24greaterthan23's Blog

49ers review: Week 4+5

The Ghost of Johnnie Cochran — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 17:05:23 GMT

To quote a great philosopher Peter Griffen "you know what really grinds my gears?" Games that your offense is so bad you had no buisness being in, but somehow your team holds on, only to lose the game in dramatic fashion. Ravens should fan feel the same way about Week 1. Niners almost had the feeling week 1. Its like having an abstinance girlfriend until one day she tells you she's ready only before she takes off her clothes, she gets a emergency phone call and has to leave. Lets hand out some grades.

Passing offense: F-

A Looong time ago Gameday '97 use to be the top choice for football games. I remember the cheat to have the other teams QB throw a lot of picks was 'TrntDilfr'. Thats no joke. This grade is a combination of 2 games. Against Baltimore he was....awful. Against Seattle...yeah. A combined 12 catches by recievers in those 2 games. Thats just terrible. I don't even know how to watch Trent Dilfer play football. I understand why Brian Billick threw him out after winning a Superbowl with him. God he is so bad. I can't even talk about him anymore. Pissin me off. Steve Young still looks good, might be time to give him a call......

Rushing Offense: D

The only glimmer of hope this offense has left. Frank Gore did what he could against the 'Hawks despite lack of a passing game, and did what he could against baltimore despite not having a passing game. In fact this entire season, Frank Gore has done it despite lack of a passing game. The thing is, it's not Frankie G's fault he is not producing like last season, well not totally his fault. I think it is due to poor play calling, the fact that he is being limited this season, and well the fact he has no passing game to depend on. Also a broke hand and no preseason doesn't help out. Still Frankie G goes out and runs hard. He does what he can. He gets a A for effort and D for Execution. To bad I grade on execution. 1 rushing first down last game. ONE. Thats just.....

Passing Defense: C

When you are always on the field, you are going to let off some yards. Matt Hasselback had his way with the Niner D, but they showed some forms of life against Mcnair. Both games come out to a C performance, not that great not that bad. I would complain about 3rd down allowed passing, but 12 1st downs were stopped in each game which lead to a combined 12-36 3rd down conversion in the last 2 games which I will take anyday. Too bad for the offense tho. This D has really improved and won't get any credit for it.

Rushing Defense: C+

Basically everything I said above can be said below. Willis and Sean combined for an average of 3.5Ypc. Niether game did the Niners give up a rushing TD. The longest carry for both teams was a 17 yarder. Once again the Niners Defense has really improve. Too bad for the offense tho. I know a lot of teams that wouldn't mind having the Niners Defense.

Special Teams: D-

No return TD's, 1 field goal, 1 PAT and a missed FG that would have won the game. Hey at least Andy Lee is looking like a probowler.

Coaching: D

Until Jim Hostler resigns, I refuse to give the Niners any higher grade than this. I would rather Mike Nolan use ask madden on PS3 than him. I might puke if i see a running play on 3rd and 8 one more time. Can we still talk Norv Turner into coming back. I mean really, is coaching San Diego really that fun?

Oppenent grade: B For Shehawks, C- For Ravens

The Ravens look like a mediocre AFC team but a playoff NFC team and the Seahawks are looking like a playoff NFC team but a Mediocre AFC team. The Seahawks gave it to the Niners, thanks in part to Matt Hasselback and Trent Dilfer. They dominated but not destroyed. The Ravens had a ol school good D/Bad O game that would not have beaten 20 other teams in the NFL but fortunately they played Trent Dilfer and crew. A win is a win tho.

FINAL GRADE FOR previous 2 WEEKS: D-

If it wasn't for D this would be a solid F. Terribly quaterback play leading to games with lopsided time of possision, leading to losses. The Niners need an adrenaline boost on offense of the Patriots might be looking at a top-10 pick next season

Happy thoughts going into the bye week: Welcome back alex smith and Vernon Davis thank god.

Sad thoughts going into the bye week: Darrell Jackson, 14 catches 204 yards, 0 TD's. Not exactly a moss like steal....

Fantasy Basketball anyone?

The Ghost of Johnnie Cochran — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 15:47:17 GMT

Anyone interested in fantasy basketball, I started a league and need some spots to fill it. Drop your email and I will invite you the League. The Draft will be next Monday at 9:30 E.S.T. due to that terrible NFL game that will be on. 9 starters, 5 bench players, weighted scoring system, head to head play, 2 playoff rounds, trades, waiver wire, all that good stuff.

Drop an email if you are down and i will get it to you. I'm not going to lie, me and some of my friends have never done fantasy basketball before so umm..you might see some funny things in our draft. Don't mind us tho. Drop your email. Peace.

NFC Predictions Do-Over's

The Ghost of Johnnie Cochran — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 00:42:23 GMT

I was orginnally going to do a 49ers week in review but since the 49ers didn't play football last week I decided to skip that.

As one of the many people who made prediction I'm sure I speak for a lot of you when I say, What The **** is going on. Popular superbowl picks suck(Chargers, Saints, Bears), Some teams look a lot better than advertise (Texans?! Browns?!?) and we are 4 weeks into the season and the Detroit Lions have 3 wins. This has been a strange season thus far.

So I'mma be the first to admit MAYBE I got a few things wrong. So I am pulling my red flag and challenging...well challenging myself. Lets look at then and now and redo some of those NFC predictions that aren't goin so well. Here is a recap of my orginal predictions

http://www.fannation.com/blogs/post/54819

Alright time to re-do those NFC predictions

NFC South

Carolina Panthers

What was said then: "......Last season they had 2 good games against the Saints and they Beat the Ravens. They had a top-10 defense in terms of yards and scoring. I think they get upgraded at number two reciever with the pac-10 all-time leader in touchdowns. Deangelo Williams should be coming around this season. I think this team will be legit next season"

What I am saying now: The problems is having friends who are fans of the team sometimes throw you off. The guy who I watch football with every week loves the Panthers. All offseason he was talking about them taking back the NFC South Crown and how last season was fluke because of injuries. He actually made me believe in the team. I thought about it and decided to run with it. So far they have beaten 2 superbums(more on them in a bit) and in their only taste of real competition, they let of 31 straight points before Steve Smith said "F*** this". This team is bad. The problem is they have talent. Steve Smith may be the best offensive weapon in the NFL without a stolen nickname and Julius Peppers who i think is a top-5 defensive player when at his best. I mean they average 4.6 a carry, they have a team combined 94.6 passer rating despite David Carr's best efforts to destroy that. So why the 2-2 record? O yes. The coaching. Who else are you going to blame? John Fox feels he is on his way out the door. True they have been hurt but he's not really been helping. With Bill Cowher in the backyard, I wouldn't be too surprise to see them shaking in his boots by mid-december. The Panthers are a unachieving team plain and simple. I think they will continue with John Fox and company. That D should be able to stop Ike Hilliard

Prediction change: 10-6 to 8-8.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

What I said Then: "I think this team is overrated personnally. They beat the Iggles twice stomped the cowboys but really didn't beat anybody else. They lost to every AFC oppenent except the Browns and they got swept by the Carolina Panthers. Offensively they have a possibility to be better than last year which is why i think they win the division. But I don't think this team is as superbowl bound as people are making it out to be. 30th in passing touchdowns allowed."

What I am saying now: I called this team overrated then choose them to win more games than the year before. Terrible call by me. Something Told me "this team won't be THAT good again" But yet I rolled with them. But At least I didn't have them in the Superbowl which is more than some of you guys can say. Anyway this team has a horrible defense and I don't think Sean Peyton made a good move by cutting probowler Drew Brees and replacing him with some guy who looks just like him and has the same name. Losing Duece won't help this team much unless Reggie Bush makes a HUGE leap as a running back. I thought this team was overrated last season. This season they are proving it. They continue to stuggle unless that D can hold somebody to under 30 just ONE time. O yeah and they go and get Drew Brees Back. But Seriously they can't be THAT bad can they?

Prediction change: From 11-5 to 7-9

Tampa Bay Bucs

What was said then: "Ushally in football teams rebuild by gettin younger but not the Bucs. They picked up 37 year old Jeff Garcia to go along with soon to be 36 year old Joey Galloway. I don't see this working out for the Bucs. Last year they stuggled on both sides of the ball giving up 26 passing touchdowns making them 31st in the NFL. I don't think Cadillac is exactly that running back he was in the first 3 games of his career. I think this teams stuggles on both sides of the ball. They have many a problem. But at least they can sweep the Falcons"

What I am Saying Now: Okay maybe I was wrong but I am not sold. Not just yet. The combined record of the teams they have beaten is 2-9. But they have played pretty good in those games. They're next 5 games will let everyone know how legit they are. But they are WAY better than my orginal predictions so I will give them props for that. That Defense looks sharp but then again it looked sharp against some TERRIBLE quarterbacks so far. Next five games for them can change my view.

