Po Politickin

This list is based on, performance now and future potential. The list is actually more heavily weighed toward future potential. I also take into consideration my thoughts on the general positional and player value around the league.

10. Terrell Suggs, LB, Baltimore Ravens- Suggs has long been considered one of the more fearsome pass rushers in the entire league, but it's his versatility that might separate him from the rest. He is a jack of all trades in the Baltimore system and has been one of the most important pieces of a perennial dominant defense. The sky is the limit for T-Sizzle.

9. Haloti Ngata, DE, Baltimore Ravens- Ngata is getting better by the minute, and will be a key in the Baltimore defense for now and in the future. He's a DE in Baltimore, and is one of the best 3-4 DEs in the entire league. His versatility allows him to move around on the defensive line, as he is one of the most versatile defensive linemen in the NFL.

8. Mario Williams, DE, Houston Texans- Super Mario has made a name for himself with 26 sacks over the last 2 seasons, silencing all the critics who blasted the Texans for taking him with the #1 pick in the 2006 draft. He has size and ability that isn't matched by many.

7. Patrick Willis- LB, San Francisco 49ers- Since he was drafted, Willis has been one of the most dominant MLBers in the league He, in essence, was the 49ers D in '07, and he's the guy that keeps it going. In the last two seasons notched over 300 tackles his first 2 years, on top of 15 pass deflections, 5 sacks, and 1 INT. I know statistics aren't everything for LBers, but it's hard not to like Willis given his raw ability and production.

6. Jay Cutler, QB, Chicago Bears- With his ticket now punched to Chicago, Cutler moves on with a lot to prove. Thus far in his career, he's improved gradually from season to season, and has as much raw ability as any QB in the NFL. As he gets older and more seasoned he should be able to master the nuances and subtleties of the QB position and maximize his potential. Ultimately, I think with a couple more top notch seasons, he can leapfrog several people on this list.

5. Darrelle Revis, CB, New York Jets-After 2 stellar seasons in the league, Revis has already established himself as a top CB in the eyes of many. With his abilities in man coverage, his opportunisitc ways and physical ability Revis looks to be a franchise cornerstone for years to come.

4. Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Arizona Cardinals- Fitzgerald might have the best hands I have ever seen from the WR position. 1400 yds and 10+ TDs in 3 out of his 5 seasons in the NFL, 46 TDs in 5 years, insane athletic ability and a playoff run last season that dreams are made of make Larry one of the NFL's best players.

3. Calvin Johnson, WR, Detroit Lions- I know it's early to put Calvin Johnson here, especially ahead of Larry Fitzgerald but did you see what this kid did last season? 78 catches, 1331 yards and 12 TDs on the Detroit Lions, yes the 0-16 pathetic, sorry sack Detroit Lions. The guy is arguably the best WR prospect EVER and probably would be widely considered the #1 WR in the sport, if not for the whole 'Winner-Loser' stuff that is beaten like a rented mule. And the scariest thing about Calvin is that he could potentially get better.

2. Adrian Peterson, HB, Minnesota Vikings- Essentially, Adrian is 1B on this list. 601 carries, 3,101 yards 5.2 YPC and 22 TDs. The man is as gifted as any running back in the game today and continues to get better. If the Vikings actually consider utilizing him in the passing game (a QB who can find him without using a compass could help in that regard), he could be that much better.

1. DeMarcus Ware, OLB, Dallas Cowboys- I'm still not quite sure how he didn't win Defensive Player of the Year this past season, compiling a mind blowing 20 sacks, but this guy is an unbelievable football player. Is there anything he cannot do? The best pass rusher in the business and the best 3-4 OLB in the business, Ware has absolutely dominated to the tune of 53.5 sacks in 4 years. He is a dominant, unstoppable force who is also a do-it-all LBer. I definitely think Ware will eventually set the record for sacks in a season, when it's all said and done.

This list is based on almost strictly production, and future potential as well as ability. In other words, I don't put much weight behind this winner/loser stuff, and I put a high value on 4th quarter performance. This is simply 'Who is the better pure QB', as well as to a slightly lesser extent who I believe will succeed more in the future.

10. Joe Flacco, QB, Baltimore Ravens- I definitely think Flacco gets far too much credit for the Ravens playoff run, as he did nothing but babysit essentially, but I've already beaten the topic of 'winner/loser' to a pulp. Flacco has all the physical tools you want in a QB, and seems to have the desire to get better. If the Ravens get him a WR (Marshall?), Flacco could be one of the top QBs in the league for the next decade.

9. Matt Schaub, QB, Houston Texans- While this guy cannot stay healthy, when he is actually on the field he is very effective. Last year in 11 games, Schaub threw 15 TDs, 10 INTs, 3,043 yds and had a 66% completion percentage. Now if he can stay healthy, he has plenty of weapons at his disposal like Steve Slaton, Andre Johnson and Owen Daniels and enough ability to make use of these weapons.

8. Matt Ryan, QB, Atlanta Falcons - The only reason he is so low, is because he is a rookie. Ryan came in and took the league by storm in his first year, shutting up many of the critics, myself included. I can only imagine with another year in the same offense, and being surrounded by weaponry such as Tony Gonzalez, Roddy White, Jerrious Norwood (the most underused player in the NFL this side of Leon Washington), and Mike Turner. The sky is the limit for Matt Ryan.

7. Eli Manning, QB, New York Giants- Eli is one of my favorites in the league, ant his spot on the list will probably be surprising to some, but Manning played under control football for the first time in his career last season, and I think he succumbs ability wise to the rest of the guys on the list. Eli will probably never be "great" statistically and from a "eye test" standpoint, but when the game is on the line there are few QBs in the game more trustworthy than Eli. >

6. Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers- I have a weird way of ranking Ben Roethlisberger. His toughness, his leadership and most of all his ridiculous habit of pulling magic out of his hat in the fourth quarter has me place him in the top 5 in the NFL. There is no one I'd rather have with the ball in his hands in the fourth quarter. That being said, Roethlisberger has a lot of flaws, and has only been impressive statistically for one season in the NFL, and since I am rating on mostly ability and production that's what pits him 6th.

5. Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers- I debated back and forth for a few minutes between Rodgers and Romo, but being consistent with my theme that Romo is actually one of the more players in the NFL, I went with Rodgers at this spot. Rodgers came in last year, after about a decade waiting on Old Man River to move on. He threw for 4,038 yards, 28 TDs and 13 INTs and led the Packers to a top 10 offense. The future is bright in Mr. Rodgers neighborhood.

4. Tony Romo, QB, Dallas Cowboys- As I mentioned above, I think Romo gets hated on to the point where he is actually one of the NFL's more underappreciated and underrated players. After all if EVERYONE and their mother says the guy is overrated, does that make him underrated? I call that the 'Tiki Barber argument'. Every one on planet earth said Barber was underrated, so if everyone acknowledges that he is underrated, how he is still underrated? Anyway, back to Romo, the guy has always had the luxury of having Terrell Owens around him and has put up monster numbers, throwing for 62 TDs, and 7,659 yards over the course of the last 2 seasons. Along with great production, he has a great feel for the pocket and makes Dallas' offensive line look a lot better than it is. He has some decision making deficiencies at times but perhaps he gets better with that over the course of time.

3. Jay Cutler, QB, Chicago Bears- The 2-5 segment of this list was really thought provoking. I like Cutler's production, and the fact that he did it in his second year starting as well as him probably having among the most raw talent at the position. It will be interesting to see how he adjusts this season going from having a guy like Marshall compared to having a guy like Devin Hester (is that night and day or what?) , though I do think the fact that he is a good, accurate QB who gets the ball there in the blink of an eye could make the players around him better. Also, I think Matt Forte is arguably the biggest benefactor of the trade, since he will have more space to do his thing. The Bears should do their best to build their offense around Jay, get him some reliable pass catching targets to compliment Olsen and their running game. If they do that they'll have their first franchise QB since World War I.

2. Carson Palmer, QB, Cincinnati Bengals- As I said earlier the 2-5 segment of this was very thought provoking. I had Palmer at every single spot at one point or another, before I finally settled on the #2 spot for him. He is coming off an injury plagued campaign, where he struggled and eventually was KO'ed for the season, a quarter of the way through it. But the two seasons before that he did throw 54 TD passes and for over 8,000 yards. It's hard to argue with a guy with Palmer's natural ability and total production rebounding and playing like the elite QB he is.

1. Philip Rivers, QB, San Diego Chargers- Even though he throws the ball like he is in a shotput competition at the Olympics, Rivers gets the job done. He gets better each season and last year led to a 34 TD, 11 INT, 4,000 yard campaign. He has a nice set of weapons at his disposal. Having stability around him as far as the playbook helps immensely. It seems like everyone understands that except the Washington Redskins. Barring any injury problems Rivers should and probably will put up big numbers on a consistent basis for the San Diego Chargers.

Just missed the cut:
Matt Cassel, QB, Kansas City Chiefs
Jason Campbell, QB, Washington Redskins
Kyle Orton, QB, Denver Broncos

So now T.O. has effectively burned his bridges with 3 different NFL teams. It makes you wonder when people will just stop trying with him. Every place Owens has gone, it has ended the same way, with the team cutting ties with him mostly because of his negative locker room influence.

'Fool me once.. Shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Fool me thrice......?, Fool me four times? Then what are you then? A damn fool, I say. ' My thoughts on the Owens release....

- Good move for the Dallas Cowboys. It is likely that Owens performance on the field, can no longer at least answer the question of 'Why would you keep such a divisive influence around?', as he struggled last season, and was no longer the player he was in previous years. He has a lost a step. While he is still good, he most likely isn't worth the baggage he brings. While I think team chemistry is overrated, for all intents and purposes Owens is toxic waste in the locker room.

-Roy E. Williams needs to step up now, and prove to Dallas that he was worth all the picks they gave up for him. He, for the moment, is the #1 WR on the team. The guy is very talented, but his mental makeup, and his loud mouth concerns you a little bit with him. With the laissez faire coaching they have in Dallas, I find it hard to believe that he will be properly motivated.

- I would be surprised if Jason Witten's #s don't take a hit. He's an excellent tight end, but he also benefited from the constant attention that Owens garnered. He'll still be very good, but I doubt he approaches the numbers he put up the last two seasons. I'm not saying he'll be a league worst TE, just not the league's most productive TE.

- How is it that Owens is out of a job, but Wade Phillips still has a job as a head coach? I'm not disputing the Owens release, as I think its the right timing to go through with it given Owens' locker room presence and his declining play on the field. I'm still in sheer shock, especially with the way the season ended, that the NFL's biggest figurehead has a job. What exactly has Phillips done that has warranted he still have this job? I wonder if Jerry Jones watched the final game of the regular season. Wade should have been fired at halftime.

- Also, there is plenty of WR talent in the draft for the Cowboys to pursue if they choose to go that route. Maybe they can find their Eddie Royal in the draft. Who knows, maybe Miles Austin or Sam Hurd steps up and captures the #2 spot. I wouldn't hold my breath on that but it is possible.

- How will this affect Tony Romo? I think this cuts down his interceptions by a few, and more importantly keeps his sanity in tact. Generally, barring a trade that brings a bonafide number one wide receiver in there, I think Tony's numbers will take a slight hit. What it does to the Cowboys in the W-L section will be something to watch.

- As far as teams Owens can end up with, I believe he can end up with the Redskins or Raiders. I mean Snyder has already opened up the pocket book for one loud mouthed egomaniac in DeAngelo Hall, so who's to say he won't open it up for Owens? Him and Hall can have screaming matches in practice or competitions to see who has the bigger ego, it would be a sight to behold. And the Raiders are....well, the Raiders. Do I need to go any further?

