Bleacher Report - Articles by Ivahn Lachowsky

NFL '08-'09 Season Predictions

Ivahn Lachowsky — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 14:52:32 -0400

The NFL regular season starts wednesday Sept. 4 but here are some early predictions for the year.

AFC EAST

No. 1 New England Patriots

No. 2 New York Jets

No. 3 Buffalo Bills

No. 4 Miami Dolphins

No surprise this is still the Patriots division with the Jets and the Bills battling it out for second and the fish are still stinking the place up.

AFC NORTH

No. 1 Cleveland Browns

No. 2 Pittsburgh Steelers

No. 3 Cincinnati Bengals

No. 4 Baltimore Ravens

Overall this a two team show between Cleveland and Pittsburgh while Cincinnati and Baltimore battle for the gutter.

AFC South

No. 1 Indianapolis Colts

No. 2 Jacksonville Jaguars

No. 3 Tennessee Titans

No. 4 Houston Texans

I have a feeling the Colts will make some noise this year.

AFC WEST

No. 1 San Diego Chargers

No. 2 Kansas City Cheifs

No. 3 Oakland Raiders

No. 4 Denver Broncos

This division is weak with the exception of San Diego while I think Denver quarterback Jay Cutler is junk and will sink his team.

NFC EAST

No. 1 Dallas Cowboys

No. 2 Washington Redskins

No. 3 New York Giants

No. 4 Philadelphia Eagles

The Cowboys have been knockin on the door lately while Andy Reid and the Eagles are headed for the cellar.

NFC NORTH

No. 1 Minnesota Vikings

No. 2 Green Bay Packers

No. 3 Detroit Lions

No. 4 Chicago Bears

I believe the Vikings are poised to conquer this division and Jon Kitna fails on his 10 win prediction for the Lions again.

NFC WEST

No. 1 Seattle Seahawks

No. 2 Arizona Cardinals

No. 3 St Louis Rams

No. 4 San Francisco 49ers

The NFL's most boring and predictable division.

NFC SOUTH

No. 1 Tampa Bay Buccaneers

No. 2 New Orleans Saints

No. 3 Carolina Panthers

No. 4 Atlanta Falcons

Tampa coach Jon Gruden continues to steer his team to port while the Falcons hit the bottom again what a shame.

Oh by the way, Patriots over the Cowboys in Superbowl 43 42-17.

New England Patriot Haters: One Question I Want Answered

Ivahn Lachowsky — Fri, 16 May 2008 14:19:49 -0400

How were the New England Patriots able to win 17-straight games following the Week One Spygate revelation, and after all of their "cheating tools" were taken away? Not to mention that the entire sporting world was watching them.

After all, they need to cheat to win, right?

Roger Goodell True to His Word: No Further Action to Be Taken Regarding Spygate

Ivahn Lachowsky — Tue, 13 May 2008 10:07:43 -0400

Today, "Golf Pro" Matt Walsh met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell regarding his role as video assistant, scout, gopher, driver, whatever for the New England Patriots organization.

Walsh presented eight grainy video tapes from six games between the '00-'02 seasons. But one video, supposedly the most damning, was missing.

When viewed by the media, none of the tapes seem to contain the infamous St. Louis Rams walk through before the 2002 Super Bowl.

Walsh, I believe, claimed no knowledge of such a tape prior to Tuesday's meeting with Roger Goodell and restated that claim during the meeting.

However, Walsh brought to light two new violations. Supposedly an unnamed Patriots player, who was on the injured reserve list, took part in practice during the 2001 season.

The other violation was that Walsh and unnamed Patriot players scalped Super Bowl tickets—up to 12 of them over the course of two seasons.

Commissioner Roger Goodell stated that he is satisfied with the punishment handed out by the league—$500,000 fine for Head Coach Bill Belichick, $250,000 fine for the New England Patriots, and the docking of a first round draft pick in the 2008 NFL Draft.

Goodell also stated that the tapes presented nothing new. Matt Walsh has brought nothing new to the table other than an injured player practicing (I wonder what Walsh's idea of practicing is?) and his admitted involvement in a scalping ring.

Is this what everyone has been waiting for all this time? What a waste of time.

Things could get more interesting as Walsh flies out to Washington to meet with Senator Arlen Spector of Pennsylvania.

