10/11 MLB and NFL Picks

MLB/NFL Picks 10/11/12

5 Unit Plays

934 CIN Reds over SF Giants  (1:07 pm in Cincinnati)

       CIN Reds - 1 1/2

       CIN Reds 1st Half

       CIN Reds -1/2 1st Half

• I don't think the 2-0 lead gets blown, not with this Cincinnati team, who is in fact the better team. They haven't been the past 2 games, but I'm taking the talent AT HOME, with Latos on the mound.

102 TEN Titans (+6 1/2) over PIT Steelers (8:20pm in Tennessee)

• Pittsburgh is banged up after a tough game vs the Eagles last week. Woodley and Polamalu are expected to be out, and James Harrison is banged up. The Titans have been playing better as of late and have covered a couple games. I like the Titans to cover the 6 1/2 point spread on this short week vs a hurting Steelers team. Likely Steelers still win, but not by a TD.

3 Unit Plays

938 NY Yankees over BAL Orioles 

• Seems like the Yankees broke the O's back last night with Raul's 2 HRs. We'll see if they can close it out at home.

939 DET Tigers over OAK Athletics

• I love the A's. But I think they're too young and not as talented as the Tigers. Having Verlander in a close out game, no matter what Oak did last night is a bet you like to take.

10/3 Late MLB Games

MLB Late Picks 10/3/12

Last Nights Picks: 6-2. Up 20 Units

5 Unit Plays

966 STL Cardinals  (+131) over CIN Reds for game

• Bailey is coming off a no hitter and the Reds need a W to pass the Nationals, who own the tie breaker vs them. But we like STL tonight regardless

979 DET Tigers (+103) over KAN Royals for game

• We took Kansas City last night and it hit, tonight it's Detroit's turn. Interesting to see if Caberea plays tonight or he sits it out and locks up the triple crown.

3 Unit Plays

970 SEA Mariners (+185) over LA Angels for game 

• Weaver tends to get roughed up at Safeco. 

10/3 MLB Picks

10/3 MLB Picks

MLB Picks 10/3/12

Last Nights Picks: 6-2. Up 20 Units

5 Unit Plays

953 PHI Phillies  (-109) over WAS Nationals for game

• Davey Johnson has said the best record in the NL doesn't matter to him. I would bet he doesn't start any regulars against a Phillies team that is looking to also end on a high note after a terrible start and great finish to 2012.

958 MIA Marlins (-108) over NY Mets for game

• The Marlins are all playing for their jobs, including Manager Ozzie Guillen. If they can go for the sweep of the Mets and win, it could mean 40 less unemployed people in Miami...which likely won't make an economic difference.

967 TEX Rangers (Even) over OAK Athletics for game

• I told myself I wouldn't bet against the A's, and it worked the past two nights. But the Rangers are the veteran team and have so much to lose if they lose this game. I'm taking the Rangers.

4 Unit Plays

952 PIT Pirates (-143) over ATL Braves for game 

• The Pirates are coming off back to back wins last night. The Pirates are looking to end their season on a high note, in which they blew up in the second half. A strong finish against a playoff team might be what they need to take the next step in 2013. The Braves now have nothing to play for and possibly rest their players for the game tonight.

10/2 MLB Picks

MLB Picks 10/2/12

5 Unit Plays

902 PIT Pirates (-110) over ATL Braves through First 5 Innings
       PIT Pirates (-102) over ATL Braves for game
       PIT Pirates / ATL Braves Over 7.5

• The Pirates are coming off a win last night, which eliminated the Braves from the division title. The Braves now have nothing to play for and possibly rest their players for the game tonight.

918 CLE Indians (-122) over CHI White Sox for game

• Chicago was eliminated and are gassed after playing good baseball at the end of the season, but coming up short.

926 KC Royals (-104) over DET Tigers for game

• The Tigers might be doing the same thing the Braves are. They are in a position to rest their players and might not have anything to play for at the moment. Look for a Fister let down.

928 OAK Athletics (+133) over TEX Rangers for game

• I can't bring myself to bet against the Athletics right now, they are playing perfect baseball. That place was rocking last night, and watch for it to continue tonight.

3 Unit Plays

911 CIN Reds (+117) over STL Cardinals

• The Reds are looking to clinch home field. Carpenter looked decent so far for the Cards. I like Cincy in this game, but not by much

916 LA Dodgers (-188) over SFO Giants for game

• DO NOT bet this game until you see if they are alive first, this is a 10:10 pm start, almost 2 hours after STL could potentially eliminate them. Scoreboard watch before placing this bet.

Quick Thoughts Eagles/Giants game

By: Steve Johnson

Here are some quick thoughts on the Eagles 19-17 win over the Giants last night. I don't care how they got it done, but they got it done...again.

• The Eagles have swagger, they find a way to win games, ugly or not, they're 3-1 and in first place
• Mike Vick didn't play bad...I guess that's something to be happy about. He Threw for 241 yards and 1 TD, didn't turn the ball over and was only sacked twice, he managed the game
• Fletcher Cox is a beast. He is constantly double teamed, leaving 1v1 for the rest of the D Linemen...who have been relatively quiet so far this season
• Jamar Chaney started at the WILL for the injured Akeem Jordan and looked better
• Akeem Jordan was missed on Special Teams though, as was Colt Anderson. The Eagles Special Teams played terrible...and heard it from the crowd
• Shady McCoy had the type of game you expect from him in a NFC East rivalry game, carrying the ball 23 times for 123 yards and catching 3 balls for 17 yards. He has to do a better job on that 1st and goal, Eagles need to score there.
• Where is this great defensive line we've heard about? No sacks on Eli last night, and they've been relatively quiet so far.
• The backup defensive backs played well with Nnamdi out for half the game. Hughes and Boykin both played well in certain spots of the game, Boykin was picked on quite a bit at other points
• Good to see Demeco Ryans making adjustments for the defense, he audibles the defense on a 3rd down in the 4th quarter which led to an Eli incompletion
• DeSean Jackson had a quiet 99 yards and a TD
• How bout Andy using his fullback. Stanley Havili rushed the bal twice and was targeted twice in the air, also made a huge block on the 34 yard run by McCoy.

Quick Thoughts: Phillies hunt for October

By: Steve Johnson

Last night, the red hot Phillies won their sixth straight 9-7 vs Miami and head into today's 4pm game just 4 games back of the second Wild-Card team, St. Louis Cardinals. The Phillies, are at .500 for the first time since June 4th, almost 2 months before they became sellers. The Phillies got off to an 8-3 lead in the 6th after Jimmy Rollins capitalized off of Marlins Catcher Rob Brantly dropped ball on a routine pop up behind home plate. After a quick scare in the 7th, the Phillies bullpen came up big with Phillipe Aumont striking out back to back batters in the 8th and setting up Closer Jonathan Papelbon to retire the side in the 9th.

Who would have thought back in July that Phillies fans would be scoreboard watching? Not me, but I certainly was watching the Pirates go down to the Reds, Diamondbacks blanking the Dodgers, and the Padres rallying to beat the Cardinals. The Phillies end the home stand today at 4pm with Cliff Lee facing off versus the Marlins Josh Johnson, before they head on a road trip to Houston and New York. The Phillies, winners of six straight, have made this interesting, sit back and watch.

NFL Week: AFC South Preview

By: Steve Johnson

The Houston Texans (10-6) are hands down the best team in this division, and are possibly the best team in the AFC. Quarterback Matt Schaub went down in week 10 (7-3) when they were coming off four wins and going into a bye week. They won the next three games and then lost the final three with the likes of Matt Leinart, rookie T.J. Yates, and old man Jake Delhomme. In the playoffs, Running Back Arian Foster rushed for 153 yards in a home playoff game vs Cincinnati before losing in Baltimore the following week. Oh yeah and Andre Johnson only caught 33 balls in 7 games last year, did I mention how the Texans HAVE TO stay healthy, here we go. If that Texans can stay healthy, it doesn't matter if I write about the other 3 teams in the division, I'm actually debating not to write anything else about them. The Texans need to stay healthy and get into the playoffs (they could probably bench their big 3 all year and still get in), but when they do all that matters is the Steelers, Ravens, and Patriots of the AFC. The Titans added speedy Wide Receiver Kendall Wright to go with strong armed QB Jack Locker, who should command an offense with a ton of firepower. The Jaguars drafted the first Wide Receiver in 2012 with Justin Blackmon, who can only hope second year Quarterback Blaine Gabbert doesn't throw like a girl. The Colts did the right thing and drafted another once in a decade Quarterback in Andrew Luck, but that team should be pretty bad for 2-3 years.

