Squad by Squad break down of the 2011 Jets DEFENSE...

I really like to break teams down by squad. For example...You could have the greatest CB in the league like Revis, but if he is surrounded by garbage I wouldn't call the teams secondary a strength. It's all about how the safety's and corners work together as a unit. I feel pretty good about our secondary including the safety's.

So lets start with that group. #24 apologized for our defense not being ranked #1 and for hauling in a grand total of zero interceptions. The Jets have been ultra honest regarding their lack of discipline and how the Steelers played much more physical in the AFCCG last season. The were also honest about trying to upgrade from Cromartie to Nnamdi. That didn't happen and Cro was the best of what was left.

We do have to ask if we lost out on some great opportunities by spending so much time chasing Asomugha. Ike Taylor was on the market briefly before Pittsburgh re-signed him. I would have loved to see him line up opposite Revis. I expect little out of #31. However, we still have Wilson who worked with Revis very closely during the lock out and I am also a fan of Marquis Cole. As for our safetys, I love Lowery and Leonard as our starters with Pool and Smith as part of the rotation. There is more than enough talent in that group to dominate.

Next up is our LB's. Harris is a rich man, and last week in an interview Revis called him the best LB in the NFL. That is beyond ridiculous, but I am happy he is still here. Calvin Pace needs to play 16 games and put up double digit sacks... or I would have to officially chalk his acquisition up as a failure. He is capable, but is he hungry?

Bart Scott is a loudmouth who has produced very little in two years. Rex told Tannenbaum his #1 player he wanted to bring with him from Baltimore was Bart. They paid him 40 million dollars and he has produced 2 total sacks, zero interceptions and about 60 solo tackles a year. Thats veteran minimum money not 40 million. We could have landed Ray Lewis, for the same money... but Rex and Mr. T made a bad choice. He should have really been released, but the cap hit would be devastating.

Bryan Thomas is still around, and every once in a while he puts up a big season. Maybe this will be a good one for him. The whole reason he is still on our team is because we don't want him going to New England. Jamaal Westerman has been getting a lot of attention early in camp. If he could develop into a real starter it would help to make up for Gholston.

Our defensive line is very exciting to me this season. Two young rookies, some role players like DeVito and Pitoitua, and some other talented players trying to find a place on an NFL team like Jarron Gilbbert and Marcus Dixon. I love this kind of competitive environment. No one is guaranteed a starting spot. I just hope some clear cut starters emerge. I don't want us still searching for our front 3 in October.

Team by team evaluations... NFC

And away we go...

The Dallas Cowboys (Will win 9 games): For many years Jason Garrett has been a young up and coming future NFL head coach. Potential is an interesting thing. At some point "you need shit or get off the pot"... as they say here in NJ. Jason has his chance in 2011, with Americas Team no less. I like a lot of the moves they have made after what was a disastrous 2010 season. I love how they dropped dead weight like Roy Williams and Barber. This sends a great message to everyone on that team. They also hired Rob Ryan as their Defensive coordinator. My first thought when I heard about the hiring of Ryan was that Mr Garrett had better win games this year. He was also a one time assistant coach waiting in the wings. Jerry thinks at least 10 moves ahead of the game and Garrett is well aware. I was not impressed with Jason's interim coaching effort. He was 5-3 which is very average. Bottom line... he is in charge of the O and Ryan is in charge of the D. The D will be very highly ranked, so if the Cowboys miss the playoffs again, the Ryan era will begin in 2012.

New York Va-Giants (Will win 6 games): Their off-season was nothing short of a disaster. Prince Amukamara broke his foot the day after signing his contract as their #1 overall draft pick. The break was so bad it cut off blood flow to the foot and required screws to repair it. He is not necessarily out for the season, but this is a devastating long term injury for a blue-chip CB. That was the thing the Giants brain trust had no control over. Losing Steve Smith to the Eagles, letting this Osi contract situation get out of hand, and letting Kevin Boss walk to the Raiders were under their control. IMHO the rats are abandoning the ship. If the Giants don't make the playoffs their crazy fans will burn down the house and demand major change. As soon as they are out of playoff contention the stadium will be empty on Sundays and the Star Ledger will start posting pictures of empty seats on its front page. Wouldn't this be the perfect year for the Jets to win the big game!?!?! This is our city now fools.

