Your Ridiculous News

by Adam “Sully” Sullivan

CHINA TO LITTLE GIRL: “FUCK YOU”

“A 7-year-old Chinese girl was not good-looking enough for the Olympics opening ceremony, so another little girl with a pixie smile lip-synched Ode to the Motherland, a ceremony official said — the latest example of the lengths Beijing took for a perfect start to the Summer Games.”
-Associated Press

You know what, I’m glad they did this. Honestly, ugly kids have no place in front of a television camera regardless of how hard they’ve worked or how much they deserve it. If I saw that ugly girl singing at the opening ceremonies I’d have to say to myself, “CHRIST! The rampant pollution, the almost tyrannical reign the government has taken in censorship, the lack of reliable local food, and that whole Tibet thing were passable, but this ugly little kid does it…the Olympics are now officially ruined. Guess what…I hate you China. Forever. Japan is about 1.3 billion times better than you. Hell, I’d take North Korea over you jackasses, and that is one hell of a strong statement. And no, I’m not a racist. I’m a retarded-country-ist.

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SUSPECTED ABDUCTION ACTUALLY TEENAGED SEX GAME

“Ottawa [Canada] police say a report of a woman tied up and held in a car turned out to be two teenagers role-playing…Police say the woman was sitting in a black Fiat convertible, her mouth was covered by duct tape and her hands were bound by duct tape, and tied to the head rest. Police say the initial investigation shows the man and woman, both 18-years-old, are in a relationship and were role playing.”
- 24 Hours (Canadian News Paper)

Wow. Thank god the cops didn’t look down and see the strap-on she was wearing; otherwise it would have really been weird. Look, I’m not even that old and this story has left me saying, “Kids these days are fucked.” (Mom, you may want to stop reading…) Yeah, I role played when I was younger, hell I still do now, but this may be pushing it to the limits a little bit. I’m no pussy, but I know the difference between good role playing and bad role playing, and when the police and a national newspaper are involved, it’s safe to say that it is bad role playing. Ah well, lesson learned I guess. Try something a little more sane…like poo play.

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TORI SPELLING QUITS 90210, NOBODY GIVES A CARE

“[Tori Spelling] walked away from the revamped TV show after discovering she is to be paid $10,000 to $20,000 US per episode — less than half the figure former co-stars Jennie garth and Shannen Doherty are picking up to reprise their roles.”
-METRO News Services

Um producer guys, you could get a real horse for $3600 a year. Chances are it will be a better actress and it’ll definitely kick people in the abdomen a lot less. Like come on here Tori, I know you have to put oat bags on the table, and God knows your hasn’t-acted-since-JAG husband isn’t going to do it, but you’re a horrible actress AND you’re ugly as polka dots. Maybe you’re still under the impression that you have even an ounce of talent, but guess what…YOUR DAD IS DEAD and any shot you ever had at being relevant died with him. The only chance you have at getting paid now would be to dig up his old rotting body and physically re-animate it a la Weekend at Bernie’s and have it convince everyone that you have any business being anything but something little guys ride at the race track. To ask for more than $5 per lifetime is a slap in the face to Luke Perry’s drug addiction and Jason Priestley’s sideburns.

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AND FINALLY FROM THE “NO FUCKING SHIT…” FILES

Country singer Carrie Underwood says that fame can hurt dating.

Thanks for stopping by. Go fuck yourselves, San Diego!

check out “Sully’s” blog Yeah…Totally, Right?

Five NHL Teams To Keep A Close Eye On In 08’

by Joshua Khan…

Hockey is a passionate sport. Friends and family fight over whose teams are the best, puck bunnies battle over star players and most of us even get riled up like Don Cherry during “Coach’s Corner”. The game played with sticks and a mean streak is in our blood, but who are you going to cheer for come October 4th?

The off-season has been full of surprises, upsets and down-right stupid controversies. But nonetheless, that’s what shapes the National Hockey League. This year marks a new dawn as almost every single team has reshaped their roster and organization in some way. The following teams have had success this off-season by fending off free agent sharks and locking in their star players. However, don’t expect all of them to lead their team to what can be truly classified as “glory”.

Here are five teams you should keep a close eye on this upcoming season:

Chicago Blackhawks

Yes I have already jumped and made a bed right next to Scotty Bowman on the bandwagon. Am I wrong for doing so? No; if you look at the Blackhawks organization you’ll notice why this team is a force to be reckoned with. Along with having two sophomores leading the flock, the team is looking to be an offensive threat that can’t be stopped. They may not have notable names, but the Hawks have guys who are rapidly improving (Patrick Sharp, Dustin Byfuglien) and a few youngsters in the system (Michael Blunden, Dave Bolland, Colin Fraser) who are aching to play. Their defence may be lacking despite signing Brian Campbell, but their goalie tandem of Nikolai Khabibulin & Cristobal Huet will erase your memories of the goalie force that once lived in San Jose.

08-09’ Prediction: Finishes 6th in Western Conference.

Edmonton Oilers

We all cheered for them a couple years ago when they could have beaten the Carolina Hurricanes, but unlike the Calgary Flames, the Oilers were beaten by an injury. Taking out a team’s goalie is never the appropriate way to win Stanley’s warmth, so expect Edmonton to come back with a vengeance. They may not have the same team, but the Oilers are constantly improving. They’re one of the youngest teams in the NHL and have done some good by picking up a few solid players. Erik Cole is a great addition on offence and teaming up a healthy Sheldon Souray with Lubomir Visnovsky is pretty, how you say, nasty. The part of this play that needs to work is the goaltending situation; if either goalie steps it up and plays outstanding, then don’t count the Oilers out of the playoffs just yet.

08-09’ Prediction: Competes for 8th in Western Conference.

Phoenix Coyotes

A lot of people are probably wondering whether or not The Great One was suited to be a coach. In the past few years, you could say Wayne Gretzky has done pretty much nothing when it comes to making an impact. But that’s an inaccurate statement. Gretzky certainly knows what he’s doing because he’s built a team from the ground up with young stars (Peter Mueller, Kyle Turris, Mikkel Boedker) and great additions (Iyla Bryzgalov, Olli Jokinen). Their defence may be a bit sketchy since they traded away two solid pieces to Florida, but the Yotes’ have proved to us already that they’re capable of a .500 record. Plus, they have a new logo coming which just might light the fire in a team that’s been constantly mocked.

08-09’ Prediction: Competes for 8th in Western Conference.