Prediction:
Texans (13-3)
Titans (8-8)
Jaguars (6-10)
Colts (6-10)

NFL Week: AFC East Preview

By: Steve Johnson

Tim Tebow! Mark Sanchez! There I got it in, but that's the last this article will talk about those terrible quarterbacks. The New England Patriots (13-3) don't have much competition, but do they ever? I feel like every year they're predicted to win 12-14 games. Last year was no different, going 13-3 and losing once again to Eli Manning and the Giants. In the off season the Patriots got a package deal for Belichick school of coaching alumni Josh McDaniels and his go to WR...no matter where they go, Brandon Lloyd. Look for Lloyd to take some of the vertical passes from All Pro Tight End Rob Gronkowski, because that's Lloyd's game. Taking away the vertical passes shouldn't have any effect on the other great Tight End on the team, Aaron Hernandez. Adding two first round picks on defense, Chandler Jones and Donta Hightower should really help their defense. The Buffalo Bills (6-10) started off with three straight wins in 2011, and made themselves known that they were real with a 34-31 Win vs New England in week 3. Ryan Fitzpatrick ended terribly and it's rumored to be a rib injury at the end of last year. I expect the Bills to make the next step and have a winning record with the addition of Mario Williams. The New York Jets (8-8) are overrated and suck. I should end it at that, but I won't. I hated their draft this off season. I loved Coples, but hate him in that defense. He's not a 3-4 DE and shouldn't be asked to play that. I don't think Stephen Hill is ready to play in the NFL, and shouldn't be drafted that high for a prospect. The Miami Dolphins (6-10) are in a rebuilding this year and will show that today as they start Quarterback Ryan Tannehill today. Although I like what they're doing in the off season and this year, they could be pretty bad. Don't expect Reggie Bush to have the same year he had last year...because he's still Reggie Bush.

Prediction:
Patriots (13-3)
Bills (9-7)
Jets (8-8)
Dolphins (4-12)

NFL Week: NFC North Preview

By: Steve Johnson

In 2011, one division had 3 teams make the playoffs...not the NFC North, but this year I think that changes. The NFC North might be the best division in football in 2012. The Green Bay Packers (15-1) finished atop the North, followed by the Detroit Lions (10-6), Chicago Bears (8-8), and Minnesota Vikings (3-13). The Packers enter 2012 with just about the same personnel as their 2011 campaign for perfection. They lost Offensive Coordinator Joe Philbin for the Dolphins Head Coach job, but have almost an identical roster. They added workhorse Cedric Benson to help the almost irrelevant run game.  On defense they drafted another Trojan pass rusher in Nick Perry, to compliment Clay Matthews. Adding push rush, along with moving Charles Woodson to safety should help their last place pass defense. What won't help their pass defense is the addition of Brandon Marshall for the Chicago Bears. BMarsh caught 206 passes in 07 and 08 with Jay Cutler as his quarterback, that trend should continue, as long as the OLine can not be really really bad. The Lions should continue to improve as long as they can stay healthy...and out of jail. The Matthew Stafford to Calvin Johnson connection is the best in football, and has the potential to be one of the all-time greats. Watch for both Brandon Pettigrew and Titus Young to have break out years, which they will have to rely on tremendously without a running game. The Vikings should be better with a year under cool and collected Christian Ponder in this offense. If they can get All-Pro Adrian Peterson back relatively soon, they can be good team. Ponder and Wide Receiver Percy Harvin have a connection unlike many in the NFL...no I'm serious. They completed a higher percentage than any other connection in the league. I like Kyle Rudolph as a sleeper to have a huge year, he's big, strong, and can run.

Prediction:
Packers (12-4)
Bears (10-6)
Lions (10-6)
Vikings (5-11)

NFL Week: NFC South Preview

By: Steve Johnson

The days of the brutal teams in the NFC South are over. No longer do you see the inconsistency of a new NFC South team winning the division year after year. The South presents three playoff worthy teams this year, with the emergence of Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers (6-10). Newton was one of the NFL's top stories last year. Never has the game seen a rookie come on as strong as Newton did, breaking Peyton Manning's rookie passing record, while also running for over 700 yards and double digit touchdowns. Despite the great rookie stats, the Panthers still finished 3rd in the division behind New Orleans (13-3) and Atlanta (10-6). The biggest off season storyline came in New Orleans, where the Saints were part of a bounty scandal that saw head coach Sean Payton suspended a year and the franchise forfeit draft picks. Maybe it's just what the second place rival Atlanta Falcons wanted, their chance to top the division and win Matt Ryan's first playoff game. Neither the Saints of the Falcons made any huge off season move, neither having a first round pick. The Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-12) however had strong off seasons in both Free Agency and the 2012 Draft. Tampa added free agent Wide Receiver Vincent Jackson from San Diego and stole Offensive Linemen Carl Nicks from the Saints. In the draft the Buc's upgraded on both sides of the ball, adding Running Back Doug Martin and Safety Mark Barron in the first round. The Panthers will get back their entire Linebacker corp in Thomas Davis and Jon Beason, also adding first round pick Luke Kuechly.

Predictions:
Atlanta (11-5)
New Orleans (10-6)
Carolina (8-8)
Buccaneers (4-12)

NFL Week: NFC East Preview

By: Steve Johnson

The NFC East is possibly the NFL's most glamorous division, and probably the most unpredictable. Last year the heavy favorite was the Philadelphia Eagles. But last year's off season champions didn't make the playoffs and had to win 4 straight just to break even. The New York Giants won the division in typical Giants form, starting off bad, squeezing into the playoffs, and ending with Eli Manning holding up his second Lombardi Trophy. The Dallas Cowboys finished right behind the Eagles at 8-8, and the Washington Redskins finished an ugly 5-11. Every year is a new year, especially in the NFC East, where anything can happen.

In the off season the division champion Giants re-uped their Running Backs by drafting David Wilson to back up Ahmad Bradshaw. The Eagles fixed some holes they thought they fixed in 2011 by adding Middle Linebacker Demeco Ryans, and drafting linebacker Mychal Kendricks and Defensive Linemen Fletcher Cox and Vinny Curry. But that doesn't matter if Michael Vick can't stay healthy. Everything else is in place for the Eagles to win a Super Bowl, but the team relies on Vick and his ability to make good decisions. Watch for the defense to be a top defense in the NFL, as long as second year Defense Coordinator Juan Castillo can make the right play calls. The Defensive Line is the deepest in the NFL and should pressure every single Quarterback they face. The Cowboys moved up in the first round to sure up their terrible secondary with Mo Claiborne. Just like the Eagles, the Cowboys rely on their Quarterback staying healthy and not being a moron. Quarterback Tony Romo could be an idiot if his Offensive Line doesn't play terribly. The Redskins traded their entire draft for years to come on potential great QB prospect Robert Griffin III. They are a year or two away from making a difference.

Predictions:
Eagles 10-6
Giants 10-6
Cowboys 9-7
Redskins 6-10

7 days of NFL: Predicting the 2012 Eagles Roster

By: Steve Johnson

We did an early prediction of the 2012 Eagles 53 man roster back in May . Has a lot changed? Probably not. We've seen 3 preseason games (final one tonight 6:30 vs the Jets), all 3 of which they've won so far. We've seen a full camp, and an injury free one for the most part. We've seen a rookie QB take over the number two job behind Mike Vick, and the Eagles fans overreact obviously. We've seen undrafted rookie free agents make a splash, positional battles, head coaches getting in players faces (wait what? REALLY?). None of this seems to matter as much as the concern with Mike Vick, but that's another day, another story. Let's get down to the 53 man roster, because the Eagles have to have their team submitted by 9pm Friday night.

Quarterback (3) Vick, Foles, Kafka

No one expected to see Foles do what he did in the preseason by standing in the pocket and making all the NFL throws. After Vick going down, some more optimistic Eagles fans were calling for him to start, but let's not get ahead of ourselves. Nick Foles is the second string QB with potential to be an NFL starter someday, but not now. Kafka has been Eagles groomed, making him the 3rd string over Trent Edwards, who will try out for other teams tonight vs the Jets.

Running Backs (4) McCoy, Lewis, Brown, Havili

Bryce Brown is the third string RB here, after showing what great potential he had when he was the #1 prospect coming out of high school four years ago. Brown has the size and speed that make him a great project for Reid over the new few years. There was speculation that the Eagles don't keep a fullback, but how often do they use it anyways. Havili will come in and play special teams with the potential of catching some balls out of the backfield, something he did very well at USC.

Wide Receivers (6) Jackson, Maclin, Avant, Cooper, Johnson, McNutt

Cooper will miss some time, but not enough to be put on the PUP or the IR. Johnson has impressed in the punt return game, and could be used for a couple plays a game on offense. Chad Hall doesn't make the team, but somehow is still eligible to be on the practice squad. Marvin McNutt can also be a practice squad player after no one has seen him all preseason.

Tight Ends (2) Celek, Harbor

Brett Brackett is on the bubble here, but not enough to originally make the 53 man roster. He could be waived and picked up on the practice squad, intriguing prospect.

Offensive Line (9) Herremans, Watkins, Kelce, Mathis, Dunlap, Bell, Kelly, Vandervelde, Vallos

Don't think for one second it was Bell who lost the starting Left Tackle job, Dunlap earned it. Yeah, yeah we know it's hilarious, but seriously Dunlap has played well. Bell is owed over $3 million, earning him a roster spot in case Dunlap were to go down. The front office still likes second year man Vandervelde, rookie Dennis Kelly and Vallos will likely be the backup center.