Philadelphia Eagles (Will win 12 games): The dream team. I thought that Bart Scott and Rex Ryan went a little overboard from time to time. Vince Young is the back-up QB in Philly. When your back-up is talking smack, only to hold a clipboard on Sundays, you have lost touch with reality. They have upgraded their secondary substantially. They have navigated this sticky situation with Desean Jackson very well. I also love the addition of Ronnie Brown as a change of pace runner. They could realistically have the #1 offense and #1 defense. That being said, #7 is very very fragile. Young is a solid back-up, but Vick's health is the real wildcard here.

Washington Redskins (Will win 8 games): They have a bunch of good #2 receivers, a couple of C+ QB's and no elite RB. Evan Royster, their rookie RB out of Penn State, is a prototypical no-name runner that Shanahan can turn into a 1,000 yard wonder. I have been saying for years that Rex Grossman deserves another chance. He will most likely get a chance to start opening day. However, he will be on a very short leech. They will shock people with a .500 record and their legendary coach regains some of the respect he lost last year.

Chicago Bears (Will win 7 games): They had a glaring need at the WR position. There were a ton of impactful free agents and a couple of #1's available via trade. I am not going to waste my time listing the names, because the Bears decided to sign Roy Williams as the solution to that problem. Wow. Thats beyond disappointing. You have a big arm QB and Mike Martz and you give them Roy Williams to work with??? With the Packers in their division and the young Lions beginning to roar, the Bears were big losers in the free agent tournament.

Detroit Lions (Will win 9 games): I am loving how this team has picked itself up and dusted itself off after their pitiful 0-16 season only a few short years ago. Calvin Johnson, Gosder Cherilius Cliff Avril, Mathew Stafford, Brandon Pettigrew, Ndamukong Suh, Jahvid Best and Nick Fairley. An amazing foundation built through the draft. That D-line is going to make some real noise in 2011. If their QB stays healthy for 16 games they make the playoffs... period.

Green Bay Packers (Will win 15 games): They will drop one game to the Lions or Bears, and thats it. They are the best coached and constructed team in the league. They may have gone undefeated last year if not for the rash of injuries. I love the draft pick of D.J. Williams the TE out of Arkansas, keep an eye out for him. The big question, now that they are no longer under the radar, is how do they respond to being every opponents game of the year? Obviously I think they will do very well. For the record, the Jets are the only team that has a shot at beating them in the post season.

Minnesota Vikings (Will win 8 games): All anyone really cares about with this team is how will AP perform, and is he going to be a big disappointment in fantasy football again? They have a real commitment to this philosophy of bringing in old QB's and trying to catch lightning in a jar. Every team has tried it at one time or another. The Jets tried way too many times if you ask me. But, the Vikings live by this belief that Cunningham or Moon or Favre or McNabb are going to ride in on their white horse and save the day.

Atlanta Falcons (Will win 11 games): I love the gutsy move drafting Julio Jones. That kid looks like he may actually be better than Calvin Johnson. Is that possible? They gave up a kings ransom to sign this kid. The only way this looks like a good move is if they win the Superbowl. And... they know it. Abraham and Gonzales are probably entering into their last productive season. Yet another team that needs to win now.

Carolina Panthers (Will win 5 games): Cam newton, Derek Anderson and Jimmy Clausen. Like the say... if you have 2 starting QB's, than you don't have 1. Until this is worked out they will continue to be the punching bag of this division. They have some excellent role players like Clowney, Gettis, Stewart, and Gamble. They also have some superstars like LB's Beason and Anderson, WR Steve Smith (who is already injured... again) and DeAngelo Williams and Charles Johnson who both were paid very handsomely this year. The signing of Williams and the retention of Smith are very curious to me. But even more curious was brining in Greg Olsen and Jeremy Shockey. I guess someone in that organization has a fetish for University of Miami TE's. Ron Rivera finally gets his chance. Not expecting great things in the first year of the Newton era.

