Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Quarterback Comparisons


Anshu- Matt Leinart, USC

Much like Matt, America views Anshu as half quarterback-half celebrity.  Rumors have romantically linked him to many Bollywood Hollywood starlets, but as he told People Magazine last week he “doesn’t kiss and tell.”  Lacks the huge arm strength of some of the other premier QBs, but the touch and accuracy are tough to match.  


Nate Gallert – Mark Mallory, Cincinnati Mayor

The only thing more pathetic than his arm strength is his accuracy.  If you’ve never seen Nate throw, reference video below to get an idea of what it looks like.

Gizzi -  Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers

Perfectly suited to play a hardnosed brand of football.  He’s the tough guy quarterback who has the physical tools to put up big numbers, but if you ask him he’d rather give it to the back and watch the hogs work, occasionally mixing in big plays through the air.  Let’s just hope that by putting his face through a windshield, Ben has shown Gizzi the importance of wearing a helmet while on a motorcycle. 

Garrett- Junior Floyd, Little Giants

Launching roll after roll of toilet paper into the shopping cart has really developed Garrett’s arm strength over the years. 

Lawny- Tim Tebow, Florida Gators

He has the arm strength, but truth be told opponents would much rather see him drop back and throw than deal with the alternative; trying to stop this beast from running through your defense.

Pagel- Rex Grossman, Chicago Bears

The physical tools are all there but his refusal to throw open underneath routes and his inability to make good decisions has led to record turnover rates.  Turns coaches gray and eventually makes them long for a game-manager type QB.

Luebbers- Matt Jones, Arkansas Razorbacks

Absolutely huge arm, but he’s probably best used at another skill position because he’s a nightmare match-up for defenses.  However, similar to Matt Jones, the only thing holding Luebs back is his crippling cocaine addiction.


Ciske- Jeff Garcia, Tampa Bay Bucs

Has great athletic ability combined with very mediocre arm strength, but is a proven winner.  There is also one other obvious similarity…the red hair.

Murnane- Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers

To watch Murnane throw a football brings pain to anyone unlucky enough to be watching.  The body motion combined with the side arm sling has tricked many scouts into believing he’s the QB for a Special Olympics Team.  But upon further review, he delivers the ball where it needs to be with just enough zip to give defenders fits.

Argall- Doug Peterson, formerly of the Green Bay Packers

No one, including himself, can figure out how he survives final cuts every summer.  That really doesn’t bother Argall much though, because he still gets his paychecks.  His quarterbacking skills are nearly non-existent, which is why he spends practice counting down the minutes until he and a select few of his (white) teammates can pound brews on the first tee of the local golf course.  The Argall anthem has become “Money, Cash, 18 Holes”.

Parkhill- Michael Vick, Virginia Tech

A strong but often erratic arm has made him much more dangerous running with the football.  His speed and elusiveness make him a pain-in-the-ass to defend, but scouts wonder whether these skills would be better off on display at another position.  Off the field issues are a concern, and despite his best efforts, he does not smoke nearly as much weed as Vick did (pre-prison).

Friday, September 26, 2008

Power Rankings, Vol. 4



Speaking of lame, I know this isn’t very exciting, but for the first time in 3 years of the Power Rankings, every team will stay exactly where they were a week ago. Teams ranked #1-5 all held serve, beating up on their lower-rated counterparts. In an effort to mix it up, I’ll detail each Week 4 matchup, and make predictions of the outcomes.

1. Plack Beople (3-0)
2. Team lawniczak (3-0)
3. Denver’s Helicopter Men (2-1)
4. Clayton Bigsby (2-1)
5. Flight of the Khannchords (2-1)
6. Team ciske (1-2)
7. Cromartie McFly (1-2)
8. Tivo Tebow (1-2)
9. Teenage Mutant Ninja Tauschers (0-3)
10. Team Parkhill (0-3)

#9 Teenage Mutant Ninja Tauschers (0-3) vs. #10 Team Parkhill (0-3)



The Toilet Bowl promises to leave one team as the league’s lingering turd. Pick your poison: Pagel’s scrubs (Jacobs, Moss, Harrison on Bye) or Parkhill’s full complement of early-season disappointments. MLP’s team is better when all active, but there are so many bad situations (DeSean vs. Bears, Santonio vs. Ravens, DMC banged up, LT rounding into form) …plus, there has to be a penalty for starting Isaac Bruce. High Five? Pagel might be looking to avoid loss number five after this one.
Pick: Team Parkhill

#3 Denver’s Helicopter Men (2-1) vs. #8 Tivo Tebow (1-2)
How bad could this one get? It’s unfortunate that Ronnie Brown doesn’t qualify at QB…because he has scored more touchdowns at that position (3) than Garrett has gotten from QB this season (1), and just as many TD passes. It’s possible things could get worse before they get better, too, with Maroney and Hasselebeck taking the week off. McNabb vs. the Chicago secondary and AD going up against Tennessee’s stout run D could be reason for concern...but not much. It’s Baby Tilt in a landslide of buffalo sauce and hot wing bones.



