2012 NFL Team Preview: San Francisco 49ers

Head coach Jim Harbaugh lead the San Francisco 49ers to a 13-3 record in 2011. They were one muffed punt return away from making a Super Bowl appearance.

The 49ers’ defense were the backbone of the team, with their offense scoring just enough to win. Alex Smith had his best season in the NFL, but there is definite room for improvement. He often shied away from throwing to his wide receivers and opted for tight end and running back targets. His group of wide receivers didn’t do him any favors and the 49ers addressed the position this offseason. Randy Moss and Mario Manningham are now there to help boost San Francisco’s passing attack.

The NFC West looks like it will be weak once again. Can the 49ers take advantage of another down year for the division?

Here is our 2012 NFL team preview for the San Francisco 49ers.

2011 Win/Loss Record: 13-3

Key Additions: WR Randy Moss, RB Brandon Jacobs, WR Mario Manningham, QB Josh Johnson, RB Rock Cartwright, OG Leonard Davis, WR A.J. Jenkins, RB LaMichael James, OG Joe Looney, LB Darius Fleming, WR Chris Owusu, S Trent Robinson, C Jason Slowey and DE Cam Johnson.

Key Losses: WR Josh Morgan, WR Braylon Edwards, LB Blake Costanzo, TE Justin Peele, OG Chilo Rachal, S Reggie Smith, C Adam Snyder, CB Shawntae Spencer and Madieu Williams.

Non-Division Schedule: AFC East and NFC North

Fantasy Sleepers: WR Chris Owusu and RB LaMichael James – Alex Smith had a hard time connecting with his receivers in 2011. He used Vernon Davis and Frank Gore as his crutches and Michael Crabtree would often disappear in games. San Francisco signed Mario Manningham and Randy Moss in the off-season, but Signing rookie free agent Owusu was a smart move. He played for Jim Harbaugh at Stanford and should pick up the offensive system fast. He has looked good in the preseason and if he makes the team, he’ll be a nice pickup in the deepest of leagues. LaMichael James would be a nice player to stash away since Jacobs and Gore have had injury problems in the past. Kendall Hunter will be the primary backup, but James is an explosive, speedy talent to keep and eye on.

Team Analysis: The 49ers were THE surprise team in 2011. They were the “this is the year they finally put it all together” team the last four seasons and it finally happened. Although they did benefit a lot from being in a bad division (AFC West), they had a strong non-divisional record of 8-2. Alex Smith will need to put up some numbers and not be a plain quarterback whose only goal is to not turn the ball over. San Francisco has an embarrassment of riches at running back. Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter return with Brandon Jacobs, Rock Cartwright and rookie LaMichael James joining the team this season. Their passing game has some new weapons, but will only be as good as the quarterback whose throwing them the ball. Randy Moss is back in the NFL after a season away from football. He has the same skill-set as newly-signed Mario Manningham, so it will be interesting to see if they use them together. Defense will once again be the backbone of the team. NaVorro Bowman and Aldon Smith both had breakout seasons with Patrick Willis being his usual self. The secondary benefited from their rush defense and many players had their best season as a pro. I look for the defense to once again be dominant in 2012. I don’t see the 49ers matching their 13-3 record from a season ago. Their non-divisional record is brutal (AFC East & NFC North). They are a playoff team and could lock up a spot early, since the NFC West is looking bad once again.

2012 Wins Over/Under Line: 9 1/2 (Prediction: OVER)

2012 Projected Win/Loss Record: 10-6

CLICK HERE to read the rest of our 2012 NFL Team Previews

A Sports & Entertainment blog that focuses on absurdity in sports, snarky banter, updates on Tim Tebow’s virginity, and decent sports gambling advice.

2012 Big Ten Preview: Michigan Wolverines

Joe Pasquali, our college football analyst, is back to breakdown the upcoming season for the Michigan Wolverines. Denard Robinson started the season off with fireworks (again), but can he last entire season?

