Bleacher Report - Articles by Cody Beals

What NFL Position is the Most Underrated?

Cody Beals — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 04:28:18 -0400

I want to know what you think, I am using this more for a discussion than an article. Respond to this and tell me what you think it the most underrated NFL position.

Holy Cow! The Cubs Are Good, But Can They Reverse The Curse?

Cody Beals — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 04:37:35 -0400

The Chicago Cubs are most inevitably characterized as completely useless by September, because they haven't won a World Series in 100 years and they haven't even been to a World Series since 1945. Meanwhile all Chicago Cubs fans are hopeful for this season to end with a championship, most other people say that the curse is just too strong.

I personally think that the Cubs have a great shot at winning the World Series this year.

They have the best record in baseball and they were the first team to reach 80 wins on the season. The Cubs have, in my opinion the best starting rotation in baseball and they have led the league in Strikeouts now eight years in a row.

The team is starting to gel, as they say and they are getting better and better as the days go on. They are currently on pace to win at least 100 games on the season. With the talent the Cubs have, you would be crazy to even doubt the possibilities. The Cubs have a lot of talent, with Alfonso Soriano, Aramis Ramirez, Derrick Lee, Geovany Soto, Ryan Theriot, and Kosuke Fukudome.

They currently have two rookies in line to have a big shot at winning the National League Rookie of the Year honor in Kosuke Fukudome and major favorite to win, Geovany Soto.

Ryan Theriot is in the top 5 in the National League in batting average with most recently having a .316 average.

The Chicago Cubs are a force to be dealt with in Major League Baseball and they are going to show every team in baseball that they are for real. I believe that they will come through for the most pathetic group of people on this earth, aka: Chicago Cubs fans. They love a team so much that has never loved them back.

They flirt with destiny and can never fully achieve it, but this my friends is the year that they finally show you love.

Top-Five NFL Surprises in 2008

Cody Beals — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 17:54:52 -0400

Thank you for reading the inaugural addition of my new weekly article that will include my thoughts on the 2008 NFL season. Since it's the preseason, I decided to start out with first installment predicting the top-five surprises of the 2008 NFL season.

5. The success of Aaron Rodgers

Seriously, Rodgers is jumping into a role for which Brett Favre and Mike McCarthy have been molding him for the past three years. He knows the playbook like the back of his hand. He has a great offense. I believe that, by the end of the season, Rodgers will accrued 3,500 yards, 28 touchdowns, 13 interceptions and a rating of 98.5. The Packers will go 9-7 and claim the NFC Wildcard.

4. The failure of the Philadelphia Eagles

OK, I will admit they have the most underrated running back in the NFL in Brian Westbrook, but they have a now-mediocre Donovan McNabb and now a below-average defense. The Eagles will go 6-10 and fail to make the playoffs.

3. The NFL-leader in jerseys sold will be...(drum roll please)...Jason Cambell

He will have a magnificent season this year. With Santana Moss and Antwaan Randle El as two of his receivers and tight end Chris Cooley already on board, the team spent its three second-round picks on wideouts Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly and tight end Fred Davis and its third-rounder on offensive tackle Chad Rinehart. Campbell will throw for 3,400 yards, 21 touchdowns and 12 interceptions with a 101.3 rating.

2. The Oakland Raiders will have some success

I should say a bunch of success. The Raiders really improved this offseason, mainly with the drafting of Darren McFadden. With a rapidly developing Jamarcus Russell and the addition of former Denver Bronco Javon Walker, he should have a great season as long as his arm stays healthy. I think the Raiders will go a surprising 10-6 and win the AFC Wildcard.

1. How far the Redskins will go

My most surprising pick, and the most controversial, is my prediction for Washington's season. I say they will go 11-5, win their division, and go to the Super Bowl. They have a fairly underrated defense that will do even better this season with the addition of Jason Taylor on the defensive line. The NFL's surprise of the season.