Battle of the Brads: Part 1

Okay, okay, it is FINALLY here. Part 1 of the Battle of the Brads!!! I am going to make this a two part series because the debates got a little heated, and a little long. These guys really did their homework.

For those who do not know “The Brads” here are some quick one-liners.
Brad Denny aka “B-Denny” or “BraDney” is the Team Manager and Captain of the Those Guys Softball team and a self-proclaimed NFL Guru.
Brad Golden aka “Golden Boy” or “Cool Brad” is from Illinois, an avid Bears fan, father of two, and future physical therapist.

Debate Format: The Questions are in bold and underlined, with The Brads taking turns answering first, followed by the other’s rebuttal. Part 2 will be up within a week. I want to leave ample time for our comments to Part 1.

Here we go!

Question 1: Best and worst offseasons?

Denny: Ok, this kills me, but yeah….the Patriots. The only measuring stick of an offseaon’s quality should be what level of a contender you are when it’s done, and clearly, the Pats did the best, as they are most everyone’s Super Bowl favorite right now. We all know who they added, so no need to rehash that, and their most notable loss was Corey Dillon, who I think took carries away from Laurence Maroney. With Dillon out of the way, I can see a massive season for Maroney. The other big story is Asante Samuel, who is good, but not THAT good. People are overlooking their first round selection of Brandon Merriweather, who has Sean Taylor talent, and can play both corner and safety.
Worst? So many choices. Giants? Losing Tiki, really doing nothing to replace him (c’mon….Droughns? Ha). They had the weakest LB corps in the NFL, and did nothing to fix that, and the entire team hates the head coach. Atlanta? Vick has little respect of his team, has proven he is not ever going to be a top quarterback, have a new coach, and STILL do not have a legit WR (Horn is 3 seasons past his prime). Detroit? They still have Millen. ‘Nuff said. Chicago? The defense is going to suffer a ton with Rivera’s departure and the ongoing Briggs and Tank situations. Letting TJ go is a very risky move, and they still have a very questionable QB situation. The Bengals? Bringin’ the thuggish. But I will say the Titans. They were a surprise 8-8 team that made a serious playoff run, but this offseason has killed them. Obviously, the Pac-man suspension (as right and just as move that has ever been made) takes the attention, but Drew Bennett’s absence was in no way filled, as their current trio of WRs combined for 37 catches last season. David Givens and Brandon Jones? They have no RB, as LenDale white is eating his way out of the NFL, and if Combine wonder Chris Henry can’t do well at the University of Arizona, how the hell can he do it in the NFL? They signed Nick Harper to replace Pac-Man, but he is no where near the same quality cover man, and the team will seriously miss Pac-Man’s return skills (3 PR TD’s). From a playoff push to a top 5 draft pick.

Golden: I can’t even try to disagree with you that New England made the best moves this off-season. Unlike BraDney, I think it’s worth seeing these names again. Read and cry. The one thing Tom Brady needed was a receiving threat. Did he get one? No. He got three. For a mere 4^th rounder, they got the 4.29-Moss. On the other side of the field? Donte Stallworth, who proved a play-making threat in his own right last year. With all of that field-stretching, who is underneath? Solid possession-receiver Wes Welker, to compliment the excellent receiving TE Ben Watson. Oh… and who did I say was throwing to these guys? Best-quarterback-in-the-league, Tom Brady? Damn. I disagree that Dillon merely stole carries from Maroney, however. Dillon was a nice changeup in the offense, was still productive with his carries, and still had a nose for the endzone. The additions of Adalius Thomas and rookie Merriweather improve the defense, and let’s not forget that they got San Fran’s #1 pick in next year’s draft also. A dream off-season.
So who screwed the pooch? I see that we agree that the Titans will fall from grace this year. Vince Young’s rookie season was exciting and impressive, following the Titan’s “titanic” mistakes of starting Billy Volek and Kerry Collins. But another team had a worse off-season. Brace yourself BraDney, this is gonna sting. The Pittsburgh Steelers had the worst off-season. You know… “BraDney” was a pretty lame idea. I’ll just call you BD.…sounds like a venereal disease. BD. “Ball Disease”.. hey, maybe that’s why you make that high-pitched, squealy sound when someone disagrees with you!….. You’re doing it now, aren’t you? Look at the facts, BD. Bill Cowher led the Steelers to 10 playoff births, 8 division titles, and 2 Super Bowls in his 15 loyal years with Pittsburgh. He is gone. With little fanfare or appreciation, I might add. The creative offensive mind of Whisenhunt is gone. Those aren’t the only blunders the front office has committed. Joey Porter is gone, and Alan Faneca wants out. The chemistry is crumbling already, and they looked pretty poor last season, as it was. I know, I know. You’re gonna tell me all about the rookies they’re bringing in and then spill some numbers all over me, but face it, man… no rookie can replace what they have lost, and no system flourishes in its first season. The Steelers are drowning. It’s beginning to look like when the Bus left town, the Steelers’ desire to win hitched a ride.

