David Garrard and Vince Young Can Join Jamarcus Russell At Sizzler

Day one of the NFL Draft had everyone amazed. Many teams addressed their needs while others just landed who they thought was the best pick. The Tennessee Titans were the first to shock the world as they chose Jake Locker. No doubt he is a first round talent but it just assures the public that the Titans wanted Vince Young but they couldn’t take on his baggage any more so they drafted a better version of him, or at least they think so. This cements Kerry Collins as the starter for the beginning of the season until they can get the Jake Locker era underway.

The next big surprise on the big board came as the Jacksonville Jaguars moved up into the spot previously held by the Redskins and chose Blaine Gabbert. It was obvious Gabbert was sweating in the green room as he was waiting to be chosen. But Gabbert going to Jacksonville? Last time I checked David Garrard (Bull City Native) had a 65% completion rating and one of the lowest INT/TD ratio’s in NFL history. Maybe this is a sign that the Jaguars are looking to move in another direction. Again they chose a mobile guy similar to what they already have. This is mind boggling.

The biggest surprise which sent twitter a buzz was the Minnesota Vikings choosing Christian Ponder. Christian “Bleeping” Ponder. No doubt in my mind now that Tarvaris Jackson is the most disrespected man in football. Christian Ponder is Tarvaris Jackson. Only he has a weaker arm and is probably a little slower. I guess this signifies the end of the Brett Favre, Joe Webb, Tarvaris Jackson era in Minnesota. I wish young Ponder good luck as he becomes the face of a franchise that shouldn’t even need a quarterback anyway with all that talent they have in the backfield.

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The Curious Case For Cam Newton

The past few days all I have heard are the so called experts tell football fans why the Carolina Panthers should not take Cameron Newton with the first overall pick in the draft. One guy loves him and his upside, and then the next guy gives you 100 reasons why he shouldn’t be the number one overall pick. My question is, why wouldn’t you want this kid? Everything about him says winner. When he was in high school he won. He was a member of the 2008 Florida National Championship team before his suspension. He took his talents to Blinn Junior College in 2009 and won a Juco National Championship. Then in 2010 he shows up at Auburn and wins another BCS National Championship.

Sure there are the intangibles. Can you trust the guy? Is he a legitimate franchise quarterback? Does he posses the skills needed to compete in the National Football League? My question is why so many questions? Tim Tebow was a pretty good college quarterback. He was drafted in the first round. Newton has already outperformed him as a passer in college and in workouts. Tebow showed everyone at the end of the year that he can be a legitimate passer and player in this league.

There is no doubt that the Panthers need a quarterback. They need one in the worst way. However, if Newton is not the kid you really want, go ahead and tank another season and wait for Andrew Luck. The way I see it is that Newton is the best quarterback on the board and if he doesn’t measure up to expectations, then pass on him. This situation bothers me a little anyways as it just reminds me too much of other great "savior" QB's to get drafted high and then not become what was expected.

There is no doubt in my mind that Newton will be fine in the NFL, just maybe not in Carolina because of the shape they are in. I feel the same way about Blaine Gabbert. If either is drafted they would be expected to start right away and neither of them will be ready for that. The learning curve for a rookie is far too high and transitioning from spread to traditional takes time.

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NFL Class of 2006: They Aren't What We Thought They Were

I was just talking the other day about the best college football game that meant anything that I have ever seen. I know its been a few years now, but doesn’t that 2005-2006 National Title Game between college football’s USC Trojans and the Texas Longhorns on January 4, 2006 seem like yesterday?

By the end of that wonderful game in which Texas had comeback from 12 points down with 6:42 left in the game, Vince Young had become a part of college football folklore, Matt Leinart capped what was one of the best quarterbacking careers ever at the college football level, and Reggie Bush outstanding Heisman Trophy campaign had come to an official end.

Those three guys were heroes, not because of that game along, but for everything they had done for college football up until that point. The fact that they all had been in the national spotlight for multiple years, faced all kinds of pressure, and delivered performances the way they did made them instant college football legends. And at the very point when everyone knew their college football careers had come to an end, it seemed inevitable that each of them would become NFL superstars early on in their NFL careers.

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Americas Most Unwanted Football Players Unite

I have solved a lot of issues with players that no one wants in the NFL. It all starts with Donovan McNabb. The man gets disrespected in every city that he plays in. Obviously no one really wants him but the Vikings so it makes perfectly good sense that they sign him. Now lets make this happen.

The Vikings already have a lot of good pieces in place. They just need to revamp their offensive line and hire a new coach. That’s why they should pass on Leslie Frazier and hire a coach that no one wants anymore like ……… Wade Phillips. Wade comes in and keeps things soft so no one is going to be mad at the way they practice.

The Vikings are solid at running back as they can go 3 deep and look good, however they are a little slim at wide receiver. Let’s fix this. I like Percival Harvin and Sidney Rice but they need two more guys that can get it done. No problem, the owner loves Randall Gene Moss and word is that Terrell Eldorado Owens is available and we know that Wade loved him in Dallas.

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NFL Week 13: A Lot Was Revealed

There are a few things that NFL Week 13 revealed to the rest of the world. The first thing that stands out is that the Detroit Lions are a good bad team. That sounds ridiculous but they are losing games because they need about 5 more good players. They play harder than any team that I have watched this year and it’s a shame that they don’t win more. A few more draft picks and their luck may change.

The next thing that jumped out at me is that the Falcons are just good enough. They win the close games. They find a way to convert third downs, and their defense does just enough to get off the field without giving up a lot of points. They are dangerously good and they have good balance. I’m going to have to keep them on the radar the remainder of the season.

Another thing that jumped out about week 13 is that the Eagles are as good as advertised. I can’t remember that much young talent being assembled on offense.

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