Tampa Bay Lightning

The talk about the Bay this off-season is that they signed too many players to count. Some have thought that their actions were a bit unnecessary, but one look at their depth chart will change anyone’s mind. The team lacks in the defenseman department, but they make up for it with forwards. Helping Vincent Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis will be newcomers like Ryan Malone, Gary Roberts, Vaclav Prospal, Mark Rechhi, Radim Vrbata and the wonder-child, Steven Stamkos. To be quite honest, the Bolts just may have the most depth in their four lines of forwards in the entire league. If Olaf Kolzig and Mike Smith play like immovable objects, Florida just might get interested in hockey.

08-09’ Prediction: Finishes 7th in Eastern Conference.

Washington Capitals

This list wouldn’t be complete without the team everyone was cheering for near the end of the regular season last year. The Capitals made believers out of us and you bet your ass everyone will be watching to see what they can do this year. Their goaltending core suffered a major hit, but if Jose Theodore plays like the team expects him to, then fans have nothing to worry about. If Karl Alzner also joins Mike Green on the blue-line and Alexander Ovechkin quenches his scoring thirst, Washington fans can look forward to growing a true playoff beard this season.

08-09’ Prediction: Finishes 3rd in Eastern Conference.

We’re Number ?

By The Angry Sports Bastard… The Olympics are well underway and again Canada is nowhere to be found when it comes to standing on a podium. In fact, if you check the tote board we are officially tied with bottom-feeders such as Libya and Yemen; hell even Thailand has struck Olympic gold. Let’s face it. What’s happening in Beijing is an utter embarrassment and it’s time for Canada to decide if we are ready and willing to invest in athletics to compete with the big boys. I for one am tired of the accolades being thrown around for achieving personal bests. As we learned in Athens, fourth-place really means you are no place.

I’m not going to dig up ancient history here but what else have I got to go on? Remember when Canada owned the pool with Alex Baumann, Victor Davis and Anne Ottenbreit? And who can forget Canada in the boxing ring? Lennox Lewis (a turncoat with a phony English accent) struck gold by whacking Riddick Bowe in Seoul; Shawn O’Sullivan won a silver medal at the ’84 Games after getting hosed by the judges and; Egarton Marcus winning silver in 1988. What did Canada’s boxing “team” look like in Beijing? It consisted of one guy who got destroyed. Hey, he can now enjoy the rest of his vacation.

The Games aren’t even half over and reality is starting to set in that we aren’t up to snuff on the world stage when it comes to the Summer Games. Canada’s medal count has been in a steady decline over the years with no hint of reversing the trend in sight. The finger-pointing has already started that the lack of funding is doing a disservice to athletes; corporations aren’t putting their money where their mouth is to provide support; the lack of facilities and coaches has driven our best athletes south of the border and parts unknown to train. And who can blame them?

The Americans and a lot of other countries figured out a long time ago that serious money can be made from competing in athletics. We are still in the sporting wilderness. Countries like Kahzakstan are even offering their athletes $250,000 for winning a gold medal; Canada is giving its competitors jobs at Home Depot. (Hey, Mark Boswell, clean up in aisle 7).

Need more evidence we don’t take this stuff seriously and are turning into a nanny state? Just stop by your nearest soccer or baseball field or grade chool and see how much coddling is taking place on the playing grounds and the emphasis is not on winning but participating; where everybody gets an equal chance to play no matter what their ability and in the words of Hot Chocolate, “Everyone’s a winner baby.” Blue ribbons all around. Please.

I can’t wait for Vancouver 2010. Summer sports may not be Canada’s thing but this drought can’t continue. All I know is if some bobsled team from Jamaica rolls into our yard and hits pay dirt there will be hell to pay.

You’ve been great. Keep listening to Nash the Slash.

How The Hell Do We Do This? The All-Time Toronto Maple Leafs Team

by Bryan Thiel… My favorite team is Toronto. Needless to say, I’m screwed—our fans can’t even agree on who to buy-out let alone an All-Time roster, and I’m the one brave enough to take this on?

I guess living a little never hurt anyone eh?

So here we go: BT’s All-Time Toronto Maple Leafs Team According to Position, Impact, and Career.

First Line:

Left Wing: Darryl Sittler—To start with, the man spent 11 (and a half) of his 15 NHL season in Toronto. Over his career, Sittler posted over 1100 points, 484 goals, and over 600 assists, while keeping his penalty minutes in check for the most part (In the OHL, he had a bit of a temper, while there were only three NHL seasons he was at or near 100 penalty minutes).

Sittler was also the man who took over captaining this team after Dave Keon left unceremoniously, and we all know about his 10-point game against the Boston Bruins.

What’s more however, is that Sittler was willing to stand-up to Harold Ballard and his lunacy. Despite ripping the ‘C’ off of his sweater, Sittler knew the Captain had to be the line of communication between players’ and management—something Ballard refused to acknowledge, treating Sittler and Lanny McDonald terribly until they were traded.

Center: Doug Gilmour—Now there may be a bit of outcry about this, but instead of just placing the top players in Leafs’ history together, I wanted to try and match up their styles as well, and I believe the feisty Gilmour would go well with Sittler.

Although he only played seven seasons and one game with the Leafs, there hasn’t been anyone who has endeared himself to fans in recent memory as much as Gilmour. In the early 90’s Douggie was the heart and soul of the team, always willing to lay his body on the line. He also knew when to score the clutch goal as well, and he recorded some of his best statistical seasons wearing the Blue and White.

Right Wing: George Armstrong—How can you argue against the ‘Chief’? By today’s standards Armstrong’s statistical numbers don’t warrant a first line placement, but his in-your-face stlye and charisma certainly do.

Armstrong is the longest tenured of any Leafs player (21 seasons, 1187 games played) and is also the longest serving Captain (11 seasons). He also brought the Leafs their four most-recent Stanley Cups.

Second Line:

Left Wing: Frank Mahovlich—The ‘Big M’ is one of the most endearing figures in Maple Leafs history.

The son of Croatian immigrants and one of only nine Maple Leafs to have won a Calder Trophy, Mahovlich came to the Leafs and immediately started scoring, potting 20 goals in his first season.

In the years to come (including the Stanley Cup season of ‘61-’62, ‘63, and ‘64) Frank would find himself at the top, or close to it, on the Leafs roster in scoring, including leading the team in goals on numerous occasions.

