-The New York Giants are your Super Bowl champions after upending the Patriots 21-17 in Indianapolis.  All this after the Giants started the season a very mediocre 7-7.  Ahmad Bradshaw fell into the endzone with under a minute to play giving the G-men a four point lead.  With time left on the clock, Tom Brady had the chance to do something magical.  Brady ultimately fell short, as his hail mary pass bounced just out of the reach of tight end Rob Gronkowski.

-I know he’s going to get a pass because he’s Tom Brady and he’s been a premier quarterback for as long as we can remember and your girlfriend pictures him naked when she’s with you… but Tom Brady did not play a very good football game Sunday night.  In fact, there were stretches when he down right stunk.  Look past the stat sheet, book worm.  Watch the game.  In fact, replace the name “Tom Brady” with “Jake Delhomme”, “Colt McCoy”, or “Jay Cutler” and see what happens…

*Jake Delhomme got called for intentional grounding in the end zone on the FIRST PLAY of the Super Bowl!  

*Colt McCoy woefully under threw his tight end, resulting in a Chase Blackburn interception.

*Jay Cutler routinely missed open receivers on the final drive of the Super Bowl.

All of those things happened Sunday night, but because they happened to Tom Brady, people won’t remember it.  Mostly because people are sheep.  Baahhhh….

-For those quick to jump to Brady’s defense… digest this, Lamb Chop; Tom Brady was 0-5 when throwing the ball more than 20 yards.  An oddity?  Or a trend?  In Super Bowl XLII, Brady was 0-8 in passes over 20 yards.  Bahhhhh…. 

-On the other side of the ball, Eli was Eli.  He was consistent, he was accurate, and he was methodical.  He didn’t turn the ball over and kept the New England offense off the field, winning the time of possession battle 37 minutes to 22 minutes.  In the end, Eli looked like he’d been there before.  Probably because he has.  In his two Super Bowl appearances, Eli Manning has engineered not one, but two 4th quarter game winning drives.  Not bad for the goofy looking brother.  Err…goofier looking brother.

-Half time was a debacle.  Some of my favorite tweets from Super Bowl halftime;

*@DownGoesBrown – Seeing this broken down shell of a legend limp around their field is preparing Indy for Peyton Manning next season.

*@FinkDontStink – Lady Gaga’s grandma is killing it out there!

*@Scheiboeski – Worst halftime show I’ve ever seen.

*@JockPost – It looks like Madonna has an inner ear problem.

*@Donniccolo – Apparently the middle aged men who plan the Super Bowl don’t realize that theres no market for middle aged women to sing pop music.

-To be honest, I didn’t watch the halftime show.  I assumed what those tweets confirmed… that Madonna is a washed up bag of prunes that I didn’t care about even when she was in her prime.  I watched the Puppy Bowl.  Here’s what you missed…

Follow me on Twitter @JockPostDT to discuss how overrated Tom Brady has become, the Puppy Bowl, or anything else on your mind!

He is obviously the least confident person in the world, but in a weird way I feel bad for him. And if I wasn’t creeped out by anyone that posts anything on Craigslist, I would actually help this guy out.

Although, I wasn’t a quarterback or a linebacker, so I’m not sure I have the skills this guys is looking for.

But if you do, give him a call. I’m sure he is not in the least bit weird.

-In the 2007 BCS Championship game, Buckeye kick returner Ted Ginn took the opening kickoff to the house against the Florida Gators.  He was injured in the post touchdown celebration and didn’t see the field the rest of the game.  Florida outscored the Buckeyes 41-7 from that point on.

Fast forward to Sunday night’s NFC Championship game.  Ginn, the return specialist for the San Francisco 49ers, didn’t play and was replaced by Kyle Williams.  Williams had a disaster of a game, turning the ball over twice… the final fumble resulting in an overtime field goal by Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes to punch the G-Men’s ticket to the Super Bowl once again as they survived a trip to Candlestick 20-17.

Eli threw the ball all over the yard, connecting with Victor Cruz ten times for 142 yards in the contest.  The 9ers were lead by Vernon Davis who became only the second player in San Francisco history to have multiple touchdown catches in back to back playoff weeks.  San Francisco should be proud of their season, but not of their head coach.  Like a spoiled child who didn’t get what he wanted for Christmas, Jim Harbaugh pouted and refused to do a post game interview.  What’s your deal, man?

-Billy Cundiff… keep your head on a swivel, bro.  I have a feeling the people of Baltimore aren’t going to be too happy with you.  And they don’t seem to be a reasonable bunch.

With roughly 2 minutes to go in the fourth quarter, Ravens coach John Harbaugh decided to go for it on 4th down, in lieu of kicking a 50 yard field goal to tie against the New England Patriots in Sunday’s AFC Championship game.  If that didn’t shake Cundiff’s confidence, I don’t know what would.  The Ravens were promptly stuffed, but miraculously got the ball back and found themselves in position to send the game into overtime with a chip shot field goal.

Cue Billy Cundiff.  Cundiff shanked a 32 yard field goal with 11 seconds left, gifting New England a trip to the Super Bowl, squeaking out a 23-20 victory.  Forget the fact that Lee Evans dropped a potential game winning touchdown two plays before.  Forget the fact that Harbaugh could have used a time out before the shank to make sure the kicking team didn’t feel rushed.  All we will remember is that Billy Cundiff is the goat.

-There was a time when I refused to believe that we are living in a world where Eli may have more rings than Peyton.  Then I realized that we are living in a world where this woman stayed with this man… errr…. THIS man even though HE abused HER for close to a decade.  Perhaps the Mayans are right after all.

-Bears quarterback Jay Cutler and on-again off-again girlfriend Kristen Cavalleri have shared the news that they are expecting a little quitter.  Err…. baby.

-Finally, in sad news legendary Penn State football coach Joe Paterno passed away over the weekend.  Rest In Peace, JoePa.

Follow me on Twitter @JockPostDT to discuss the Super Bowl, Heidi Klum, or anything else on your mind…  Special shout out to @SportsBlogRT, doing great things for the sports blogging community!

What else did we learn this week?