Defensive Line (10) Cole, Babin, Jenkins, Cox, Hunt, Graham, Curry, Dixon, Thornton, Landri

Hunt earned his spot once again, making Tapp expendable (look for a trade tomorrow). Graham saved himself one tryout this year to prove he's not a busy. Dixon will be kept as a run stuffer after many thought he would need more time back from his injury. Patterson's injury (which will likely keep him out the year) opens the spot for Thornton, a second year player they really like.

Linebacker (7) Ryans, Kendricks, Jordan, Chaney, Matthews, Rolle, Clayton

Clayton is on the bubble after Jordan took possibly the final linebacker spot when he won the weak side job from Brian Rolle this week. Something could be done with Matthews and Chaney's injuries. Kendricks shined during the preseason and excites the coaching staff at the strongside position.

Cornerback (5) Asomugha, Rodgers-Cromartie, Marsh, Boykin, Hughes

If Boykin was ready or if Marsh wasn't strickly an outside corner, Joselio Hanson is unemployed. They've cut him before, and they've attempted to get rid of him recently, it comes down to if they've seen enough from the other corners. I have Hanson not making the team because of keeping Clayton, who has shown he can match up vs athletic tight ends. This gives the coaching staff the ability to put safeties in the nickle if they don't feel Marsh or Boykin can do the job.

Safety (4) Allen, Coleman, Atogwe, Jarrett

Special Teams stud Colt Anderson will start the year on the PUP list, meaning Atogwe and Jarrett have 6 weeks to fight for the backup safety spot.

Special Teams (3) Henery, Henry, Dorenbos

I originally thought the job was McBriar's to lose, well I guess it was. McBriar is the better punter, but the Eagles value the Holder position more than the Punter. The Eagles will release McBriar after the Jets game, barring injury to Henry.

Phillies Trade Deadline Rumors/News

Breaking News:

Phillies also receive Class A RHP Seth Rosin and veteran OF Nate Schierholtz

Phillies receive 1B/C Tommy Joseph from Giants in Pence deal. Joseph is said to be the Giants #2 prospect per Baseball America.

Pence is as good as gone now. Deal still being worked on. Phillies and Giants have mutual agreement.

With Dodgers trading for Victorino, the Pence to Giants deals are heating up. Amaro playing the 2 NL West rivals against each other.

Shane Victorino has been traded to the Dodgers for Josh Lindblom and minor leaguer Ethan Martin, Martin was the 15th overall pick in 2008

Dom Brown has been scratched from his noon AAA game and is heading to Washington to be in the lineup tonight for the Phillies, meaning the Phillies are trading an outfielder.


For the first time in 5 years the Phillies are officially sellers after being swept in Atlanta over the weekend. After today's 4pm trade deadline, we as Phillies fans, will know whether we are likely to continue a run at another World Series in 2013 or if this is a multi year project. Here is a breakdown of the players being traded, likely to go, and the way to rebuild this roster.

Shane Victorino:

Likelihood: 99.99999%

Get over it. Shane's as good as gone. He's a declining player that reached his ceiling 2 years ago, but can still help a contender today. He's likely going to the Dodgers and bringing back 25 year old Reliever Josh Lindblom. Reports also have the Reds and the Giants interested but at this point it's looking imminent that the Dodgers will receive Victorino within the next few hours


Juan Pierre:

Likelihood: 90%

There is no reason for the Phillies to keep the likes of Juan Pierre. He provides hitting for a contender and the Phillies will be moving him whether that's before today's deadline or in a waiver deal sometime in August. Pierre won't be bringing back much considering his age and that he's on a one year deal. The Reds are the front runners.

Joe Blanton:

Likelihood: 75%

We're hearing the strongest rumors are coming from Baltimore, but the O's are concerned about the money still owned to Big Joe. Baltimore is 2 back in the Wild Card and 6.5 back from the Yankees in the division. They have to be thinking this is their year to get back in it, no time to mess around.

Hunter Pence:

Likelihood: 40%

The Giants are in talks with the Phillies about acquiring Pence. Pence is due for arbitration next year and is rumored to be making somewhere between $15-$17 million and the Phillies might not want to be paying that much. Pence is still young and provides right handed power, something the Phillies could definitely use next year, but another team could possibly use even more this year. The Giants need to counter moves being made by the Dodgers, and if the deal is right, don't be surprised to see Amaro play the two NL West teams, and make the move. The Wild card leading Pirates are also said to be interested.

Cliff Lee:

Likelihood: 15%

I don't see Amaro pulling the trigger on this one. Lee is too valuable to their franchise, and unless they're getting back multiple top prospects it's unlikely. Apparently, Amaro is asking for too much. Remember, Lee is set to make around $25 million a year for the next 4 years. Texas has been the front runner, but are unlikely to deal third base prospect Mike Olt. There were also rumors this morning about a Lee to Arizona for Justin Upton deal, but those talks have since quieted. St. Louis has also been thrown around.

"The Downward Spiral of Penn State"

After reading a moving Facebook post on the NCAA sanctions brought down on PSU by our good friend, we decided to reach our to him and see if he would be willing to share his thoughts on the issue. He was more than welcome to voice his opinion (as he always has been here). So here it is, the Penn State issue in the eyes of the one and only Derek Nelson.

By: Derek Nelson of derekstevennelson.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer: I am from Pennsylvania. I am a Penn State fan – in fact, it could be argued that I became a bigger Penn State fan when I moved all across the country in pursuit of an acting career. Penn State football was a symbol of who I was, where I came from. When cameras panned a rowdy student section decked out in white, or 80-year olds embracing bitter cold on iron bleachers, I felt a connection to the people I came from. I remembered who I was, as I combated fake SoCal’ers who were more interested in the beach than a night in 20-degree weather with your best friends. Many times I was completely alone chasing a far-off dream, and those couple hours of a Penn State game brought me back to my friends and memories – fuel that kept me going for my dream.

I’m also the most blunt, honest, no bullshit person you will ever meet. I love America, but I have no problem pointing out how it’s collapsing. I love myself, but will be the first person to admit I’m legally retarded in certain aspects of life, and I need to learn patience. Joe Paterno deserved to get fired. All the higher-ups at Penn State deserved to get fired and will have to answer for even more potentially serious crimes in court – where may I remind you America, they are innocent until proven guilty.

I have dated and been intimate with over half a dozen women who were sexually abused or raped as children. I have held them as they cried onto my shoulders, kissed them as their eyes swelled with tears over experiences they were still trying to get over. I have felt their pain and understand the seriousness and sensitivity of this situation better than most. Having said all this, we need to look at the current situation with a clear head and not fall victim to being part of the “angry mob” of media out there.

 ESPN’s Ivan Maisel wrote, “You can read the hundreds of pages of the NCAA manual from now until the Nittany Lions run onto the field to play Ohio on Sept. 1, and you won't find a single rule that Penn State violated in this case. If that doesn't mean anything, why have a rulebook?” Because the NCCA has recently been more and more exposed for what it really is: a crooked organization of self-serving hypocrites – and this was their chance to save their ass with some positive P.R. The NCAA has no ground to levy punishment against Penn State. This was a criminal matter, not an NCAA one. There were no NCAA rules broken, no bribes for recruits; it was a lack of character and federal and state laws broken. The idiocy of the situation is only further heightened when NCAA President Mark Emmert totally bypassed the normal infractions committee, taking complete control and going full-throatal Caesar to “save” the integrity of the sport. “Michael Buckner, a Florida-based attorney who represents collegiate athletics departments, has gone so far as term Emmert's action not only unprecedented but "perhaps unconstitutional.'' Meanwhile, Jerry Crawford, an Iowa-based attorney who defends collegiate programs, called it a "rush to judgment.''” Perhaps the NCAA watched the constant media attention surrounding this circus? "I don't know any reason for the NCAA to feel they needed to rush in other than they were getting bullied in the court of public opinion, which they obviously didn't like,'' Crawford said. "What I believe I know is Joe Paterno ran an NCAA sanction football program that didn't just play within the rules, but played well within the rules. Recruited good people. Got them educations. I thought it was a program the country needed to emulate, not ostracize.''

 Anyone who opposes the general consensus of bashing Penn State is met with, “You don’t care about the kids!” It’s not an either or/situation. As ESPN’s Colin Cowherd said, “I can want individuals to face harsh punishment, but not the institution. The fans rooting for Penn State in the 80’s and 90’s, and the players playing for Penn State in the 80’s and 90’s weren’t rooting for a pedophile.”

