Bleacher Report - Articles by The Nudge

The Other Quaterbacks to Watch in College Football This Season

The Nudge — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 20:34:32 -0400

By now, with less than two months to go before the next go around in the college football universe, we’ve heard time and time again about the so called “Three Amigos” or the media’s version of the greatest collection of college quarterbacks ever competing in the same season.

The three I’m talking about are Timothy Tebow, Sammy "Baugh" Bradford and the “Awe Shucks Kid from Tuscola,” Colt McCoy.

But barring the fact that one of those guys already has two national championships and is arguably the greatest quarterback in our generation.

The other two play against conference competition that is arguably the worst pass defenses in the history of Big XII football—there are a couple of other exciting to watch QB’s out there that not so many people have heard of.

Now I know what you are saying, “Did this guy really just knock the two golden boys of Big XII Football, Mr. and Mrs Red River Rivalry?”

Answer, yes...yes, I did.

I would really pay big money to see how those guys perform in the SEC, playing against Bama’s and LSU’s D on a weekly basis. I’m not knocking their talent, or the talent that they have around them. Texas and Oklahoma have awesome skills and are tremendous programs.

Colt and Sam have great skills and are natural competitors. So cool down for a second.

I’m knocking the fact that outside of the TCU game, neither team faced a defense in the 2008 regular season that could have resembled anything other than a lower tier SEC defense.

Granted, that’s not Colt’s or Sammy fault, so there’s no knock on them by me.

But anyway, I digress. The point of the article is about other Quarterbacks that might be flying under the national media radar and are exciting to watch.

Now if you are a college football junkie, these names aren’t going to surprise you. In fact, you’ll probably think that I’m an idiot who needs to have his head examined because you’ve been following this or that former five star recruit ever since he got to your favorite college program and what the hell am I talking about.

If that’s the case, then go and find some other piece to read and rant on. This is for the casual fan who might not know what player is taking over for former three year starter at Alabama or who lead their team to a real exciting loss in the 2008 Motor City Bowl.

Now, I’m gonna throw out a couple of names outside of the three amigos right off the bat only because they are getting national media attention.

These names off the top of my head are Jevan “Damn it’s great not to be a Longhorn” Snead, T Pryor, Zac Robinson, Juice Williams and Colin Kaepernick. All great players to watch, all exciting, but a little too well known for this piece of garbage you’re reading.

Robert Griffin III—Sophomore, Baylor

Playing in Head Coaches Art Briles offense has been incredibly good for Mr. Griffin.

During draft analysis, a lot of people asked me about Baylor Left Tackle Jason Smith and how good of a player I thought he was. My answer, good I guess. They said to me, “Nudge, didn’t you watch every Baylor game last year?” And my answer was yes, yes I did, but I just couldn’t keep my eyes off of watching Robert Griffin.

I really couldn’t tell you how well Baylor’s left tackle played cause the only person on the field I could watch was this kid. To put it mildly, he’s electric. He’s like an eel. On one play your saying he’s a running quarterback, on the next play your amazed that he has so much accuracy.

Needless to say, for a freshman playing on an otherwise bad team, Griffin was outstanding. He’s the type of player that makes the other players around him think that they could win games that they shouldn’t.

Griffin, as a true frosh, passed for 2,091 yards and 15 TD’S and rushed for another 843 yards and had 13 ground TD’s. Baylor went 4-8, but really, they should have went 6-6.

They should have won against Uconn and they played Nebraska, Texas Tech and Mizou tough.

In 2009, Griffin gets his three starting receivers back, along with his starting RB and TE. Look out. The Bears are poised to pull off an upset this year and Griffin will be the main reason why.

Tyrod Taylor—Junior, Virginia Tech

VA Tech and Frank Beamer finished off an incredible 2008 season with an ACC Championship (which unlike other pundits, I still think is a huge deal) and a big BCS Bowl win in the Orange Bowl against an upstart Cincinnati Bearcats.

Great right?

Nah, not really. With Taylor's talent, they underacheived cause it took so long to just get him out on the field and not wait to hold his eligibility for another season. So really, this is just the beginning for the Hokies. And Taylor is the major reason why.

The Hokies have talent all around the ball, especially Darren Evans, the super soph at running back. But it’s Taylors athleticism and arm that keeps the defenses honest.

In 2008, VA Tech lost close games to BC, FSU and Miami, all away. In 2009, the Hokies play Miami and BC at home and don’t have to face off against Chrisitian Ponders FSU.

The Hokies face two out of conference programs that would cause anyone fits in Bama and Nebraska, not to mention they are facing off against two of the best defensive minds in all of football in Saban and Pellini.

Outside of that, if Taylor could remain healthy, this baby’s gonna ride. Look for the Hokies to make a run at a second consecutive ACC Championship, and look out for more than a few people to start mentioning Taylor’s name in the same breath as man’s best friend’s worst enemy, Michael Vick.

Christian Ponder—Sophmore, FSU

Don’t try and stop me, don’t you dare. I’m gonna say it, I’m gonna tell the whole world and I don’t care who hears it, and the consequences just don’t matter. Ponder is for real….let that sink in for a little bit there Seminole Nation.

You very proud and accustomed to winning bunch of you: Ponder is the real deal. He has actual talent, and is going to help your team and program win games rather than do his best to lose the close ones.

That actually might take a little time to get used to for your entire fanbase.

I actually didn’t like Weinke.

I know, how can you knock the guy with the Stiff Arm trophy and the National Championships and all. I know, I know.

I thought he was good. He led the team well and was a very effective game manager, but you guys didn’t give the Stiff Arm to Kenny Dorsey, and he was a much better game manager than Weinke ever was.

I guess I’m a little biased here, no one has ever loved Charlie Ward more than me. But anyway, the program really hasn’t been the same since Joe Mauer decided he would rather hit baseballs than win the ACC.

Really, the guy has some nerve. Every time he comes up to the plate, I’m hoping that the pitcher nails him with a fastball…oh, don’t sit there in judgment Seminole Nation, I know you’re thinking the same thing.

Chris Rix and Drew Weatherford weren’t the answer. Despite what their recruiting reports said about them, they couldn’t win games that Charlie Ward and Chris Weinke would have won.

Ponder is the answer. I’m going to go out on a limb and say that FSU competes for a national championship in Ponder’s senior year.

Why?

Because I’m really, really high on freshman Willie Downs. I just hope they use him on offense and let his game breaking speed take over games.

Ryan Mallett- Redshirt Soph, Arkansas

You heard it here first, Razorbacks are going to spoil someone’s national championship aspirations in 2009.

Right now, there not even a blip on the radar screen of 2009 opponents Georgia, Bama, Florida or LSU. But mark my words, by the end of the season, people will be mentioning Mallett’s name in the same breath as Tebow’s and Snead’s as the best quarterbacks in the best conference in college football.

Mallett has number one NFL pick written all over him. And nothing will help him out more than playing in Bobby Petrino’s air attack offense. Razorbacks are for real, regardless that their best wide receiver is actually their tight end.

Mallett is going to make everyone around him better. He has a rocket arm, with a very quick release, and I really haven’t been impressed more by anyone coming out of the high school ranks in the past five years at the position.

His throwing is going to open up a lot of holes for tiny running back Michael Smith, and the Ar-Kansas Razorbacks are going to beat a couple of teams that no one thinks they could.

If you really want to watch someone come from seemingly nowhere right into the national media spotlight this year, watch a couple Razorback games.

Andrew Luck—Freshman, Stanford

Alright, I’m a self avowed Jim Harbaugh enthusiast. I cant get enough of the fella. No one has done more with less than Harbaugh.

Why?

Because I know first hand that Stanford is not messing around with their academics. Not for football, not for bowling, not even to keep Tiger Woods on their Golf team.

So basically, it’s kind of as if MIT had a football team and played in the Pac 10. And that wouldn’t be pretty.

With Luck, Harbaugh finally has a poised pocket passer to really open up his San Diego offense with Luck.

The flip side is that he doesn’t have the experience—heck he doesn’t even have the starting job yet. But from everything that I’ve seen Harbaugh saying in interviews, I think he is really, really excited to turn over his offense to the freshman.

Look for the Tree to build on their 2008, 5-7 record, and at least make it into a bowl game this year based almost entirely on the arm and accuracy of Luck.

Authors Note: The writer of this junk also runs a crappy website which you can stare at endlessly for hours by clicking here

Rick Neuheisel's Mouth Is Writing Checks His Recruits Can't Cash

The Nudge — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 23:54:01 -0400

UCLA Head Coach Rick Neuheisel’s mouth is writing checks that former head coach Karl Dorrel’s recruits can’t cash.

Neuheisel was filmed talking to boosters the other day and he decided to wake up the 6,000-pound cross-town rival when he told the crowd that he was going to get back at USC Head Coach Pete Carroll.

The story starts off with the Pac-10 coaches meeting.

