2012 College Football Preview: Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Joe Pasquali, our resident college football analyst, is back again this year to cover NCAA college football. We will be unveiling his Big Ten team previews later this week, but to whet your appetite, here is his 2012 college football preview for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

The 2011 season was a frustrating one for the Irish, a year marred by turnovers, late game collapses, and inconsistent play on the offensive side of the football. Notre Dame ranked 118th (third from the bottom) in turnover margin last year, forcing 14 while turning the ball over 29 times. Many turnovers came in crucial points in the game or in the red zone (where ND finished 88th in efficiency), making it nearly impossible to win games. This year Notre Dame returns 15 starters and a wealth of experience on both sides of the ball, making them some people’s dark horse in 2012. Though picking the Irish for a rebound seems like the thing to do every summer, their schedule makes it impossible for me to do so. With no set quarterback and the loss of Michael Floyd you can chalk up losses to Michigan State, Michigan, USC and Oklahoma. Outside of that, they still play talented teams in Stanford, Miami (FL), and BYU. Oh, and don’t forget pesky little Purdue.

Offense (B)

Quarterback Tommy Rees decided to kick a cop and is serving a one game suspension for the Irish, though many people weren’t sure if he would have been the opening day starter anyways. Andrew Hendrix, Everett Golson, and Gunner Kiel are battling for the starting position and the current word is Golson has a head up on the others. It’d be no surprise if we saw all four quarterbacks at some point this year; Brian Kelly has shown he has no qualms about switching QB’s, even mid game. Cierre Wood returns as the starting running back and impressed last year with 1,102 yards and 9 touchdowns. Tyler Eifert is an all-American and all around stud at tight end. He should make the job for whoever is throwing the ball a bit easier, he is a huge target and has great hands.

Defense (A-)

The front seven of Notre Dame is very experienced and should improve on what was a decent year in 2011. All- American Manti Te’o leads a linebacker core that is as physical and good against the run as any in the country. The front three are back as well, and though a little thin, are very disruptive. The secondary could see a lot of rotation in 2012, especially at the corner position. Juniors Lo Wood and Bennett Jackson should step into the starting roles but if they can’t stop big plays on the outside Kelly will look to younger players. Breakout player to watch is freshman Aaron Lynch who should see some time at defensive end.

Special Teams (B)

Nick Tausch looks to have regained the kicking duties after not seeing any game action last season. He made 14 consecutive field goals as a freshman before his season ended early with an injury. Ben Turk enters his third season as punter for Notre Dame and has averaged 39.0 yards a punt in his career.

Coaching (B)

Brian Kelly has had success at every program he has coached, all the way from Grand Valley State to Cincinnati. Back to back 8-5 seasons doesn’t seem that bad, but it was the way Notre Dame lost games in 2011 that left fans with a bad taste in their mouth. Notre Dame at times looked rattled and without leadership, this starts at the top. Though the schedule is brutal, people have high expectations out of Notre Dame, even if those expectations are somewhat unrealistic. You hate to say it is a make or break year for Brian Kelly, but his predecessors didn’t get long to make an impact either.

2012 Win/Loss Prediction: 7-5

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: New Orleans Saints

Did you know the New Orleans Saints have some sort of bounty scandal? Please excuse me if I just found out about this, since ESPN only covers Tim Tebow news.

I’m kidding about just finding out about ‘Bountygate’, but this people aren’t talking about how this will affect the team. The media is focused on Jonathan Vilma’s appeal and what the legal ramifications are…but they are burying the lead. Their head coach and offensive guru Sean Payton is suspended for the season. Think about how your favorite team would fare without its head coach…if your a San Diego Chargers fan, your team would probably be better without Norv Turner, so this comparison doesn’t work with you.

How will ‘Bountygate’ affect the New Orleans Saints?

Here is our 2012 NFL team preview for the New Orleans Saints.