Boy I can't wait until the draft, then training camp, and the regular season. The itch for football needs to be scratched and scratched soon. Maybe the start of the baseball regular season will alleviate that itch, but only time will tell.

Today Matt Cassel was traded, along with Mike Vrabel to Kansas City for a second round pick. But a bigger story was the fact that Jay Cutler was supposedly dangled out there in an attempt by Josh McDaniels to land Matt Cassel. Cassel, who is now a Chief, worked with McDaniels last season when Tom Brady went down with a season ending knee injury. Conflicting reports, and sidebars have been going around on this all day. One minute you hear, that Denver has been dangling him in trade talks, and then the next minute you hear that Denver was approached. There is no way of any of us knowing, without inside information which side of the equation is true. I'm going to go with the Denver has been dangling him side of the story, since you don't normally hear the name of a young franchise QB in trade talks EVER. To me, that says that the Broncos had to at least be leading on that he could be available. Now to my thoughts:

-I think the notion that Cassel is better than Cutler, or is worth trading or potentially eternally pissing off Cutler is absolutely ridiculous. I mean, when I heard this and read the unfolding drama that then came after this I couldn't help but say several times, 'All this for a bum quarterback?'. Seriously this is Matt Cassel, we are talking about. The guy who looked lost for the majority of last season, the guy who besides AFC West teams, compiled an absolutely mediocre 13 TDs to 10 INTs, the guy who was essentially playing on a record setting offense, with possibly the biggest changing threat in the NFL, the guy who looked absolutely putrid against any halfway decent defense he played against all year. Yeah, that guy. Whenever I read a trade rumor involving any current or ex Patriot, I feel like I am in the twilight zone.

- I find it funny how a brand new coach comes in, fresh off riding the coattails of Bill Belichick (See: Weis, Charlie, and Crennel, Romeo) and his first important order of business is trying to move Jay Cutler, the Broncos franchise player, and a 24 year old top 10 quarterback. And assuming that the Broncos are the ones that have initiated the talks, it says a lot about the classic Patriot arrogance (Believe me I am a Notre Dame fan, and Charlie Weis for someone who has accomplished jack as a head coach just OOZES arrogance). It's one thing if Jay Cutler was someone like Matt Schaub, but he isn't, he's a young, super talented, productive QB who also happens to be a fan favorite. So McDaniels is willing to piss off Cutler (if the potential trade fell through like it did), and have the entire city of Denver lined up against him and calling for his head at every opportunity for......... Matt 'I have no pocket presence, and can't throw anything deep for the life of me' Cassel? Interesting.

- So, once again assuming that Denver management is behind this, isn't this quite the confidence in a coach who comes from a Coaching Tree that has not ONE TIME, produced an even respectable head coach? So, let's say the Broncos go ahead and trade Jay Cutler, then what happens if McDanels and Cassel both flop, which given history is actually very likely? Not only do you need a new head coach, now you have to start over at the QB position, because you gave free reign to a coach who has proven absolutely nothing. I'm sure that would go over well. I guess McDaniels wanted someone who has no sense of what a pocket is, but can throw the 5 yard come back route like a champ!!

-Apparently, Bill Belichick is the only reason Jay Cutler is still in a Broncos uniform as he supposedly rejected a trade that would have netted him the #12 overall pick instead of the second round pick he did get. Perhaps, he was trying to stick it to McDaniels or help out Pioli. Which one remains to be seen, but if not for the Patriot ties we are probably talking about the Buccaneers acquisition of Cutler, while only giving up a 3rd round pick. Perhaps he had a gentleman's agreement with Piolo and just went through with it. Who knows?

- After reading Cutler's initial comments, which were taken somewhat out of context, I thought he was being a bit of a drama queen but after reading the whole transcript of the interview with Chris Mortensen I thought he was just being his usual candid self. Sometimes, his candid nature, and him taking things too hard can be his downfall. Watching him as much as he has, when something goes wrong, he tends to take it hard and try even harder to avenge the wrongdoing often times by forcing a throw. I do think that Cutler is the reason this is even a story given his comments and how he apparently feels spurned but I can't fault him for his honesty. He was just being honest with the way he felt, and not your usual PC athlete. 'You have to respect the other team, they are a good team, regardless of who the team is'. My favorite in this regard is Bill Belichick after a game with the Jets in 2005, 'Brooks Bollinger is a threat at the QB position, as he can throw the ball and run the ball, you have to gameplan for him and worry about him because he is dangerous. Really, Bill!

- To the readers, I want you to put your thinking caps on for a second. Can you name ONE player who New England traded or released who actually went on to be good for another team? And by good, I mean good, not passable, average, intangibles and magic laden, flat out good. Ty Law? Lawyer Milloy? Deion Branch? David Givens? Willie McGinest? What makes anyone think this will be any different?

- What is so special about Matt Cassel? Asides from AFC West opponents, all of which were mediocre, he compiled 13 TDs to 10 INTs as I stated earlier. His pocket presence is brutally bad. His accuracy on anything even remotely considered deep is pitiful. Randy Moss playing with a decent QB, puts up 15+ TDs this season. Seriously, the guy performed admirably on what was previously a record setting offense. He has mediocre stamped all over him. For the record I think Tyler Thigpen is a better quarterback than Cassel, and barring a trade, I feel bad for the young man. He proved he can ball last year in horrific playing conditions (ie horrific head coach, no offensive line, no defense) and kept that team in games, and now he loses his job to an overrated, system quarterback. Maybe Pioli (and McDaniels for that matter) wanted someone who can execute the checkdown. Lord knows Cassel performs it more and better than anyone else.

-If Cutler proves to actually be on the trading block, half the NFL should be giving calls to Denver, including the New York Jets. As of right now I have no faith in the Jets, but if they manage to pull a miracle and get Cutler for a non Hershcel Walker type of package, my faith will be somewhat restored.

It will be interesting to see how it plays out.

Welcome to another blue-chip edition of Po Politickin. On today's show, Po is joined by CP and Pistol Pete for another edition of "4th and 1".

