*
*
The future has never looked so bright as a 30 year old Bengals fan. My first real memories of the Bengals were Super Bowl 23 and the loss to the 49ers. After that the rest of my childhood consisted of the 90's Bengals which were beyond awful. It's really amazing that a franchise could be that incompetant for an entire decade plus. The Bengals finally hired from outside the organization in 2003 and things started to get better. There was a buzz in Cincinnati about NFL football with the Marvin Lewis hiring.
We all know what has happened since then. The great 2005 season ended with Kimo von Olhoffen diving into Carson Palmer's knee and it kind of went downhill from that. Yeah there was the 09 playoff appearance, but in 2005 it looked like Cincinnati might have a team that would be in the playoffs year after year. It wasn't in the stars.
Fast forward to this off-season. It's supposed to be rebuilding time. The franchise QB says he'd rather retire than play here anymore and the Chad Johnson/Ochocinco era comes to an end with a trade to the Patriots. National pundits are picking the Bengals to have the worst record in the NFL and they are the favorites to have the number one pick in next year's draft and get Andrew Luck. They take AJ Green in the first round of the draft and Andy Dalton in the second. A rookie QB and WR and no OTA's due to the lockout, no way this team has a shot to go .500 much less have a good season.
Well so far Dalton and Green are looking like one of the best rookie QB/WR duos in the history of the NFL. Mike Zimmer has the defense playing like a top five unit. The defensive line is as good as it's ever been in Cincy. They are stuffing the run and getting to the QB on a regular basis using an eight man rotation, thus keeping everyone fresh. The offensive line is playing extremely well and the running game is more than adequate.
There is major excitement about this team in this city and by Bengals fans across the country. The biggest reason is this team is very young and already this good. Things are only going to get better with the more experience this team gains. Last Sunday they went toe to toe with a Steelers team many are saying is the best in the AFC. They got off to a slow start but for the last three quarters the Bengals looked like the better team not the Steelers.
As Bengals fans we all know what the situation is with this team right now. They have beyond exceded the expectations of most fans and now find themselves contenders to make the playoffs and maybe even win a game or two once they get there. For me, everything else that happens this year is just icing on the cake. What really gets me excited as a fan is what could happen with this team in 2012, 2013, 2014, and even beyond.
Thanks to Carson Palmer's refusal to play here anymore, Mike Brown's stubborness, and Jason Campbell landing on the IR at the hands of the Cleveland Browns, the Bengals now have two picks in the first round in next year's draft and likely an additional second rounder in the 2013 draft. Also Jonathon Joseph left via free agency to sign with Houston and the Bengals will likely get a third round compensatory pick for that loss. That's right the Bengals are looking at nine picks within the first three rounds of the next two drafts. They are already the second youngest team in the NFL and are loaded with talent at just about every position group. That means most of these draft picks are going to be used not to fill a starting role immediately, but to add depth to a team that is already young, talented, and stocked at every position.
This team also sits way under the salary cap and within a couple years has to be within 99% of the cap number which means Mike Brown will have to spend money. Now some of that will be used to extend contracts of current players and they should get Dalton and Green signed long term after next season. There also will be money left to go to some veteran free agents to add a nice mix of veterans with a team that is loaded with young players in their first five years in the NFL.
The bottom line is this team is poised to make a couple Super Bowl runs within the next 4 or 5 years. The pieces are in place at the key positions: QB, O line, D line, WR, and CB. Well they could use some extra depth at CB and I'm sure that's coming next off season either in the draft or free agency. They also need to upgrade the Guard position. Other than that they can draft just about wherever they want and take the best players available to them on their draft board.
When the Bengals last made the Super Bowl I was six years old. Now I have a son that is three years old and I am hoping the love for the Bengals passes on to him with him getting to see the Cincinnati Bengals play in a Super Bowl while he is at a young age and it plants a seed in him to be a fan for life like it did for me. Only this time with the Bengals coming out on top. We all want better things for our kids!
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Friday, November 18, 2011
2012 NFL Mock Draft
*based on current NFL standings.
1. Indianapolis Colts- Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
Andrew Luck is going to be the first overall pick whether the Colts take him or not. They could trade this pick and get a king's ransom if they decide not to go with Luck as the future of their franchise. I personally would take Luck and have him sit for a year and then trade Peyton Manning. Yeah as a Colts fan that would stink to see Manning go somewhere else, but ask Packer fans how trading Favre has worked out for them.
2. St. Louis Rams- Matt Kalil, OT, USC
The Rams have taken Offensive Tackles high in the first round a lot lately and they haven't worked out great. I've been mocking Justin Blackmon here to give Bradford that legit number one WR, but I think the Rams are going to go with the player higher on the board. Kalil comes from a family with NFL bloodlines and his brother Ryan is a dominant offensive lineman in the NFL right now. This will also allow the Rams to move Saffold to RT and Jason Smith to Guard where he belongs with his short arms.
3. Miami Dolphins- Matt Barkley, QB, USC
The Dolphins are definitely taking a QB in next year's draft. They screwed up and won some games this year that are meaningless and have basically taken themselves out of the Andrew Luck sweepstakes. That being said, in other years Barkley could very well have been a number one overall pick himself and I think can still be a very good NFL QB. He's definitely an upgrade over what they currently have at Miami right now.
4. Carolina Panthers- Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
The Panthers have their franchise QB in Cam Newton. Now they are going to do everything they can to make sure he has a shot to succeed and that starts with getting him some weapons other than Steve Smith. Smith has wanted a legit threat opposite him for years to help take some of the pressure and coverage off of him.
5. Minnesota Vikings- Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina
Jared Allen has been an absolute beast this year leading the NFL in sacks. Other than Allen, no on else is getting any pressure on the QB at all. The Vikings are in a division with Green Bay and to beat the Packers you have to get to Rodgers. It's going to take more than just Allen to do that.
6. Cleveland Browns- Alshon Jeffrey, WR, South Carolina
Cleveland passed on Julio Jones in this year's draft and they still don't have any weapons on the outside. Some think McCoy is not the man for the job and Cleveland should take a QB, but I think they should at least try to get him some weapons and see what he can do. Jeffrey would give them a legit number one WR, something they've been missing since they came back into the league.
7. Washington Redskins- Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma
There is no way that Washington doesn't take a QB if one of the top three QB's are on the board when they pick in the first round. Mike Shanahan doesn't wanna watch another season of Rex Grossman or John Beck playing QB.