Question 2: Daunte Culpepper’s next team?

Golden: You gotta love the irony of this. Just one season removed from a messy break-up with the Vikings, Culpepper has already worn out his much-ballyhooed welcome in Miami, and who has the most glaring need at quarterback? Minnesota. Miami wasted a 2nd rounder for the rights to Daunte; a pick that the Vikings used to select WR Sidney Rice… who now has to chase down balls thrown by Tarvaris Jackson and Brooks Bollinger. I’m not foolish enough to think that either parties would swallow their pride and reconcile their differences, however. Just enjoying the irony.
I see a couple of teams that make sense (other than Minnesota): Atlanta, maybe Detroit; but the question asks where he will be, not what makes sense. I see that the Jags are talking about acquiring Daunte, so that makes them a player. Del Rio has clearly become disenfranchised with Leftwich. The gallantry of his Marshall heroics through injury have worn thin, and now everyone is sick of hearing about his injuries. Garrard is a threat with his legs, but is too inconsistent with his decision-making. Perhaps Del Rio sees the potential of combining Leftwich’s injury-proneness with Garrard’s poor decision-making in obtaining Culpepper. Perhaps Del Rio likes the idea of having three black QB’s on his depth chart. He would be a hero to the black community, and a Trivial Pursuit question for the ages. Whatever his reason for pursuing Culpepper, Jacksonville is a potential new home for Daunte.
But what does my gut say? The surprise team that will land Culpepper will be…. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It will happen like this: The Jags will drop their pursuit when the Dolphins ask too much for Daunte. By the time training camp, preseason, and 3-4 games of the season are done, Gruden will have burned through Chris Simms, Brad Gradkowski, Jake Plummer, Jeff Garcia, Jeff George, Jeff Blake, and anyone else named Jeff who can throw a football. He will go after Culpepper, who will be more attainable, as the Dolphins will be itching to lose him bad by then. Don’t think Gruden won’t do it. We’re talking about a guy who chased Jake Plummer, despite his threats to retire. Gruden goes through QB’s like you go through beer tours at OC’s. Alcoholic bastard. Before season’s end, Daunte is a Buc.

Denny: OK, well time for a legit answer. It’s down to two teams – Jacksonville and Baltimore. Baltimore has Steve McNair, a player who is clearly on his last legs. He had a solid season, but showed serious signs of age as the season progressed. They also have Kyle Boller, who has proven nothing other than that he is not a true starter in this league, and will ikely depart Baltimore following the season. He could land there, sit a year and then take over when McNair breaks down or retires. Possible, but the most likely. I say Jacksonville. Perhaps the biggest reason Culpepper would go to the Jags is one that Golden missed…Mike Tice. Tice is currently an Assistant Head Coach with the Jags, knows Culpeper than just about anyone, and was Culpepper’s coach during his most successful seasons. This is likely Leftwich’s last season in Jacksonville, unless he can lead them to 11+ wins, which I doubt.

Question 3: Which quarterback is on the shortest leash?

Denny: A lot of people will say Charlie Fry, since they drafted hometown hero Brady Quinn. They are wrong. Romeo Crennel is on the hot seat, so he will stick with the veteran as long as they have a playoff chance. The answer is Jake Delhomme. The memories of his Super Bowl heroics are long forgotten, and the shadow of David Carr looms large. The Panthers believe they are contenders, they had a fantastic draft, and can not afford to subject themselves to the Canjun’s maddeningly inconsistent play. The signing of Carr was a great deal, and I think if the Panthers start 1-3 or so (and they have an easy schedule), Carr get’s the nod.

