Thanks for nothing Jamarcus

I wasn't sure where or how to start this post. Writing this article does not please me at all. My opinions and feelings are based off of extreme disappointment.  See I was once one of Jamarcus Russell's biggest supporters. I was enamored with his size, the big arm, and with visions of him just changing the game.  During his first season or two of struggles, he had an easy scapegoat. I mean come on he was forced to play for the Raiders.  Now like a swindled soul mate, the more of Russell I see, the more I feel tricked.  My whole perception of him has changed drastically.  Let me be clear. I have never played quarterback. So I'm sure I sound like the typical obnoxious fan.  Oh, but I played the game tho. I've been around many quarterbacks.  Some were teammates and some were not.  So I fully understand what the position requires regardless of size or color. The position requires heart and courage. I also understand playing the position at a high level requires intelligence and hard work.  Most importantly I understand a quarterback must be the ultimate leader of men.  Jamarcus Russell is not that at all.  I'm not afraid to say that his race plays a major part in my disgust.  I'm old enough to know that black quarterbacks struggled to get a shot in the NFL.  Fritz Pollard and Bobby Marshall were the first two black players in the league.  Pollard was the first African American to throw a forward pass in the league.  That was back in 1920. Thirty years later George Taliaferro became the second black quarterback in the NFL.  In 1953 Willie Thrower became the third.  Charlie "Choo Choo" Brackins was the fourth when he signed with the Green Bay Packers.  I can go on and on from their.  I love Terry Bradshaw but we know Joe Gilliam never really got a fair shot because of his race.  Warren Moon had to choose the CFL coming out of the University of Washington because he didn't want to risk a position switch or just plain sitting the bench.  Think about a hall of fame quarterback almost not becoming that at all because of a perceived lack of intelligence.  I have no idea if Jamarcus Russell knows his history.  I don't think  he cares.  I know he owes those past greats, and those coming behind him all that he can offer of himself.  Young black males should look up to Russell the way McNabb and Vick did Moon and Cunningham before them.  All Jamarcus Russell has shown us is that he is a lazy coward with a penchant for trips to Vegas and BLING.  I pray for Jamarcus because if he gets cut I'm not sure he'll ever get the chance to redeem himself.  I'm angered though because I don't really believe he cares.  I wonder If he cares that he is upholding every racist stereotype put on black quarterbacks.  I wonder If he cares that people feel like he is a thief for even accepting his paychecks.  Thanks Jamarcus for absolutely nothing.  If I had a chance to write his autobiography it would be titled "Jamarcus Russell" he had a chance to change the game yet instead went out the game like a sucka!  I wonder If he would even care.   My article is harsh yes.  I'm tired of dudes feeling entitled.  I know guys who would give their life for an opportunity to play on the grandest stage.  You wouldn't be able to get them out the facility.  Guys would prepare and grind everyday.  Not for the check though.  Just to live out a dream on that stage. I wish I could get all the entitled spoiled players in a room lock the door, and as Laurence Fishburne did in the movie "School Daze" scream at the top of my lungs WAKE UP!!

My 2010 NFL Draft Blog picks 16-32

17. SF- Mike Iupati- OG- Idaho- Iupati is a road grader from Idaho who should blow holes open for Frank Gore for many years to come.  Great work ethic and motor.  He needs to work on pass protection.

18. PIT- Maurkice Pouncey- OL- Florida- Pouncey is a pure beast who can play all 3 line spots.  He was a road grader at Florida and will remind Steeler fans of Dermonti Dawson all over again.

19. ATL- Sean Weatherspoon- OLB- Missouri- Weatherspoon is a exceptional line backer who is great in space but also a super tackler.

20. HOU- Kareem Jackson- DB- Alabama- A pure corner and NFL ready he should be the aggressive corner the Texans need to replace Dunta Robinson.  Good Pick.

21. CIN- Jermaine Gresham- TE- Oklahoma- Gresham is a great TE prospect and should free up the middle of the field for Carson Palmer.  His blocking is suspect but as a pass catcher he is the truth.