Pick: Denver’s Helicopter Men

#2 Team lawniczak (3-0) vs. #7 Cromartie McFly (1-2)
IV finally gets his wish with one of his rookie RBs starting…and Mendenhall draws the vaunted Baltimore D. Still, despite being undefeated and hanging a league-high 121 last week, there’s upset potential here with Wayne and the suddenly-not-worthless Julius Jones on bye. I like Brees, Braylon, and TO to bust loose this week, Chicago’s D to hold a banged-up Philly offense in check, and replacements Antonio Bryant and Steve Slaton to get shut down by Chuck Woodson and the Jax run D, respectively.
CHASE DANIEL TASTY PICK OF THE WEEK: Cromartie McFly

#4 Clayton Bigsby (2-1) vs. #6 Team ciske (1-2)

This game has potential to be Marshawn Lynch-ugly.



Byes, injuries, and Ciske/Nate buffoonery leave the following players starting: Chansi Stuckey, Bryant Johnson, No TE, and Warrick Dunn. Unfortunately, one of these two teams does have to win. I like Andre Johnson to make some noise, and Witten to provide a big bonus with Ciske not starting a TE.
Pick: Clayton Bigsby

#1 Plack Beople (3-0) vs. #5 Flight of the Khannchords (2-1)
This should be a good one, with both teams essentially having their full squads going (Calvin and Roy Williams on bye, more or less a wash). Unfortunately, that doesn’t necessarily bode well for yours truly, with Cutler and Marshall drawing a horrendous Chiefs defense. If the fireworks don’t fly at Arrowhead, though, I like India’s chances, with good matchups across the board. Ryan Grant at Tampa could prove to be the difference.
Pick: Plack Beople

Why God Why?????


Why do teams without any semblance of black in their school colors choose to wear black uniforms? Intimidation perhaps? Some idiots will say that it just adds a little spice to any particular game when they decide to don the all-blacks. These same idiots will say that it pumps the athletes and the fans up before a big game. Well, Oregon State said it against USC, and I will say it about black uniforms... OVERRATED...OVERRATED...OVERRATED...

Now, it IS ok for certain teams to wear them, but only if those teams actually have some black in their colors beforehand and if they don't get too carried away. What Florida State did last season, for example, earned them a first class ticket to douche-ville. This year, Miami is planning on doing the same thing, again without having any black in their school colors. Maybe all of the players suggested this change so they could be better disguised at night while running from the cops, who knows.


It seems that year by year this disturbing trend is happening more frequently. What's next? Will Wisconsin host a blackout at Camp Randall, or what about Ohio state, Texas, or even Florida? My guess is that we are all doomed to a world with "blackouts" every Saturday every fall for the rest of our lives, and a little part of my soul dies with each. Stay thirsty my friends.

(Starting next year Purdue will switch from their classic black uniforms into these new prototypes)

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

HIGH FIVES


Top 5 NFL Teams

5) Buffalo Bills

Enjoy it Buffalo, your stay in the top 5 will be short because you suck.

4) Philadelphia Eagles

Cowboys put up 41 points on this defense?

3) Denver Broncos

            Wow, their defense is horrid.  How long can they win by parlaying the combo of luck and offensive firepower?

2) New York Giants

            They played like garbage against the Bengals and still ended up with a victory.  Having the ability to sleepwalk through a game and do enough to get the win is a sign of a good team.

1) Dallas Cowboys

            Barring major injuries, expect the Cowboys to hold down this spot indefinitely.

Top 5 (If Season Ended Today) MVP Candidates

5) Eli Manning, New York Giants

            Keeping this spot warm for his brother who is sure to get back to form soon. 

4) Brandon Marshall, Denver Broncos

            Playing a game less than his peers, Marshall ranks second in both receptions and yards this season.  Helps to have Cutler delivering the ball, but he’s not simply the product of a good quarterback (e.g. Antonio Freeman).