-At the beginning of the playoffs, the Giants were the “trendy” pick to make a run.  This time, the masses got it right.  The Packers looked out of sorts from the get-go, dropping numerous passes and turning the ball over repeatedly as they fell to the G-Men 37-20 in Lambeau.  Earlier this year, Eli Manning was criticized for considering himself an “elite” quarterback.  Care for some ketchup with that crow, Troy Aikman?

-If God really does care about football, he’s 1-1 in the playoffs.  Tebowmania may have been the talk of the town, but Tom Brady will hear nothing of it.  Brady finished the day with 363 and SIX touchdowns as his Pats laid the lumber to the Broncos 45-10.  The game wasn’t close, and Rob Gronkowski is borderline unstoppable.  He looks like The Juggernaut out there!  Tebow on the other hand underwhelmed us all going a mere 9-26 for 136 yards Saturday night.  I guess they should have played on Sunday.

-I challenge you to name a final quarter in the history of meaningful football games that was more entertaining than the fourth quarter of the Saints and 49ers epic battle.  Seriously… check the play by play.  Four game changing touchdowns in the final four minutes were capped by Vernon Davis making a spectacular touchdown catch over the middle to send the 49ers to the conference finals.  Drew Brees filled up the stat sheets again, but it was his counterpart Alex Smith who stole the show with 299 yards, 3 touchdowns and not a single interception.  Suck his Kaepernick.

-Someone told me the Ravens beat the Texans, but I fell asleep in the second half of this horrendously unwatchable crap-fest.  Could two teams be less endearing?  If you liked this game, then you probably were a fan of the BCS title snooze fest as well.  Baltimore squeaked past the Texans 20-13.  Borrrrrrrring…..

-Follow me on Twitter @JockPostDT to discuss the NFL playoffs, Tebowmania, or anything else on your mind!

1.  Indianapolis Colts:  The rumor mill is abuzz with talk of the Colts selecting Robert Griffin III over Andrew Luck.  If anyone you know says that, punch them in the face.  The Colts stink, and have plenty of holes that need filled.  With that said, they won’t pass on the can’t-miss Stanford signal caller.

Who they will draft: Andrew Luck.  QB, Stanford.

Who they may draft: Trade the pick for the type of ransom that would make a Lannister blush.  Either way, Andrew Luck is going number one.

2.  St. Louis Rams:  The Rams have quite a few holes as well.  The line is terrible, their running back is slowing down and Brandon Lloyd probably isn’t coming back.  Furthermore, their defense isn’t exactly the Steel Curtain.  Lots of ways the new regime in St. Louis can go.

Who they will draft:  Matt Kalil, OT USC… if they keep the pick

Who they may draft:  This pick has “Dan Snyder Overpaying” written all over it.  I’d guess RG3 goes at number two to the Washington Redskins.

3.  Minnesota Vikings:  Tackle is a huge need for the Vikes, and if RG3 goes at two, this pick is a no brainer, it will be Kalil.  If not, Minnesota could address defense with the number three pick.

Who they will draft:  Morris Claiborne.  CB, LSU

Who they may draft:  Kalil if he is there, or deal the pick to the ‘Skins.

4.  Cleveland Browns:  The Browns focused on defense in the past few drafts, and the result has been an offense that has an Ambien-like effect on anyone who watches them.  Part of that is due to the lackluster play of Colt McCoy… part of it has to do with the skill position failures.  It’s time to bring in some playmakers.

Who they will draft: Robert Griffin III.  QB, Baylor… if he’s there.

Who they may draft: Justin Blackmon.  WR, Oklahoma State

5.   Tampa Bay Buccaneers:  The head coach is gone, and cornerback Ronde Barber isn’t far behind.  Using a top 5 pick on a cornerback when you play in the same division as Roddy White, Marques Colston, and Steve Smith isn’t an awful idea.

Who they will draft: Dre Kirkpatrick.  CB, Alabama

Who they may draft: Morris Claiborne if he doesn’t go to Minnesota at three.

6.   Washington Redskins:  I don’t think the Redskins will be picking here, but for the sake of consistency… The Redskins need a quarterback, and if they don’t move up to snag RG3, they’ll be forced to reach here.

Who they will draft: Landry Jones.  QB, Oklahoma

Who they may draft: Justin Blackmon.

7.   Jacksonville Jaguars:  Maurice Jones Drew won the rushing title facing 10 men in the box (that’s what she said) and Blaine Gabbert under center.  Giving this team a weapon on the outside has to be a top priority, but the secondary is also a cause for concern.

Who they will draft:  Michael Floyd.  WR, Notre Dame

Who they may draft:  Dre Kirkpatrick

8.   Carolina Panthers:  Cam can put points on the board in Carolina, but the defense is a wet paper bag.  Defense is likely, but they may want to give their young signal caller another big play wide out to pair with 89.

Who they will draft:  Devon Still.  DT, Penn State

Who they may draft:  Alshon Jeffery.  WR, South Carolina

9.   Miami Dolphins:  Matt Barkley would have likely been taking his talents to South Beach, but will return to SoCal instead.  That stings for Dolphin fans.  Depth on the offensive line has to be the pick for Miami in the nine spot.

Who they will draft:  Riley Reiff.  OT, Iowa.

Who they may draft:  David DeCastro.  OG, Stanford.

10.   Buffalo Bills:  Gotta stop Tom Brady twice a year?  Better load up on defense.  Marcel Darrius was a nice start last year.  Look for Buffalo to continue that trend.

Who they will draft:  Courtney Upshaw.  LB, Alabama

Who they may draft:  Quinton Couples.  LB, UNC

11.  Kansas City Chiefs:  Jamaal Charles and Matt Cassell will be back to help the offense, but they need protected.  Look for Kansas City to do just that at pick eleven.

Who they will draft:  David DeCastro

Who they may draft:  Riley Reiff

12.   Seattle Seahawks:  Marshawn Lynch is a free agent.  Should he leave, there is a gaping hole at running back.  Should he stay, look for Pete Carroll to add more pieces to an already solid defense.

Who they will draft:  Trent Richardson.  RB, Alabama.

Who they may draft:  Quinton Couples.

13.   Arizona Cardinals:  The Cardinals need to protect Kevin Kolb.  Or John Skelton.  Or whatever bum they line up behind center.