8. Seattle Seahawks- Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU
Seattle has the best young Safety duo in the NFL and if they land Claiborne may be on the way to having the best secondary in the NFL. Claiborne is right up there talent wise with Patrick Peterson who was a top five pick in last year's draft and is the best CB of this loaded class of CB's. I'm sure the fans in Seattle will hope for a QB to fall to them but at this point the top 3 are gone and there isn't another worth the pick this high.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars- Nick Toon, WR, Wisconsin
This would be a shock and a huge reach in a lot of people's eyes, but the Jags have pulled some shockers on draft day. They miss out on the DE they need with Coples gone and both elite WR's are gone. Toon isn't too far behind though, he has good size, speed, hands, and can stretch the field vertically. The Jags current options at WR aren't very good and they have Gabbert their future QB they need to get him some weapons.
10. Arizona Cardinals- Jonathon Martin, OT, Stanford
If the Cards are picking 10th and Martin is still there they will be ecstatic. Martin is a top 5 talent and it's a huge position of need with two players at Tackle that are over paid and under performing. This will allow them to cut at least one of them and get rid of that salary.
11. Philadelphia Eagles- Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State
Who would have thought that the "Dream Team" would be picking this high. A big reason is the defense, especially the LB's. It's a mix of poor run and pass defense and that usually points to bad LB play. Burfict will give them someone in the middle that goes sideline to sideline and makes plays.
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama
Talib may be heading to prison and Ronde Barber has to be close to retirement right? Behind those two there isn't much there and CB depth is a must in the NFC South where you have Brees, Ryan, and now Newton who all throw the ball a ton.
13. Kansas City Chiefs- Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa
This will allow KC to move Albert to Guard where he's better suited. The Chiefs also need another pass rusher in their 3-4 defense, but Pioli is of the Patriots belief that you get those tweener DE/OLB players in later rounds. They value the OT much more. That and Haley is an offensive minded coach and that will win out come draft day.
14. Denver Broncos- Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama
The Broncos are going to be a team that runs a ton as long as John Fox is there, and Tim Tebow. Fox doesn't currently like the backs on that roster and tried to over pay to bring in DeAngelo Williams. As a Bengals fan I'd kind of like to see Richardson in orange and black, but I'm not a big believer in taking a RB in the first round.
15. San Diego Chargers- Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB, Alabama
The Chargers have had a need for a pass rusher since they made Shawn Merriman stop taking steroids. Larry English is officially a bust. Upshaw is the best of the 3-4 edge pass rushers in this class.
16. Dallas Cowboys- Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama
The Cowboys are super thin at CB. At the beginning of the season undrafted rookies were starting. Newman is getting old and Mike Jenkins is afraid to tackle. Janoris Jenkins started at Florida as a true freshman and would likely be a top ten pick if not for the weed arrest. I don't think that'll bother Jerry Jones. He passed on Moss years ago and regretted it and then hit on Dez Bryant, both with "character concerns".
17. Tennessee Titans- Manti Te'o, LB, Notre Dame
The Titans current group of LB's is way below average. Their defensive line and Cortland Finnegan have carried their defense so far this year. They have lacked a quality LB really since Keith Bullock. Te'o will give them a leader and a playmaker in the middle of that defense.
18. Cleveland Browns- Micheal Floyd, WR, Notre Dame
That's right, if I'm Mike Holmgren I'm taking two first round WR's and solidifying the position for the next decade with two playmakers that will make opposing defenses play honest and not be able to just roll coverage over to Jeffrey. This gives Colt McCoy no excuses if he can't succeed with these two it's time to find a new QB.
19. Buffalo Bills- Brandon Jenkins, DE/OLB, Florida State
The Bills really need a legit pass rusher coming off the edge in the worst way. They drafted Aaron Maybin before Chan Gailey got there and put in the 3-4 defense and Maybin doesn't fit the system.
20. New York Jets- Alameda Ta'amu, DT, Washington
Quality Nose Tackles are almost impossible to find. Kris Jenkins has basically been on IR the last three seasons. Because of this the Jets run defense hasn't been as dominant as it was. If you run a 3-4 defense things are ten times easier when you have that quality Nose Tackle that takes up blockers.
21. Cincinnati Bengals- David DeCastro, OG, Stanford
The two biggest needs heading into next year's draft will likely be CB and OG. This draft class is loaded at CB. With this pick from Oakland I would take DeCastro if he's still available. He's the best interior offensive lineman in this class. DeCastro is a mauler in the run game and can more than hold his own against the pass.
Livings has struggled this year and basically has been unimpressive since he began starting for the Bengals. Bobbie Williams is good but running out of time as an NFL player. They took Boling in last year's draft which I believe will turn out to be a very good pick. This pick though could give them a line that is as dominant as the 2005 offensive line with Jones, Steinbach, Braham, Williams, and Anderson. With the weapons they have in the passing game and a good young QB the sky is the limit for this offense if they can get a line like this: Whitworth, DeCastro, Cook, Williams/Boling, Smith.
22. Detroit Lions- Barrett Jones, OT, Alabama
Jones' stock has been on the rise all year and he's now a legitimate first round prospect. The Lions have needed an upgrade over Backus at LT for years. They seem to like Backus and I don't know why. Jones could likely play either Guard or Tackle position and that versatility will make him that much more valuable and the Lions could use help all over that line.
23. Cincinnati Bengals- Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska
Since Janoris Jenkins is already gone Dennard is the pick here. I really hope the Raiders lose enough games for the Bengals to get Jenkins. I think he's the best CB in this draft and would be a top 5 pick if not for the arrest. That said Dennard is a good player as well. I think he's a perfect compliment from Hall who is more a technician. Dennard is quick with good hips and shifty and can cover both outside and slot WR's while Hall covers the bigger stronger WR's, Dennard can cover the quicker smaller WR's that make more cuts.
Jenkins, Dennard, or Minnifield would be acceptable picks for me in the first round. Either way they need to add depth to the CB position. Leon Hall is out for the year and if Adam Jones can't stay healthy that could be costly if Kelly Jennings doesn't start showing some improvement fast. The Bengals are set up to make a run at a Super Bowl in the next few years and they need as many good CB's as they can get in a pass happy NFL.
24. Chicago Bears- Mike Brewster, OC, Ohio State
The Bears need a Center to replace Olin Kruetz who left for the Saints and then retired. Their offensive line has been less than mediocre for years and they haven't really had the picks to improve it losing two first rounders in the Cutler trade.
25. Baltimore Ravens- Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College
Ozzie Newsome doesn't draft for need he takes the best player on the board that fits their scheme. Kuechly is it here and could be the heir apparent to Ray Lewis in the middle of that defense.