The swagger and optimism is back in Ann Arbor. Brady Hoke’s arrival last year paired with an 11 win season and a BCS bowl bid have made for exciting times for Michigan football. This team will be one of the more exciting to watch in the 2012 season, not only because their talent and style of play, but because their schedule boasts some of the biggest games of the season. Opening the year in Dallas against Alabama will be a huge game not only for Michigan but the Big Ten conference as a whole. Can the boys from the Midwest hang with one of the juggernauts from the SEC on a national stage? We won’t have to wait long to find out. In addition, Michigan has to play on the road at Notre Dame, Nebraska, and Ohio State. Though this Michigan team has top 10 talent, their schedule is one of the toughest in the nation.

Offense (A)

Anyone who has turned on a TV to watch college football in the last two years knows who Denard Robinson is. The explosive, sometimes chaotic, Michigan quarterback is one of the most dangerous players in all of college football. Though his numbers went down slightly from 2010, (2173 passing yards, 1176 rushing) this was due to offensive coordinator Al Borge’s scheme to try and keep his quarterback healthy and share the rushing duties. Fitzgerald Toussaint won the role midseason as number one running back and finished the year with 1,041 yards, including over 100 yards rushing in his last three games. This offseason he was suspended for off field issues and it remains to be seen if he will miss any games in 2012. Vincent Smith and Thomas Rawls are very capable backups if Toussaint is out. Taylor Lewan (6’8″ 308 lbs) will lead the offensive line and is a preseason All American at left tackle. Look for him to be a day one draft pick come next spring.

Defense (B+)

Michigan’s vast improvement on the defensive side of the ball was a huge reason for their success in 2011. Going from one of the worst defenses in the nation to a top team in many defensive categories was truly remarkable and coordinator Greg Mattison deserves most the credit. Michigan was 4th in red zone defense, 6th in scoring defense, and 17th in yards allowed. Though Michigan loses some key players up front in Mike Martin and Ryan Van Bergen, Michigan’s defense as a whole stays intact. The secondary returns all of its key players as well as a linebacker core that has become very solid. Senior Jordan Kovacs at safety and Kenny Demens at linebacker have consistently led the team in tackles and have a wealth of experience. Look for sophomore corner Blake Countess to have a break out year and become a shutdown corner in the likes of Leon Hall and Marlin Jackson.

Special Teams (B)

Michigan goes into 2012 for the first time in a long time with a solid kicker on their roster in Brendan Gibbons. He was 13-17 on the season including three big kicks in the Sugar Bowl against Virginia Tech. As long as he keeps thinking about brunette girls (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkPiOJdYSkM), Michigan should keep getting production out of their special teams.

Coaching (A)

You really have to hand it to Brady Hoke and the Michigan coaching staff. First year under Hoke the team wins 11 games and a BCS bowl. First year under Mattison and the defense ranks as one of the top in the nation after being a joke for years under Rich Rodriguez. The offense under Al Borges numbers wise took some steps back with the transition to more of a pro-style offense, but look for Denard and company to put up more points in their second year in this scheme.

2012 Win/Loss Prediction: 10-2 (1st in Legends)

A Sports & Entertainment blog that focuses on absurdity in sports, snarky banter, updates on Tim Tebow’s virginity, and decent sports gambling advice.

UFC 151 is Cancelled, Who Will Jon Jones Fight at UFC 152?

This has to be the craziest day in UFC history and a fight didn’t even take place.

Dan Henderson, who was supposed to face Jon “Bones” Jones for the light heavyweight title at UFC 151, injured his knee and is unable to fight. UFC president Dana White scrambled to put a fight together and asked Chael Sonnen to fight Jones on short notice. He accepted, but Jones didn’t want to risk his title by only having eight days to prepare for Sonnen.

Sonnen used his mic skills and called Jones out, but Bones shrugged it off.

White cancelled UFC 151 due to a lack of a main event.

The next UFC pay-per-view will be UFC 152 on September 22nd in Toronto. Who will Jones fight at the event? We have the answer and it’s a strange trip.

After Jones refused to fight Sonnen, White decided to offer Lyoto Machida a title shot at UFC 152. He earned a title shot after beating Ryan Bader impressively just three weeks ago.

Machida’s people prematurely accepted the fight, but said they would have to run it by him. He was currently in a remote location in his native country of Brazil. It was hours until they were able to reach him, but he turned down the fight. He earned a title shot and I understand that he wouldn’t want to rush into it.

According to MMAFighting.com, Vitor Belfort will move back up to 205 pounds from middleweight to face Jones at UFC 152 in Toronto. He has been preparing for a bout against Alan Belcher for UFC 153 in Brazil. He will now step out of that fight and move up a weight class to compete for the light heavyweight title against Jones.