Apparently, Neuheisel wants to rescind a rule that doesn’t allow anyone on the sidelines during games that is under 18 years old. Neuheisel wants his own sons, who are currently under age, to be next to him on the sidelines next season.

He asked the other coaches to help him change the rule. Everyone agreed to do it…except Pete Carroll. The vote went nine for and one against.

That’s where the story takes the twist.

No one would have ever known about it. The vote passed anyway, and Rick can have his sons on the sidelines now. If the story ended there, UCLA might not lose on November 28, 2009 by more than thirty points, at most.

But Neuheisel used this story about Carroll to try and fire up the boosters to get behind him and the program next season.

Wrong move.

Before trying to take on the gargantuan USC program and their saint-like head coach, Neuheisel should first improve on his first season record of 4-8 overall and 3-6 in the conference.

Win ten games first. Then, you can start a public smack talk session with the Titan next door, Neuheisel.

I have always liked Rick Neuheisel, and have always said that he got an unbelievably raw deal when he was the head coach in Washington. Neuheisel got fired after it was found that he participated in a March Madness bracket.

The NCAA frowns against coaches entering into anything to do with gambling, even if it’s not the sport they are themselves involved in. Flash forward to 2009 March Madness, and ESPN does round the clock coverage on U.S. President Barack Obama’s own college basketball bracket.

All of a sudden, its an everyday occurrence that isn’t so frowned upon.

Rick, take some advice: if you want to start talking smack to other head coaches, pick one that you can beat, say Washington or Washington State.

I know that Rick has the utmost respect for everything that Pete Carroll has accomplished at USC, as he prefaced his comments by saying that. I also know that there isn’t a more upstanding or more likable head coach in college football than Neuheisel.

He just needs to pick his battles a little better.

I’m sure that that lesson will be more than learned after the end of the fourth quarter on November 28 after USC takes UCLA out to the woodshed.

Authors note: The bad writer runs this bad website that you shouldn't go to.

NFL Nudge Mock Draft 2009 Edition

The Nudge — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 05:09:59 -0400

Nudge 2009 Mock Draft

I’ve waited and watched on the sidelines like a cat waiting for the mouse to pop its head out of the hole. I’ve watched draft pundits and experts drop guys from the top five pick because he left the Combine early without telling anyone, to boosting that same player all the way up again after an exceptional pro day workout.

I’ve watched draft stock plummet after a cornerback’s 40-yard-dash time resembled that of a 300-pound lineman, only to have that player’s stock status rise up like a phoenix out of the ashes and be projected to be a top 15 prospect.

I’ve watched quarterbacks who left school with a year of eligibility left take heat from his own coaches and media alike all saying the same thing, the guy would be a great draft pick next year.

Only, that same player, after a pro day workout in which he threw without pads, without helmet and without defensive linemen trying to rip his mothers womb out of his spleen makes the all important fifteen yard out throw.

Now, all of a sudden, that same kid, who was knocked up and down is now seen as a franchise Peyton Manning type player who will never get out of the top 10 picks.

I’ve waited and watched the illogical thoughts of individuals who state that their picks are based on logic. I’ve watched linemen press 250 pounds and if they were 10 reps short had scouts tell them “Sorry kid, no contract for you.”

I’ve watched running backs run 40-yard-dash times and heard the pundits say, “Too slow to hit the whole or reach the corner, second round tops.”

To seeing that same player cut an amazing two tenths of a second off his 40 just a few weeks later at his schools pro day—Amazing.

Let me preface all of this by saying, I am not an NFL GM. My opinion is my opinion and opinions are like uhhh eyelashes- most of us have them. So here it is, what I think the teams will take, what I would take if I was a GM, and don't listen to the experts who get paid to do this stuff. It’s all just a crap shoot.

For every Colston, there are five Mandarich’s. For every Jerry Rice and Joe Montana, there are Ryan Leaf’s, Heath Shuler’s and Lawrence Philips. That’s why we all love this stuff.

The experts are wrong 70 percent of the time. Imagine if you were wrong seventy percent of the time at say, an air traffic controller’s job. “Yea, I had an about average day at work tonight Honey, five crashes, but hey at least I landed two of em safely.”

So without further ado, I present the Nudge Mock Draft 2009 Edition. Remember, it’s all about fun.

1) Detroit- Mathew Stafford QB Gawgia- I fought this pick. I went back and forth. I’ve watched this kid for years since he was a junior in High School and have been saying he has number one NFL draft pick written all over him.

But why did I fight it? I figured the Lions would try to build an offensive line first and keep relying on their QB by rotation for at least another year-the stop gap approach.

To me, when your building a team, you start with the O-Line first, and Detroit is definitely building a team from scratch. If you can average three yards or more every carry, you have a chance to at least compete in most games.

But I think the Lions are enamored with Stafford and don’t want to pass on the chance to take him. Can you say “The Next David Carr!” Why, because after he is put in way too early, and believe me they will throw him in there early, probably fourth or fifth game in the season, the guy will be susceptible to many, many injuries.

I would not put money against it that he won’t suffer a concussion this season. And to me, that is a real shame. If he were to fall, possibly to the eight pick with the Jaguars, I see many pro bowls in his future. He’s definitely the type of player you build a team around, but you have to keep him healthy.

And the Detroit offensive line has been specifically built on the motto of “let’s get the QB injured.” He’ll be running for his life.

If The Nudge is the GM: Jason Smith, OT Baylor

Offseason Moves: Signed CB Philip Buchanon, RB Maurice Morris, OG Stephen Peterman, Fired Rod Marinelli (surprising move, the guy was a genius).

2) St. Louis, Jason Smith, OT Baylor- Former tight end. He’s very fluid with his pass protection. He’s been tagged as an athletic Left Tackle with great footwork. Quality left tackles are a rare breed and I don’t think the Rams pass up on the chance to grab Smith. With the release of Orlando Pace, Jason Smith can step right in and be a starter from day one.

All I have seen from all of the other mock drafts, just about each one has the Rams taking an OT. They might surprise some people and grab Aaron Curry LB from Wake “we graduate you don’t” Forest, but I doubt it.

If The Nudge is the GM: Andre Smith

Offseason Moves: Signed QB Kyle Boller, Released Orlando Pace, Torry Holt, Named Sly Croom all around super stud and RB Coach.

3) Kansas City, Aaron Curry LB Wake- The kid is almost like a tackling machine. He offers you everything you want at the linebacker position. Character, work ethic and a major plus to me is that he chose to go to Wake. Wake is a school that doesn’t skimp on academics. You’re not sliding there.

No ball room dancing for your last semester at school, ahem Matt Leinart. What else do you want me to say about Curry. He reminds me of Keith McCants coming out of college.

All over the field, wraps, great speed, sideline to sideline. To me, this is pretty much a lock pick. Curry doesn’t get past the third pick.

If The Nudge is the GM: Curry

Offseason Moves: Signed LB Zach Thomas, Acquired QB Matt Cassell and Mike Vrabel. Released QB Damon Huard, Donnie Edwards and Patrick Surtain. Named Mo Carthon International Bad-Ass.

4) Seattle, Eugene Monroe OT Vah-Ginny- Great prospect coming out of high school. He went to play for Al Groh in hopes that the former NFLer would prepare him for the NFL. He will be a very good pro, but I have my doubts if he will ever reach pro bowl status. Let’s just call it “The D’Brickashaw Fear Factor.”

I have something that is blocking me from saying that Monroe will be pro bowl caliber because I was very high on D-Brick coming out of the same college and he has just not impressed me so far in his pro career.

I know that the comparison shouldn’t be made, they’re two separate people, two separate players and you can’t say that one is going to be a bad prospect because the other didn’t pan out so far, but I don’t care. The Seahawks take the OT anyway, but I wouldn’t. If I’m Seattle’s GM, I jump on the Crabtree here, without a doubt in my mind.

If The Nudge is theGM: The Air Crabtree

Offseason Moves: Traded LB Julian Peterson for DE Cory Redding, signed Houshmandzadeh (spelled without looking, Hah!).

5) Cleveland, Michael "Air" Crabtree WR, Texas Tech- After Seattle passes on Crabtree, look out in the aisles as the Browns GM runs through the arena to scream “We like Mike.” Don’t head to the refrigerator for this one.

No brainer here. Crabtree was a top high school basketball prospect coming out of Dallas’s famed Carter High School.

He played Quarterback throughout his prep career. Believe it or not, some of the schools that offered him a football scholie actually wanted him to play defense for them, and they’re still called experts. So why tell you all this?

Because this means that Crabtree is still growing his skill set as a receiver, which is absolutely unbelievable. He has a tremendous ceiling for athletic ability.

What I love most about his playing is inside the red zone. He is actually impossible to match up with down there. He cuts out of his breaks better than any college football receiver I have ever seen.

Plus, he catches with his hands, away from his body and keeps his feet on the ground when catching. Really, really important to me. Gets great YAC.