Show Highlights:
**NFL***
Top 3 Teams in the NFC
Top 3 Teams in the AFC
Current MVP's
Current Rookie of the Year
Coach Reid and Donovan McNabb

**NBA**
King James vs Sir Charles
Starberry vs The New York Knicks
Allen Iverson "Practice"
Lebron 2010
Top Contenders


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Check out my ppls:
www.mirthnadir.com
www.turbocity.net

and their joke of a head coach, Eric Mangini. Look, to all the people who may read or skim this blog, this will be as blunt, uncut and forthright an entry as I probably ever will write. Eric Mangini and his fat, arrogant, gum chewing, passive ways needs to be fired. He was good back in 2006 when he took a team nearly devoid of any talent and brought them to the playoffs with innovative schemes and aggressiveness, and actually playing to win. Now he coaches football like Mr Softee, but that isn't even the biggest issue with him. This team is NEVER prepared, and they have been unprepared, lackadaisical and emotionless for the most part this season and it is disheartening. The team has no identity on offense, and plays this bend but don't break nonsense which makes average QBs look wonderful and bad QBs look average.

What exactly did Eric Mangini do to get this job anyway? He was a defensive backs coach on a terrible pass defense for a season when the Jets decided to try and emulate the Patriots (god knows they've been doing this for WAY too long), but I digress as that is not even the point of this. Every single god forsaken game the Jets play you leave the game wondering 'Who the hell is this collection of morons' running the ship? Not one game this season have the Jets been well coached. NOT ONE. Do you know how pathetic that is? And that reached its pinnacle yesterday when Mangini was outcoached by Tom Cable. Yes, that's right, the coach of the most pathetic franchise in the NFL.

The Jets ran the ball as they so pleased yesterday as the Raiders were hell bent on taking away Brett Favre and the threat of the big play. They did that successfully as they harrassed Favre all day, as he made his trademark stupid decisions (see the blind hurl to Hall at the end of the 4th) and forced Jones to beat them, which he did somewhat successfully as he had a boatload of yardage and did whatever he wanted with the Raiders defense except score. While I am not criticizing Jones for his game yesterday, an average back scores 3 long TDs yesterday. Jones simply cannot make anyone miss and it was on display yesterday as Jones had several opportunities to 'hit a homerun' and did not do so. Now, with Jones running the ball the way he was, you would think the Jets would have run a playaction fake somewhere in the second half? Throughout the fourth quarter and overtime I am sitting there waiting (more like hoping) for the playaction since the Raiders were literally sticking their entire team in the box. But the Jets coaching staff sat there with their collective finger up their collective ass, and ran, ran some more then ran some more. I have no issue with them pounding the rock, but what I do have an issue with is not running a single playaction pass, as well as running the ball the entire overtime period. The Jets were essentially waiting for the Raiders to hand them the game instead of going out there and taking it. This type of playcalling and general nature around the team has been going on for the last two seasons, and it absolutely repulsive.

My issues with Eric Mangini and the rest of this incredibly putrid coaching staff: That dumbass clueless look on Mangini's face no matter how the game is going. No matter the events in the game he has this same emotionless face and is chewing gum. I don't care about yelling and screaming and all that stuff, but could you at least look like you give a damn?

- The overly conservative, play not to lose, soft as charmin garbage playcalling that we Jets fans have to endure on a weekly basis. We trade for Brett Favre, and upgrade from one of the worst QBs in the league, yet we are running the same damn offense we ran last year. Why? What sense does that make? I understand it isn't feasible to throw 40 yard bombs every play, but can we see a 20 yard post? Can we see a playaction? - The use of Kerry Rhodes/the insistence on not putting any legitimate players around him and Darrelle Revis. Nobody has thrown at Revis or Rhodes all season long. Why is that? When you have the human turnstile (Eric Smith) and a rookie who was a 4th round draft pick, why would you throw near Revis or Rhodes? While I think very highly of Darrelle and have since the day we drafted him, does anyone think he is THAT good to the point where he hasn't been thrown at 10 times all year? I don't. I am not sitting here expecting a pairing of LaRon Landry and Kerry Rhodes (even though we could've traded Vilma to Washington and realistically made this happen), or a pairing of Darrelle Revis and Champ Bailey, but is it so hard to have two competent guys around our two very good players? Why the hell is Eric Smith still on the team let alone starting? Oh I forgot, he's smart, hard working and cares about football. Do those things make up for not having any talent, or not knowing how to play the safety position? By the way I am absolutely sick of 'hard working, smart and cares about football' Chad Pennington was all of the above and Eric Mangini swore for him like he was his son. Why? No idea. I guess it's the glaring lack of talent that Eric likes.

I like Dwight Lowery and he is playing well for a rookie 4th round draft selection, but is it really the smartest thing to have him out as the #2 CB when:

A) Our LBs in the middle are very shaky when it comes to pass coverage
B) Our pass rush (the pansy, soft as charmin, play not to lose 3 man rushes certainly don't help) isn't anywhere close to good enough to cover up liabilities much like the Giants is. I can't believe anyone actually thinks Aaron Ross is any good. Whenever the QB has a shred of time to throw the ball, he gets beaten and abused.

-The lack of adjustments. The gameplan isn't working, Mangini stands there with that dumbass look on his face meanwhile we continue to do whatever isn't working. I mean, how many times on 3rd down has the Jets defense rushed 3, watched the QB stand in the pocket until the next damn lunar eclipse and complete a pass for a first down? Hello, Coach, you have a rookie CB, a flat out garbage nickel back, and MLBs who have trouble in the pass game. Might want to try and say, I don't know, put pressure on the damn QB?

-The consistent sticking with favorite players no matter how much they suck and/or struggle. He stuck with Chad Pennington far too long, he stuck with Jonathan Vilma far too long (oh look Vilma just made another tackle 15 yards downfield), only god knows what his obsession with Eric Smith is, etc. If the players are bad, why keep playing them?