Who they will draft:  Jonathan Martin.  OT, Stanford.

Who they may draft:  DeCastro or Reiff, if either are still on the board.

14.   Dallas Cowboys:  Terence Newman makes Eric Wright look like Deion Sanders.

Who they will draft:  Alfonzo Denard.  CB, Nebraska

Who they may draft:  Stephon Gilmore.  CB, South Carolina

15.   Philadelphia Eagles:  So maybe the “Dream Team” defense didn’t work.  Time to retool, rework, and reload.  I look for the Eagles to address their defense.

Who they will draft:  Zack Brown.  OLB, UNC.

Who they may draft:  Luke Kuechly.  LB, Boston College.

Check back after the combine to see an updated version, and follow me on Twitter at JockPostDT to discuss what you like, what you hate, and your teams draft needs.

Every year players have breakout seasons, making their fantasy owners look like they know what they are doing. While other players decided to take the year off since they just got paid (i.e. Chris Johnson).  Let’s take a look at the players that had the most fantasy relevance this year, good and bad, and which will have a lasting affect going into next season. 

Quarterbacks

Biggest Surprise – Cam Newton/Carolina Panthers

Did anyone really see this coming?  If you say “yes” you are an Auburn fan, and you are the only person I will believe.  Newton put up numbers unlike any rookie anyone has ever seen.  Not to mention he did it playing for the CAROLINA PANTHERS! I hope Steve Smith gave him a nice Christmas present, because he helped rejuvenate his career this year.  Newton finished 5^th in fantasy points of all players.  If you are in a keeper league, you have to keep this guy.  The Panthers are going to get better if they can get him some young talent at WR.  If you want a QB early next year, I think he has made it obvious he is worthy of a 1^st round selection. 

Biggest Bust – Josh Freeman/Tampa Bay Bucs

While I want to put Michael Vick here, I won’t, just for the fact that when he did play he still put up solid fantasy numbers.  However, the same may not be said for Freeman.  He played every game this season and only averaged 13 fantasy points a game.  At the beginning of the season if I told you Andy Dalton, Alex Smith, and Joe Flacco were going to be better options at QB, you would have called me crazy.  Freeman and the Bucs had a horrible season after surprising everyone last season and tricking many fantasy owners to take Freeman andMike Williams early in the draft.  Next season I would recommend Freeman for a back-up but don’t plan on him being relevant any time soon. 

Don’t Panic -  Philip Rivers/San Diego Chargers

I trusted this guy to lead my fantasy team this season, hoping he would have the breakout year everyone was promising he would have.  Not so much.  While he finished the season strong, it was too late to save some owner’s fantasy season.  In his defense, Floyd, Jackson, and Gates were not on the field at the same time very much due to injuries.  But when they were, Rivers was able to show why he is a relevant fantasy QB.  I would still recommend taking him somewhat early next season.  He is still a top 10 fantasy QB, and will continue to be solid for years to come. 

Sleeper for next season – Andy Dalton/Cincinnati Bengals

A.J. Green and the Bengals WR core are young and talented.  Look for them to only get better, once they can have an off-season and get on the same page. 

Running Back

Biggest Surprise – Darren Sproles/New Orleans Saints

How many back-up running backs can finish a season a top-5 fantasy back?  I am going to say none.  Sproles probably did not get drafted by many this season.  I know he sat on an owners bench in my league until about week 10.  Sproles was PPR League gold catching tons of passes out of the backfield from Drew Brees, and even got a lot of red-zone looks.  If you are playing in a standard league he may not have helped as much, but he was still starter worthy.  You have to look at taking him in the top 3 rounds next season, because it looks like Mark Ingram and Sproles are the Saints future in the backfield.

Biggest Bust – Chris Johnson/Tennessee Titans

This is a prime example of “show me the money” from a pro athlete.  Johnson has been playing his ass off for years for the Titans, showing why he is worthy of that big paycheck, and worthy of the top fantasy pick each season.  This year he decided to take a vacation with that big paycheck and frustrate fantasy owners week in and week out.  While it was a down year for running backs, Johnson was still worthy of an every week start, but to be  a top 2 pick and only score 20+ points two times all season is worthy of the BUST title.  He will still be drafted in the first two rounds next season, but his top 5 pick days are over. 

Don’t Panic – Peyton Hillis/Cleveland Browns

Another guy that killed my team this season (can you tell I didn’t do well?)  No one really knows what Hillis’ deal was this season.  I am blaming it on the “Madden Curse.”  Wherever he ends up next season he will bounce back andbecome fantasy relevant again.  If he is around in your later rounds next season, be sure and save a spot for him on your roster. 

Sleepers for next season – Marshawn Lynch, Reggie Bush, DeMarco Murray, Michael Bush, Beanie Wells

Wide Receiver

Biggest Surprise – Victor Cruz/New York Giants

Did anyone know this guy even existed at the beginning of the season?  After becoming a full time starter, Cruz had 2 games under double digit points all season.  He finished 3^rdof all wide receivers in points behind Calvin Johnson and Wes Welker.  While I don’t see a repeat of this next season, he is definitely a player you want to grab as your #2 WR next season. 

Biggest Bust – DeSean Jackson/Philadelphia Eagles

Jackson made it clear he was not going to play hard until he got paid.  Unfortunately for fantasy owners, he never got paid.  Jackson has been pretty streaky in previous seasons, but you can usually count on at least 10 points from him.  This season he only scored double digits in 8 games.  That is not going to cut it for a #1 fantasy WR.  His value rests a lot on who is playing QB also.  As long as that is Mike Vick, you never know how consistent he can ever really be.  Next season make Jackson your #2 WR and you will be less disappointed when he doesn’t perform. 

Don’t Panic – Reggie Wayne/Indianapolis Colts

If he returns to the Colts next season with Peyton Manning, he is still worthy of a top pick.  A lot will be determined on who is his QB.  Granted, Curtis Painter and Dan Orlovsky should only be on an NFL field during walk-throughs so if he goes anywhere with a decent QB he will return to fantasy relevance.  Even with the Colts s**tty season, he managed to be relevant for half a season.  Next season make him a sleeper pick for your team, you won’t be disappointed. 

