NFL Playoff Predictions

Hey folks, here is my list of teams that I think will be in the playoffs for 2011, ordered by seed. Plenty of old favorites interspersed with some new blood. Read the full slideshow on BleacherReport.com

With Week 2 in the books and Week 3 coming up fast, it is time for some early playoff talk.

Some teams like the Detroit Lions and Buffalo Bills have exploded out of the gate and surprised us all, while others like the Kansas City Chiefs have failed miserably to live up to the fans' expectations.

The Green Bay Packers still look like the team to beat, but what about the rest of the playoff race?

Teams all over the league are shifting, rising and falling in the standings. Despite having played only two games, we have gotten a good look at the strengths and weaknesses of many NFL teams.

Based on the way these teams have played one another so far, here is an early look at how the playoff picture could turn out for the 2011 NFL season.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/856284-nfl-predictions-what-does-the-2011-playoff-picture-look-like

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John Mackey's Legacy

Hall-of-Fame Tight End John Mackey not only revolutionized his position, but was the poster boy for early-onset dementia in veteran players. Doctors found Mackey with frontal temporal dementia in 2000, the same year that Cowboys owner Jerry Jones told ESPN he would push oft-concussed quarterback Troy Aikman when needed in crucial games because “there is no evidence of any long-term, lasting impact” from head trauma in the N.F.L. He couldn't have been more wrong. This New York Times article by Alan Schwarz points out the problems and the legacy left by John Mackey. A great piece of writing.
Click here for the full article.

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Darren Sproles does WHAT?

Here is another video in the NFL "Fantasy Files" series. We don't know how these guys do this stuff...but damn. The little man has some ups. For those of you who need more reason than this to pick up Darren Sproles for your Fantasy football team, just keep in mind that he is currently Drew Brees' favorite receiver, with the most targets on the New Orleans Saints' offense.

Enjoy!

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The Coward that is Floyd Mayweather Jr.

It was a fight of epic proportions – Ortiz vs. Mayweather. Yet it failed to live up to the hype, and instead gave fans a taste of the real Floyd Mayweather Jr. Forget that the pretentious, self-entitled boxer continues to avoid Manny Pacquiao; forget that he believes even sliced bread can't match his greatness...in the face of adversity, Money Mayweather shattered to pieces, courtesy of ageless commentator-turned-hero Larry Merchant...

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Cam Newton Does it Again

One week after rookie Cam Newton produced a historical NFL debut, racking up 422 passing yards against the terrible Arizona Cardinals' secondary, fans and pundits everywhere were certain he was due for a reality check against the vicious Green Bay Packers' defense.

In part, they were right, as Newton threw three interceptions with only one touchdown in the Panthers' 30-23 loss to the defending Super Bowl champions.

Still, against a defense featuring a hall-of-fame corner, a premiere pass rush and good run-stopping, Newton actually managed to top his record-setting Week 1 passing yardage total with 432. The rookie also added 53 rushing yards and 1 touchdown.

He now joins a group of just six quarterbacks to ever throw for 400+ yards in consecutive games, including Tom Brady, who joined the list today as well. The other quarterbacks on the list include Dan Marino, Phil Simms, Dan Fouts, Billy Volek and Matt Cassel. Young Newton has some pretty good company.

There are still plenty of trials awaiting Cam Newton before he fully proves himself, such as actually winning a game. However, it is safe to say that the Auburn Heisman Trophy Winner's NFL career is off to a rip-roaring start.

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Blogging Sunday Night Football Live: Philadelphia Eagles @ Atlanta Falcons

With tonight's epic meeting between two powerhouse teams with Championship expectations, JZ Sports brings you a live following of every play. Derek Jones of Joe Montana's Right Arm, Richard Owens of Blitzswish and Carlos Sandoval of The Pigeon Toe join JZ Sports while we live-blog the Sunday Night Football game between the Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles. Get ready for a fun ride. Enjoy.

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Tedy Bruschi should leave Ocho Alone

After last Monday night's game at the Miami Dolphins, wherein Tom Brady threw for 517 yards, perennial talker Chad Ochocinco tweeted that the New England Patriots offense and Tom Brady were amazing, and that he was "in awe". Using several other complimentary adjectives, Ochocinco declared his admiration for the way the Patriots play football on the offensive side of the ball.

Former New England linebacker and future hall-of-famer Tedy Bruschi for whatever reason decided that he was offended that Ochocinco had the audacity to tweet an opinion.
“Drop the awe factor, OK, Ocho, Chad, drop the awe factor,” Bruschi said. “You’re not a fan, all right. You’re not someone who’s on another team or watching TV. You’re not an analyst. You’re a part of it. They want you to be a part of it. So get with the program because obviously you’re not getting it and you’re tweeting because you’re saying, ‘It’s amazing to see’? It’s amazing to see because you don’t understand it. You still don’t understand it and it’s amazing to you because you can’t get it.