There are many others but I could conceivably write a book on my problems with this clown and the rest of the clowns on his staff. Bottom line is this, I think the Jets are talented enough, especially with a depleted AFC, to make the postseason and I believe they will in spite of this utterly moronic coaching staff. That being said, we will never take any strides with Eric Mangini as coach. Woody Johnson, the Jets owner, needs to cut bait with that entire coaching staff as soon as possible, before its too late.

Welcome to another blue chip edition of The Po Politickin Show. On today's show, we are joined by Cp and Pistol Pete for another edition of 4th and 1. We discuss the 2008 summer games in Beijing (The Dream Team, Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt). We also preview and make predications for the upcoming NFL season.

Enjoy the show!


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We all have argued about sports at one point or another, and we all have had that argument where someone uses a statistic that makes you say 'What?' or 'Man, why do people use that statistic to justify their arguments? Now I'll go through my 5 most insignificant, deceiving or just flat out meaningless statistics.

5. Field Goal Percentage (NBA)- I am not, by any means, saying that FG percentage is meaningless. I am just saying that this statistic can easily be bent and twisted to suit your argument. For example, LeBron James had an impressive 48% FG percentage last season. Folks will use that to say well LeBron is improving his jump shot and or his range which isn't necessarily the case. As twisted as this is going to sound, FG percentage doesn't really indicate how you shoot the ball in some cases. Dwyane Wade is the same way, he had a 47% FG percentage last season. Does that mean he's a good jump shooter? Not really. Does that mean he has good range of some kind? Not really. I'm not saying that those two literally drive the basket every single time down the floor, I'm just saying because you have a good FG %, doesn't mean you have a good jumper, when it comes to talking about perimeter NBA players. Now in some cases it does (ie Steve Nash, Ray Allen), but in a lot of cases it doesn't.


4. Interceptions (NFL)- Now this one is tough to put here, but I believe it deserves a spot. I'm not saying interceptions are meaningless. I just don't think its a fair evaluation tool, especially when you speak about defensive backs. There are so many different factors when talking about interceptions. What kind of interceptions were they, who is in your front 7, who is on the opposite side of you, besides the interceptions how did you play? I don't think its as cut and dry, using interceptions to support the argument of someone being good. I still remember in 2005, every Jets fan I knew used to argue with me telling me Ty Law was good for us because he had 10 picks on the season. The thing is, when Ty Law wasn't intercepting a tipped ball or a wounded duck he was committing an illegal contact penatly or getting smoked. Deltha O'Neal had 10 picks a few years ago as part of one of the worst defenses in the NFL. Now, obviously interceptions can be a part of a good CB, but in a lot of cases interceptions can be a result of luck, or a result of being thrown at a lot. And if you don't get thrown at you won't get many picks (see: Mathis, Rashean)

3. Wins- Losses (MLB, pitcher)- Now this statistic, I believe is truly meaningless. There are a group of pitchers every year who have a lot of wins because the team around them is providing them a lot of run support, and there are pitchers out there who battle and are great but have barely any wins to show for it because of a variety of reasons (bullpen, no hitting), like Jake Peavy and Johan Santana. What does this truly indicate? Does it indicate how good a pitcher is? No, WHIP, K/9, BB/9, ERA, H/9, those statistics do it. Wins and losses basically indicate how much each pitcher's supporting cast does for them. To put it simply, you can have one pitcher with 12 'wins' and another pitcher with 20 'wins', and the pitcher that has 12 wins can be argued as better, so in that case what is the point of the statistic?


2. Winning percentage (NFL QBs)- This one drives me up a wall. This one is used quite a bit for the QBs who aren't good but just happened to be on good teams (see: Young, Vince and Pennington, Chad). Then comes the famous 'he just wins' nonsense. First of all, there are very few players in this league who can singlehandedly will a team to victory. A QB with a 1:2 TD:INT ratio who happens to have a good team around him isn't one of those guys. A QB with a career 7:10 TD:INT ratio isn't going to carry anything. On the flip side a QB who leads 17th and 18th ranked offenses to the playoffs doesn't "just win anything".

There are 52 other players out there with him, and in the cases of a few QBs you can think of (Trent Dilfer, Rex Grossman 2006, Chad Pennington in 04 and 06, Todd Collins last season, Jake Plummer before Cutler stepped in) they really don't have an impact on the game. They "protect the football" (by this point I hate that phrase), play not to lose and basically hope that the defense is good enough to bring home the victory. Bottom line is, the only time you ever hear about the Wins- Losses in defense of a quarterback and the intangibles nonsense that comes with it is when the QB's statistics stink, or he just doesn't have the tools to succeed in the NFL. I mean think about it, saying Vince Young 'just wins games' is like saying to a lesser extent that Trent Dilfer 'just won games' in 2000 when the Ravens had that legendary defense on the field. Teams win games, one player doesn't, especially players who's statistics rank among the worst in the NFL.

1. Quarterback rating- The number one spot couldn't be reserved for anything other than the vaunted QB rating. As a Jets fan I've been in a debate about this very statistic 1 or 2 million times over the course of the last six years. In my opinion, QB rating says nothing except if you played a great game or if you played a horrific one. And since at the end of the season, basically no one is going to have a QB rating of 140 or 32, the stat is meaningless. The Quarterback rating is more about efficiency than productivity. Here's an example of that very theory. Let's look at 2 performances by QBs last season

Performance #1- 16/21 167 yds 2 TD 0 INT 10 Yards Per completion, team scores 14 points, 130.7 rating

Performance #2- 22/32 272 yds 3 TD 1 INT 12 yards per completion, team scores 31 points, 113.0 rating

So as you can clearly see, performance #2 was better than performance #1, yet the QB who produced performance #1 had the better QB rating. Why? I have no idea. Why QB rating is used to evaluate anything? I have no idea. There are many, many examples like the one above as well. QB rating is more worried about completion percentage, and not throwing any interceptions. It is more about efficiency than it is about productivity, which is exactly why it deserves no merit, since it doesn't actually indicate much.