It has been a wild day. You should expect some more chatter from Sonnen to keep escalating from this incident. It will be interesting to see if it will turn into something big.

A Sports & Entertainment blog that focuses on absurdity in sports, snarky banter, updates on Tim Tebow’s virginity, and decent sports gambling advice.

2012 NFL Team Preview: San Diego Chargers

2011 was a rocky year for the San Diego Chargers. The season started out great, but a six-game losing streak in the middle of the season ruined everything. They finished the year 8-8 and missed the playoffs.

Head coach Norv Turner still has his job, but will need to make the playoffs in 2012 if he hopes to keep it. He is in the hot seat and will need excellent play from quarterback Phillip Rivers and tight end Antonio Gates.

The AFC West will be competitive this season. Every team has improved their roster this offseason and it is any team’s division to win. Can the Chargers bounce back and save Turner’s job?

Here is our 2012 NFL team preview for the San Diego Chargers.

2011 Win/Loss Record: 8-8

Key Additions: RB Ronnie Brown, WR Eddie Royal, WR Robert Meachem, RB Jackie Battle, S Atari Bigby, DT Aubrayo Franklin, LB Jarret Johnson, S Corey Lynch, RB Le’Ron McClain, WR Roscoe Parrish, TE Dante Rosario, QB Charlie Whitehurst, WR Michael Spurlock, DE Melvin Ingram, DT Kendall Reyes, S Brandon Taylor, TE LaDarius Green, OG Johnnie Troutman, RB Edwin Baker and C David Molk.

Key Losses: RB Mike Tolbert, WR Patrick Crayton, S Bob Sanders, WR Vincent Jackson, DT Tommie Harris, LB Na’il Diggs, S Steve Gregory and LB Stephen Cooper.

Non-Division Schedule: AFC North and NFC South

Fantasy Sleeper: WR Eddie Royal – The Chargers lost Vincent Jackson this off-season but added Robert Meachem, Roscoe Parrish, and Eddie Royal. Philip Rivers still has Malcolm Floyd as his #1 receiver with Meachem the likely #2. Royal is the ideal slot receiver and has the speed to add yards after the catch. Rivers will throw for 4,500 yards again, but it is unknown how those yards will be divided. The first few games will foreshadow the rest of the season.

Team Analysis: If you have high hopes for San Diego this season, let me point out something very important. Norv Turner is still the head coach of the San Diego Chargers. I repeat, Norv Turner is still the head coach of the San Diego Chargers. Phillip Rivers had a disastrous 2011 season, but I feel like that he was unlucky with a lot of his interceptions. He has some new weapons this season and will need to air it out. Ryan Mathews is already on the shelf, so they will need to rely on Ronnie Brown and the other reserve backs to fill-in. Antonio Gates is said to be feeling 100% for the first time in a few seasons…about time for fantasy owners to feel good about drafting him high. The AFC West is improved the San Diego’s defense will need to play better in 2012. It has been a few seasons since San Diego had to face-off against another elite quarterback within their own division. Denver and San Diego will be neck and neck throughout the season. The head-to-head matchups will be important, since they could be used as a tiebreaker for the playoffs.

2012 Wins Over/Under Line: 9 (Prediction: PUSH)

2012 Projected Win/Loss Record: 9-7

CLICK HERE to read the rest of our 2012 NFL Team Previews

A Sports & Entertainment blog that focuses on absurdity in sports, snarky banter, updates on Tim Tebow’s virginity, and decent sports gambling advice.

Lance Armstrong to lose seven ‘Tour de France’ titles

U.S. cyclist Lance Armstrong finally said “enough it enough”. He said that he will not fight the charges brought by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency. The agency said that it will ban Armstrong from competition for life and strip him of the seven Tour de France titles he won. He won seven straight titles from 1999-2005.

Armstron, 40, had other countries bring up similar allegations of doping in the past, but nothing has ever stuck. His lawyers have threatened a lawsuit if the USADA proceeded. They argue that the agency must first resolve a disupte with the International Cycling Union.