Sleepers for Next Season – Nate Washington, A.J. Green, Antonio Brown, Michael Crabtree

Tight Ends

Biggest Surprise – Rob Gronkowski/ New England Patriots

All I can say about his season is “holy s**t!”  Gronk outscored many hopeful #1 WR’s this season and proved to be Tom Brady’s safety net when Welker was covered.  If you are in a keeper league it might be crazy to consider keeping a TE, but look at your team and see if you have anyone else that is more consistent.  I know I didn’t.  He probably won’t be drafted 1^st round in many leagues, but I would be sure and take him 2^nd round.  It’s hard to ignore 17 touchdowns in one season. 

Biggest Bust – Dallas Clark/Indianapolis Colts

Guess who had this guy?  Yes, one of many mistakes I made in this awful season.  Reggie Wayne managed to put up SOME points, I’m not giving Clark a pass just because he didn’t have Manning throwing to him.  Clark has been one of the most consistent TE’s the last 5 years and completely fell of the map this season. Just like Reggie Wayne, if Manning returns next season and all the good TE’s are taken.  Grab Clark, and look for him to return to fantasy dominance. 

Don’t Panic -  See Dallas Clark

Sleepers for Next Season – Jermaine Gresham, Fred Davis

He did it on the Saints last offensive play of the game, a 9 yard TD pass to Darren Sproles while NOLA was already sporting a 30 point lead. This gave Brees the record with 5,087 yards, and a game left to go.

The Falcons players and staff felt disrespected by this “classless” move, as well they should. They were being disrespected, because they couldn’t stop a leaky faucet. Be better at your jobs, gentleman, and teams won’t try to set records on you.

When you’re paid to play defense and get mowed through like whiskey at my family Christmas, you can only point the finger at yourself.

But who really gives a s**t anyway? Tom Brady is only 180 yards behind Brees, and if you think the Patriots aren’t going to do everything in their power to break that record, you are just an asshole.

Yo Atlanta, you mad bro??

-I want to see Alabama and LSU to play the most BORING game in the history of the BCS, forcing that sham of a system to crumble.  This one shouldn’t be a stretch…

-I want poor Chris Paul to find a home.  Though I believe he is SUPREMELY overrated, being jerked around the way that he is doesn’t seem fair.  “Hey Chris, you’re a Laker… just kidding, you’re a Hornet…  I mean you’re a Clipper… err… still a Hornet… oh and a Clipper again.”  What a joke.

-I’d like to see the Cleveland Browns training staff explain why they felt that quarterback Colt McCoy didn’t need a full concussion test after this hit.  I needed a concussion test from just watching Colt get crushed by that criminal.

-Speaking of criminals… I’d love to see these animals prosecuted.  This thuggery has absolutely no place in college sports.  Think their scholarships will be suspended?  They should be.

-I’d like to see Peyton Manning get healthy.  I’m not used to watching the Colts play this bad.

-I want to sit down with the NBA owners and let them know that they are doing it wrong.  Locking out the players because you’re losing money, and then turning around and handing Kwame Brown $8 million this year is a travesty.  How did you peabrains become billionaires?

-I would love to see Albert Pujols flounder with the Angels.  I don’t care that you didn’t hold an obnoxious press conference with Jim Grey, when you leave a city that loves you for a city that couldn’t care less about their sports franchise, you become Baseball Lebron.  You rat.

-I’d like Michael Phelps to lay off the hippie-lettuce.  2012 Summer Olympics are right around the corner…  USA!  USA!  USA!

-I would like to see Buster Posey, Stephen Strausburg, and Adam Wainwright bounce back next season.  These three are solid young stars that make the game more fun to watch.  And don’t cheat.  I’m looking at you, Ryan Braun.

-I’d like to see the Packers go 16-0 and win the Super Bowl.  Mainly because I am a minority owner in the franchise.  Go Pack Go!

-I don’t even want Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather to fight anymore.  Who cares?  Losers.

-I’d like to see some justice for these creeps that are accused of molesting children.  Seriously… what is wrong with these freaks?  Maximum sentences all around.

-I don’t want Andrew Luck to be as good as advertised.  I want him to be better.

-I want the Miami Heat to suck.  Like… REALLY bad.

-I want Ndomukong Suh and James Harrison to fight in a steel cage match.  Loser leaves the NFL forever.  Winner gets staph infection.

-I never want Tim Tebow to leave the spotlight.  I know he is a total cheese dick.  I know he doesn’t have the throwing mechanics that Mel Kiper jerks off to.  I know he rubs some people the wrong way…  but he is the best.  He is television gold, and he is fun to watch.  If you don’t root for Tim Tebow, you don’t root for America.  Stop being a communist.

Two high school kids in New York were suspended for creating a gathering of 40 students in the hallway of their school doing  simultaneous “Tebowing”.

The school suggests that it has nothing to do with Tebow’s religious beliefs, rather it was a safety concern that caused the suspensions.

“It causes a potentially unsafe situation with 1,500 people in the building,” Principal David Wicks said Thursday. “If you have 40 kids kneeling down in the middle of a hallway, and God forbid a fire alarm goes off, they could potentially stop someone from getting to safety.”

First of all, saying “God forbid” is a bit ironic. No way would God allow something like this to happen to fellow Tebow supporters. Secondly, if a fire did occur, it’s safe to assume the only kids that would survive would be the ones worshiping Tebow.

In the end, kids, it’s probably a good idea if you do not mock Tim Tebow. Even if it is in flattering fashion.

-The greatest rivalry in sports was renewed this weekend as Ohio State took the field in Ann Arbor to face the Michigan Wolverines.  Denard Robinson was magical, combining for 337 yards and 5 touchdowns as the Wolverines got the sweater-vest-less monkey off their back and won 40-34.  Hail to the victors, enjoy it while you can because as we learned earlier this week, Urban is coming to Columbus and things are about to go back to normal.

-Superman wears Tim Tebow pajamas.  Tebow lead his Broncos to a division win over the San Diego Chargers 16-13 at Qualcomm Stadium.  It wasn’t pretty, but a win is a win and Tebow certainly knows how to get it done.

-Alabama boat raced Auburn 42-14, as Tide running back Trent Richardson carried the load to the tune of 27 carries for 203 yards.  Though the Alabama defense proved once again that they are the cream of the crop, without even appearing in their conference title game, should they be considered for the national title game?  Not in my eyes.