22. DEN- Demaryius Thomas- WR- Georgia Tech- Thomas is a big kid who played in a run oriented offense.  Not sure if he is better then Dez Bryant but he is big and fast.

23. GB- Bryan Bulaga- OT- Iowa- Bulaga is a first team all big ten selection who was coached in a great system by Kirk Ferentz.  He should protect Aaron Rodger's blind side for years to come. He slid some to me.

24. DAL- Dez Bryant- Oklahoma State- He fell because of his off the field issues but on the field he is a grown man.  He should compliment Miles Austin and push Roy Williams out the door.

25. DEN- Tim Tebow- QB- Florida- Tebow has arrived.  no need to even explain, we all know what the skeptics say.  Time will tell.

26. ARZ- Dan Williams- DT- Tennessee- Big stout defensive lineman who is big rugged and strong.

27. NE- Devin McCourty- CB- Rutgers- Nice looking corner who held his own in the big east.  Should find a role immediately in a Patriots secondary that struggled last year.

28. MIA- Jared Odrick- DL- Penn State- He gives the Dolphins size at DE. He also brings in a relentless motor.

29. NYJ- Kyle Wilson- CB- Boise State- A explosive corner, Wilson gives the Jets a NFL ready nickle back who can feel in for Cromartie if he falters.

30. DET- Jahvid Best- RB- Cal- Durability issues are a concern, but when he is healthy Best is an explosive speedy back who can help the Lions on 3rd down.

31. IND- Jerry Hughes- DL- TCU- Hughes is another explosive defensive end who should be able to give Freeney and Mathis a break when it is needed.  He should be a good 3rd down edge rusher.

32. NO- Patrick Robinson- CB- FSU-  He fits well in New Orleans cover 2 system.  If he can work on his tackling he should crack the rotations.

My 2010 NFL Draft Blog picks 1-16

Welcome to my 2010 NFL Draft Blog.  I will bring you each pick and my analysis of those picks. Stay tuned and enjoy.  Picks 1-16

1. STL- Sam Bradford- QB- Oklahoma-  Bradford had a rocky 2009 season but this selection is more about his 2008 season.  He gained weight and everyone who knows him says he is stud tough.  We will have to wait and see how fast he can get used to taking snaps from under center and reading NFL defenses.

2. DET- Ndamukong Suh- DT- Nebraska-  Suh simply is a monster.  He is a run stopper, a warrior, and a absolute disruption for offenses.  The Lions just got much better up front.

3. TB- Gerald McCoy- DT- Oklahoma-  McCoy is another beast. he is a better pass rusher then Suh is and should have fans in Tampa Bay reminded  of Warren Sapp for a long time to come.

4. WASH- Trent Williams- OT- Oklahoma-  Trent will probably start at left tackle from day one. He has excellent footwork and technique.  He can definitely afford to get stronger up top though.

5. KC- Eric Berry- S- Tennessee- Berry is the best safety to come into the NFL since Sean Taylor.  Berry has range, he can tackle, and most importantly won't be exposed in coverage.

6. SEA- Russell Okung- OT- Oklahoma State-  Okung slipped about a pick but its still no drop off between him and Trent Williams.  Okung is much stronger in the road grader mode.  Pete Carroll made his first pick.

7. CLE- Joe Haden- CB- Florida  Haden had slipped in some eyes because of his slow 40 time at the combine.  His game speed is top flight and he has shut down corner potential in him.

8. OAK- Rolando McClain- LB- Alabama- Quite simply a outstanding football player.  Needs to be more consistent but he is a true play maker and leader.

9. BUF- CJ Spiller- RB- Clemson- Spiller is a flat out burner.  He will be used in several different ways.  I don't think he is a Chris Johnson but he will be productive.  Durability issue abound.

10. JAC- Tyson Alualu- DT- California-  a 3 technique who rose up the boards fast. He is a tough kid and with an excellent motor.  some say he is a reach.

11. SF- Anthony Davis- OT- Rutgers-  Davis is a young stud linemen from Rutgers. if he can grow up a little he should be really productive.  The niners needed a left tackle and he fits that need.