Does crippling Penn State football really make the situation better? Have you ever been to State College? It’s 50 miles of cow farms, national weather headquarters, and then Penn State. The “culture of entitlement” at Penn State is gone. Joe Paterno is dead, his once-proud legacy in ruins. Former President Graham Spanier, former Vice-President Gary Shultz, and Athletic Director Tim Curley are about to go to trial for perjury – and rightfully so. Penn State is writing a $60-million check to victims of abuse, in addition to Big 10 money. A once-proud university for BOTH academics and sports now must address heinous crimes perpetrated under their noses. The house is not just on fire, the foundation is in ashes. Trust me, these people are feeling it. But do the stiff sanctions make the situation better? Will pedophiles stop being pedophiles? No – they’ll just be smarter and more discreet with their actions. The football team is needed now more than ever to help heal a community and use a negative situation to create something positive and lasting out of it. Instead, Penn State will lose a sense of its identity, restaurants and hotels will go out of business, and people will lose jobs. And the victims of Sandusky? Guess what – they’re still going to be victims.

Because of the public outcry Penn State will not file an appeal. The political correctness of this country is out of control and almost impossible to combat without losing your head. Instead of everyone trying to look good for P.R. and save their butts -- when will someone stand up for the whole truth?! When will we be thorough with situations, and not allow governing bodies to over-extend the power of their jurisdiction? There needs to be a separation of church and state. There needs to be a separation of the federal and state government. And there definitely needs to be a separation of a sports governing body and criminal matters.

I have no problem with taking down the Paterno statue, but if you do, take down Beaver Stadium, the Paterno student library, the spiritual center, all the restaurants and hotels – hell, blow up all of State College because we Pennsylvanians know who and what it was built on.

Oh, and one more thing NCAA, when another college kid loses his scholarship because he doesn’t fit a college coach’s “style,” like what happened to numerous kids when John Calipari took over at Kentucky and you turn a blind eye – go fuck yourselves you sorry pieces of shit. In a perfect world you’d be thrown in jail – right next to Sandusky.

Is it football season yet?

By: Steve Johnson

The Phillies are 14 games out of first, the Flyers are trying to convince you that they're making moves, and the Sixers just signed Kwame Brown...Kwame Brown. PLEASE, is it football season yet? We're less than a week away from the rookies reporting to Lehigh and it can't come soon enough. I can't remember the last time in Mid July where we were in this much dire need for football, as we are this year. The Sixers signed Kwame Brown. I want to see who is the backup Quarterback to the always hurt Michael Vick, I want to see what linebacker steps up and takes the WILL job. I want to see the team stay healthy, come together, and prove that last year wasn't just hype. The Sixers signed Kwame Brown. I want to know who is going to be the starting safeties. Will Juan Castillo have this defense improved to at least stop somebody...anybody. Can Michael Vick start making good decisions with the ball...which obviously leads to him staying healthy as well. Can LeSean McCoy back up last years performance and prove he's the top back in football. Can DeSean Jackson prove it wasn't all about the money...and creating record companies. Can Andy Reid finally, finally, finally get over the whole clock management, not clutch thing. We can only hope in a football first town, that the Eagles won't break our hearts again. Did I mention the Sixers signed Kwame Brown?

Are the Sixers up to something big?

By: Steve Johnson
Someone call A&E TV, the Sixers are hoarding swing men. What can we make of this? So far this off season the Sixers drafted an athletic swing man, signed a shooter in Nick Young, and then yesterday added yet another shooting swing man, Dorrel Wright, in a trade. So the big question Sixers fans are asking, is Andre Igoudala on his way out? He has to be right? I mean why else would they be making all these moves? Is there a trade to Minnesota still in the works for Derrick Williams? Does Igoudala somehow factor into all this Dwight Howard talk? (No I don't mean Howard to Philly, do not get too excited). But let's look at the 2nd possibility. If Dwight Howard was on his way to let's say Los Angeles, could Igoudala be part of a trade to bring in Pau Gasol? That would help both teams. It would make the Lakers a much more athletic team with Igoudala and Howard teaming up with Kobe and Nash. Pau Gasol, say what you want about him is one of the best big men in the game today, and would bring a star player to the Sixers. Something to make them competitive, and to do what Sixers owners have been craving to do...fill seats. Now these are all just skepticism, but hey you never know, it's the NBA.

Sixers making moves?

Hours after amnestying Brand and signing Nick Young, reports indicate the Sixers are in the works of potentially trading Andre Igoudala to Portland, Portland signing and trading Nicolas Batum to Minnesota, and Minny sending Derrick Williams to Philly. Earlier reports had Batum signing with Minnesota but rumor has it they cannot afford him without making a move, leaving the Sixers has a potential winner in this trade. Let's hope the Sixers finally are making moves to not only win now, but in the future. Stay tuned for more.

Rasing the roof: Sixers management needs to take the next step

By: Steve Johnson

Yeah we get it Adam Aron and friends. We understand that you just bought the team during a lockout season, we get you're trying to get the interest back. We get that you were trying to milk as many wins out of a mediocre team as possible. We even get the balloons, the confetti, the mascot voting, and light shows. We're Philly fans, we're smart, we've been through this plenty of times. We can see right through you, we don't fall for your little tricks, not here, not in this town. We get it, you tried. In Philadelphia, a city where trying is usually all we ask for, well this year it wasn't enough. If you expect to sell our arenas in this town, you're gonna have to do more than provide light shows and confetti, you have to provide us with a winning basketball team.

The Sixers exceeded expectations but lets not believe for one minute that they are legitimate contender. Yes, they won a playoff series, and yes they took a team that was in the finals two years ago to 7 games. But is that the Sixers identity? Is that who the Sixers really are? Are they a team that is within a game of the Eastern Conference Finals? The answer is no, and for anyone to believe they are needs to set their bias aside and look at the big picture. The Sixers barely made the playoffs after almost blowing an incredible start. Then the Sixers lost game 1 to the Chicago Bulls, and only came back to win the series because of a gruesome injury to one of the games best players, and the Bulls second best player. Then they took a tired and beat down Celtic team to seven games, ultimately losing and being knocked out of the playoffs. Is that something to build on? Of course it is. Young players learned how to win playoff games and you cannot take that away from them. Now they need to build on that, and make the right roster moves to take the next step.

The Sixers need a change, and not the change that sees a certain gangster bunny being fired, and paper being thrown from the rafters after wins over the Cleveland Cavaliers and Washington Wizards of the world. The Sixers management is going to have to take a long look at the team this off season and realize what it's going to take to give the Sixers die hards a team actually worth rooting for. Give them a team that will actually put money in Mr. Adam Arons pocket, rather than having him pretend his "free ticket" giveaways are from the bottom of the heart not the fact that they can't sell out a game to save their life. Stop with the minor league baseball promotions and promote your team with the good, young talent already on this roster. Going into the 2012-13 season with the same roster would be a mistake. It would be a mistake to believe that this same Sixers team can do what they did last year. The other teams are only going to get better and hungrier. Let's hope this new Sixers management realizes that, because the Sixers have one step out of basketball purgatory. It would be a shame for them not to take the next step.

Phillies not Eagles in financial crisis: The fear of losing Cole Hamels

By: Steve Johnson

Here are 2 teams in Philadelphia, both very successful over the past decade, both beloved, but only 1 receives criticism. Here is what they've done in this off season and over the past few years.

Team #1: Replenished their roster. Signed their home grown players to long term contracts. Filled needs in both free agency and the draft. Still have more money left to spend (in a league that faces a salary cap) than most teams in its league.

Team #2: Spent money on aging players. Have more salary on the DL than 2 teams entire salary in their league. Failed to address 2 major positions that have their 2 best players over the past 5 years injured. Now are facing money problems, forcing them to debate whether to trade their home grown talent or not.

Team #1 is the Philadelphia Eagles, and the city is calling for their managements head, despite doing all the right moves in the off season. They face hatred from people in their own city, that root for the other 3 teams in the city...but hate them for some God forsaken reason.
Team #2 is the Philadelphia Phillies, and they can do no wrong amongst the fans, despite their GM putting them in a position that has their future in jeopardy. They have gained more fans since 2008 than any other team in sports and when they make moves, there is rarely a question to if it's right.

The reason this is brought up is our beloved Phillies are on the verge of losing a 28 year old left handed pitcher in the prime of his career, simply because Phillies management thought money grew on trees. Who's to blame them though? Money does grow on trees, trees located at One Citizens Bank Way in South Philadelphia. In 2003, the Phillies were in the middle of the pack in payroll, around 70 million. Now they're top 3, over 100 million dollars more, competing with the one time evil empires of Boston and New York. Now the problem they face is what to do with Hamels, who will be seeking top dollar. Can the Phillies afford him? They have fellow left-hander Cliff Lee signed till at least 2015 with an option for 2016 at $21 million this year and $25 million every year after that. Roy Halladay, who was just placed on the DL, is signed through 2013 and a 14 option at $20 million a year. Ryan Howard, who is in the Ruben Amaro witness protection program in Florida, will start making a whopping $25 million a year in 2014 through possibly 2017. Not to mention another $40 million locked up to new closer Jonathan Papelbon, often injured second baseman Chase Utley and struggling shortstop Jimmy Rollins. The Phillies are close to the 178 million dollar luxury tax Major League Baseball has set. This means unless Ruben Amaro does some trade deadline whealing and dealing, or Cole Hamels really loves Philadelphia and takes a pay cut, the Phillies are likely to lose one of their own. Is it possible that the California boy heads back to California to play for the Dodgers? What if he went to Detroit to team up with fellow ace Justin Verlander. The Cubbies need a bright new star to keep their team going. The Rangers adding a stud #1 pitcher would pretty much lock up their dynasty. The fear of losing a beloved home grown player, a World Series MVP, and possibly the best young lefty in the game is real, and you should be worried. But this could never happen to the beloved Phillies, who never make mistakes...could it?