Prediction Change: From 5-11 to 7-9

NFC North

Chicago Bears

What I said then: "I can't see this team falling off. They had awful quarterback play last season and still went 13-3. That defense still looks good and cedric Benson should fill the 4.1ypc and 6 TD's that Thomas Jones provided last season. I don't understand. They won 3 more games then the Saints, KILLED the Saints in the playoffs and people are saying they will be worst than the Saints next season. This team SCORED MORE than the Saints did last season."

What I am saying now: A little credit of mine, You can't predict injuries. Defensively, when healthy they have the talent to suceed in the NFL. On the Offensive side of the ball.....Not so much. They may have figured out they need a quarterback who doesn't turn the ball over to succeed in the NFL. To bad their back-up is Injury Prone Brian Griese. What I am starting to notice about the Bears is a HUGE lack of developing offensive talent. Since 1990 they have been in the top-10 in scoring twice and in the top-10 in yards twice. Since 1990 they have had 11 different QB lead them in yards, 10 Running backs lead them in yards, and 11 different recievers lead them in yards. Maybe Just maybe, this team should go out and get an offensive cooridanotor. The D has the Talent to make this team legit. But that offense is just terrible. Anyway with all the injuries the Bears step back a few years. They will continue to stuggle with Lovie Smith saying "________ is our quarterback" because they simply don't have the offensive weapons to make up for that Banged up D. When A kick returned have more TD's than your starting running back their is a problem. Although Devin Hester might just be the GOAT in kickoff returns. I don't know the record but he is going to DESTROY it.

Prediction Change: 12-4 to 8-8

Detroit Lions

What I said then: "6 10-loss seasons and counting. This team was awful last season. AWFUL. I can't believe they are prediction a 10 win season. Are they Serious? This team was TERRIBLE and has been over the past 6 seasons. They were DEAD last in rushing yards and in the bottom 22 in Passing yards and passing touchdowns, Running yards and running touchdowns allowed last season. You kinda of need a running game and a Defense to make it. I can see how everyone thinks that offense can make them better but unless Jon Kitna is a different quarterback than his 126-123 TD-INT ratio say he is, they are look at MAYBE getting out the 10 loss streak. I don't think they can do it"

What I am saying now: Another Intriging team. I don't think they can lose 10 games but that offense looks...GOOD. As a Owner of Jon Kitna in fantasy, I love the production. This team offense looks playoff caliber.....but....56 POINTS against the Iggles? Keven Curtis goes for 3 TD's? Like the Bucs, they teams they have beaten have a combined 2-9 record. But the thing is the Lions Schedule the rest of the way out is Easy. They get Denver and Dallas at home, they play San Diego late, who may be out of the playoffs by then, and they don't get the Packers on the road until week 17. If that Defense can upgrade from bad to okay, they may not be as crazy as they seem. I pulling out my first 180. I don't know what I was thinkin

Prediction change: 6-10 or 9-7

Green Bay Packers

What I said Then: "The Only playoff team this team beat last season was the Bears in the Final Week of the season when Rex Grossman admitted that he smoked weed right before the game(or something like that, he played TERRIBLE). This team was a nice story last season but after the the Bears thier wins goes as the following: Niners, Lions twice, Vikings twice, Dolphins, Cardinals....yeah thats not that impressive. Defensively I think they were overrated last season. 25 in points allowed and let off a lot of point playing actually competetion(Saints-34, Eagles-31, Pats-35, Seahawks-34, Jets 38). Offensively that running game will suffer and I Can't see Brett Favre Getting any better. This team suffers and Brett Favre has his going away game against the Lions week 17"

What I am saying now: Ummmm....yeah about that.....Didn't call that one too well. I didn't expect the Brett Favre to buy a DeLorean between then in the NFL season. Although I can't stand the man, when he is on, he is the most entertaining QB in the NFL. This team has a solid D and amped up QB who is going insane. If the can get some kind of running game(2.7 YPC for the team, no 100 yard rusher on the SEASON) they may have a legit shot to get a playoff win or two. With a soft schedule and Brett Favre looking like a MVP they are SOLID. I complete changed my view.

Prediction change: 7-9 to 11-5

NFC EAST

Dallas Cowboys

What I said then: ""

What I am saying now: I didn't notice until now but I didn't write a single thing about the Boys besides the prediction. Lets just say they are better than I expected. Romo is playing out of his mind right now. Offensively they have the weapons to put up 28 every game and defensively they make plays. Its gonna be crucial how they finish the season because last season they faultered down the stretch a bit. They wrap up the season Green Bay(This has 1995 written All OVER it), at Detriot(one of the late losses), Philly, At Carolina, At Washington. Its going to be interesting to see. Anyway This team looks better than I expected even though I didn't say anything.

Prediction Change: 9-7 to 12-4

Philly Eagles

What I said then:"I worry but I think. I worry about Donovan Mcnabbs knee and think about how good he was last season. I worry about losing Daunte Stallworth, then I think "He didn't even lead the team in receptions last season". I worry but i think this team can be Solid. If Mcnabb can stay healthy which is a BIG IF at this point, I don't see any reason they can't go back to being NFC elite. If that Rushing D can be a little better I can see them making it back to the superbowl. I think McNabb has 1 more good season left"

What I am saying now: I know what Bill Parcells says but I don't think this team is as BAD as its record. They catch a couple punts, they beat Green Bay; Mcnabb makes a couple throws, they might beat the Redskins; They don't get completely beat up, who knows with the Giants. With a bye week before the Jets/Bears/Vikings I think they have a legit show to coming back to form. They need to get healthy and realize they should pass the bass 60% because they have a perfectly good feature back in the Backfield. The whole team rest on Mcnabbs shoulders. He plays well, they can compete, he doesn't then the Kevin Kold Era should begin by week 14. As for them making the superbowl.....hmm....well see about that later

Prediction change: 11-5 to 10-6

NFC West

St. Loius Rams

What I said then: "If their is one team that can rain on the Niners Wild Card Hopes it's this one. That offense looks loaded to go as Stephen Jackson hopes to take the crown as the divisions best running back. Marc Bulger looked Solid last season. One problem tho and that was run D. 31 in yards allowed, 32nd in TD's allowed. OUCH. Thats not going to cut it in the NFL. I think they will make some noise but the Niner in me just can't place in the Playoffs. But that offense will be going when the Niners go to the EJ Dome."

What I am saying now: LOL at the Rams. But hey you can't predict injuries. Orlando Pace was a KILLER. I don't remember the last time didn't put up an offensive TD in a game let alone, in 2 consecutive games. If Marc Bulger makes it until week 9 I will be surprise. This team will be picking in the top-4 next season. They have a lot of work to do.

Prediction change: From 8-8 to 4-12

Seattle Shehawks

What I was said then: "Hmmmm. I wonder. Yeah they had injuries but Sean John Alexander and Matt Hasselback weren't exactly all that great last season. That D was 22nd in Yards allowed and they lost number 1 reciever. Hmmm. I mean they beat the Broncos(Who the Niners also beat) and the Cowboys(who the Lions also beat). I just don't see the 13-3 team of 2 years ago anymore. I just see a shawdow, the same crybabies who lost the superbowl. I just don't buy them anymore as legit. Thats just me."

What I am saying now: It pains for me to say this but i was flat out wrong. This team is clearly the best team in the division and should be undefeated at the moment. Maybe Matt Hasselback was really hurt last season. Maybe Darrell Jackson was really worth a 4th rounder. Maybe that Defense is the best in the NFC now. Whatever it is, this team is good, even though it pains for me to say that. With that said, they are still not the 13-3 team of 2 years ago but it going to be Verrrry intersting when they go to Pittsburgh next week. Still very good quarterback play, solid defense, this team should be pretty good. They may get back to the NFC championship game....maybe. Well see in my playoff predictions

Prediction change: 8-8 to 12-4

FINAL STANDING REDO:

NFC North

Bears: 13-3........Packers 11-5

Packers: 7-9.......Lions 9-7

Lions: 6-10.........Bears 8-8

Vikings: 4-12

NFC South

Saints: 11-5........Panters 8-8

Panthers: 10-6....Saints 7-9

Bucs: 5-11.......Bucs 7-9

Falcons: 4-12

NFC East

Eagles: 11-5.......Cowboys 12-4

Cowboys: 10-6......Iggles 10-6

Redskins: 7-9

Giants: 6-10

NFC West

49ers: 9-7.........Seahawks 11-5

Rams: 8-8...........Niners 7-9

Seahawks: 8-8......Cardinals 7-9

Cardinals: 6-10.........Rams 4-12

Tommarow I will have my AFC and Postseason Re-do. Lets just say the Dolphins are no longer my sleeper and the Chargers may not go 14-2. We'll see though.

Is it time to worry as a Laker fan?