Despite suffering through problems with depression, Mahovlich would always stand as one of the Leafs’ best players until his trade following the ‘67 Stanley Cup—whether he was at odds with coach Punch Imlach or not.

Center: Mats Sundin—Ignore the retirement rumors for a second, as well as the Vancouver and New York rumors. Whatever happens from here on out, Mats will be known as one of the greatest Leafs of All-Time.

Although his (current) inability to lead the Leafs to their first Stanley Cup in 41 years will be seen as his biggest failing (Although he isn’t the only Captain not to lead the Leafs to a cup in that time period), Mats has shattered offensive records for the Leafs, thrown a team full of lesser-lights on his back numerous times, and dealt, unblinkingly, with the rash Toronto media.

So here’s a hats-off to the powerful Swede—Thanks for a great career Mats. It’s pretty unfortunate though that he can’t get the linemates he deserves until he’s on one of these lists.

Right Wing: Charlie Conacher—Charlie was the power forward before Cam Neely decided to go and define it, making his nickname of the “Big Bomber” pretty fitting.

Playing on a line with Joe Primeau and Harvey Jackson, the “Kid-Line” took the NHL by storm, leading the Leafs to the Stanley Cup finals seven times in their tenure, but only winning it once.

During that time though, Conacher led the team in scoring five times, and the the league twice

He was also part of one of the greatest hockey families in history along with brothers Lionel and Roy—the Sutters can eat their hearts out.

Third Line:

Left Wing: Ace Bailey—Ace Bailey had one of the quickest transitions to the NHL of any Leafs player. In his very first season, Irvine Wallace Bailey scored 22 goals and gathered 10 assists to lead the NHL in scoring.

Bailey would be at or near the Leafs’ scoring lead over the next few seasons, but would eventually have his career come to a crashing halt following a retaliatory hit from behind by the Bruins’ Eddie Shore. Bailey was lucky to survive the hit, but he would never play hockey again.

Bailey is only the second Leaf to have his number permanently retired.

Center: Dave Keon—Unlike your typical third line player, Keon was one of the most gentlemanly of his era—but you’ve got to remember he’s only on the third line of an ‘All-Time’ list.

Keon’s success in the NHL was early in often. He began his career with six straight 20-goal seasons, and two Lady Byng trophies—the result of him taking one minor penalty in each of those two seasons (’61/62 and ‘62/63). He also is the only Leaf to ever win a Conn Smythe trophy.

Keon was also a great skater, with the ability to shut down the oppositions top lines, while killing penalties with great proficiency. All this culminated with a record eight shorthanded goals in 1970/71.

However, Keon may best be known for Harold Ballard blocking him from signing with other NHL teams. The last time that Keon became a free agent in the NHL, Ballard insisted that compensation be paid to the Leafs. The compensation was ludicrously high, and Keon wouldn’t return to the NHL until the WHA’s Hartford Whalers were adopted into the league in the late 70’s.

Despite the grudge Keon carries towards the Leafs, he was, and always will be, one of their best players. It’s a shame the organization treated him the way he did, but we may still one day see his number “honored” by the Leafs.

Right Wing: Babe Dye—Babe was a two-time Art Ross winner despite being one of the slowest skaters in the league at the time. For five consecutive seasons (1920/21-1924/25) Dye was either first or second in the NHL goals race.

Dye also held the record for goals in a season for the Maple Leafs/St. Pats with 38 in 30 games until it was broken by Frank Mahovolich over the course of a 70 game season in 1960/61.

Like so many of the players from that era however, Dye’s career was wrecked by injury, as a broken leg ruined his career and his skill for scoring. Despite that however, Dye ended up finishing his career in Toronto, and was (at that point) the most dynamic goal scorer in the history of the young franchise.

Fourth Line:

Left Wing: Wendel Clark—Cap’n Crunch is synonymous with Doug Gilmour—it just seems like those two go together.

Like Yanic Perreault, Wendel has had three different stints with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Unlike Yanic, all of Wendel’s stints in Toronto have been memorable.

At first, Clark was the first wave of light coming in to sweep fans out of the darkness that was the Harold Ballard regime. Clark also led the Leafs to one of their most memorable playoff appearances of the 90’s, where they faced off in the West final against Wayne Gretzky, Barry Melrose, and the L.A. Kings.

Clark would again lead the Leafs to the conference finals, but following their series against the Canucks (1993/94), Clark was traded for Mats Sundin.

The gritty veteran would return to the Leafs twice more, with more love from the fans being shown each time.

Center: Norm Ullman—Norm Ullman hit, he had style, and he scored—hell the man would fit in with today’s NHL. Ullman was a model of consistency down the middle for every team he played for, as he posted 16 seasons of 20 or more goals, and a total of 1229 points (and eleven All-Star appearances) over his 20 season career.

Despite never winning a Cup during his career, or having a prolonged stay in Toronto, Ullman is one of the true greats of the NHL, and a man who deserves some recognition after spending time with two of the league’s most storied franchises (Detroit and Toronto).

Right Wing: Lanny McDonald—Perhaps the only moustache in Leafs’ history that can top Wendel Clark’s was Lanny McDonald’s.

McDonald was another victim of Harold Ballard, as to make a point to the Leafs’ players of the time that no one was safe, Ballard orchestrated a deal that sent McDonald—a guy with four-straight 80+ point seasons and two seasons of 90 points in the past four years—to the Colorado Rockies.

Despite all of this, McDonald still lives on in the hearts of Leafs fans as one of their own.

Notable forwards omitted: Syl Apps, Joe Primeau, Harvey Jackson, Tie Domi.

DEFENSE (CLAP! CLAP! CLAP!) DEFENSE!!!

(No pairings for this, just the guys who should be on this team in no particular order).

King Clancy: Clancy may have been small, but he defined the words ‘determination’ and ‘pepper-pot’ (Ok….I’m not sure of the definition of “pepper-pot” but in the hockey sense he defined it).

Clancy was ferocious and versatile—at one point playing all six positions on the ice in one game (Goalies served their own penalties at that point in time, so you can probably put two and two together).

Clancy was traded away from the Ottawa Senators (a team with which he had won two Cups) 1930 to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Clancy would eventually finish his career with Toronto after helping them capture a Stanley Cup.

Tim Horton: Aside from the coffee, Tim Horton is all about quality.

He was the kind of defender every team needs: Cool under pressure, a deft skater and puckhandler with an edge, but not reckless enough to take stupid penalties. He was also one of the strongest players in the game at the time, breaking ribs with his patented “bear hug” during fights.

