Tuesday, June 19, 2007

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 others 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 4th 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.

20 comments:

Corey said...

Finally, someone has the co-jones to talk football...

Question one:
I'd love to disagree on who had the best off-season, but I can't. The truth is Moss is past his prime (he may relapse into his immaturities at some point) and Stallworth isn't all that special, but it's Tom Brady throwing the ball to them. I don't think Maroney is all that good, but he's got the Pats O-line in front of him. Samuel was a huge pickup for the Pats. Sprinkle in the rest and there isn't much room for disagreement.

As for the worst, there are so many ways to approach the question. Which team's off-season will knock them out of Super Bowl contention? Out of playoff contention? Or which team failed get off the bottom? Atlanta certainly look doomed to be equally bad. The Giants didn't really replace Tiki. The Bears lost Briggs and TJ and didn't replace either. For the sake of choosing someone different, I'm choosing the 'Skins. After a 5-11 season in which they were 31st in total defense, they haven't made any moves of real significance...unless you count Landry at the #6 pick (who by the way missed practice last week after getting shot in the groin with a paintball). Even with the 4th best rushing offense, they're still forced to start Brunell or Campbell and when they don't have the ball they've got to depend on the second-worst defense.

Question two:
Who will be Daunte's next team? I'm going to surprise you with this pick: Philadelphia...wait for it...the Philadelphia Soul! That's right! By the end of this season I foresee Daunte will have been spat out the bottom of the NFL, spent a few weeks in the San Fernando Valley doing low-budget porn, and used his last $200 to fly Southwest Airlines to Philly for a tryout with Arena Football's most "soul-ful" team.

Question three:
Who's the QB on the shortest leash? It should be Jake Delhomme because if you can't win games throwing to Steve Smith and Dwayne Jarrett, you just can't win. But I also don't buy Carr being a real long-term threat for JD. I can't pick just one. There are so many teams lacking strength at QB. We could see different guys taking snaps in the same game more than we have in a while.

Question four:
Who will be next year's best fantasy player besides LT? Probably LJ or Steven Jackson. My wild-card choice would be Reggie Bush. I'll wait for Dave to stop laughing...

Sure, it took him half the season to find his footing, but that was to be expected. Now that Sean Payton figured out how to get the most out of him, I expect to see more consistent numbers. I'm going out on a limb, but as long as Brees doesn't hang him out to dry like he did against Philly in the playoffs, he's got a shot to put up big numbers.

Ricardo said...

Hey, this Battle of the Brads thing was a great idea. Loved the format.

Question 1: Best and worst offseasons?
Best: Pats. The Chargers would have been right up there if they would have fired Marty and signed Cameron right after the playoff debacle. I think if Cameron would have gotten the early nod, the mass exodus could have been avoided. Imagine Marty gone, all else the same, plus Ron Rivera.
Worst offseason: LaVar Arrington

Question 2: Daunte Culpepper’s next team?
No idea. I just hope he's Victor's fantasy quarterback again.

Question 3: Which quarterback is on the shortest leash?
I don't know if Mike Vick is on a short leash, but they definitely got him in a choke collar. Umm... let's go with Andrew Walter. Yes, he's still on the roster.

Question 4: Excluding LT who will have the greatest Fantasy impact next year?
Who knows. Probably LJ. His contract may be up and the end of the year.

Brad said...

Pac-Man just charged with two felonies from the Vegas shooting. Suck on that David, your favorite thug you ignorantly defend will never see an NFL field again

bgolden said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
bgolden said...

Another good one from The Onion.

http://www.theonion.com/content/
news/pac_man_jones_i_will_be_nowhere

Brad said...

"MADRID, Spain -- Thierry Henry is leaving Arsenal to sign with Barcelona in one of European soccer's major transfers of the offseason.

Barcelona will pay $32 million for the 29-year-old forward, who agreed to a four-year contract, Cadena Ser radio and the newspaper El Pais said Friday. Barcelona planned to announce the signing on Saturday."

Wow...even still, Ruud Van Nistelrooy is still the man in La Liga.

Corey said...

