Bleacher Report - Articles by Ryan

You've Got Mail: July 15, 2008

Ryan — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 15:14:09 -0400

This is the first time that I've written an article designed this way, so bear with me.

Enjoy!

I just heard that Peyton Manning is going to miss four to six weeks because of an infected bursa sac! I mean, what the hell is a bursa sac? I didn't even know that humans had those. Needless to say, I'm very concerned about Indy's chances now.

- Jim S., Indianapolis, IN

Jim, don't worry too much. From what I hear, Manning should be ready to go for the Colts' season opener against Chicago. He is likely going to miss most or all of the preseason, but there was no structural damage on the knee, and he should be fine.

At first, I too did not know what a bursa sac was, but I did a little research and it is nothing more than a flap of skin on top of the kneecap. I suppose that all those years of abuse by a 6'5'', 230-pound quarterback with a laser, rocket arm has taken its toll.

So apparently Georgia is the best team in the nation? They're solid, but they're not the best. I mean, how many rushing touchdowns did their quarterback have last season? I don't buy this one bit. What do you think?

Tim T., Gainesville, FL

This is a tough question, Tim. I personally believe that the Trojans will be hoisting the trophy at the end of the day, but you could say that about a lot of teams, including Georgia. They have a very solid quarterback, a game-changing running back, and a good coach in Mark Richt.

They do have to play in the best conference in the nation, however, which will be challenging. If they get out of the SEC with just one loss, then they will have a shot, but that's a tough task in and of itself.

The British Open is coming up this week and I was wondering if you had any thoughts. I personally will be spending some much needed time with my family and could care less what those hacks did without m... er, Tiger. Do you think anyone should bother to tune in?

Eldrick W., Isleworth, FL

Well, Eldrick, I don't agree with you. Even though Tiger won't be in the field at Royal Birkdale, the rest of the world's best players will (save Kenny Perry). Can Phil win on a links-style course?

Can Sergio build on his win at the PLAYERS and capture his first major? Can Els return to form and win a second Claret Jug? I don't know, but I am dying to find out.

Hey, Ryan! I'm a little bummed that I've got nothing to do on Tuesday night so I'll probably end up watching the MLB All-Star Game. Who do you think is going to win?

Ryan H., Philadelphia, PA

Thanks for writing in Ryan! If you ask me, it's really a shame that you don't have much to do on Tuesday night, but on to your question. As I write this, the game is tied at zero in the second inning and I think that the A.L. is going to win in extra innings. The MVP is going to be Ian Kinsler.

Are you getting as sick of hearing about A-Rod and Madonna as I am? It's driving me nuts! The media needs to shut its mouth, and A-Rod needs to go out and play championship baseball.

Hank S., New York, NY

This is probably the first time I've ever said this, but I do agree with you, Hank. I am getting sick of hearing about A-Rod and Madonna. While I am not an A-Rod fan by any stretch of the imagination, I do not want to hear about his personal life.

I will say this though, there are a lot of things you can say about "playboys" like Brady, Jeter, and Romo, but those guys are not married. If you want to live the "playboy" life, don't get married and certainly don't have two children. That's simply not fair for them.

I am a huge Packers fan and as much as I respect Brett Favre, it is time for him to move on. He had his chance to come back, he decided not to, and the Packers moved on. Now Brett is just being selfish.

Aaron R., Green Bay, WI

I can't say that I agree with you here, Aaron. I'm no Packer fan, but I am a Brett Favre fan. I mean, how could you not be. While he hasn't handled the situation well at all, with Favre the Packers have a chance to make it to the Super Bowl. Anytime you have this chance you take it.

The Sox are back in first and we could not be happier!! We knew that the Rays couldn't keep it up, but now that Yankees are making a charge. Do you think that Boston can hold on?

Matt D. and Ben A., Boston, MA

I too, am glad that the Sox are back in first, but don't be so quick to dismiss the Rays. They are a very good team with excellent pitching and excellent defense—two things that you need to make it to October.