2011 Win/Loss Record: 13-3

Key Additions: DT Brodrick Bunkley, QB Luke McCown, DT Akeim Hicks, WR Nick Toon, LB Chris Chamberlain, OG Ben Grubbs, S Corey White, LB David Hawthorne, LB Curtis Lofton, CB Elbert Mack and K John Kasay.

Key Losses: LB Jonathan Vilma (suspension), WR Robert Meachem, CB Tracy Porter, DT Shaun Rogers, OG Carl Nicks, RB Patrick Cobbs, DE Jeff Charleston, LB Jo-Lonn Dunbar, DT Aubrayo Franklin, TE Troy Humphrey, OT Pat McQuistan and WR Courtney Roby.

Non-Division Schedule: AFC West and NFC East

Fantasy Sleeper: WR Nick Toon – How many Saints receivers have you owned over the last three seasons? Drew Brees likes to spread it around with Lance Moore, Devery Henderson, and Marques Colston expected to catch the majority of his passes. Robert Meachem is no longer on the team and Toon is built like Colston. It is possible that they will use him in a similar capacity. .

Team Analysis: The Saints have been open by saying they will get by without head coach Sean Payton and former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams this season. I would even argue that the defense will be better without Williams. They have some talented players in the secondary, but they were 30th in the league in opposing passing yards. Drew Brees will be the de factor offensive coordinator, even if someone else has the title. The Saints had a trial run without Payton calling the plays when he was out with a knee injury last season. They did well during that stretch, but going the entire season without his touch could be too much to overcome. The Saints have basically the same team minus wide receiver Robert Meachem and the suspended Jonathan Vilma. The NFC South will be better this year and the race will be heated with the Atlanta Falcons also vying for the division crown. I still think the Saints will make the playoffs, but I don’t see them making the Super Bowl without Payton.

2012 Wins Over/Under Line: 9.5 (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.

Sports Crush (Olympics Edition): Alex Morgan

The 2012 London Olympics was a treasure trove of attractive people. Who would have thought that active people could be so beautiful? (I’m being extremely snarky)

Team USA’s women’s soccer team was dominant and took home the gold medal. They all buy choked in the World Cup, but they redeemed themselves by defeating Japan in the final. Carli Lloyd, Hope Solo and our current Sports Crush, Alex Morgan, helped lead the team.

Solo was the darling of the World Cup and since Morgan is one of the of the London games, she will get fifteen minutes of fame. She may not follow Solo by joining the cast of “Dancing with the Stars”, but it would increase the viewership in the 18-49 male demographic. Morgan was rumored to be romantically linked to Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez earlier this year, but now she is rumored to be dating soccer player Servando Carrasco.

Here is a photo gallery of our current Sports Crush, soccer player Alex Morgan. Continue reading →

2012 NFL Team Preview: New England Patriots

For the second time in five seasons, the New England Patriots had a near-perfect season, but fell to the New York Giants in the Super Bowl. They are coming back this season hungry and fully loaded. Head coach Bill Belichick will use their loss as ammunition.

New England managed to keep most of their talent and they added a few Pro Bowlers to the team. They tried to fix their secondary, but didn’t sign anyone significant to make a major difference. The biggest free agent signings were receivers. Their high-octane passing offense could break records this season.

It has been eight seasons since New England has won a Super Bowl, can they get over the hump and add to Tom Brady’s legacy?

Here is our 2012 NFL team preview for the New England Patriots

2011 Win/Loss Record: 13-3

Key Additions: WR Brandon Lloyd, WR Donté Stallworth, WR Jabar Gaffney, TE Visanthe Shiancoe, TE Jake Ballard, TE Bo Scaife, CB Will Allen, LB Chandler Jones, LB Dont’a Hightower, S Tavon Wilson, DE Jake Bequette, LB Bobby Carpenter, CB Marquice Cole, DE Jonathan Fanene, TE Daniel Fells, S Steve Gregory, S Nate Ebner, CB Alfonzo Dennard, WR Jeremy Ebert and OT Dustin Waldron.