26. New York Giants- Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson
Like the Ravens the Giants don't really draft for need and their GM loves taking defensive lineman in the first round. Especially when it's a steal like Thompson is this late. Why not having a defensive line loaded with depth and talent won them a Super Bowl.
27. New England Patriots- Ronnell Lewis, DE/OLB, Oklahoma
This has to be the year the Patriots use both of their first round picks and get themselves a pass rusher early. I know they won Super Bowls by taking those tweener types later in the draft, but the rest of the NFL has caught on and they are going much earlier now. The Pats simply can not ignore their pass rush another year the defense has been below average in New England, if it was middle of the pack they would probably be the favorites to win the Super Bowl.
28. New England Patriots- Jeff Fuller, WR, Texas A&M
Don't get me wrong the Patriots have a good offense, but teams are starting to realize they can just sit on their short routes. They don't really have a big WR threat on the outside that can challenge them deep. Fuller would give them a different type of WR with a big body that will make teams play them honest.
29. Houston Texans- Ryan Broyles, WR, Oklahoma
Most have a mid to late second round grade on Broyles, no way he should go that late. Broyles is a great player I don't care what his size is, he goes up over bigger defenders and comes down with the ball. He has great hands, is shifty, quick, fast, and gets seperation quickly and easily. He would be a perfect compliment to Andre Johnson in Houston. On a side note I feel bad for Texans fans, they finally look like they will make the playoffs and lose Schaub for the year giving them no chance to make a deep run.
30. San Francisco 49ers- Mark Barron, SS, Alabama
The Niners took Taylor Mays in the 2nd a couple years ago and that didn't work out at all for them. Now they still have a hole at SS and Barron is the best Safety in this draft. If it doesn't work out they can always trade him to the Bengals for a 7th rounder.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers- Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State
I hate seeing Buckeyes go to the Steelers, it makes it harder to root for them. They do need some major help on the offensive line in Pittsburgh though. For the last few years Ben has been getting killed and their starters always seem to be injured. Really i'm suprised they've won as much as they have lately. That just proves defense wins championships.
32. Green Bay Packers- Levy Adcock, OT, Oklahoma State
When you are in a position like Green Bay where you don't have many, if any, holes then you should add first round talent/depth to the offensive line to protect what may be the best QB in football right now. Rodgers is definitely the favorite to win the MVP this year. Every chance they get they should be adding someone to that O line as early as they can in drafts to keep him as protected as possible. If I'm GM in Green Bay I want all my backup offensive lineman to be top notch and keep Rodgers protected.
1. Indianapolis Colts- Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
Andrew Luck is going to be the first overall pick whether the Colts take him or not. They could trade this pick and get a king's ransom if they decide not to go with Luck as the future of their franchise. I personally would take Luck and have him sit for a year and then trade Peyton Manning. Yeah as a Colts fan that would stink to see Manning go somewhere else, but ask Packer fans how trading Favre has worked out for them.
2. St. Louis Rams- Matt Kalil, OT, USC
The Rams have taken Offensive Tackles high in the first round a lot lately and they haven't worked out great. I've been mocking Justin Blackmon here to give Bradford that legit number one WR, but I think the Rams are going to go with the player higher on the board. Kalil comes from a family with NFL bloodlines and his brother Ryan is a dominant offensive lineman in the NFL right now. This will also allow the Rams to move Saffold to RT and Jason Smith to Guard where he belongs with his short arms.
3. Miami Dolphins- Matt Barkley, QB, USC
The Dolphins are definitely taking a QB in next year's draft. They screwed up and won some games this year that are meaningless and have basically taken themselves out of the Andrew Luck sweepstakes. That being said, in other years Barkley could very well have been a number one overall pick himself and I think can still be a very good NFL QB. He's definitely an upgrade over what they currently have at Miami right now.
4. Carolina Panthers- Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
The Panthers have their franchise QB in Cam Newton. Now they are going to do everything they can to make sure he has a shot to succeed and that starts with getting him some weapons other than Steve Smith. Smith has wanted a legit threat opposite him for years to help take some of the pressure and coverage off of him.
5. Minnesota Vikings- Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina
Jared Allen has been an absolute beast this year leading the NFL in sacks. Other than Allen, no on else is getting any pressure on the QB at all. The Vikings are in a division with Green Bay and to beat the Packers you have to get to Rodgers. It's going to take more than just Allen to do that.
6. Cleveland Browns- Alshon Jeffrey, WR, South Carolina
Cleveland passed on Julio Jones in this year's draft and they still don't have any weapons on the outside. Some think McCoy is not the man for the job and Cleveland should take a QB, but I think they should at least try to get him some weapons and see what he can do. Jeffrey would give them a legit number one WR, something they've been missing since they came back into the league.
7. Washington Redskins- Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma
There is no way that Washington doesn't take a QB if one of the top three QB's are on the board when they pick in the first round. Mike Shanahan doesn't wanna watch another season of Rex Grossman or John Beck playing QB.
8. Seattle Seahawks- Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU
Seattle has the best young Safety duo in the NFL and if they land Claiborne may be on the way to having the best secondary in the NFL. Claiborne is right up there talent wise with Patrick Peterson who was a top five pick in last year's draft and is the best CB of this loaded class of CB's. I'm sure the fans in Seattle will hope for a QB to fall to them but at this point the top 3 are gone and there isn't another worth the pick this high.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars- Nick Toon, WR, Wisconsin
This would be a shock and a huge reach in a lot of people's eyes, but the Jags have pulled some shockers on draft day. They miss out on the DE they need with Coples gone and both elite WR's are gone. Toon isn't too far behind though, he has good size, speed, hands, and can stretch the field vertically. The Jags current options at WR aren't very good and they have Gabbert their future QB they need to get him some weapons.
10. Arizona Cardinals- Jonathon Martin, OT, Stanford
If the Cards are picking 10th and Martin is still there they will be ecstatic. Martin is a top 5 talent and it's a huge position of need with two players at Tackle that are over paid and under performing. This will allow them to cut at least one of them and get rid of that salary.
11. Philadelphia Eagles- Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State
Who would have thought that the "Dream Team" would be picking this high. A big reason is the defense, especially the LB's. It's a mix of poor run and pass defense and that usually points to bad LB play. Burfict will give them someone in the middle that goes sideline to sideline and makes plays.
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama
Talib may be heading to prison and Ronde Barber has to be close to retirement right? Behind those two there isn't much there and CB depth is a must in the NFC South where you have Brees, Ryan, and now Newton who all throw the ball a ton.
