In today’s day and age you simply can’t get away with replacement players, as season ticket holders and especially those who hold those Personal Seat Licences would be incensed to be paying for an ‘NFL’ season of Division III, CFL and UFL players. Can you imagine corporate suites getting excited about entertaining clients by watching Josh McNown throw to Tab Perry? Not only would ticket sales and all the game day purchases dry up, but so would all the other additional revenue streams. How many corporate sponsors will be willing to shell up the tens of millions they pay every year, for scab players? The T.V. revenue may be there, but the NFL will have to basically have a ‘free season’ in the future to appease the media giants. Online and in store merchandise sales would dry up to non-existent levels, and video game manufactures would have a wasted year. Using replacement players would cost more (and not even including goodwill), than the league would make back. While these players might not make millions, all the training, travel, food and medical would cost more than it is worth.

Also, the ‘goodwill’ factor would be probably the biggest reason why the NFL shouldn’t even consider the replacement player route. As it stands now, the Players are taking a higher level of blame for the lockout and leaving the negotiating table. If the NFL tried to go over the Players heads most of that goodwill would go over to the Players side, giving them a much stronger position.

Some might read the league’s lack of interest in using replacement players as a sign that an agreement is close, I don’t think it would be wise to look that much into it. Although I still believe that the NFL and the Players are closing to a deal than most give them credit for, I don’t think this lack of consideration for using replacement players has any impact on those negotiations. I think it has a lot more to do with the lawsuit boondoggle that would face them if they went ahead with replacement players. Right now they are facing one lawsuit, why go from one lawsuit to hundred’s, as fans and businesses alike will line up to get their money back from the NFL.

What do you think, are you happy that replacement players are off the table? Or would you have liked to seen it as a fall back option?

Kareem Moore who was the incumbent free safety, couldn’t cover and couldn’t tackle which was troubling since that was all he got paid to do. Now with Atogwe in the lineup, the Redskins have someone who can play center field and be the last line of defense. His presence should allow the Redskins to utilize Landry in even more of a role that allows him to play up in the box. That should allow Landry even more chances to blitz and help against the run then last season.

Now I don’t mean to overvalue Atogwe, and make it seem like he is a superstar (of course compared to Moore it’s hard not to think that), but he is a good player. I wouldn’t say he is a perennial Pro Bowler, but he has the ability to play at that level. Atogwe has very good ball skills and breaks on the ball extremely well. He is also good at reading quarterbacks eyes and receivers body language, which shows his instincts for the position. While he isn’t the best tackler in the league, he does a good job and doesn’t allow too many yards after the catch. Atogwe also worked with DC Jim Haslett in St. Louis, so you know that he can fit our scheme.

Atogwe doesn’t come without his negatives though. He needs to work on his pursuit angles and can get overaggressive at times. He is also 30 years old, and has had some injuries the past few years. Given the injuries of both Landry and Atogwe last year, the Redskins could use some better insurance behind them. But hopefully they can stay healthier this year.

The best news for Redskins fans is the contract. 5 years at $26 million is a very good deal for someone of Atogwe’s background. He had made over $6 million each of the last two seasons, and I figured that it would cost at least that much per year to lock him up. While he might not be productive for the full length of the contract, the Redskins should get their money’s worth in the first 3 years. And considering that he is filling a major hole in their defense, I’d say this constitutes a great signing for Washington.

The future of America’s most popular sport lies in limbo. The fate of the tournaments and games is being threatened by a contract. Many fans were probably not even aware that NFL and the players union operate under contract. The recent disclosure of the end of the NFL contract with the player’s Union, and the need for a proper negotiation on the sharing of funds collected from this popular sport-American football. As is always the case in money disputes, none of the parties is willing to give in or compromise. Many fans are now wondering is the football season will come to a halt once the deadline given in the contract reaches. The time for negotiation is coming to an end as Thursday midnight draws nearer. To many of the football fans it seems that the looming strike is inevitable, thereby threatening the start of the expected 2011 season and in fact the entire season as a whole. For those already holding tickets in anticipation of the games ahead, and for those fans who have found ways to dedicate third time to watching their favorite sport on television frustration is already looming. If the games are postponed or scraped off altogether, fans will be denied an opportunity to engage with their favorite players, cheer their favorite teams and many may be counting financial losses (since refunds on reschedules) are yet to be announced. Perhaps, it is time for the millionaires and billionaires to stop squabbling, draw a game plan based on compromise and take the fans interest at heart.