Armstrong has never tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs. He has used that defense from day one. His actions does not mean an admission of guilt. He noted that his choice of not fighting the USADA’s allegations was to focus on his Livestrong foundation for cancer survivors. Armstrong survived cancer himself before winning his soon-to-be-stripped seven Tour de France titles.

A Sports & Entertainment blog that focuses on absurdity in sports, snarky banter, updates on Tim Tebow’s virginity, and decent sports gambling advice.

2012 Big Ten Preview: Minnesota Golden Gophers

Joe Pasquali, our college football analyst, is back to breakdown and pontificate the upcoming season for the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Jerry Kill has had one full year of recruiting and coaching, can he turn the program around in a hurry?

Year one wasn’t the greatest season for Jerry Kill’s Minnesota Golden Gophers, but heading into 2012 there is reason for optimism in Minneapolis. The Golden Gophers return five starters on each side of the ball, plus a much easier schedule than 2011. Traveling to USC is no way to start off any campaign, and in 2012 Minnesota should have better luck @ UNLV in week one. Purdue and Northwestern at home should be both good games, and Minnesota avoids Ohio State and Penn State this year. After reading below you’ll probably wonder, why do you have them better than Northwestern? I don’t necessarily think they are a better team per say, but so much went wrong for Minnesota last year I just think they’ll rebound. That and their schedule is kinder than the Wildcats.

Offense (C+)

Word is JUCO transfer James Gillum will get the majority of carries in 2012, which should be a good thing considering he has gained over 1,000 yards each of the last two seasons. Having a weapon in the backfield is going to be key to keep defenses from spying dual threat quarterback MarQueis Gray. When healthy, Gray is one of the more dangerous weapons in the conference. Last season Grey passed for 1,495 yards while running for 966. Though the offensive line lost three starters, six big men up front return with some experience and should remain strength of this offense. Another year under Kill and another year in this scheme should improve the dreadful 18 points per game of 2011.

Defense (C)

Minnesota ranked 93rd in the nation last year in points against, giving up almost 32 points a contest, but only gave up 26 points a game in their last five. I believe the key to a bad season is trying to end on a good note and for Minnesota they did just that. Drubbing Illinois 27-7 at home should have left the team as a whole with positive feelings for the 2012 campaign. Replacing both defensive tackles plus 75% of their secondary won’t be an easy task, but the Gophers do have Keanon Cooper and Gary Tinsley returning at linebacker to clean up in the middle. In 2011 Minnesota only forced 9 turnovers, which was good enough for dead last in the nation…NINE! Teams thrive on opponents turning the ball over. Momentum swings, short fields for your offense, and potential big plays are all huge for a team’s success. Minnesota will force more than nine turnovers in 2012 and in turn they’ll win more than three games.

Special Teams (B+)

After taking over the kicking duties halfway through 2011, Jordan Wettstein returns to what is a very strong Minnesota special teams unit. Wettstein was a perfect 6-6 in field goals last year, including kicks from 48 and 51 yards. Dan Orseske returns to do the punting duties as well as top return man Marcus Jones.

Coaching (B-)

It took three years for Jerry Kill to really find success at Saginaw Valley State, so no one is jumping the gun after one year in Minnesota. Both coordinators return for Minnesota as well and another year in both schemes should serve the Gophers well. Did you know this season Minnesota will have the only stadium in the conference that serves beer? That’s good for an upset at home.

2012 Win/Loss Prediction: 5-7 (5th in Legends)

A Sports & Entertainment blog that focuses on absurdity in sports, snarky banter, updates on Tim Tebow’s virginity, and decent sports gambling advice.

2012 NFL Team Preview: Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers started to show their age in 2011. They were inconsistent early in the season, but bounced back to make the playoffs. They didn’t get very deep. They lost to Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos in the first-round.

Pittsburgh addressed their offensive line issues in the draft by picking guard David DeCastro and tackle Mike Adams. They will have to mature in a hurry, since Ben Roethlisberger needs to stay off his back.

Mike Wallace has a contract issue that has been a distraction all offseason. Rashard Mendenhall will start the season on the sideline, which will be the biggest hurdle early in the year. The season has already been a chore and they haven’t played a regular season game yet.