The Ghost of Johnnie Cochran — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 17:47:13 GMT

Once apon a time, the biggest sports story in America happened on May 30, 2007, when Kobe Bryant told Stephen A. Smith that he wanted to be traded from the Lakers and there was nothing they could do to change his mind. For the next week, followed about 100 interviews with analyst who did everything from, pick Kobe Bryant next destination, to saying the trade would never happen, to calling Kobe Bryant selfish, to belittling the Lakers for possibly botching having 2 of the 20 best players of all-time and turning into a team barely competing for the Playoffs. Messege Boards blew up from Lakers fans, from the angry ("if he wants to leave, let him") to the dissapointed (Why Kobe Why) to the Downright Ignorant ( "The Lakers could get better if they get Deng and Gordan"). Since then the storm died down since Kobe somewhat laid off and decided to focus on olympics. Of course Dogfighting, Evil Referees, and some thing called the NFL took over and it seemed to be all quiet on the western front...for now.

With preseason beginning in 3 weeks for the Lakers, Their has not been confirmation on wheather or not Kobe Bryant is 100% interested in staying with the lake-show. His main concern was trying to get help for the Lakers which so far that Lakers haved tried by getting Derek Fisher...umm...and thats about it. Not that thier is anything wrong with Derek Fisher, I just don't think that is what Kobe was talking about.

With no new help around I guess I'm wondering will Kobe stick it out for one more season. Last season the Lakers were a 42-win although they suffered threw a bunch of injuries. If they get Mihm, Odom, and Radmonivic at full strength, added on with a verteran point guard who can score when needed, you possibly have a team that can get to 50 wins. Nice. But in a conference that produced five 50+ win teams last season, thats not going to cut it. At least not by Kobe standards. Kobe Bryant said before he wants to win another championship and with this current squad he knows, like the rest of the world, thats is not going to happen.

That of course leads to the obvious question is will Kobe Bryant stick it out when things get tough. The Lakers first 11 of 16 games include playoff teams from the previous season. If you add on Boston, they are looking at 12 tough games to start the season, with 5 of those tough games coming on the road. What happens if the Lakers start off under .500 during those games? Will Kobe be willing to stay around and fix it or will be on Stephen A. Smith Radio show once again?

The whole saga comes down to the Front Office. Yes, the same front office that traded Shaq for LO, Caron Butler, and Brian Grant. Yes, that same front office that turned Caron Butler into Kwame Brown. Yes, that same front office that wouldn't trade Andrew Bynum for Jason Kidd. Now that front office has a choice. A) Try to get a big change for their superstar, or B) Don't trade thier superstar or make any big changes. Basically do the same thing they have been doing for the past 2 seasonor finnally C) Trade their superstar getting what they can for him.

A) Would be the best case scenerio. With Garnett gone and the Kidd done seemingly dead, it seems the only option for the Lakers would be a 28 year old power forward who plays about 40 minutes away. Of course that option can only exist if the Lakers give up Lamar Odom and Andrew Bynum, something the Lakers are not interested in doing. Looking around the NBA, I'm not sure what better player they could get than Jermaine O'Neal but we'll see. JO can't be too happy with the way things are going in Indy and the Lakers have to this is a guy who can help the Lakers become good immediately. But they have other Options

Like option B. They could just say "you know what Kobe, We are not going to jump just because you want us too. We find this team fine just the way it is." Possibility but would that keep Kobe in LA? If not it would come down the last option.

Option C. The possible worst case scenerio. Look they is no way on the face of the planet anyone can convince me that trading Kobe Bryant would work out for the Lakers. Unless you get a guy by the last names James or Wade, you can't get equal value for someone like Kobe. Trading him would end any hope at a playoff run and begin the OJ Mayo/Eric Gordon Sweepstakes in L.A. It would give another team the Best player in the NBA, and possibly a run at a title. According to Truth and Rumors, Jerry Buss said they have no intent on trading Kobe Bryant at all. A good sign in itself. But still what if Kobe Demands it? What if Kobe God Forbid, Pulls a Vince Carter.

NBA season is still 35 days 6 hours, 31 minutes, and 5 seconds away so they still is a lot of time for things to change. Maybe the Lakers can come out the game swinging. Maybe Kobe won't demand a trade at all. Maybe the Lakers have a deal working somewhere.

With Basketball season right around the corner, I'm wondering maybe, just maybe, Laker fans should be a little worried.

49ers Review: Week 3

The Ghost of Johnnie Cochran — Sun, 23 Sep 2007 21:48:40 GMT

Well it was good while it lasted. Good Effort today Niners but damn those Steelers. They look pretty nice. Although I really want to see this "official rewiew" on NFL Network, Explain how Vernon Davis didn't have a catch. O well. Anyway other thoughts from Early football before I hand out the Grades.

- The Patriots will have the '72 Dolphins Shakin in thier boots. They look insanely good. Week 9 is going to be the only big test for them. Although I wouldn't sleep on week 14

- You can't go from a coach that was 200-126 to a coach that is 59-83 and expect to see improvement. If Brian Griese was the quarterback of the Bears, the Chargers might be 0-3 right now. Thats way to much talent on one team to be 1-2 and let Brett Favre in company drive down the field. Although the Packers look....nice. Kudos to Brett Favre. He is still one of the most entertaining QB's to watch when he is on fire just as long as it isn't against the Niners.

- A lot of fantasy "Experts" owe Randy Moss an apology.

- Kurt Warner you son of a b**** I still Believe Kurt Warner sold his sole to the Devil. Also any team thats lets a back-up Qb throw for 258 yards in 20 minutes is not a superbowl contender. Espically if its the same team that lost to a team that allowed 51 points to Derek Anderson and Crew. The Ravens have no shot going to Indy or New England in January.

- Donovan Mcnabb you black son of a b****. Good game.

- I can't wait for October 6th. Tigers-Gators. #2-#3. I think that will be the Game of the Year. Well besides 0-7 Notre Dame pulling off the Biggest upset of all time, in South Bend. They don't call him Football Jesus for nothing.

Now I'm done avoiding talking about the Loss. Lets get out the red pen.

Passing Offense: C-

Alex Smith threw for his 1st Touchdown hooray. Too bad it was after his first pick. Good hustle on the tackle their Alex. Anyway not a lot of downfield passes in the first 3 quarters when the Niners should have been attacking. Nice Working with Vernon Davis, but come on, 1 catch by a wideout going into the the 4th quarter? Did we get Darrell Jackson for 3 catches a game? I know its a work in progress, but we need to show progress with out work. The end of the game looked nice but it was garbage time. The pass offense still has work to do.

Rushing Offense: D-

Its never a good thing when Alex Smith has 7 less yards than Frank Gore. If you take out Alex Smith and Arnaz Battle you have 20 carries for 58 yards. Not a lot of 5+ runs. I think I counted, 7 in all. The Steelers ate the Niners backfield alive.

Passing Defense: C-

160 yards allowed, a Forced fumble, 2 sacks, and holding a number 1 reciever to 2 yards sounds good on paper but this team had trouble all day. It just looked easy for the Steelers. The didn't throw the ball alot(not that they needed to) but when they did throw the Steelers look extremely effective. Roethlisburger was just sittin back, picking and choosing in the pocket. The pressure was nice, but what's the point if you can't tackle? It just seemed to easy for the Steelers. They didn't make homerun plays, but they keep making plays that they needed which is something you defense just can't allow. Good effort bad exacution.

Rushing Offense: D-

Willie Parker ran wild today. No push up front, I think maybe 3-4 tackles for loss against Willie. Bad game on the Rush D fault. But hey they didn't allow 4 TD's which is an upgrade from last season. Also Nate Clements had a sick TD-saving play in the backfield on that trick play they tried. Thats about it with the positives. Bad game on the Rush D faults.

Special Teams: D-

I hate Kickoff Returns. Espically if it is the other teams 1st play of the game. Their has to be some W-L stat that is bigger than people expect. 98 yards....

Coaching: C+

The whole game went pretty okay I guess. When the Niners added pressure on the QB, they failed alot on the tackling. When The Niners played Pass D, They kept missing pass break up by inches. The Offense looked slow, but when you can't get a running game going, its hard to throw espically when pressure keeps coming. I think the play calling was good, 2-2 in Challenges is also nice (although one was terribly overturned), all in all the game wasn't that badly coached. I think it came down to one thing....

Oppenents Grade: A

...one team was just better than the other. I know it seems I'm complaing about how the Niners didn't do a lot well, but you have to give credit to the Steelers. They stepped up whenever they need to. They Simply played a better game than the Niners Did. And They looked really good doing it. They will compete with the Ravens for the AFC North crown. I think a lot of people who wrote predictions may want to change them in the Bengals at least...

Positive Note: With all the bad things, the Niners didn't give up. At the end of the half they went downfield. At the end of the game, they kept throwing the ball. They actually somewhat opened up. It work in spurts. Also good job gettin Vernon Davis Involved. The game would have been different if they allowed him to have that catch. O well can't complain.......

Negative Note: 7-12 3rd down conversions. Yeah about that.....