Golden: Brad, you ignorant slut. Granted, Delhomme’s seat has warmed up a bit with the arrival of Carr, but his seat is not the hottest. And I’m not feeling your optimistic appraisal of Carr. Delhomme only threw 17 TD’s to 11 picks in 13 games last year. His “bad” year. That’s horrid. Especially next to Carr’s 11 TD’s and 12 INT’s in 16 games… oh wait. Am I missing something? I guess I just don’t see why all the hoopla over Carr. No… I answered this question earlier. The shortest leash is on Jeff Garcia, (or whoever ends up starting in Tampa). In fact, Gruden is out in the park walking all of his QB’s together, with little, tiny, short leashes, scooping their poo as he goes. The Bucs are only one year removed from the playoffs, and I think Gruden is dumb enough to think that they’re getting back there this year… if only he can get one of his damn quarterbacks to sit, or rollover, or fetch, or… throw touchdowns! That is why Daunte will be a Buc before the season ends. Because Gruden is the Buccaneer coach, their starting QB is on the shortest leash.

Question 4: Excluding LT who will have the greatest Fantasy impact next year?

Golden: Our format saw these players leading in points at season’s end:
1) LT
2) Steven Jackson
3) Peyton Manning
4) Larry Johnson
5) Brian Westbrook
6) Drew Brees
7) Frank Gore
Other than perhaps an outside shot by Tom Brady, I see no reason to believe that one of these above players will not follow LT as this season’s point leader. Brady has a legitimate chance if Belichick implements a wide-open passing offense which includes Maroney catching balls out of the backfield, like I think he should. Frank Gore has the potential, but the Niners don’t spend enough time on the scoring side of the field for Gore to get the TD’s. I’m not convinced Alex Smith will improve enough this year to change that quite yet. So it comes down to Jackson or Johnson for me. Kansas City has handed the reins over to Damon Huard and have Croyle waiting in the wings. Huard had a nice season last year, but how many one-hit-wonders have we seen at the QB position? It’s possible that it just took Huard ten years to figure it out. Rich Gannon did. But I’m not sold on Huard. With too few receiving threats and Huard at the helm, I think that LJ will take a beating this year. Stephen Jackson has the benefit of a successful offensive system, with Bulger slinging to Holt, Bruce, and the addition of McMichael at TE. Not to mention that Jackson is a featured player in the passing game. Ninety receptions last season with 3 TD’s. Because our league rewards receptions, and Jackson has the supporting cast, he will overtake LJ as the #2 fantasy point-getter.

Denny: It’s a three horse race between Larry Johnson, Frank Gore, and Steven Jackson. Johnson’s rushing numbers will decline, as the Chief’s offensive line is no where near as good as it once was, but Herm “You play to win the game” Edwards does want LJ to be a much bigger part of the passing game. Recently, Herm said he wanted LJ to have about 60 receptions, up 20 from 2006. I doubt LJ gets 1,700 rushing yards again, but I think 1,400 on the ground and another 600 receiving is possible. Steven Jackson has stated that his goal this season is 2,500 total yards, which would break the NFL record. Last season he was reminiscent of another Rams dual threat, Marshall Faulk. Jackson complied 1,528-13 on the ground and added another 806-3 on a staggering 90 receptions. I foresee an increase in the rushing numbers, at least yards, but the wildcard here in rookie Brian Leonard. Technically a fullback, Leonard is a versatile back who proved at Rutgers he can be a featured runner, as well as very skilled receiver. He could dig in to those numbers. As for Gore, he had a monster year with nearly 1,700 on the ground and nearly another 500 on 61 catches. He could very well maintain those rushing numbers, and add to his total of 8 rushing TD, but I see his receptions falling to somewhere between 40-50. Why? Unlike the last few seasons, the Niners actually have someone to throw to. Alex Smith made great strides last season, and the steal of Darrell Jackson from the division rival Seahawks was one of the best under-the-radar moves of the offseason. Ashley Lelie should do well in the #2 role, and I expect a healthy and productive breakout year from TE Vernon Davis. Even #3 WR Arnaz Battle went fro 58-686-3 last season. That should create room for Gore to run, but limit the number of balls he’ll catch. With all that being said, I say, in order, Jackson, Gore, LJ. In fact, I say this…..Jackson has more fantasy points that LT.

Guest Blogger: Corey Bennett is back for more!

In light of the dead-air (and the impending Battle of the Brads), Corey volunteered to fill the void with a few post-NBA finals reflections.