But really with me picking the Browns to make this pick I am giving Mangenius credit for possessing football knowledge, which I haven’t done since he came to the Jets from the Pats. Given the confidence I have in him, which isn’t much, he might just take Orakpo in this spot. If he does, run him out of town Cleveland (I Love That City).

If The Nudge is the GM: Stafford (bye bye Brady, we hardly knew ye’)

Offseason Moves: Named a guy named Mangenius as Head Ball Coach, should be a good move. Released WR Joe Jurevicius, signed TE Robert Royal, WR David Patten.

6) Cincinnati, Andre Smith OT 'Bama- The true definition of a road grader. Loved the press conference when he declared to go to 'Bama and he put on the Bear Bryant Houndstooth. Starter from day one and he never, ever looked back.

Left the team before their bowl game, but I have a sneaking suspicion that someone got in his ear and told him that he was going to be a millionaire in a couple of months and he shouldn’t risk getting injured if the team wasn’t playing for a national championship.

Knock on him is his footwork, but I think that he has been so dominant with his pure God given skill that he never really had a need to develop outstanding footwork. If he falls to Cincinnati with this pick, they have to jump on him.

Then, after that, go google everyone’s press release from the Combine after all the experts said that his draft status would tank after he left without telling anyone. Write down their names and don’t listen to those guys anymore. Their dead to you, their opinions sleep with the fishes.

If The Nudge is the GM: Michael Oher, OT Ole’ Miss

Offseason Moves: Signed QB Don’t bet against me Mr. Nudge J.T. O’Sullivan, signed WR Laveranues Coles, re-signed RB Cedric Benson, placed a franchise tag on a kicker.

7) Oakland B.J. Raji, DT Bawstun- The sexy pick, the one everybody and their mother is saying that Al Davis is going to go with is Jeremy Maclin his speed, his excitement and his world class play making ability.

I think Davis might wake up draft day and be all intent on taking Maclin, but the team needs a defensive tackle badly, and I think Davis picks substance over style. Not to say that I’m all that high on Raji personally or that Davis isn’t absolutely in love with 40-yard-dash times.

But I have a suspicion that Raji is taken by the Oakland BadBoys here at the seven pick. I know I will get a lot of flack for this prediction, I have already.

Tommy Kelly has been a disappointment and I think the Raiders D is just one run stuffing tackle away from being very legitimate. They do need receivers, but can address that early in the second round pretty easily. I’m already taking a lot of heat for this prediction.

If The Nudge is the GM: Vontae Davis, CB Illini

Offseason Moves: re-signed CB Asomugha, named Tom Cable as next victim at Al Davis’s creepy press conferences.

8) Jacksonville Mark Sanchez, QB USC- I know, I know, they need receiver’s big time, and Garrard is still growing as a player. But Sanchez offers this team a shot at getting a franchise-possible QB and I don’t think that he lasts past this pick.

It wouldn’t surprise me if there was some type of movement with this pick either. A trade possibility is a possible scenario, especially if the team that wants to get its hands on Sanchez packages the deal with an established wideout.

Teams that would want to get their hands on Sanchez’s arms include Washington, Dnever and the 49ers. Don’t leave the seat for this one either.

If The Nudge is the GM: Sanchez

Offseason Moves: release RB Fred Taylor, signed OT Tra Thomas and DE James Wyche.

9) Green Bay Brian Orakpo, DE Texas- New Coordinator Dom Capers forces the deal here and makes his case that Orakpo will fit the role of an outside backer in Green Bay’s new 3-4 defensive system. I’m not that high on Orakpo. To me he’s a high second round draft pick, not a top 10 pick.

He is very strong and very athletic, and maybe I’m a little biased against Texas players (I’ll admit that), I just think he’s going to be one of those prospects that disappear into the abyss a la Vernon Gholston. This might be a toss up between Aaron Maybin and Orakpo, but I see the Packers going with the warm weather player.

If The Nudge is the GM: Knowshon Moreno, RB Gawgia

Offseason Moves: Might have to wake them up up there and tell them there’s an off season.

10) San Francisco Aaron Maybin, DE Penn State- 'Niners need a lot of help, specifically at the quarterback position where the team has just about given up all hope of one Alex Smith, the man who was famous in all those you tube videos as the guy who handed the ball off to Reggie Bush during his Bush’s junior year of high school.

Man, Smith could really get a snap and hand off, then grab a cup of coffee as Bush ran for 80 yards.

'Niners though need a true pass rusher on the outside and Maybin is the guy that fits that role perfectly. If the 'Niners don’t trade up to get Sanchez (they certainly aren’t going to trade up to get Stafford) and they do take Maybin, I think he’s a starter from Day 1 and can really help their defense.

Maybin might surprise a lot of people in the NFL, call it a hunch.

If The Nudge is the GM: Maybin

Offseason Moves: Angered children of divorced parents everywhere by chastising Matt Stafford into believing he needs therapy. Re-signed LB Takeo Spikes and signed QB Damon Huard and CB Jimmy Williams.

11) Buffalo, Brandon Pettigrew TE Oklahoma State- The Bills need a lot of help on the defensive line so a DE being picked up in this spot is a definite possibility. And taking a TE with the 11th pick is just not sexy.

But an athletic TE like Pettigrew that can stretch the middle of the field is a great weapon that I think the Toronto Bills might not be able to pass up on. I’m real high on Pettigrew, and the TE that Toronto has right now, Derek Schouman, is not exactly what you would call the type of player that keeps safeties awake the night before a game.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Toronto put this pick up for sale and took maybe a seventh round draft pick in return. They might be trying to piss off all of the city of Buffalo, not just the sports fans. Burn Buffalo Burn!

If The Nudge is the GM: Michael Johnson, DE Gawgia Tech

Offseason Moves: Released TE Robert Royal and OG Derrick Dockery. Signed OL Seth Mckinney.

12) Denver, Robert Ayers, DE Tennessee- In my opinion, this is where Ayers comes off the board. With Orakpo and Maybin not available with this pick, the Denver brain trust who let their franchise QB go for peanuts gets antsy and tries to catch lightning in a bottle with Ayers.

Ayers has all the ability that you look for in a DE when you draft one coming out of college. The sexy pick is Tyson Jackson, DE out of the Bayou, but I think that Denver goes for Old Rocky Top.

They definitely need a safety, but according to everyone’s charts, 'Bama safety Rashard Johnson won’t be drafted till sometime after the week of the draft, so look for them to try and scoop him up in the second or seventh round.

If The Nudge is the GM: Rey Maualuga, LB USC

Offseason Moves: Traded their franchise QB for a bucket of chicken and a coupon for fifty percent off at Circuit City. Signed RB JJ Arrington, Lamont Jordan and the future of the franchise QB Chris Simms. Signed LB Andra Davis and Safety Brian Dawkins. Named Mike Nolan future fall guy or defensive coordinator to be fired in seven months.

13) Washington Tyson Jackson DE, Bayou Bengals- This is a tough one. First, I think that Washington and Daniel “I have a Billion dollars just give me my championship ring now” Snyder will make a major push to try and get an earlier pick to grab Sanchez.

Poor Jason Campbell, after he’s released (if this scenario plays out) he’ll be playing for his sixtieth offensive coordinator in about the last six years.

I also figure that the Redskins need an offensive tackle and an OG, but Duke Robinson out of Oklahoma might be a stretch here at thirteen (not for me, but for experts you see).

Oher is still available in the mock thingy and so is Maclin, so they would both be possibilities, but I don’t foresee Oher heading to Washington and WR isn’t really a need for Snyder.

But with the release of Jason Taylor they have to make getting to ELI and Lil Jess Simpson’s boy toy a priority. Therefore, I am predicting that the Snyder Family Trust opts to take Tyson Jackson here, but really I think they move up and get Sanchez.

If The Nudge is the GM: Jeremy Maclin

Offseason Moves: Re-signed DE Phillip Daniels, CB DeAngelo Hall, signed DE Renaldo Wynn. Gave Abert Haynesworth the dollar equivalent of the Gross National Product of the independent nation of Peru.

14) New Awrlens Malcolm Jenkins, CB Ohio State- The huge knock on Jenkins is his less than stellar forty time at the Combine. The experts are saying that he’s too slow to play cover corner in the NFL.

Only time will tell on that one. I’ve never watched Malcolm Jenkins play and said while he was running on the field “man look how slow that guy is!” But what do I know, I’m not a stop watch and that’s what’s important in football, stop watches.

Not game speed, I mean, you never hear about that guy Anquan Boldin ever do you, he’s super slow on the track. The Saints would like a capable back in their backfield with the so far disappointing career of Reg Kardash-tastic Bush.

But I think they look to replace a very capable Randall Gay in their secondary or shift Jenkins over to free safety. I think they look to pick up a very capable running back in the second round (ahem Shonn Green).

If The Nudge is the GM: Eugene Monroe, OT Vah Ginny

Offseason Moves: Re-signed OT Jon Stinchcomb, released Deuce Bigalow the male gigolo.