-On Thursday, the biggest turkey around was Lions defensive tackle Ndomukong Suh.  There is a fine line between being a tough and aggressive player, and being a scummy dirt bag.  Suh curb stomped that line as Green Bay prevailed 27-15 over Detroit.

-Stanford hosted Notre Dame in prime time Saturday night, and Andrew Luck impressed.  Luck tossed four scores as the Irish fell to the Cardinal 28-14.

-Remember all those Chicago Bear fans that ridiculed Jay Cutler for being a sissy, claiming the Bears would be better without him?  Caleb Hanie thinks you’re all idiots.  With Jay Cutler, the Bears were the hottest team in the NFL.  Without him, they lost to the Raiders and have those same fans praying for a playoff spot.  Though the defense kept them in the game, Hanie’s three interceptions were too much to overcome as the Raiders squeaked by 25-20.

-Baylor scored 66 points against Texas Tech.  In football, not basketball like I had originally thought when I saw the score.  Is anyone’s NFL stock hotter than RG3 right now?

-Stevie Johnson dominated the New York Jets secondary all afternoon, until he dropped a potential game winner as time wound down.  The Jets squeaked by 28-24, as Sanchez and his boys continued to look subpar.

-USC embarrassed the UCLA Bruins 50-0 at the Coliseum Saturday night.  To answer my previous question… yes, Matt Barkley’s NFL draft stock may be hotter than RG3.  Barkley threw for 423 and 6 touchdowns in the drubbing. 

-Tom Brady is pretty good.  So are the Patriots.  Vince Young isn’t terrible.  The Philadelphia Eagles are.  New England beat the Eagles 38-20 in Philly, as Brady and Vince Young combined for 761 yards through the air.  “Fire Andy Reid” chants echoed through Lincoln Financial Field in the fourth quarter.  Maybe the fans mistook Reid for Santa….Cretins.

-The Georgia Bulldogs beat the Yellow Jackets of Georgia Tech to secure a spot in the SEC Championship game.  As a reminder, Georgia is one win away from being crowned the BEST TEAM in the SEC, and lost to Boise State by 2 touchdowns earlier this year, yet pundits are calling for an all SEC title game.  Morons.  End this sham.

Follow me on Twitter @JockPostDT to discuss Boise State, Urban Meyer, or anything else on your mind.

His toughness has also gotten him some fines from the NFL – $42,500 in total. But no one ever said winning comes cheap. It’s the price you pay to help change a culture.

But Suh has also been called a dirty player, which is why he requested a meeting with Roger Goodell to discuss what he can do to improve his game (aka quit getting fined).

In Suh’s words, ”I have gained a better understanding how I need to continue to play the game to help my team win. “I look forward to the rest of the season and doing everything we can to bring the Lombardi Trophy to Detroit.”

When I first heard Suh requested this meeting, I assumed it was more of a smartass way to ask how he is supposed to “take it easy” while playing the most dangerous game on the planet (Well, 2nd most dangerous game).

What ended up happening, is Suh and the Lions took a step back in their quest for being considered a “scary” team. Playing nice does not win championships. If you play defense in the NFL, you should have the personality of a murderer. And last time I checked, most murderers wouldn’t go ask the cops for advice on how to kill people.

The Lions fans need a dirty, scary defense in order to be relevant. At 6-2, this has to be the best they have felt in years! Why change anything?

Personally, if I was Suh, I would make the dirtiest play possible their next game just to prove he will continue to play the way he has always played. And if that means being called a dirty player, so be it. Better than not being called anything at all, which is what Lions fans are use to.

-The Dallas Cowboys are one of the most storied franchises in the National Football League.  Hall of Fame running backs Emmitt Smith, Tony Dorsett, and countless others have dawned that silver helmet with the blue star and ran between the tackles for Dallas.  Of all those running backs, none have ran for as many yards as rookie back Demarco Murray did on Sunday.  253 yards later, Murray etched his name into the record books as his Cowboys beat the St. Louis Rams 34-7… though I am calling for an asterisk because the Rams are THAT bad.

-Kyle Boller started the game at quarterback for the Oakland Raiders on Sunday.  On his first series, he threw a touchdown… to the Kansas City Chiefs.  Boller finished the first half with three interceptions and was promptly benched for new Raider Carson Palmer.  Not to be outdone, Palmer chucked three picks of his own in the second half.  Maybe it’s time to get the Old Gunslinger on the horn…

-The Miami Dolphins were leading the Denver Broncos by 2 scores with less than 3 minutes to play in the fourth quarter.  Some would call a lead like that insurmountable.  Tim Tebow is not one of those people.  The Mile High Messiah connected on a pair of touchdown passes and ran in a 2 point conversion to force overtime.  In the extra frame, Tebow willed his team to victory 18-15, helping the Broncos to their second win of the season.  Also, both of these teams blow.

-Speaking of teams that blow, the Cleveland Browns topped the Seattle Seahawks 6-3 in one of the most unwatchable games in history.  With just 9 points scored, “the under” definitely paid… both in total points scored and number of NFL caliber football players on either of these offenses.  Watching these offenses trying to move the ball was just painful.

-I passed on Arian Foster in my fantasy football draft, so I will choose not to write about his 230 yard, three touchdown performance against the Titans as the Texans won 41-7.

-Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis got another tip-pass gift of an interception against the San Diego Chargers Sunday.  After Malcom Floyd bumped the ball volleyball-style right in Revis’ bread basket as the Jets came from behind to win 27-21. 

-Cecil’s boy totaled 300 yards and a pair of scores as Carolina beat Washington 33-20 in a game that saw 5 first half field goals.

-Drew Brees tossed 5 touchdown passes as the Saints beat the Colts 62-7.  There’s really not much else to talk about in this game.

-The Green Bay Packers remain the last undefeated team, as they held off division rival Minnesota 33-27.  Rookie quarterback Christian Ponder impressed as he threw for 220 and a pair of scores, but the difference maker in the game was Aaron Rogers.  Rogers finished the game with over 330 yards, three scores, and a command of the offense that is jaw-dropping.