3) Michael Turner, Atlanta Falcons

            Racking up tons of touchdowns playing for the surprise Falcons.               

2) Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys

            Do you think Romo would trade in his spot on America’s team for the chance to quarterback his native Packers at Lambeau Field?  Neither do I. The prequel to Nick Collins thinks we’re better off without him.

http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=797644

1) Jay Cutler, Denver Broncos

            At 3-0 he’s dia-BEAT everyone.

Top 5 Fantasy Performers This Week

5) Donovan McNabb vs. Bears

            Another Donovan homecoming, we can expect good things.  Bears are still great at forcing turnovers and containing the run, but their pass defense has been suspect and Donovan is off to a great start with shitty receivers.

4) MJD vs. Houston

            Jags broke out of their mini-slump last week with both Taylor and Jones-Drew going over 100 yards.  With Houston, who gave up millions of yards and TDs to Willie Parker, MJD's got a shot to post some numbers

3) Marshawn vs. Rams

            I didn’t want to pick him two weeks in a row, but he’s playing the Rams, I couldn’t help it.

2) Fitz vs. Jets

            It’s been all Boldin this year, and it’s time for Matty Fitz to remind people he’s the best receiver out there in AZ. 

1) Reggie Bush vs. 49ers

            He’s off to a great start but still has a long way to go to top his amazing fantasy campaign of 2007.  He’s still not running it too well, but he’s got a kick return TD and is leading the NFL in receptions.  They’re really using him this season, to the tune of 29 touches last weekend.

Top 5 Professional Athletes Who Could Play in the NFL

            -CAVEAT: Because 70% of NBA guards could play either DB or WR in the NFL, I am only including players who have a known history of playing football.

5) Jeff Samardzija, WR

            He’s the only player on this list that has actually proven it on the collegiate level while dominating at Notre Dame.  Projected as a late first/early second round pick to play WR.  What he lacked in breakaway speed he made up for in incredible ball skills and sticky hands (that sounds gay).

4) Frank Thomas, TE

            Because no schools would offer him a baseball scholarship, the Big Hurt enrolled at Auburn with a scholarship to play tight end for the Tigers, quickly transitioning to baseball once on campus.  The man was a great athlete and an absolute beast.  He’s the only player in the last 20 years that I’m 100% confident never touched steroids.  We all know what a monster Frank is, but can you imagine Frank on ‘roids?  I’m picturing Shaq meets the Stay-Puff Marshmallow Man.

3) Allen Iverson, DB

            He is a Virginia HS Football legend; a dangerous QB, an intimidating safety, and an electric kick returner.  People who watched Iverson play quarterback in HS claimed he played the position just as well as fellow Virginian Michael Vick.  Iverson did not project as an NFL QB, but he would have been a helluva cornerback…in fact, Allen owns the Virginia state high school record for interceptions in a single game with seven.  You think they’d stop throwing it his way after about five.

2) Glen “Big Baby” Davis, OT

            A 6’8, 350 pound high school running back, that’s unfair.  Although he had amazing athleticism for a man that size, the success rate for 300+ pound running backs is pretty poor, except for Refrigerator Perry.  However, the success rate for an offensive tackle with that size and athletic ability is 100%. 

1) LeBron James, WR

            Asked years ago by Craig Sager “Do you still miss football?”, LeBron replied “Every day”.  If for some reason LeBron decided, after playing HS football for only one season, to enter the NFL teams would be lining up to throw millions at him.  He may be a bit tall for a WR, but this is LeBron fucking James, he’ll be just fine.  At 6’8” and 250 pounds he’s got 3 inches and 15 pounds on Calvin Johnson, and I’m not so sure I’d bet on Calvin to win a foot race.  Compared to LeBron, Calvin is more Bumblebee than Megatron. Transformers humor, YES! 

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Power Rankings, Vol. 3



Nice skull cap. Will someone remind me again why his nickname is Kid?

All you need to know about 2008’s early-season chaos is that the top three point-producers through two weeks in fantasy football are Jay Cutler, Philip Rivers, and Aaron Rodgers. The winds of change are blowing harder than Ciske at a Jeff Garcia photo shoot.



Don't worry Ciske, this is definitely a front.

1. Plack Beople (2-0; Last Week: 3) – It doesn’t seem right to have this 3-to-1 leapfrog, but you can’t deny who is setting the pace early in ‘08. Led by the three-headed monster of Cutler, Westbrook, and Marshall, Argall has an incredible 53 point advantage over Q-Fest’s second best after a fortnight. Jonathan Stewart and Reggie Bush still scare me, but they offer huge scoring potential.