It is expected that the NFL owners will keep their players from the field if new contracts are not signed. Many are in fact just praying for a miracle, which has of course not come in the form of the federal negotiator. Although, the negotiator has been working with both sides to draw favorable terms for each, the time spent seems to be wasted as a compromise is yet to be reached and a new contract signed. NFL owners are demanding new terms ion the labor contract to be signed with the player’s union, terms which the union complain will favor the owners but lock out the benefits accrued to the players. However, there is a ray of hope coming from the decision in the Minnesota court where NFL owners were found in violation of the contract. According to the judge ruling in the case, the owners have negotiated payments accruing to $4billion dollars coming from the stations airing the live games. What is disturbing is that the amount was to be paid whether the games were re-scheduled or cancelled altogether. On the other hand, the payers who bring life to the game would have earned nothing and were in fact not covered by the health insurance should the games be cancelled or re-scheduled. By ruling in the union’s favor, the judge leveled the ground for negotiation. Where the NFL players had felt they would lose little if the contracts were not signed by Thursday, they now came to the realization that losses would be on both sides.

While the owners threaten to take away the player’s earnings from the games through a lock up, the players have threatened to dissolve the player’s union. Whereas this may seem an unwise move to fans, it is actually very strategic. By dissolving the union, the player’s will also be disbanding some of the NFL rules which have been beneficial to the owners. These include a limit to their salaries and insurance. The owners will now be expected to provide competitive offers which have no limit and this may become a costly expense cutting deep into the profits they earn from the games. The threats being issued by each side in this dispute, many stakeholders fear that the economic effects will be massive. From the media moguls who sell so much airtime in terms of commercials to the small souvenir vendors in the stadiums, the effects will be massive.

For the teams, the college drafting will still continue. Therefore coaches will still continue to pick their favorite star college players, however no drafts will be signed unless new agreements are reached. However, the chances of such a compromise being reached in favor of wither team is becoming lower as the demands continue to escalate. The players claim to be satisfied with the current terms of agreement; however the owners are demanding an increase in their income in terms of $1 billion dollars. This would mean a cut of about $500, 000 to each player annually. As the agents have stated continually, the owners already have billions they are making from the players and should therefore not be taking more. On the other hand NFL owners are claiming that without their resources, the player’s talent and in fact the entire game would not exist.

For the fans however, the bickering is becoming irritating. While they are fighting for the billions to be made from the game, perhaps it is important for both the owners and players to realize where the billions are coming from. Faithful fans watch the games, buy the tickets and the souvenirs; stadiums are not filled by owners and players but by lovers of the game. It therefore follows that perhaps, the owners and players should put the interest of the fans before their own. One likely scenario in which this can be done is for the contract currently in existence between the NFL owners and players to be extended for a while come Thursday midnight while the negotiations continue. This way the games will continue, and all stakeholders and fans will have a chance to continue enjoying the games while the NFL owners and players union agree to favorable terms for each party.

But even with the involvement of the courts by both parties, with NFL claiming the players union had not entered the negotiations truthfully and Players claiming breach of contract by NFL, time is fast running out for an agreement to be reached before America’s favorite game is thrown in shambles.

About the Author: Tim Ambler is an avid football fan and the owner a MightyPromos a marketing firm that offers products, including promotional footballs, that can be customized with a logo or text of the customer’s choosing.

The owners and the players are getting dangerously close to having a work stoppage, the first for the sport since 1987. The final league year under the old CBA expires tonight at midnight, so if an agreement isn’t done then next season becomes murky. Not only would free agency not start until there is a new CBA in place, but it would basically cease all contact between teams and players. Injured players would need to seek outside care, and wouldn’t have team doctors monitoring their rehab. Players could not have contact with coaches, regarding the playbook. And there would no longer be any workouts at the team facility, OTA’s, mini-camps and eventually training camps. While the NFL Draft will go on no matter what, veteran players won’t be able to be traded for draft picks, and after the draft undrafted players won’t be eligible to sign contracts.

Now the good news is even if there is no agreement reached tonight, I don’t think it will extend so long that it will affect the Draft process. But any extended ‘lockout’ is bad for sport. Now there is a third option between agreement and lockout, and that is extending the negotiation period. This would entail still pushing back free agency, but keeping the league year going for another week or two, during which time, players are still covered medically, workouts can continue, and contact can be made between teams and players. This would likely have to be a sign of good faith coming from the owners, but if they are close enough to an agreement I could see it happening.

So what do you guys like will happen? Will an agreement or extension be worked out tonight? Will there be free agency? Let me know your thoughts!