Sixers/Celtics all time teams

By: Steve Johnson, Jon Balant and Mike Duncan

With the Sixers and Celtics playing in this exciting Eastern Conference semi-final matchup tonight, we decided to look back on the Sixers and Celtics historic rivalry and the teams that made it so fierce. The Sixers and Celtics are two of the most proud franchises in the NBA, with some of the greatest players the game has ever seen. While listening to 97.5 the Fanatic today, we went with their show and decided to do a fantasy draft, compiling 3 teams, each with a starting 5, a 6th man, and a coach. We alternated picks with a snake style draft and here is what we came up with. The players had to be recognized as either a Celtic or a Sixer, for example Pete Maravich wasn't the same player in the

1st Pick (Jon) : Wilt Chamberlain, C, Sixers
2nd Pick (Mike): Bill Russell, C, Celtics
3rd Pick (Steve): Larry Bird, SF, Celtics
4th Pick (Steve): Charles Barkley, PF, Sixers
5th Pick (Mike): Julius Erving, SF, Sixers
6th Pick (Jon): Paul Pierce, SF, Celtics
7th Pick (Jon): Allen Iverson, Sixers
8th Pick (Mike): John Havlicek, SG Celtics
9th Pick (Steve): Moses Malone, C, Sixers
10th Pick (Steve): Ray Allen, SG, Celtics
11th Pick (Mike): Hal Greer, PG, Sixers
12th Pick (Jon): Kevin McHale, PF, Celtics
13th Pick (Jon): Bob Cousy, PG, Celtics
14th Pick (Mike): Kevin Garnett, PF, Celtics
15th Pick (Steve): Rajon Rondo, PG, Celtics
16th Pick (Steve): Billy Cunningham, 6th Man, Sixers
17th Pick (Mike): Red Auerbach, Coach, Celtics
18th Pick (Jon): Reggie Lewis, 6th Man, Celtics
19th Pick (Jon): Larry Brown, coach, Sixers
20th Pick (Mike): Dennis Johnson, 6th man, Celtics
21st Pick (Steve): Doc Rivers, coach, Celtics

Jon's Team                                                Mike's Team                                       Steve's Team

C- Wilt Chamberlain                                  Bill Russell                                          Moses Malone
PF- Kevin McHale                                    Kevin Garnett                                     Charles Barkley
SF- Paul Pierce                                         Julius Erving                                        Larry Bird
SG- Allen Iverson                                      John Havlicek                                     Ray Allen
PG- Bob Cousy                                         Hal Greer                                           Rajon Rondo
6th- Reggie Lewis                                      Dennis Johnson                                   Billy Cunningham
Coach- Larry Brown                                  Red Auerbach                                    Doc Rivers

State of the Flyers part 2

By: Steve Johnson

Continued from part 1

Defensemen
Kimmo Timonen ($6.33 million cap hit, 1 year left, UFA in 13-14)
Chris Pronger ($4.9 million cap hit, 5 years left, UFA in 17-18)
Andrej Meszaros ($4 million cap hit, 2 years left, UFA in 14-15)
Pavel Kubina (Unrestricted Free Agent this year)
Matt Carle (Unrestricted Free Agent this year)
Braydon Coburn ($4.5 million cap hit, 4 years left, UFA in 16-17)
Nicklas Grossmann ($3.5 million cap hit, 4 years left, UFA in 16-17)
Marc-Andre Bourdon (Restricted Free Agent this year)
Andreas Lilja ($737,500, 1 year left, UFA in 13-14)
Erik Gustafsson ($900,000, 1 year left, RFA in 13-14)


Breakdown:
Kimmo Timonen once again had a great year and will be back again for the Flyers. He was however breaking down toward the end of the year, and seemed tired. He will be turning 38 next year and who knows how many years him and...
Chris Pronger have left. Pronger barely played this year after head injuries, and some say he will never play again. Losing one of the best defense men this game has ever seen will be huge, especially since they have counted on him for the next 5 years. I don't think he'll be back, and that's not good. Flyers need to get younger at this position.
Andrej Meszaros had back surgery mid way through the year and was out close to 8 weeks. He came back for the end of the Devils series and didn't look his self. He has 2 years left on his deal and takes a larger cap hit than you would want for someone you might not be able to count on.
Pavel Kubina was acquired at the trade deadline and wasn't the player he once was. This was a desperation move and it didn't work out. He won't be on the team and probably will have to retire.
Matt Carle isn't the same player without Pronger playing along side of him. He didn't have the year many expected, but what his normal self at around 40 points. Carle doesn't get hurt, and the Flyers would love to resign the 27 year old. It all depends if another team is willing to give him a big contract.
Braydon Coburn got a big contract extension mid way through the year and he deserved it. He's locked up through 2016 and really is one of the only defense men they can count on for the next couple of years with...
Nicklas Grossmann, who was also given a new contract and is also signed through 2016. He was acquired mid way through the season and you could instantly see the goaltenders playing better.
Marc-Andre Bourdon was called up early with the injuries the Flyers had and he played decent. He played in more than half the games and is still only 22. I would be surprised if they let him walk without getting a bid in for his services.
Andreas Lilja, like a couple of the guys mentioned before is getting old and showing it. He's got 1 more year left on his deal, but I wouldn't be surprised to see the Flyers somehow get out of this.
Erik Gustafsson was being called up and down all year with the injuries the Flyers suffered. I thought he played well in the playoffs and think he could earn himself a contract next year if he continues to improve. He's still only 23 years old and is a restricted free agent after next year.

Goalies
Ilya Bryzgalov ($5.66 million cap hit, 8 years left, UFA in 2020)
Sergei Bobvrovsky ($1.75 million cap hit, 1 year left, RFA in 13-14

Breakdown:
Ilya Bryzgalov had more one liners than saves this year. After signing that huge contact, the Flyers didn't get what they expected and they admitted that in the past week. Bryz needs to play better, and needs to get his head into it. I expect him to bounce back, after he settles in the city and learns from his mistakes. He played better toward the end of the season before his foot injury. It seemed like the injury or the pressure got to him in Pittsburgh but then played better in New Jersey. In order to move on the Flyers need him and not...
Sergei Bobvrosky who is nothing more than a 2nd goalie in the NHL. The Flyers didn't get what they expected out of him and he will be counted on for a backup role if he is resigned after next year.

State of the Flyers

By: Steve Johnson

When the Flyers traded away team stars Mike Richards and Jeff Carter in the 2011 off season nobody expected them to be a championship contender. It's easy to look back now in disappointment, but in reality the 2011-12 Flyers exceeded our expectations and maybe us hopeful for the future. The Flyers traded captain Mike Richards to Los Angeles for prized prospect Brayden Schenn, Wayne Simmonds and the Kings 2012 2nd round pick. In that same day, they traded Richards buddy Jeff Carter to Columbus for winger Jakub Voracek, and the 8th overall pick (which turned into Sean Couturier). After trades that got rid of your two top players to bring in 4 players of the ages of 21, 19, 22, and 18 year old you would have thought they were building for the future. Then they go out and trade the cap they saved with Richie and Carter and get Goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov, and sign him to a 9, that's right 9 year deal worth over 50 million dollars. Now bring yourself back to the summer of 2011, if I would have told you the Flyers would knock off the Penguins and be the favorite to win the Stanley Cup after that series, you would have thought I was crazy. Well they did, and they were, and guess what? They still have a bright future...and possibly a dynasty on their hands. Here is the state of the Flyers for the 2012-13 season, and many years to come.

Centers
Claude Giroux ($3.75 million cap hit, 2 years left, RFA in 14-15)
Danny Briere ($6.5 million cap hit, 3 years left, UFA in 15-16)
Sean Couturier ($1.375 million cap hit, 2 years left, RFA in 14-15)
Brayden Schenn ($3.11 million cap hit, 2 years left, RFA in 14-15)

Breakdown: All of these players should be returning in 2012-13 and are expected to have major roles as they did this year.
Giroux is the star of the team, and a top 5 player, if not the best all around player in the world today. Briere is one of the best 2nd line centers in the game and is one of the most clutch players in the game. Couturier stepped up like no one (outside of Paul Holmgren) expected. As a 19 year old, to be the main face off guy in the defensive zone, play on the penalty kill, and be a shut down player against one of the world's best (Malkin) is unheard of. Couturier is heads above what you expect a 19 year old to be, expect him to step his game up offensively.
Schenn had his ups and downs last year, and battled through injuries. He was the key piece in the trades this off season, but probably played the worst out of what the Flyers got for in return. The Flyers fully expect him to step his game up a notch and be an offensive threat next year.