2. Team Lawniczak (2-0; 2) – When does a preseason #1 win their first two games (both against top 5 teams), and end at #2? Earnest Graham’s timeshare, Steven Jackson’s lack of surrounding talent, Michael Turner’s Matt Ryan problem, the banged-up shoulder of Big Ben, and Julius Jones being Julius Jones all give me reasons for pause.

3. Denver's Helicopter Men (1-1; 1) – Tough MNF loss was made worse by LJ’s waterworks, but the triumphant return of Steve Smith and huge steal Frank Gore’s start keeps Murndawg in the top 3.


I NEED MORE THAN 12 CARRIES!!!

4. Clayton Bigsby (1-1; 7) – Wisely started Eli over Carson and reaped the rewards in Week 2, but with many QBs putting up big numbers, it will be tough to compete each week if one doesn’t emerge as a consistent producer. This team looks strong going forward if LenWhale or Edge can be on the good side of their respective timeshares.

5. Flight of the Khannchords (1-1; 8) – MB3 and Calvin are coming into their own, and Warner showed flashes of what made him the league’s top TD passer in the second half of the ’07 season. If Grant’s sore hammy isn’t right and MJD’s O-line woes in Jax are legit, though, this team could go south in a hurry.

6. Team ciske (1-1; 4) – Even though he put up a respectable total in getting run over by Argall, I’m docking Ciske an extra spot for once again starting D.J. Hackett. When will you learn!? On the plus side, Peyton showed signs of shaking off the rust in that second half, Lynch and T. Jones are getting all the carries (including goal-line), and Plaxico is finally relatively healthy.

7. Cromartie McFly (1-1; 6) – The goal here has to be to hover within a game of the playoff hunt until Colston returns, and/or hope one of the starters ahead of the rookie RBs gets hurt. IV still put up 86 last week- Scheff is poised for a breakout season, and the Bears D/ST looks as strong as ever.

8. Tivo Tebow (1-1; 10) – Wow, what happened here? Written off for dead after one week, G Baby rode Boldin, Chambers, and Chris Cooley’s exposed schlong to the first big upset of the season in knocking off Luebbers. Still, with Maroney not having the starting job (less carries, yards, and TDs than Morris the past two years in games when they are completely healthy), and Jamal Lewis looking the way we all expected him to when he slipped to the fourth round, G is going to have an RB dilemma all season.

9. Teenage Mutant Ninja Tauschers (0-2; 9) – A pair of unfortunate matchups and starting/benching decisions prevent an average first few weeks from translating into any W’s. Romo still is likely to be the highest point scorer in the league, and DMC was as good as advertised in dismantling the Chiefs. Forte seems like the real deal. The main question has to be, what can MLP expect out of Randy Moss with Matt Cassel at the helm? Early returns (2 catches, 22 yards vs. the Jets) weren’t promising, but a Week 3 date with Miami will go a long way in getting a better idea.

10. Team Parkhill (0-2; 5) – One note about the two 0-2 teams – I really don’t think either of them are this bad. But until things turn around, it’s tough to give them the benefit of the doubt. Awful first two weeks, with a combined one touchdown from his first five picks (LT, McGahee, Housh, Holt, Welker). Still, incredible depth at WR and RB, and A-Rod’s promising play, keeps Park’s season very much alive.

Chase Daniel Tasty Pick of the Week: #9 TMNT over #2 Team Lawniczak

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

HIGH FIVES

Top 5 NFL Teams
5) Green Bay Packers
Have beaten two division foes with a combination of solid defense and an efficient offense led by the new most popular man in Wisconsin.  Things will get a little tougher with the Cowboys in town.
4) Denver Broncos
Once someone teaches this defense how to tackle, they'll be truly dangerous.  Jay Cutler has made this offense scary...more on him in a minute.
3) New York Giants
Much improved from the team that won the Super Bowl on a fluke.
2) Pittsburgh Steelers
It's a more explosive brand of Steeler football than we are used to, but I like it.
1) Dallas Cowboys
Seems to me that it's the Cowboys and everyone else.  The NFC Pro Bowl squad has been renamed "The Dallas Cowboys".