Measurables:

Height: 6’5″

Weight: 295

PROS:

• -Great size and frame, could even add more weight
• -Versatile, fits best in a 3-4, but can play inside in a 4-3
• -Decent speed for his size
• -Strong at the point of attack, doesn’t give up ground
• -Anchor’s well and gets good initial leverage
• -Excellent play recognition and an ability to find the ball
• -Instinctive, takes good angles to the ball carrier
• -High motor guy, doesn’t give up on plays.
• -Long arms, doesn’t allow tackles get into his body, also an excellent hand fighter
• -has a very good bull rush move, gets good penetration and pressure
• -Sure tackler, with good technique
• -Hard worker, who is always trying to get better

CONS:

• -Lacks an initial burst off the line
• -Doesn’t translate pressure into sacks. Disrupts in the backfield some but not fast enough to consistently get to the quarterback.
• -Streaky at times, there are entire quarters or halves where he is contained.
• -Not a big time stats guy, didn’t have a great senior season
• -recovering from an elbow injury, had to miss Senior Bowl and working out at the combine.

Analysis:

Heyward is a guy I probably like more than most. I realize he isn’t the greatest athlete or fastest pass rusher, but that isn’t his game. He’s a run stopper in a 3-4 at the 5-technique that can penetrate and be disruptive. I love his instincts and play recognition, which I think are harder things to teach. Combine that with his work ethic and leadership, and I’m sold. He’s the type of guy who won’t always make the highlight reel, but his play will constantly help others come up with the big play.

I really liked what I saw out of him in both last year’s Rose Bowl against Oregon, and this season’s Sugar Bowl against Arkansas. In both games, he really came up big and made plays all over the field. He was a disruptive force anywhere he lined up, and was a big part in the Buckeyes winning both games. The Sugar Bowl was even more impressive, as for much of the game he went up against Arkansas tackle DeMarcus Love, who is a mid-round prospect. Love (or anyone else on Arkansas) didn’t have an answer for Heyward, and he made a number of big plays. Heyward also played through that game with an ankle injury, showcasing his toughness and teamwork.

Heyward’s father, the late Craig “Ironhead” Heyward, was a former first round pick and quality running back in the NFL. Not only does Cameron, have the bloodlines, but he knows first hand the work he will need to do to succeed at the next level (which he already shows). I love the motor and attitude, which shows up on every play. He’s not going to be a 7-10 sack guy, and he won’t make Pro Bowls each year, but he will be a very good starter, who is a key component to his team’s success.

Projection:

I think Heyward is a top 25 talent, but he will likely fall given the lack of sacks and the elbow injury. He could slide into the middle of the 2nd round, at which point he will be an incredible steal.

Video Courtesy of Aaron Aloysius and Draft Breakdown

All eyes will be on Newton, and when it comes to the workouts he shouldn’t disappoint. Newton is extremely athletically gifted. Newton needs to do the most work at the combine in the interview process, but putting up big physical numbers can’t hurt.

Jake Locker:

I’ll be interested to see what Locker’s accuracy looks like at this stage. I expect him to do very well in all the drills particularly the 40 yard dash, but the passing drills will tell the tale.

Colin Kaepernick:

Kaepernick is looking to prove his doubters wrong with a big combine. He should put up big numbers, and I also expect him to look good in the throwing drills as well. Kaepernick’s draft stock is rising and I think the combine will help launch it, into the 2nd round range.

Josh Portis:

Portis played the majority of his football at California University of Pennsylvania, but don’t necessarily consider him a small school guy. He started out at Florida and then Maryland, so he does have some recruiting chops. Portis is a raw passer, but he throws a good ball and shows a strong arm. Portis has exceptional speed and should do well in all the drills.

Christian Ponder:

I think Ponder will probably show himself to be the most polished quarterback in this draft. I think he is going to impress some people with his accuracy and deceptive arm strength. I think Ponder really could move up the draft boards if he shows that he is completely healthy.

Tyron Smith:

Smith came into this combine with questions about his his size after playing at USC under 300 lbs, but weighed in at a 307 and just under 6’5″. I think Smith is going to impress all day ad really seal a top 15 pick.

Gabe Carimi:

Carimi doesn’t have the size and athleticism of some of his fellow linemen, but he is probably the toughest offensive linemen in this class. He should show well in the positional drills.

Marcus Cannon:

Cannon might be the biggest offensive lineman at the combine, but that doesn’t mean he’s not one of the better athletes. Cannon carries himself very well for his size and could prove that he could play RT.

James Carpenter:

Carpenter is flying up draft boards and I expect him to have a good overall combine.