15) How-Stun Jeremy Maclin, WR Mizzoo- By this time of the day, all anyone is talking about is how far Maclin has fallen in the draft. The ESPN guys sitting behind the desk are asking all of the draft gurus how this guy has fallen, what’s wrong that teams aren’t jumping on him.

Then all the pundits will turn to the camera and start picking apart Maclin and saying that his stats were products of a pass happy system that spread the ball around and that he doesn’t have any experience in an NFL pro-set offense ala his college quarterback. They will talk endlessly about this.

The only thing is, they’re not saying it now before it happens. That’s the beauty of these guys (and don’t get me wrong, I love em to death in a football sense) but after these guys drop in the draft, they always bring up a knock about the kid that they never said before.

How-Stun drafts Maclin, not because they have a need at WR, although I wouldn’t call Kevin Walter a pro bowler, but because the guy was high on everyone else’s draft boards and he fell into their lap. And what happens next? He will become Matt Schaub’s favorite target and probably be ROY.

If The Nudge is the GM: Sen Derrick Marks, DE Auburn

Offseason Moves: Signed LB Buster Davis, Cato June, DT Shaun Cody, QB Dan Orlavsky, released RB Ahman Green and LB Morlon Greenwood.

16) San Diego Darrius Heywood-Bey, WR Mary land- Teams are enamored by Heywood-Bey’s size and speed. At 6’3” 205 pounds, he does have a very quick 40 time. NFL teams are in love with this guy.

The Nudge...not so much. San Diego takes him because lining up with Chris Chambers and TE Antonio Gates would be a pretty good arsenal for young ACC Stud Philip Rivers. Me, I’m calling shenanigans.

I think Heywood is the bust of the draft. I’m sorry. Yes he has size and speed, but size and speed does not a pro bowl receiver make. You have to want the ball, and watching Maryland play and watching Heywood play the past three seasons, he’s never really looked like a very hungry receiver.

He disappears in games, especially in the red zone. Maybe that’s Freidgen’s play calling, but I think not.

Really, who knows? With my luck he’ll probably be carried into Canton with a bevy of beauties throwing rose pedals in front of him like a returning Roman Emperor. The lack of TD receptions in the college game scares me about this kid.

If The Nudge is the GM: Little Jimmy Laurinaitis, Destroyer Ohio State

Offseason Moves: They did name Rob Chudzinski the new TE coach so they really are trying to build a winning program. And they kept their backfield in check so I guess that counts too, but not as much.

17) New Yawk(AFC) Everette Brown, DE Florida State- The sexy pick would be the Jets taking either a running back with Beanie Wells and LeSean McCoy still available. Or a WR with Percy Harvin still available.

The Jets could also use a cornerback to compliment former first rounder Darrelle Revis, I don’t think new pick up Lito Shepard is going to cut it. But I think New HC Rexy Sexy Ryan goes the tried and true way of drafting a FSU defensive end.

The knock on Brown is that he’s undersized at 6’4” 248 pounds of solid muscle, and that he can’t be a defensive end in a 3-4 defense, but rather would be a better fit as an outside speed rusher.

I don’t get it, but there are a lot of things I don’t get. Like why do they sell 10 hot dogs in a pack but only eight hot dog rolls at a time? Weird huh!

Sort of like a draft pundit saying a guy is too small at 6’4” 248. Brown’s a beast, but I think the Jets should jump on McCoy with this pick. Thomas Jones has shown the team nothing since he got there.

And although Leon “Mr. Football” Washington is as great as can be, he’s just not an every down back. Other’s think the Jets should jump on Kansas State QB Josh Freeman with this pick, but he is way too much of a project for the team.

This year, they roll with Kellen Clemmons and try and let the defense keep them in games. Let the booing begin Jets fans as everyone in the stadium wants Josh Freeman’s name to be called. Prepare your lungs.

If The Nudge is the GM: LeSean McCoy

Offseason Moves: Said goodbye to an unknown kid out of Hattiesburg, MS named Brett something or other. I think he was the one in that movie with Matt Dillon and Cammie Diaz. Signed S Jim Leonhard, got CB Lito Shepard

18) Denver, Peria Jerry, DT Ole’ Miss- With this pick, Broncos new QB of the future Chris Simms, I mean Kyle Orton breathes a sigh of release. The offense is officially his to run into the ground.

Next year, Denver fans will rest easy knowing that with the second pick in the 2010 draft, they will have their choice of picking either Colt McCoy or Sammie Baugh Bradford, that is if Detroit hasn’t already destroyed Matt Stafford’s bodily health. Blue Skies in the Rocky Mountains...in 2014.

If The Nudge is the GM: RB Knowshon Moreno Gawgia

Offseason moves: Not again

19) Tampa Bay, Josh Freeman, QB Kansas State- This year, the NFL decided to invite more players to attend the draft in mid-town Manhattan. They invited two quarterbacks, Stafford and Freeman. Stafford can basically keep the meter running on the cab outside the arena while he runs in and grabs the loot that the Detroit Lions are looking to give him.

Freeman is in for a long day. He will do his best not to look Brady Quinn-like, but you know as he’s sitting there the comparisons are going to be made, and I think it smacks of malicious intent on the part of the Goodell machine.

I know the Goodell family personally and they have never been anything more than of the highest ethical standards that can be imagined. But something smells fishy with inviting more kids into Manhattan.

It seems like they are trying to invent extra drama here, sort of re-create the Brady Quinn squeamish look on some future millionaire 20 year old kid’s face for all of our enjoyment. I don’t like it.

Tampa gets Freeman and a three year project before he’s ready to take his first NFL snap. He has all the tools and if they can afford to sit him out for three years behind Leftwich, he could be a serviceable QB in the future.

If The Nudge is the GM: What the hay, take Freeman. You’re not getting your hands on McCoy or Bradford next year.

Offseason moves: signed QB Byron Leftwich, RB Derrick Ward (a big pick up, mark my words), DT Ryan Sims. Got TE Kellen “I’m a soldier” Winslow for a gravy recipe and some old socks. Released LB Derrick Brooks, Cato June, Warrick Dunn, WR Joey Galloway and Ike “Turner” Hilliard.

20) Detroit, Brian Cushing, LB USC- Detroit needs offensive line help here and I still have Michael Oher available in the mock debauchery, but I think the brain trust up in Detroit grabs Cushing.

I have to say, I’ve watched the kid for years especially as a force in New Jersey prep playing for one of the best programs in the state, and I have’nt been impressed with him during his college career.

I know he sat at USC his first year, he has said all the right things, he’s switched positions when they asked him and there’s no doubt he has all the physical tools. But I’m calling him a bust, especially if he lands on a horrific defense like that of the Detroit Lions.

They really should be building up their O-Line, but I think they don’t start addressing those needs until the second round. They’ll probably end up doubling their win total in the 2009 season, if that’s statistically possible. You can’t double a zero get it.

If The Nudge is the GM: William Beatty, OT UCONN

Offseason moves: They fired Marinelli right? Just checking, I thought I might have dreamt that one.

21) Philadelphia, Beanie Wells, RB Ohio State- No one thinks Beanie is going to last till the 21st pick in this draft. I know the Eagles are real high on UCONN RB Donald Brown cause they also probably think that Beanie is going to go way higher.

I just think that the high ankle sprain that Beanie suffered last season might really hurt his draft stock come actual draft day.

I do think he falls to the Eagles with this pick. If he gets this far, having him share carries with Westbrook will make for a very interesting tandem for the next couple of years and it could really be a situation where Beanie excels.

If The Nudge is the GM: No brainer for me, if he's here, roll with the Beanie.

Offseason moves: Signed S Sean Jones, signed OL Stacey Andrews

22) Minnesota, Hakeem Nicks, WR Butch Davis’s Thugs- With Percy Harvin still sitting available at this point, all the speculation before this pick is whether or not the Vikings will grab the game changing atomic ant receiver. I think Childress will go for the receiver with the bigger frame and the thug like swagger and grab Hicks.

Just give him the same jersey that Troy Williamson wore, you don’t even have to change the name, just let him wear it. How this team keeps winning games with Tarvaris is anyone’s guess. I see a lot of losses for them next year.

If The Nudge is the GM: Rashard Johnson, S 'Bama

Offseason moves: Re-signed TE Jimmy Kleinsasser

23) New England, Clay Mathews, DE/LB USC- Here is where I wish HC extraordinaire Bill The Sweatshirt would grab QB Pat White and make him a first rounder, but I think the Pats make a move for him in the second round.

Mathews was tremendously under used during his college days, but has since made a name for himself during the draft workouts. Anyone who’s old enough remembers his father during his playing days with that terrific Cleveland defense. The Pats draft better than anyone and Mathews is that type of player that they would go after.

Don’t be surprised if they trade down to pick up more second round picks and still grab Mathews a bit later. Pat White and The Sweatshirt sounds like a great reality show. Don’t pitch that idea it’s mine.