Honorable mentions: Completion Percentage, Saves

With the season coming soon, I'll give 10 players who I feel are under the radar who will have significant impacts on their teams.

-Devin Thomas, WR, Washington Redskins- Granted, I don't know TOO much about this kid, I like the little that I saw. He seems to be a big, physical guy who can win the battle at the LOS with CBs, and can create after the catch. In that sense he reminds me of a bigger Laveranues Coles. Unfortunately for Thomas he is behind as far as trying to gain confidence from his coach and playing time due to a bad hamstring. I do think that once the games start and he gets into the flow, especially considering Coach Jim Zorn should be using a lot of spread sets, that Thomas will have a bigger impact than a rookie WR normally would.

-Kenny Phillips, FS, New York Giants- I'll be honest with you. As a Jets fan, though I like the pick of Dustin Keller, I was absolutely screaming at my TV for the Jets to take Kenny Phillips when we traded back into the first round. I like this kid's game a lot. His versatility in being able to cover, tackle and run with most people along with his prototype size. I think he will be the best defensive rookie in the NFL this season, and down the line I believe he will be the best pick of this entire draft. That's how good I think this kid will be.

-Vincent Jackson, WR, San Diego Chargers- This is Vincent Jackson's 4th season in the NFL. Last season was his best yet as he had 41 catches for 652 yards and 4 TDs. He averaged an impressive 15.2 yards per catch. Jackson has the type of size and speed you look for in a WR and he is part of a good offensive unit that features weapons such as WR Chris Chambers and the best TE in the game Antonio Gates. Not only does this guy have a very nice skillset he also has complimentary players to help deflect attention off of him. Look for Vincent to have his breakout season this year.

-Greg Olsen, TE, Chicago Bears- Yes I know that their QB situation is unsettled to say the least. That being said, with the departure of Berrian and considering that their #1 and #2 WRs as we speak are Marty Booker, and Brandon Lloyd, Olsen will see a lot of looks. He has all the necessary skills to be a good player and as of right now you can actually make the argument that hes the Bears best offensive position player. He has the speed, the size and the hands to make an impact and I think he will.

-Darrelle Revis, CB, New York Jets- Last year, Revis had a very good rookie season, as he was relied on to face the #1 WR on every team, week in and week out. Facing the likes of Chad Johnson, Lee Evans, Randy Moss and Terrell Owens, Revis held his own. Revis has good footwork, he anticipates like a veteran CB does, he has the speed to keep up with most CBs and is good with his hands in bump and run coverage. In his second season, with a full training camp under his belt, I expect Revis to establish himself as one of the top ten CBs in this league. Even with all the new acquisitions and Kerry Rhodes still being there, I firmly believe Darrelle Revis will be the best player on the Jets in two seasons.

-LaRon Landry, S, Washington Redskins- Landry played very well last year in a tough year for the Skins, with the death of Sean Taylor. His athleticism, his hitting ability, his speed and natural instinct all make him a special talent. He is a little undisciplined at the current moment and will make the boneheaded penalty, as well as trying to do too much at times. All that being said, he has a year under his belt, and I expect him to be even better this year. As I've said to friends and family before, I I believe that after this season LaRon Landry will be at least in the discussion when it comes to discussing who the best safety in the league. I personally believe he'll have the best season of any safety in the NFL. He's that good.

-D.J. Hackett, WR, Carolina Panthers- Last season, D.J. was on his way to a good season before he hurt himself. With Steve Smith out for the first two games, and no legitimate option at TE for the Panthers, Hackett should get a lot of looks the first two games. Once Smith comes back, he will have his usual bullseye on his back, and should be the focus of the defense, and that will create space for Hackett who has the skills to exploit most #2 CBs in this league. If Delhomme can get back to his 2003 form, expect D.J. to put up big numbers.

-Santonio Holmes, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers- While I realize Holmes had a good year last year recording 52 catches for 942 yards, averaging 18.1 YPC and 8 TDs, I still think he has room for improvement. With a declining Hines Ward and a rookie WR Limas Sweed playing alongside him, Holmes should have a lot of opportunities as Roethlisberger's main big play thread. Last season, Holmes had 21 catches of over 20 yards. This is his third season in the league, and the third season is normally when a young WR sees a spike in his production. I fully expect Holmes to break 1000 yds this season and 10 TDs.

-Jerious Norwood, HB, Atlanta Falcons- This is a bit of an oddball pick since Norwood is still listed as the 2 back, and they just spent a lot of money on likely FA disappointment Michael Turner. I don't believe Turner will do enough to keep Norwood off the field, and when Norwood is on the field he produces as evidenced by his 6.2 yard per carry clip. I believe he will see an increase in carries this year, and have a good year for the Falcons. With a rookie QB potentially starting, the Falcons should rely on the running game a lot, which means Norwood should see plenty of opportunities.

-Tony Scheffler, TE, Denver Broncos- This kid has been impressive in the time he's been on the field, and has a chemistry with standout young QB Jay Cutler. Scheffler had 49 catches for 549 yards last season and 5 TDs. In those 49 catches, Scheffler made a lot of difficult catches in traffic and with guys draped all over him. Considering Brandon Marshall is suspended for the first three games of the season, and Denver doesn't have anything else worth noting at WR, I expect Scheffler to get a lot of looks in the first three weeks of the season. Considering Scheffler and Cutler already have a chemistry I expect that chemistry between the two to grow as Cutler relies on him more during the Marshall suspension. I can see Scheffler being a Cooley type of TE, and I believe he will have a rise in his numbers.

Read more at http://captainclutch.blogspot.com/

You know how the say star players get special treatment, and can get away with 'murder' so to speak. Well with Panthers superstar WR Steve Smith, this isn't the case. The Carolina Panthers made an example of Smith by suspending him two regular season games for his role in a scuffle with Panthers CB Ken Lucas. There are always scuffles in preseason as playing in pads in the oppressively hot weather seems to get to some guys. While some other guys are just, well, rather annoying.

