Shaun Alexander

As a former MVP of the NFL only a few years ago it is hard to count out a guy like Shaun Alexander. But, I do not see him starting on any teams this coming season. If he does, I think it will be by injury. He reminds me alot of Eddie George. When he hit the wall, he hit it fast and it was over. But if Alexander can catch on with a team that has a great offensive line he could be a productive back off the bench. I do not think he will be able to run for a thousand yards. I could maybe see him ending up on a team like Denver, New England or Detroit. Not to take away from Shaun Alexander's abilities but I feel like alot of his success was helped by a grossly underrated offensive line in Seattle. His numbers went down hill quick after Steve Hutchinson went to Minnesota via free agency. In conclusion, Alexander turns 31 in august which is the age when most running backs fade out. He has been bitten by the injury bug the last couple of seasons. I don't think he will ever be at the level he was when he won the MVP. Somebody will take a chance on him and why not. But I do not expect big things for him. As far as fantasy goes, Wait till you have two or three backs before thinking of picking him.

-Mike

Diamonds in the rough for your 2008 fantasy football draft

Every year there are some rookies who are major players in your fantasy league. From first rounders like Adrian Peterson to seventh rounders like Marques Colston. We all know the names Mcfadden, Mendenhall and Stewart. Here are a few potential rookies I think can make an impact this coming season.
(1) Matt Forte RB - Chicago - He did go in the second round and the buzz around this guy is building. He's a big back at 6'1'' 220lbs. Very productive at Tulane. He is a good character player and the bears still don't have a quarterback. They spent a first round pick on offensive lineman Chris Williams and Cedric Benson is a thing of the past. This guy should be an impact player in 08'. Don't wait on him, He will be gone by the fourth round in most leagues
(2) Jordy Nelson WR - Green Bay- Another second round and in my opinion the best receiver in the 08' class. Nelson is a big physical receiver at 6'3'' 215 and has speed. He has Donald driver and Greg Jennings ahead of him. That's why I believe he will be successful. The focus will be on the two of them and Nelson can take advantage. As long as Aaron Rodgers can get him the ball Nelson could be another steal late in your draft.
(3) Martin Rucker TE - Cleveland - Rucker was a standout on a great Missouri team this season. Cleveland is set at tight end with Kellen Winslow. But do to Winslows history of injuries, Rucker might be worth a look at the end of your draft. Especially if you draft Winslow. Rucker lined up in the slot alot in college and could do the same in the pros creating mismatches with linebackers and nicklebacks.
(4) Keenan Burton WR - St. Louis - Burton was the Rams second wide out taken in the draft. He is a very hard worker and was a productive player at Kentucky. He will be a great compliment to Torry Holt. The only concern on Burton is injuries. All the injuries he has suffered have not been because he is not tough. All broken bones and sprains, He played with a sprained knee through 2007.

These three players should be worth drafting whether it be early or late. Some other notable players to look out for early in the season- Andre Caldwell WR (Cincinnati), Jacob Hester RB (San Diego), Justin Forsett RB (Seattle).

NBA CHAMPIONS

Congratulations to the 2008 NBA champion Boston Celtics. It was an exciting series. Two home wins in game 1 and 2. A 24 point come from behind win on the round and an absolute blow out in game six. Paul Pierce and Ray Allen were tremendous all series. Kevin Garnett was a beast through out the playoffs. James Posey was a great compliment to the big 3. Eddie House filled in great when Rondo struggled. Rajon Rando came in game six and was the star. The Celtics were mentally and physically tougher than the Lakers. 22 years in the making. It was alot of fun. A very long ride but alot of fun. It's nice to be from Boston where championships seem to come as frequent as holidays.


Boston Celtics NBA Championship #17

The Chad Johnson Saga

Is anybody else annoyed by the Chad Johnson saga? This guy acts like a spoiled brat. If you don't want to play for your team, sit out! Don't show up and pretend your hurt. He's really making himself look bad and his stock is dropping with other teams. Why would the Bengals want this guy taking up space on their roster? He is a tremendous talent but a true cancer to the team. They had their chance to trade him in April to the Redskins and they should have jumped all over it. They have other areas of need because of the poor character players they have drafted recently. They have filled up their roster with thugs who care more about getting loaded and acting like fools than having a successful career in the NFL. This once budding franchise has taken a serious nose dive in the past couple years. They have the foundation to bounce back and it should have started by trading Johnson. The Bengals aren't proving a point by keeping Johnson on the roster. They're ruining a franchise. I guess there's always the Dallas Cowboys and the Oakland Raiders who could try and take him. I say trade him for a first round pick and go your separate ways, before you can only get a third rounder or worse.

The NBA playoffs

April 19th, do you know what the significance of that date is? It was the day the NBA playoffs started. Today is June 10th and game 3 of the NBA finals has just ended. Am I the only one who thinks this is absolutely ridiculous? There are so many ways to make the playoffs shorter and in my opinion more exciting! I understand that it's all about making money and that's why eight teams make it from each conference. So i can deal with the mediocre teams playing in April. Is it necessary to make the first round best of seven? Best of five would be just fine. The next two rounds and the championship series should be best of seven. But would it kill them to play two games on consecutive days? Major League Baseball does it and the NBA can too. The nine o'clock starts in the finals are foolish also, especially on Sunday. I think the NBA could take a lesson from Major League Baseball on how to run their playoff system. Anyways, It's nice to see Boston back to a championship caliber team. Especially renewing old rivalries like Detroit and The Lakers. I hope you enjoyed my first blog. I will be updating weekly. GO CELTICS!