Ryan Bartholomew:

Bartholomew is near the bottom of the center rankings, but he is an exceptional athlete and could really move up draft boards with his performance.

Brandon Fusco:

Fusco is the smallest school at the combine, but I expect him to have a big weekend and firm his status as one of the top centers.

Champ Bailey agreed to a 4 year deal for over $40 million to return to the Denver Broncos. Denver has now locked up one corner position, but still has a serious need at the other spot. While it is pricey this is a great deal for the Broncos, as they couldn’t afford to lose one of their few star players. The contract should also give Denver flexibility for the future as Bailey is set to make $15 million this season, meaning his remaining three years will be below market value. I like it when teams front load a veteran’s contract so he isn’t overpaid when his skills decline. While some might say that the $15 million is too much, but the franchise tag for corners is in that market, and Bailey is easily one of the top 5 corners still in this league. One interesting thing to note is the fact that Bailey cited the labor uncertainty as to why he resigned now. This could lead to a small wave of signings heading into early next week when the CBA expires. I wouldn’t expect many more big names, but some solid starters and role players might decide they want to resign now before the market is potentially flooded.

PANTHERS FRANCHISE CENTER RYAN KALIL:

In a bit of a surprise move the Carolina Panthers decided to place the franchise tag on center Ryan Kalil. Now it isn’t to say that Kalil isn’t a franchise (aka top 5 center), but rather they deemed him more valuable than either RB DeAngelo Williams or DE Charles Johnson. Now logically it makes sense to use the tag on an offensive lineman over a running back like Williams. Williams is a very talented running backs, but backs typically have shorter NFL careers, and the Panthers are still pretty well set in the backfield. The more surprising move is letting Johnson hit free agency. Johnson came out of Julius Peppers shadow quite nicely and was an elite pass rusher for the Panthers. And in fact was probably their most dominate player last season. His 11.5 sacks were 8 more than the next closest player on the Panthers, and was part of a 3-way tie for 7th in the league. Whats even more impressive is the fact that he did it on one of the worst defenses in the league, with zero help from the interior of the Panthers defensive line. The Panthers have some defensive end depth, but they weren’t able to find a consistent starter opposite Johnson, now they need to replace him? The other thing that makes placing the Franchise tag on Kalil odd is it guarantees him a top 5 offensive line salary (the average of), which includes all offensive linemen. Like it or not, centers are never viewed in the same light as tackles so now the Panthers have to pay their center tackle money. A case can be made to make Kalil the highest paid center, but to put him on par with the league’s top OT’s is a bit of an overpayment.

I wanted to get some various opinions on the current Sports World. So I thought and thought. What if I put together a round table discussion on five topics with myself and four other outspoken sports fans I have known in my lifetime? 5 questions with 5 opinions.

Feel free to comment and give your thoughts on this week’s winner.

Here is a rundown of the court’s justices:

The Matzie: Popular victim of my past blogs. Matzie proclaims to be, “Tactfully robust and refreshing, yet surprisingly tasteful.” We will see about that. Fan of many teams.

Bob: Rabid Ravens fan, disappointed Terps fan, and an eternally optimistic Orioles fan.

Vic Vinegar: Simple said…”Firm But Fair”

Gib: Born and raised in PA, a Maryland alum who loves all sports – but loves football a little more.

John aka Stinger: Fanspeak.com guest blogger and Chief Justice

To the questions….

1 – Did Green Bay win the Super Bowl or did Pittsburgh lose it?

The Matzie – “Call me biased, call me predictable, call me a girl named Sue, but the Steelers lost the game. Down four points as the fourth quarter began, the Steelers were staring down 2nd and 2 at the Green Bay 33 yard line. That’s a very enviable position after a lack luster first half and two turnovers given and none gained. For what it’s worth Mendenhall had only 2 fumbles all season on 324 carries. I’ll take those stats any season at 4.5 yards per carry with 1,273 yards rushing and 13 TD’s. HOWEVER, you have to protect the football when you are carrying the football in a crowd and Mendenhall didn’t follow the standard operating practice for an elite NFL running back. Thus, momentum shifted and the Packers pushed the lead up to 28 – 17.”