12. SD- Ryan Mathews-RB- Fresno State- A beast of a running back.  Strong runner and had some big games against good competition.  Will combine with Sproles to compliment each other.

13. PHI- Brandon Graham- DE- Michigan-  Graham is a high motor, high character guy.  Andy Reid has more up his sleave.

14. SEA- Earl Thomas- Pete Carroll is having a good first round.  Earl Thomas is a high character player with  super star skills.  He can cover like a corner and has range like Ed Reed.

15. NY- Jason Pierre-Paul- South Florida- He is a athletic freak who is just starting to come along as a football player.  The Giants needed a pass rusher.

16. TEN- Derrick Morgan- DE- Georgia Tech- Morgan is a disruptive defensive end.  He doesn't play hard all the time but he is productive.

Toast To Mount Cody

I bet my readers are wondering why. Why out of all the potential NFL draftees I could do a story on right now, why would I pick Terrence Cody?  To put it bluntly I am a huge fan of "MOUNT" Cody.  There is something about the 6'5 360 pound defensive tackle that causes me to gravitate towards him and personally cheer him on.  I love his nickname that fits perfectly.  At times opposing linemen swear the man is like a mountain and just can not be moved.  I also cheer Terrence Cody on because his story is not the typical one.  Mount Cody is not your normal 5 star defensive tackle that ends up at Alabama.  His story is one of academic and family difficulty.  Cody grew up in Fort Myers, Florida the oldest of eight children.  His parents were never married and he lost his father at the age of 11.  Terrence wore a size 8 shoe by the time he was ten years old.  We all as humans can relate to having to deal with ridicule and jokes as kids.  Cody was never allowed to participate in pop warner football because of his weight issues.  He grew up very poor and had to help take care of his seven younger sibling while his mother worked two full time jobs.  During those tough times Cody struggled to maintain any academic success while trying to keep his brothers and sisters in line.  Near  the end of his junior year of high school Terrence had to move in with a teammate to try and resurrect his declining grades and career.  After high school he spent two years at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. There he had two really productive season's as he continue to struggle with his weight and academics.  He pressed on and got his grades together.  From there Cody went to Alabama where after sitting out his first season he began to blossom.  The rest is history.  Cody finished this 2009 season as a first team all american and a national champion.  He will best be remember for his blocked field goal attempt against Tennessee that saved the Crimson Tides season in October.  Cody still at times struggles with his weight which was evident during appearance at the Senior Bowl and the NFL Combine.  It is my opinion that Cody will flourish in the NFL and dominate line of scrimmages for years to come. This is a man who has tremendous hands,feet, and can dunk a basketball.  Terrence Cody is a success story in my book for showing constant perseverance when so many would have quit or fell to the wayside.  Congrats Terrence"MOUNT" Cody you are a role model and a inspiration for all who struggle in life or face such staggering obstacles.  May we toast to a protein shake on April 22nd or 23rd when all your  dreams are fulfilled.

MY 2010 MOCK DRAFT

Here is my first and only 2010 mock draft for the first round!
Please let me know what you think?