Key Losses: RB Benjarvus Green-Ellis, WR Tiquan Underwood, OT Matt Light, RB Kevin Faulk, LB Gary Guyton, DE Mark Anderson, DE Andre Carter, DT Landon Cohen and CB Antwaun Molden.

Non-Division Schedule: AFC South and NFC West

Fantasy Sleeper: WR Jabar Gaffney – Chad Johnson, Tiquan Underwood and Anthony Gonzalez didn’t make the Patriots team for a reason, Tom Brady has a lot of familiar weapons. Deion Branch and Jabar Gaffney are back to help Tom Brady to become…better?! Gaffney will get a lot of targets, but the wide receiver position is crowded in New England. Brady likes to mix it up and spread the ball around. Gaffney is a risk in even the deepest of leagues, but New England doesn’t have many sleeper options.

Team Analysis: When you take a look at New England’s non-divisional schedule, barring an injury, you know Tom Brady is about to break a few records. He faces the two worst divisions and gets the two best teams (Houston and San Francisco) at home. The “two tight end” formation has transformed Tom Brady’s passing attack. Many of the teams in the NFL are duplicating it, so defenses in the league will be ready. New England has a major advantage, no other team has Rob Gronkowski. At this point, it looks like Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen will be sharing the duties running the ball, with Ridley slated to get the majority of the carries. They will miss Green-Ellis and Faulk early on, but Ridley and Vereen will be sufficient replacements. The team leaders in sacks last season, Andre Carter and Mark Anderson, are not in the team. They will be relying on rookies and new faces to fill that need. The Patriots need a consistent pass rush, because their secondary will be really bad. In 2011, statistically, their secondary was one of the worst in the history of the NFL. Their offense is too good and will overcome their lack of defense. They should be the #1 seed in the AFC and possibly even make another Super Bowl.

By the way, if you’re putting a bet down on the Patriots’ win total, the line is at 12.5. The odds of New England winning over 12.5 games is high, but the risk isn’t worth the juice. There are too many factors that could make them only win 12 games or less (i.e. injuries, tanking the last game). I would stay away from it, but if you’re in a pool and need to guess over/under, pick the over.

2012 Wins Over/Under Line: 12.5 (Prediction: OVER)

2012 Projected Win/Loss Record: 14-2

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.

Chad Johnson Arrested for Domestic Violence

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Chad Johnson was arrested Saturday night for misdemeanor domestic battery, according to Davie Police Department captain Dale Engle.

The man formerly known as ‘Chad Ochocinco’ got in a heated argument with his newlywed wife and reality television star Evelyn Lozada of VH1’s “Basketball Wives”.

The altercation started in the couple’s car. They got into a heated argument and Johnson allegedly heatbutted Lozada. Johnson claims they just accidentally butted heads while arguing.

Lozada received medical attention for a laceration on her forehead…more information after the jump.

A new account of the altercation has come out. The alleged reason for the argument stems from a receipt Lozada found for condoms.

Johnson was taken to jail where he remains as of Saturday night. He is likely to remain in jail Saturday and be transferred to Broward Country. Johnson is expected to bound out of jail by 8:30 a.m. ET Sunday morning.

The Miami Dolphins tweeted an official statement, “We are aware of the situation & are in the process of gathering all the relevent information.”

If you watched HBO’s “Hard Knocks” this week, you will remember that at the 40:25 minute mark, Johnson predicts that he will be arrested during his free time. Here’s the entire first episode to scroll through.

[UPDATED] The Miami Dolphins released Chad Johnson today. Team employees were seen cleaning out his locker this afternoon.

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: Running Backs

The NFL has turned into a pass-first league. The trend has caused a drastic change in fantasy football drafting strategy. The old method was to draft two running backs with your first two selections. They were the most valuable position on your fantasy football team. That is still the case, but the gap is closing.

