and letting them mature for a year will help.

Urbik and A.Q. Shipley were the only linemen added in the draft, and both could see some playing time, but neither should see too much. Justin Hartwig is certainly the quarterback of the line, and Willie Colon and Max Starks are likely to stay the tackles.

With Darnell Stapleton lost for the year, this is where Urbik comes in, if he passes the rookie learning curve quickly.

 

Will the defense lose a step?

It’s hard to get any better than they were a season ago, isn’t it?

They gave up only 10 or less points in half of their games last season. Only six times was Roethlisberger out-thrown by his opposition. Only four times did the Steelers not have the leading rusher in the game.

It’s seems like 2008 was a particularly good season for a particularly good defense.  And that’s just it.

Even the great defenses of the recent past have had one year that sticks out above all others, and it’s likely that for the Steelers, that year was last season. They’ll likely continue to lead the league in defense, but you almost have to believe it won’t be as easy as it was last year.

 

Will the Steelers find that playmaker replacement for Nate Washington?

It seems like the recent Steeler teams have had a receiver, whether that was Washington or Randle El, who’s sole purpose was to make plays.

Santonio Holmes would be a good candidate for that role, but he’s a little busy being the No. 1 man in that offense now. Shaun McDonald is a decent choice, but lacks the explosiveness of Washington.

And Limas Sweed, though likely to find his way this year, is not the type either. Other than the offensive line, not much to nit-pick on this team, but this might be one player that they will miss.

 

Prognosis

For the prognosis and final record, read the originally posted article here.

This is an original article by Pigskin Heaven Staffer, Sascha Bartels. You can read it, more of Sascha’s articles, and more from the Pigskin Heaven staff here.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

NFL Team Previews: Kansas City Chiefs

Pigskin Heaven‘s Sascha Bartels is breaking down every single team in the NFL prior to the season. Here is his analysis and forecast for the Kansas City Chiefs. Click on a team to read its preview.

AFC East: BUF | MIA | NE | NYJ

AFC North: BAL | CIN | CLE | PIT

AFC South: IND | HOU | JAX | TEN

AFC West: DEN | KAN | OAK | SDG

NFC East: DAL | NYG | PHI | WAS

NFC North: CHI | DET | GBA | MIN

NFC South: ATL | CAR | NOL | TBA

NFC West: ARI | STL | SFO | SEA

 

What’s New?

After a 9-7 debut season for Herman Edwards in 2006, he combined to win only six games over the next two seasons (which is one less than Detroit by the way) and was justly canned after last season.

New in town are general manager Scott Pioli, coach Todd Haley and offensive coordinator Chan Gailey.

Whoops, scratch that last part.

Also, the team infused some veteran leadership into the rest of the team, bringing in the likes of Amani Toomer (since cut), Bobby Engram, Zach Thomas (since cut) and Mike Vrabel.  The team also traded for their quarterback in Matt Cassell, then proceeded to sign him to a large contract extension.

For the second year in a row, Kansas City drafts an LSU defensive lineman in the top five.  Last year, it was Glenn Dorsey, this year it’s Tyson Jackson.  They added another defensive tackle in the third round, Alex Magee, and a corner in the fourth, Donald Washington, keeping a focus on defense.

Three Burning Questions

Can Todd Haley actually maintain a relationship?

It’s beginning to become a trend for Haley, whether it’s a sideline war of words or dismissal of a coach.  Haley is already well known for being the coach that Terrell Owens had words with on the Dallas sideline.

He moved on to Arizona and word was that Anquan Boldin was not a fan.

With less than two weeks before the start of the season, Haley relieved offensive coordinator Chan Gailey.  Are these all different coincidences, or is Haley just hard to get along with?

 

Will Matt Cassel earn his money?

Matt, you’re not in New England anymore.

Is that Randy Moss on the outside?  No, that’s just Dwayne Bowe.  Look, Wes Welker in the slot!  My bad, that’s Bobby Engram.

Cassel certainly doesn’t enter a prime situation, and he’ll be asked to do a lot with that offense.  I think it will be too tall a task for Cassel, and the Chiefs will be looking for a new quarterback within three years.

 

Can the defense do better than half or DeMarcus Ware in the sack department?

That’s right, half of Ware.  DeMarcus had 20 sacks, the Chiefs had 10.  TEN!

Less than any team in one season ever.  Well, maybe not ever, but at least since 1982, when the stat first got tracked.