While New York will be close, unless they do something to improve their team, I see Tampa Bay as the biggest threat in the A.L. East, and I think that most Yankee fans would agree with this.

After the strong start, Michael Beasley hasn't look so great in summer league and he's injured. Do you think the Heat regret taking him at No. 2?

O.J. M, Minneapolis, MN

Absolutely not, O.J. I believe that if Beasley stays healthy, he will give the Heat a good rebounder and scorer down low to pair with D-Wade. While his defense is definitely a question mark, no one can deny his offensive ability. For a team who scored the least points last year, Beasley is exactly what the Heat needed.

The Brewers finally got some help for their team in a trade with Cleveland for CC Sabathia. The Cubs countered with a trade for Rich Harden. I guess this means that it'll be those two battling it out for the NL Central crown now. When does football season start?

Albert P., St. Louis, MO

I don't know if I agree, Albert. While this probably won't make many people happy, I think that the Cardinals will end up winning that division. They pitch well, they can get on base, and they have the NL MVP. I think that it is going to come down to the very end, and I think that the Cubs and Brewers will certainly be there, but the Cards will win the division.

Did you see the news that Stephon Marbury tattooed his shoe logo onto the side of his head? It's probably the dumbest looking thing that I've ever seen. What a moron.

Mike T., Brooklyn, NY

I did see his new tattoo, and I have to say that it's not that bad. I don't know if I would do it myself, but he kind of makes it work. Maybe this is where we are headed in sports now. Just hope that NASCAR doesn't get involved, because no one has a head big enough for all of the product logos...except maybe Barry Bonds.

The 10 NFL Personalities I Love To Hate

Ryan — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 17:28:02 -0400

Before I get to my list, let me just say that I am writing this as a completely biased Patriots fan.

We all have those players who we just plain don't like, whether it is because they've beaten our favorite teams on more than one occasion, or because we believe that they're overrated, or maybe because there's just something about them that we can't stand or that we find annoying.

Whatever the case may be, we all have our favorite teams and players, and our least favorite teams and players.

I'm sure that some or many of you will not like this list and that's completely fine. If you find one of your favorites on my list, and you will, then by all means tell me that you don't agree.

To state the obvious, my favorite player is Tom Brady, and believe me, there's nothing bad you could say about him that I haven't already heard.

One man's hero is another man's villain.

With that, I give you my 10 NFL players that I love to hate.

1. Peyton Manning

Did you honestly expect anyone else in this spot? Over the years, Peyton has proven to be the only real quarterback to challenge the Patriots' dynasty on more than one occasion.

Sure, the Brady and Belichick's Pats have only been beaten three times in the playoffs, but the one that stands out even more than last year’s Super Bowl loss is their loss to Peyton in the 2007 AFC Championship.

Obviously, that game had far less riding on it than the Super Bowl, but because we lost to Peyton, and because we lost to him in what amounted to the real Super Bowl that year (the Bears game two weeks later didn't count), makes that game that much more painful.

There were always three things in life that I knew were a sure thing: people would die, people would have to pay their taxes, and Peyton would choke in the playoffs. After that game, I could no longer say that.

Now, that being said, he did choke big time against the Chargers last year at home, and I was very happy about that, but still, everything about him, from the commercials, to the silly audibles, even to his facemask, makes Peyton Manning my most hated player.

2. Eric Mangini

"The Mangenius"? I don't think so. I prefer "Coach Tattle-Tale".

Now, while I'm only half kidding here, I do think that maybe the Jets should have been a little more worried about their own problems rather than what the Patriots were doing. But in all honesty, I can't say that if you reversed roles I wouldn't have done the same thing.

Now, on to the reason for his No. 2 ranking: Here was a guy in Mangini who was a young, smart, hard-working guy who was quickly becoming one of the best defensive minds in football behind his mentor. Then, after only one year, he bails on the Pats for their long-time division foe, the New York Jets.

Now, I can't fault the guy for wanting more money and a chance to run his own organization. That's what you strive for. But when a guy like that leaves your team for a division rival, you're going to harbor some anger towards him.