New Orleans Saints (Will win 12 games): Brees continues to show his amazing leadership. I believe in my heart that the team tat works the hardest and wants it the most will win. Thats why I think they make a comeback and win the division. No one was more serious about player organized off-season work outs than the Saints. Love the players they added and the subtraction of Bush will be negated by the addition of Spoules. Brilliant.

Tampa Bay Bucs (Will win 7 games): Tampa had more money to spend than any other team under the cap. They have a player friendly, young head coach who is gaining more respect around the league everyday and an excellent young signal caller. They are also in a division with two of the best teams in the league. The new CBA requires every team to spend 99% of the cap. Want to or not, they have to spend the cash. SO, the first thing they did was sign their punter to a 20 million dollar contract. WTF? They still don't have an elite WR or RB. They let Barett Ruud walk to Tennessee, and are still banking on Winslow at the TE position. I just don't see a team that wants to win. They hit a homerun in the draft with Freeman, and I guess they plan to ride that train and hope it keeps the seats filled. Too bad for Josh. He is a winner.

St Louis Rams (Will win 10 games): They have a real QB and a substantial pass rush. Therefore they win the division. Watch out for 2nd year WR Mardy Gilyard who was injured last season and the rest of their WR corps including Avery, Amendola and Simms-Walker. Bradford is my fantasy football sleeper of the year! I wish they would have taken D.J Williams in the draft.

Arizona Cardinals (Will win 5 games): They overpaid for Kolb and should have made Mr Brown in Cincinnati an offer he couldn't refuse for Palmer. They come up short in the draft every year and decided to pass on Braylon Edwards for short money. I don't get it. I'm not impressed.

San Fransico 49ers (Will win 2 games): I love that they have numbers in the spelling of their name. Thats where my love affair with this team ends. ALEX SMITH IS PURE GARBAGE!!!! What were they thinking??? One of two things. Either they throw the season and draft Luck next year or they are planning to pull a rabbit out of a hat and persuade the Bengals to give up Palmer... which would immediately make them a contender. The aren't that smart.

Seattle Seahawks (Will win 6 games): They have cornered the market in back-up QB's. Lienhart actually turned them down. Weird. They are a ways away from being relevant. How did Palmer not end up here either?? Oh yeah, the Bengals are insane. No real elite players on this team. I like the role-player, no-name.. we beat the defending champs last year thing. But this isn't a Disney movie. They stepped in shit making the playoffs with a below .500 record and even landing a home game. Maybe the league needs to look at their playoff seeding rules.

Jets training camp 8/11/2011

I finally made it out to Florham Park to check out a Jets practice. Here are some thoughts:

First off... Brunell looks like a 600 year old man... he is unbelievably slow and clunky. Seriously, I would have just kept Clemens.

Lowery was practicing with the safety's and is officially listed as one. That makes me happy considering I have been calling for this move for 2 years. He's a ball hawk first of all. But, when I saw him up close his physical conditioning was impressive. He is going to make the pro-bowl as a safety if he gets enough snaps. I am very comfortable with a rotation of Leonhard/Smith and Lowey/Pool. Solid.

#34 Marquis Cole looked like the next best corner on the practice field to #24. However, this is the practice field we are talking about. In one on one drills with the CB's and WR's Cole shut down Mason and the 6'5" rookie Courtney Smith out of South Alabama. Wilson was beat badly by Plax, and Revis dominated everyone on the field. I know Revis worked with Wilson a lot during the off-season. I hope it shows dividends. Cromartie continues to flash brilliance, but he is very sloppy and lazy. He kept removing his helmet during practice... he's constantly laughing and joking around... and he was dropping balls in routine drills. Not proud of this member of the NYJ.