Can Pittsburgh make another playoff run or will their age finally creep up on them? Here is our 2012 NFL team preview of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

2011 Win/Loss Record: 12-4

Key Additions: TE Leonard Pope, OG David DeCastro, OT Mike Adams, RB Chris Rainey, LB Sean Spence, TE Justine Peelle, DT Alameda Ta’amu, WR Toney Clemons, TE David Paulson and LS Matt Katula

Key Losses: CB William Gay, RB Mewelde Moore, WR Hines Ward, QB Dennis Dixon, LB James Farrior, OT Jamon Meredith, P Daniel Sepulveda and DE Aaron Smith

Non-Division Schedule: AFC West and NFC East

Fantasy Sleepers: RB Chris Rainey and WR Jerricho Cotchery – Mike Wallace is marred in a contract dispute which may not be resolved before training camp. Emmanuel Sanders and Antonio Brown will step up and fill the need, but Cotchery lends veteran leadership to the position. He could take over Hines Ward’s role. He will not be a superstar, but a possession receiver that could steal a few touchdowns inside the red zone. Another sleeper possibility sleeper is rookie running back Chris Rainey. Isaac Redman and Jonathan Dwyer will be the primary backs while Rashard Mendenhall starts out the season on the sideline, but keep an eye on Rainey.

Team Analysis: New offensive coordinator Todd Haley loves to air it out, so the pressure will be on the offensive line. Roethlisberger could have his best statistical season if they they do their job. Speaking of the passing game, Antonio Brown stepped up in the second-half of last year and it due for a breakout season. Mike Wallace has held out for most of the preseason, which is never a good thing when going into a new offense. Rashard Mendenhall is hurt and will most likely be out until the the fifth week. Pittsburgh will have to rely on a group of inexperienced backs early. The defense looked old at times last season and they didn’t do a lot in the offseason to address getting younger. They will need to stay healthy (i.e. Troy Polamalu) and use their experience if they hope to keep up with youth. In 2011, they lead the NFL in pass defense, but the loss of William Gay could hurt them. I don’t see Pittsburgh starting off well in 2012. They face tough defenses in their first four games when they will be without Mendenhall. I see Pittsburgh losing a few games they usually win, especially if they become one-dimensional. Baltimore looks like the team to beat in the AFC North, so the Steelers will be fighting for a Wild-Card spot.

2012 Wins Over/Under Line: 10.5 (Prediction: UNDER)

2012 Projected Win/Loss Record: 9-7

CLICK HERE to read the rest of our 2012 NFL Team Previews

A Sports & Entertainment blog that focuses on absurdity in sports, snarky banter, updates on Tim Tebow’s virginity, and decent sports gambling advice.

First Look: First Official Photos of "Carrie" Remake

I’m a big fan of the original “Carrie” that was released way before my time. If you’re not familiar with the movie, it was adapted from a Stephen King book. I watched the movie when I was a young boy because my father used to watch a ton of horror movies.

The remake stars Chloe Grace Moritz (Kick-Ass) and Julianne Moore (Boogie Nights). It is a story about an abused young girl snaps after a school prank. The scene where pig’s blood is dumped on the main character is one of the most iconic scenes in modern cinema.

The studio released some photos and from the looks of them, it looks promising.

Here are a few pictures from the upcoming “Carrie” remake that hits theaters March 13th, 2013.

A Sports & Entertainment blog that focuses on absurdity in sports, snarky banter, updates on Tim Tebow’s virginity, and decent sports gambling advice.

2012 Big Ten Preview: Illinois Fighting Illini

Joe Pasquali, our resident college football analyst, is back with some more of Big Ten team previews. Can Illinois rebound from the “Ron Zook era”?

Last season was a Jekyll and Hyde season for Illinois to say the least. After starting 6-0 and getting ranked as high as 15, the Illini lost their last 6 before beating a dismal UCLA team in the Fight Hunger Bowl. Yes, that was an actual bowl game… Anyways, after the firing of master recruiter/terrible strategist Ron Zook, and hiring Toledo’s Tim Beckman, Illinois is ready to rebound. Their conference schedule is brutal, with trips to Wisconsin, Michigan, and Ohio State, but my guess is Illinois will end up bowling. This team has too much talent on defense and some very winnable home games.