-Chicago and Tampa took a trip across the pond on Sunday.  While the field changed, Matt Forte did what Matt Forte does and that is run for a ton of yards.  Forte finished the day with 145 yards and a score as the Bears improved to 4-3 with a 24-18 victory.  In defeat, Josh Freeman threw four picks in front of Tampa owner Malcolm Glazer, who had a rough day…  earlier that afternoon Glazer watched his premier league team Manchester United get throttled by Manchester City 6-1.  I’m sure that ruined the billionaire’s day for about 2 minutes.

-Tweet of the week: @AndrewSiciliano –  9th NFL game since 2000 with 9 or fewer points. 3 of the last 4 with 9 points or less involved the Browns.

Follow me on Twitter @JockPostDT to discuss Tebow, the Browns, or anything else sports related.

Wouldn’t it be great?

Fingers crossed, and I don’t want to jinx myself, but based on the fact that not a single team showed up to T.O.’s workout today, the chances of him not returning to the NFL seem to be relatively decent.

And before people get up my s**t for hatin’,let me just say that my ill feelings towards T.O. have nothing to do with his play on the field. I think he could come in and still help a team that needs a #2 receiver on the outside.

It’s simple really…

I just want him quit acting like he is God’s gift to man-kind and realize where he is in his NFL career. That’s all. It really doesn’t seem like that unreasonable of a request. Do you see any other free agents looking for the league minimum holding media workouts?

He should go down as one of the most remarkable receivers in NFL history, but instead he will just be a clown – an ex-teammate outing, quarterback killing, reality tv starring douchebag. He is a virus to any team he has been a part of, and any team that picks him up this year deserves what they get. He is the Adam Dunn of baseball -  although I couldn’t picture Adam Dunn impersonating Zoolander, but you get my point.

T.O. is not going to help your team win a Super Bowl and he is too old and meaningless to help you sell tickets.

Now let’s just hope every NFL team feels the same way.

Another thing I wouldn’t gamble on? Seeing Sean Payton’s tough ass back on the sideline quicker than expected.

During the Saints-Bucs game yesterday, TE Jimmy Graham was forced out of bounds when he accidentally ran into his head coach, tearing Payton’s MCL and breaking his leg. The video of collision  is below.

The coach said he wanted to continue coaching from the box, but the pain forced him to stay in the locker room where he watched the remainder of the 2nd half.

For me, if I get hurt on the job, I’m just hoping I get a couple extra days off – Payton just wants to keep working. I wonder who likes their job more?

You think he gets worker’s comp for this s**t?

After holding out for the better half of a year in 2010, the New York Jets monumentally overpaid for a cornerback who has hyper-inflated his own worth, and gotten the talking heads around the nation to buy everything that he is selling.

Let’s examine Darrelle Revis’ first few games of 2011, excluding the Jaguars game because even I could cover an NFL wideout with Luke McCown playing quarterback…

In week one, Revis was brutally assaulted up and down the field in the first half by Dez Bryant, and in the second half by Miles Austin.  Bryant finished the day with 71 yards and a score, while Austin ended with 90 yards and a TD.

In weeks three and four, Revis bounced back nicely while covering the seldom dangerous Darrius Heyward-Bey and my grandpa’s old high school teammate Anquan Boldin.  However things took an ugly turn against the Patriots as Wes Welker embarrassed Revis from sideline to sideline to the tune of 124 yards.

To recap, the “best” corner in the league can shut down below average pass catchers, but gets railroaded by anyone with a pulse? 

Revis is unquestionably one of the most solid cornerbacks in the national football league, and at one point may have been the best.  That time is just not now.

Derrelle Revis WAS something special, just like Blackberry WAS the most complete smartphone on the planet.  Times change.  Things change.  When it comes to cell phones, it’s time to ditch the Blackberry and pick up the iPhone. 

As for cornerbacks?  Time to leave Revis Island and visit Haden Nation…

…because Joe Haden is best cornerback in the NFL.  Don’t believe me?  Check out the numbers;

In week 1, excluding the miscommunication by the defense as a whole, Haden held Bengals rookie phenom AJ Green without a catch.  Nothing.  Zip.  Zilch. 

In weeks 2 and 3, Haden was matched against Reggie Wayne and Brandon Marshall, arguably two of the most talented wideouts in the league.  Haden held them both to 4 catches, with Marshall only hauling in 43 measly yards.  Tennessee’s Nate Washington was Haden’s victim in week 4 and was blanketed all afternoon while bringing in just 2 catches.

That’s how it’s done.  Cleveland has nowhere near the pass rush that the Mean Green Machine has, nor do they have a corner anywhere close to the ability of Antonio Cromartie across the field.  Joe Haden is doing this without the help of a Pro-Bowl roster, and though he may not gather the attention of the national media, he has certainly earned it.

Playing under meek and mild head coach Pat Shurmer may not be as sexy to the media as playing for Big Fat Rex Ryan (No relation to Big Fat Sebastian Janikowski or Big Fat Mike Tolbert), but Haden doesn’t need to be hyped like that.  He lets his play talk for him.

In the end, it comes down to the glitz and glamour of New York or the blue collared roots in Cleveland.  The team led by playboy Mark Sanchez or the rube Colt McCoy.  Most people prefer the sizzle to the steak, but not me.  I’ll take Joe Haden.

The filet mignon of cornerbacks.

Earlier this week, Lebron James tweeted “Just got done practicing with the St. V Varsity football team, full pads and all.. Felt great being back on the field. Should I?”

Should you what, Lebron?

Is this tweet implying that Lebron James is contemplating an NFL try out, if the NBA season gets cancelled?

When will that pompous, loudmouth blow-hard learn? Apparently never, as James hasn’t recognized that when you make outlandish claims and fail to deliver, it comes with many consequences… not 5… not 6… not 7…

Those who have read this site before know that I detest Lebron James more than any other human being on this planet. When Casey Anthony got away with murder, I shrugged it off… but when Lebron’s press conference ended and The Heatles were formed, I lost a grip.

The way that he mismanaged his departure from Cleveland has been written about more times than can be read. The negative backlash that Lebron receives night in and night out isn’t enough, and there will NEVER be a way for him to earn my forgiveness.

Well… maybe there’s one way.