On the other hand, LT is a sight to see on the practice field. This guy is focused and goes full speed in every drill. If the players can pick up anything via osmosis it's a huge value having him on the roster, not to mention his contribution on Sundays. If he touches the ball 10 times a game, mostly on 3rd down... he could be fresh and a real difference maker come the post season. For that to happen #23 needs to step up ad take over as our bell cow back. Fingers crossed.

Overall it was a very lack luster, casual practice. At one point Rex was playing catch with #10, #85 and #17. I have no idea what the hell that was suppose to be. We have two guys that have been brought in to be a HUGE part of our offense and they stood around for the first 45 minutes of practice chatting with Rex in the shade. Our team was lethargic and sloppy last year. If you are going to keep promising Superbowls then it starts in practice. It starts in the pre-season.

If they are a discombobulated hot mess on Monday, there should be no question why.

Team by team evaluations... AFC

A little later than normal, but thats certainly not my fault.

Buffalo Bills (Will win 6 games): This is a very young and very talented team. Two very solid WR's, an explosive RB, a serviceable O-line, and a bunch of impactful rookies on the defensive side of the ball. I LOVED their draft, but at the end of the day... they have nothing but a massive question mark at the QB position. I have been a fan of journeyman signal caller Tyler Thigpen, and would love to see him get a shot. Marcell Darius, Aaron Williams and Kelvin Sheppard could be a foundation on defense that could lead to great things for Buffalo fans and bad things for Jets fans. But without an established QB, they are nothing to worry about in 2011. Imagine if they would have had the guts to take a chance on Mike Vick... or the balls to bring in Vince Young. Late news... They trade away Lee Evans for a 4th round pick. Great work -roll eyes-

Miami Dolphins (Will win 4 games): They were developing an identity with Sporano and Henne. They have all but given up on both of them, and now they are hitching their cart to another highly drafted, former New Orleans RB. How did that work out last time? One final note... they quietly picked up QB Matt Moore. They have let about 500 different guys line up behind center since their favorite son (and superbowl winnless) Marino stepped down, why not give Moore a shot? I like that guy.

New England Patriots (Will win 10 games): DESPERATION anyone? Hanesworth, Ochocinco, Sean Ellis??? They have questions regarding their O-line, and their "little engine that could" backfield is not very intimidating. At some point Brady needs too hit the wall, and Belichicks rings are starting too lose their luster. We need to beat them and go into the playoffs as the AFC East winners.

New York Jets (16-0 fool!): More to come...

Baltimore Ravens (Will win 10 games): I have no idea why they didn't land Braylon Edwards. Edwards and Boldin with Mason in the slot would have been all Flacco would need to dominate. They let Mason walk as well as Heap. As I have said before 2011 is their year. Lewis and Reed are quickly approaching their expiration dates. Their shelf life is almost expired. Two words... Now/Never.

Cincinnati Bengals (Will win 1 game): Oh the many opinions I have expressed about this team. Their owner has been universally recognized as the worst in pro sports. Here's a microcosm: Your QB releases a statement that he refuses to return, and that he will not play another down for your team. You have months upon months to come up with a trade scenario that will benefit your team and your cause the best. In the draft you land a 1st round QB to start a new era and move on. What happens when the lockout is lifted? You give a horrible speech stating that you are disappointed that Carson is not keeping his word and honoring his contract, and you refuse to trade him. He even said "we won't reward him" with a ticket out of Cincinnati. You already have a replacement. Why not work out a deal like Philly and Arizona made where you can land a talented player and a solid draft pick. Arizona would have preferred Palmer over Kolb, and maybe even have given up more. Sad Sad Sad. Oh, and BTW... they drafted that kid because his hair is orange. I am sure that is the extent of their scouting.