Offense (C)

Quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase had a roller coaster year along with the rest of the team, starting out hot and garnering national attention to then only fade down the stretch. In his last five conference games Scheelhaase threw for one touchdown. For Illinois to improve in 2012 they will need more consistent play from their mobile quarterback. Up front the line should be more solid this year as Illinois returns two good starters in center Graham Pocic and guard Hugh Thornton. Behind them Donovonn Young will get most of the carries after splitting time line 2011. Outside Illinois will be without playmaker AJ Jenkins. Juniors Spencer Harris and Darius Millines are expected to try and pick up the slack. Also, you have to watch out for any offense with a player named Fritz Rock. That’s awesome.

Defense (A)

The bright spot for Illinois in 2011 was on defense, where the unit put up crazy numbers and kept the Illini in most games. They were 15th nationally in points against (19.6 per game) but even more impressive was the pressure they put on opposing quarterbacks. Illinois racked up 3.15 sacks per game last year, more than any other Big Ten team. Though 16 of those came from All American and now Houston Texan Whitney Mercilus, Illinois returns enough defensive playmakers to be a force once again. Even though Illinois is switching to a 3-4 defense, Akeem Spence will be a force to reckon with up front. Linebackers Michael Buchanan and Jonathan Brown both are returning starters and had impressive seasons. The secondary is physical, fast, experienced, and only lost one starter from a year ago.

Special Teams (C)

A host of underclassmen are after the special teams’ positions at Illinois this year. Front runners for the kicking position are Taylor Zalewski and Brennen VanMieghem. Both have pretty cool names and both redshirt freshmen. Justin DuVernois returns at punter after a less than stellar freshman year only averaging 38.3 yards a punt.

Coaching (??)

This will be the first year for all three major coaches at Illinois. Head Coach Tim Beckman comes from Toledo where he enjoyed a MAC conference title in 2011. Billy Gonzales will be the offensive coordinator after working as an offensive assistant at LSU and Tim Banks takes over the defense after being co-defensive coordinator at Cincinnati. All have decent resumes, but only time will tell for this lot.

2012 Win/Loss Prediction: 7-5 (4th in Leaders)

A Sports & Entertainment blog that focuses on absurdity in sports, snarky banter, updates on Tim Tebow’s virginity, and decent sports gambling advice.

2012 Fantasy Football Rankings: Tight Ends

Rob Gronkowski won thousands of people their fantasy football leagues in 2011. He also had a great season off-the-field, for instance, his bye week time with Bibi Jones (see photo). We can’t guarantee that these tight ends will also have a fun weekend with Miss Jones, but we list our top 50 tight ends in fantasy football this season.

Will Peyton Manning use the familiar Jacob Tamme to ease his transition in Denver? Will Andrew Luck do the same with his college teammate Coby Fleener? Continue reading →

2012 NFL Team Preview: Philadelphia Eagles

The 2011 Philadelphia Eagles were supposed to be the “Dream Team”, but the season turned into a nightmare very early. The team rallied strong, but missed the playoffs. Fans were upset, but should they have been?

The Eagles had a ton of new starters on defense and a defensive coordinator had never coached defense. The team didn’t have much of a training camp because of the lockout, so things looked bad early. Saying all that, with a training camp under their belt, will Philadelphia be dangerous this season?

Here is our 2012 NFL team preview of the Philadelphia Eagles.

2011 Win/Loss Record: 8-8

Key Additions: LB DeMeco Ryans, DT Fletcher Cox, QB Nick Foles, RB Bryce Brown, WR Marvin McNutt, LB Mychal Kendricks, DE Vinny Curry, S Oshiomoagho Atogwe, OT Demetress Bell, OG Mike Gibson, CB Kevin Thomas, CB Brandon Boykin, OT Dennis Kelly, P Mat McBriar and C Steve Vallos.

Key Losses: RB Ronnie Brown, WR Steve Smith, QB Vince Young, FB Owen Schmitt, DE Juqua Parker, DT Trevor Laws, OG Kyle DeVan, OT Tra Thomas, LB Moise Fokou and LB Greg Lloyd.

Non-Division Schedule: AFC North and NFC South

Fantasy Sleeper: RB Dion Lewis – LeSean McCoy just signed a lucrative deal to stay in Philadelphia long-term. A lot of backs regress the season after they earn a big deal. I’m not saying that McCoy will sleep on his pile of money and be lazy, but it is just a weird coincidence in the NFL. Ronnie Brown is no longer his backup and Lewis is the next in line. I don’t see Bryce Brown as a threat to overtake Lewis, but he was an elite talent out of high school…money could be his motivation.