1. Rams-QB- Sam Bradford- Oklahoma
2. Lions-DT- Ndamukong Suh- Nebraska
3. Buccaneers-DT- Gerald McCoy- Oklahoma
4. Redskins-OT- Russell Okung -Oklahoma State
5. Chiefs-OT- Trent Williams- Oklahoma
6. Seahawks-DB- Eric Berry- Tennessee
7. Browns-CB- Joe Haden -Florida
8. Raiders-OT- Brian Bulaga- Iowa
9. Bills-QB- Jimmy Clausen- Notre Dame
10. Jaguars-FS- Earl Thomas- Texas
11. Broncos-WR- Dez Bryant- Oklahoma State
12. Dolphins-DT -Dan Williams- Tennessee
13. 49ers-RB- CJ Spiller- Clemson
14. Seahawks-DE- Derrick Morgan -Georgia Tech
15. Giants-MLB- Rolando McClain- Alabama
16. Titans-DE- Jason Pierrre-Paul- South Florida
17. 49ers-G- Mike Iupati- Idaho
18. Steelers-DL- Jared Odrick- Penn State
19. Falcons-CB- Kyle Wilson- Boise State
20. Texans-RB- Ryan Mathews- Fresno State
21. Bengals-S- Taylor Mays- USC
22. Patriots-LB- Brandon Graham- Michigan
23. Packers-OT- Anthony Davis- Rutgers
24. Eagles-LB- Sean Weatherspoon- Missouri
25. Ravens-TE- Jermaine Gresham- Oklahoma
26. Cardinals-CB- Kareem Jackson- Alabama
27. Cowboys-OT- Bruce Campbell- Maryland
28. Chargers-DT- Terrence Cody- Alabama
29. Jets-LB- Sergio Kindle- Texas
30. Vikings-DB-Devin McCourtry- Rutgers
31. Colts-OL- Maurice Pouncey- Florida
32. Saints-DE- Carlos Dunlup- Florida

Terrelle Pryor T.P. 2010

I am interested in seeing how well Terrelle Pryor will perform this upcoming season.  This will be year three for Pryor at Ohio State and its about time big things start happening for the consensus No.1 recruit of 2008.  To make a healthy comparison, Vince Young's light went on after season three at the University of Texas.  If his most recent bowl game is any indication, Pryor should be in store for a huge junior season.  Jim Tressel may finally be ready to allow his stud quarterback to show his true skills.  In the 2010 Rose Bowl against Oregon T.P. shredded a good Oregon defense as he went 23-37 for 266 yards and 2 touchdowns.  It was his coming out party as a passer.  I expect to see #2 throwing plenty of deep balls this season while still stressing defensive coordinators out with his ability to get outside the pocket anytime he likes.  With a strong junior campaign Pryor could position himself to be the first QB selected in the 2011 NFL Draft.  He would have stiff competition tho from QB's Jake Locker(Wash), Ryan Mallett(Ark), and Andrew Luck(Stanford).  It is my hope that Pryor will stay in school his entire fours years and allow himself the best possible chance at success and being NFL ready.  Only time will tell. Stay tuned for T.P. 2010.

Who is your top Running Back. I love Joe McKnight. Smooth

Who is your top rated running back.  leave your comments and let me know?

Is CJ Spiller that good?

  I'm really interested in know what people really think of CJ Spiller?

Big Ben

So how many fans think Ben Roethlisberger should face some type of discipline from Roger Goodell. Poll starting tommorrow on the blog!!!
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Big Ben

So how many fans think Ben Roethlisberger should face some type of discipline from Roger Goodell. Poll starting tommorrow on the blog!!!
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Santonio, Santonio, Santonio

Oh my first thought was to write this blog post and blast the Pittsburgh Steelers for trading Santonio Holmes amid all the dysfunction involving their quarterback.  On the heels of Ben Roethlisberger dodging another personal bullet, Holmes release smelled of racial mistreatment.  Then I had to wake up and check myself.  Race had nothing to do with Holmes getting traded.  Race had nothing to with Holmes getting arrested for marijuana two seasons ago.  Race had nothing to do with a woman getting hit in the face with a glass.  Race has nothing to do with Holmes being in the NFL substance abuse program nor being suspended.  Race simply has nothing to do with Santonio Holmes being traded.  Santonio dug his own grave in Pittsburgh and even then the Steelers blessed him with a trade to New York.  They could have banished Holmes to Oakland for some donuts and a pick.  So even now Santonio Holmes is now on a AFC front runner.  I am so sick and tired of black athletes feeling entitled during a day in time when so many struggle to make it day to day.  Santonio Holmes needs to look in the mirror and decide what type of athlete he wants to be.  He has another chance at career success and may not deserve it.  Santonio needs to look within and decide how he wants his legacy to end.