Cleveland Browns (Will win 6 games): Make your next move your best move! They off'd Mr Mangini and thats a step in the right direction. They also gave Delhomme his walking papers. They are an old-school football team with guys like Hillis and Cribbs. Colt McCoy is the type of guy you would like to root for. Every team needs a true #1 WR, especially when you are developing a young QB. They have a bunch or #3's and 4's. There was no excuse to not land a game changer at that position considering who was available in the draft and free agency. Maybe they just don't get it.

Pittsburgh Steelers (Will win 11 games): I hate this team and their bratty players. James Harrison said he "wouldn't piss on the commissioner if he was on fire". How is this guy not suspended... for at least 4 games? If a player on any other team would have said that there would be consequences and repercussions. But of coarse they always have and always will get special treatment. I hope we take their two cast off WR's and beat their ass in the playoffs this year.

Houston Texans (Why not 8 games?): I won't waste time on this. Look at my pre-season analysis in 09' and 10'. Nothing ever changes there. Apathetic doesn't even say it well enough.

Indianapolis Colts (Will win 12 games if Manning plays all 16): The next 3 or 4 years will have its ups and downs regarding Mannings' performance. He will have one more shot at the big game, even after people write him off and resurrect him. With the right mix of players he can have one more championship in him. Keep an eye out for my guy Jerry Hughes. He was injured last season. He's primed for a break out in 2011.

Jacksonville Jaguars (Will win 3 games): Rookie QB, same old coach, same old empty stadium, and MJD in career prison. Some teams make decisions regarding players and coaches much too hastily... and some are like fat girls with low self-esteem. They just stick with the same loser. Who do you think the Jaguars resemble more? They signed the oft-injured Poslusnzy from Buffalo, and former NY Jet Drew Coleman. Well those are the missing pieces to a championship puzzle if I have ever seen them. Ummm sarcasm anyone?

Tennessee Titans (Will win 7 games): I think they will pay CJ2K, but is that the right choice? He is amazing... and I use that word sparingly. BUT, he is also very tiny. He already has a lot of milage on him. RB's are like cars. As soon as you drive them off the lot their value plummets. He is a game changer, but with the lack of talent surrounding him, he is going to get beat up really bad. He will probably become disgruntled and start crying as well. So what's the solution? There is none. They suck. As for Hasselbeck... He hit the wall 2 years ago. One good post season game and he gets paid. Crazy.

Denver Broncos (Will win 5 games): When they were flirting with trading Orton and starting Tebow I thought Elway had received one too many blows to the head back in the 80's. Orton is 10 times as good, and he also happens to be a REAL QB. Josh McDaniels absolutely destroyed that team, and it will take a few years to recover. Von Miller #2 overall when you have a swiss cheese D-line... and this may have been the best draft in history for D-line...?? I don't get it.

Kansas City Chiefs (Will win 14 games): How does this team not land Zach Miller? Breaston was a nice add, and Tony Moeaki did a great job at TE last year, but Miller is the missing piece. Imagine McCluster, Bowe, Breaston Moeaki and Miller with Charles and Jones in the backfield, and a solid O-line. They are young and explosive, and their energy is amazing. Hats off to Scott Pioli... maybe he was the brains in New England. Anyone who isn't afraid to take Parcells daughter face down, ass up gets kudos from me. LOL

Oakland Raiders (Will win 5 games): A HA HA HA HA HA LMFAO ROFL HA HA HA HA HA HA. They declined to vote on the CBA. Love it! I will say this... if they move back to southern California I will buy mad Los Angeles Raiders crap. It would be such a throw back to my childhood. That being said, the fans in LA had started to lose interest in the Raiders in the early 90's anyways. What makes them think they will embrace them if they return? Only the Raiders chase random rookies with 4.25 40's and old washed up castoff's and then let a guy like the afore mentioned Zach Miller walk for nothing. They should take down the "commitment to excellence" banners and replace them with "WTF" in bold silver and black.