Team Analysis: Michael Vick has already been knocked out of two preseasons games. Philadelphia will only go as far as Vick’s health can take them. Backup QBs Trent Edwards, Nick Foles and Mike Kafka won’t be able to fill-in and lead the Eagles to win the NFC East, the division is too good. Head coach Andy Reid felt comfortable with Kafka last season, but he has been injured. Foles has been a surprise and could leapfrog Kafka if he keeps playing well. LeSean McCoy got a lot of money this offseason and the Eagles have Dion Lewis and Bryce Brown on standby. I’m not a fan of Desean Jackson this season, but I feel like Jeremy Maclin will take another leap. The defense should be amazing this season. They will be tested with their non-divisional schedule. I see the Eagles contending for the NFC East crown and one of my favorites to make the Super Bowl.

2012 Wins Over/Under Line: 10.5 (Prediction: OVER)

2012 Projected Win/Loss Record: 11-5

CLICK HERE to read the rest of our 2012 NFL Team Previews

A Sports & Entertainment blog that focuses on absurdity in sports, snarky banter, updates on Tim Tebow’s virginity, and decent sports gambling advice.

2012 Big Ten Preview: Iowa Hawkeyes

Joe Pasquali, our resident college football analyst, is back with another Big Ten team preview. He has laid out some of the division leaders, but he has yet to name which team will win one of the divisions in the Big Ten conference. Will Iowa win the Legends division?

After a disappointing 2011 campaign (7-6, 4-4 in conf, 1-3 vs top 25) Iowa fans should have little reason to expect 2012 to be a lot better. The Hawkeyes have to replace both lines, both coordinators, and their both downfield threat in Marvin McNutt. Even though Iowa has one of the easiest schedules in the conference, their two biggest inner division games are on the road at Michigan and Michigan State. You won’t hear the words rebuilding come out of Kirk Ferentz mouth, but this year has the look of it.

Offense (C+)

The Hawkeye program for the last decade has consistently had one of the best offensive lines in the conference, if not the nation. Replacing three starters from a year ago is no easy task, but should be mitigated by the return of two year starter and coach’s son center James Ferentz. James Vandenberg returns at the helm after an impressive first year as starting QB (3022 yards, 25 TDs, 7 INT), but he will be without many weapons. Marcus Coker (RB) and Marvin McNutt (WR) were two all-conference studs that carried this Iowa team last year. Jordan Canzeri was supposed to be the starter this year at running back but tore his ACL this spring and is out for the year. With so many new faces, a depleted backfield, and a new scheme, I look for Iowa to struggle to put up points in 2012.

Defense (B)

Iowa’s defense had a very human season in 2011, ranking 46th in scoring defense allowing 23.8 points a game and only recording 22 sacks (77th). Combine that with three new defensive lineman and you could have shakey year. Luckily for Iowa they return Christian Kirksey and James Morris at linebacker, both were starters last year and should be able to mop up an mistakes in front of them. There is decent experience in the secondary with corner Micah Hyde returning as well as safety Tanner Miller, but the defense will surely hang on the front four. Iowa’s new defensive coordinator Phil Parker has already said they plan to blitz a lot and go with press man coverage which should help with the lack of pass rush, but could leave the secondary exposed to big plays.

Special Teams (B+)

Mike Meyer returns at kicker after a solid 2011 season, making 14 of 20 field goals including a long of 50 yards. The only thing that worries me is that he is a psychology major. Honestly, I don’t want my kicker thinking about too much, especially in big games. Mr. Meyer’s overactive brain could cost the Hawkeyes once or twice this year.

Coaching (B)

When Kirk Ferentz took over coaching Iowa gas was 1.17 a gallon. Though Iowa hasn’t been touching double digit wins the last few years, his job is one of the safest in college football. Two new coordinators should make for a rocky season, but the schedule is kind and Iowa will be bowling come December.

2012 Win/Loss Prediction: 8-4 (4th in Legends)

A Sports & Entertainment blog that focuses on absurdity in sports, snarky banter, updates on Tim Tebow’s virginity, and decent sports gambling advice.