FINAL GRADE FOR WEEK 3: C-

Wow the best grade of the season comes in a loss. The Niners are a Work In progress, and despite the loss they should some improvement. But Don't sleep on the Steelers.

Predictions for Week 4 vs. Seahawks: 24-20 W

The Niners have had pretty good success against the west this season and I don't expect it to change. I think they got some things goin on offense that will continue to keep devolping going into to next week. Plus Frank Gore has to be salivating for a 100 yard game. I think he has a break out game

Sorry No game balls in 21 point losses. Bring on the Hawks.

49ers Review: Week Two

The Ghost of Johnnie Cochran — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 04:37:42 GMT

2-0??? Really?? 2-0?? I mean I know I predicted they would win but the Niners are really 2-0. Does anyone else realize this is the first time since 1998 that the San Francisco 49ers are 2-0? Remember that roster? Steve Young, Garrison Hearst, Jerry Rice, Terrell Owens, Fred Beasley,JJ Stokes, Ken Norton, Merton Hanks, Lee Woodall, Bryant Young....I mean thats just crazy. Two and O. Sounds nice. We'll see if it can last...

Anyway 2 quick thoughts before I hand out some grades.

- Any Fantasy "expert" who said that the Bengals D is a good D to start should be forced to apologize. Anyone who has any decent football knowledge should know that its the BENGALS DEFENSE. If you give me that "last week" excuse all I have to say that it was the RAVENS OFFENSE. But still are you serious, 51 points. They didn't have 2 straight games last season that combined for 51 points. I mean thats just nuts. 51 points...Cleveland Browns...What is the world coming to.

-http://www.fannation.com/throwdowns/show/57539-

-Extremely funny in retrospect. I was down 14-1 before the Notre Dame Game. By the way, my predicition for the USC-Notre Dame game is looking something like 108-0 USC. I am dead serious. Notre Dame has one of the worst offenses of all time and thats me kissin up to Notre Dame. I honestly think that Duke and Stanford will give the Fighting Irish a run for thier money. No joke. In fact here are some other teams that will I think can Compete with the Irish.

Appalachian State, Buffalo, FIU, Any Directional Michagan, Rice, Baylor, Temple, Mount Union...

Anyway lets get to some grades shall we

Passing Offense: D-

This is being a homer because that passing offense once again had no imigination. 1 pass over 20 yards?? 4 sacks?? Once again is thier a problem with number 85 that we can't let him strecth the field. I mean is it too late to call Norv Turner back, I mean Jesus, Nothing is gettin going threw the passing game. Alex Smith wasn't drafted number One to hand the ball off. Let the kid throw the ball, and if he makes mistakes fine. We are not the Steelers of 3 years ago. We can't rely on Rushing and defense. Let the Kid Throw, Please. I don't care if it is picked just let him makes some decision. Also Alex Smith, Kid you have to let go the ball sometimes. You lookin a little Drew Bledsoe on me. Good Decisions late, but once again we need to get the passing game going about 40 minutes earlier into games to even think about playoffs.

Rushing Offense: C

Frank Gore, I appriciate what you did becasue not a lot of people can come out and perform under such circumstances. He came out and when he was needed the most he did the best. He was having a good game and his numbers were nice, until the end of the game when the Niners TWICE chose to run the ball 3 straight times in the end of the game. But I will get to that later. Anyway Frankie G really didn't get the game started early enough but he did get it together late so he will get the C for that. But seriously the Niners can't keep spoiling me on 4th and 1. Its too dramatic and I don't want to be heart-broken later on.

Passing Defense: C-

It was a wierd game defensively. 368 yards allowed passing you think how can I pass them? The Answer was the domination of the Rams piss poor excuse for an offensive line. The Niners were in the backfield about 1 in every 3 plays. I loved it. Bulger had no time....but yet he had time enough to throw for 368 yards and make it VERY interesting at the end. I like Walt Harris but Isaac Bruse was DETROYING him. I couldn't belive I kept seeing him in one on one coverage. It was like Mike Nolan said "You know what, I'm just going to keep blitzing. If they throw to Walt's side O well. Either the Catch it or they don't. I'm just not going to help out Walt." But hey I guess it worked. The D stopped them when they need to. If P-Willie would have Made that pick then he may have been the quickest to my personall Hall Of Fame.

Rushing Defense: A

I feel bad for everyone who had the number 2 pick in thier Fantesy Drafts. O well, Nice effort all together on the defensive lines part. Steven Jackson looked dazed and confused behind that line of his. The Nicest stat: Longest run 9 yards. Can you say SHUT DOWN. Only reason they don't get the '+' is because they didn't force him to fumble but other than that they really impressed me....but then again the Rams offensive line looked terrible. O well You still get the good grade.

Special Teams: C

My list of momentum changing playing in football: 1) Pick Six 2) Punt Return for a TD 3) Recovered Fumble from a punt. The first two suck because you either have the ball or just had the ball and you gave up a score. The 3rd one is awful because you are about to get the ball instead you give it right back to the other team in insane field position. The Rams may have not put up a Offensive TD if that happened. Also I don't like seeing Andy Lee 8 times in a game even tho he kicked a monster punt. O well, okay job except for the fumble but the Special teams D made up for that boo-boo. No FG's missed is as much as I can ask for.

Coaching: D

Once again the offensive play selection was as bad as "Ask Madden" on Madden '08. Lets see, we get the ball at the 26 with 5:46 to go with a chance to take the lead by a TD and what the Niners opt to do...run the ball 3 straight times and kick a field goal. Then the Niners are lucky enough to get the ball back with 2:35 while the Rams have 2 Timeouts and the 2-Minute Warning and what the Niners do....Run the ball 3 straight times. Add that on to the fact that Walt Harris was basically yelling out loud "Hey don't leave me One on One with Isaac Bruce" and you have a poorly coached game. Alex Smith wasn't selected number 1 to throw the ball 17 times. The D did a nice job although I wish the Niners focused a little more on Pass D at times. O well, a W is a W but they are going to have to do something better offensively.

Oppenents Grade: C

That Offensive line was Gawd Awful and pretty much cost thier team the game. Also Turnovers just gave the Niners the W. The Rams D played better than expected but not too great. Although I kept asking myself "Who the Hell is Clifton Ryan" towards the end of the game. O well. Not the Rams best performance but certainly not thier worst. Just an average NFC team.

Offensive Game Ball: Frank Gore. Only 2 touchdowns plus the huge 4th and one. Praises go out to you and yours just like this game ball

Defensive Game Ball: Bryant Young. You were there the last time the Niners went 2-0 and you are here now. P-Willie will get plenty of these and possibly deserved this one, but I couldn't pass up an opprotunity to give it to a Niner Legend. 2 sacks and a game ball buddy.

One Good note going into Pittsburgh: That Rush D looked goood against Action Jackson

One Bad note going into Pittsburgh: Total Yards: Rams 392, 49ers 185..

FINAL GRADE: D

I know a win is a win but god it wasn't good. A lot of tweaking needs done if they want to win this division.

Prediction for Next based off last 2 weeks: Pittsburgh 27, Niners 13

Niners have a lot of work to do before they can hang with the Big Boys in the AFC. Expect to see a lot of Santonio Holmes and the Steelers new spread sets.

49ers review: Week One

The Ghost of Johnnie Cochran — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 07:02:59 GMT

Did anyone else just see what I just saw? Was that the Niners going 85 yards on a game winning drive? Was that Alex Smith leading that Drive? Did the offense actually win a game without Frank Gore gaining a single yard on the last drive? Wow that last drive was Sexay...

...BUT lets not forget the rest of that game. Let's grade Dem Niners

Passing Offense: D-

I'm Being nice because they got in together on that last drive but 66 yards in 3 quarters, Are you serious? No imagination threw the passing game at all. It seem the plan was to watch Frank Gore run for 6-8 yards and throw a short pass for the 1st down..But what end up happening was Frank Gore would run for 1-2 yards and they still ran the same short passes and then have to punt. Once again, I want the Diapers to be taken off. Takes some shots downfield, Get Vernon Davis one on one, Hit Arnaz Battle near the sideline, Do something besides drop back look around for 5 seconds and dish it off to Frank Gore for 2 yards.

With that said that comeback was fantastic. He was taking chances and making throws that a number 1 pick should be making; and that run may have been the best play of his career up to this point. But not every team is the Arizona Cardinals so they need to see alot more improvement for I can Crown them for the NFC West like I did in my Predictions.

Running Offense: C-

Frank Gore had never really succeeded against the Cards so I didn't expect him to dominate but I was expecting more than an average game which is exactly what he had. He didn't get a lot of help threw the passing game but he didn't really help himself. A combination of poor called plays and average execution leads to this grade. Also, What was up with all the drops Frank? That's going to have to stop.