Well, the commish has stated no further action regarding Spygate.

What do you think?

Jon Kitna's Prediction: a Lion's Roar...or a Cat's Meow?

Ivahn Lachowsky — Mon, 12 May 2008 07:27:20 -0400

When you're as bad as the Detroit Lions have been for the past 50 years things can only improve, right?

Having only won one playoff game since 1957, coming in 1991 against the Dallas Cowboys, something has to give, right?

Well, quarterback Jon Kitna thinks so.

Kitna has made the 10-win prediction for the second year in a row. The first prediction in the 07/08 NFL season ended with 7-9 record.

The Lions at midpoint of the 07/08 season were 6-2 and it looked as though Kitna's prediction would come true, but down the stretch the Lions dropped six consecutive losses and consequently dropped out of the playoffs.

They tied for the third toughest schedule in the league though, with their opponents finishing 139/117 for a win percentage of .543.

Along the way they beat the playoff bound Tampa Bay Buccaneers and took three of six divisional games, including two wins against the Chicago Bears.

I took a look at the Lions' upcoming schedule and some possible scenarios that could result in wins.

Remember the the Lions' schedule isn't in this order.

First off, they play a Favreless Green Bay Packers team twice—a team who could struggle if quarterback Aaron Rodgers struggles in his first year at the helm.

They play the Atlanta Falcons once...enough said.

They play the Chicago Bears twice. This team seems to have hit their prime a couple of years ago with a loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Superbowl 41.

Finally they play the Houston Texans once, as well as the San Fransisco 49ers.

So when I take some of those things into consideration and look again at the other teams the Lions play (Colts, Jaguars, Titans, Buccaneers, Saints, Panthers, Vikings twice, and the Redskins) I have a hard time seeing anything more than a six to seven win season.

The Lions do have the firepower to win some games. Receivers Calvin Johnson, Mike Furrey, Roy Williams, and Shuan McDonald provide decent targets for Jon Kitna.

But Kitna is no Peyton Manning or Tom Brady and the Lions will have to score like the Colts or Pats just to stay alive. I don't see that happening at all.

Although Jon Kitna does have a lion's heart it just won't be enough to prevent another disappointing year for Lions' fans.

What's in a Name?: Joe Namath, Peyton Manning...Alex Smith

Ivahn Lachowsky — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 14:41:09 -0400

Some people change their names to sound more flashy or marketable.

For example actor Tom Cruise's real name is Thomas Mapother, IV, while singer Bob Dylan was given the birth name Robert Zimmerman. News broadcasters have to alter their original names for security reasons.

Every once and a while someone is given a great birth name and a destiny to fulfill it. So what is in a name? Does a well crafted name full of character and built for nicknames guarantee success?

Probably not, but it doesn't hurt I guess.

Take, for instance, football quarterback legends Joe Montana, Joe Namath, and Peyton Manning. These names just ooze an American football sound.

Montana, Namath, and Manning have all had success because of their play obviously, but "Montana to Rice" or "Young to Rice" just rolls off the tongue better than, say, "Brown to Rice."

They have what I call "name intimidation."

I've always thought Joe Namath's name sounded like a baseball player's name, but a strong sports name nonetheless.

Now you have New England quarterback Tom Brady to wide receiver Randy Moss. "Brady to Moss" is much better sounding than, say, "Matt Shuab to Jacoby Jones."

Bottom line, great players who have great names sell tickets and are more recognizable than mediocre players with mediocre names.

I hope I don't offend anyone, but when the 49ers drafted quarterback Alex Smith I thought to myself: "Bust!"

His name just does not carry the star power or intimidation factor that a Peyton Manning or Joe Montana does.

I possibly look into things too much, but on Saturday I'll be watching the NFL Draft and listening for those strong football, money-making names.

Spygate Fallout: Will the Real Matt Walsh Please Stand Up?

Ivahn Lachowsky — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 03:52:20 -0400

When you google Matt Walsh, the first choice that comes up is Matt Walsh the actor/comedian. How fitting.

Who is Matt Walsh?

Matt Walsh was a former scout and video assistant for the New England Patriots from 1996-2003.

He was present for Super Bowl XXXVI, in which the Patriots won their first championship over the St. Louis Rams.

Walsh claims to have evidence that could damage not only the Patriots reputation, but the league's as well.