In almost 20 years with the Leafs he captured four cups and appeared in seven All-Star games, and set the record for consecutive games played by a defenseman (until Karlis Skrastins came along that is).

Looking up and down the list of defensemen who have played for the Leafs, it’s hard to find someone as imposing, or as talented, as Horton.

Broje Salming: Salming proved that European players could play in the NHL, as well as for its more respected franchises, and have an impact.

For a blonde-haired kid from Sweden, Salming immediately enraptured the fans in Toronto with his style, and he never looked back, creating an indelible imprint on the NHL—one that would allow players like Sundin and Peter Forsberg to follow in his footsteps.

For years, Salming was the best defenseman Toronto had, as well as one of the top d-men in the league. I’m pretty sure he runs an underwear (or clothing company—I could be wrong) company now. Go figure.

Hap Day: Hap Day started out as a forward, but soon switched to defense.

For the man who wore so many hats throughout his NHL career (Minor League Coach, Assistant GM, Referee), the most prestigious of those hats was the Captaincy of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Day was also one half of the most feared defensive pairings in the league at that point in time, pairing with King Clancy to shut down opponents offenses and winning a cup in 1932.

Red Kelly: For some of you historians out there, you’ll know that the Leafs passed up the opportunity to have Kelly from the outset of his career in 1947. Instead, he went to the Red Wings where he won a Norris Trophy, a handful of Lady Byng trophies, and came within sniffing distance of a Hart Trophy.

Kelly was the whole package—a leader who could skate, hit, and score, and play forward when he needed to. After leading the Red Wings on a rampage of the league however (4 Cups and 8 Regular Season titles in 12 seasons), Kelly butted heads with Detroit management and was then convinced by Punch Imlach to come to Toronto—and play Center.

Well, Kelly did just that, transforming Frank Mahovolich into a dynamo and winning four more cups. And I’ve got him on this list as a defenseman. Sometimes you just have to roll with the punches.

Red Horner: Horner was one of the meanest men to step on the ice between 1930 and 1940. In only 490 games, Horner garnished 1262 penalty minutes—or 2.6 minors per game.

The big knock agaist Red is that he was a brute. Well every team needs a brute, and he did just that. Besides, with Clancy and Day on the team, there wasn’t much room for Horner to make his mark offensively anyhow.

But for the sake of Red Horner, there’s nothing wrong with a little added protection.

Notable Omissions: Larry Murphy, Allan Stanley.

Goaltenders:

Johnny Bower: After toiling in the minors for a few years with the New York Rangers, Bower found his home in Toronto—and what a home for the “China Wall”.

Bower was the backbone of Toronto’s three straight cups in the early ’60s, and was one of the best goalies of his time—usually fighting with Terry Sawchuck for supremacy (although they would later team together in 1967 for the Leafs’ most recent Stanley Cup), as the two even split the Vezina Trophy in 1965.

Bower was quick with the glove, quick to his own defense, and quick to a quote as he was one of the most colorful players in Toronto’s history. As an example, when he retired as the oldest goalie in NHL history, he was asked his real age. Bower’s response? “If you don’t know by now, you never will”.

Aside from that, I may just be biased—I met Bower once at a book signing and he’s probably the nicest man in the world. Either way, he was pretty good for an old guy.

Turk Broda: If I had organized this section according to “starting” and “backup” then Broda would be starting, with Bower behind him. Instead, I just decided to name the two best goalies the Leafs have ever had—Broda being one of them.

Despite leaving the NHL to serve in World War II, Broda was still able to win two Vezina Trophies (1941, 1948) in his career, as well as five Stanley Cup championships with the Maple Leafs.

With a track record like that, it’s hard to see another goalie to ever come along with the Leafs and do what Turk did—he seems to be simply outstanding.

Whether he’s pushed back to history’s dusty shelf or not however, all Leafs fans should keep a spot in their heart for Walter Edward Broda—he may be a few years removed from our time, but he certainly earned our respect.

So there’s my list. To be honest, I found this truly difficult because the Leafs have a history that predates my grandparents, so the task of an ‘All-Time Toronto Maple Leafs/St. Patricks Team” seemed arduous.

If you agree or disagree however, I’d love to hear why!

Won’t You Stay, A.J.?

by Navin Vaswani…  Holy shit. I think A.J. Burnett is finally, finally, putting it all together. We’re not even halfway through August, and Burnett registered his 14th win of the season the other night. I’m like, giddy.

Burnett! With 14 wins! In August! Two more than his previous career high! Sigh. Our A.J. is all grown up.

I get the feeling Burnett is enjoying pitching for Cito Gaston. Since the Gastonian one returned to the Toronto dugout, A.J.’s won eight of 10 starts. He made it four dubyas in a row yesterday to complete the four-game sweep of the hapless Athletics of Oakland.

What made the win so sugary sweet was the fact that Burnett didn’t have his best stuff, and had to battle. Oakland jumped out to an early 3-0 lead, which led to a mound visit from Cito in only the second inning. Whatever Gaston said, it worked. Burnett worked his tail off the rest of the way, going six innings and giving up four earned runs on the night. But most importantly, he kept his team in the game, and his offence responded by bringing out the brooms.

Again, I must reiterate that I absolutely love how Gaston goes out to talk to his pitchers during the game, instead of sending pitching coach Brad Arnsberg to do the deed. Cito’s just heavenly.

Speaking of Gaston, he’s coming back next year. And I couldn’t be happier about it. It’s a celebration, bitches!

Back to Burnett. It’s apparently only a foregone conclusion that he’s going to opt-out of the final two years of his contract with the Jays come seasons end. I wouldn’t be surprised if he does. Nobody should be. He’d be an idiot not to, really. He’s having a career year at the most opportune time in his life, and everyone knows pitchers get grossly overpaid on the open market (hello, Carlos Silva).

A part of me, however, is hoping, and praying, that A.J. proves all of us wrong. With $24 million left on his contract, it’s not like he’s going to have trouble feeding his family if he sticks around. Perhaps, as crazy as it sounds, A.J. is content here in Toronto, along with his best friend forever Roy Halladay, his mentor Brad Arnsberg, and his favourite manager Cito Gaston. Perhaps A.J., after years of searching, and after years of trying to harness his amazing potential, has finally found his happy place. And it happens to be right here with the Toronto Blue Jays.