Passing Defense: A

They may be the Arizona Cardinals but last time I check they had at lease 270 yards threw air the last 4 times they played the Niners and also they still had that talent in the passing game. Maybe they had a bad game, but from what I saw no one was really open out thier. They had some nice coverage on everyone. 7 catches and 42 yards for Boldin and Fitzy combined and 2 picks is a pretty good day. Only reason they don't get the plus is because of the TD allowed but all around nice day. Also big up to getting pressue on Mr. Leinart. The Cards line is a work in progress but they were pressuring him all game long. It's hard to react because it was the Cards tho.

Running Defense: C

161 yards seems like alot but considering they needed 2 reverses, and a goofy quarterback run to get 38 of them takes a little off the hurt. Still the Niners did not look solid on the running D. Their were times they stopped EJ in the backfield but a lot of other he would not get touched for 3-4 yards. The Niners Run D has to improve dramatically if they want to make a serious playoff run. I do think it is better than the team last season that allowed 3 different running back to run for 4 TD's BUT I still think they have a while to go. They look inconsistant all night in stopping the run and Let EJ get 92 yards and a TD with a shaky offensive line and no passing game. With Stephen Jackson and Shaun Alexander in the division they need to step it up. Okay game tonight tho.

Special Teams: B

Nothing got blocked, Nedney made all his field goals, Hicks averaged over 20, Williams averaged over 10.. What more could you ask for.

Coaching: B-

The last drive went well, but once again where was the offense imagination in the first half. I just kept seeing a 10-year-old Madden offense of run-run-pass or run-short pass-shorter pass. On Defense they did a nice job of keeping pressure on Matt Leinart all game long but I wish they stuff more men in the box to help stop the run. The timeouts were used a little early for my taste but I didn't know if that was Nolan or just some Miscommunication or just Alex Smith. Also at the end of the half, when I just called a timeout to get the ball back, I think I tell Alex Smith to hurl it down field and let my Mr. Click Clack do his thing. With all that said he called the game okay and plus he look fantanstic while doing it which bumps him a full letter grade up. Try to get a little more creative with the offense please..

Cardinals Grade: D+

Either 2 things are going to happen. A) the Cardinals are really bad or B) the Niners actually stepped up and played solid D. Being the optomist that I am, I think the Niners looked good on D. Matt Lienart was being chased around all night and couldn't find anybody. Also that defense got carved by Alex smith down the stretch...But at the end of the day it was still the Arizona Cardinals. They looked a lil better on D but I couldn't tell if that was the Cards being good or the Niners playing badly. They had 10 penalties and at one point 5 in a 7 play span. They looked really bad. But like I said, Its hard to tell if it was The Cardinals being the Cardinals or the Niners D coming out to play. I think it was Partly the Cards.

Offensive Game Ball: Alex Smith

Hey when you lead a fourth quarter drive and have the longest play of the game by running the football, Your 15-31 goes away. Arnaz Battle would have gotten the game ball if he did almost kill my hopes by fumbling into the Endzone. I don't know if this would have been written if the Cards recovered

Defensive Game Ball: Patrick Willis

He has DROY written all over him. He was all over the place today. 11 tackles, 9 solo, from what i saw about 3 hurries. I can see the Singletary-Willis Relationship being like a Hans Solo-Annikin Skywalker relationship with the Pupil becoming better than the teacher. Plus P-willie just rolls off the toungue.

One optimistic note going into St. Louis: Alex Smith looked like a Number 1 pick when the Niners needed him the most

One Pessimistic note going into St. Louis: Alex Smith looked like a undrafted free agent the first 3 quarters.

FINAL GRADE FOR WEEK ONE: C-

Lots of kinks to work out. That Defense isn't the type to rely on to win games. That offense is going to have to find some answers

PREDICTIONS FOR WEEK 2: 24-17 Win

Losing Orlando Pace will be huge for that team. I think the stuggle a little bit in the passing game while Frank Gore gets his sexy back against a team that still stuggles against the run. P-willie records his first NFL sack.

Final thoughts: 11 is going to have to look more like 16 a lot more than the final drive. With that said, I'm glad he got a game like that under his belt. I loved the poise and the decision making, and it those kind of intangibles that make QB's successful in the NFL...And with all that said, It was still only the Arizona Cardinals.

The Craziness that has been sports over the past 7 years....

The Ghost of Johnnie Cochran — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 22:17:27 GMT

Appalachian State 34, Michagan 32

I still can't grasp it. A division 1-AA team goes out and beats Michagan in the Big House. Forget that appalachian state has won 2 in a row. Forget how they almost always compete and almost beat division 1-A schools. It was a RANKED team AT HOME. They lost to Appalachian State. They let Appalachian State put up 34 on them. You can't simulate that result on NCAA '08 if you tried all day. The best player on Appalachian State is a 78. Its just insane that Appalachian State went to Michagan and came out with a W. Just remarkable

But looking back at the last 7 years in sports its pretty much been like that. It seems every 2-3 months something keeps happening in sports thats just never happened before or seems really strange. I compose a list strarting with the most strange down to the least strange...but still strange.

The "ARE YOU SERIOUS?!?!?" catergory

-Rangers 30, Orioles 3-. I don't even know where to begin on this one. 30 runs is insane enough. 30 unanswered runs is even more crazy. 30 unanswered Runs after the 5th inning is just mind boggling. The Ravens haven't allowed 30 in 2 seasons. It just make no sense

-George Mason beating Uconn- A true underdog is a team that you have to look on the map to see where they play. George Mason had a strong case not to even be in the Tournament. They made to the Final Four. That Uconn team they beat was ranked #1 going into the tournament. Just pure madness.

-Red Sox 3-0 Comeback- Forget the Curse for a second. Eventually everyone knew they had to win the World Series. That team spent a lot of money and was consistanly in the playoffs. They weren't an terrible franchise like the Cubs. They were a legit contender year in year out. But the fact that a team that had a lead 3-0 let another team come back..in any sport...anywhere it is amazing to see. In baseball when it invovles the Red Sox and the Yankees its even more ridiculous to see. Of course then the curse was broken but still a 3-0 lead dissapeering is something we may not see for a while

-January 5th, 2003- One of the top-5 best days of my life's and the same for Steeler fans. 2 of the top 6 playoff comebacks both happening one day thanks to the Browns and the Giants, Respectively. I say the Niners one was more for the dramatics but still both happening on the same day is pretty nuts. Also the day before the dogfighter and crew were the first to beat Farve in Lambeau and the facts that Peyton Manning and the colts got shut out and you have a pretty good playoff weekend.

-81- I just remember waking up to see that on the bottom line of ESPN news the day after the AFC and NFC championship games. Kobe scores 81. This wasn't a super effort to get him there. They were losing that game. Out of all the great scoring guards, centers, and forwards to ever play basketball he scored more point than all except one. Thats is amazing

The "Really??" catergory

-2006 Pittsburgh Steelers- 3 away playoff games on the way to the Superbowl. 3 AWAY playoff games. Those are some unfriendly confines you have to go too for 3 consuctive weeks before you win the Superbowl. Another thing that has never been done before so I give it credit. It wasn't a huge suprise just something you are just like" really the first 6th seed"

-Warriors 4, Mavs 2 2007- At the time it looked huge but not so much if you get into it. The Warriors got really good down the strecth once they got healthy and starting playing together. Plus they swept Mavs in the regular season and had thier coach from last season. In retrospect its not a huge upset. But the fact was that a 41 win 8 seed beat a 67 win 1 seed. That is pretty nuts. Nots as nuts as it seems, but still pretty nuts

-Championship Upsets- Rams, Lakers, and Hurricanes. All those teams stepped onto the field/court looking by far the best team. All got beat. Upsets happen all the time in sports, but I just thought i should point out how Unversially EVERYONE chose those teams to win and they all just failed. That Lakers scared me for life

-USA Basketball- We were suppose to own in basketball. We were suppose to have the best athletes. They got 6th at the Fiba world championships. 6th. 6th!?!? They lost 3 in a row. Just unbelievable.

-Zinedine Zidane- Any American sport this guy would be KILLED publicly. I mean Randy Moss got attention for walking off the field in a game with 2 seconds left. Imagine in the superbowl in a tie game on third down Randy Moss just went after some cornerback drawing a 15 yard penalty and getting him taken out of the game. I mean the guy took himself of a event that is played every 4 years. The Best player in the sport took attacked someone else in the middle of the BIGGEST GAME IN THE SPORT. Man, thats some family love right there. Wow just insane. Any other sport this would go higher but since its soccar, its just a "Really?!?!"

-June 26th 2002- The day Yao Ming got drafted. At that moment Eminem was the best rapper and Tiger Woods was the best golfer. Think about the melting pot we are in American

-Steve Nash 2-time MVP- It boggles my mind that it looks like Steve Nash 2 mvps, Shaquelle O'Neal 1 MVP, Kobe Bryant 0 MVP's. It blows my mind

-Monday Night Magic- Colts 3-td comeback against the Bucs in under 5 minutes, Brett Favre's 4 TD magic, Bears-Cardinals....Monday Night football.