1. I knew the Spurs would sweep the Cavs. In fact, I said it before the series began (see Dave’s previous post). There are two simple reasons for the sweep: San Antonio is championship-caliber and Cleveland is not. That’s right. Keep sobbing all you underdog-loving, LeBron-bandwagoneers. Cleveland is still just one of the better teams in the Eastern Conference. But did anyone notice that ESPN.com’s “top performers” scoreboard featured (almost exclusively) everyone but LeBron? He managed to finish each game with respectable numbers…for a second-class superstar. The Cavs looked like the Bulls of the early-90s, but without the dominant superstar or perfect sidekick. Would the Bulls have won anything (even a first-round series) with Bill Wennington, B.J. Armstrong and Horace Grant running the show? Didn’t think so. The truth is LeBron is clearly more of a self-alleged global brand than he is an “all-time great.” Every year, every series, every game I see is an affirmation that no one will ever touch MJ’s greatness.

2. I knew the Spurs would look underwhelming in their sweep of the Cavs. I can’t downplay Tim Duncan’s steady, underappreciated play in recent years. He is a great player. Tony Parker is improving. Ginobli isn’t half-bad either. But how can one ignore so many lackluster performances that resulted in a championship? I’m not saying the Spurs weren’t the best team in the playoffs, but they were boring to watch and their “stars” were disappointing in at least one game each. On a side note, Robert Horry now has seven championship rings. I’ll give you a second to wipe the vomit from your chin. If I had the time and inclination, I’d try to dig up other undeserving, highly-decorated players—just to prove it can happen—but it’s too depressing to spend any more time thinking about.

3. I knew the media would dub the Spurs a dynasty. Some say it’s hard to make a strong argument against it. But seriously, is the threshold four titles in nine years (and three in five) for attaining such a status? Wait a minute! There is an argument against it! The Spurs won in 1999, 2003, 2005 and 2007. What happened in between? The Lakers had a “dynasty in 2000-2002, the Pistons won in 2004, and the Heat in 2006. So the Spurs dynasty spans 1999-2007 but there was another dynasty within that time? Huh?!?! It really doesn’t matter. It’s mostly semantics—just aimless conversation, the outcome of which doesn’t have much of an impact on anything. The Lakers, Celtics and Bulls dynasties hold a place in basketball history much more revered than that which the Spurs occupy. The Spurs would have to win next year and probably one more to justify inclusion in the same breath…which leads me to my last point…
4. I know the Spurs won’t win the NBA championship next year. Yeah, I’m a little uneasy going out on that limb because I know the volatility of the Suns and the underachieving tendencies of the Mavs. Something tells me both of those teams will be hungrier and the Spurs won’t be so lucky. The Nuggets will have a full season with Melo and AI. The Jazz will mature. Who knows what a Kobe or KG trade would do to the balance of power, not to mention how Durant and Oden could make the Sonics and Blazers playoff contenders. Where is the East in all of this? I have no freakin’ clue. All I can say is “Keep on keepin’ on Baby Bulls!”

Less Rants, More Facts

Hey Everyone,

Sorry about the delay in getting this posted, but studying for the bar is not only taking away my will to live by draining my soul; the time commitment has prevented me from updating this regularly. This week I am opting for a shorter list. Also be prepared, by the end of next week I hope to have the first edition of The Battle of the Brads!!!

Okay I said less rants, not “no rants”… so here we go!

1. I know Tank Johnson deserves more than an eight game suspension, under the NFL's new conduct policy. This furthers Pacman's argument that he was only being made an example of. Again I go back to the fact he was not CONVICTED of anything! Who cares that he went to a strip club the night before? Going to the strip club is not a crime! Do you know what a crime is? Carrying around 6 firearms when you are a felon is a freaking crime!! Tank Johnson was convicted and went to jail, but he only was suspended for 8 games??? I'll take a guy that goes to strip clubs over a felon who carries multiple firearms ANY day! Also I bet you any amount of money his eight games will be reduced to six, and that Pacman's will remain the entire season. It just isn't right. I bet Pacman would go sit in jail right now for sixty days if it meant his suspension would be reduced from 16 to 6. Its like he is being punished for having a good lawyer. Also on a side note, I read that Tank Johnson spent $700 on junk food while in prison for 60 days. Thats just FAT!