In hindsight, I think he would have been much better served following the Romeo Crennel route: staying for an extended period of time, hopefully getting a chance to win a few championships, and then moving on when there was nothing left for you to accomplish.

Coach Crennel paid his dues, worked hard, won three Super Bowls, and is now finding success with the Browns, and I wish him the best. If the Jets don't play well this year with all the money they spent, then Mangini could be out of a job come February.

All of that, plus a less than friendly handshake or two, and the whole Spygate fiasco, and coach Eric Mangini comes in at No. 2 on my list.

3. Tony Romo

This one here has less to do with my allegiance to the Patriots, and more to do with the fact that Romo is about the most overrated player in the NFL.

Now, I'm not about to sit here and tell you that Romo is a bad quarterback or that he puts up bad statistics, or even that he can't win games.

What I am going to say however, is that as a 28-year-old guy who is heralded as the next Brett Favre, and a guy who is getting paid more that $67 million, he has won just as many playoff games as you and I put together.

This could all change next year, and he could play extremely well. He could win a Super Bowl and shut me up. But until then, why don't we hold off on his anointment until he's won at least one playoff game.

4. Philip Rivers

Here is a guy who really gets under my skin. He's loved by Charger fans, and rightfully so, but hated by almost anyone else. With all the bad blood between the Patriots and the Chargers as of late, Rivers is an easy target for many fans across the country, especially since he isn't the quietest quarterback in the league.

That being said, I would much rather have the 26-year-old Rivers, who has taken his team to an AFC Championship, then the 28-year-old Romo.

5. Dwight Freeney

Our second Colt on the list is Dwight Freeney. Freeney has been harassing Tom Brady ever since the two first played each other way back in 2002. He may not be the most talked-about defensive end in the NFL, but I would rather have Matt Light go up against everyone else before I would let Freeney near him.

In the '07 AFC Championship game that I talked about earlier, Freeney was a huge part in the Colts' comeback, and his sacks on Brady in that game still make me think about what could have been.

6. Terrell Owens

T.O. would probably be on anyone's list of most hated NFL players (except for Cowboy fans of course). His on-field ability is only matched by his ability to destroy teams off of it.

He was the reason that Jeff Garcia was driven out of San Francisco, and they've never recovered, and he was also the reason that the Eagles went from the Super Bowl to the worst team in their division, and they haven't recovered either.

Maybe Owens, the ultimate team killer, has finally found his home in Dallas. While no one can question his work ethic and skill set, I know I wouldn't want him anywhere near my team.

7. Reche Caldwell

While this one here may surprise you, Reche Caldwell was one of the very few Patriots who came in, played a full year for coach Belichick, and then choked when his team needed him.

His touchdown drops in the playoffs and his crazy eyes will always make Caldwell not only one of my most hated ex-Patriots of all-time, but also one of my most hated Star Wars characters of all-time: Jar Jar Binks.

8. "Big Ben" Roethlisberger

He plays for the Steelers, so that's strike one. He makes an ungodly amount of money for someone who really hasn't been able to take that next step since winning his first Super Bowl, so that's strike two.

While I'm not knocking him for being a winner, because he has shown that he knows how to win, I am knocking him for not living up to his talent. The Steelers should have beaten the Jaguars in the playoffs this year, and should have given my Pats a run for their money after that.

It seems to me that ever since his Super Bowl win, he really hasn't played his best football.

When you throw in the fact that he was the one who broke New England's NFL record-streak of 21 straight victories in 2004, "Big Ben" finds his way onto my list at No. 8.

9. Bob Sanders

Another Colt defender who has played very well against the Patriots in the past is Bob Sanders. He comes in at No. 9 because, like his teammate Freeney, he has been a major force in the Indy-New England rivalry, as well as in the infamous 2007 AFC Championship.

His ability to be a defensive game-changer makes him one of my most hated players and definitely one of the most feared players across the league.