Teams have went away from having one feature back and most have opted for a two-headed rushing attack. Quarterbacks and wide receivers are gaining value and thanks to Rob Gronkowski, tight ends are creeping into the first two rounds as well. Continue reading →

Two Door Cinema Club release "Sleep Alone" Video

Two Door Cinema Club just released the music video for their new single “Sleep Alone”. The track is off on their upcoming album “Beacon”, which will be released on September 4th in the U.S. and a day earlier in the U.K.

If you’re unfamiliar with Two Door Cinema Club, where have you been?

They are a British indie rock band that gained success with their 2010 album “Tourist History”. It was in my Top 25 Albums of 2010. The singles off the album, “I Can Talk”, “Undercover Martyn” and “Something Good Can Work” propelled to the top of the indie charts.

Here is the video for “Sleep Alone” and find out where you can see Two Door Cinema Club play on their fall tour.

Two Door Cinema Club is currently playing festivals in Europe, but will kick off their U.S. tour on September 28th in New York City. They are accompanied by the band ‘Friends’. The tour ends on October 28th in Santa Ana, California.

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: Minnesota Vikings

When a team goes through growing pains, one wouldn’t expect so many players to literally be in pain. The Minnesota Vikings saw this happen in 2011. By the end of the season, they were hobbled and the biggest blow was when they lost RB Adrian Peterson with a torn MCL and ACL. His injury has overlapped into this season.

In 2011, the quarterback position was a big problem. Donovan McNabb was touted as their franchise quarterback at the start of last season, but rookie Christian Ponder took over early in the season. He has the starting job going into camp, but QB Joe Webb is a popular fantasy football sleeper.

The NFC North will be the most competitive division in the NFL. Will Minnesota be chewed up or surprise everyone by staying in the race? Here is our 2012 NFL team preview for the Minnesota Vikings.

2011 Win/Loss Record: 3-13

Key Additions: TE John Carlson, WR Jerome Simpson, OT Matt Kalil, S Harrison Smith, CB Zack Bowman, RB Lex Hilliard, LB Marvin Mitchell, K Blair Walsh, OG Geoff Schwartz, WR A.J. Love, DE Jeff Charleston, FB Jerome Felton, CB Josh Robinson, WR Jarius Wright, FB Rhett Ellison and S Robert Blanton.

Key Losses: QB Donovan McNabb, TE Visanthe Shiancoe, OG Steven Hutchinson, S Tyrell Johnson, LB E.J. Henderson, CB Cedric Griffin and CB Benny Sapp.

Non-Division Schedule: AFC South and NFC West

Fantasy Sleeper: WR Jerome Simpson – I would have listed WR Greg Childs here last week. He tore his patellar tendon in both knees and will miss his rookie season. The reasoning behind choosing Childs as Minnesota’s fantasy sleeper is his size. Michael Jenkins will be their big target, but he is inconsistent. Percy Harvin can’t fill that role because he is small. Devin Aromashodu lacks chemistry with Ponder, so Simpson has the best chance at having a couple big fantasy weeks. Simpson is suspended for the first three games in 2012, so he shouldn’t be drafted. If a wide receiver on your team suffers a significant injury early, he would be a nice fill-in.

Team Analysis: The only thing the Vikings have going for them this season is that they face the two weakest divisions in the league. On the flip side, they share the division with three of the best teams in the NFL. Christian Ponder needs to improve on his 13/13 touchdown to interception ratio. Ponder needs help from the running game in order to keep the safetys inside the box. Adrian Peterson could possibly be ready by Week 1, but if not, Toby Gerhart will be their guy. I like Minnesota’s tight end duo of Kyle Rudolph and John Carlson. The former Fighting Irish alumni will help Ponder in his development. On the defensive side, Jared Allen is still a beast and will rack up an insane number of sacks. Minnesota will have issues with pass coverage because their secondary is still very weak. Rookie Harrison Smith will get playing time this season, so expect quarterbacks to challenge the young safety. Minnesota is in a rebuilding phase and will take their lumps. They will not win many games, but the young talent will get much needed experience.