-4 home runs- The dodgers pulling off back to back to back to back in a game to have a comeback is nuts. The Fact that 3 guys did it(Shawn Green, Carlos Delgado, Mike Cameron) Did it in a 17 month time spans is also nuts. It was done Once in the 90's, Once in the 80's, Once in the 70's and Once in the 60's. 4 Homeruns.

Little wierd things catargory

-Barry Bonds- The fact 7 years ago he wasn't even on the radar to touch Hank Aaron record and now that the fact he is the new Homerun KING. I just wonder who exactly was he trying to fool? Did he expect people to think it was natural to make hit more homeruns after the age of 35 then some people do in a career. Just one of those wierd things

-Florida Gators- 2 national championships in 2 sports over the same school in both sports in the same year. Plus the Back to back titles. Bananas

-Jordan Wizards career- A White Sox, then a Wizard. Just strange watching him play in a different uniform. Wierd

-Boise State 43, Oklahoma 42- I thought this game was a little overrated. Boise State was only 7 point underdogs and have a okay tradition. I mean they weren't completely terrible mid-major coming out of nowhere. They were a pretty good team, against another pretty good team. They won. The game was insane but the outcome was overblown. That Ohio State team beating that U team was better

-My fantesy football championship Week 16 2005- 90-89. The guy i was playing was forced to play David Garrard because he had Peyton Manning when the Colts had wrapped up the division. Anyway I had a starting lineup that looked something like Carson Palmer, Frank Gore, Cedric Housten, I think Lee Evans and Eric Moulds maybe(my recieving core was decimated because I had TO and I dropped Jerry Porter after his SLOW beggining of the year antics), Todd Heap, Shayne Graham, and Bears D. Anyway sunday night football was his Ravens D vs. my Todd Heap. Anyway Todd Heap gets me 9 points but the Ravens D gave him enough to have a 92-90 leading with 1:47 remaining in the game. I get the call saying that i lost the fantesy championship. THEN THEN THEN the Viking, down 10 points, proceed to drive the 30 yards and kick a field goal which somehow cause the Ravens D to go down by 3 points which gave me the 90-89 victory. Greatest Fantesy game ever played.

If you have anymore I forgot please add down below............Also I finnally updated my football predicitions so check those out..............

Game-By-Game 49ers predicitions Plus NFL Breakdown

The Ghost of Johnnie Cochran — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 04:58:20 GMT

"ba ba ba bumm bah bum bah bum ba ba ba ba ba ba bum bah bum bah bum.... ba ba ba ba ba bumm bumm bumm bumm bumm bummm bummmmmmmmmmmm bababa bummmmmm......."

Its hard to put that song into words. In the words of the of a great entertainer "FINNNNNALLLLY, THE NFL HAS COME BACK TO OUR LIFE". It seems like years ago since Peyton Manning was holding that trophy. Thank god the NFL is back. Bye Tim Dohaghy. Bye David Beckham. Bye Michael Vick.

(o yeah I have a link that sums up my feeling about the whole case. Thats it. I'm done with it after this)

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=easterbrookpreview/070828

...ANYWAY its time for some predictions since everyone on Fannation made theres about 4 months ago. I wanted to also, but everytime I tried I thought to myself..."My god the NFL is so far away. So many things can still happen" Does anyone else realize 10 days before the season the number 1 pick in the draft still isn't signed? His only NFL highlights are a roll out pass and him talking to Lane Kiffen who is holding a clipboard. Only the Raiders. Anyway lets break off some quick championship game picks

AFC: I keep asking myself how are the Patriot and Chargers not going to make the AFC championship game. I mean the Patriots were thier last year and got better and the only reason the Chargers weren't their was the Curse of Marty. I mean every other team in the AFC has that infamous "Yeah but". The Ravens were really good last year...yeah but, Steve Mcnair is getting kinda worn down and the offense wasn't exactly top form. The Colts won the superbowl...Yeah but they lost a lot of people and that D lost a lot of people. Plus Tarik Glenn retire which I think will have a bigger impact than people realize. Broncos got a lot better on D and Travis Henry....yeah but they stalled coming down the stretch. Plus I can't see them winning that division I mean you got other stretches (Steelers, Jags, Jets) but all their "Yeah Buts" are simple. They are not as good as the Chargers or Patriots. I can't see it going any other way.

Official Pick: Patriots 27, Chargers 21

NFC: I remember the days when the Packers played the Cowboys or Niners it was always on National TV no matter what. But I also remember when Michael Jackson was still considered human(happy 49th Mike) sooo maybe its time to move on. The NFC looks WEAK. I'm not sold on any team. Either teams looks flawed (Chicago-QB, Saints-Run D, Eagles- Run D) Underachieved last season (Panthers, Shehawks, Giants) or teams that weren't great last season coming into the year with good "potential" (Lambs, Niners, Cowboys, Packers). Its really is wide open. Personally that wasn't flawed the most. The Bears. I can't believe how many people are picking against them. 2nd in points scored, 3rd in points allowed. Yes they lost Thomas Jones but Cedric the Entertainer Benson still got 4.1 a carry and as many touchdowns as Mr. Jones. Yes Rex Grossman looked terrible preseason but despite his 20 INT's and 54% completition the Bears finished 13-3. I mean they have to win that division by default based off thier D right? I mean if Rex Grossman plays the same way, I can't see them being worst? What if by the grace of god he improves? You never know. Anyway they have one spot. Looking at the rest of the NFC....I don't know what to say. I mean everyone loves the Saints but I mean..they allowed 26 touchdowns threw the air last season which puts them at 30th in the NFL. They allowed 4.94 a carry last season which puts them at 31th in the NFL. That to me sybolized ???? on D. I look at that schedule last season and I see 3 quality wins. Eagles by 3 twice(once with Jeffery Garcia) and the Cowboys by a bunch. Okay thats nice but they lost to every AFC opponent except the Browns which says to me...I don't know. The Bears just DESTROYED them in that NFC championship game. I just look at the 2004 Falcons, and the 2005 Panthers, and think of the 2006 Saints. I mean they will win the division possibly, if the Panthers don't fully healthy. I don't know about the Saints thats all. I'm Not picking them. But they is really no one else to choose. Hmmmm Lets just say.....The Eagles. Why not. I mean they had the 2nd best offense in terms of yards, whats stopping them. So what if they lost Daunte Stallworth? He is injury prone anyway. I'mma go with the Eagles

Official Pick: Bears 30, Eagles 17

Man thats tough on McNabb. And Rexy isn't that good. Forget I change it. Eagles go back to the superbowl

The Real Official Pick: Eagles 23, Bears 16

God but Mcnabb always gets hurt. Forget it. Whatever happens in the NFC doesn't matter.

Official Superbowl PICK: Patriots 27, Chargers 21

Whatever game they play the week after that is a delay of the inevitable.

Anyway its time for my 49ers game by game breakdown. Actually its more of a breakdown of the other team the Niners are playing with a prediction added on. If you don't agree feel free to complain in my comments.

WEEK 1: Arizona

I'm Sorry Cardinals fan( I don't think they're any on this website), I am not buying it at all. I'm not buying the new head coach, I'm not buying the offense, I'm not buying into the team. I refuse to by into a team with 2 playoff wins in 87 years of football. I refuse. I look at the Cardinals as the Bengals of the NFC. They may have a USC quarterback and 2 great recievers but that D will always hold them back. They may win 10 games in the near future but they will still not make a sound in the playoffs. I won't buy it.

Cards predictions: 7-9

Game Prediction: 24-17 W

WEEK 2: At St. Louis

If their is one team that can rain on the Niners Wild Card Hopes it's this one. That offense looks loaded to go as Stephen Jackson hopes to take the crown as the divisions best running back. Marc Bulger looked Solid last season. One problem tho and that was run D. 31 in yards allowed, 32nd in TD's allowed. OUCH. Thats not going to cut it in the NFL. I think they will make some noise but the Niner in me just can't place in the Playoffs. But that offense will be going when the Niners go to the EJ Dome.

Rams Prediction: 8-8

Game Prediction: 17-30 L

WEEK 3: At Pittsburgh

Not a lot of people on this site like the Steelers. I don't blame them. Little Ben look awful last season. Still, I wouldn't sleep on them. 9th in yards allowed, 5th in total yards. If Big Ben doesn't turn the ball over so much they have a good chance to make the playoffs. I would put them down for a six seed which we all know can be dangerous.

Steelers Prediction: 10-6

Game Predicition: 14-21 L

WEEK 4: Seattle

Hmmmm. I wonder. Yeah they had injuries but Sean John Alexander and Matt Hasselback weren't exactly all that great last season. That D was 22nd in Yards allowed and they lost number 1 reciever. Hmmm. I mean they beat the Broncos(Who the Niners also beat) and the Cowboys(who the Lions also beat). I just don't see the 13-3 team of 2 years ago anymore. I just see a shawdow, the same crybabies who lost the superbowl. I just don't buy them anymore as legit. Thats just me.