I acknowledge that Lebron’s tweet was probably sent in jest… but what if it wasn’t? What if he is just bat-s**t crazy enough to think he can compete in the NFL? What if I’m bat-s**t crazy enough to agree with him?

Despite all the venom that I have coursing through my veins towards him, there is no denying that Lebron James is a physical specimen. Had Michelangelo been born 500 years later, “The David” would be no more. We would only know “The Lebron.”

6’8”, 250 pounds with the leaping ability that would make Calvin Johnson blush. Lightning fast with enormous hands, Lebron James in a football uniform would be as unstoppable as Denzel’s train. A nightmare mismatch, Antonio Gates mixed with Andre Johnson sprinkled with some Randy Moss.

Lebron James would build a tiki bar and set up a hammock on Revis Island.

Lebron, we all heard your half-hearted apology. We didn’t buy it. Your words are hollow and empty. Want to get back on everyone’s good graces?

Don’t say. Do.

Make that Nike commercial a reality and put on that beautiful orange helmet. Come back to Cleveland, but this time lead the city’s most beloved franchise. The Cavs have always been the red headed step child. Sure, we love them… but not the way we love the Browns.

With the Browns, it’s different. It’s deeper.

Bring the Lombardi Trophy home to Cleveland and you’ve got a clean slate in Cleveland as far as I’m concerned. We’ll call it even. Hell, I’ll even take back all the bad stuff I wrote about you.

Make your tongue-in-cheek tweet a reality, and join the NFL in the city that you scorned. You’ve always spoke of being a global icon. This is your shot. Leave the NBA, a league that won’t even be missed if there is a lockout, and join the most captivating professional sports league in the world.

Save the floundering franchise in Cleveland the way you started to 8 years ago. Dominate the shores of Lake Erie and win back the love and admiration of a fan base that treated you like their own son.

And don’t worry about the 4th quarter…

…Colt’s got that covered.

Don’t agree?  Read on.

Since he was drafted in 1998, Peyton Manning has been special.  Not just good.  Not just great.  Special.

His rookie year, Manning threw for over 3700 yards and tossed 26 touchdowns on his way to setting five rookie records.  From there, it only got better.

Over the next 13 seasons, Manning won 4 Most Valuable Player awards, and brought home a Super Bowl ring.  He was an 11 time Pro Bowler and a Super Bowl MVP.  His list of individual accomplishments is longer than my… well, it’s long. Antagonists say that he was made better by the pieces around him. 

Not so fast…

When Marvin Harrison played with Peyton Manning for a full season, he averaged over 1300 yards and 11 touchdowns.  Without?  850 yards and 7 touchdowns.

When Reggie Wayne played with Peyton Manning for a full season, he averaged 1155 yards and 8 touchdowns.  Without?  He is on pace to end the year with barely 1000 yards and only 5 scores.

These pass catchers didn’t make Peyton Manning better.  He made them better. 

Without Peyton, there would be no “Marvelous Marvin”.  There would only be Marv.  Peyton helped Reggie fool you.  His real name’s Norm.  He’s a pizza delivery boy.  In short, Peyton Manning molded these future hall of famers from the average pieces of clay that they were. 

And he did it so subtly, you didn’t even notice.

Manning isn’t going to wow you at first glance.  He isn’t an electric athlete.  He isn’t bedding a supermodel.  In fact, he is kind of goofy.  Unassuming.  Sneaky good.

He may not have the athleticism of Vick or Elway, the charisma of Brady or Marino… but what Peyton Manning means to his football team is more than those other characters could ever dream.

In 2008, Matt Cassel took over the reigns in New England for an injured Tom Brady and lead the Patriots to an 11-5 record.  Not much of a drop off.

In 2006, the San Diego Chargers did not resign All-Pro quarterback Drew Brees, and rolled the dice with unproven third year quarterback Phillip Rivers.  The team finished the year 14-2.  A FIVE game improvement from the previous year!

This season, with Peyton Manning out of commission, could the Indianapolis Colts expect the same success?  After all, it’s obviously more than just a quarterback that makes a team great.

Absolutely not. 

The Colts are the worst team in the NFL and the offense is sputtering like a kid learning to drive stick.  Watching the Colts offense with Manning is like watching a maestro conduct a symphony at The Met.  Without?  It’s like watching the Mets.

It’s more than just the records and the stats that make Peyton Manning the best quarterback to ever walk the earth.

It’s everything else.

He’s the offensive coordinator.  He reads defenses and he calls the play.  Could you imagine giving that responsibility to any other quarterback and achieving the same success?  Neither can any other head football coach.

He’s tricky.  He has spent his career driving defensive coordinators bonkers with fake audibles and faux hand signals.  There are times when he is flapping around pre-snap that he looks like an idiot.  And then he hits the defense when they least expect it.  Jokes on you.

He’s a leader and a coach.  Last Sunday night, Manning was in the press box calling plays for Old Man Kerry Collins against the Steelers.  His knowledge of the game is unrivaled by any peer.

He’s a mentor.  At least he might be.  Without Peyton, this Colts team is going to be in the Andrew Luck sweepstakes and that is a scary thought.  Could you imagine a kid with the talent and the accolades of Andrew Luck coming to Indianapolis to learn from Peyton Manning?  It would be like Luke landing in the swamp and meeting Yoda for the first time, except this time Luke isn’t a mop-headed sissy.  He’s Andrew Freaking Luck.

At the end of the day, people may never agree on who the greatest is, but for me the choice is clear.  Never has a football player embodied everything that is right about not only the position, but also the sport the way Peyton Manning does.

And that’s enough for me.

-The Buffalo Bills are 3-0 and sitting atop the AFC East thanks to an offense that can score with just about anyone.  Ryan Fitzpatrick (did you know he went to Harvard?) rallied his team from a 21-0 deficit to win 34-31.  Fred Jackson was magical gaining 164 yards on 17 touches, and the Bills defense picked off Tom Terrific 4 times.  Wes Welker was targeted TWENTY times and ended the day with 16 catches for 217 yards, but it was Ryan Lindell who booted a 28 yard field goal as time expired to seal the victory.