10. Tony Dungy

I can just hear the angry comments now. How could anyone not like Tony Dungy?

Well, he's a stand-up guy, a great family man, and an NFL pioneer, but when he's facing your favorite team as the opposing coach, you tend to forget about all of that.

The mental chess-matches between Dungy and Belichick in the playoffs have been amazing to watch (at least recently anyway...Belichick had won every postseason meeting against him before '07), and he has proven to be as good a coach as he is a man.

I do have to confess, though, that I ranked him last for a reason. After filling this article with so much hate, I'd like to end it on a better note.

When Tony Dungy's son died a little less than three years ago, there was not anyone as sad for him as I was. On the field feelings aside, he's a good man, and no one should have to bury a child.

So when Dungy did beat my Patriots in 2007, and then go on to play the Bears in the Super Bowl, I was disappointed, but a part of me was happy for the man who's given so much to this great game.

Did I just say something nice about the Colts? It must be getting late...

Overall, I hope you guys enjoyed my list. While I'm sure I'll be getting many angry comments, keep in mind that I am being completely biased, obviously, and that if some of you were to make a similar list, Brady and Belichick would be just as high as Peyton and Dungy.

Top-10 NFL Newcomers: AFC North

Ryan — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 15:00:26 -0400

My look at the top-10 newcomers, division-by-division, moves on to the AFC North.

Enjoy!

1. Corey Williams—Cleveland Browns

I could have gone in a lot of directions here, but the 27-year old end/tackle Williams is a tremendous upgrade on the Browns defensive line.

The 6'4''-313-pound Williams, who has 14 sacks over the last two years, will have to be a major catalyst for Cleveland if they wish to build on a strong '07 season.

2. Joe Flacco—Baltimore Ravens

While I do not think that Flacco is as talented or as "NFL-ready" as other first-day selections Matt Ryan, Chad Henne and Brian Brohm, he is an upgrade over Kyle Boller who has been a monumental disappointment.

The biggest thing new coach John Harbaugh had to do was come in and move away from Boller and, though I don't agree with his selection, he has done that.

3. Shaun Rodgers—Cleveland Browns

I have Rodgers listed here for many of the same reasons that I had his new teammate Williams listed at number one.

Rodgers is a another huge upgrade for the Browns at the defensive tackle position and, if he can stay healthy and motivated, I believe that Rodgers can become a major force again.

4. Rashard Mendenhall—Pittsburgh Steelers

Just when I thought the Steelers couldn't get anymore scary they draft the dangerous runner Mendenhall, an absolute steal at number twenty-three.

He and Willie Parker will be one of the most dynamic backfield tandems in the conference and will open up the passing game for "Big Ben".

This is not good news for me as a New England fan.

5. Keith Rivers—Cincinnati Bengals

Who better to help turn around a struggling team with a lack of discipline and a nose for trouble than two-time national championship winner Keith Rivers.

Rivers is not only an exceptional linebacker on the field, but also a high character guy off of it. He will bring toughness and stability to Cincinnati's struggling defense.

6. Ray Rice—Baltimore Ravens

Rice, the 5'9'' runner out of Rutgers University, has a real chance to do some damage his rookie year.

Rice, a second round pick, will obviously not start ahead of workhorse Willis McGahee, but I believe that the two of them together can eventually become the Taylor/Jones-Drew combo of the north.

7. Jerome Simpson/Andre Caldwell—Cincinnati Bengals

With Chad Johnson upset and a major question mark, rookie receivers Simpson and Caldwell will more than likely have to step their game up and contribute to the offense early if the Bengals have any postseason hopes.

While both reached the NFL through very different paths, I believe that they both will become viable options for Carson Palmer in the passing game this year.

8. Justin Hartwig—Pittsburgh Steelers

An "under-the-radar" signee by the Steelers, Hartwig will be the starter at center on opening day against Houston. A former Carolina Panther, Hartwig will add experience and a playoff pedigree to an already solid offensive line.