If The Nudge is the GM: Pat White, nuff said

Offseason moves: Signed WR Joey Galloway, CB’s Leigh Bodden and Shawn Springs, TE Chris Baker (nice pick up), RB Fred Taylor, LB Tully Banta-Cain

24) Atlanta, Michael Oher, OT Ole’ Miss- The storybook continues with Oher being drafted to protect new NFL Poster-Boy Matt Ryan’s blind side. Atlanta needs help on their OL with Tyson Clabo not filling the role and Sam Baker not living up to his potential.

If the Falcons can grab Oher this late in the draft it will be the steal of the 2009 draft. Oher and Baker could give Atlanta two young OT’s that will be around for years to come. I can’t say it enough how I’m rooting for this kid.

If The Nudge is the GM: Percy Harvin, WR Florida

Offseason moves: Signed LB Mike Peterson, C Brett Romberg, placed the franchise tag on a punter (let me know how that works out).

25) Miami, Vontae Davis, CB Illini- If Davis falls into the Fins laps, I don’t think they’ll hesitate for a second to pull the trigger on drafting him. Vontae will be a starter in Miami from day one and should be a real boost to their secondary.

He’s my highest rated cornerback in this years crop. Look out AFC East, they’re putting together a team down there.

If The Nudge is the GM: Larry English, DE/LB Northern Illini

Offseason moves: Signed C Jake Grove, CB Eric Green, S Gibril Wilson, re-signed Vernon Carey to whatever he wants.

26) Baltimore, Percy Harvin, WR Florida- The Ravens brass give Joe”I couldn’t start at Pitt for crying out loud” Flacco a new weapon to throw to. Derrick Mason is getting older, and putting Harvin on the line with Mark Clayton and Todd Heap would be pretty gosh darn nice.

I know Baltimore lost Bart Scott and that’s a huge hole to fill, but they won’t be able to resist this one.

If The Nudge is the GM: Tyson Jackson, DE Bayou Bengals (and unleash Ray Rice to become a pro bowler and make me proud)

Offseason moves: re-signed Ray Lewis, signed C Matt Birk (great pick up), re-signed Samari Rolle, signed CB Dominique Foxworth, signed TE L.J. Smith.

27) Indianapolis, D.J. Moore, CB Vandy- With Percy Harvin off the board, the team waits to address its gaping hole at wide receiver in the second round. They pick up a great corner that brings a huge plus in special teams play.

Moore was a pleasure to watch at Vandy. He was all over the field and in my opinion is one of the best pure athletes in this draft.

I think he’s going to surprise a lot of people, especially if they let him return some kicks. The team also needs help on the D-line, but I think they opt for versatility here. Start spending your loot D.J., you deserve it.

If The Nudge is the GM: Malcolm Jenkins

Offseason moves: Released one Marvin Harrison, Peyton still hasn’t stopped crying.

28) Philadelphia, William Beatty, Road Grader UCONN- With their previous pick, the Eagles addressed the need to develop a running back behind Westbrook, and with their second pick in the first round they address a need at the offensive tackle position. Runyon and Thomas are 35 years old and getting a little long in the tooth.

They draft Beatty here and he becomes a fixture on their line for the next ten years. Anything else they need to do on draft day, oh yea, pick up some milk for the kids cereal. Don’t forget that!

If The Nudge is the GM: Brian Orakpo, DE Texas

Offseason moves: Not again

29) New Yawk (NFC), James Laurinaitis, Destroyer Ohio State- This pick is all predicated on the Giants trading with Clevelandfor Braylon Edwards, which I have a sneeking suspicion they are going to do, a little bird told me. If part of this trade is this pick, then the Browns have it.

But if they package the trade with their second pick and Mathias Kiwanuka, then they still have it and no longer have the need at WR. So, if that’s the case then the Giants draft Laurinaitis.

He’s Hawk, I’m Animal. What you see is what you get with Little Jimmy. The typical bring your lunch pail to the field, blue collar destroyer. He’ll start from day one and make a few pro bowls.

If The Nudge is the GM: Eric Wood, C Louisville

Offseason moves: Released Plaxico Burress. If Plax had worn a holster that night instead of carrying his gun in his sweatpants...well, you know the rest. Lesson learned for all future NFL draft picks, wear your illegal handgun in a holster.

Signed Michael “I could make a tackle in my sleep” Boley, Hired former Michigan Defensive Coordinator Jim Hermann as LB coach, and they showed some love to David Carr.

30) Tennessee, Michael Johnson, DE Gawgia Tech- This is where the NFL starts to show Johnson some r-e-s-p-e-c-t along with a couple of million cabbages. There is a lot of people knocking Johnson, I’m not one of them.

I think he fits right into the Tennessee defense and becomes a real pass rushing force on third and long. Look for him to get double digit sacks in his first year out of the box. Perfect fit for him.

13-3 is not so out of reach for this team again next year. What ever happened to that QB from Texas, he’s probably lighting up the scoreboard down there in Tennessee.

If The Nudge is the GM: Darrius Heywood-Bey (reluctantly)

Offseason moves: Franchised Bo Scaife Texas

31) Arizona, Knowshon Moreno, RB Gawgia- If Knowshon is still available, 'Zona stomps on him. He’ll add a nice piece to the puzzle that is the Arizona Cardinals offense. If both Knowshon, Britt and Cushing go in the first round, would that be the first time that three kids form Jersey were all taken in round one? Probably.

I think Knowshon falls this far and has a very respectable rookie season. He might make 28 other teams go “Damn, we had a chance to take him back in '09, who did we take instead? Oh yea, that Raji guy. I think he just sold me a new iphone at the mall.”

If The Nudge is the GM: Donald Brown

Offseason moves- Signed Kurt Warner to play until his 70th birthday. They agreed to pay for all the robotic joints that are going to be surgically implanted into his body when he turns 67 next month. Not bad for a stock boy.

32) Pittsburgh, Eric Wood, C Louisville- with Wood still available, Pitt addresses this need on their O-Line. He’ll step right in and start from day one, either at center or at one of the guard positions. I have him as my top rated center in this draft.

If The Nudge is the GM: Brandon Pettigrew, TE Oklahoma State

Above everything else, just remember that absolutely no one knows anything about anyone right now. So before you get real angry that your favorite team drafted this guy instead of that one, step outside, take a deep breath and hug a tree or something. Remember, this is all about having fun and enjoy it.

The 2009 NFL Draft: Top 10 Steals

The Nudge — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 06:25:12 -0400

I couldn't give two suds about a player's combine numbers.

All you hear about is how well Mark Sanchez did at his pro day workout, with no pads or any 300 pound linemen hell-bent on trying to kill him.

They actually test to see a quarterback's jumping ability. What the hell does a high jump have to do with playing QB in the NFL?

How high do you think Johnny Unitas would have jumped at the combine, or Joe Willy Namath?

Do you base your decisions on who's going to win a boxing match by seeing which player rows a boat faster, or which one could throw darts more accurately?

The whole system is contrived so that scouts can have something to blame when their judgment of a player goes insanely wrong; "I don't know why he isn't sacking the quarterback, he had a great long jump."

I base all of my predictions on how a player will perform at the next level by one criterion and one alone—game performance.

I don't even go off stats, because those numbers can be incredibly skewed. Need an example? How about every Mike Leach and June Jones QB in the past 10 years. 'Nuff said.

So this is a list of 10 overlooked players I think will achieve in the NFL.

1. Jarret Dillard, WR, Rice (projected third round)

Dillard is 5'11", 168 pounds, and runs a sub-4.4 40 yard dash.

So far, I think the knock on him is that he's undersized, but anyone who has ever seen him play knows this kid is for real.

He's set just about every school receiving record in what used to be a pretty bad offensive school.

If Dillard is still available by the third round, look for a team to scoop him up with one of the first five picks in that round. He's a special player with great hands and runs great routes.

2. Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss (projected late first round)

The knock on Oher is that his academics have been a problem to say the least. I want to know what he scored on the Wonderlic test at the Combine.

That might be responsible for him dropping into possibly the second round. Anyone who has read his biography The Blind Side knows this kid has overcome obstacles in life that you or I could never even imagined.

He didn't even know his real name until he was 16. This kid is one of the most naturally talented left tackles I have ever seen, and he should be a mainstay on an NFL offensive line for the next 10 years.

The team that drafts him gets an instant starter at the game's most important position. He's a top five pick in my draft book.

3. Donald Brown, RB, Connecticut (projected second round)

If you watched a UCONN game at all this past season, you know who Donald Brown is. Why? Because they handed the ball off to him on nearly every play.

I wouldn't be surprised if a team calls his name out late in the first round. The knock on him is he's supposedly a little undersized at 5'10", 210 pounds, and thought to be a product of his offensive system.

I don't buy that at all.

He's got a great motor, he never wears down, and he has great vision when he hits the hole. He's one of those guys that never gets hit for negative yards by the first defender. That's a big criteria for me. After contact, he still moves forward.

He will be a solid pro back. He won't be making any Pro Bowls, or make any fancy moves. He just grinds out yards on the ground, and I think that that has become a little overlooked recently by draft pundits who go for flash and dazzle.