I don’t think there’d be anything better in the whole wide world than A.J., at the end of the season, coming out and saying: “You know what? Fuck it. I’m staying. We have unfinished business here in Toronto.”

A man can dream…

I leave you with a phenomenal post from The Tao of Stieb, on the douchebags known as bandwagon Blue Jays fans. Do yourself a favour and read it. No, really, read it. I’ll wait. No, I insist.

Back? Cool. I know, I told you it was great. It’s the perfect example of why I read, and why I love, The Tao of Stieb, probably the best Toronto Blue Jays blog that exists out here on Al Gore’s internet.

More from Navin read… Sports and The City

NFL PREVIEWS - AFC

by Mike De Marco… With The NFL season just around the corner, I take a look at 32 burning questions around the league. Predicted record in parenthesis.

AFC EAST

NEW ENGLAND (13-3)
Burning Question: Will the Patriots suffer a drop off after failing to complete their quest for an undefeated season after a shocking loss in the Super Bowl?

Mike’s Take: To expect the Pats to run through the regular season undefeated again would be downright foolish, but to see them representing the AFC in the Super Bowl again would not be unexpected. The Patriots will once again be the team to beat in the AFC, as Tom Brady, Randy Moss, and co. look to finish what they could not last season.

NEW YORK JETS (10-6)
Burning Question: Can Brett Favre adapt to a new offence quickly enough to turn the fortune around for a team that finished last season 4-12?

Mike’s Take: Considering what this team had at the quarterback spot a season ago, it’s easy to assume there is a major upgrade here; and, although it might take a while for Favre to adapt to his new offense, it’s fair to say he is good for at least four wins, which would give New York a .500 season. Add in the $125 million the front office tossed around at free agents, and the J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets will compete for a wild card berth.

BUFFALO BILLS (6-10)
Burning Question: Who’s it gonna be fellas? Trent Edwards, or J.P Losman?

Mike’s Take: Edwards is the starter…for now. But after last season’s inconsistencies among both quarterbacks, I predict the quarterback carousel has not come to a complete stop just yet. Edwards needs to solidify himself as the starter with solid play right out of the gate to silence the inevitable rumblings that will come with each incompletion. Having said all that, the Bills need another year of seasoning for all their young talent, and need a ton of luck to make the post season. I think they actually regress from a year ago.

MIAMI DOLPHINS (3-13)
Burning Question: Does Bill Parcells have the savvy to turn around the NFL’s worst team?

Mike’s Take: Even though the “TUNA” is in the front office and not on the sidelines, make no mistake; this is his football team. After an abysmal 1-15 campaign, Parcells definitely has his work cut out for him, and to think Miami has even the slightest of hopes this year, well you may as well re-invest in the Bre-X stock. Will they win more then a single game this year? I have no doubts, but with a new starting QB, coach, and various other aspects, the Fin’s are going to need monster years out of running backs Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams, who is trying to revive his once budding (no pun intended) career. Miami will run the ball a ton, but it won’t be enough to avoid another last place finish in the East. Parcells will definitely turn this team around, just not overnight.

AFC NORTH
CLEVELAND BROWNS (11-5 Tie-breaker)
Burning Question: Can newly acquired tackles Shaun Rogers and Corey Williams adapt to playing in a 3-4 scheme after spending their careers playing in a 4-3?

Mike’s Take: On the surface, you would think that playing on the defensive line is playing on the defensive line, but any scout will tell you that the two schemes are totally different. A 4-3 usually likes to employ tackles who penetrate the backfield and disrupt plays while a 3-4 likes their tackles to take on blocking offensive line-men, leaving space for the linebackers to make plays. I’m not sure if either tackle is a “great fit”, but feel that both are a major upgrade over what they had last season. If both don’t mind playing unselfish football, which for Rogers is a major question mark, I think the Browns run defense will be much improved. Don’t look at sack or tackle totals to judge their performance, but instead look at what the Browns yield per game on the ground. That will be the true indicator of Rogers, and Williams’ value.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS (11-5)
Burning Question: With Head Coach Mike Tomlin installing a new spread formation offense, can the Steelers still be successful?

Mike’s Take: I think this is a very interesting development. On one hand you have a Super Bowl winning quarterback in Ben Roethlisberger, who we have yet to see at full capacity, and on the other hand, you have years and years of a running system that has been very successful for this franchise. Bottom line comes down to how much the Steelers still plan on running the football. Willie Parker returns as the starter, but first round draft pick Rashard Mendenhall will be the new bruiser back. I think Big Ben has the attributes to put up much bigger numbers than he has in the past and the Steelers must think the same way. The bigger question might be: do the Steelers have the weapons to run this offence? Prediction: Roethlisberger passes for 4,000, and Santonio Holmes surpasses 1200 receiving yards.

BALTIMORE RAVENS (5-11)
Burning Question: Who will be the eventual number one quarterback: Kyle Boller, Troy Smith, or Joe Flacco?

Mike’s Take: I really think the answer to this is simple. Flacco is the future for this franchise. He may not be the starter opening week, but he will be starting by week 10, and you can quote me on that. You don’t trade up in the first round to select someone who won’t contribute early. The pre-season will determine who, out of Boller and Smith, will start week one, but in essence, it’s just a prayer the Ravens have of hopefully making the postseason. I will end all the speculation for them. THEY HAVE NO CHANCE! Baltimore boasts zero in terms of offensive capabilities, and are getting very old on the defensive side of the ball. So my estimation is by week 10, they will be all but out of it and insert their new quarterback of the future. Flacco has many tools that previous Raven Q.B’s lacked, especially an arm. Flacco can down right let it fly, and by seasons end the NFL will know too!

CINCINNATI BENGALS (4-12)
Burning Question: Will the Bengals make it through the season without any issues off the field?

Mike’s Take: After an abysmal season where all of the Bengals weaknesses were exposed on the field, several were exposed off of it as well. Several Cincinnati football players were arrested and/or convicted of various offenses, thereby putting an addition burden in the locker room for team leaders such as Carson Palmer. Coach Marvin Lewis sent a strong message in the off season that this behavior is not acceptable and promptly released players such as promising LB Odell Thurman, who has been suspended indefinitely by the NFL. WR Chris Henry has also been suspended for the season’s first four games and has also been released by the team. Even without any of the issues off the field, the Bengals are in for a very long season. This team has a ton of problems on the field too!