9. Limas Sweed—Pittsburgh Steelers

Ben Roethlisberger asked management for a bigger target at wide receiver and got one in the 6'5'' 219-pound former Longhorn.

Sweed, another of the Steelers second round picks, should come in right away and compete against Nate Washington for that third receiver spot.

I am really not looking forward to the Patriots-Steelers game.

10. Fabian Washington—Baltimore Ravens

We round out our top-10 here with a guy who, in the last two years, has amassed 80 tackles, five interceptions and a forced fumble, despite not being a full-time starter.

Still only 25 years old, Washington looks like he will mostly play at the nickel for the Ravens, but with aging starters Chris McAlister and Samari Rolle ahead of him, look for the former Raider to make an positive impact for the Baltimore defensive in 2008.

The NFC North is up next!

Top-10 NFL Newcomers: AFC South

Ryan — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 07:04:06 -0400

My division-by-division look at the top-10 newcomers moves on to the AFC South, one of the strongest divisions in the league.

1. Derrick Harvey/Quentin Groves—Jacksonville Jaguars

I grouped defensive ends Harvey and Groves together here because they were acquired for the sole purpose of beating Peyton Manning and Tom Brady. As the Super Bowl painfully showed us, games are won in the trenches, and with Harvey and Groves, to go along with the Jaguars' other linemen Paul Spicer and Reggie Hayward, the Jags are poised to take the next step.

2. Alge Crumpler—Tennessee Titans

The top-three receivers for the Titans last year were Justin Gage, Roydell Williams, and Bo Scaife—that's not going to be good enough if they want to win the division and compete for a championship. Crumpler comes in and gives VY a legitimate weapon, which should help him become a more complete passer.

3. Jake Scott—Tennessee Titans

Scott garners the third spot here not only because he is a solid, versatile offensive lineman, but also because the Titans were able to pry him away from division rival Indianapolis. Scott also helps fill the void left by departed lineman Jacob Bell.

4. Chris Brown/Steve Slaton—Houston Texans

Another tandem here at No. 4 in running backs Chris Brown and Steve Slaton. With Ahman Green past his prime and looking like it, Brown and Slaton can add experience and explosiveness to a running game that hasn't been dangerous since the early days of Dominick Davis...or was it Williams?

5. Duane Brown—Houston Texans

Along with Brown and Slaton, head coach Gary Kubiak drafted Duane Brown in the first round in order to find someone who can not only protect Matt Schaub's blind-side, but also give Houston a more dynamic running game. While Brown was a bit of a reach in the draft, he fills a big hole on this up-and-coming team.

6. Jacques Reeves—Houston Texans

Another Texan here, and one who could prove extremely valuable. With starting corner Dunta Robinson probably headed to the PUP list, Reeves can step in alongside last year's surprise Fred Bennett and give Houston some much-needed secondary help.

7. Jerry Porter—Jacksonville Jaguars

Where do receivers go to die? If you said Oakland, you'd be right. And as Randy Moss showed last year, former Raider receivers can have huge impacts just one year after looking over the hill.

Now, I don't think that Porter is going to come anywhere near Moss' 2007 season numbers, because he's simply not as talented. I do, however, believe he can give the Jags a viable option at wide out that will take some pressure off of their running game.

8. Drayton Florence—Jacksonville Jaguars

Florence, a big contributor last year in San Diego, gives Jack Del Rio another option in that up-and-coming Jacksonville secondary. He will more than likely start alongside Pro Bowler Rashean Mathis, and thus allow Brian Williams to move over and fill the void at free safety.

9. Rosevelt Colvin—Houston Texans

This was not a big signing with a lot of press, but I think Colvin could be huge for the Texans. If he stays healthy, he will split time at strong-side linebacker along with Kevin Bentley, and he adds depth, experience, and Super Bowl rings to that young, fast Texan D.

10. Chris Johnson—Tennessee Titans

With this last spot, I could have gone in several different directions: Kearse in Tennessee, Troy Williamson in Jacksonville, or I could have thrown a bone to the Colts and had Dominic Rhodes in the ten spot, but I went with speedster Chris Johnson.