Wingers
Scott Hartnell ($4.2 million cap hit, 1 year left, UFA in 13-14)
Jaromir Jagr (Unrestricted Free Agent this year)
Jakub Voracek (Restricted Free Agent this year)
Max Talbot ($1.75 million cap hit, 4 years left, UFA in 16-17)
Wayne Simmonds ($1.75 million cap hit, 1 year left, RFA in 13-14)
Jody Shelley ($1.1 million cap hit, 1 year left, UFA in 13-14)
Matt Read ($900,000, 2 years left, UFA in 14-15)
Ian Laperriere (Unrestricted Free Agent this year)
James Van Riemsdyk ($4.25 million cap hit, 6 years left, UFA in 18-19)
Harry Zolnierczyk (Restricted Free Agent this year)
Eric Wellwood ($580,000, 1 year left, RFA in 13-14)
Tom Sestito (Restricted Free Agent this year)
Zac Rinaldo ($544,000, 1 year left, RFA in 13-14

Scott Hartnell stepped up his game tremendously last year, scoring a career high and team leading 37 goals on the line with Claude Giroux and Jaromir Jagr.
Jagr was a big surprise signing last year and an even bigger surprise on the ice. At 40, and two years out of the NHL, nobody expected him to have the year he had. Torwards the end of the year it did seem like he was battling injuries and starting to slow down. Laviolette took him off the top line several times throughout the Devils series. Signing Jagr is not the top priority for the Flyers front office unless they can get him for cheap. He did admit, this was his favorite year of hockey, and for a multiple Hart Trophy and Stanley Cup winner that is saying something.
Voracek is a restricted free agent and the team would love to bring back a player with his speed and heart. He fit in very nicely with the Flyers up tempo pace and they would be dumb to let him walk.
Talbot is signed through 16-17 and will continue to bring toughness and hard work, including a great locker room presence for years to come.
Wayne Simmonds fit right in with the Flyers toughness and instantly became a fan favorite, he will be back again next year and it wouldn't surprise me to see him receive an extension.
Jody Shelley still has a year left on his contract, but it looks like the NHL no longer has a place for his type of one dimensional play.
Matt Read was the surprise of the team after going undrafted and made a strong case for rookie of the year. He still has 2 years left on his contract and will get every chance to be a Flyer for a long time.
Laperriere was still under contract this year, but was on the pre game show due to his injuries. His career is over.
James Van Riemsdyk received a new contract and will be a Flyers as long as they want him too. He's signed through 2018, but he needs to stay healthy to not be a hot commodity on the trade market. He showed signs of being great throughout the year but could not stay on the ice. JVR has the potential to be a top player in this league, and the Flyers would prefer it be wearing orange.
Zolnierczyk showed flashes in his 30+ games this year, but not enough to beat out Eric Wellwood for a playoff roster spot. Harry Z is a restricted free agent and might not have a spot on this team next year, while Wellwood showed that he can bring energy and speed both offensively and on the penalty kill.
Sestito is a restricted free agent as well, and didn't show much for the Flyers to keep him around. He's a big body and plays hard and will likely end up somewhere else.
Rinaldo at times was the most loved player in the Wells Fargo Center and the hated other times. He was always there to get the crowd and more importantly his teammates pumped up with a huge hit, but then let them down with stupid penalties as well. He will be back next year and is a restricted free agent in 13-14.

Part 2 Defense and Goaltending will follow tomorrow. Stay tuned.

Early prediction for 2012-13 Eagles 53 man roster Part 2 Defense

By: Steve Johnson

Offense predictions can be found here

DE (5)- Trent Cole, Jason Babin, Brandon Graham, Vinny Curry, Phillip Hunt
Brandon Graham has one more year to prove that he was worth the 13th overall pick, he will get every shot for that in training camp. Vinny Curry was the Eagles 2nd round pick this year, and he will fit perfectly into the Eagles wide 9 defense. Phillip Hunt will compete with Daryl Tapp for the last DE position. Hunt surprised everyone by making the team last year with his relentless motor.

DT (5)- Mike Patterson, Cullen Jenkins, Antonio Dixon, Fletcher Cox, Derek Landri
The Eagles like to rotate their DTs, which is why they moved up in the first round to select Cox. Cox will be a force on the Eagles line for years to come and will be a multiple pro bowler. Dixon comes back from injury last year after a great 2010 team. Landri was resigned after leading the team in tackles for loss last year as a role player in this defense.

LB (6)- Demeco Ryans, Mychal Kendricks, Jamar Chaney, Casey Matthews, Brian Rolle, Keenan Clayton
Demeco Ryans was a huge trade this off season, providing the Eagles with a LB the fans have been calling for years. Kendricks was their other second round pick and will start immediate, and ultimately become a fan favorite with Curry. Chaney will move outside to either the SAM or WILL depending on how they use Kendricks. Matthews, Rolle, Clayton, Moise Fokou Greg Llyod and Akeem Jordan will all compete for the backup roles. We expect Matthews  and Rolle to make the team and contribute on special teams, neither player was ready to be placed in the starting lineup last year. Keenan Clayton (a player they like), Fokou and Jordan will likely battle it out for the final position, with two of them being released prior to the season.

CB (5)- Nnamdi Asomugha, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Brandon Boykin, Curtis Marsh, Cliff Harris
With Asante Samuel traded, Rodgers-Cromartie is put in his natural position as an outside corner opposite of Asomugha. Expect a much better season from both, after a year of being in the system. Newly hired former Miami Dolphins interim coach and current secondary coach Todd Bowles will have his work cut out for him, especially if Juan Castillo falters and Bowles takes over as coordinator. Brandon Boykin was selected to play the slot and return kicks, and he was a complete steal in this draft class. Marsh returns from almost zero playing time last year, he was a 2011 third round pick that the coaching staff still likes. Cliff Harris went undrafted after being kicked off the Oregon football team for marijuana incidents. Harris has all the talent in the world, and was projected as a top pick, he will need to get his head on straight.

S (5)- Nate Allen, Jaiquawn Jarrett, Kurt Coleman, Colt Anderson, Phillip Thomas
Allen is finally healthy, and Jarrett will get every chance to learn the playbook and get the starting nod. Coleman played great last year, but he is nothing more than a 3rd safety and special teams standout in the NFL. Colt Anderson is coming off an injury, they would love for their best special teams player to be healthy. Phillip Thomas is my last man to make the team, he went undrafted out of Syracuse and will have to work his butt off to make this team.

ST (3)- Alex Henery, Ryan Tydlacka, Joe Dorenbos
Despite what some Eagles fans think, Alex Henery had the greatest season for a rookie kicker EVER. He was excellent and will be the Eagles kicker for many years to come. Ryan Tydlacka went undrafted and will compete with last years punter Chas Henry. Dorenbos is a top long snapper in the NFL and would have to be injured to lose his job.

Early prediction for 2012-13 Eagles 53 man roster Part 1 Offense

By: Steve Johnson

Here are our predictions for the final roster of the 2012-13 Philadelphia Eagles. Granted this is barring injuries and any veteran signings. This is simply just a post draft look at the Eagles roster.

*- Starters are in Bold

QB (3)- Michael Vick, Trent Edwards, Nick Foles
When the Eagles went off the clock to select Nick Foles in the 3rd round, Mike Kafka went on the clock for teams looking for a QB. I like Kafka, he's smart, and knows the system, but if Vick were to go down, Trent Edwards provides more of a chance to win a couple games. Backup QB was clearly an issue last year, they addressed it this offseason.

RB (3)- LeSean McCoy, Dion Lewis, Bryce Brown
Dion Lewis didn't play bad last year, but he's nothing more than a 3rd down back you throw in every once in a while. Bryce Brown was the top recruit coming out of high school (above Trent Richardson) but after leaving 2 programs he fell off the map. In his pro day he ran a 4.37 40 (at 220 lbs), Eagles will give him a shot to make up for all his mistakes in his college career. He will compete with undrafted free agent Chris Polk from Washington. Polk had a huge workload at Washington, and is NFL ready, but doesn't have the upside of Brown.

FB (1)- Stanley Havili
Eagles chose not to resign Owen Schmitt. Havili was on the practice squad all of last year and provides some pass catching and running ability similar to Leonard Weaver. The Eagles don't know how to use a fullback correctly so he'll likely face a challenge from anyone from TEs to some linemen they found in the middle of no where.

WR (5) - DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, Jason Avant, Marvin McNutt, Riley Cooper
Marvin McNutt was somewhat of a steal in the 6th round for the Eagles. He's big like Riley Cooper but more accomplished and faster. They will compete for the 4th spot. Don't be surprised for a player like Damaris Johnson (undrafted free agent Kick Returner from Tulsa) impresses the coaches enough on special teams to give him a shot.

TE (2)- Brent Celek, Clay Harbor
The Eagles would have loved to grab a Tight End in the draft last weekend. They didn't, and they will have to deal with Clay Harbor as the backup. The Eagles never use 3 Tight Ends so adding another would be a waste of a roster spot they can use somewhere else.