The scuffle between Smith and Lucas reached its height after both players had removed their helmets during a break for the starters in the middle of a special teams drill. Smith then gave Lucas a cheap shot right in the face. The blow broke Lucas' nose and now he is listed as day to day. As a result of the skirmish, Smith was kicked out of practice and sent home to Charlotte. He was also suspended the first two games of the season.

A message was sent loud and clear through this suspension. No player, even our best, is above the team. Smith is obviously the Panthers most indispensable player as he is the Panthers loan threat (though I think Jonathan Stewart could change that very soon), and has been the Panthers lone source of consistent offense for a few years now. He is one of the most feared offensive players in the NFL, and his production will be missed.

I think the suspension was warranted but I personally think it should have been a game's worth along with a $500,000 fine. While I understand that Smith's conduct was reprehensible the league is still about winning. He is going to miss two games against two pretty good defenses (Chargers and Bears), and in the NFL EVERY game is important. Smith missing two games doesn't benefit anyone. Now, if the team takes this as a message of accountability, it may help with team chemistry. I know its a long shot but you never know. Seeing as how the star player is being treated like everyone else, might help unite the team. I don't really think its going to make a difference with Smith, as he seems to be a hotheaded little guy with a short fuse. This isn't the first time something like this has happened, as he also punched someone else in the face during film session. Man that guy must have REALLY ticked off Smith to get clocked during a film session.

Smith: 'I was wide open up the seams'
Player: 'No you weren't, don't you see the two guys right there, are you blind?'
Smith: 'WHAT YOU SAY TO ME? GRRRRRRRR!!!!!
Player: YOU HEARD ME!!

**Smith goes off and hits player**

I personally wouldn't have suspended Smith for two games given his importance to the team, but I do feel like they sent a message with this suspension. I wouldn't be surprised if this ends up being the turning point of the Panthers season. Considering John Fox has a lot on the line this season, this is ballsy. Apparently he isn't concerned about saving his job, he is concerned about this year's team. Eric Mangini should take notes.

Read more at http://captainclutch.blogspot.com/

Concluding a whirlwind sequence of events for the New Yoennington signed on with the team's most hated rival, the Miami Dolphins. Pennington, who was unceremoniously released after the Jets traded for Brett Favre, signed a 2 year, 11.5 million dollar deal to presumably start for the cellar dwelling Dolphins.

Pennington caught on with the Dolphins quickly, after reportedly drawing lukewarm interest from other teams, signing his deal within 24 hours of being released. With this signing, Pennington is reunited with the guy who originally drafted him in Bill Parcells as well as his first offensive coordinator, Dan Henning. Miami, who went 1-15 last season, has drafted a QB in the second round in each of the last two seasons. The signing of Pennington along with the drafting of Chad Henne, is an indictment on QB John Beck, who won't be a Miami Dolphin for much longer I imagine. Beck, who often looked lost on the field, was drafted in the second round of last year's draft presumably to be the future franchise QB. Now that the coach who drafted him (Cameron) was fired and there is a whole new regime in town the writing seems to be on the wall for Beck.

As far as Pennington's impact on the Dolphins, he turns them from a one win team to a potential four or five win team. He is just keeping the seat warm, for maybe two seasons, until Henne can step into a decent situation. He is a sacrificial lamb of sorts, as he is just in there so they don't have to throw Henne into the fire too soon and potentially set him back. Pennington's ability, while it is among the worst of starting NFL QBs, and his style of play, while boring and often times unproductive can beat the cupcakes of the league. In that sense Miami does gain from him starting, but Pennington won't be working any miracles. This Miami team is VERY bad. While I think Ted Ginn will be a pretty good WR in this league, once he learns the ropes, he is nowhere near a #1 WR. Now factor in the fact that the starting QB is limited as far in his ability to throw a deep ball, and you have a situation where Ginn will probably end up being misused (see: Moss, Santana). They have no threats outside of Ginn as far as pass catchers, and their best offensive player is coming off of serious knee surgery. Miami finds itself in a situation where they are going to probably have to rely on Ricky Williams. That isn't good.

This signing, while I don't agree with it, makes sense. Obviously Parcells feels his team is a winning team, and Pennington brings veteran leadership. I don't think given Pennington's limited skills, and his unproductive career that he does much for the Dolphins for the present and the near future. I think starting Beck and sending him to the proverbial wolves would have been the better option. Then when the team gets into better shape, start Henne.

Read more at http://captainclutch.blogspot.com/

I got the call at 11:49 last night. It was my cousin on the line. I was watching the George Lopez show. Then I heard the words 'Brett Favre got traded to the Jets'. It took me about five minutes after repeatedly saying, "Stop lying, you are not serious, '' to finally change the channel to ESPN. I saw the words on the screen, "Breaking News, Favre traded to Jets and something unusual happened. I became speechless, I didn't know what to say. It was surreal, seeing those words on the screen. Brett Favre is a New York Jet.

Considering that I am not too fond about Brett Favre, I didn't think I would be too excited. But you know what I am excited for a few reasons. My love and excitement for my favorite team this season is back, as this means Chad Pennington, the black cloud of neutrality that hovered over this team is gone. We have a QB who will make life easier for all of our offensive players. I'm sure Thomas Jones is happy. How could he not be? He won't be running against the whole state of NY in the box anymore. I'm sure Jerricho Cotchery is excited, as this is the first time he is playing with a legit quarterback, and his numbers stand for an increase. Laveranues Coles might not be too happy considering his best friend on the team is a casualty in the matter, but this is the first time he's played with a legitimate QB in his eight year career. Maybe we will see what Coles can do deep down the field.

From an entertainment standpoint, this should be a great season. Watching Favre launch the ball to our two solid WRs, watching Dustin Keller develop (if everything goes as planned this kid could be the Offensive Rookie of the Year), as well as watching the defense confuse and sometimes flat out brutalize people.