Hmmm...someone close to the Patriots having prior knowledge of "Spygate"? I think I've heard that one before.

What is Walsh waiting for then?

Walsh claims he videotaped the St Louis Rams working on their game plan in practice prior to the Super Bowl back in 2003.

Why wait so long to come out about breaking the rules?

What is Walsh afraid of?

Surely Walsh will be punished for his role in Spygate, right?

Patriots Vice President Scott Pioli has come forward, saying Matt Walsh was fired when it was revealed that Walsh tried to secretly record their private conversation.

What was going to be said in that conversation that Walsh felt he had to defend his name if the book was thrown at him?

Republican Sen. Arlen Specter, fan of the Philadelphia Eagles (who lost to the Patriots in Super Bowl XXXVIII) has turned up the heat by criticizing the league's handling of the issue.

He wants the league to correspond on a greater level with Walsh's attorney. I think he secretly wants the league to give the his Eagles another shot at a Super Bowl ring. HA HA.

The league has stepped up to the podium regularly, fining the Patriots and their fearless leader Bill Belichick a first-round draft pick, as well as $500,000.

Also, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has stated numerous times that he wants to hear Walsh's side of the story and to get this issue sorted out.

Everyone else in this matter has come clean and taken their punishment (all but the accusers).

I hope Matt Walsh is not waiting for the start of the NFL regular season to bring this issue to forefront. It would be another attempt to destroy the Patriots' reputation and keep what little dignity he has left.

If he does, you can bet people will scratch their heads and wonder, "When will the real Matt Walsh stand up?"

The Playoff Matchup I Want to See: Alexander the Great vs. Sid the Kid

Ivahn Lachowsky — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 14:27:17 -0400

I figured sooner or later hailing from Canada, I would have to write an article on the NHL, but to be honest I haven't followed hockey really all that much this year.

One story that won't seem to go away (not that it should) and one I've paid attention to is about phenom Alexander Ovechkin, no Alexander The Great, no correction. The Great Alexander Ovechkin.

Finishing the 07/08 NHL season with 65 goals, 47 assists for a point total of 112. This guy is a one man wrecking crew who leaves goaltenders feeling like they just played the fastest game of Russian Roulette.

Imagine if Ovechkin had the talent around him that Sidney Crosby has, not saying that Sid The Kid doesn't deserve all the attention he gets.

Crosby finished the 07/08 NHL season with 24 goals 48 assists for a point total of 72 in a season with injuries in which he played only 53 games still not bad, remember he shares ice time with Evgeni Malkin and countless other talents.

So that being said, I hope Ovechkin's Capitals will find a way to beat the Philadelphia Flyers and Crosby's Penguins beat the Ottawa Senators and so on down the line until the two great scoring phenoms end up giving us a show to remember.

That's right I think the Pittsburgh Penguins might have the edge this year on the Ottawa Senators, the Sens have been pretty inconsistent and are experiencing injuries at the wrong time of the year.

I also believe the Washington Capitals are holding the darkhorse card this year with Ovechkin at the reigns on a mission. The Flyers are a good team but they may want to polish up those golfclubs early.

Anyway, those are just my predictions feel free to rip me they don't come true.

Cincinnati Bengals Earning Their Stripes

Ivahn Lachowsky — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 10:47:45 -0400

For Cincinnati Bengals fans, the bottom of the food chain has been all too familiar for too long.

With the drafting of quarterback Carson Palmer and the hiring of new head coach Marvin Lewis in 2003, fortunes seemed to be richer.

Along with wide receivers Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh and running back Rudi Johnson, you had what seemed to be an explosive offense.

In the 2005 NFL season, the Bengals finished 11-5 and claimed the AFC North title with quarterback Carson Palmer throwing a league-high 32 touchdowns and earning a Pro Bowl selection.

Palmer suffered a season-ending leg injury in the AFC Wild Card game that year against the Pittsburgh Steelers on the second offensive play and the team’s fortunes have not been the same since.

Where did it all go wrong?

The Bengals have been tagged with the term "criminal element" a name once reserved for the Oakland Raiders.

Chad Johnson has stated he wants out of Cincinnati and countless Bengals players have been arrested for different violations.

The most recent being wide receiver Chris Henry for an altercation involving an 18-year-old man who claims Henry punched him in the face and broke his back car window with a beer bottle.