2012 Wins Over/Under Line: 6 (Prediction: UNDER)

2012 Projected Win/Loss Record: 3-13

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 NFL Team Preview: Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins are this season’s focus on HBO’s “Hard Knocks”. If you’re not watching this show, I don’t know what to say. It’s riveting television and the fact that Chad (Ochocinco) Johnson is on the show for a second time, makes it that much better. I predicted he would sign with the Dolphins, if only to be on the show again.

[UPDATED] Chad Johnson was released by the Miami Dolphins due to a domestic violence arrest. I’m sure this will be covered in the next episode of “Hard Knocks”.

After the television show, there’s a good chance the public will forget about the Dolphins. The quarterback situation is messy, Reggie Bush wants to be the every-down, feature back and the Dolphins lack a dependable veteran receiver.

When will the Dolphins hand over the starting quarterback job to rookie Ryan Tannehill? Can they hang with the rest of the AFC East?

Here is our 2012 NFL team preview for the Miami Dolphins…out of respect for new head coach Joe Philbin, I will refrain from using potty language.

2011 Win/Loss Record: 6-10

Key Additions: QB David Garrard, QB Ryan Tannehill, LB E.J. Henderson, WR Legedu Naanee, OG Eric Steinbach, CB Richard Marshall, RB Lamar Miller, WR B.J. Cunningham, OT Jonathan Martin, DE Olivier Vernon, TE Michael Egnew, LB Josh Kaddu, LB Jamaal Westerman, S Tyrell Johnson and LB Gary Guyton.

Key Losses: WR Brandon Marshall, QB Chad Henne, RB Lex Hilliard, CB Will Allen, DE Kendall Langford, DE Phillip Merling and LB Marvin Mitchell.

Non-Division Schedule: AFC South and NFC West

Fantasy Sleeper: WR B.J. Cunningham – It isn’t known if Ryan Tannehill will start the season as the starting quarterback or have either Matt Moore or David Garrard keep the position warm. When you glance at the wide receivers on the Dolphins roster, you have to Google most of them. Davone Bess and Brian Hartline are the only receivers left who contributed in 2011. They added Legedu Naanee and Chad Johnson in the off-season and he will be a factor in the passing attack. B.J. Cunningham had a prolific career at Michigan State and has an NFL body. He has great hands and the size to jump for balls if Tannehill has trouble with his accuracy early in his career.

Team Analysis: If Miami loses its first couple games, I look for Tannehill to be named the starter. I don’t see him having the spot right out of training camp, but anything is possible. Lamar Miller should be in a position to help Reggie Bush carry the ball. Bush is a pass-catching threat out of the backfield. The Dolphins should utilize that aspect of his game more and let Miller, or someone else, run the ball. Miami won’t miss Brandon Marshall much because they didn’t have much of a passing attack last season. The receiving corps is what it is. The strongest facet of the team is their run defense/pass rush. Cameron Wake came into his own last season as the leader of the defense. Yeremiah Bell, Kevin Burnett and Karlos Dansby had amazing years as well. Vontae Davis has all the tools to be a shutdown corner, but as you have seen on “Hard Knocks”, he can be lazy at times. 2012 looks to be a rebuilding year for Miami. Philbon is going to make that offense click at some point, but I don’t see it this year. They could surprise me and end the season at .500, but that is the absolute best-case scenario.

2012 Wins Over/Under Line: 7.5 (Prediction: UNDER)

2012 Projected Win/Loss Record: 3-13

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.

Orlando Makes A Bad Trade, Sends Dwight Howard to L.A.

Dwight Howard trade rumors have been on the stove for the last 18 months. It was only a matter of time before the big man would whine his way out of Orlando.

Orlando finally orchestrated a four-team trade in which Dwight Howard would be paired with Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash on the Los Angeles Lakers. If he even hints that he doesn’t want this move to garner ‘Shaq to Los Angeles’ comparisons, he is delusional. He is duplicating the same career path as him. I hope this doesn’t mean a sequel to “Kazaam” is in the works.