AFC SOUTH

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (13-3)
Burning Question: Do the Jaguars finally have a complete enough team to overtake the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC South?

Mike’s Take: What we’re going to see with the Jacksonville Jaguars this season will be the most talked about story in the NFL this season. Yes, Jacksonville has the team to finally overtake the Colts in the South. They will finally show a passing attack to go along with that freakish running attack they bring with them on Sunday’s. The acquisition of WR Jerry Porter may have gone unnoticed by many fans across the league, but it is a name you will hear time and time again this season. Porter has tons and tons of ability, but was stuck in an abyss while he wasted away in Oakland. First; he was stuck behind legends Jerry Rice and Tim Brown. Then he was in another quagmire when the Raiders just didn’t have anyone to deliver him the football. Porter is the type of down field threat this team, and more specifically QB David Garrard, has lacked. The Jaguars, for the first time since the Mark Brunell days, have a very balanced offence. Defensively, the addition of coordinator Greg Williams will make an already good defense that much better. Williams has had defensive success everywhere he has gone. This is definitely the best chance Jacksonville will have to take over the South, and I am going on record as saying they will.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (12-4)
Burning Question: Will Peyton Manning be affected by having his bursa sac removed so close to the start of the season?

Mike’s Take: We are talking about one of the games all time great quarterbacks in Manning, but anytime a player has a long layoff it can be a concern. Manning should be healthy for the opening game of the season, but how effective will he be without having any game reps in the pre-season? When you consider that the Colts offense is basically run on timing routes, it can become a factor. Having said that, Manning has been running this offense for years and it won’t take him long to regain his timing, but the Colts first three opponents are the Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings, and the Jaguars, who all boast one of the leagues better defenses and could cause a wary Manning many problems. Look for the Indy high octane offense to be fully running by week four.

HOUSTON TEXANS (9-7)
Burning Question: Can the Texans finally compete for a playoff berth?

Mike’s Take: Gary Kubiak has done an admirable job turning around this once morbid franchise by assembling a group that actually competes game in and game out. Solid signings in free agency and some crafty drafting have helped turn this unit into one of the games most exciting. Matt Schaub has brought a presence to the quarterback spot that David Carr never could, and with Kubiak bringing in a myriad of ex-Broncos, either players or coaches, and implementing the same zone blocking scheme he executed for Denver’s two Super Bowl championships, the Texans have reason to believe in offense. On defense 2006 number one pick DE Mario Williams developed in the pass rushing phenom the front office hoped for after leading the team with 14 sacks last season, good for third in the league. 2007 first round selection DT Amobi Okoye anchors the middle of the D-line, providing Houston with a presence on the other side of the ball. Kubiak and the Texans still have work ahead of them before they are considered a premier team in the NFL, but it wouldn’t be out of the question to see the Texans fight for the final wild card berth this season.

TENNESSEE TITANS (6-10)
Burning Question: Which Vince Young will we see this year, Young from ’06, or Young from ’07?

Mike’s Take: To blame Young for all of Tennessee’s problems on offense last year would be down right wrong, but to totally abolish him from any wrong doing would be wrong as well. Young failed to grow on his fascinating rookie season which earned him offensive rookie of the year honors. There were no late game comebacks, thrilling runs, or “how did he do that” plays. Was Young’s rookie year a mirage? Truth of the matter is, Young was basically playing alone out there at times last season. I mean, who on the Titans offense really strikes fear into anyone? Aside from Young of course. Their running game was at times non-existent, and the Titan receivers led the league in dropped passes last year. Surely you can’t blame Young for that. All the great quarterbacks had players to play with them, but Young was left naked last season. Head Coach Jeff Fisher has done little to improve the weapons around Young, so unless Vince can learn to carry this team on his shoulders, look for a season more along the lines of last season. If I’m Fisher, I am pounding RB LenDale White into opposing defenses all game long.

AFC WEST

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (12-4)
Burning Question: Is this team really a Super Bowl contender?

Mike’s Take: After watching the Chargers amass one of the leagues better records over the last three seasons, with zero playoff success it does become a question worth asking. In last years playoff loss in New England you definitely could argue it would have been a different game had RB LaDanian Tomlinson played more than one series, and had QB Phillip Rivers not played on a torn knee. However, it is the second consecutive season where the Pats have knocked the Chargers out of the post season, and in order to become a Super Bowl team, you have to win playoff games. There is not much change for San Diego heading into this season except that Rivers has another year of experience, and LT has another year of wear and tear on his body. This team will definitely be the class of the AFC West again. Just too many ways to beat you. And I expect this team to make some noise in the post season, but with all the very good teams in the AFC it really is tough to say how far they can go. Are they a contender? ABSOLUTELY!

DENVER BRONCOS (10-6)
Burning Question: Will Jay Cutler become an elite quarterback?

Mike’s Take: When the Broncos had an opportunity to trade up in the ’05 draft to get Cutler, Head Coach Mike Shanahan wasted no time in pulling the trigger. What Shanahan saw was a raw talent that comes into the league once a generation. Having played at lowly Vanderbilt in college, Cutler didn’t get the same recognition as draft mates Matt Leinart and Young, but believe this: Cutler is by far the best of the three. Entering his third NFL season Cutler is poised to take the Broncos by the reins and solidify his spot as Broncos quarterback. Not to say Cutler will make everyone forget about ‘ol number 7, but he will become the best Broncos QB since, and possibly ever. Yes you read right…no need to rub your eyes. I for one am the greatest John Elway fan ever, but having watched Elway in years one and two, and now watching Cutler in his first two seasons, I can definitely say that Cutler is ahead at this point in their careers. Number wise it’s not even close, but that is just the Shanahan factor. That’s why I think Cutler has a shot to obliterate Elway’s records, having Shanahan as coach in a QB friendly system can do that for a player. The one thing that really stands out for me with Cutler is the fact he played very well for a second year quarterback, despite playing with type-1 diabetes that was undiagnosed until after the season. Cutler lost 36 pounds in three months, but still played well. Imagine what this kid can do healthy! As long as budding star WR Brandon Marshall can put his off field problems to bed, Cutler and Marshall will form one of the games best duo’s. One more thing I see in Cutler: The “it” factor. Elway had it, Dan Marino had it, Joe Montana had it, and Favre still has it. The little feeling you get when your team needs a play, and you just know your QB is going to make it for them. Ah yes….the “it” factor. Sit back and watch Cutler this season. He alone gives Denver a shot at the post season.