Johnson wasn't drafted in the first round to sit on the bench behind LenDale White and Chris Henry, and with his 4.24 speed, he gives Jeff Fisher a formidable one-two punch along with White.

I realize there were no Colts on the list, and I'm not playing favorites, but they didn't add anyone of note in an offseason marred by the Marvin Harrison's shooting fiasco...sorry Indy, couldn't resist.

NFC South up next!

Top-10 NFL Newcomers: NFC East

Ryan — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 04:38:42 -0400

I continue my look at the top-10 NFL newcomers with the NFC East, home of three playoff teams last year including the...and it pains me to say this...World Champion New York Giants.

Enjoy!

1. Asante Samuel—Philadelphia Eagles

This one is obvious. Let's take a look at the career of 27-year old Asante Samuel: 27 career interceptions, including five in the postseason, an All Pro and Pro Bowl selection in 2007, and a two-time Super Bowl champion. Enough said.

2. Felix Jones—Dallas Cowboys

One of the Cowboys' two first-rounders this year, Jones is a speedster who will complement starter Marion Barber perfectly. His ability to take runs to the outside will make this Dallas offense that much more explosive.

3. Mike Jenkins—Dallas Cowboys

The other Cowboy first-rounder, Jenkins, will be able to step in immediately and contribute to an aging secondary. He'll start as the nickel corner behind Terence Newman and Anthony Henry, but will soon get his chance to shine.

4. DeSean Jackson—Philadelphia Eagles

While Reggie Brown and Kevin Curtis are good No. 2 and 3 receivers, DeSean Jackson gives the Eagles and McNabb a downfield playmaker who can really stretch the field.

5. Zach Thomas—Dallas Cowboys

Words can't describe how good Thomas has been over his long career. He's been a member of seven Pro Bowls, but is still in search of his first Super Bowl. If he can stay healthy, Thomas has a chance to get Dallas to the big game this year, and cement his Hall of Fame career.

6. Chris Clemons—Philadelphia Eagles

"Diet Calvin Pace" as I call him, Clemons had eight sacks last year with the Oakland Raiders, and he will be part of a formidable pass-rushing rotation including Trent Cole, Juqua Parker, and Victor Abiamiri.

7. Jim Zorn—Washington Redskins

Zorn, the new Redskin coach, brings the West Coast offense to Washington. Known as a quarterback guru, Zorn will try to help Jason Campbell take that next step and get the 'Skins back to the postseason.

8. Devin Thomas—Washington Redskins

Thomas, the 6'2'' receiver out of Michigan State, will give Campbell a viable downfield threat, as well as someone who will be able to take punts and kickoffs into the end zone.

9. Kenny Phillips—New York Giants

The G-Men get their replacement for ex-safety Gibril Wilson here, and it looks like Phillips will contribute from day one. The former Hurricane will bring intensity and speed to the New York secondary.

10. Malcolm Kelly—Washington Redskins

We round out the top-10 with Kelly, another Redskin rookie receiver, who will be just another weapon, along with Thomas and rookie tight-end Fred Davis, for Jason Campbell to throw to.

AFC South up next!

Top-10 NFL Newcomers: AFC East

Ryan — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 03:51:32 -0400

Over the next couple of days, I will be taking a look at each NFL division, and I will be coming up with a list of the top-10 division newcomers sure to have a big impact.

We'll start with the AFC East.

1. Bill Parcells—Miami Dolphins

This one is kind of self-explanatory. The Tuna comes to a team that, in 2007, had one of the worst years of all time. While the Dolphins are another year or two away from really competing in the division, Parcells, a two-time Super Bowl champion, will have this team turned around and headed in the right direction in no time.

2. Alan Faneca—New York Jets

Faneca, a seven-time Pro Bowler and a Super Bowl champion, brings stability and leadership to the much-maligned Jet offensive line. He has been opening up holes for Jerome Bettis and Willie Parker for the last 10 years, and he will need to step up and do the same for Thomas Jones if the Jets want to win this year.