13. Kansas City Chiefs- Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa
This will allow KC to move Albert to Guard where he's better suited. The Chiefs also need another pass rusher in their 3-4 defense, but Pioli is of the Patriots belief that you get those tweener DE/OLB players in later rounds. They value the OT much more. That and Haley is an offensive minded coach and that will win out come draft day.
14. Denver Broncos- Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama
The Broncos are going to be a team that runs a ton as long as John Fox is there, and Tim Tebow. Fox doesn't currently like the backs on that roster and tried to over pay to bring in DeAngelo Williams. As a Bengals fan I'd kind of like to see Richardson in orange and black, but I'm not a big believer in taking a RB in the first round.
15. San Diego Chargers- Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB, Alabama
The Chargers have had a need for a pass rusher since they made Shawn Merriman stop taking steroids. Larry English is officially a bust. Upshaw is the best of the 3-4 edge pass rushers in this class.
16. Dallas Cowboys- Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama
The Cowboys are super thin at CB. At the beginning of the season undrafted rookies were starting. Newman is getting old and Mike Jenkins is afraid to tackle. Janoris Jenkins started at Florida as a true freshman and would likely be a top ten pick if not for the weed arrest. I don't think that'll bother Jerry Jones. He passed on Moss years ago and regretted it and then hit on Dez Bryant, both with "character concerns".
17. Tennessee Titans- Manti Te'o, LB, Notre Dame
The Titans current group of LB's is way below average. Their defensive line and Cortland Finnegan have carried their defense so far this year. They have lacked a quality LB really since Keith Bullock. Te'o will give them a leader and a playmaker in the middle of that defense.
18. Cleveland Browns- Micheal Floyd, WR, Notre Dame
That's right, if I'm Mike Holmgren I'm taking two first round WR's and solidifying the position for the next decade with two playmakers that will make opposing defenses play honest and not be able to just roll coverage over to Jeffrey. This gives Colt McCoy no excuses if he can't succeed with these two it's time to find a new QB.
19. Buffalo Bills- Brandon Jenkins, DE/OLB, Florida State
The Bills really need a legit pass rusher coming off the edge in the worst way. They drafted Aaron Maybin before Chan Gailey got there and put in the 3-4 defense and Maybin doesn't fit the system.
20. New York Jets- Alameda Ta'amu, DT, Washington
Quality Nose Tackles are almost impossible to find. Kris Jenkins has basically been on IR the last three seasons. Because of this the Jets run defense hasn't been as dominant as it was. If you run a 3-4 defense things are ten times easier when you have that quality Nose Tackle that takes up blockers.
21. Cincinnati Bengals- David DeCastro, OG, Stanford
The two biggest needs heading into next year's draft will likely be CB and OG. This draft class is loaded at CB. With this pick from Oakland I would take DeCastro if he's still available. He's the best interior offensive lineman in this class. DeCastro is a mauler in the run game and can more than hold his own against the pass.
Livings has struggled this year and basically has been unimpressive since he began starting for the Bengals. Bobbie Williams is good but running out of time as an NFL player. They took Boling in last year's draft which I believe will turn out to be a very good pick. This pick though could give them a line that is as dominant as the 2005 offensive line with Jones, Steinbach, Braham, Williams, and Anderson. With the weapons they have in the passing game and a good young QB the sky is the limit for this offense if they can get a line like this: Whitworth, DeCastro, Cook, Williams/Boling, Smith.
22. Detroit Lions- Barrett Jones, OT, Alabama
Jones' stock has been on the rise all year and he's now a legitimate first round prospect. The Lions have needed an upgrade over Backus at LT for years. They seem to like Backus and I don't know why. Jones could likely play either Guard or Tackle position and that versatility will make him that much more valuable and the Lions could use help all over that line.
23. Cincinnati Bengals- Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska
Since Janoris Jenkins is already gone Dennard is the pick here. I really hope the Raiders lose enough games for the Bengals to get Jenkins. I think he's the best CB in this draft and would be a top 5 pick if not for the arrest. That said Dennard is a good player as well. I think he's a perfect compliment from Hall who is more a technician. Dennard is quick with good hips and shifty and can cover both outside and slot WR's while Hall covers the bigger stronger WR's, Dennard can cover the quicker smaller WR's that make more cuts.
Jenkins, Dennard, or Minnifield would be acceptable picks for me in the first round. Either way they need to add depth to the CB position. Leon Hall is out for the year and if Adam Jones can't stay healthy that could be costly if Kelly Jennings doesn't start showing some improvement fast. The Bengals are set up to make a run at a Super Bowl in the next few years and they need as many good CB's as they can get in a pass happy NFL.
24. Chicago Bears- Mike Brewster, OC, Ohio State
The Bears need a Center to replace Olin Kruetz who left for the Saints and then retired. Their offensive line has been less than mediocre for years and they haven't really had the picks to improve it losing two first rounders in the Cutler trade.
25. Baltimore Ravens- Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College
Ozzie Newsome doesn't draft for need he takes the best player on the board that fits their scheme. Kuechly is it here and could be the heir apparent to Ray Lewis in the middle of that defense.
26. New York Giants- Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson
Like the Ravens the Giants don't really draft for need and their GM loves taking defensive lineman in the first round. Especially when it's a steal like Thompson is this late. Why not having a defensive line loaded with depth and talent won them a Super Bowl.
27. New England Patriots- Ronnell Lewis, DE/OLB, Oklahoma
This has to be the year the Patriots use both of their first round picks and get themselves a pass rusher early. I know they won Super Bowls by taking those tweener types later in the draft, but the rest of the NFL has caught on and they are going much earlier now. The Pats simply can not ignore their pass rush another year the defense has been below average in New England, if it was middle of the pack they would probably be the favorites to win the Super Bowl.
28. New England Patriots- Jeff Fuller, WR, Texas A&M
Don't get me wrong the Patriots have a good offense, but teams are starting to realize they can just sit on their short routes. They don't really have a big WR threat on the outside that can challenge them deep. Fuller would give them a different type of WR with a big body that will make teams play them honest.
29. Houston Texans- Ryan Broyles, WR, Oklahoma
Most have a mid to late second round grade on Broyles, no way he should go that late. Broyles is a great player I don't care what his size is, he goes up over bigger defenders and comes down with the ball. He has great hands, is shifty, quick, fast, and gets seperation quickly and easily. He would be a perfect compliment to Andre Johnson in Houston. On a side note I feel bad for Texans fans, they finally look like they will make the playoffs and lose Schaub for the year giving them no chance to make a deep run.