OAKLAND RAIDERS (7-9)
Burning Question: Can the Oakland Raiders finally climb out of mediocrity?

Mike’s Take: Fact of the matter is the Raiders are still owned by Al Davis, and when you are owned by Davis, you are run top to bottom by Davis. Oakland’s problems seem to resonate from the fact that Davis just seems to refuse to change from his old school ways in order to catch up with how football is played today. Horrible free agent signings have plagued this team for years, and average drafting enhances the problem, but if you squint over the horizon, you just might see a glimmer of hope. Oakland may have finally found their franchise player in quarterback JaMarcus Russell. With only two career starts, it’s safe to say this will be another growing year for the team, but some pieces are in place to at least make them competitive. RB Darren McFadden was drafted in the first round to give Oakland a rushing threat not seen since the days of Marcus Allen, and combined with Russell, may form a formidable duo on offense, and with the signing of CB DeAngelo Hall who will team with Nnamdi Asomugha to form one of the best cornerback tandems in football. Oakland has pieces, but it just seems that players who are promising seem to die in Oakland. Is it a Davis thing?

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (3-13)
Burning Question: Will RB Larry Johnson reclaim his spot as one of the leagues best backs?

Mike’s Take: Johnson definitely has the ability to again become one of the leagues better backs, but as you know, a good running back needs a good line and a good passing attack. When Johnson was shredding the league apart for consecutive 1700 yard seasons in ’05, and ’06, Johnson was the beneficiary of a solid offensive line. Pro Bowl players such as William Roaf and Will Shields anchored a line that blew open gaping holes for Johnson to run through. Now it’s a very different story in Kansas City. The passing game is so poor under QB Brodie Croyle, teams will play eight man fronts in order to stop the run, and until Croyle can strike a little fear into opposing teams, they will continue to keep a safety in the box to eliminate Johnson. Head Coach Herm Edwards has made some strides to once again build a dominating O-Line for the Chiefs (drafted T Branden Albert 1st round ’08), but until Kansas City can bring a balanced attack on Sunday’s, Johnson will continue to struggle to find his old form. Look for 1200 plus yards, but no where near his peak production.

NFL PREVIEWS

With The NFL season just around the corner, I take a look at 32 burning questions around the league. Predicted record in parenthesis.

AFC EAST

NEW ENGLAND (13-3)
Burning Question: Will the Patriots suffer a drop off after failing to complete their quest for an undefeated season after a shocking loss in the Super Bowl?

Mike’s Take: To expect the Pats to run through the regular season undefeated again would be downright foolish, but to see them representing the AFC in the Super Bowl again would not be unexpected. The Patriots will once again be the team to beat in the AFC, as Tom Brady, Randy Moss, and co. look to finish what they could not last season.

NEW YORK JETS (10-6)
Burning Question: Can Brett Favre adapt to a new offence quickly enough to turn the fortune around for a team that finished last season 4-12?

Mike’s Take: Considering what this team had at the quarterback spot a season ago, it’s easy to assume there is a major upgrade here; and, although it might take a while for Favre to adapt to his new offense, it’s fair to say he is good for at least four wins, which would give New York a .500 season. Add in the $125 million the front office tossed around at free agents, and the J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets will compete for a wild card berth.

BUFFALO BILLS (6-10)
Burning Question: Who’s it gonna be fellas? Trent Edwards, or J.P Losman?

Mike’s Take: Edwards is the starter…for now. But after last season’s inconsistencies among both quarterbacks, I predict the quarterback carousel has not come to a complete stop just yet. Edwards needs to solidify himself as the starter with solid play right out of the gate to silence the inevitable rumblings that will come with each incompletion. Having said all that, the Bills need another year of seasoning for all their young talent, and need a ton of luck to make the post season. I think they actually regress from a year ago.

MIAMI DOLPHINS (3-13)
Burning Question: Does Bill Parcells have the savvy to turn around the NFL’s worst team?

Mike’s Take: Even though the “TUNA” is in the front office and not on the sidelines, make no mistake; this is his football team. After an abysmal 1-15 campaign, Parcells definitely has his work cut out for him, and to think Miami has even the slightest of hopes this year, well you may as well re-invest in the Bre-X stock. Will they win more then a single game this year? I have no doubts, but with a new starting QB, coach, and various other aspects, the Fin’s are going to need monster years out of running backs Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams, who is trying to revive his once budding (no pun intended) career. Miami will run the ball a ton, but it won’t be enough to avoid another last place finish in the East. Parcells will definitely turn this team around, just not overnight.

AFC NORTH
CLEVELAND BROWNS (11-5 Tie-breaker)
Burning Question: Can newly acquired tackles Shaun Rogers and Corey Williams adapt to playing in a 3-4 scheme after spending their careers playing in a 4-3?

Mike’s Take: On the surface, you would think that playing on the defensive line is playing on the defensive line, but any scout will tell you that the two schemes are totally different. A 4-3 usually likes to employ tackles who penetrate the backfield and disrupt plays while a 3-4 likes their tackles to take on blocking offensive line-men, leaving space for the linebackers to make plays. I’m not sure if either tackle is a “great fit”, but feel that both are a major upgrade over what they had last season. If both don’t mind playing unselfish football, which for Rogers is a major question mark, I think the Browns run defense will be much improved. Don’t look at sack or tackle totals to judge their performance, but instead look at what the Browns yield per game on the ground. That will be the true indicator of Rogers, and Williams’ value.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS (11-5)
Burning Question: With Head Coach Mike Tomlin installing a new spread formation offense, can the Steelers still be successful?

Mike’s Take: I think this is a very interesting development. On one hand you have a Super Bowl winning quarterback in Ben Roethlisberger, who we have yet to see at full capacity, and on the other hand, you have years and years of a running system that has been very successful for this franchise. Bottom line comes down to how much the Steelers still plan on running the football. Willie Parker returns as the starter, but first round draft pick Rashard Mendenhall will be the new bruiser back. I think Big Ben has the attributes to put up much bigger numbers than he has in the past and the Steelers must think the same way. The bigger question might be: do the Steelers have the weapons to run this offence? Prediction: Roethlisberger passes for 4,000, and Santonio Holmes surpasses 1200 receiving yards.

BALTIMORE RAVENS (5-11)
Burning Question: Who will be the eventual number one quarterback: Kyle Boller, Troy Smith, or Joe Flacco?