Top 5 (If Season Ended Today) MVP Candidates

5) Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings
I know they're 0-2, but he's leading the league in rushing and it's not his fault Tarvaris Jackson is worse than JaMarcus Russell
4) Justin Tuck, New York Giants
Giants defense has been the nuts, and he's the best defender they have.  Already 3 sacks and an INT for a TD. 
3) Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
He's got the numbers, 2-0 record and hasn't yet folded under the enormous pressure.
2) Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys
Sure, he has the most talent around him, but this guy uses all his weapons effectively and any QB that can earn the trust and respect of T.O. must be MVP material.  Expect him to be near the number one spot when the MVP award is given out.
1) Jay Cutler, Denver Broncos
It's Jay Cutler's world, we're just living in it.  He's making Bronco fans forget about that overrated cunt-licker John Elway one Cutler-nuke at a time.  I hear Akron is considering dropping the "Zips" tag and going with the Akron Cutlers. 

Top 5 Fantasy Performers This Week

5) Steve Smith, Carolina Panthers
Punishment has ended, expect Smith to come out looking to make up for lost time.  And I'm sure Delhomme won't mind having Steve back.
4) Brandon Marshall, Denver Broncos
Caught 18 passes last weekend, and with Mike McKenize matching up with him I don't think 35 catches is out of the question.
3) Marion Barber, Dallas Cowboys
The way the Packers CB's play expect both Woodson and Harris rack up the penalty yardage trying to cover T.O., Wittehhhh, and the gang.  Some of those pass interference penalties are bound to happen in the end zone, meaning Marion Barber will have his chances from the one yard line.
2) Marshawn Lynch, Buffalo Bills
I'm sensing that Marshawn Lynch will run Lane Kiffin right out of a job.
1) Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints
Even without Colston, the Saints have plenty of weapons to run through the Broncos soft defense.

Top 5 Popular Chain Restaurants
 
5) IHOP
I generally do not like breakfast food and that includes IHOP breakfast dishes.  But let's face it, IHOP does more, much more, than just breakfast.  With a solid menu of regular food, IHOP exposes Denny's as the shit that it is
4) Chipotle
The perfect burrito.  
3) Buffalo Wild Wings
There is no better dining experience for me than 24 Bdubs wings drowning in spicy garlic sauce.  Unfortunately the folks at BWW have priced themselves out of that number one spot.  Tuesday at BW3s is glory, but the other days hurt the wallet.  Still, that one magnificent day is enough to get Dubs #3
2) Five Guys Burgers and Fries
The definition of food.  Cheap prices, massive burgers, cajun fries, free peanuts and silly decorations make this eatery tough to beat.
1) Cheeburger Cheeburger
With just enough locations to qualify in this category, Cheeburger Cheeburger is simply the best.  No need to look at the menu, you know what you're getting by the time you step in the car to drive to the restaurant.  Awaiting you at Cheeburger Cheeburger is a 20 oz. burger, fries and shake.  Enjoy the meal and don't forget to smile and say "chee" afterward.

Monday, September 15, 2008

Welcome All

The switch from FOX Sports to ESPN has ushered in a new era for us rabid, dedicated fantasy football participants.  With new circumstance comes great change, such as ESPN's lack of decimal point scoring.  Why they choose to reward one reception for 9 yards with zero points is unknown, but I'm guessing it has something to do with Merril Hoge's fear of fractions.

A bewildered Jaws trying to explain the concept of the denominator to Merril


The real change however has to do with you, my dear reader.  

This new fantasy football hosting site has pinched one off on our First Amendment rights.  Sure, us lowly league members can post "messages", which are useful only for minor notifications and announcing your homosexual lifestyle to the rest of the league.  Because of these new developments, a website has been created in your honor.  It is this one. 


www.nflchronicles.blogspot.com


The mission statement is simple.  This website will play host to recurring league columns as well as any other news, trash-talking, comical pictures or waffle recipes that you feel need to be shared.  Much like FUBU, this website is for us, by us. 


If you have neither the time nor the will to write on the site, don't fret, you can always participate by leaving comments on submissions or just reading and keeping up with what your friends are whining about.


I hope everyone can and will participate, but there are also some veterans that I hope will revive their columns.  Let's hope for the betterment of all of us that Murnane brings back "Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down", Luebbers revives "Movie of the Week", Argall discusses his racially motivated ranking system and hopefully we can get Anshu to move his world-famous "Power Rankings" column to this site, truly making this the one stop spot.  I will write things as well.


If you want to write some things for the site, your email address should already be authorized so you can start immediately.  If I messed it up and it's not letting you get in touch with me and it will be fixed.


Bookmark this site and get ready for a great season ladies.


-Pagel