Which teams are in the deal? The players involved may surprise you (one of the players is currently playing on Team USA). The other thing that may surprise you is the lack of assets Orlando will receive in return for Howard. This deal will leave you scratching your head to why they didn’t trade with Brooklyn or Houston, who had better prospects on hand.

Let’s make it easy and list which players will go to each team involved in the trade.

Los Angeles Lakers: C Dwight Howard, F Earl Clark and G Chris Duhon

Philadelphia 76ers: C Andrew Bynum and G Jason Richardson

Denver Nuggets: F Andre Iguodala

finally…

Orlando Magic: F Arron Afflalo, F Al Harrington, C Nikola Vucevic, F Moe Harkless, and future protected first-round draft picks from each team. (2014 from Denver, 2015 from Philly and 2017 from L.A.)

I like the hauls that Philadelphia, Denver and L.A. received in this deal. They sent distant future protected first-round picks for pieces to help them immediately…but Orlando’s return is mild. I can see Howard signing an extension with the Lakers. Kobe and Nash will be retired in a few seasons and it will be his team.

Orlando’s main goal was the get Howard out of town. Former GM Otis Smith should have pulled the trigger at the trade deadline, but they didn’t, so they had to settle for this deal.

You know what you’re getting from Afflalo and Harrington, solid guys, but nothing to build a team around. Harkless was the first-round pick in this year’s NBA Draft. He’s a nice young talent who needs a lot of molding. The biggest problem I have is that the draft picks Orlando will receive in this deal is so far out in the future that current GM Rob Hennigan may not be around to enjoy them.

I hope Orlando has a plan to sell a ton of Glen ‘Big Baby’ Davis merchandise. I don’t see the Amway Arena selling out, even with a J.J. Redick bobblehead promotion. Orlando has a very long road to recovery in their future. You will see Mr. Hennigan at the NBA Draft Lottery selection show for the many years to come.

The Magic play in L.A. on Dec. 2nd and D’WHINE Howard will be back in Orlando on March 12th…please circle those dates accordingly.

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: Kansas City Chiefs

Before I get started, I want to give props to Arrowhead Pride for finding/creating this awesome Peyton Hillis as Juggernaut photo. We are a big fan of Hillis (look at our blog’s name) until he made an inexcusable dick move last season.

In 2011, Kansas City was favored to win the AFC West and make a second straight playoff appearance under head coach Todd Haley. Well, RB Jamaal Charles, TE Tony Moeaki and S Eric Berry suffered horrible knee injuries early and Haley was fired before the end of the season. Those guys are nearly 100% after their injuries and should be ready by the season opener…with Romeo Crennel as the head coach

Is Kansas City a threat to win the AFC West? Here is our 2012 NFL team preview for the Kansas City Chiefs.

2011 Win/Loss Record: 7-9

Key Additions: RB Peyton Hillis, TE Kevin Boss, QB Brady Quinn, S Abram Elam, OT Tony Ugoh, OT Eric Winston, CB Travis Daniels, DT Dontari Poe, OG Jeff Allen, OT Donald Stephenson, WR Devon Wylie, RB Cyrus Gray and CB De’quan Menzie.

Key Losses: CB Brandon Carr, RB Jackie Battle, TE Leonard Pope, QB Kyle Orton, RB Le’Ron McClain, DE Wallace Gilberry, WR Jerheme Urban and OT Barry Richardson.

Non-Division Schedule: AFC North and NFC South

Fantasy Sleeper: WR Devon Wylie – Wylie is another rookie that could make an impact this season. He is a smaller receiver and will be used in the slot. He impressed the Chiefs’ brass during rookie mini-camp. Scott Pioli knows all about how much Wes Walker improved the Patriots and they hope Wylie can deliver a spark.