Bob - Working a Super Bowl commercial front- Most similar commercial “Snickers Bar lumberjack commercial”- Pittsburgh lost the Superbowl. The snickers commercial from last year with Betty White and Abe Bigoda stole the show. It was such a classic that it deserved a repeat this year. See it worked because they used celebrities that we thought were dead, but glad to see alive, then ultimately shocked to see pounded in the mud. Instant classic. This year Snickers dug up Richard Lewis and Rosanna Barr! Huh? I not only do not care that they are alive, they are so irrelevant to the public eye, that it was almost sad to see them trying to make a quick buck on commercials. The Steelers in their 2nd Superbowl in 3 years found themselves down 6 points with 2:07 minutes, in almost the exact same situation two years ago. Yet, instead of marching down the field and ending the game on miraculous catch in the endzone by Randle El (thought to be dead), they stumbled with clock management, only got one first down, and ended the game after only 5 plays on an almost interception. The Steelers had failed to stand up and deliver on the biggest stage at the biggest moment. You had to feel sorry for not only them but their fans also. It was such a pathetic effort to try and duplicate an instant classic.”

Vic - “Green Bay won it. Sure, the fumble was huge, and the Ladies Man (allegedly of course) threw two big picks, but had it not been for a couple of big drops by the Packers, this game could have been over early. More importantly, and speaking of “losing it” how about Xtina and the national anthem? Although looking at her, the case could be made that she has certainly “gained” more than she has “lost”. Just saying.”

Gib – ”The reality is that nearly every football game is both won and lost. While the Steelers continued their post season trend of not playing quality football for 60 full minutes, I believe that the Packers won the game more than the Steelers lost it. Aaron Rodgers dictated the pace of the game right out of the gate and the Green Bay defense came up with big plays when they needed them. It’s unusual to look past a pick 6 as a team’s biggest defensive play – but it really seems to me that the Clay Matthews hit on Rashard Mendenhall on the first play of the 4th quarter was the biggest play of the game. Pittsburgh trailed 21-17, had scored the last 14 points, and were playing their game – running the ball downhill on the Packer defense. At that point it seemed like Green Bay was about to meet the same fate as the Ravens a few weeks earlier, squandering a double digit lead in the second half to the more experienced team. The Packers did not allow that to happen. Although Roethlisberger would get the ball in his hands one score down with about two minutes to play, the game was won when the ball violently left Mendenhall’s hands at the start of the final quarter.”

Stinger- “Green Bay won the game. Pittsburgh turnovers were caused by Green Bay making plays. As a Skins fan, we could have used Howard Green. Actually we could have used a lot of Green Bay’s backups. Actually we could use Green Bay’s interns as our decision makers. Why does this always go back to other teams being better than my team? As I said in my Super Bowl blog, this could be the start of three in a row for the Packers.”

2- Whose side on you on? NFL players or NFL owners?

Matzie aka Sue- ” There’s a claim that the NFL players get 60% of the revenues. The more accurate breakdown is that the players take approximately 50% of revenues and the players take 100% of the punishment. The 60% figure represents gross revenues that add up to nearly $1 billion in “expense credits”. All of this and the league, the richest and most popular in the United States, continues to deny insurance claims to NFL veterans in the most brutal contact sport aside from MMA or boxing. The league decided to opt out of the agreement in 2008. Drawing a hard line in negotiating three years ago, the league created the tensions felt today. Not such a smart move when the collective league stands to lose nearly $400 million per week during the regular season, which doesn’t even count lost revenues starting in March once the current agreement expires.”

Bob- Most similar commercial “The never aired Tim Tebow pro-life commercial.” Two things here. No one wins in this political argument. Both sides make piles of money for playing a game. Second, it is not our money at stake yet we end up paying for it. No matter what the outcome, fans are going to see increased ticket prices passed thru to them. If the Tim Tebow commercial would have aired, you’d make some bud light induced dumb comment and be subject to the ire of all the females and republicans in the room. Next thing you know, the crowd you had so wittingly impressed with your knowledge of all things football, commercials, and Black Eyed Peas, is now looking at you like you spit in the guacamole.”

Vic- ” I have to go with the players on this one. Unfortunately, they are paying the price for their union getting b-slapped by the owners for the past 25 years right now. Like the players, I don’t want an 18 game schedule. Like the players, I want quality healthcare after I retire. And, like the players, my body feels the equivalent of 18 minor car accidents every day that I go to work…wait. I’m typically a “pro big business” kind of guy, and it’s hard to sympathize with many of today’s players (playas), but in this one I find it hard to listen to a bunch of billionaires cry poor.”

Gib- ” I believe the credibility of the owners will suffer as the CBA process drags on. The proposal for an 18 game schedule and the crackdown on “illegal hits” (however that is defined) stand in direct conflict. Polls indicate that even the football-craved American public rejects the notion of the prolonged season. That is not because they don’t want to watch two extra games in the future, it is because they understand the toll the season takes on the players. They have seen the length of Green Bay’s injured reserve list. They recognize the hypocrisy the league shows the players when they say that they hold the player’s health as the highest priority. Don’t get me wrong, both sides are in it for the money – it’s just that one side is worse at hiding that reality. I side with the players.”