San Diego Chargers (Will win 8 games): I believe that Rivers is every bit as good as Brees and Brady. How do they not land Braylon Edwards to work with Jackson? Their GM is losing it. How do they let Sproles walk? 4 years and 16 million was not in the budget for an all purpose guy like that? I thought they had the room to spend some cash and get back in the playoff race.

NFC to follow...

The New School...

Some thoughts on what is developing into an interesting era for the NFL. The changing of the guard is in full effect.

Players like Favre, Brady, Manning, Palmer, McNabb, Hasselbeck, and Kerry Collins are either retired or will be... sooner rather than later. All of these QB's have been highly productive, some of them have Superbowl rings, and a few will eventually land in Canton.

So what will come of the the new breed of signal callers and how will they measure up to their predecessors?

Lets look at Matt Ryan, Joe Flacco, Mathew Stafford, Mark Sanchez, Josh Freeman, Sam Bradford and Tim Tebow.

The success of any QB in this league has to a lot to with the players that surround them. All of these newbies have very talented supporting casts around them, except maybe Tebow. So, they all have a shot at being something special.

If we start with Collins, he has been the real journeymen of the group. He is a proven winner and even led the Giants to a Superbowl birth. If any of the young QB's has the potential to become a floater I think it's Mathew Stafford.

He is an excellent young player with great mechanics and a lot of moxie. But, he is injury prone. The Lions are going places, but they will only have limited patience dealing with a #1 draft pick who is a major drain on their salary cap, and can only stay upright for 6 or 7 games a year. His skills are undeniable, so I could see him playing musical teams in years to come if he can't stay healthy.

Palmer was a blue-chip #1 pick from USC who had a cannon arm and all the intangibles. All of the millions he has been paid has bought the Bengals fans ZERO playoff wins. Some people may be shocked to hear that. I wonder if Matt Ryan may end up as the player from this group who ends up with that jinx. He has an amazing coach, so I hope he and Mike Smith eventually get their first playoff win. Maybe one day they will even have 4... like Rex and Mark.

Brady is a product of a brilliant coaching staff and a great front office. The run the Patriots went on drafting outstanding players to accompany Tom Terrific is legendary. The ice water in Brady's veins was chilled by playing in the AFC East and some of the most bloody battles the league has ever witnessed. After watching the head-to-head match ups between Brady and Mark Sanchez (which for the record is 3-2 overall, and 1-0 in the playoffs in favor of #6) we must wonder if he is following a similar path... developing into a champion like that douche from New England.

There is a reason why he was the top recruited QB coming out of high school. There is a reason why he was a starter @ USC (back when that was a good thing) and there is also a reason why he came out early and was a top 5 pick in the draft. He has been a starter from day 1, and has come up with two AFC Championship births in his first two years in the league. Thats what QB's are paid for... playoff wins and eventually a championship. He has unquestionably earned his money more than any other name on this list... so far.

Matt Hasselbeck was never a very impressive QB to me. He is smart and is a proven winner, but he is just easy to forget. Thats why he fits Seattle so well. I compare Josh Freeman to him. I think he will win some playoff games in his career, but he plays for the second most forgotten team in the league Tampa Bay. I could see Josh playing in a Superbowl one day, but I don't ever see him winning one just like the prematurely bald passer from the Pacific Northwest.

I think McNabb owes his success to a marriage with one of the most solid coaches of the past decade in Reid. Andy provided a solid foundation and continuity for Donavan. He came into the league with the arm, and Andy helped him learn how to make the right decisions with the ball. I think the Joe Flacco/ Harbaugh partnership will be equally as fruitful. They have already had some playoff runs, the big question is will they be able to close the deal in a way that Reid and McNabb never could. The REAL question in Baltimore is can they win now? Reed and Lewis only have a small window left. Without them, you have to start all over. Flacco is young, but 2011 may be his best chance to land a ring.