Seahawks Prediction: 8-8

Game Predictions 49ers 24-13 W

WEEK 5: Baltimore

They are Many a Raven fans on this site. Many a believer. I say they look good last season. I think Willis Mcgehee is an upgrade at tailback. They might be better than last season. They will win that division but unfortunately they are not as good at the Chargers or Patriots. Yes the Ravens beat the Chargers but it was at home and it took a last second drive, which is two things i don't think will happen if they met in the playoffs. Ravens would win a lot of other years but they are stuck with 2 teams better than them.

Ravens Predicitions: 13-3

Game prediction: 13-27 L

Week 6: Bye

Bye Predictions: Jamarcus Russel Is signed by then. Mike Vick does a public interview by then. Pacman Jones is arrested again by then. Brady Quinn is starting by then.

WEEK 7: At New York GMen

The Giants don't look good to me at all. That last stretch of games last season gave me no reason to believe in them. They lost thier best offensive player in Tiki time and now have to deal with maybe losing thier best Defensive player. They just don't look good. 28th against the pass last season doesn't help either. I think they struggle and finnally fire thier coach rightfully so.

Giant predictions: 6-10

Game Predictions: 31-21 W

ITs gettin late and i gotta get up early. To be continued...........

Sorry about the way. Football and School and New Jobs and moving can do that do that. Anyway....

Week 8 NAWLINS

I think this team is overrated personnally. They beat the Iggles twice stomped the cowboys but really didn't beat anybody else. They lost to every AFC oppenent except the Browns and they got swept by the Carolina Panthers. Offensively they have a possibility to be better than last year which is why i think they win the division. But I don't think this team is as superbowl bound as people are making it out to be. 30th in passing touchdowns allowed.

NAWLINS prediction: 11-5

Game Prediction: 30-21, Reggie Bush does not get 4 TD's

Week 9 At Atlanta

I don't how people here read Bill Simmons but he has a theory called the Ewing Theory when teams get strangly get better after losing thier so called best played. Named after Patrick Ewing during the 99 NBA playoffs. Anyway He also thinks the Falcons have potential. Well if it wasn't for one person. Joey Harrington. This is his third starting job in the NFL?!? one 3000 yard season, no 20 TD's seasons, best passing % was 57.1. He really just holding the wheel for Brian Brohm at this point. This team was terrible last year in pass defense. I starting to think Deanglo Hall is white the way he gets burned so much. This team is about to be terrible. I thought that with Michael Vick so i'm definitely thinking worse with Joey Harrington.

Hotlanta Prediction: 3-13

Game Prediction: 28-10 W

Week 10 At Seattle

I want to thank the Seahawks for Darrell Jackson. But I am not as exicted about him as most people. This dude has played 19 games in the past two seasons. And he is not exactly Mr. Dependable at reciever. Plus the whole thing seems a little stange. Darrell Jackson is traded straight up to the Niners for a 4th rounder. Really? A your number one reciever to a division rival straight up for a 4th rounder. This might be a Tim Dohaghy type situation. I keepin my eye on Mr. Jackson. With that I think it was a real good deal

Darrell Jackson Prediction: 70-1000-7, Misses one game

Game Prediction: 24-20 W

Week 11 St. Louis

Last year the Niners were 5-5 on a 3 game winning streak and was 3:42 away from beating the Rams. I watched Marc Bulger Proceed to go 9-9 driving 82 yards to set up the game winning touchdown. It was then I said "We need to sign Nate Clements, Immediately" A couple months later it happened. Okay may not exactly like that but Nate Clements was a defensive back we need espically in a division loaded with talented recievers. I think his impact will help out significally. He's a good playmaking safety and he should be able to keep up with the Dieon Branches and Larry Fitzgeralds of the world. I think he can definetly help a defense that gave up the 25th most passing yards and the 27th most passing touchdowns become at least a top-20 D.

Nate Clements predictions: 60 tackles, 2 sacks, 4 INTS, 1 Def TD, 1 Forced Fumble, Holds Holt to 60 yards a game, Holds Boldin to 70 yards a game

Game Prediction: 24-17 W

Week 12 At Arizona

Since the Niners had 2 wins against the Cardinals the year they had 14 losses against the NFL, The Niners have failed to beat the Cardinals. Not once. In those game Josh McCown threw for 385 yards, Kurt Warner threw for 354 and 301 respectivly, and Matt Lienart and Kurt Warner threw for a combined 267 yards.....YEah some things are definetly different.

Passing Yards Prediction: 210 For Matt Lienart

Game Prediction: 30-24 W

Week 13 At Carolina

The NFC south has changed hands 4 times in 4 years and I think it has a possibility again. Carolina has a legit shot to still make that happen. Last season they had 2 good games against the Saints and they Beat the Ravens. They had a top-10 defense in terms of yards and scoring. I think they get upgraded at number two reciever with the pac-10 all-time leader in touchdowns. Deangelo Williams should be coming around this season. I think this team will be legit next season

Panthers Prediction: 10-6

Game Prediction: 16-24 L

Week 14 Minnesota

Please pick up Byron Leftwhich. Please. Do it for AD. You have 2 good running backs, a good offensive line and no recievers. It will be just like home for Byron. Wasn't he suppose to be good? What happened Byron? O well. The Viking have problems offensively and they still have a terrible Pass Defense. Plus I have little faith in Tavaris Jackson. Maybe its the name, maybe its the college he went too, maybe it just what he has to work with, but nobody believes in the guy. Not one person. I think he has the makings of a great story. With that said I have little Faith in that.

Vikings prediction: 4-12

Game Prediction: 27-9 W

Week 15: Cincinnati

I do not think the Bengals are that good at all. I never really have. They went for bottom Dwellers to .500 to division winner and it was a cute story but they never have been as good as advertised. They still have 1 10-win season in the last 18 seasons. last year that D was DEAD last in passing yards allowed. Those who think Leon Hall is going to help go look at the pac-10 leader in touchdowns last game against in the Rose Bowl. Is that guy related to Deanglo Hall? Cause if so he is doomed. O well this team is going to avarage this season. They will beat the browns and 2-3 NFC teams in the NFC West, maybe the steelers or ravens onc,e but again this team will struggle on defense terribly. Plus losing 9 TD's because of a pedophile reciever will hurt more than people think. In the NFC they would be the Saints, But in the AFC.........

Bengals Prediction: 8-8

Game Prediction: 28-26 W

Week 16: Tampa Bay

Ushally in football teams rebuild by gettin younger but not the Bucs. They picked up 37 year old Jeff Garcia to go along with soon to be 36 year old Joey Galloway. I don't see this working out for the Bucs. Last year they stuggled on both sides of the ball giving up 26 passing touchdowns making them 31st in the NFL. I don't think Cadillac is exactly that running back he was in the first 3 games of his career. I think this teams stuggles on both sides of the ball. They have many a problem. But at least they can sweep the Falcons

Bucs Prediction: 5-11

Game Prediction: 20-3 W

Week 17: At Cleveland

The Niners first time going to the New Cleveland Brown Stadium. I think this time will be a little different than in 1993, the last time the Niners were there. I want to congradulate Cowboys fan on thier number 2 pick next season. When you are talking about the 31st ranked running offense and the 30 ranked running defense...then you are talking about a team that is doomed. This team is lightyears behind in that division. That offensive line will only get slighty better and that quarterback position is questionable at best. I think this team has massive problems next season.

Browns Prediction: 3-13

Game Prediction: 27-9 W

COMPLETE NFL PREDICTIONS

Lets quickly talk about some teams I didn't talk about.

Buffalo Bills

That offense I think is getting better. J.P. Losman is looking pretty good, Marshawn Lynch I think has potential. I think that offense is pretty solid. Unfortunately I don't see how they get better in that passing D(Ranked 28th last season) losing it best corner. I think they stay the same

Bills Prediction: 7-9

Chicago Bears

I can't see this team falling off. They had awful quarterback play last season and still went 13-3. That defense still looks good and cedric Benson should fill the 4.1ypc and 6 TD's that Thomas Jones provided last season. I don't understand. They won 3 more games then the Saints, KILLED the Saints in the playoffs and people are saying they will be worst than the Saints next season. This team SCORED MORE than the Saints did last season.

Bears Prediction: 12-4

Denver Broncos

Destine to have a turnaround. Dre Bly is going to be nice. I know they picked up a running back but i refuse to refer to him based on the fact it doesn't who is in the backfield. That person is going to be a stub. Top-10 D plus Jay Cutlers improvment Plus Dre Bly equals a division winner...in any other division. To bad they aren't they look pretty good.

Broncos prediction: 11-5

Housten Texans

When they picked up Ahman Green I thought this team could be better. I mean Gary Kubiak had a okay running scheme, Ahman Green is pretty talented it could have been something. But Matt schuab??? Seriously? A career 52.2% passer? He had one "Good" game against the Patroits. Thats all he has on his resume. This was this teams ace in the hole. This teams looks terrible. I don't think that a 20 year old is going to help that team immediately. I think they have as many problems as last season.