The Jets have a lot of good young talent. They have CB Darrelle Revis, S Kerry Rhodes, LB Calvin Pace, LB Vernon Gholston, WR Jerricho Cotchery OL D'Brickashaw Ferguson and Nick Mangold, HB Leon Washington. Basically the only gaping hole on this team was QB, and they managed to get a top 10 QB in the league to fill this spot, which is good even if Favre is 39.

Am I convinced that this team can win a Superbowl? No, I am not. Do I respect the fact that Mike Tannebaum and Eric Mangini seem to be trying? Yes. They have done so much to improve the team this offseason, meanwhile the critics call us desperate among other things. I love that when the Jets make a lot of moves, they are desperate while the Patriots (last season) and the Saints (this season) make moves and they are "on a mission". Anyway, back to the point, the Jets have improved their running game, they improved the pass rush as well and now the QB position. On paper (and yes I know the games aren't played there), this was a good move for the Jets. Its a ballsy move, as Tannebaum obviously believes this team is capable of big things, or they were just as sick of Chad Pennington as I was while Clemens isn't ready or isn't the answer. It's a low risk, high reward move for the Jets.

As far as the negatives for this deal,it looks like Kellen Clemens won't be playing for the Jets until at least next season, or he might flat out not be the answer. Our QB of the future, by the looks of it, still has to be found. You have to wonder if Favre will have his heart into it, since New York was his absolute last choice by all accounts. He has three weeks to learn the offense, and he isn't used to any of our guys. All that being said, Brett Favre running an offense straight out of a football movie is better than Chad Pennington. This is a big time move and finally our Front Office and our coach grew a collective pair of balls. My joy and love for football is back as I can watch this team again. Thank you Mike Tannebaum.

Read more of my blog at http://captainclutch.blogspot.com/

Welcome to another stupendous edition of The Po Politickin Show. On today's show, Po is joined by CP and Pistol Pete for another episode of 4th and 1. Topics discussed include Team USA, NBA players going overseas, the latest NFL trades and the Brett Favre saga. Ro Rich also stops by to discuss his latest dvd "In Da Streets Vol. 2:Kill Bill.

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Different year, same topic, entirely different issue. Brett Favre's retirement has been a subject that has been spoken about for a long time. For the last 3 or 4 offseasons, the rumors usually ran rampant about Favre's retirement while he pondered it, with the Packers permission, for as long he needed to decide. This offseason was a bit different, as the Packers supposedly asked Favre to make his decision before the draft, mainly due to the status of QB Aaron Rodgers who hasn't seen any playing time in three years. Rodgers' contract runs out at the end of next season and the Packers apparently want to see what they have in Rodgers before that contract runs out. After all, he was a 1st round pick, and was groomed to be the quarterback of the future. How would it look, just wasting a 1st round pick without that guy ever seeing the field?

This past season, Favre was a positive story as he went through a rebirth of sorts. He had a good season for the first time in three seasons, and led the Packers to the NFC championship for the first time since 1998. The Packers came within an eyelash of an Sb appearance last season with Favre throwing lasers all over the place and leading the team much like he has done over the past decade. Those positive memories have quickly turned negative over the course of the last week and change as now it is essentially Favre vs the Packers. No matter what the result is, it can't be good, unless Favre just re-retires and calls it a day. And with how much Favre changes his mind, that's very much a possibility.

After the season ended with Favre's INT to Corey Webster in yet another playoff failure, he rode off into the sunset capping off a hall off fame career. Now---he's baaaaaaaaaack. Now the Packers are stuck in a situation they don't want to be in as it has the potential to be a public relations nightmare. They don't want him back on the team but they don't want to go elsewhere because 'they're concerned about his legacy'. Favre asked for his release, and the Packers denied it. That was a clear choice as he could end up in the same division. Could you imagine Favre hoisting up an SB trophy as a Chicago Bear? Can you imagine the backlash? Many fans believe the Packers should just release him, but because Favre is a legend doesn't mean the Packers should put him over what's best for them. He is under contract, the Packers have his rights and he just has to deal with it. Releasing him makes absolutely no sense for the Packers.

Favre allegedly wanted to cancel his retirement a month after he retired, and the Packers in an effort to bring him back were going to fly a jet out to get him. They were going to bring him back to Green Bay to announce him coming back, when he then retired AGAIN, leaving GB thinking that he was gone for good.

So let me get this straight. After retiring not once, but twice in the same offseason, Favre now comes out of retirement and feels entitled to just come back and get the starting job handed to him because he's Brett Favre? Brett Favre is a legend, a great QB, a first ballot Hall of Famer, but he is not bigger than the Packers organization. The Packers have moved on, like they should have, and he just has to deal with that. Not everyone is going to bend over backwards for Brett Favre even though he seems to feel as though he is entitled to it.

What's up my ppls...Welcome back to another exquisite edition of The Po Politickin Show. On today's show, we are joined by Neo-Soul artist Calandra. Calandra is a singer/producer/songwriter whose musical journey is currently at the "Crossroads". Pistol Pete comes through to talk sports. Some of the topics includes: Griffey's 600th Homerun, Ogden and Strahan's retirement,Tim Donaghy's snitching, and Larry Legend vs. Paul Pierce. Lady T also stops by with a new poem entitled "As One". Enjoy the show!!!

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What's happening! Welcome to another FRESH edition of The Po Politickin Show. Today, we chop it up with Severe aka Mr. Adidas about being The Prince of Harlem. CP and Pistol Pete join us for a new sports segment entitled "4th and 1" Topics include T.O. resigning with Dallas, the NBA Finals and Kobe Bryant versus Michael Jordan. Enjoy the show!


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What's up, What's up, What's up,

Welcome to another trill edition of The Po Politickin Show. Today we chop it with the hip hop group 5D. Show topics include "Should Married Men Have Game", "Poetry By Lady T", and "Sports Talk with CP".


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