The team is playing a 3-4 defense now, and they do have a couple of potential sack specialists, in Vrabel and Tamba Hali.  If Glenn Dorsey gets off the PUP list and performs to expectations, and Jackson becomes a playmaker quickly, then the defense will at the very least pick up a few more sacks.

They had to be embarrassed in seeing Derrick Thomas enter the Hall of Fame in a season where the Chiefs only amassed three more sacks the Thomas once had in one game.

 

Fantasy Forecast

Good Play:  There really aren’t any Chiefs that warrant a pick in the first four rounds.  A slimmer, motivated Larry Johnson may be worth a flier.

Avoid:  The teams’ security blanket (Gonzales) is gone, meaning Cassell would have to get it done with his current crew of receivers.  It’s not happening.  Stay away from the defense as well.

Sleeper:  This would have gone to Devard Darling, but he’s off on the IR now.  Perhaps Cassell will find solace in Brad Cottam.

 

Prognosis

For the prognosis and final record, read the originally posted article here.

This is an original article by Pigskin Heaven Staffer, Sascha Bartels. You can read it, more of Sascha’s articles, and more from the Pigskin Heaven staff here.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

NFL Team Previews: Denver Broncos

Pigskin Heaven’s Sascha Bartels is breaking down every single team in the NFL, prior to the season. Here is his analysis and forecast for the Denver Broncos. Click on a team to read its preview.

AFC East: BUF | MIA | NE | NYJ

AFC North: BAL | CIN | CLE | PIT

AFC South: IND | HOU | JAX | TEN

AFC West: DEN | KAN | OAK | SDG

NFC East: DAL | NYG | PHI | WAS

NFC North: CHI | DET | GBA | MIN

NFC South: ATL | CAR | NOL | TBA

NFC West: ARI | STL | SFO | SEA

 

What’s New?

Well, I would say that the entire locker room is running around in “Hello, my name is ______” stickers, but then again, half the locker room were New England Patriots last year, so there is at least some familiarity.

The Broncos’ offseason started and for the first time in well over a decade, it wasn’t going to be run by Mike Shanahan. The Broncos instead tabbed, from the Patriots, Josh McDaniels.Then in February, the Broncos released Dre Bly, and later signed Brian Dawkins.

There were way too many free agent acquisitions to name, but some of the more notable ones include: running backs Correll Buckhalter, LaMont Jordan, and J.J Arrington, as well as a ton of defensive help. Linebacker Andra Davis, corner Andre Goodman and safety Renaldo Hill, to name a few.

Then the mess began in Denver.

After rumors of shopping quarterback Jay Cutler were spread, Cutler became upset and, eventually, requested a trade. After several failed attempts to contact Cutler, the team honored his request by moving him to Chicago in exchange for Kyle Orton and draft picks.

That allowed the team to focus on the draft. While the bulk of the draft focused on defense, Denver did select running back Knowshon Moreno with the 12th pick, then used Chicago’s choice on end Robert Ayers.

Alphonso Smith, Darcel McBath, and David Bruton were all added later in an attempt to bolster the secondary. And the Broncos ignored draft pundits who kept insisting they trade up for Mark Sanchez or at least select Josh Freeman, and took their signal caller in the sixth round, Tom Brandstater.

Now, with summer here, the headaches in Denver feature mostly Brandon Marshall, and his export from the team could be rather brisk.

Three Burning Questions

 

Can Orton Come Close To Equaling Cutler’s Production?

Kyle Orton earned a lot of praise for his play in Chicago last year, but to compare that with Cutler’s play in Denver is just not happening.

If Orton has Marshall to throw it to, then the talent he’s playing with this year dwarfs what he had in Chicago. If Marshall gets shipped out, then the talent edge has drastically dwindled.

I think Orton has never been a great quarterback, and he could succumb to the pressure now laid on him in Denver. I don’t expect many good things from him this year.

 

Is the Defense Actually Improved?

Denver really focused on making its defense better, so the question is, did they succeed?

Yes, I think they have. Don’t get me wrong, they’re not going to be making a bunch of headlines in 2009, but with Dumervil harassing other team’s quarterbacks and Dawkins joining Bailey in the secondary, plus a good array of linebackers between them, by the end of the season, Denver may have a defense further along than the offense.

Tabbing Mike Nolan to run the defense may be one of McDaniels’ best decisions of the offseason.

 

Will Eddie Royal, Peyton Hillis, and Tony Scheffler Continue Their Development?

It’s quite possible that this is a trio that shone thanks to Cutler at quarterback. Will they be the same weapons now that Orton is running the show?