Please Ben Grow Up

I can't help but feel a sense of relief for Ben Roethlisberger. I also feel like there is a little angel sitting on the superstars shoulders. Point blank he is lucky as hell. Between the bike crash, the pending civil case in Nevada, and this rape allegation he honestly should be ruined by now.  Anybody else may have lost endorsements, and their career all in one.  No disrespect to him, but I'm not sure anyone else would have survived such adverse situations.  I just hope he learns his lesson. I truly do. Ben from here on out just stay at home.  Learn to engulf yourself into your teammates and to the sport that has blessed you so wonderfully.  Keep the groupie chicks out of your face. Leave the star status and the V.I.P treatment to someone else.  You are facing a suspension and serious questioning of your character simply because you want to be a rock star.  I understand you are single and not a married man.  Please take my advice and start to act like a few of your married contemporaries.  Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Donovan Mcnabb, Drew Brees, are perfect role  models for you.  Give them a call Ben.  You are a quarterback not a wide receiver or some linebacker.  You are suppose to be a leader of men and should carry yourself as such.  You represent a hard working city and yet to continue to embarrass them and yourself.  How many 2 times super bowl winning quarterbacks have had to deal with such distasteful charges.  Ben please grow up now before  you lose it all.

What now for Maurice Clarett?

Wow the 2003 national championship seems like centuries ago.  Maurice Clarett was considered the best running back in the country.  Sean Taylor(RIP) was still knocking people out and on his way to the NFL.  Not before a monumental upset in that BCS National Title game changed the Hurricanes season, and Clarett's fortunes.  In that game Maurice Clarett ran and played like a back possessed.  His strip of Sean Taylor after a super interception by the safety help seal the win and a championship for coach Jim Tressel and the Buckeyes.  That was a little over 7 long years ago.  Today clarett is now 26 and imprisoned.  He is set to be released to minimum security detention center in Ohio to finish his final six months.  The story of Maurice Clarett is all to familiar and sad.  Clarett a star running back was coddled, used, and thrown to the wolves after his services were no longer needed.   He was enabled by Ohio State to act out and do what he wanted.  Yet after deciding he was no longer interested in being a college athlete that same university essentially turned its back on Clarett.  His spiral out of control started that moment.  He received awful advice, and made awful choices.  He tried to enter the NFL a few months after that game even though he knew the rules would not allow him to.  After a awful stint with the Denver Broncos that saw Clarett come to camp out of shape and with a sorry attitude, he was released and out of football.  In 2006 Clarett was arrested in Columbus, OH after robbing a couple leaving a bar.  Clarett is now a felon with no formal education, no job training or skills, and no future in football.  It is the all to common story of athlete who was used for his needs and tossed aside after he was no longer needed.  This is all on Maurice Clarett in my opinion.  It is up to the student athlete to use the university for all its has to offer.  Notice I used the word student.  If only young Clarett would have allowed himself to become a student and mature.  Unfortunately Maurice was allowed to conduct himself like the pampered athlete he thought he was.  Today he writes a blog about his past and determined his failure was due to lack of character.  It is my hope that prison fortified his character and gave him some insight into what he wants to do with his life now.  Maurice Clarett is still young enough to make something of his life and to a productive role model to his son.  I'm praying and rooting for this guy to succeed.  Lets just hope he learned his lesson.

What do the Rams have up their sleeve?

Are the St. Louis Rams trying to pull off the same kinda two for one that the Chargers pulled off in the 2001 draft?  It is a big risk and probably won't happen but could send shock waves through this years NFL draft.  The St.Louis rams held a personal workout with Colt McCoy on Thursday and all indications were that it went well.  The workout has many experts wondering if it was a smokescreen or a real viable possibility.  It would take a lot of things going right for this to workout but it has happened before.  In 2001 the Chargers swapped picks with the Atlanta Falcons so they could select Michael Vick #1.  San Diego selected Ladainian Tomlinson with the 5th pick and then had to patiently wait and hope no team selected Drew Brees.  That hope was realized when no team selected Brees and the Chargers were able to snag him with the 33rd pick of the draft.  Could St. Louis have dreams of selecting Suh with that first pick in the draft and then patiently waiting until the first pick of the second round(#33) to grab Colt McCoy with it?  It would make for a long first round for the Rams and coach Steve Spagnuolo, but would be the coup of the draft if they could pull it off.  Sam bradford is rated the #1 overall prospect at qb, but Colt is not that far behind.  It would also make Rams fans feel better about passing on Bradford if Suh or Gerald McCoy were also on the roster after night one.  Stay tuned.