30. San Francisco 49ers- Mark Barron, SS, Alabama
The Niners took Taylor Mays in the 2nd a couple years ago and that didn't work out at all for them. Now they still have a hole at SS and Barron is the best Safety in this draft. If it doesn't work out they can always trade him to the Bengals for a 7th rounder.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers- Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State
I hate seeing Buckeyes go to the Steelers, it makes it harder to root for them. They do need some major help on the offensive line in Pittsburgh though. For the last few years Ben has been getting killed and their starters always seem to be injured. Really i'm suprised they've won as much as they have lately. That just proves defense wins championships.
32. Green Bay Packers- Levy Adcock, OT, Oklahoma State
When you are in a position like Green Bay where you don't have many, if any, holes then you should add first round talent/depth to the offensive line to protect what may be the best QB in football right now. Rodgers is definitely the favorite to win the MVP this year. Every chance they get they should be adding someone to that O line as early as they can in drafts to keep him as protected as possible. If I'm GM in Green Bay I want all my backup offensive lineman to be top notch and keep Rodgers protected.
Friday, November 4, 2011
2012 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings
Top 10 Prospects at Each Position
Quarterbacks:
1. Andrew Luck, Stanford
2. Matt Barkley, USC
3. Landry Jones, Oklahoma
4. Robert Griffin III, Baylor
5. Ryan Tannehill, Texas A&M
6. Nick Foles, Arizona
7. Brandon Weeden, Oklahoma State
8. Kirk Cousins, Michigan State
9. Kellen Moore, Boise State
10. Case Keenum, Houston
Runningbacks:
1. Trent Richardson, Alabama
2. Chris Polk, Washington
3. Lamar Miller, Miami
4. Montee Ball, Wisconsin
5. Doug Martin, Boise State
6. Cyrus Gray, Texas A&M
7. Isaiah Pead, Cincinnati
8. LaMicheal James, Oregon
9. David Wilson, Virginia Tech
10. Christine Micheal, Texas A&M
Wide Receivers:
1. Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State
2. Alshon Jeffrey, South Carolina
3. Micheal Floyd, Notre Dame
4. Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma
5. Nick Toon, Wisconsin
6. Jeff Fuller, Texas A&M
7. Dwight Jones, North Carolina
8. Juron Criner, Arizona
9. Mohamed Sanu, Rutgers
10. T.Y. Hilton, Florida International
Tight Ends:
1. Dwayne Allen, Clemson
2. Coby Fleener, Stanford
3. Orson Charles, Georgia
4. Tyler Eifert, Notre Dame
5. Micheal Egnew, Missouri
6. David Paulson, Oregon
7. George Bryan, NC State
8. Rhett Ellison, USC
9. Ladarius Green, Louisiana-Lafayette
10. Micheal Williams, Alabama
Offensive Tackles:
1. Matt Kalil, USC
2. Jonathon Martin, Stanford
3. Riley Reiff, Iowa
4. Levy Adcock, Oklahoma State
5. Mike Adams, Ohio State
6. Zebrie Sanders, Florida State
7. Nate Potter, Boise State
8. Matt Reynolds, BYU
9. Mike Ryan, Connecticut
10. Brandon Mosley, Auburn
Offensive Guards:
1. David DeCastro, Stanford
2. Cordy Glenn, Georgia
3. Kelechi Osemele, Iowa State
4. Kevin Zeitler, Wisconsin
5. Ryan Miller, Colorado
6. Don Barclay, West Virginia
7. Jaymes Brooks, Virginia Tech
8. Desmond Wynn, Rutgers
9. Lonnie Edwards, Texas Tech
10. Rokevious Watkins, South Carolina
Defensive Ends:
1. Quinton Coples, North Carolina
2. Melvin Ingram, South Carolina
3. Brandon Jenkins, Florida State
4. Vinny Currey, Marshall
5. Andre Branch, Clemson
6. Brandon Lindsay, Pittsburgh
7. Frank Alexander, Oklahoma
8. Devin Taylor, South Carolina
9. Cam Johnson, Virginia
10. Jake Bequette, Arkansas
Defensive Tackles:
1. Brandon Thompson, Clemson
2. Alameda Ta'amu, Washington
3. Josh Chapman, Alabama
4. Jared Crick, Nebraska
5. Jerel Worthy, Michigan State
6. Kendall Reyes, Connecticut
7. Kheeston Randall, Texas
8. Dontari Poe, Memphis
9. Billy Winn, Boise State
10. Marcus Forston, Miami
Linebackers:
1. Vontaze Burfict, Arizona State
2. Luke Kuechly, Boston College
3. Manti Te'o, Notre Dame
4. Courtney Upshaw, Alabama
5. Ronnell Lewis, Oklahoma
6. Kevin Reddick, North Carolina
7. Zach Brown, North Carolina
8. Donta Hightower, Alabama
9. Travis Lewis, Oklahoma
10. Keenan Robinson, Texas
Cornerbacks:
1. Morris Claiborne, LSU
2. Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama
3. Janoris Jenkins, North Alabama
4. Stephon Gilmore, South Carolina
5. Alfonzo Dennard, Nebraska
6. Cliff Harris, Oregon
7. Jayron Hosley, Virginia Tech
8. Coryell Judie, Texas A&M
9. Brandon Boykin, Georgia
10. Chase Minnifield, Virginia
Safeties:
1. Mark Barron, Alabama
2. TJ McDonald, USC
3. Ray Ray Armstrong, Miami
4. Robert Lester, Alabama
5. Markelle Martin, Oklahoma State
6. Winston Guy, Kentucky
7. Trenton Robinson, Michigan State
8. Eddie Whitley, Virginia Tech
9. Trumaine Johnson, Montana
10. Tony Dye, UCLA
Thursday, November 3, 2011
NFL Mid Season Awards
*
*
It's about the halfway point so here are Cincy Sports Live's Mid Season Awards for the 2011 NFL season. There's one on here that will absolutely shock Bengals fans!
Rookie of the Year: Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers
At this point Newton has more passing yards than Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers. I am personally shocked at how well he came out of the gate. I honestly thought Newton was going to be a bust and had him pegged as the next Vince Young. I was dead wrong! He can throw the ball with the best of them. Yeah he has some interceptions and a losing record but the future is bright in Carolina. Also considered was Andy Dalton and AJ Green who are also having spectacular rookie seasons.