“Stop tweeting and get in your playbook. Wake up! If you’re just waking up now — I don’t know when this was, six minutes ago? — get out your bed and get to the stadium and watch some film if you still think it’s amazing. If you’re in it and you know what you’re doing and you execute out there you don’t think it’s amazing. You know why? Because it’s what you’re supposed to do. All of a sudden it’s second nature. ‘I know I was supposed do that, yes I went 99 yards, I threw for 517. You know why? Because we’re that good and that’s what we’re supposed to do and that’s what I thought we were gonna do.’ You are still in awe to be a member of the New England Patriots offense. Join the system, buddy.”

It could just be me, but I wonder where the hell Bruschi gets off going crazy on Ochocinco like this. Sour grapes that the Patriots are still good without him? Trying to impose some old-school mentality on a new-school player because he used to be a Patriot? He doesn't like Twitter? He doesn't like Tom Brady? It makes absolutely no sense.

I have no idea, but Ochocinco was merely trying to show his respect for his new quarterback and team. So it was his first game in a new system...Chad Ochocinco has been a great many things in his career....but slacker has never been one of them.

Honestly, Bruschi just sounds more like a grumpy old man than a wise former player imparting advice. For whatever reason that Bruschi doesn't like Ochocinco's loquacity, it really doesn't matter. He doesn't play anymore, and the tweet was definitely not inflammatory, so he really shouldn't even open his mouth.

Nobody would even be talking about Ochocinco's tweet if Bruschi didn't run his mouth. Instead we got a week's worth of media coverage thanks to him. So who is the real loudmouth fool?

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Photograph of the Day: Dodgeball World Record

In the obscure world of sports, these two teams are seemingly attempting to break the world record of dodgeballs involved. Quite the unique process. Enjoy the remarkable photography by Weird, Weird World of Sports.

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10 NFL Players We'd Love to See Announcing

Everyone has their favorite NFL players. Whether you love these players for their bone-crunching hits or their colorful personalities, you'll miss them when they leave the NFL.

With a combination of terrible grammar, psychotic rants, eloquence, and just plain hilarity, enjoy this list of 10 NFL players who should become announcers.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/847711-10-nfl-players-who-would-make-great-announcers

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Fantasy Pickup of the Week: Houston Texans Defense

It's about to be Week 2 of the Fantasy Football season, and that means virtual GM's across the U.S are looking for some waiver wire gems to add to their squads.

If you are looking, you need look no further than the Houston Texans revamped defense. It has already been highly vaunted with the additions of Brooks Reed, J.J Watt, Johnathan Joseph and Danieal Manning, but nobody really figured just how much of an impact Wade Philips would have.

Fear not that Mario Williams has moved to outside linebacker; in the new 3-4 scheme he picked up two sacks on Sunday, adding a forced fumble. This defense steamrolled the Peyton Manning-less Colts, and you can expect them to present a huge problem for any opponent they face, provided they stay healthy.

In fantasy, it is worth remembering that return yards and touchdowns can be just as useful if not better than sacks, picks and fumbles. Jacoby Jones is a solid return man, and already put one up during Sunday's game.

The Texans' defense is the real deal, and they are here to stay. Likely having gone undrafted in most leagues, now is the time to snap them up. Get em before they're gone. You won't be sorry.

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Cam Newton or Scam Newton?

Cam Newton had no shortage of detractors coming into the NFL. Many who follow the NFL (including myself), stated that Newton would have severely stunted development if he was selected No. 1 overall by the Carolina Panthers and thrust into the starting role.

Given the prospect of a rough transition to being an NFL starter, it was ubiquitously assumed that the Panthers would let their running game handle the bulk of the offensive workload early on.

Instead, Cam Newton shocked the world on Sunday, coming out and shattering Peyton Manning's rookie record for passing yards in an NFL debut game. Newton passed for 422 yards with two touchdowns and a pick while going 24-of-37 and leaping into the endzone for a 1 yard score.

Against the weak and beleaguered Arizona Cardinals' defense, Newton looked poised and calm in the pocket, making phenomenal throws previously thought to be outside of his skill range.

Cam Newton has now become all the rage on the waiver wire in fantasy football, though the question remains whether or not he can keep up that level of play.

The rookie quarterback is in for a reality check against the extremely potent Green Bay Packers defense next Sunday.

Only time will tell if game 1 was a fluke of the Cardinal secondary, or if Cam is going to be the next big thing.

Only one thing is certain: he shattered and surpassed all hopes, dreams, doubts, and expectations for his NFL debut.