Eagles Fans "Racist or Disloyal"

As I had the opportunity to sit and listen to fans applaud the trade of Donovan Mcnabb, I can't help but wonder if race or just plain disloyalty played a part in people feeling so enthusiastic about #5 departure.  Me personally I know enough about football to know that the decision was purely business from the Eagles point of view.  Kevin Kolb is about 7 years younger and several million dollars cheaper.  My problem is not with the business aspect of it.  I struggle to accept such disloyalty from fans. I remember that draft day vividly.  It was the spring of my junior season at Cheyney University, and we had just finished a long grueling spring football practice.  The commissioner stepped to the podium and announced that the Eagles had just selected QB Donovan Mcnabb from Syracuse University 2nd overall.    I will never forget how the boo's rang out.  I can't recall a crowd of fans being that brutal before or since.  Angelo Cataldi, Mayor Ed Rendell, and hundreds of Eagles fans were in love with Ricky Williams.  Mcnabb handled that moment like he has most other moments during his tenure in philly, like a champion.  It is my opinion that Eagles fans are some of the most disloyal at times.  They are also spoiled and obnoxious.  For what reason I don't know.  What I do know is that I wish I could turn back the hands of time.  If only I could allow some karma to creep in to this situation.  What if Cleveland selected Donovan instead of Tim Couch?  I know the Browns fortunes would be totally different.  How would Eagles fans have felt about a gutless Couch?  What if the Bengals had selected Mcnabb and not Akili Smith?  Would they have ever been in a position to draft Carson Palmer?  Eagles fans would have had a field day with Akili?

My point is the Philadelphia Eagles are one of the better NFL organizations around.  Its not a mistake that #5 was the qb.  The things Mcnabb accomplished are no accident either.  The man is a straight up winner on and off the field.  Be blessed Eagles fans.  Have some class. Show some respect.  These past eleven years could have gone way different.  Who knows maybe the Eagles would have been bad enough to eventually draft Jamarcus Russell.  Yea right now Eagles fans deserve Jamarcus Russell at his worst.    One love Donnie Mac #5.

Donovan Mcnabb

I am not a coach and have no room to question any coach in the NFL. Andy Reid is either that arrogant or just plain crazy. Reid traded his Franchise QB to a division rival that seems to be on the upswing. Andy Reid just made shockwaves bigger then the earthquake that hit California just a few hrs earlier. A pissed off and super motivated Donovan Mcnabb gets to dual with the Eagles twice a year. Mcnabb now inherits a better running attack. A 3 headed monster of sorts. A running attack that will offset whatever lack of wide recievers the Eagles are missing. The Redskins will have a better overall defense then the Philadelphia Eagles also. I am excited and in shock right now. The NFC is gonna be so tight this season.
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Dez Bryant

Is it me or is Dez Bryant in line to become the next Charles Roger. Not because of a drug habit, but because of his character. He seems to not be as intelligent as most. He is very nonchalant and lazy in my opinion. He gets suspended and misses a whole season, yet didn't look impressive at all in his pro day. Dez looked out of shape and confused at times while doing cone drills. Makes me worry.
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Redskins

The Washington Redskins are quietly having a productive offseason. I am interested in seeing how this 3 headed horse at running back will play out. Portis, Larry Johnson, and Willie Parker make a worn, but formidable backfield. I'm not sure a 3 headed monster will work with such an established group. I'm interested in seeing who might be the odd man out. Stay tuned
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Breaking News

The Dallas Cowboys have released left tackle Flozell Adams and Safety Ken Hamlin for Salary Cap purposes.
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