Stinger- “Players need to stick it to the owners. The 18 game schedule is crap. I would make them pay, especially that lawsuit happy owner in DC. Fanspeak, call the lawyers in case Danny reads this. I would understand if there is a delay in the 2011 football season if the players don’t give in. Then again the owners may need money after paying out the 400 victims who didn’t Super Bowl seats when they start taking the Commish to court. If they don’t have a season in 2011, I hope MTV gets all former Real World and Road Rules cast members and has one mega-challenge. They could show this on Sundays from 1-7 easily. Tired of Jersey Shore and Teen Mom re-runs.”

3- At the midway point who will win the NBA championship?

Matzie/Sue- ” I’m gonna go with Cleveland. Wait…. Lebron left? Ok, I’ll take Lebron’s prettier, sunnier, friendlier, and classier landing spot. Miami is 24 – 7 in the Eastern conference. They’ve had a 12 game win streak and they are an All Star team acting in synergy as each game clock expires. The only other competition, in my humble opinion, is Boston, Chicago, and San Antonio as Exhibit A, B, and C, respectively. Exhibit A is too old, Exhibit B is too young, and Exhibit C doesn’t face any competition to battle test them in the weak Western Conference. Don’t give me any arguments on that. LA is bLAh and Kobe lost two steps not one. Durant can only do so much by himself in Oklahoma City. Denver is about to lose Melo. Dallas has the pride of Pittsburgh in Mark Cuban but his aging star power is losing much of its luster.”

Bob – “Most similar commercial “Volkswagon Darth Vader”- The evil empire of the NBA, the Lakers will win the NBA championship. Their quiet yet forceful business-like approach to basketball still rules the galaxy even though teams consisting of young rebels are sprouting up all over to challenge their destiny. The biggest threat maybe the Miami Heat but they are akin to the Budweiser Wild West commercial, which for the first 25 seconds looked to have all the makings of a classic commercial, only to end with the guy from Fargo singing the most overplayed cliché college bar song of all time. Like the Heat, lots of production, great star power with sinister past, but didn’t deliver the goods. Lakers in 6. Over the Heat.”

Vic- ” I hadn’t realized the NBA season had started yet, but I looked it up this morning, and you are absolutely correct, its halfway over. Weird. Assuming they stay healthy, I guess I would have to say the Heat probably have the inside track. If it were one game, there are probably a handful of teams with a legit shot, but best 4 out of 7 is a different story.”

Gib- ” As much as it pains me to say it, I would say Miami has the best shot to win the championship at this point. Although, it is being reported that the Lakers and Nuggets might be working on a trade that sends Carmelo Anthony to Los Angeles. If that happens, that could be a game-changer.”

Stinger-”I like the Mavs for some reason. I think they are due. Dirk is too good not to win a title at some point and Jason Kidd is a legend. Plus, they always make a move before the trade deadline to get better. All can change depending on where Melo lands. Maybe Dallas? My pick gets better. We should revisit this question in March for sure. I can tell you who won’t win, Cleveland. That losing streak is getting out of control. Hope it goes until they host the Wizards and their road losing streak. Loser leaves the NBA match? Call in “Dangerous” Danny Davis and Earl Hebner to ref that one. Really don’t want to see the Heat win. Have a friend who is a Heat fan and is on a roll in 2011. His year is good enough already.

4- Can the Orioles or Nationals finish above .500 based on what they did in the off-season?

Matzie- “Two words…..Peter Angelos. This is the reason why the Orioles are and will continue to struggle to put a product worthy of competing in the AL East. In 1993, Peter Angelos issued this statement in taking over what was a highly competitive and historic ball club, “”Profit margins are secondary. The fans should be satisfied that they have a strong and vibrant organization pursuing a team that is absolutely and totally capable of reaching the top.” Nearly 18 years later, Angelos is nearly 80 years old and the Orioles struggle to get it up almost as much as their notorious owner. The Nationals….well they are at least trying. Did they overpay for Werth…Yes. However, they had to. They don’t have the championship pedigree to lure free agents. Instead, they dangle dollars. For that, I applaud them. Their pitching staff includes elite talent in Stephen Strasberg and Jordan Zimmerman. For my money, I’ll take Washington’s chances at an above .500 record in the less treacherous NL East.”