Favre has all the records and is a first ballot HOF'er. No QB has had a better rookie campaign than Sam Bradford. He has truly amazed me. From the day he stepped behind center in a real NFL game he has shown he was born to do this, much like #4 when he finally got his first chance to play in his second year. If any of the newbies has a shot at big stats and breaking records he would be the logical choice. The big difference is that Brett was surrounded by some of the best offensive minds of his time. Holmgren, Mariucci and Gruden were Favre's teachers in his early years. Bradford has McDaniels now, it's scary to think of what he can achieve in year two. The lockout won't help his development, but it will probably just be remembered as a bump in the road.

That leaves us with Peyton. No one is anything like Manning or compares to him... most especially Tim Teabow. So thats where the comparison ends.

If there is anyone on earth who believes there is no one who will ever replace John Elway in Denver... it's John Elway. My prediction is that Elway puts the former Gator on a short leash and dumps him as early as 2012. John didn't draft him, so he's not his problem. I saw nothing out of Tebow that makes me think he can play QB at this level. His future in Denver will be decided within the first few weeks of the 2011 season. He would need to jump light years from year one to year two in order to have a chance to become the long term answer. Because of the lockout he has had little to no chance to grow or develop in the past 6 months.

Obviously my hope is that Mark Sanchez will end up as the guy from this group with the most rings when it's all over. #6 won't break any passing records or win any MVP's, but thats not why he was drafted.

MY top 10 players of 2011...

Recently the NFL Network ran some drawn out list of the top 100 players of 2011 as voted on by the players. It was a bit confusing because it was suppose to be the players you think will have the biggest impact in the upcoming season... if there is one. But, it's hard not to consider their whole body of work. I think they also wanted to have a variety of positions represented in the top 20. They didn't want a bunch of QB's up there.

My top 10 will have a bunch of QB's, because you can't convince me that Asomugha, Ngata or Peppers have more of an impact on a game than Rivers, Vick or Roethlisberger. It may be boring, but the top 5 or 6 QB's in this league are the center of the universe when it comes to winning. Everything revolves around them.

I have the 2 best game changing pass rushers, one MLB (QB of the defense), the best CB in the game and a gaggle of QB's.

SO, here it is....

10.) Dwight Freeny (#15 by players/ #25 by fans) - He is probably one of only 3 or 4 defensive players that could take over a post season game and advance his team to the next round... almost single handedly. A double team is not a solution.

9.) Mike Vick (#20 players/#11 fans)- IF HE STAYS HEALTHY, his team wins at least 11 games... because of him. Thats enough to land him in my top 10.

8.) Ben Roethlisberger (#41 players/ #35 fans)- He may be a filthy drunk rapist, and he may also be an awfully lucky bastard for landing on that team, but he has made some of the most clutch plays of the past 6 or 7 years.

7.) Clay Mathews (#19 players/ #5 fans)- This guy is like some-sort-of Madden fantasy player that you can create and make everything a 99. His energy fuels both the defense and offense. May be the best Mathews the NFL has ever seen, and thats saying a lot!!!

6.) Ray Lewis (#4 players/ #4 fans)- He picked up right where Singletary left off as the ultimate leader of a generation of Linebackers. He is the definition of what a MLB should be. He's smart, hits hard, reads and reacts, makes sure every defender is in the exact perfect spot, and most importantly, he still strikes fear in the hearts of his opponents... after over 15 years in the league. He will hit the wall soon, but I believe he still has enough gas in the tank to make a run in 2011.

5.) Philip Rivers (#26 players/ #24 fans)- Very underrated. His GM has held the team hostage by alienating his top WR and blindside body guard... and like a good soldier he kept his mouth shut and played his ass off. The Chargers didn't have enough talent to compete at a high level, but Rivers gave is all every week. He is a bit Marino-esc with his on-field tantrums, but he is an elite QB.

4.) Aaron Rodgers (#11 players/ #2 fans)- The crown prince of the NFL. Everyone loves Aaron. He is the real deal, and he proved it on the biggest stage. He may be #1 on my 2012 list.