Biggest Suprise Team: San Francisco 49ers
They are currently 6-1 and have beaten some good teams to get there. Their only loss was an overtime game against Dallas that they should have won. Yeah the Bengals, Bills, and Lions are also big suprises, but I saw the Bills show signs the 2nd half of last year. The Lions have a lot of talented players. The Bengals have had a good defense for a few years now. SF has also but the play of Alex Smith and their secondary has been a shock to me.
Biggest Disappointment of a Team: Philadelphia Eagles
This was a no brainer. The supposed "Dream Team" as they were dubbed by Vince Young has flopped coming out of the gate. They are showing some signs of life lately and can still make a run at 3-4, but with the talent they have in Philly there's no way this team should be under .500 seven games into the season.
Coach of the Year: Tom Coughlin, New York Giants
I know most people are picking Jim Harbaugh and/or Jim Schwartz for this award, and a few Chan Gailey, but I think Coughlin has done the best job. His team has been decimated by injury. The Giants play in the tough NFC East. He is coaching in the pressure cooker that is New York City. No one thought the Giants would be 5-2 right now after that preseason with all the injuries and contract drama, great job Coach Coughlin.
Executive of the Year: Mike Brown, Cincinnati Bengals
For anyone that is a Bengals fan this is a shocker. I never thought I'd see the day when Mike Brown won any kind of award relating to success in football. Right now though he's the executive of the year and is likely the favorite to win the real thing at the end of the year. Look at the draft the Bengals had this year, right now it's looking like the best in the NFL. Also he pulled off one of the most one sided trades ever by trading a washed up Carson Palmer who didn't even play here anymore anyway. What he got in return was a 1st round pick and a 2nd round pick that could become a first, but I doubt it will Palmer isn't leading any team to the AFC Championship. Either way most were calling for him to trade Palmer for a 3rd or 4th just to get something. The perfect storm happened and now the future is bright in Cincinnati, finally! (AM I DREAMING!)
Defensive Player of the Year: Jared Allen, Minnesota Vikings
To me this isn't even close. I know Minnesota is having a bad year, but Allen has 12.5 sacks which leads the NFL. He also has 3 forced fumbles which I believe also leads the NFL and an interception. He is dominating games this year and he has a chance at the all time single season sack record. He is doing this on a team that has only won two games and his team has trailed a lot which makes it remarkable that he has that many sacks when he hasn't had nearly as many chances as other players due to teams not having to throw the ball against Minnesota.
Offensive Player of the Year: Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions
I give this award to a non QB since they always seem to win the MVP awards. Calvin is having a huge year leading the entire NFL in TD's for any position and 3rd in the NFL in receiving yards. He is basically uncoverable and has almost single handily carried the Detroit Lions offense and made them a playoff contender for the first time in a long time. Calvin has been there for many of the terrible years so I'm happy for him they are finally winning in Detroit.
Coordinator of the Year: Jay Gruden, Cincinnati Bengals
The job Jay has done with a rookie QB and a rookie number one WR is amazing. Also the fact that he did this in his first year with the Bengals, bringing in a new system and not having an off season to implement it during a lock out is unbelievable. Not to mention this is his first coordinator job in the NFL. I don't think Jay is going to be eligible for this award very long as teams will be knocking on his door for head coaching jobs very soon.
Suck for Luck Award: Indianapolis Colts
The Dolphins are right up there with them, but the Colts are now looking just pathetic. They lost 62-7 on a Sunday Night Game. Have some professional pride. For years people have said the Colts are a 4 win team without Manning. Well those people were wrong, because they'll be lucky if the win two games.
The I Got My Money Now I'm Gonna Suck Award: Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans
I gotta come up with a better name for this award, but you get the picture. It happens all the time in sports, someone gets that big contract and they are terrible afterwards. So congrats Chris Johnson you are that guy. You got your money now your gonna give no effort. I almost could tell this was gonna happen just by the way the guy acts.
The White Guy Cliche Award: High Motor
This year the white guy cliche is when the talking heads talk about white defensive lineman that are good it's they have a high motor or a motor that doesn't quit. Runner up would be talking about any white slot WR as a "Wes Welker Type"
MVP: Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
This guy has it all. He is coming off a Super Bowl win and his team has shown no hangover signs so far starting off 7-0. He has a cool celebration with the whole championship belt thing. I'm sure he has a smoking hot girlfriend or wife as well. If you are Aaron Rodgers life is good.
*
It's about the halfway point so here are Cincy Sports Live's Mid Season Awards for the 2011 NFL season. There's one on here that will absolutely shock Bengals fans!
Rookie of the Year: Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers
At this point Newton has more passing yards than Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers. I am personally shocked at how well he came out of the gate. I honestly thought Newton was going to be a bust and had him pegged as the next Vince Young. I was dead wrong! He can throw the ball with the best of them. Yeah he has some interceptions and a losing record but the future is bright in Carolina. Also considered was Andy Dalton and AJ Green who are also having spectacular rookie seasons.
Biggest Suprise Team: San Francisco 49ers
They are currently 6-1 and have beaten some good teams to get there. Their only loss was an overtime game against Dallas that they should have won. Yeah the Bengals, Bills, and Lions are also big suprises, but I saw the Bills show signs the 2nd half of last year. The Lions have a lot of talented players. The Bengals have had a good defense for a few years now. SF has also but the play of Alex Smith and their secondary has been a shock to me.
Biggest Disappointment of a Team: Philadelphia Eagles
This was a no brainer. The supposed "Dream Team" as they were dubbed by Vince Young has flopped coming out of the gate. They are showing some signs of life lately and can still make a run at 3-4, but with the talent they have in Philly there's no way this team should be under .500 seven games into the season.
Coach of the Year: Tom Coughlin, New York Giants
I know most people are picking Jim Harbaugh and/or Jim Schwartz for this award, and a few Chan Gailey, but I think Coughlin has done the best job. His team has been decimated by injury. The Giants play in the tough NFC East. He is coaching in the pressure cooker that is New York City. No one thought the Giants would be 5-2 right now after that preseason with all the injuries and contract drama, great job Coach Coughlin.
Executive of the Year: Mike Brown, Cincinnati Bengals
For anyone that is a Bengals fan this is a shocker. I never thought I'd see the day when Mike Brown won any kind of award relating to success in football. Right now though he's the executive of the year and is likely the favorite to win the real thing at the end of the year. Look at the draft the Bengals had this year, right now it's looking like the best in the NFL. Also he pulled off one of the most one sided trades ever by trading a washed up Carson Palmer who didn't even play here anymore anyway. What he got in return was a 1st round pick and a 2nd round pick that could become a first, but I doubt it will Palmer isn't leading any team to the AFC Championship. Either way most were calling for him to trade Palmer for a 3rd or 4th just to get something. The perfect storm happened and now the future is bright in Cincinnati, finally! (AM I DREAMING!)