4. James Casey, TE/FB/H-Back, Rice (projected late third round)

Can you have two draft day steals from Rice on the same list? I think you can.

Casey plays all over the field. In one game against Southern Miss, Casey played seven different positions. He's the type of guy that would volunteer for a suicide mission if your unit was trapped behind enemy lines.

He played minor league baseball for a couple of years, and watching him play, you can tell he's got a maturity level that will allow him to be productive in the NFL.

He sort of reminds me of Frank Wychek. He can block, run, and most of all he has great hands. I think he'll probably drop to the fourth round, strictly because he doesn't excel at one single position.

5. James Davis, RB, Clemson (projected sixth round)

There's a big knock on Davis because of production at Clemson, but I can't see why he's only projected to go in the sixth round.

He split carries in the backfield with a running back who will be a first round pick in next year's draft, C.J. Spiller.

More and more, the NFL is turning to an offensive system that relies on two running backs, and I think Davis will fit this mold very nicely.

I saw great things out of him during his playing career at Clemson. I loved his shiftiness, and I thought his second gear break away speed was very good.

I think he's going to be one of those players that your NFL team takes in the late fifth round and is going to make a mark in his rookie year.

What do I mean by that? If he goes into the right system (two backs), I think he'll have at least five hundred yards on the ground. And in my book, that's awfully good.

6. Sen Derrick Marks, DT, Auburn (projected late second round)

Riddle me this Batman; after the 2007 college football season, everyone and their mother had Marks as being a sure fire first-round NFL pick.

What happened since that time? His school was absolutely atrocious, sorry Auburn fans, and teams made sure they knew where he was on the field before every play.

Now all of a sudden, Marks is an afterthought as possibly a late second round pick. I don't buy it.

The guy is still a legitimate first rounder in my book, regardless of how well media darling DT'S B.J. Raji and Peria Jerry did at the combines.

In my opinion, Marks is the top DT in this draft, bar none. The team that has him fall into their lap with their second-round pick will be pleasantly surprised.

7. Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech (projected second round)

You can have your Connor Barwins and your Brian Orakpos in the first round. For my money, the first two DE's that should be taken are Johnson first and Robert Ayers second.

Johnson is a flat out freak of nature. He's 6'6", 258 pounds, and moves like he's riding rocket powered roller skates.

He's smooth and a force to be reckoned with. Ask any ACC quarterback, and I'm sure he'll say he's happy that Johnson's going to the big show.

The knock on him is that he's purely a pass rushing defensive end. I don't buy that one either. I see a couple of Pro Bowls in his future.

8. Mike Mickens, CB, Cincinnati (projected third round)

Where is the love for Mike Mickens?

All the talk this winter and spring has been about Malcolm Jenkins, Vontae Davis, and D.J. Moore at the cornerback spot.

What about Mike? This kid could flat out play. So much so that QBs just stopped throwing in his general direction. You could watch entire Cincy games where Mickens didn't make one play on the ball. Why? He wasn't getting a chance.

The time to watch this kid shine during the year was late in the game, when QBs were trying to get back in the game and were basically forced to throw Mickens' way. Then you got to see his closing speed, which is amazing.

Instant starter in the defensive backfield on the team that drafts him, and really, barring all the other crap, that's all that matters.

9. Pat White, QB, West Virginia (projected third round)

Where do you even start with this kid?

First and foremost, he wasn't heavily recruited out of high school in Alabama and all he did after that was become one of the most dominant quarterbacks in the history of the Big East conference.

It's going to be interesting to see where an NFL team take Pat White, and what scheme they use to get the ball in his hands.

I believe he can be an NFL quarterback, just not an every down type of Peyton Manning type player. If a team uses Pat White in third-down situations, where they can utilize his passing and rushing skills, I think he's going to be a very effective weapon in the NFL.

He's going to invent a new type of position, the same way the scat back (third down) was created. I'm going to call it "The Cat-Back" position, a play off of Gus Malzahn's Wildcat formation which made its way into the NFL last year.

The Cat-Back is a tweener that can run like a slot receiver and make the 15 yard out throws if he has to.

Bring him in on 3rd-and-6 or inside the red zone, and you force defenses to keep the safety off of the line of scrimmage and still play coverage.

Put into the right system, Pat White could really excel in the NFL.

10. Rashard Johnson, S, Alabama (projected third round)

Did anyone watch Bama play this year? Their D was great and Johnson was a major reason why.

At 5'11", 203 pounds, the knock on him is his open field tackling ability and this might drop him into the third round.

I'm sorry, I couldn't disagree more.

Johnson is an exceptional player with great hands who always seems to be around in the pass defense department.

The team that grabs him is going to get a great player that can be a leader on the field and a quarterback of the defense. Bama is really going to miss having Johnson in their secondary in 2009. This kid is a steal.

As with everything else about sports predictions, only time will tell, but this is my two cents for what it's worth.

Should Bayern Munich Be Feared in the Champions League Quarterfinals?

The Nudge — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 04:52:02 -0400

Should your club fear Bayern Munich and the explosiveness they displayed against Sporting Lisbon yesterday?

With Bayern Munich effectively laying the pipe to Sporting in record setting fashion, the question has to be asked: If your club draws Bayern in the quarterfinals, will you be happy or fearful?

Has the Bundesliga dropped off the map of European Football so much that a super club like Bayern would be looked at with relief?

There is no questioning the talent level of Jurgen Klinsmann’s squad, centered around world class French (and future Manchester United) midfielder Franck Ribery.

The club can boast the exceptional talents of the two Polish-born German strikers Lukas Podolski and Miroslav Klose, along with the outstanding Azurri striker Luca Toni.

Out on the wings, the club has one of the best attacking midfielders in Europe with the devastating Bastion Schweinsteiger, and at fullback, the forward thinking Philipp Lahm.

Not to mention the unused US captain Landon Donovan (I had to throw that in there).

Entering into the second stage of the round of 16, Sporting Clube de Portugal captain Joao Moutinho conceded that his team was afraid of Bayern. Moutinho said: "It's hard to explain. We entered the game afraid, maybe with a little bit of fear due to the result of the first leg."

But can the same be said for the other clubs in the competition?

The Bundesliga is set to break the record for the most goals scored in a single season in the past two decades, but is this a sign that the league has great scorers or pitiful defenders?

Are the defenders in the Bundesliga just too slow to be able to keep up with, say, Liverpool’s counter attack?

The German national squad has seen resurgence in the last few years with a strong performance in the World Cup and Euro 2008.

Much of the national team's starting 11 are part of this Munich side. So why is no one fearing them?

I think the criticism of the Bundesliga and the lack of fear in the hearts of English, Spanish and Italian football fans is best illustrated with the success of two out of the top three clubs in the league.

Newly promoted TSG Hoffenheim and current league leaders Hertha Berlin are two sides without any real history in European competition.

If you put both of those clubs in the Premiership, where do you think they would finish?

So the question is: Are Munich the powerhouse that just destroyed Sporting without missing a beat, or are they the club that lost to FC Cologne on their own pitch just two weeks ago?

Will you be happy or fearful if your club draws them for the quarterfinal? Who would you rather see your side meet? Who is the weakest puppy in the litter, or is there one?

As good as Bayern might seem, I would be happy to draw them over any of the English sides or Barca. I don’t think Bayern will make it past the next round (so they’ll probably win it all!)

Predictions: Who Will Go on to the Round of Eight-Bayern

The Nudge — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 05:28:53 -0500

Outside of Franck Ribery and his Bayern Munich club, each of the matches left next week in the round of 16 are all but up for grabs. Only three of the other teams command a one goal lead heading into the next matchup. This is where things really start to heat up.

To recap the first round of the leg:
A) Chelsea heads to Turin to take on Juventus with a plus one goal differential.
B) Van Persie and the Gunners head into Roma with plus one.
C) Steven Gerrard and Liverpool get to stay at home and take on CR7's next club Real Madrid commanding a one goal lead.
D) The rest of the matchups: Lyon v. Barca, Inter v. Man U, Atletico Madrid v. FC Porto, and Villarreal v. Panathinaikos are all equal on the goal differential.

Juventus v. Chelsea

Before this match, Juventus will first have to face a feisty Torino club in the Torino Derby della Mole. Torino is facing relegation and would love nothing more than to pick up a win at the expense of their crosstown rivals.

Injuries heading into this match are a concern for Juve, with both Zanetti and Camoranesi's health being in question.

Meanwhile, Chelsea is coming off a rain soaked win against Portsmouth. Chelsea has been playing very well since Guus Hiddink took over the club, but they have had to deal with major off the pitch controversy with the arrest of defender Ashley Cole recently.

Cole was arrested for drunk and disorderly conduct, and the event has been a huge distraction for the club. Chelsea meets Coventry City this Saturday in an FA Cup warm up to the big Juventus game.