3. Vernon Gholston—New York Jets

Gholston is a pass-rushing end/linebacker, of the Shawne Merriman mold, who will come in right away and provide the Jets with someone who can get to the quarterback. In order for the Jets to win this division, they must be able to get to Tom Brady. If Gholston is up to the challenge, they will be a force to be reckoned with.

4. Jake Long—Miami Dolphins

Long, the first overall pick in the draft, is a perfect fit for the Dolphins. He'll come in and start right away, bringing stability to the Dolphins' horrible O-line. With Long at left tackle, new head coach Tony Sparano will be able to move 2004 first-rounder Vernon Carey over to right tackle, his natural position.

5. Marcus Stroud—Buffalo Bills

Stroud, a 6'6'', 310-pound, three-time Pro Bowler, will give the Bills the dynamic run-stopper at D-tackle that they have been looking for a decade. Stroud will make this young Buffalo defense one of the best in the league.

6. Jerod Mayo—New England Patriots

The No. 1 weakness for my Pats was their aging linebacker corps. What did Coach Belichick do to fix this? He drafted Jerod Mayo No. 10 overall. Mayo, out of Tennessee, led the SEC in tackles last year. He won't start right away, but he will learn from two of the best linebackers of their era—Tedy Bruschi and, if he returns, Junior Seau.

7. Kris Jenkins—New York Jets

The same thing I said about Stroud can be said for Jenkins. He provides Coach Tattle-Tale...er, I mean Mangini...with a perfect 3-4 defensive tackle that will make this defense that much better.

8. Calvin Pace—New York Jets

This one here is a big question mark. Pace is a freak, athletically, but prior to last year, he only had recorded 6.5 career sacks—not really the body of work that would garner $22 million guaranteed. If he plays well, however, he gives the Jets another pass-rusher on the outside.

9. Tony Richardson—New York Jets

Another Jet on the list here, and one whom I believe will have a big impact. Richardson, the fullback, has paved the way for Pro-Bowl runners such as Priest Holmes, Larry Johnson, Chester Taylor, and Adrian Peterson. If he plays well, which he always has, I believe the Jets could become a dangerous running team.

10. Leodis McKelvin—Buffalo Bills

McKelvin, the 11th overall pick this year, gives the Bills three, promising young corners—the other two being Terrence McGee and Jabari Greer. McKelvin also has the return skills to be a real weapon.

NFC East coming up next!

The New England Patriots: A Look Back at the Start of a Dynasty

Ryan — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 13:37:23 -0400

I was only twelve years old when I had the pleasure of watching my favorite team accomplish their goal and win their first Super Bowl.

I am nineteen years old now, soon to be twenty, and as the 2008-2009 NFL season approaches I will take you on a look back at the Patriots' improbable playoff win against the Oakland Raiders in the last game ever at Foxboro Stadium.

Saturday, January 19, 2002

"There is no way that Brady wins this game."

Hearing my Dad say that did not boost my already waning confidence.

We were sitting in our old living room watching the opening kickoff of the Patriots-Raiders Divisional Game and I have to admit that I did not agree with him.

I remember glancing over at Dad and saying, "As long as we score first, we'll win."

I knew that with the snow and with Coach Belichick at the helm, if we scored first we could hold the lead.

Not many sports writers or T.V. "experts," and I use that term lightly, agreed with me.

They said that sixth-round QB's, with only a handful of career starts, can't win in the playoffs.

They said that Coach Belichick and the defense couldn't possibly stop Pro-Bowl passer Rich Gannon.

There I was, in my Tom Brady jersey three sizes too big, not knowing that sixth round picks weren't supposed to win playoff games, let alone playoff games played in heavy snowstorms.

All I knew was that I wanted my favorite team to win and I expected them to.

The first half started off slowly, with both teams struggling to find their rhythms.

Early on in the second quarter I had the displeasure of watching the one thing I didn't want to happen, happen—Rich Gannon throw a 13-yard touchdown to James Jett.