My initial thought is no. Royal may be the most impacted, since Hillis and Scheffler at least play positions that quarterbacks like to check down to. It could be a long year for the passing game.

 

Fantasy Forecast

Good play: There aren’t too many Broncos I’d hitch my trailer to this season. If Brandon Marshall plays, he’ll get his stats, but that’s about it. Perhaps you can try to pick a workhorse RB and get lucky, but there’s not much else.

Avoid: Avoid Orton and Royal, as well as the defense. Orton has never been a viable fantasy player, and even if he has his full array of talent at his disposal, he’s still only at best, an emergency backup.

Sleeper: I think the sleeper will be Hillis. He’ll get in on many short yardage situations, and he can run and catch, plus he could easily account for about eight TD’s by the time the season’s over.

 

Prognosis

For the prognosis and final record, read the originally posted article here.

 

This is an original article by Pigskin Heaven Staffer, Sascha Bartels. You can read it, more of Sascha’s articles, and more from the Pigskin Heaven staff here.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

NFL Team Previews: New Orleans Saints

Pigskin Heaven’s Sascha Bartels is breaking down every single team in the NFL prior to the season. Here is his analysis and forecast for the New Orleans Saints. Click on a team to read its preview.

AFC East: BUF | MIA | NE | NYJ

AFC North: BAL | CIN | CLE | PIT

AFC South: IND | HOU | JAX | TEN

AFC West: DEN | KAN | OAK | SDG

NFC East: DAL | NYG | PHI | WAS

NFC North: CHI | DET | GBA | MIN

NFC South: ATL | CAR | NOL | TBA

NFC West: ARI | STL | SFO | SEA

 

 

What’s New?

 

For the Saints, most of the new acquisitions came in March and April, since the team only had one noticeable draft choice.

Mike Karney was replaced by Heath Evans. Darnell Dinkins and Darrell Sharper both signed one year contracts. The team also added Pierson Prioleau, Jabari Greer, and Paul Spicer.

Some of these new acquisitions will get early work as the Saints have to weather the first four games without the suspended Will Smith, Charles Grant, and Garrett Hartley.

With the teams’ second round pick in New York from the Shockey trade and the third rounder in Detroit from the Vilma trade, the Saints had to make their first rounder stick.

They found Malcolm Jenkins, likely the most NFL ready corner in the draft. Later they added more depth to the defense by selecting a couple of Demon Deacons, safety Chip Vaughn and linebacker Stanley Arnoux.

Three Burning Questions

Will the Saints survive losing the suspended defensive end duo?

Charles Grant and Will Smith were linked in the same story that included the Vikings’ pair of Williams’. Unlike the Minnesota players, who were able to have their suspensions lifted in court, the Saints will have to play without their bookends to start the season.

The Saints should be fine for that short an amount of time though, as Spicer and Bobby McCray will step in and start for those games, and then become two of the league’s better backups starting in week five.

The offenses the Saints face early in the season?

Well, there’s Detroit, who can certainly air it out if the quarterback isn’t getting pressured as much, followed by the Terrell Owens fueled Bills, a potent Eagles offense and a less than potent Jets offense. The Saints should hope for a split from those four games.

 

 

Will the defense be improved as a whole?

Sure, the offense is nearly record setting, but the defense has lagged behind. And the Saints did add Spicer, and Sharper, and Jenkins and others to the mix.

But the biggest offseason addition for the defense? New coordinator and the mastermind behind the very good Redskins defenses of late, Gregg Williams.

The team has a good young secondary that includes Jenkins and second year man Tracy Porter, as well as the acquired Greer. They should blitz more this year, and Vilma should return to being a tackling machine.

The defense may still be missing a few pieces, but they have to be considered improved.

 

 

Can the offense be even better this year?

There are several reasons why the Saints may be optimistic enough to answer this with yes.

Shockey has emerged this training camp, and a legit threat at tight end would be absolute terror on defenses who already have to follow every step of Marquez Colston, Devery Henderson, and Lance Moore.

Oh, by the way, Robert Meachem is emerging this year as a fourth receiving threat, and that’s still not counting Reggie Bush. Pierre Thomas should be comfortable in his role as the starter this year, and the Saints even improved at the fullback spot with the Evans signing.

The one drawback? No Jammal Brown for about a month.

 

 

Fantasy Forecast

Good Plays: Drew Brees is likely the first or second quarterback off the board. The rest of the squad will be hurt a little because the ball gets distributed so much, a player could end with seven catches and 140 yards one week, and not be seen the next. Nonetheless, Colston, Thomas, Shockey and Moore should make it onto every team.