Prediction: I think Chelsea will hang onto the lead and go on to the round of eight. Chelsea has been getting particularly strong play out of Lampard and Malouda in the midfield lately. And I think that they know that the Champions League is their only hope for some silverware with Man U continuing to dominate in England.

Inter v. Man U

Inter travels to England to play at Old Trafford, amid swirling controversy following Jose Mourinho's press conference this week in which he seemed to invoke the ire of the whole country of Italy.

Meanwhile, Carling Cup winners Man U have continued their almost impossible dominance and continue on with business as usual. Inter has not looked the same since meeting Man U at San Siro a couple of weeks ago.

They allowed three goals against a Totti-less Roma squad, and their back four looked horrible. The one bright spot on the pitch was young future Azurri fixture Mario Balotelli. With Ibrahimovic on the sidelines, the youngster looked full of enjoy and really had a great game.

Jose is going to have to find a way to put Mario, Zlatan, and Adriano on the pitch at the same time. I wouldn't be surprised if we see this in the future with the young striker pressing for more playing time.

Prediction: I think Man U takes this one pretty easily. I don't think that this will be much of a contest. Look for Rooney, Tevez and future Real Madrid mid fielder Cristiano Ronaldo to put a couple in the back of the net.

Inter has looked, by their own standards, awful as of late. And I think the controversy around Jose is hand writing on the wall that he won't be in Italy come summer time.

Liverpool v. Real Madrid

Liverpool striker and Spanish superstar Fernando Torres will be healthy, and I'm almost certain will be playing in this matchup when the "super team of the world" Real Madrid heads into Anfield.

Torres used to play for Real's bitter city rivals Atletico, and would like nothing better than ending his former hated enemy's hopes of continuing on in the Champions League. Speaking of Atletico, Real must first get through them this Saturday when they play in the Madrid derby.

Prediction: I think that the Madrid derby is going to take it's toll on both Real and Atletico and I see both sides exiting after this leg.

Other match predictions: Messi and Barca put one in the back of the net in a close match with Lyon and move forward. The Gunners hold off Totti and Roma and move forward. And in Greece, Panathinaikos holds Villarreal scoreless and wins it with a golden goal in extra time.

It should be a great week, enjoy it.

Sir Alex and Manchester United: A Draw Is a Win

The Nudge — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 17:32:09 -0500

With the first leg of the round of 16 knock-out stage being held today, Manchester United travelled to the San Siro in Milan to take on the first place club in Serie A, Inter Milan. Both teams walked away from the match with a nil-nil draw.

It appeared, from the very beginning of the match, that Sir Alex was very much aware that Jose Mourinho has had his number in the past few years. By keeping Nani, Tevez, and Rooney out of the starting lineup, Sir Alex was making it look as though he wanted to accomplish exactly what happened, to travel in to Old Trafford with an even score.

We still have a team of researchers working on these three questions:

1) Was Cristian Chivu on the pitch the whole game?

2) What team was J.S. Park playing for?

3) And wait, Man U defenders John O’Shea's and Jonny Evans' health were question marks going into this match? They both had the game of their lives.

Playing defense against Inter is a little bit like bungee jumping with a vial of nitro-glycerine. Technically it is possible, but sooner or later it’s going to blow up in your face. Right this second, there is no one playing better in the world than Adriano. And when you combine him with Zlatan Ibrahimovic, they give defenses a “wait how did they do that moment” as the ball travels into the back of the net.

By essentially shutting down Adriano almost effortlessly the entire first half, Man U was able to set the tone and begin to try and develop an offensive game plan that consisted of Cristiano Ronaldo moving the ball up the right wing. Captain Ryan Giggs continues to impress everyone, looking more and more like the Ryan Giggs of ten years ago rather than the 35-year-old that he is.

Prior to this epic matchup, there were a lot of questions of whether or not Man U had the personnel to mount a successful defense with Nemanja Vidic suspended and Gary Neville and Wes Brown injured. One hour before the game, Jonny Evans and John O'Shea were declared fit to play, and they never looked back. Both defenders kept the most dangerous team in the world to a minimum of actual scoring opportunities.

With 10 minutes left in the second half, Sir Alex substituted Rooney for J.S. Park and it looked as though Rooney might spark a Man U attack that had died down in the second half. With seemingly just seconds left in injury time, Inter defender Ivan Cordoba took Cristiano Ronaldo down just outside of the penalty box.

Ronaldo was given one final chance to put the game away for the Red Devils. He struck the ball well and kept it down, but it was not to be. The ball was struck into the body of Inter Keeper Julio Cesar, who could not see the ball at all due to his view being blocked by the wall. Cesar had a big laugh after the final whistle was blown, knowing just how lucky he and Inter were in the final seconds.

This match had all the makings of being the match of the year. Both clubs have been so dominant in their domestic leagues that at times it seems like they are toying with their opponents.

Both clubs have insurmountable leads in their domestic leagues, and this matchup of pointing the two best clubs in the world towards one another so early in the competition gives the fans a sense of excitement.

One can’t help but believe that whichever club survives this stage, they will go on to be heavy favorites to win the whole Champions League. It will be amazing to see if Man U could pull off a double-double, win both the Champions League and their domestic league, the Premiership in the same years, two years in a row. I’m not sure if anyone has ever done that before. If anyone knows, let me know.

Both teams will meet on March 11 for the second stage of the knock-out round of 16. Next game, I will guarantee that Sir Alex has Rooney, Tevez, and Nani in the starting 11.

And Cristiano Ronaldo just took another fall heading into the team bus in the parking lot. He got up looking for a whistle and a free kick.

www.beatbythenudge.com

NFL Mock Draft: Detroit Won't Pick Stafford No. 1

The Nudge — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 20:47:29 -0500

Here is my first Mock Draft. Obviously this mock will change multiple times prior to the real NFL Draft depending on how the prospects perform at the combine, college pro days, and the signing of free agents.

In this mock, I refrain from making trades and I also have quarterbacks slipping due to teams outside of the top three not needing one. However, I highly doubt that both of the quarterbacks will fall out of the top five, let alone the top 10.

But due to team needs that’s exactly how this mock shakes out. So without further delay, here is my first mock draft.

1- Detroit—Eugene Monroe, OT Virginia

Here’s the short and sweet version: Detroit is beyond horrific.

Not only were they one of the worst teams in NFL history last year, but they have no impact players on their roster outside of Calvin Johnson. This pick goes against most experts' picks of Matt Stafford here at No. 1 overall.

The Lions want out of this pick so bad, but nobody wants to trade up for it. So, look for the Lions to draft the Best left tackle available and sign a veteran stop gap quarterback for this season.

There is a deeper crop of QBs coming out next year and you never know, if Mark Sanchez slips out of the top 10 and Detroit rates him high enough, look for them to trade up from No. 20 and snag him.

2- St. Louis—Andre Smith, OT Alabama

The team has a new defensive minded coach. However, any good coach knows that the game is won in the trenches. Look for Spagnoulo to pick the big mauler out of Bama to sure up his offensive Line and grab players for his defense with later picks. (If Crabtree runs in the 4.4 forty range at the combine, this pick will be sought after by teams looking to trade up to get him).

Smith's recent disappearance act is probably a little ruse cooked up between St. Louis and Smith for both of their benefit. Smith has way too much upside. I know the knock on him is his feet work, his lack of being in the entire state with the rest of his team while they were losing in the Sugar Bowl, and this unusually bizarre disappearance act.

But franchise left tackles are the most sought after human beings on the planet. When Smith gets his act togethar and works out individually for the team, the Rams are not going to let him get past them for a few trivial things like leaving the combine. You know his agent is already spinning this thing right now anyway.

3- Kansas City—Michael Crabtree, WR Texas Tech

This is just a hunch feeling here, but look for new coach Haley, the former Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator, to draft the No. 1 rated prospect available to pair with Dwayne Bowe.

This coach made a name for himself in the desert with Fitz and Boldin. Why wouldn’t he try to recreate that magic in Arrowhead. (Look for KC to trade Larry Johnson on Draft Day. Maybe to Arizona for Boldin).

The stress fracture does not play any part whatsoever. Any draft pundit who says that the stress fracture should be a factor in having Crabtree drop in the first round should have his head examined. Do not listen to that person again, about anything, even if they're warning you about a safe that is about to drop on your head.

Say back to them, "weren't you the guy who thought Crabtree would drop, man what were you thinking."

4- Seattle—B.J. Raji, DT Boston College

The Seahawks said their prayers and took their vitamins just like the Hulk told them to do, however they pick just one spot too late in this mock. Pick No. 4 is too high to draft Maclin and the Hawks ponder the thought of drafting Stafford to groom behind Matt Hasselback. But they play it safe and draft the rising DT out of B.C. (Could also pick OT).

5- Cleveland—Aaron Curry, OLB Wake Forrest

I think terrorist have infected the water at the Patriots football facilities with a rare weight gaining virus. Look at the coaches that have come from Belichek’s staff for proof (Belichek, Weiss, Crennel, and now Mangini). Look for Man-genius today, Man-goneious tomorrow to add some playmakers to the Browns lack luster defense.