Keep an eye on Cam in the coming weeks folks. He could be going somewhere.

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JZ Sports Interviews Former NFL Player Jeb Terry and Gives NFL Week 2 Predictions

Listen to internet radio with jzsports on Blog Talk Radio

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The Art of Snowboarding

There's something about calmly cruising down a mountain of clear whiteness, with only fluttering snow and a wide array of skinny trees in your way, that truly gets the blood flowing, and the senses alert. To snowboard takes discipline, focus and immense balance that can only be exerted by experienced enthusiasts.

As we have discovered with this video, the perfect way to approach the sport is to have a helicopter film all the mountain runs, as well as relaxing zen-like music being performed in the background. The sunset needs to be just above the rim of the skyline and the snow effortlessly flat.

The snowboard is a gentle creature, unable to dictate the speed or difficulty at which one dreams of performing at, but only sits back as the rider makes sure he can stand on two feet. The euphoric feeling that comes with a ride down the clear and intricate mountains that allow for the best slopes is something only those with experience can truly understand. But it needs to be felt by all those deprived souls who have yet to hit the slopes.

The snowboard is an instrument for relaxation and clearing of the mind, as it gives riders the opportunity to release bad tension and stress on a welcoming mountain. Snow has that effect.

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Mountain Biking Down a Favela

The self-narration is a real nice touch for this documentary of sorts. Legendary mountain-biker brothers Dan and Gee Atherton rumble through the Dona Marta slum in Brazil. Not exactly a pleasant ride, but exciting nonetheless. Enjoy, and remember to keep the vomit bag close.

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9/11 Remember

Despite a tough day for his beloved Kansas City Chiefs, this fan stands strong in support of those who were hurt by September 11th. During these times, we think about those who were closest to the tragedy and for those who lost someone close. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of the victims and families affected by the 9/11 tragedy...

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Greg Jennings Reacts to his "Broken Leg" Video

Greg Jennings is our new favorite, enough said.

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2011 Superbowl Infographic

If anyone doubted the inflation involved with the NFL, this infographic should clear things up. Notice how advertising has significantly increased every year. Perhaps the NFL can resist purchasing a Jerry-Tron in the future and worry about their salaries. Or not. Enjoy.

Click Image to Enlarge

Via: Pro Life

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Amateur Shaq: Best Prep Dunker

This video not only has the intensity of the Peloponnesian War, but it features the top dunker in the class of 2012. While Shaquille O'Neal, or Big Diesel, may have retired, a new Shaq is making noise in prep hoops. 6'5" Auburn commitment Shaquille Johnson hasn't even started his senior year and he has already snapped a rim in two and cleared multiple defenders with his monstrous dunks.  Thank you Arnold Donado for finding this footage. Enjoy.

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JZ Sports NFL Week 1 Previews and Predictions

Listen to internet radio with jzsports on Blog Talk Radio

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Feeling Blue: The NYG 2011 Fiasco

In recent memory, there are few teams that have suffered as much devastation by injury as the New York Giants. The past several seasons, the Giants have lost key players in droves, like Osi Umenyiora in 2009, Matthias Kiwanuka, Steve Smith and Domenik Hixon in 2010, as well as Plaxico Burress in 2008, to name but a few.

The 2011 offseason has been nothing short of a nightmare for the New York Giants and their fans. After a promising draft, the fans allowed themselves a glimmer of hope for this season to get back to the playoffs. That hope as fallen apart during training camp and the preseason, as the New York Giants lose important players like flies to a can of Raid.

First, the team lost first-round draft choice Prince Amukamara two days after he signed his rookie contract, severely damaging the team's depth at the cornerback position. His broken foot will heal midseason, but he will still struggle to make an impact, having missed the offseason.

Soon after, rookie second-round pick Marvin Austin went down with a torn pectoral muscle and has been placed on IR, removing the third rotating defensive tackle from the depth chart. Next was Clint Sintim, the outside linebacker who was supposed to rotate with Kiwanuka, and who has now been lost for the year with a torn ACL.

Just today, starting middle linebacker Jonathan Goff went down with a torn ACL and has been lost for 2011.

The most devastating injury of all however, is the one sustained by Cornerback Terrell Thomas in the preseason opener. The Giants' leading 2010 tackler, and arguably their most effective defensive player has been lost for the year to YET ANOTHER torn ACL.

The offense has remained largely intact, but the much-vaunted defense of Big Blue has been shattered by the injury bug this offseason. Why such a run of bad luck has fallen can only be speculated at, and no speculation can change New York's roster woes.

Unless some of the bench guys who get called up can perform effectively, 2011 promises to be a very, VERY long season for the New York Giants and their fans.

Buckle in Giants fans. This one might get ugly fast.

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