3.) Darrelle Revis(#8 players/ #14 fans)- Homer pick? Whatever. The reason I place him here is because most teams have one dominate game changing WR, if they are lucky. #24 will shut down anyone. That devastates any offense or game plan. If we ever win the big game it will be because of him. He may never even have a ball thrown his way on that magical Sunday, but he will be the reason we win the Superbowl. May be the best corner ever... when it's all said and done.

2.) Tom Brady (#1 players/ #3 fans)- His ego is so big it actually makes him a great QB. However, much of his career, including his 3 Superbowl winning seasons were tarnished when it was discovered he and his team were videotaping other teams defensive signals so they would know what their opponents were running before the play started. Thats a bit of an advantage. NFL Network mistakenly left that out when anointing him as the #1 player on their list.

1.) Peyton Manning (#2 players/ #1 fans)- Greatest QB ever. No one plays like him. He has brought the most important position on the field to a completely different level. Only active player I will be telling my great grand kids about. Legend. GOAT. MVP. Champion.

Brees is not on this list. For the record he is my #11. He is amazing, but he is small and I think his Cinderella story is coming to an end. His team is the 3rd best in it's division... in 2011... IMHO.

Some of the young signal callers in this league will eventually bump the guys in our top 10. But this is my group for this season.

I am still on semi-strike...

I have not been active on my blog for months... ever since the end of the 2010 season. I paid a little attention to the draft, and overall I was happy with what I saw from the Jets. FINALLY some D-linemen!!!

I love the guys we picked, but I am concerned about our high risk/ high reward 3rd round DT. Kenrick Ellis (6'4" 346LBS) from Hampton is the massive space filler that I have dreamt of from the draft for years. He has well documented off the field issues, and that is the only reason this guy dropped to the 3rd round. If he was a model citizen in college he probably goes higher than our first round pick Muhammad Wilkerson.

I like our RB and 2 WR's we landed in the later rounds and Greg McElroy, the young QB from Alabama, was also a great value. Nice job Mr. T... I couldn't have done it better myself =)

This week has been a big one regarding the labor dispute being resolved in the NFL. It is starting to look like things will be finished up by the beginning of July. I can't really analyze the league or what may happen in 2011 because no one knows what will happen regarding free agency. Once FA starts it will be an amazing thing to watch. I doubt we keep Cotchery, Holmes, Edwards and Smith. I think Mr T will hit the ground running, and I expect some flashy trades. I still believe that Cotchery will be traded to free up cap room and we will do everything possible to keep Edwards and Holmes.

I also think Sean Ellis will take any amount of money to finish his career here. For the right price he could be useful. He is a solid 1st and 2nd down DE. If we could bring in a developmental pass rusher for 3rd down at the LE position it would be a perfect fit.

The players to watch this year are:

1) Kyle Wilson

2) David Harris

3) The "Sanchise"

4) Dustin Keller

5) Kendrick Ellis

• I hope Cromartie plays for some other team in 2011. We need Wilson to actually show up this year and become that bookend to Revis he was intended to be. Thats why he was drafted in the 1st round. If he is a bust this year, we are in bad shape.

• Harris needs to become a leader. For the money he is going to cost us he needs to do more than tackle people. He will never be a great cover LB or a double digit sack guy. He needs to find a way to be more vocal.

• #6 has proven a lot to me. But, if Mr T works his magic and retains Holmes and Edwards, Mark needs to take it to the next level. Top five draft pick, huge contact, face of the franchise.... it's time to start putting up some big numbers.

• Keller has been a disappointment in my eyes, and he could be the missing piece of the puzzle. TE is such a crucial position for a young QB. If he can step up and play like a 1st round TE... that could be the difference for us in 2011.

• And lastly our new mountain of muscle on the D-line. Ellis couldn't ask for a better situation. If he can keep his nose clean and dominate up the middle... we have a real chance at being the bride instead of the bridesmaid this season.

More to come, once the NFL decides they want to get back to work!