Avoid: Well, the defense is better, but not one I would spend a pick on. Reggie Bush may become the forgotten man with all the weapons in the receiving game.

Sleeper: The sleeper could be Meachem. He’s been playing very well, which he has any time he hasn’t been injured. In this offense, even as the third or fourth receiver, he could eclipse 700 yards.

 

 

Prognosis

 

For the prognosis and final record, read the originally posted article here.

This is an original article by Pigskin Heaven Staffer, Sascha Bartels. You can read it, more of Sascha’s articles, and more from the Pigskin Heaven staff here.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

NFL Team Previews: Tennessee Titans

Pigskin Heaven’s Sascha Bartels is breaking down every single team in the NFL prior to the season. Here is his analysis and forecast for the Tennessee Titans. Click on a team to read its preview.

AFC East: BUF | MIA | NE | NYJ

AFC North: BAL | CIN | CLE | PIT

AFC South: IND | HOU | JAX | TEN

AFC West: DEN | KAN | OAK | SDG

NFC East: DAL | NYG | PHI | WAS

NFC North: CHI | DET | GBA | MIN

NFC South: ATL | CAR | NOL | TBA

NFC West: ARI | STL | SFO | SEA

 

What’s New?

The Titans have lost a lot since losing in the playoffs last year.

Gone is Albert Haynesworth, the unquestioned spark plug of the defense. Gone is Jim Schwartz, the creator of the defense.

But they also added a few pieces in the offseason, including defensive tackle Jovan Haye and wide receiver Nate Washington.

The draft focused equally on helping the offense improve and keeping the defense near the top as the top four picks clearly show: wide receiver Kenny Britt, defensive tackle Sen’Derrick Marks, tight end Jared Cook, and defensive back Ryan Mouton.

They also added depth to the line in Troy Kropog and to the backfield with Javon Ringer.

 

Three Burning Questions

 

Will the Titans Weather the Loss of Haynesworth?

When a tackle as dominant as Haynesworh moves on, it affects a team much more than just that position.

I would argue that defensive tackle is the most important part of any great defense, and I’m sure you can agree when you look at the tackles in Pittsburgh, Baltimore, and Minnesota.

The Titans’ defense overall is very solid. Keith Bulluck leads the linebackers and the team, and the Titans also feature Kyle Vanden Bosch, Courtland Finnegan, and Michael Griffin.

But will Haye and Marks, along with Jason Jones, bring enough to the middle of the defense to replace Haynesworth?

 

Will the Offense Be As Effective As It Was Last Season?

Last year, the Titans were able to hit you with Chris Johnson, and I think he surprised a lot of teams with his success.

Tennessee has Johnson and LenDale White, so a heavy dose of the run should continue.

But what about the pass? At 36, will Kerry Collins be able to continue to play at a fairly high level?

The team certainly added weapons that should help him in Washington and Britt. If all goes well, opposing defenses will not be able to focus on just stopping the run, because they will get beaten through the air.

 

Is Vince Young’s Head Still in the Game?

In a recent magazine, he proclaimed himself the next black quarterback to win a Super Bowl and that he will end up in the Hall of Fame.

Let’s just assume he was talking about the NFL’s Hall of Fame, because he’s certainly a shoo-in for the college hall.

Is he delusional? Is he just trying to motivate himself by any means necessary? And the most important question: Is he good enough to play football at the highest level?

So far this preseason he has looked good at times and bad at others, but has only played against second and third string defenders.

Does he have a shot when being stared down by Harrison and Polamalu?

 

Fantasy Forecast

Good plays: Chris Johnson is likely the only Titan that will be drafted early. The defense should be picked among the first five or six and Bironas is a steady kicker. Middle rounders include White as well as Bo Scaife.

Avoid: Don’t be fooled by the preseason success of Alge Crumpler. The Titans do not plan to use him as the primary receiving tight end. His job will be to block and his numbers will reflect that. I wouldn’t pick Britt either. One, he’s a rookie, and two, Justin Gage and Nate Washington seem to be in place, at least for the time being.

Sleeper: I’m going to go with Nate Washington here. He may be good enough to become the teams’ featured wideout this season, plus he’s always a threat for a deep play.

 

Prognosis

For the prognosis and final record, read the originally posted article here.

This is an original article by Pigskin Heaven Staffer, Sascha Bartels. You can read it, more of Sascha’s articles, and more from the Pigskin Heaven staff here.

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