Well, the Bengals are starting to do the right thing. They cut Chris Henry from the roster and showed him the door.

Enough is enough after five incidents involving Henry spanning from 2005 to 2008.

Good riddance, now get rid of Terrell Owens No. 2, Chad Johnson. He is not a team player. He is a loud mouth and a showboat.

Granted, there is nothing wrong with being a showboat, but only if your team benefits from it.

It's too bad the Bengals finally got things rolling and then slowed back down again. It's easy to see which players have really shown their true colors.

Beginning Of A Dynasty: A Brief History Of The New England Patriots Draft Success

Ivahn Lachowsky — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 12:11:43 -0400

The 2008 draft is just about a month away and one team who will be looking to fill some holes are the New England Patriots. Lets take a look at the soft positions and a bit of their recent success in the draft department.

The draft prospects of the past 14 years, ranging from 1993 to 2007, have laid the foundation for the lone dynasty of the second millenium. Some have been outstanding steals. Others have been high picks which any team would have coveted.

The "Big Tuna Era": Head Coach Bill Parcells 93-96

1993 draft:

1st overall pick in the draft quarterback Drew Bledsoe ( later signed with the Bills in '02 and the Cowboys in '05 )
8th round 198th pick wide receiver Troy Brown

1994 draft:

1st round 4th pick linebacker Willie McGinest ( later signed with the Browns in 06 )

1995 draft:

1st round 23rd pick cornerback Ty Law ( later signed with the Jets in 05 and the Chiefs in 06 )
3rd round 74th pick runningback Curtis Martin ( later signed with Jets in 97 ) compensational picks from the Jets 1st and 3rd round

1996 draft:

1st round 7th pick wide receiver Terry Glenn ( traded to the Packers currently with the Cowboys )
2nd round 36th pick saftey Lawyer Milloy ( signed with the Bills in 03, Falcons in 06 )
3rd round 86th pick linebacker Tedy Bruschi

The "Belichick Era": Head Coach Bill Belichick, '96-Present

1999 draft:

2nd round 46th pick running back Kevin Faulk

2000 draft:

6th round 199th pick Quarterback Tom Brady (three-time superbowl winner two-time superbowl MVP, current touchdown pass record holder (50) )
7th round 239th pick fullback Patrick Pass

2001 draft:

1 round 6th pick defensive linemen Richard Seymour
2 round 48th pick tackle Matt Light

2002 draft:

1 round 21st pick tight end Daniel Graham ( signed with the Broncos in 07 )
2 round 65th pick wide receiver Deion Branch ( Superbowl MVP traded to the Seahawks in 06 )
7 round 253rd pick wide receiver David Givens

2003 draft:

1 round 13th pick defensive lineman Ty Warren
2 round 36th pick defensive back Eugene Wilson ( signed with the Buccanneers in 08 )
2 round 45th pick wide receiver Bethal Johnson
4 round 117th pick defensive lineman Dan Klecko
4 round 120th pick cornerback Asante Samuel ( signed with the Eagles in 08 )
5 round 164th pick center Dan Koppen

2004 draft:

1 round 21st pick defensive lineman Vince Wilfork
1 round 32nd pick tight end Ben Watson

2005 draft:

1 round 32nd pick guard Logan Mankins
3 round 84th pick cornerback Ellis Hobbs
3 round 100th pick tackle Nick Kaczur
7 round 230th pick quarterback Matt Cassel

2006 draft:

1 round 21st pick running back Laurence Maroney
4 round 118th pick Kicker Stephen Gostkowski

2007 draft:

1 round 24th pick safety Brandon Meriwheather

So as you can see highly efficient drafting and trades over the past 14 years have resulted in three superbowl rings. Also noted is the Pats uncanny ability to be dead on with first round picks, the exception being the 2000 draft which saw maybe one of the best highest -round gems ever picked in quarterback Tom Brady.

I'm sure Belichick and company have something special in mind for their seventh pick in round one—whether that will be a cornerback, safety, tight end, or linebacker. I think they might take a look at defensive end Vernon Gholston but most likely cornerback Leodis McKelvin.

Either way it should be a pick for the secondary. GO PATS GO!!!!

Year Of The Running Backs: 2008 NFL Season

Ivahn Lachowsky — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 07:02:59 -0400

The running back position is deep this year with young and aging backs set to prove their worth on many different teams. Some will fall and others will shine, while others will prove why they still some of the best.