6- Cincinnati—Jason Smith, OT Baylor

Ok, it’s still too early for Maclin, however Cincinnati will be in dire need of a WR once T.J. Houshyourmama leaves via free agency and he is the next best WR available. In this mock no QB has been drafted yet, so come draft day this spot would be where a team like San Francisco or Buffalo would be using a lot of their free night and weekend minutes phoning Cincinnati for a chance to move up and grab a QB.

Cincinnati still lands the o-Line help they desperately need. (Carson Palmer does a back flip and Cincinnatians’ hate you Taylor Mays).

7- Oakland—Jeremy Maclin, WR Missouri

The Raiders are on the long road to nowhere, lead by a new coach Tom Cable and a bumbling idiot of an owner Al Davis. The new Coach will want to have some input on this pick, but we all know that will not be the case here. Al Davis chooses who ever runs the fastest out of Malcolm Jenkins, Vontae Davis, and Jeremy Maclin.

8- Jacksonville—Malcolm Jenkins, CB Ohio State

The Jags recently released free agent busts Jerry Porter (WR) and Drayton Florence (CB), as well as 11 year vet Fred Taylor (RB). It’s too early in the Draft to pick the next available WR, Percy Harvin, and no team wants to spend the money it will cost the No. 8 pick to for RB Knowshon Moreno to split time with Maurice Jones-Drew. So I have the Jags picking the overrated Jenkins over the better prospect Vontae Davis.

9- Green Bay—Aaron Maybin, DE/OLB Penn State

The Packers will be switching to a 3-4 defense with new defensive coordinator Dom Capers. They will need to pick up a space eating NT either via free agency or at some point in the draft. They could also look at getting younger at the CB position with Davis.

However, I went with Maybin here to give them that 3-4 rush linebacker. Dom Capers will have flash backs to his days in Carolina, as the head coach of the Panthers, with the unstoppable Kevin Greene rushing the passer.

10- San Francisco—Mathew Stafford, QB Georgia

In all likelihood Stafford will be long gone by now. However, he is available in this mock and Mike Singletary wastes no time in acquiring his franchise QB of the future.

11- Buffalo—Knowshon Moreno, RB Georgia

It seems like yesterday that Buffalo used a top 15 pick on a running back. However with the recent arrest of Marshawn Lynch, the RB position becomes an immediate need for the Bills.

This is Lynch’s second run in with the laws, after he was arrested last year for leaving the scene of an accident with a pedestrian. Look for the NFL to suspend Lynch and for the team to possibly cut ties with their former first round pick.

12- Denver—Rey Maualuga, LB USC

The Broncos run defense is pathetic. Their Linebackers outside of D.J. Williams can’t tackle. Maualuga will be the Band-Aid to cover the massive hole in the middle of the Broncos defense.

13- Washington—Michael Oher, OT Mississippi

If it was up to team owner Daniel Snyder, Chad Johnson would have been a Redskin last year and Cincinnati would have been picking in this spot and for Washington again in 2010.

It’s too bad that the Bungles are too poorly run to have cut ties with Johnson. So, due to Snyder being allergic to draft picks and enchanted by veterans, the Skins only have two picks through roundd four (Rd1 and Rd 3 picks). Look for the skins to provide depth and a future starter for their aging offensive tackles.

14- New Orleans—Vontae Davis, CB Illinois

For years the Saints have been overpaying below average cornerbacks for their meager defense and it has shown. The Saints get a steal here if Davis lives up to his potential.

15- Houston—Mark Sanchez, QB USC

The Texans traded the farm a few years ago to pry Matt Schaub away from the Falcons. Since then, Schaub has not lived up to his contract and hasn’t been healthy. In a low risk, high-reward pick I have Houston picking Sanchez.

Sanchez being picked outside the top 10 wouldn’t cost the Texans an arm and a leg contractually. Hopefully this either lights a fire under Schaub’s ass or helps ship him out of town.

16- San Diego—Chris Wells, RB Ohio State

With Darren Sproles becoming a free agent and hints that Charger GM A.J. Smith might cut LT, running back becomes a priority for the Bolts. Wells is a big bodied back with speed who would fit nicely platooning with either of the previously mentioned backs. He shouldn’t break down sharing the load. (this was written before his 40 time, but still might hold true).

17- NY Jets—William Moore, S Missouri

This pick is the hardest to peg down. The Jets need upgrades at QB, WR, CB, S, DE, and RB (depth). However no one left in the draft at this point is a guaranteed “step right on the field and play” type player. Also, there are a lot of rumors of Ravens players defecting from Baltimore to join ex-defensive coordinator Rex Ryan over in the Garden State.

Moore would make a nice tandem with Kerry Rhodes, even though he had a bad senior bowl and his stock is falling.

18- Chicago—Brian Orakpo, DE Texas

Orakpo is an overrated pass rusher that is a little inconsistent. The Bears upgrade their defensive line with a young pass rushing end that most mocks have being drafted in the top 15.

19- Tampa Bay—LeSean McCoy, RB Pittsburgh

Tampa thought they were locking down the RB position for the foreseeable future when they drafted Cadillac Williams a few years ago. However, since an outstanding rookie season, the wheels have fallen off. Williams tore knee ligaments two years ago and again tore ligaments in the opposite knee at the end of this past season.

With Williams probably in an ambulance out of town, why not take a shot at McCoy? He could very well turn out to be the best back in this draft.

20- Detroit—Everette Brown, DE Florida State

With their first pick they solidified the offensive Line. Now with their second pick the first round, they shore up the D Line with a good edge rusher in Brown. (If Sanchez/Stafford makes it out of the top 10, look for Detroit to package this pick in a trade up for him).

21- Philadelphia—Brandon Pettigrew, TE Oklahoma State

L.J “Hands of Stone” Smith will have his one-way ticket out of town. Pettigrew is the pass catching TE that Smith should have been.

22- Minnesota—Josh Freeman, QB Kansas State

Minnesota is hurt the most by Colt McCoy, Sam Bradford, and Tim Tebow heading back to school. They will not even catch a whiff of the top two QBs. Josh Freeman makes sense here, although coach Brad Childress doesn’t have much time left in the Big Minn if he doesn’t start winning soon.

Freeman is a project that Childress will probably not be around to see if he blossoms. (CB D.J. Moore or Alphonso Smith possibility here too).

23- New England—Brian Cushing, LB USC

Cushing is too good for the Pats to pass up. He showed good versatility at USC lining up at multiple positions. The Pats linebackers, besides Jerod Mayo, are up there in age and Cushing could play inside or outside in the 3-4 defense.

24- Atlanta—Peria Jerry, DT Ole Miss

Hotlanta used a DT by committee scheme last year and DT is their biggest need heading into the offseason. Unfortunately, I think Jerry is overrated and his stats were a product of playing next to a great DE Greg Hardy in college.

25- Miami—Larry English, DE/OLB Northern Illinois

Bill Parcells drafts defense like it's going out of style. Also, Joey Porter is about 400 years old. Outside linebacker or corner is probably their biggest need, but if I’m Parcells, I look to Bring back the Sunshine State’s own Percy Harvin to pair with Teddy Ginn.

Please, someone tell me how you cover that speed?

26- Baltimore—Tyson Jackson, DE LSU

This pick—like the Jets pick—is shrouded with mystery. You won't know what the Ravens need until the dust of free agency settles. They already cut CB McCalister and could potentially lose Ray Lewis, Bart Scott, and Terrell Suggs. If they lose one or more LB’s look for Laurinaitis here.

27- Indianapolis—Percy Harvin, WR Florida

The Colts' biggest need the past two years has been defensive tackle. However, the two big DTs are off the board and the Colts could always reach for Senderrick Marks. However, they also might make Marvin Harrison a cap casualty. Anthony Gonzalez could move over to the No. 2 receiver, leaving Harvin to play the slot.

28- Philadelphia—Eben Britton, OT Arizona

Andy Reid can’t resist taking at least one offensive lineman in the first round. Nuff Said!

29- NY Giants—James Laurinaitis, LB Ohio State

The G-Men need to upgrade their linebacking core due to Antonio Pierce getting up there in age and their OLBs aren’t too impressive. Also look for a cornerback if a linebacker is not available, with the G-Men possible shifting Terrell Thomas to safety.

30- Tennessee—D.J. Moore, CB Vanderbilt

The Titans should draft Hakeem Nicks here, but for some reason without fail they never spend a first round pick on a wideout. They instead turn to the defense to upgrade another position of need and select the next available corner.

31- Arizona—Hakeem Nicks, WR North Carolina

With the top running back off the board, the Cards turn to the WR position. Anquan Boldin wants out of the desert and the addition of Nicks could help accommodate that.

32- Pittsburgh—Alex Mack, C California

The Super Bowl Champs draft the best interior lineman available to help keep Big Ben on his feet.

That's it I have to go. To see some more check out www.beatbythenudge.com