Defensive Player of the Year: Jared Allen, Minnesota Vikings
To me this isn't even close. I know Minnesota is having a bad year, but Allen has 12.5 sacks which leads the NFL. He also has 3 forced fumbles which I believe also leads the NFL and an interception. He is dominating games this year and he has a chance at the all time single season sack record. He is doing this on a team that has only won two games and his team has trailed a lot which makes it remarkable that he has that many sacks when he hasn't had nearly as many chances as other players due to teams not having to throw the ball against Minnesota.
Offensive Player of the Year: Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions
I give this award to a non QB since they always seem to win the MVP awards. Calvin is having a huge year leading the entire NFL in TD's for any position and 3rd in the NFL in receiving yards. He is basically uncoverable and has almost single handily carried the Detroit Lions offense and made them a playoff contender for the first time in a long time. Calvin has been there for many of the terrible years so I'm happy for him they are finally winning in Detroit.
Coordinator of the Year: Jay Gruden, Cincinnati Bengals
The job Jay has done with a rookie QB and a rookie number one WR is amazing. Also the fact that he did this in his first year with the Bengals, bringing in a new system and not having an off season to implement it during a lock out is unbelievable. Not to mention this is his first coordinator job in the NFL. I don't think Jay is going to be eligible for this award very long as teams will be knocking on his door for head coaching jobs very soon.
Suck for Luck Award: Indianapolis Colts
The Dolphins are right up there with them, but the Colts are now looking just pathetic. They lost 62-7 on a Sunday Night Game. Have some professional pride. For years people have said the Colts are a 4 win team without Manning. Well those people were wrong, because they'll be lucky if the win two games.
The I Got My Money Now I'm Gonna Suck Award: Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans
I gotta come up with a better name for this award, but you get the picture. It happens all the time in sports, someone gets that big contract and they are terrible afterwards. So congrats Chris Johnson you are that guy. You got your money now your gonna give no effort. I almost could tell this was gonna happen just by the way the guy acts.
The White Guy Cliche Award: High Motor
This year the white guy cliche is when the talking heads talk about white defensive lineman that are good it's they have a high motor or a motor that doesn't quit. Runner up would be talking about any white slot WR as a "Wes Welker Type"
MVP: Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
This guy has it all. He is coming off a Super Bowl win and his team has shown no hangover signs so far starting off 7-0. He has a cool celebration with the whole championship belt thing. I'm sure he has a smoking hot girlfriend or wife as well. If you are Aaron Rodgers life is good.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Reds vs Blue Jays Game 2
*
*
It's the 4th inning of the 2nd game against the Blue Jays and the Reds are down 2-0 and Toronto has a runner on 3rd with no outs. They just got a triple and now scored on a sac fly to make it 3-0. The triple should never have been a triple it was pure laziness that let that runner get to 3rd base.
Here we go again the Reds play against good teams and fold up and play like they don't know what they are doing. This is getting rediculous. This team is never going to get anywhere if they can't play with the big boys. They aren't going to go to the playoffs just by beating up on the bad teams like they did last year.
I am sick of this. This team has the talent to play with anyone, but it's something in their mindset they just play like they don't belong when a good team comes to town. I doubt they are going to have their magical come back like they do against teams like the Cubs and Astros.
Edinson Volquez is not a focused player either. So far this game he has thrown a fielded bunt down the right field line and missed a ball thrown by Votto when he was covering first. Last game he had the two base running errors. It's like he just doesn't care out there. He signed only a one year contract because he thought he could have a good season and get more money. No team that cares about winning will want a player like Volquez. The Rangers got one over on the Reds trading him for Josh Hamilton. Now the Reds need to try to package him in a trade before the trade deadline. Get him out of here. I can't stand him. He doesn't care about winning and I don't want him on this team anymore. Hopefully they can package him, Grandal, and Alonso and bring Reyes to town to play SS.
Anyways Votto just grounded out and the Reds are going to lose this game at a time when the Brewers are playing the Red Sox and the Cardinals have lost 7 in a row. This was an opportune time to take over first place once again, but it's not going to happen. They are going to lose today and will be lucky if they don't get swept and next they have the Yankees coming to town. So now that the Reds have gotten themselves within a couple games they are going to fall apart and another losing streak is on it's way. Just wait and see it's unfortunately going to happen.
*
It's the 4th inning of the 2nd game against the Blue Jays and the Reds are down 2-0 and Toronto has a runner on 3rd with no outs. They just got a triple and now scored on a sac fly to make it 3-0. The triple should never have been a triple it was pure laziness that let that runner get to 3rd base.
Here we go again the Reds play against good teams and fold up and play like they don't know what they are doing. This is getting rediculous. This team is never going to get anywhere if they can't play with the big boys. They aren't going to go to the playoffs just by beating up on the bad teams like they did last year.
I am sick of this. This team has the talent to play with anyone, but it's something in their mindset they just play like they don't belong when a good team comes to town. I doubt they are going to have their magical come back like they do against teams like the Cubs and Astros.
Edinson Volquez is not a focused player either. So far this game he has thrown a fielded bunt down the right field line and missed a ball thrown by Votto when he was covering first. Last game he had the two base running errors. It's like he just doesn't care out there. He signed only a one year contract because he thought he could have a good season and get more money. No team that cares about winning will want a player like Volquez. The Rangers got one over on the Reds trading him for Josh Hamilton. Now the Reds need to try to package him in a trade before the trade deadline. Get him out of here. I can't stand him. He doesn't care about winning and I don't want him on this team anymore. Hopefully they can package him, Grandal, and Alonso and bring Reyes to town to play SS.
Anyways Votto just grounded out and the Reds are going to lose this game at a time when the Brewers are playing the Red Sox and the Cardinals have lost 7 in a row. This was an opportune time to take over first place once again, but it's not going to happen. They are going to lose today and will be lucky if they don't get swept and next they have the Yankees coming to town. So now that the Reds have gotten themselves within a couple games they are going to fall apart and another losing streak is on it's way. Just wait and see it's unfortunately going to happen.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Should Reds Make Big Trade Deadline Move
*
*
The trade deadline is a little more than 6 weeks away and the big question is should the Reds make a move or moves? If so should it be a big splash or a small tweak? Also where should they address on the roster? These are all questions that will be answered in the next six weeks.