With players and draft picks on the move following the frenzy of the free agent period and with the dust seemingly settled I thought I might take a quick look at the depth of the running back position throughout the NFL.

A few teams I think have the most depth at running back are as follows:

Seattle Seahawks: Shaun Alexander, Julius Jones, T J Duckett

The word is Shaun Alexander will be released or moved due to a recent slide in production and a hefty contract coupled with the signings of Jones, and Duckett.

Minnesota Vikings: Chester Taylor, Adrian Peterson

The Vikings have two of the youngest and brightest running backs in the game right now add in a solid offensive line and sit back and enjoy.

Tampa Bay Buccanneers: Warrick Dunn, Carnell "Cadillac" Williams, Micheal Bennett, Ernest Graham.

I believe this year will see a rejuvenated Warrick Dunn who was also brought in to get "Cadillac" Williams revving. Throw in Bennett, and Graham and the Bucs just might be the deepest team at running back right now.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Maurice Jones-Drew, Fred Taylor

Two extremely tough backs who share the load perfectly.

Oakland Raiders: Justin Fargas, Dominic Rhodes, Lamont Jordon, Micheal Bush

With the fourth pick in the draft this year Oakland could select running back Darren McFadden I don't think so, but the pick could swing the position either way

Here is a list with stats from 2007 along with the numbered prediction for the 08/09 season.

1. LaDainian Tomlinson: 15 TDs, 1,474 yards on 315 carries in 2007—which was an off year.

2. Adrian Peterson: 12 TDs, 1,341 yds on 238 carries in 2007.

3. Marion Barber: 10 TDs, 975 yds on 204 carries in 2007—saw numbers slip with Julius Jones not there to share the workload—extremely underrated, though.

4. Clinton Portis: 11 TDs, 1,262 on 325 carries in 2007—consistent, quiet back.

5. Maurice Jones-Drew: 9 TDs, 768 yds on 167 carries—has Fred Taylor to share the work load.

6. Warrick Dunn: 4 TDs, 720 yds on 227 carries—not bad, considering he played for the Atlanta Falcons. I predict a big year.

7. Jamal Lewis: 9 TDs, 1,304 yds on 298 carries—this big guy has some of the fastest legs around and is in a turnaround situation in Cleveland
.
8. Marshawn Lynch: 7 TDs, 1,115 yds on 280 carries—was a bright spot on a team hard to define.

9. Brian Westbrook: 7 TDs, 1,333 yds on 278 carries—total team player and always consistent.

10. Joseph Addai: 12 TDs, 1,072 yds on 261 carries—not completely sold on him but he has shown signs of a star.

With upcoming backs such as Ryan Grant and Deshawn Wynn of the Green Bay Packers, Ahmed Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs of the NY Giants, and countless others, the question is whether or not they were one year wonders or the real deal.

Only time will tell, but there definitely is depth at one of the toughest positions in all of sports—running back.

Al Davis: Creature Of Habit

Ivahn Lachowsky — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 07:15:58 -0400

Face it, Oakland Raiders fans—Al Davis is a creature of habit, and will not budge whether you agree with his policies or not.

"Just win baby" is his motto not "Just whine baby"

Al has once again put the Raiders on the front page and created a story and uproar which is not something new.

He continues to be one of the more colorful characters in the league and also one of the most ruthless businessmen, as well as the face of the Oakland Raiders.

Be it not a pretty face but then a again when have the Raiders ever had a pretty face?

Another of Al's mottos is "Win at all costs" do you really think a man who lives by these mottos won't take his ownership and control to the grave.

I recently watched John Madden's induction in the Hall Of Fame and there is a short interview with Mr Davis were he states to Jerry Jones owner of the Dallas Cowboys that he feels that he is riding off into the sunset...... meaning that he knows time is at a premium.

That is all Raiders fans who think he is screwing things up should remember only the inevitable will take Al Davis away from the team he loves so much.

I believe he is trying to send the right message and right the ship. This guy has to use a walker to get around but he still manages to be on the move and be as feisty as ever pushing 80 years of age.

Look at it this way he has brought in a monster of a Quarterback in Jemarcus Russell spent a ton of cash on players such as receivers Javon Walker, Drew Carter, safety Gibril Wilson, and possibly cornerback DeAngelo Hall, thats not too shabby.