Bob- “Most similar commercial “Go Daddy Joan Rivers”. Like the commercial, we as viewers/fans became engrossed in the image of great legs, butt, and chest that came onto our high definition screen. We no longer hear our screaming kids hopped up on Coke, candy, and Doritos, only the image of sexiness and the thought of what the complete package will look like. Like Bryce Harper (chest), Strasburg(legs), Werth (butt) or in the case of the Orioles Guerrero (chest), Derrek Lee(butt), and Duchscherer(legs), we only see the anatomy of what appears to be a Class A franchise. But when the camera pans up to the face and gives you the whole image including the face, we are only see the same old Orioles and Nationals. Both can try to defy gravity and improve upon key parts, but in the end, gravity wins and we are both still Joan Rivers at a bar competing with Marissa Miller and Brooklyn Decker.”

Vic- ” I don’t see it. The O’s had a really nice finish to 2010, but the reality is that they have to play the Rays, Yanks and Sox in 54 games this year. They have a pretty tough inter league schedule to boot (Reds, Braves, and Cards among others). I’d love to see them keep up the momentum from the last few months of 2010, but their signings in the offseason carry a ton of risk (unknowns). The worst part is that .500 has become some sort of goal within the fan base, which is pretty lame. As for the Expos, no, they have no shot at finishing .500. Jayson Werth can’t pitch (at least not every day).”

Gib- “No and no. Still, I think the Orioles are on the right track – even though the Vlad Guerrero signing did not include a time machine. The AL East is not sympathetic bunch, however, and it will be difficult for the O’s to stack 82 wins in that company. I think the Nationals will miss Adam Dunn more than they currently realize and believe, like everyone else, that they probably could have gotten more bang for their buck than they did with Jayson Werth. 2012 may be the target date for the DC club, with Bryce Harper and Stephen Strasburg adding some much needed juice. Let’s hope the Mayans are wrong and we get to see how this turns out.”

Stinger- “O’s yes. Nats, not yet. Buck proved he can get them to play. They should hit the ball out of the park. Wieters hitting 8th? He could finally explode this season. Anyone down for opening day? May start pregame at 8am this year in anticipation. Once Buck took over and B Rob got back in the lineup, it was a different team. Others will bring up Angelos but I think he has changed some. Still would rather see another owner but this isn’t 1998-2007 with him. Nats in 2012 should look at over .500. I like what they are doing, but the Strasburg surgery will set them back. At least they hired a color guy for TV with a hot wife.”

5- Would you have attended Michael Vick’s Super Bowl party if it happened and you received an invite?

Matzie- “This one’s easy. I wouldn’t attend Ron Mexico’s fiesta, though I believe every one deserves a second chance. However, the closest thing to a human being on this planet is a dog. The only rungs lower on the ladder are murders and child molesters. There’s a reason why dog’s are called man’s best friend. You have to be somewhat evil to make an animal, as loyal and smart as a dog, suffer and die. I personally would like to see Michael run a 40 yard dash against ten of the pit bulls he tortured. Hell, I’d love to put him in a room alone with my Olde English Bulldogge named Hogan. Did I own him in fantasy….Yes. However, I am giving myself a pass because it was my only way to compete in a league where NO ONE will trade. I tried to trade one owner Ocho Cinco and the Giants D for Pitt’s Defense. His response….No thanks. C’mon man!! You have to judge his football merit based on his team though….Jersey Meatball. I would’ve been more successful trading him a jumbo plate of baked ziti and a case of Pauly D’s hair gel.”

Bob- “Most similar commercial “Kim Kardashian Sketchers exercise shoes” – Yes, absolutely. Michael Vick was not even allowed to attend by the NFL. But the star power that showed up to that event may have been something I would have paid $200 to stand outside and watch on TV. At the party I was at, as soon as the Kardashian commercial was over a woman in the room announced that it was proven by some scientist that the Sketchers shoes don’t even work. A lot of others in the room nodded and agreed and quickly dismissed everything about the commercial. I did not even see the shoes in the commercial. And if I was at Michael Vicks party, I would not even have noticed him if he wore an oddly brown and oddly smooth coonskin hat. “

Vic- ” 1000% yes. I’m not just saying this as an Eagles fan, but as one who also appreciates the finer things in life. His now infamous 2010 bday party was held here…http://www.guadalajaravb.com. If a $12.99 all you can eat fajita Thursday doesn’t scream “come rub elbows with a bunch of millionaire athletes”, then I’m not sure what does. And to think that lil bro Marcus would probably help in promoting such an event through his mass Twitter following only emphasizes the exclusive opportunity at hand if I got such an invite.”