2. I know this is not Bill Belichick's last hurrah. There are numerous articles and "insiders" talking about how Belichick is building up for one last hurrah? Why?? I don't get it. He has never indicated this is his last year coaching. Just because his former mentor did that, doesn’t mean he will do the same thing. He is arguably the best coach in the league. Even if New England went 2-14 next season I doubt the Pats would WANT to get rid of him, and numerous teams would dump their current head coaches to sign him. Sure he has made some huge moves lately, but the Patriots are well within the salary cap, and most of the deals he has made are short term. I don't think they are short term, because he has short term goals, I think they are short term because Bill has zero player loyalty, and he wants to dump these players when he is done with them. He has been avoiding "mortgaging" the franchise's future to win now. I argue he has done the opposite, by signing shorter contracts, there are less future cap hits, and he has even added a first rounder to next year's draft. Plus, what does he have after this? Nothing. His three kids are in college, he was recently divorced from his wife, and his mistress is married to another man! There is absolutely nothing to go home to. I doubt he is going to give up coaching the league's perennial powerhouse to go into broadcasting. Belichick is just trying to do what every coach is trying to do. Win a damn Super Bowl.

3. I know this dog-fighting issue will plague Vick all season. Most recent reports indicate that there is sufficient evidence to indict Vick on his illegal dog-fighting ring. I believe that even if found guilty he would not receive jail time, and any jail time he did receive would not be a substantial amount. Best case scenario for Vick is that the Virginia DA would hurry up and decide if he is going to press charges, and if so, sooner is better than later. The sooner they press charges, the sooner Vick can plead out, accept probation, and move on with his life. The longer they drag this out, the greater the chance it will carry into the NFL season. Then Vick will be forced to defend the case while trying to keep his job as the starting QB of the Falcons. Once charges are filed, Vick is entitled to a speedy trial. Not a right he will welcome if charges are filed in August. So Vick could spend the beginning of the 2007-08 season dealing with his legal troubles. Moreover, unlike with Pacman, Goodell will come out and say he will wait for the legal system to run its course, before he makes a decision on Vick (no rationale to explain the hypocrisy in that decision... but watch, it WILL happen). So in November, when Vick finally wraps up his case, Goodell will suspend him for two games. By that time, it will probably be irrelevant, because with the distraction all season long, and the competitive NFC south, the Falcons will probably be out of playoff contention anyways.

4. I know Asante Samuel has every reason to hold out on the Pats. The Patriots have absolutely zero player loyalty. They ask for the world, but then fail to reward you after the fact. They have let good players such as Willie McGinest, Ty law, Deon Branch, David Givens, and Adam Vinatieri go after they contributed to winning multiple Super Bowls. I’d also like to point out they have won a total of ZERO Super Bowls AFTER they let these players go. Asante Samuel had a break out season (10 interceptions and 65 tackles!!!), and was a big part in the Pat's success last season, but for some reason only known to the Pats, they refuse to give Samuel a new contract. For a team that has been forced to start a wide receiver at cornerback, you think they would put a premium on that position. The Patriots party line is that it is just business and nothing personal. Well then Asante, I say HOLD OUT. It’s just business. Why risk an injury on a one year contract. You've earned your big paycheck, now just sit until you get it. I love this sitting until week 10 deal. Wait til week ten, report to the team, get a years credit toward your pension, and also the pro-rated portion of the average of the top five salaries at your position for those last six games (Which at CB will be 7.79 Million). Business is business and there is too much money on the line to be loyal to a team that isn’t loyal to you.

5. I know the San Antonio Spurs will win the NBA championship. The Spurs are hot. They were 23-6 after the all-star break. They continued their great play in the playoffs only losing one game in the Denver and Utah series, and only two games in the Suns series for a playoff record of 12-4. Lebron was unbelievable in overtime win over Detroit scoring 29 of Cleveland’s last 30 points, including ALL their points on BOTH overtime periods. Also the Cavs are 2-0 verse the Spurs this year. However, I don’t think they can pull off the upset. The Cavs would still be proud of themselves if they lost, which they should be, but that takes away some of your hunger. By contrast, the Spurs would consider the season to be a waste if they failed to win the Championship. The Spurs hunger, multiple “go-to” players, and their experience should be enough to prevail over a one man show. I think it will take 5 games for the Spurs to win their 4^th NBA Championship in eight years.

There are your facts people. Be sure to leave some comments!