Texans Prediction: 5-11

Detroit Lions

6 10-loss seasons and counting. This team was awful last season. AWFUL. I can't believe they are prediction a 10 win season. Are they Serious? This team was TERRIBLE and has been over the past 6 seasons. They were DEAD last in rushing yards and in the bottom 22 in Passing yards and passing touchdowns, Running yards and running touchdowns allowed last season. You kinda of need a running game and a Defense to make it. I can see how everyone thinks that offense can make them better but unless Jon Kitna is a different quarterback than his 126-123 TD-INT ratio say he is, they are look at MAYBE getting out the 10 loss streak. I don't think they can do it

Lions Prediction: 6-10

Green Bay Packers

The Only playoff team this team beat last season was the Bears in the Final Week of the season when Rex Grossman admitted that he smoked weed right before the game(or something like that, he played TERRIBLE). This team was a nice story last season but after the the Bears thier wins goes as the following: Niners, Lions twice, Vikings twice, Dolphins, Cardinals....yeah thats not that impressive. Defensively I think they were overrated last season. 25 in points allowed and let off a lot of point playing actually competetion(Saints-34, Eagles-31, Pats-35, Seahawks-34, Jets 38). Offensively that running game will suffer and I Can't see Brett Favre Getting any better. This team suffers and Brett Favre has his going away game against the Lions week 17

Packers Predictions: 7-9

Jacksonville Jaguars

This team was one the best I have never seen make the playoffs. They only lost one game by more than a touchdown (to the Texans somehow). They were top-10 in offense and Defense in terms of yards in scoring. This team was REALLY solid last season. But they lack a consistant big play reciever. If they got Randy Moss I would say this team had a ligit shot to win some playoff games but since they still have problems at Wideout and David Garrard is not exactly Mr. Upside, I don't see this team making it. I Think team in the NFC would be better than the Bears. Thast just me.

Jaguars Prediction: 9-7

Kansas City Chiefs

15th in offense and defense in terms of yards. Thats average. 15th in defense in terms of scoring. Thats average. Average draft, average wide recievers, average quarterback. This team has average written all over it. Except LJ but I think he will suffer due to being worked like a 2 dollar...u know what last season. They stuggle to maintain being avarage.

Chiefs Prediction: 8-8

Miami Dolphins

SLEEPER ALERT. I don't know why people don't see it. I think they upgraded at head coached, quarterback, number 2 reciever. I think they had a 5th best defense in scoring and 4th best D in terms of yards. I'm lookig at this team pretty hard. This team was in a lot of winnable games last season but couldn't get anything going offensively. I think Trent Green can be solid with Chambers, Ginn Jr., and Martin. I think this team can be pretty solid.

Dolphins Prediction: 9-7

New England Patriots

SLEEPER ALERT. Maybe not so much. This team looks GOOD. Like REAL GOOD. They were 12-4 without talent at widereciever. Offensively i see them getting better. On defense I'm looking at that Linebacking core and Defensively line. Who is going to run on this team. This team looks poise and ready to show everybody that they are the New England Patriots. They are the Spurs,they are the Dynasty. Before this season I would say they were superbowl contenders. NOW......

New England Patriots: 15-1...They are THAT good

Philadelphia Eagles

I worry but I think. I worry about Donovan Mcnabbs knee and think about how good he was last season. I worry about losing Daunte Stallworth, then I think "He didn't even lead the team in receptions last season". I worry but i think this team can be Solid. If Mcnabb can stay healthy which is a BIG IF at this point, I don't see any reason they can't go back to being NFC elite. If that Rushing D can be a little better I can see them making it back to the superbowl. I think McNabb has 1 more good season left

Philadelphia Prediction: 11-5

New York Jets

hmmmmmmmm I don't know about this team. Last year they had a cupcake schedule and they were NOT that good in it. 25th in total offense, 24th in rushing Defense. The running game improves but they still lack a big play reciever and will still have troubles stopping the run. I think the the schedule toughens they feel the effects. They still will be good tho, just not looking as good

J-E-T-S JETSJETS JETS prediction: 8-8

Oakland Raiders

I have NO FAITH in this team. Maybe because Daunte Culpeppers hasn't shown a bright spot since losing Randy Moss. Maybe because that offense ran worse than the special olympics marathon and lost its best offensive player. Maybe because they still haven't signed thier Number 1 pick. Maybe because that Run D was 25th last season. Maybe they just plain suck. The Raiders look terrible, and I don't think Daunte is the Answer to anybody quarterback wishes. That D will be good but this team last season that stuggled to put up more than 20 twice and lost thier best offensive player. I can't see this team improving at all. Well maybe one game..

Raiders prediction: 3-13

San Diego Chargers

Lets see...They still have all the probolwers who were there last season and they drafted a reciever in the 1st round. They lost every game last season by 3 points. This team looks GOOD. I think the Superchargers are the only team that beats the Pats this season.

Chargers Prediction: 14-2

Tennesse Titans:

I tryed to type all the reasons why this team will be competing for the 1st pick in the season but then I looked at the schedule last season...They went 8-3 to finish the season. Colts(superbwol champs), Eagles (playoff team), Jags (.500 team), Giants (worst playoff team ever but still playoff team), Bills (7-9 team) and Texas(swept the jags somehow). Thats a GOOD stretch of teams. I just can't count this team out. Vince Yound just wins football games. Forget the stats forget the number, the man WINS. and he is only going to get better. With that said, This teams looks like it is in trouble. I really want to say 4-12 but their is no way with who is in the backfield.

Titans Prediction: 7-9

Washington Redskins

Now i'm just trying to get this done. Lets see, Good running game, Good O-Line, Quarterback learning on the job, No Consistant Wide Outs, and a D that allowed the 27th most points in the NFL. Yeah this teams is going nowhere fast. They will be better than the Giants tho

Redskins prediction: 7-9

NFL STANDING BY MY PREDICTION

NFC North

Bears: 13-3

Packers: 7-9

Lions: 6-10

Vikings: 4-12

NFC South

Saints: 11-5

Panthers: 10-6

Bucs: 5-11

Falcons: 4-12

NFC East

Eagles: 11-5

Cowboys: 10-6

Redskins: 7-9

Giants: 6-10

NFC West

49ers: 9-7

Rams: 8-8

Seahawks: 8-8

Cardinals: 6-10

NFC PLAYOFF PREDICTION

Wild Card

5)Panthers Over 4)49ers- To much experience beats an overly exicted Niners. Experience pays off in 2008(predictions coming soon)

3)Saints Over 6) Cowboys- Too much O for the Boys improved D. Boys fans start buying McFadden Jerseys

Divisional

5) Panters Over 1) Bears- Does anyone remember Steve Smith Last game against the Bears in the playoffs. Dude is a gamer. Experienced Team bets Sexy Rexy and Co.

2) Eagles Over 3) Saints- Eagles look for revenge in rematch of last season. Defense steps up a little more for the Eagles. Mcnabb has a great performance as he does in the divisional round on the NFC playoffs

Conference

2) Eagles over 5) Panthers- Eagles Return to glory on the deep arm of mcnabb. Caralina Window begins to shut

AFC Prediction

AFC North

Ravens 12-4

Steelers 10-6

Bengals 8-8

Browns 3-13

AFC South

Colts: 11-5

Jaguars: 9-7

Titans 7-9

Texans 6-10

AFC East

Patriots: 15-1

Dolphins: 9-7

Jets: 8-8

Bills: 7-9

AFC West

Chargers: 14-2

Broncos: 11-5

Chiefs: 8-8

Raiders: 3-13

AFC PLAYOFF PREDICTION

Wild Card

3) Ravens over 6) Steelers- Nine sacks in one game. I can't see that lowering but Ravens right now are way TOO good for the Steelers. They easily handle them had home

5) Broncos Over 4) Colts- STUNNNING upset. the D of the Broncos gives them enough stops to continue running the ball all over the Colts.

Divisional

1) Patriots over 5) Broncos- Perfect revenge game with the team thats almost perfectly built. Denver has no chance

2) Chargers over 3) Ravens- Change of venue changes the outcome. Ravens are not too far behind the Superchargers but I don't think they can produce enough O to score with them

Conference

1) Patriots Over 2) Chargers- Pats got too many weapons. They put it all together and beat the Chargers again, this time at home.

OFFICIAL SUPERBOWL PICK

Patriots 28, Eagles 14

When it comes down to it the best team in the NFL takes the title. Too many weapons on both sides of the ball not to succeed. The Patriots beat up on the Iggles one more time in the Superbowl. Tom Brady reveals that he sold his sold to the devils for 4 superbowl rings. The devil payed him back with Appalacian State. Patriots complete the dynasty run.........

It's my Birthday today

The Ghost of Johnnie Cochran — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 18:57:50 GMT

Just wanted to type that. Happy Birthday to Kobe Bryant Tommarow.