One option for them is to make zero trades and bring up some guys from Louisville. The Reds have to get more production at the plate from SS and LF. They have the hot hitting Zach Cozart batting almost .350 in AAA and he should provide more than what Janish and Renteria are giving them right now. For LF they could bring up Yonder Alonso, Hermida, or Sappelt.
Another option is to make the huge trade for Reyes. If they did this they could be gambling the future, but at the same time it would make them contenders to win the World Series this year. This time probably should win the Central as is, or at least with what they have in Louisville combined with the big league club. If they went out and got Reyes though they would probably have the best lineup in baseball and pretty good pitching to go with that. The Reds have the ammo to do this if they chose to. If they did their lineup would look like this:
1. Reyes, SS
2. Phillips, 2B
3. Votto, 1B
4. Bruce, RF
5. Rolen, 3B
6. Stubbs, CF
7. Heisey, LF
8. Hernandez/Janish, C
That is a sick lineup having a guy the quality of Stubbs who is one of the top leadoff guys in baseball batting 6th. His strikeouts wouldn't matter as much there and his power could pay off even more at that spot. To pull this trade off though you would probably be looking at giving up Alonso, Grandal the first round pick at Catcher a couple years ago, and Bailey or someone else that is a quality pitcher. That is a lot to give up, but I think Heisey is the future at LF and Alonso is going to have a hard time finding playing time on this team. Grandal is a good prospect and quality Catchers are hard to find, but they already have two good ones at the MLB level and Meseraco waiting in Louisville. They also currently have six quality starting pitchers for five spots. Now that is a great problem to have due to constant injuries of pitchers, but it would be worth it if they could land Reyes.
If this team is going to win it all they need to have the best everyday lineup and hope their pitching is just good enough to hang with a rotation like the Phillies and their offense can dominate compared to a weak Phillies offense. They could go after a bonafide ace, but they aren't going to get the talent to outduel the Phillies rotation so what they can do to beat them is to have an offense that is that much better than the Phillies. That's their best shot to get to the World Series and getting Reyes would give them enough to at least make things interesting.
*
The trade deadline is a little more than 6 weeks away and the big question is should the Reds make a move or moves? If so should it be a big splash or a small tweak? Also where should they address on the roster? These are all questions that will be answered in the next six weeks.
One option for them is to make zero trades and bring up some guys from Louisville. The Reds have to get more production at the plate from SS and LF. They have the hot hitting Zach Cozart batting almost .350 in AAA and he should provide more than what Janish and Renteria are giving them right now. For LF they could bring up Yonder Alonso, Hermida, or Sappelt.
Another option is to make the huge trade for Reyes. If they did this they could be gambling the future, but at the same time it would make them contenders to win the World Series this year. This time probably should win the Central as is, or at least with what they have in Louisville combined with the big league club. If they went out and got Reyes though they would probably have the best lineup in baseball and pretty good pitching to go with that. The Reds have the ammo to do this if they chose to. If they did their lineup would look like this:
1. Reyes, SS
2. Phillips, 2B
3. Votto, 1B
4. Bruce, RF
5. Rolen, 3B
6. Stubbs, CF
7. Heisey, LF
8. Hernandez/Janish, C
That is a sick lineup having a guy the quality of Stubbs who is one of the top leadoff guys in baseball batting 6th. His strikeouts wouldn't matter as much there and his power could pay off even more at that spot. To pull this trade off though you would probably be looking at giving up Alonso, Grandal the first round pick at Catcher a couple years ago, and Bailey or someone else that is a quality pitcher. That is a lot to give up, but I think Heisey is the future at LF and Alonso is going to have a hard time finding playing time on this team. Grandal is a good prospect and quality Catchers are hard to find, but they already have two good ones at the MLB level and Meseraco waiting in Louisville. They also currently have six quality starting pitchers for five spots. Now that is a great problem to have due to constant injuries of pitchers, but it would be worth it if they could land Reyes.
If this team is going to win it all they need to have the best everyday lineup and hope their pitching is just good enough to hang with a rotation like the Phillies and their offense can dominate compared to a weak Phillies offense. They could go after a bonafide ace, but they aren't going to get the talent to outduel the Phillies rotation so what they can do to beat them is to have an offense that is that much better than the Phillies. That's their best shot to get to the World Series and getting Reyes would give them enough to at least make things interesting.
Reds lose to Blue Jays
*
*
In the first game of the resuming of interleague play the Reds lost to the Blue Jays 3-2. They were coming off of a 5-2 west coast road trip and had won three straight with a sweep of the Dodgers. As a Reds fans obviously I was hoping for a win, but not just for the obvious reason. I wanted this team to keep up the momentum and build a serious winning streak. Just a couple weeks ago the Reds were down 6.5 games in the division to the Cardinals and the Brewers and I thought this team was in trouble.
Fast forward to present day, they are only 2 games behind the Brewers and 1 game behind the Cardinals. The Brewers are about to lose tonight so no ground will be lost to them and the Cards are tied with the Royals late in the game. After tonight's games they will still only be two back in the division. They could have gained ground though and been only one game out of first place.
The Reds have the best team in the Central and should win this division. The starting pitching is coming around and if they can keep up anything near what they've been doing the last few times through the rotation they will win it. They have a better offense and by far a better defense than the rest of the division. In a long season like they play in MLB things will average out to how good your team is and with the Reds basically being better in about every category they will average out to more wins than the other teams in the Central.
*
In the first game of the resuming of interleague play the Reds lost to the Blue Jays 3-2. They were coming off of a 5-2 west coast road trip and had won three straight with a sweep of the Dodgers. As a Reds fans obviously I was hoping for a win, but not just for the obvious reason. I wanted this team to keep up the momentum and build a serious winning streak. Just a couple weeks ago the Reds were down 6.5 games in the division to the Cardinals and the Brewers and I thought this team was in trouble.
Fast forward to present day, they are only 2 games behind the Brewers and 1 game behind the Cardinals. The Brewers are about to lose tonight so no ground will be lost to them and the Cards are tied with the Royals late in the game. After tonight's games they will still only be two back in the division. They could have gained ground though and been only one game out of first place.
The Reds have the best team in the Central and should win this division. The starting pitching is coming around and if they can keep up anything near what they've been doing the last few times through the rotation they will win it. They have a better offense and by far a better defense than the rest of the division. In a long season like they play in MLB things will average out to how good your team is and with the Reds basically being better in about every category they will average out to more wins than the other teams in the Central.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)