Ruud's the man. But I can't stand Real Madrid. If Barca hang on to Eto'o and strengthen their defense, they'll be runaway winners next year.

As for Arsenal, what a loss! Less some unforeseen major acquisitions, I think my Tottenham Hotspur may be able to move into the top 4 in the EPL.

Ricardo said...

Woo!

Here is my starting lineup for Barcelona next year:

Eto'o
Henry
Messi
Dos Santos
Ronaldihno
Deco
Puyol
Marquez

and any other three fools. It won't matter. They are unbelievably stacked!

I wish they'd upgrade their left back and their keeper, though. Andres Guardado at left-back would turn this team into the most offensive club in the last forty years (back to when teams would play with five forwards).

Corey said...

Dude, Puyol is gonna be recovering from surgery until September or October, and Rafa hasn't been too sharp this year, so like I said: Barca need to upgrade the back...but their goal differential is gonna be extraordinary next year. I'm expecting several 5+ goal games.

Ricardo said...

Yea, i know about Puyol but he's the cap'n, works his butt off and a fan favorite. Rafa's been hurt, but when healthy he's the best and most versatile. I'd like to see him in the middle pushing up a little:

Eto'o - Henry
Dos Santos
Ronnie - Deco - Messi
Guardado - Marquez - Someone fast
Someone big
A decent keeper

I would then tell Henry and Eto'o to switch sides and depth occasionally, with an emphasis on diagonal runs. I would lock 2S, Ronnie, and Messi in a room with nothing but a soccer ball and samba music until their rhythnm and timing was exactly in sync and then instruct them to have fun on the pitch. Deco: run, collect, hold down the middle, and coordinate a little. Rafa, give them someone to play back to if ever necessary. Watch for counter-attacks. Push up occasionally to add another variable. Guardado and right back: watch for counters and take turns attacking from the flanks. Large center back: dominate the box especially on set plays. Rough up their main attacking threat all game long.

Subs: someone for Deco, he'll probably tire first. Xavi can do that.

Ricardo said...

yea!

http://soccernet-akamai.espn.go.com/design05/DJ/20070513/henry_sb2.jpg

bgolden said...

More gold from The Onion:
http://www.theonion.com/content/news/
sports_unable_to_heal_small_town

Brad said...

Seriously, what the hell is "BraDney"? Is that some ignorant, misspelled attempt at combining my first and last name? When did this start? A new low for Dave...

bgolden said...

I must confess that I am responsible for "BraDney". And yes, it was a lame attempt to combine your first and last names. It wasn't very funny, and I apologize. Thanks for coming to your niece's birthday party today. The Steelers suck.

bgolden said...

This was pretty interesting- a list of the greatest athletes at each jersey number. I only disagreed with one choice (jersey #1). I love Warren Moon, but Oscar Robertson averaged a triple-double for his career. That's just insane. Any other debate on this topic? It appears that soccer was snubbed in this list, aside from the obvious choice at #10. Surely this stirs the ire of some blog members?

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/
photo_gallery/0706/gallery.numbers.part1/
content.1.html

Corey said...

This is officially the most boring blog...we need a moderator who isn't studying for the bar. Oh esnap, Dave!

bgolden said...

Ha! Thanks for posting that right after my last post, Corey! Hey, at least I'm trying to keep this thing alive! Anyway, just wanted to mention that I was totally wrong about the Big O averaging a T-D for his career. Don't know why I thought that. That WOULD be insane! But he did average a T-D for the 1961-62 season. A feat still never duplicated.... nobody cares, do they? Oh well... Good luck on the bar, Dave!

Corey said...

Hey I even sent Dave a short post over a week ago--with two of three topics relating to the NFL!!! And what happens? Dave just goes on his merry way--the gatekeeper that he is.

Ricardo said...

Speaking of lawyers:

http://www.thebostonchannel.com/news/13634047/detail.html

The question is, will he represent himself?

Ricardo said...

Yea, the stupid sports illustrated article is ridiculous... but completely expected. I just wish they'd give it a fair name like "The best United States pop culture athletes and horses by number".

In a real list of worldwide athletes all numbers from 1-11 would be football players.