Oakland 7, New England 0.

Crap.

I looked over at my dad and he shrugged.

Holding the Raiders to only seven points in a little more than a quarter of play was a major accomplishment seeing as they had been one of the league’s most prolific offenses during the season, but still my stomach was in knots.

At halftime, with the Patriots still down seven and the snow falling by the foot, I was as nervous as I had ever been.

Over the past four months I had grown with Brady and the Patriots, watching him lead his team, my team, to 11 wins in his 14 starts.

I had watched Bill Belichick, the two-time Super Bowl champion with the New York Giants, devise game plan after game plan that stopped opposing teams.

But the first half here had not started promisingly.

The Pats looked slow and sluggish while Gannon looked perfect, even in the snowstorm.

Up to this point, the running game had done absolutely nothing and even I knew that without a running game and with essentially a rookie QB, there was no hope.

The Pats opened the third quarter with the ball and Brady promptly drove them down to the Raiders five-yard line before the drive stalled and Belichick was forced to settle for a 23-yard Adam Vinatieri field-goal.

Oakland 7, New England 3.

Now let me make this side-point right now, because I know it's going to come up.

Those Patriot-haters out there will point to this second half surge and point to the whole "Spygate" fiasco and argue that the Pats probably filmed the Raider defense in the first half, looked over the evidence and adjusted.

While I believe this is nowhere near the truth, I will say this: players win games.

Players win games; not videotapes, not signals—just players.

With that said we'll move on.

What little confidence I had was shattered over the next half-hour as I watched Gannon decimate the Pats secondary and I watched the Raiders put up two field-goals to push the lead to 10.

As the third-quarter drew to a close, I looked over to my Dad and his look said it all: "Game Over."

I, however, had not given up hope.

We were only down 10 and if we could just get a quick score we still had a shot.

At the start of the fourth that very thing happened.

Brady led the Patriots on a 10-play, 61-yard drive in which he completed nine straight passes and then capped it off with a tough six-yard touchdown run.

Oakland 13, New England 10.

We were still alive, but we needed a stop and we needed the ball back.

The teams traded punts and with the clock winding down on the game and old Foxboro Stadium, my heart was in my throat.

With less than two minutes remaining and the Patriots needing a score, Brady stepped back to throw and lost the ball on a fumble.

That was it.

It was good while it lasted, but that was it.

Game over...season over.

I remember thinking, at least we have a young QB who got some experience, but then referee Walt Coleman changed the face of the NFL as we know it.

After reviewing the play, Coleman decided that Brady arm was going forward and therefore the play was ruled an incomplete pass and not a fumble.

We were alive again!

I remember jumping up and down and my mom coming in and telling me to be quiet so I wouldn't wake my little brother—liked I cared.

What followed next was something I'll never, ever, forget.

Brady led his team down and, with 27 seconds left, Vinatieri nailed a 45-yard field goal that I still believe was guided from above.

I remember not being able to see the ball at all once it left his foot and nervously watching the two referee's below the cross-bar.

They both took one look at each other and then raised their arms above their heads.

It was good!

I could not believe what had just happened.

I could not believe that Brady, a sixth-round pick a year before, had brought the Patriots, my Patriots, back from the dead.

But the game was not over yet.

New England won the toss and Brady one-upped himself and led the Pats down to the Raiders 28-yard line.

The drive, however, had stalled.

Here they were, fourth-down and starring at another 45-yard field goal.

It was here where the Belichick-Brady legacy began.

Coach decided to forgo the try into the wind and go for the first down.

I was on my feet, I had my jersey in my mouth and I remember being half-excited and half-mortified.

Brady, however, was as cool as anyone could possibly be.

He stepped back and fired a six-yard bullet to David Patten at the Raider 22-yard line for a first down.

Six runs later, Vinatieri nailed a 23-yard game winning field goal and the dynasty was born.

I remember looking over at my Dad with a big smile and saying, "No, now it's game over."