Also we could see the creature of habit continue his Long ways by drafting defensive end Chris Long son of Raider legend Howie Long.

With some good pieces already in place and some fresh faces arriving it should be a better year for the Raiders.

Al has also said he won't leave until he wins two more Super Bowls, so it looks like he will at least live another 20 years—much to the delight of some of the Raider Nation.

Changing Of The Guard: 2008 AFC North Prediction

Ivahn Lachowsky — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 15:23:18 -0400

I recently took a glimpse and wrote about the 2008 season schedule for the New England Patriots and might I say what a gift.

I thought I'd find out which team I believe has the toughest schedule coming up in 2008.

That team has to be the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Home Games: Baltimore, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Houston, Indianapolis, Dallas, N.Y. Giants, San Diego.

Away Games: Baltimore, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Jacksonville, Tennessee, Philadelphia, Washington, New England

Only five of these teams did not qualify for the playoffs last year, Baltimore, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Houston, Philadelphia. Cleveland just barely missed a spot in the Wild Card slot.

Compare this to the Patriots' schedule, the Patriots play nine teams this upcoming season who failed to make it to the second season.

With the Cleveland Browns improving at lightning speed, the AFC North is really just a two team donnybrook. I don't foresee the Baltimore Ravens or the Cincinnati Bengals challenging for anything but the bottom.

Just having a tough schedule doesn't guarantee absolute failure, injuries and many other factors are all key as we all know, but the Steelers are up against some talented and upcoming teams as well as proven teams.

I just think the schedule will be too tough to overcome.

I predict the Pittsburgh Steelers go 7-9, miss the playoffs and the Cleveland Browns reign supreme in the AFC North.

NFL Schedules: A Prediction for the 2008 Patriots

Ivahn Lachowsky — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 05:39:42 -0400

Having looked over the New England Patriots' schedule for the upcoming '08 season, I'd have to say I'm quite happy with the findings.

Home Games: Buffalo, Miami, NY Jets, Denver, Kansas City, Arizona, St. Louis, Pittsburgh

Away Games: Buffalo, Miami, NY Jets, Oakland, San Deigo, San Fransisco, Seattle, Indianapolis

Yes, I'm quite happy—except for one thing. We don't play those stinkin' New York Giants.

I wanted revenge on Eli Manning, but I guess I'll have to settle for Peyton Manning.

Oh wait a second, we do get to embarrass Eric Mangini and the NY Jets twice.

Oh wait, beating the hell out of the Jets will get you nothing but a year long distraction. Anyway, it's worth it.

New England should be a lock for at least 14 wins this year, with the only trouble I see coming from the San Diego Chargers or the Indianapolis Colts.

The AFC East is ours once again. Although the competition is heating up, I'd have to say.

The Miami Dolphins should get back to playing decent football in about five to six years. The NY Jets can go to hell, as long as Mangini is head coach there. And the Buffalo Bills can move to Toronto for all I care.

New England Patriots over the Dallas Cowboys Super Bowl 43, final score 42-14.

Eric Mangini: Just Another Judas Iscariot

Ivahn Lachowsky — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 08:09:59 -0400

One thing that has been constantly overlooked regarding the Spygate scandal is that Eric Mangini was defensive backs coach for the Patriots from 2000 to 2004. He was also defensive cordinator for the Pats in 2005.

That means he was present for all three Super Bowl titles including the newly dug up story of the Patriots filming the St Louis Rams' walk-through in the 2002 Super Bowl.

Mangini left the Patriots in 2005 to take over the head coaching position for the NY Jets from the fired Herm Edwards. He took the Jets from a 4-12 record to 10-7 record within one year.

Praise was given to Mangini but should that praise and his credibility be questioned after having a hand in one of the most talked about sports controversies ever.

Most football but not all football fans know the history between Bill Belichick the current head coach of the Patriots and Eric Mangini.

Belichick, head coach of the Cleveland Browns from '91-'95 helped Mangini acquire a job putting film together for Browns coordinators when Mangini was a ball boy for the Browns.

Belichick also gave Mangini an assistant job with the Browns organization while he was head coach.

From '97-'99 Mangini was defensive assistant/quality control coach with the Jets, while Belichick was assistant head coach/secondary coach for the Jets at the time.