OT (4)- Demetress Bell, Todd Herremans, King Dunlap, Dennis Kelly
Losing Jason Peters really hurt, but they went out and got the best LT available in free agency and he will have to do. Herremans might be the most versatile linemen in the NFL and he will start again at RT. Dunlap proved he can play when needed. They will give prospect Dennis Kelly a very long look. It's unlikely but Peters could go on the PUP list until week 8, after that they would have to put him on IR or use a roster spot on him. Either way 4 tackles are never suited up at the same time during games.

OG (4)- Evan Mathis, Danny Watkins, Julian Vandervelde, Brandon Washington
Evan Mathis returns after having one of the most productive seasons in the NFL last year. Expect a big year out of Danny Watkins. Vandervelde was a 5th round draft pick in 2011, he'll likely compete for the backup at both left and right guard. Washington was a top guard in the country in 2010, but switched to 2011 for his senior year, he struggled and Reid has said he will move him back to guard.

C (2)- Jason Kelce, Mike Gibson
Kelce was the steal of the draft last year when no one expected him to make the team, he stole the job and played well. Gibson was a draft choice a couple years ago. They didn't address the backup center position in the draft. He knows the system and another year in Howard Mudd's scheme will help him progress.

Thoughts on Game 2 of Flyers/Devils

By: Steve Johnson

Flyers off to quick start
The Flyers seemed to start off with a bunch of energy, something they didn't do in Game 1 and still pulled out a Win. Matt Read scored his third goal of the playoffs just 2 minutes into the game and it seemed like the Flyers would take control of it early

James Van Riemsdyk found his balls
Whatever Lavy said to him prior to the game worked. JVR was back to his 2011 playoff form using his size and speed together and going hard to the net. It's good to see him being aggressive, even if he was called for a penalty, that's what Lavy wanted to see.

Bryz had a good game
Despite the loss, Bryz played a great game in my opinion. He didn't allow a goal until the 3rd period, when it seemed like the Flyers were not as active as they started off. His teammates did not play well in front of him and did not have any sense of urgency to win this game.

Thoughts on Game 3
It's no time to panic with the series tied at 1, but a loss in game 3 could change the city's perspective on this series. The Flyers need to come out with some serious "jam" and take an early lead. The Devils are a completely different team than the Penguins. Despite winning the Penguins series, the Devils are not going to be a cake walk. This team plays great defense and plays hard and tough, just like the Flyers. I still expect the Flyers to win in 6, but they will have to step up their intensity in game 3 and leave Newark with a win.

Eagles' Draft Review

By Mike Duncan:

This was a very crucial draft for the Philadelphia Eagles.  This was mainly due to the fact that the team was coming off an extremely disappointing 8-8 season, have not won a playoff game since 2008, and have had minimal impact contributions from draft picks, especially on the defensive side of the ball.  Although its near impossible to accurately judge a team’s draft before any of the players have stepped onto a NFL football field, we can at least amuse ourselves for the time being with semi-educated assessments. 

              I feel that the Eagles had one of the better drafts in the NFL this year and one of the better drafts of Andy Reid’s tenure.  What I was most impressed with was their ability to maximize the value of the players they selected while still trying to fill positions of need.  That is not an easy thing to do and teams tend to get in trouble on draft day when they put too much focus into filling needs.   Many of their draft picks were prospects that I thought easily could have been selected earlier.  Below is a list of the Eagles selections and some quick thoughts. 

1(12) – Fletcher Cox DT Mississippi St.

            The Eagles traded a 4^th and 6^th rd pick to move up 3 spots in the first round to select Cox, a great fit for the Eagles and a player that could have gone as high as 6^th overall.  He is a disruptive and penetrating DT with excellent athleticism.  Will fit right in with the DL coach Jim Washburn’s aggressive, pass rushing scheme.  I see similarities to Cullen Jenkins, who is currently on the Eagles.  Cox is only 21, has room to get bigger, and can certainly improve technique.  He should be able to come in immediately and make an impact but still has room to develop. 

2(46) – Mychal Kendricks LB Cal

             Very versatile LB.  Can blitz(whens the last time the Eagles had a LB with legitimate blitzing ability?), play the run and play the pass.  In his last two years at Cal, accumulated 30 TFL, 11.5 sacks, and 3 ints.  One of the most athletic LBs in the draft.  While he is on the short side, 5-11, he does weigh 240.  Will most likely be opening week starter on the strong side for the Eagles but has versatility to play all 3 LB positions. 3 down LB who could become fan favorite with aggressive and ferocious play. Interested to see how he will fair playing behind the wide 9.  Will need to use athleticism and quickness to get around blockers as he could have issues taking on and shedding NFL OL.  Along with Demeco Ryans, should significantly improve dreadful Eagles LB corps.

2(59) – Vinny Curry DE Marshall

            Love this pick.  The Eagles traded down from 51 to 59 and recouped a 4^th rd pick to make up for trading up for Cox in rd 1.  They were still able to get incredible value with Curry, who could have been a late first rd pick.  Extremely productive, relentless motor, and wide array of moves.  Dropped due to not having ideal height, short arms and did not have a great combine.  Will be perfect in wide 9 scheme where he can just pin his ears back and get after the QB.   Not a good run defender and does not have great recognition skills.  Could be another fan favorite. 

3(88) – Nick Foles QB Arizona

            Developmental Qb.  Top intangibles.  Great size.  Good while facing pressure.  Threw for 4,300 yards in front of an all freshman OL.   3 years worth of starts.  Doesn’t have a great arm or accuracy and doesn’t have great mechanics.  Can throw some pretty balls.   Has ability to be a starting QB.  Feel confident with his mental makeup. 

4(123) Brandon Boykin CB Georgia

            Love this pick.  Personally would have grabbed him a rd earlier.  Does not have great size but is very fast.   Much better in man to man coverage than zone which fits Eagles scheme.  Ticketed for slot CB.  Willing to help in run support but not necessarily great at it.  Excellent with the ball in his hands.  Eagles had him as the top combo returner in the draft.  Would love to see him come in and take PR and KR duties.  Got dinged up a lot during college and suffered a broken foot during the senior bowl. 

5(153) Dennis Kelly OT Purdue

            Very tall @ 6-8.  Good athleticism.  Probably not enough ability for LT.  Have to trust Howard Mudd when it comes to late round OL as evidenced by Kelce last year and some of his picks during his Colts days. 

6(194) Marvin McNutt WR Iowa

            Good size.  Very productive senior year 82 1300 12.  Could provide red zone scoring ability.  I feel he is infinity better than resident big wr Riley Cooper.  Shows ability to go up for the ball and play to his size.  Inconsistent hands.  Will make highlight catches and drop easy ones.  Not overly athletic but does show some quickness and decent speed.  37 inch vertical.  Did not play great vs top competition. 

6(200) Brandon Washington OG Miami(FL)

            Played LT last year and left guard in 2010.  Will most likely play G for the Eagles.  Andy Reid was very impressed with his 2010 game tape when he played Guard.  Strong, good feet. 

7(229) Bryce Brown RB Kansas St

            Low risk.  High reward.  Was elite recruit out of HS.  Limited production in college.  Went to Tennessee and left after one year.  Sat out for one year and transferred to Kansas St where he had only 3 carries last year.  Has some pretty ridiculous HS footage out there.  Measured in at 223 lbs and was clocked between 4.37 and 4.45 in the 40 yard dash.  

Day 1 is just the beginning

By: Steve Johnson

Many think the NFL Draft is all about those big name prospects, the guys that shake Roger Goddells hand, or hugged him as it seemed last night. The NFL executives know otherwise, they know that championship teams are built in the later rounds. This is the chance they get to show how hard they worked scouting players all year round, in colleges in the middle of no where and players at big name universities that fell under the radar. Here are some Day 2 prospects that you should keep an eye out for.

Janoris Jenkins, CB North Alabama
Jenkins was an All-American at Florida and a potential top 10 pick, but he cared more about producing children and smoking weed than playing football. He's a high risk, even higher reward if some NFL veterans and coaches can get the most out of this kid.

Coby Fleener, TE Stanford and Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford
Many thought Fleener would go in the first round. He has great size (6'6) and is a great receiver. Martin is a great pass protector, keeping Andrew Luck upright for years. Both are still very lean and can use an off season in an NFL conditioning program to add bulk. Look for Luck to be whispering in his new bosses ear telling him to draft his buddies.

Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama
Another player that many expected to go in round 1, whoever gets him in the early second round will get a steal. This kid lives for football, he doesn't have the great athleticism as some of the other OLBs taken, but he can really play ball.

Devon Still,  DT, Penn State
A player that fell the past month or two on most peoples boards. Still has great size (6'5) and can really stop the run. Has NFL bloodlines, cousin of Art Still and Levon Kirkland. Came on late as a senior to be the Big Ten defensive player of the year. Could play as a 4-3 DT or a 3-4 End.