Gib- ” No. I think you need to have Mike’s speed and elusiveness to get out of his get-togethers in one piece. I’d be an easy target – so to speak.”

Stinger- “Would have attended in a Mean Machine Paul Krewe jersey. Joking, I would have probably passed. Not a fan of Ron Mexico, as many of my friends have had to listen to me talk about. He had a sick season but did get beat up. I hoped for his own sake he has changed. I am just not sold on it. I got nothing else positive to add.”

So what do you think, who wins the arguments this week?  Do you agree with the court’s decisions?

Yesterday the Cleveland Browns cut the former Pro Bowl Defensive Tackle Shaun Rogers, and the speculation immediately began as to where he will end up next. Now since Rogers was cut, he doesn’t have to wait until March when the new league year starts to sign with a new team (technically the new league year will start when the new CBA says it will, but I’m trying to be a bit of an optimist). Rogers is free to sign with any team now, which could make sense for him, given the uncertainty of the labor situation. At this point teams don’t  even know exactly what players will be eligible for free agency (will it be 4 years of service time? 5? 6?), much less when it will start. This makes Rogers pretty marketable right now, and it probably would be in his best interest to sign now.

I know a lot of people would say he should wait to see what the new CBA looks like and what the salary cap shakes out to, but that could easily backfire for Rogers. If the free agency rules go back to the way they were prior to last season (4 years of service time, before unrestricted free agency), then the market will be flooded with talent. Given the free agency rules last season that forced players to have 6 years of service time, there are technically 2 classes worth of free agents. Things  could get even worse for Rogers if the players settle for less money or somehow negotiate the franchise tag out of the CBA. Rogers is no longer an elite player so him worrying about how much cap room teams will  have won’t help him. While some money will funnel down any increase in the Salary Cap will primarily go to the star players. In which case I thinking waiting only hurts Rogers.

Alright, so maybe I’ve sold you on it being in Rogers best interest to sign now, but is it in the Redskins best interest? I realize a lot of fans will see Shaun Rogers as automatically think Albert Haynesworth, but don’t be so quick to judge. Yes Rogers has had some off the field issues in the past, but those show more of a lack off judgement than say a bad person. Okay having a loaded gun in your carry on luggage isn’t the brightest thing, to do but he accepted his punishment and isn’t comparable to a Plaxico Burress or Gilbert Arenas situation. At the same time Rogers has also shown a positive side when he helped the police arrest a drunk driver. Now that might not make up completely for his negatives, but it is a start.

I know there are other similarties with Rogers and Haynesworth like keeping his weight in check and his committment, but he has also been considered a team leader in the past. I know he didn’t have the best relationship with Browns coach Eric Mangini, but let’s be honest, who did. Now I’m not saying there won’t be any baggage, or that Rogers will be the next Darrell Green in terms of being a team leader, but we shouldn’t make him out to be a bad seed. Rogers last year complained because he wasn’t getting enough playing time at nose tackle, which is just a bit different than Haynesworth (now I’m not completely faulting Haynesworth as the coaches really made this an issue).

That to me is the crux of the issue as Shaun Rogers unlike Haynesworth is a natural Nose Tackle, and exactly what the Redskins need in the middle of their line. He’s been a bit more banged up of late and doesn’t get the same pass rush he used to, but even still he is infinitely better than Kemoeatu at the nose. Rogers will be a huge force against the run, and should upgrade the 26th ranked rush defense.  He won’t offer as much against the pass, but he will command a few double teams and push the pocket back a little bit. He won’t  get many sacks, but he will help open up lanes for interior pass rushers, and not allow the quarterback to step up into the pocket.

Now the real question will come down to what is Rogers worth? He was due to make $6 million this season with his roster bonus, and presumably his value is lower,  otherwise the Browns would have hung on to him to trade him. I think that despite being 32 going into next season, Rogers has 3-4 good years left. I’d like to see the Redskins sign him for between $4-5 million a year (maybe more in the first year or two) for four years. Hopefully all the guaranteed money will be in the first two years, so that if there is a sharp decline it won’t hurt their books into the future.

Now this won’t solve all the Redskins woes at NT as Rogers should have a solid understudy, either a marginal free agent or a later round draft pick. Either way it has to be more than a warm camp body. If Washington can add Rogers and another solid NT, they will be well on their way to fixing one of the league’s worst defenses and perhaps the worst unit in the NFL (sans Haynesworth, I don’t think the Redskins have a single starting caliber D-lineman on this roster).