-Speaking of terrible franchises that are 3-0, the Lions are off to their best start since 1980.  The Vikings have blown double digit leads in all three games this season and may as well give rookie QB Christian Ponder a shot because Donovan McNabb needs to make his way to the glue factory.  The Lions were lead by Calvin Johnson who has caught multiple touchdown passes in every game this year, and is on pace to catch 32 touchdown passes this season.  Don’t laugh…  if anyone could do it, it would be this freak. 

-The New Orleans Saints hung 40 on the Texans this week to improve to 2-1, as Drew Brees ended the day with 370 yards passing and a trio of second half touchdown passes.  The two teams combined for over 900 yards of total offense in one of the weeks more entertaining games.

-The Chicago Bears are starting to piss me off.  Jay Cutler is going to take the Lion’s share of the blame, but the pieces that surround him in the Windy City are putrid.  When can we stop pretending that Roy Williams is an NFL caliber wide out?  The number of drops by the Bears pass catchers is maddening.  How sad is it that the most reliable wide out is undrafted rookie Dane Sanzenbacher?  The Bears stumbled to 1-2 as the Packers sealed the 27-17 win.  Despite the loss, the Bears managed to pull off the coolest play that I have ever seen in the NFL as Devin Hester and Johnny Knox punked the Green Bay Packers.  The play was called back for a bulls**t holding penalty, but this play definitely deserves mention.

-Colt McCoy was bad most of the day, but in the fourth quarter the Browns QB engineered a game winning drive that was Elwayesque, hitting Mohamed Massaquoi in the back of the endzone to top the floundering Dolphins 17-16.  A pair of young running backs were on display as the Dolphins Daniel Thomas and Cleveland’s Montario Hardesty ran hard for their respective clubs.  While the game was as easy to digest as a milk chugging contest at a lactose intolerance convention, the game winning drive has Browns fans living on cloud 9!

-The following teams stink and will not be mentioned again in this weeks column because of their horrendous performances on Sunday.  San Francisco, Cincinnati, Arizona, Seattle, Denver and Tennessee.  Lock it up, you losers.

-Carolina and Jacksonville were dangerously close to joining that list, but the monsoon-like weather that these teams played through gave them a week long hall pass.  NFL defenses can’t slow down Cecil Newton’s boy, but Mother Nature sure did.

-Pittsburgh, hang your head in shame.  Keeping it that close against the Indianapolis Colts is sad.  The Steelers squeaked out a 23-20 win despite QB Ben Roethlisberger turning the ball over three times.  As terribly as Ben played, at least he didn’t rape anyone.  So he’s got that going for him.

-Michael Vick broke his hand against the New York Giants, as the “Dream Team” is quickly becoming a nightmare.  Eli tossed 4 touchdowns against the secondary that analysts fawned over like a school girl with a crush, and the Iggles are sitting at 1-2 and likely starting Mike Kafka in the coming weeks.  Uh oh…

-The Jets can’t run the ball and the Jets can’t throw the ball.  This team is an enigma.  They shouldn’t be as good as they are… and maybe they are realizing that as well.  Also, I hope you clicked that hyperlink at work and your coworkers laughed at you.  Sissy.

-Atlanta is looking great so far this year and I’m thrilled that they were my Super Bowl pick.  Not.

The remains were first seen whooping it up at the Cincinnati amusement park, Kings Island, shortly after McNair’s passing.

Then, last Sunday, during the Titans-Jaguars game, McNair’s bones were spotted tailgating outside the Jaguars stadium, named for whatever corporation paid the most money.

I expect this sort of coldness in a Bears-Packers/Steelers-Browns/Eagles-Giants game. But the Titans-Jags?

This is quite ruthless for a fanbase (and a team for that matter), that I have generally considered harmless since their inception. They wear teal, after all. It’s difficult to be bad-ass when you’re dressed in sea-foam.

These fans pulled it off though. I hadn’t even realized there was genuine dislike between these two franchise until now. Talk about announcing your presence with authority. Ridiculing the face of the franchise who was victim to a murder-suicide? Welcome to the Big Leagues of Hate,  Jacksonville.

1-     Jamaal Charles will end the year as the top scoring fantasy running back.  Did you know that last year, Thomas Jones had more carries for Kansas City than Charles?  That is the most absurd thing I have ever heard in my life.  The Coal Miner’s Son is another year older, and it’s time that Todd Haley recognize how special Charles will be.  A season of 2000 all purpose yards and 15 touchdowns make this speedster 2012’s first overall pick. 

2-     Matthew Stafford will end the season as a top 5 fantasy quarterback.  Megatron is the most gifted wide out in the league, and the Lions aren’t afraid to chuck the pigskin.  Javid Best isn’t exactly Earl Campbell, and can’t handle 25-30 carries a game, which means the ball will be in Stafford’s hands more often than not.  If the offensive line can keep him upright, Stafford will reward them.

3-     Adrian Peterson will disappoint you.  You probably drafted him with your first or second pick.  He will probably churn out 1300 yards, but I see the number of touchdowns dropping and All Day will fall short of your expectations for the number 1 overall pick.  He will be solid, and I know that you drafted him because he is a safe bet… but your 1-and-done fantasy playoff run will leave you wishing you’d taken someone else.  Sigh.

4-     Michael Vick will REALLY disappoint you.  The Eagles offensive line is bad.  Like… really bad.  Vick is going to get pressured and when Vick gets pressured, Vick runs.  When Vick runs, Vick gets careless.  When Vick gets careless, Vick takes hits.  When Vick takes hits, Vick gets hurt.  Can you follow the progression?  If you reached for him in the first round because Matthew Berry told you to, prepare yourself for a long season.  Asking Michael Vick to stay healthy all season is like asking Snooki to spend a night at the bars without a drink.  Ain’t gonna happen.

5-     Tom Brady will NOT disappoint you.  He’s throwing it to the best looking woman on the planet.  He’s rich.  He’s funny.  He’s the kind of guy you wish you hung out with.  Oh yeah, and he throws a football as well as anyone on the planet.  He has the perfect coach, the perfect scheme, and the perfect teammates to repeat last year’s sensational campaign.  Not to mention the Randy Moss rumors floating around… There is no reason to think a magical season won’t happen again.  Tom Brady is as close to automatic in fantasy football as it gets.