Cordy Glenn, OG, Georgia
Big, massive (6'6, 345), mauling offensive guard that has also played tackle in his career. Many thought he could make it into the first round, but obviously has slipped and could start day 1 for someone who comes up and grabs him.

Amini Silatolu, G, Midwestern State
I've raved about him in my last article and I hold my ground. This guy will be a steal. Dominated at lower level and can dominate in the NFL. Natural athlete, who could have started on any team in the country last year.

Other names to watch
Lavonte David, LB Nebraska
Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin
Stephen Hill, WR Georgia Tech
Kendall Reyes, DT UConn
Jerel Worthy, DT Michigan St
Bobbie Massie, OT, Ole Miss
Mike Adams, OT Ohio State

Quick Thoughts 17-32

17. Cincinnati. Dre Kirkpatrick

• Huge need for Cincy. Quick not fast. Could be an issue going against speed in AFC North

18. San Diego. Melvin Ingram

• Great Plaer. Surprised he fell this far. Can play multiple positions, fits SD system

19. Chicago. Shea McClellin

• Surprised by this pick. Thought he fit better into a 3-4 as an OLB. Very versatile player though.

20.  Tennessee. Kendall Wright

• Gives a young QB another weapon. Helps Kenny Britt and Chris Johnson. Wright is VERY fast

21. New England. Chandler Jones

• Great prospect, great bloodline, will be a beast in that defense, about time they have one

22. Cleveland. Brandon Weeden

• Is he going to push Colt or beat him? He's smart. Good Arm, I dunno about at 22.

23. Detroit. Riley Reiff

• Good pick to protect Stafford, probably play RT right away, and eventually LT

24. Pittsburgh. David DeCastro

• Complete BEAST, will dominate right away. Smart and mauler. Typical Steeler player

25. New England. Dont'a Hightower

• Another player that can play multiple positions in their system. Good pick. Smart player

26. Houston. Whitney Mercilus 

• Great pass rusher. Huge upside. Needs work in run game. Will replace Mario

27. Cincinnati. Kevin Zeitler

• Think this is kind of a reach. Huge need for Cincy though.

28. Green Bay. Nick Perry

• Another USC OLB for the Pack. Huge need opposite of Matthews

29. Minnesota. Harrison Smith

• Great pick. Love the value there. Think this is a steal pick. 

30. San Francisco. A.J. Jenkins

• Reach? Fast, and jumped high. But wasn't expected in the first round.

31. Tampa Bay. Doug Martin

• They got their running back to run with Blount. Quick, fast runner to compliment. 

32. New York Giants. David Wilson

• Went for a need, a little reach. Could have seen them go OL or TE

Quick Thoughts on 1-16

1. Indianapolis. Andrew Luck

• Obvious Pick, best QB prospect in recent years

2.  Washington. Robert Griffin III

• The 2nd best prospect in this draft, better thrower than most think, huge potential

3. Cleveland. Trent Richardson

• Best RB prospect since Adrian Peterson, moved up to surpass Tampa Bay from trading up

4. Minnesota. Matt Kalil

• Great LT prospect, huge need for Minnesota, another obvious pick here

5. Jacksonville. Justin Blackmon

• Jags probably had the worst WRs in the league, fills huge need for them

6. Dallas. Morris Claiborne

• Cowboys secondary was aging, needed to counter the great passing teams in NFC East

7.  Tampa Bay. Mark Barron

• Improves secondary from day 1, not the best in coverage, will need to address secondary again.

8. Miami. Ryan Tannehill

• Haven't had a legit QB since Marino, OC Sherman coached Tannehill last year at A&M

9. Luke Kuelchy. Carolina

• Going defense was a must need. Have a very legit LB corp now

10. Buffalo. Stephon Gilmore

• Another team that needs to go defense. 2nd best DB in my opinion

11. Kansas City. Dontari Poe

• Overrated, workout warrior, didn't dominate week competition. Another underachieving DL?

12. Philadelphia. Fletcher Cox

• Best player available, best DL available. Huge need. Great Pick

13. Arizona. Michael Flyod

• Love Flyod, great value here. Will compliment Fitzgerald very nicely

14. St. Louis. Michael Brockers

• Boom or bust player. Run stuffer only, no pass rush in him. Will free up LBs

15. Seattle. Bruce Irvin

• Huge reach. Pass rusher only. Possible bust. Don't understand this pick

16. New York Jets. Quinton Coples

• Don't get this pick either. Coples doesn't fit in 3-4 DE. Expected more of a OLB here

2012 NFL Draft Bold Predictions

By: Steve Johnson

You Will Know Who Amini Silatolu Is By The End Of The First Round
Who? The Guard out of Midwestern State (Texas) will be a 1st round surprise. He is a nasty mauler in the run game that will fall into the late 1st round for a team that likes to run the football (Baltimore, San Francisco, Pittsburgh). He is 6'4 315 with huge hands that really pack a punch. He played Left Tackle in college but is projected to start at Guard in the NFL.

Mark Barron Will Go In The Top 10
The Safety out of Alabama has been rising on every ones board as of late. It's not that Barron is a top 10 player, but the need for safety is overwhelming and he is the top one on the board. Barron is more of a in the box type safety and has struggled in the past in coverage. With the emergence of Tight Ends in the NFL as of late, Safeties have become more and more important.

Five Defensive Tackles Will Go In Round 1
With the impact Defensive Tackles have made over the past 5 years, we are seeing more and more teams stress the Defensive Tackle Position. Ndamukong Suh went 2nd overall two years ago and don't be surprised to see a Defensive Tackle go in the top 5 again this year. Fletcher Cox, Dontari Poe, Michael Brockers, Jerel Worthy, Kendall Reyes, and Devon Still are all names you could hear called on Day 1. Watch out!

Should I stay or should I go?

By: Steve Johnson

It's a question Eagles Head Coach and VP of Football Operations Andy Reid asks himself every year around this time. No it's not what the Eagles war room buffet should consist of for the annual NFL Draft...well OK he has two questions every year. But anyways the main question Reid asks himself and puppets is, should the Eagles trade up, trade down, or stay put in the first round. In 2003 and 2004 Reid traded up in the first round to grab Jerome McDougle, who could never stay healthy, and Shawn Andrews, who could never stay sane. In 2007 and 2008 Reid and his team traded out of the first round completely. In 2009 and 2010 they once again traded up in the first round to snag Jeremy Maclin and then Brandan Graham. Say what you want about some of Reids questionable early round picks, but one thing you cannot question is his ability to stockpile late round draft picks and turn them into starters and sometimes even pro bowlers. So the question this season is, do the Eagles trade up from 15 into the top 10 and try to get one of the few high reward picks, or do they trade down to get a number of picks in later rounds. Here are a few scenarios the Eagles are looking at days before the 2012 NFL Draft.

Eagles Current Picks
Rd 1. Pick 15
Rd 2. Pick 46
Rd 2. Pick 51 (from Arizona in Kevin Kolb trade)
Rd 3. Pick 88 (from Houston, swapped in Demeco Ryans trade)
Rd 4. Pick 114
Rd 5. Pick 153
Rd 6. Pick 172 (from Indianapolis, swapped in Winston Justice trade)
Rd 6. Pick 194 (from Denver, Broderick Bunkley trade)
Rd 6. Pick 200 (from New England, Tracy White trade)


Trade Up Into The Top 10

The Eagles are currently sitting at 15, a spot where there are some good value players, but none of which really fit in terms of need. So why not trade up? St. Louis (6th), Jacksonville (7th) and Carolina (9th) are all possible scenarios for a trade up. These teams are all young and are looking to stockpile as many picks as possible, moving back a couple spots would not hurt them. According to the Draft Value Chart , a chart used by most NFL front offices, the Eagles could move up to say 7th, by giving up their 15th overall pick, their 3rd round pick and an additional late round pick. Doing this could allow them to target a player likely to be taken before 15 such as DT Fletcher Cox, LB Luke Kuelchy, or maybe even a player such as WR Michael Floyd.

Trade Down Into The 20s

If the Eagles can't trade into the Top 10, I believe they'll ending up doing what they've done in the past and trade back to get more picks to fill out their roster. The benefit of doing such a thing this year, is the difference between getting a player at 15 and getting a player in the mid to late 20s is not significant. When looking at teams like Denver (25th) and San Francisco (30th) they could likely want to move up and grab a position of need. Or there's always the craft Bill Belichick and the Patriots, who own 2 first round picks (27 and 31) that are always looking to move around in the draft, and have shown the history to make moves with Andy and crew. A couple players to take a look at in the later part of the first round could be some of the DTs (Jerel Worthy and Michael Brockers) or maybe another secondary player in (Stephon Gilmore, Janoris Jenkins, or Dre Kirkpatrick).

No matter what the Eagles do, General Manager Howie Roseman swears the Eagles are approaching this draft differently, focusing more on game film rather than the pro day and combine stars. Whether you believe them or not, finally admitting they were wrong and addressing a huge need in trading for LB Demeco Ryans was a step in the right direction, the direction Eagles fans have been waiting years for.