Team Analysis: I didn’t like Kansas City when they made the playoffs in 2010. They had an easy schedule and had a few bounces go their way. Expectations were too high going into the 2011 season. They didn’t even come close to matching the previous season’s success. To be fair, the Chiefs were without starters Moeaki, Charles and Berry for most of the season. Looking at their schedule this year, they have their work cut out for them again. I’m not sold on Matt Cassel leading this team into the playoffs again. If he didn’t have Dwyane Bowe out there catching poor passes, he would have terrible numbers. I am also curious to see how Charles bounces back from his knee injury. Peyton Hillis is a nice backup, but he is apt to fumble the ball. If neither of them perform well, they will find themselves back picking near the top of the 2013 NFL Draft. Speaking of draft picks, their 2012 first-round pick Donatri Poe has looked really bad at training camp. You shouldn’t expect to see much from him in his rookie campaign. I don’t see the Chiefs matching their win total from 2011. The AFC West is a tougher division and there are too many question marks on their team.

2012 Wins Over/Under Line: 8 (Prediction: UNDER)

2012 Projected Win/Loss Record: 4-12

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 NFL Team Preview: Jacksonville Jaguars

If you’re not a Jacksonville Jaguars fan, you probably don’t know who the man is on the right. He is not a Persian Ron Jeremy impersonator, he’s the Jaguars new owner, Shahid Khan. He currently has a big problem with his team, their starting running back Maurice Jones-Drew is holding out and it’s getting ugly.

Take five seconds and look at the Jacksonville roster…I’ll wait. Why are the Jaguars not paying MJD?! He’s the only player on offense who has ever had elite productivity and would account for over half of their total offense in 2012.

In 2011, Jacksonville was last in the league in passing yards. QB Blaine Gabbert had a rough rookie season and only completed 50.8% of his passes. They brought in QB Chad Henne to help spark the passing game if he struggles. What should they expect from Gabbert this season?

Here is our 2012 team preview for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

2011 Win/Loss Record: 5-11

Key Additions: QB Chad Henne, WR Justin Blackmon, CB Aaron Ross, DE Andre Branch, CB Reggie Corner, WR Laurent Robinson, QB Jordan Palmer, P Bryan Anger, LB Brandon Marshall and CB Mike Harris.

Key Losses: QB Luke McCown, WR Mike Sims-Walker and DT Lege Douzable.

Non-Division Schedule: AFC East and NFC North

Fantasy Sleeper: WR Cecil Shorts – The Jaguars are looking to open the playbook for Blaine Gabbert in 2012. Mike Thomas led the receivers in receptions last season and the addition of Justin Blackmon is huge for Gabbert’s development. The #3 and #4 spots are open to win during training camp. Shorts, Laurent Robinson, Brian Robiskie, and Chastin West will be battling for those two spots. Shorts only had two receptions last season, but he as a lot of speed. Gabbert is still a work in progress and any wide receiver other than Thomas or Blackmon will be a risky gamble.

Team Analysis: Jacksonville must find a way to get Jones-Drew into camp and on the field. They can’t afford to be without him. When a running back misses training camp, they never have great years. Two examples come to mind, Larry Johnson with Kansas City a few years ago and Chris Johnson with Tennessee last season. Gabbert will need him as safety net when he checks down on passing plays. If he fails to put up decent passing numbers, the crowd may start to turn on him. Jacksonville’s defense was the only reason why the team won fives games last season. They come back with basically the same squad that ended the season in the top-10 in both opposing passing and opposing rushing yards. Paul Posluszny anchors the defense with Jeremy Mincey pressuring the quarterback. They face a tougher schedule this season and their defense will be tested by elite quarterbacks. The best case scenario for Jacksonville would be matching their win total from last season, that’s if Jones-Drew arrives in camp this week. Worse case scenario would be if Jones-Drew’s holdout carries into the regular season and they win two or three games. They are lucky the Colts are in their division and will not end up in last place.

2012 Wins Over/Under Line: 5 (Prediction: UNDER)

2012 Projected Win/Loss Record: 4-12

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.