Then came the Patriots for Mangini and Belichick and then the end of the partnership and friendship.

All this talk of Bill Belichick being what people have labelled a monster, a cheater, and a liar, well take a little closer look at Eric Mangini.

Belichick is what he is, the New England Patriots are what they are, and Eric Mangini is what he is, Mangini is a traitor, a rat, a whiner, and a loser, all of the things that Bill Belichick and the Patriots organization are not.

You know it always blows my mind when I think that even after the Patriots were accused of cheating against the Jets and all the tapes were destroyed, they still went out and had possibly one of the greatest seasons any football team has ever had.

You would have thought teams would have beefed up security and changed gameplans and schemes just in case, if teams did do that it, well it didn't work and the Pats just blazed through all of them.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have said that even if the Pats had videotaped their signals it would not have made a difference in the outcome of their games.

All coaches in the NFL cover their mouths when making calls to protect against videotaping and signal stealing. I've seen Andy Reid head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles do it against countless teams for example.

I've also read some pretty funny quotes from Raiders Owner Al Davis about how he has cheated in the past, and John Madden has said that this kind of stuff has been going on for years.

So I think all those Patriot haters out there should stop getting so caught up in the moment, and start taking a look at the facts and the past.

Sink or Sail: NFL Free Agent Period

Ivahn Lachowsky — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 14:21:09 -0500

Great trades and pickups can either do damage or reap rewards—just ask the Philadelphia Eagles. When they made a splash with Terrell Owens a few years back, he helped boost them to a Super Bowl and an awful headache after the loss. But the Eagles just haven't been the same since.

Or take for instance Jamal Lewis to Cleveland from Baltimore rushing for nine TDs and 1,304 yds, and catching two for 248 yds. Was Lewis running for a new fat contract, or was the whole team rejuvenated with this veteran's play?

By upgrading on receiver (Donte Stallworth), tackle (Shuan Rogers), and safety (Nick Sorensen) ,the Cleveland Browns appear to be on the right path. The Eagles signed cornerback Asante Samuel and released linebacker Jevon Kearse and defensive end Takeo Spikes. No, no, no all across the board.

Asante Samuel is a selfish player who no longer fit the mold of the "team first Patriots" while Kearse and Spikes might actually have benefited from the presence of Samuel, strangely enough.

As for Cleveland, the addition of Donte Stallworth—a quiet team player—makes for a powerful offense already complimented by tight end Kellen Winslow Jr and receivers Joe Jurevicius, Braylon Edwards, and Joshua Cribbs. Also, throw in Jamal Lewis at running back for good measure.

The start of the season is still a little ways away but I thought I might throw out some predictions for 2008-09:

Javon Walker WR: Six-year $55 million contract Oakland Raiders (Injuries, good when he had Favre throwing to him)—SINK

Marty Booker WR: Two-year contract Chicago Bears (Why recycle old garbage? Who will throw to him? Rex GROSSman)—SINK

Micheal Turner RB: Six-year $34.5 million contract Atlanta Falcons (Should produce, would have benefited from Atlanta keeping Warrick Dunn, Falcons build up the run game and defense without legitimate quarterback)—SAIL

Alge Crumpler TE: Two-year contract Tennessee Titans (Awesome threat for Atlanta, Tennessee, and Vince Young)—SAIL

Aaron Rodgers QB: Inherits quarterback spot Green Bay Packers (Should be OK if the Packers hold on defense and Ryan Grant and the running game wasn't a one year wonder)—SAIL

Manning Super Bowl Conspiracy Theories

Ivahn Lachowsky — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 13:57:54 -0500

Did anyone see this or am I just losing it?

If you watch the Manning brothers’ commercial about the Oreos, I swear Eli is wearing Patriot tights.

Also my ears must be damaged from all the crying over Super Bowl 42 but Peyton says "No we are making history."

Is Peyton referring to being the only brother tandem to win back-to-back Super Bowls plus MVPs?

In all fairness I always thought it to be strange that the New England Patriots started their reign of terror not too long after the dark days off 9/11, after all they are called the Patriots.

Another one I've heard is the mob going after Johnny Unitas and the Colts to throw Super Bowl 3 and then there is Al Davis.

Anyways thought I’d have a little fun with too much time. Please post any comments or theories.