Mike’s Take: I really think the answer to this is simple. Flacco is the future for this franchise. He may not be the starter opening week, but he will be starting by week 10, and you can quote me on that. You don’t trade up in the first round to select someone who won’t contribute early. The pre-season will determine who, out of Boller and Smith, will start week one, but in essence, it’s just a prayer the Ravens have of hopefully making the postseason. I will end all the speculation for them. THEY HAVE NO CHANCE! Baltimore boasts zero in terms of offensive capabilities, and are getting very old on the defensive side of the ball. So my estimation is by week 10, they will be all but out of it and insert their new quarterback of the future. Flacco has many tools that previous Raven Q.B’s lacked, especially an arm. Flacco can down right let it fly, and by seasons end the NFL will know too!

CINCINNATI BENGALS (4-12)
Burning Question: Will the Bengals make it through the season without any issues off the field?

Mike’s Take: After an abysmal season where all of the Bengals weaknesses were exposed on the field, several were exposed off of it as well. Several Cincinnati football players were arrested and/or convicted of various offenses, thereby putting an addition burden in the locker room for team leaders such as Carson Palmer. Coach Marvin Lewis sent a strong message in the off season that this behavior is not acceptable and promptly released players such as promising LB Odell Thurman, who has been suspended indefinitely by the NFL. WR Chris Henry has also been suspended for the season’s first four games and has also been released by the team. Even without any of the issues off the field, the Bengals are in for a very long season. This team has a ton of problems on the field too!

AFC SOUTH

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (13-3)
Burning Question: Do the Jaguars finally have a complete enough team to overtake the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC South?

Mike’s Take: What we’re going to see with the Jacksonville Jaguars this season will be the most talked about story in the NFL this season. Yes, Jacksonville has the team to finally overtake the Colts in the South. They will finally show a passing attack to go along with that freakish running attack they bring with them on Sunday’s. The acquisition of WR Jerry Porter may have gone unnoticed by many fans across the league, but it is a name you will hear time and time again this season. Porter has tons and tons of ability, but was stuck in an abyss while he wasted away in Oakland. First; he was stuck behind legends Jerry Rice and Tim Brown. Then he was in another quagmire when the Raiders just didn’t have anyone to deliver him the football. Porter is the type of down field threat this team, and more specifically QB David Garrard, has lacked. The Jaguars, for the first time since the Mark Brunell days, have a very balanced offence. Defensively, the addition of coordinator Greg Williams will make an already good defense that much better. Williams has had defensive success everywhere he has gone. This is definitely the best chance Jacksonville will have to take over the South, and I am going on record as saying they will.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (12-4)
Burning Question: Will Peyton Manning be affected by having his bursa sac removed so close to the start of the season?

Mike’s Take: We are talking about one of the games all time great quarterbacks in Manning, but anytime a player has a long layoff it can be a concern. Manning should be healthy for the opening game of the season, but how effective will he be without having any game reps in the pre-season? When you consider that the Colts offense is basically run on timing routes, it can become a factor. Having said that, Manning has been running this offense for years and it won’t take him long to regain his timing, but the Colts first three opponents are the Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings, and the Jaguars, who all boast one of the leagues better defenses and could cause a wary Manning many problems. Look for the Indy high octane offense to be fully running by week four.

HOUSTON TEXANS (9-7)
Burning Question: Can the Texans finally compete for a playoff berth?

Mike’s Take: Gary Kubiak has done an admirable job turning around this once morbid franchise by assembling a group that actually competes game in and game out. Solid signings in free agency and some crafty drafting have helped turn this unit into one of the games most exciting. Matt Schaub has brought a presence to the quarterback spot that David Carr never could, and with Kubiak bringing in a myriad of ex-Broncos, either players or coaches, and implementing the same zone blocking scheme he executed for Denver’s two Super Bowl championships, the Texans have reason to believe in offense. On defense 2006 number one pick DE Mario Williams developed in the pass rushing phenom the front office hoped for after leading the team with 14 sacks last season, good for third in the league. 2007 first round selection DT Amobi Okoye anchors the middle of the D-line, providing Houston with a presence on the other side of the ball. Kubiak and the Texans still have work ahead of them before they are considered a premier team in the NFL, but it wouldn’t be out of the question to see the Texans fight for the final wild card berth this season.

TENNESSEE TITANS (6-10)
Burning Question: Which Vince Young will we see this year, Young from ’06, or Young from ’07?

Mike’s Take: To blame Young for all of Tennessee’s problems on offense last year would be down right wrong, but to totally abolish him from any wrong doing would be wrong as well. Young failed to grow on his fascinating rookie season which earned him offensive rookie of the year honors. There were no late game comebacks, thrilling runs, or “how did he do that” plays. Was Young’s rookie year a mirage? Truth of the matter is, Young was basically playing alone out there at times last season. I mean, who on the Titans offense really strikes fear into anyone? Aside from Young of course. Their running game was at times non-existent, and the Titan receivers led the league in dropped passes last year. Surely you can’t blame Young for that. All the great quarterbacks had players to play with them, but Young was left naked last season. Head Coach Jeff Fisher has done little to improve the weapons around Young, so unless Vince can learn to carry this team on his shoulders, look for a season more along the lines of last season. If I’m Fisher, I am pounding RB LenDale White into opposing defenses all game long.

AFC WEST

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (12-4)
Burning Question: Is this team really a Super Bowl contender?

Mike’s Take: After watching the Chargers amass one of the leagues better records over the last three seasons, with zero playoff success it does become a question worth asking. In last years playoff loss in New England you definitely could argue it would have been a different game had RB LaDanian Tomlinson played more than one series, and had QB Phillip Rivers not played on a torn knee. However, it is the second consecutive season where the Pats have knocked the Chargers out of the post season, and in order to become a Super Bowl team, you have to win playoff games. There is not much change for San Diego heading into this season except that Rivers has another year of experience, and LT has another year of wear and tear on his body. This team will definitely be the class of the AFC West again. Just too many ways to beat you. And I expect this team to make some noise in the post season, but with all the very good teams in the AFC it really is tough to say how far they can go. Are they a contender? ABSOLUTELY!

DENVER BRONCOS (10-6)
Burning Question: Will Jay Cutler become an elite quarterback?

Mike’s Take: When the Broncos had an opportunity to trade up in the ’05 draft to get Cutler, Head Coach Mike Shanahan wasted no time in pulling the trigger. What Shanahan saw was a raw talent that comes into the league once a generation. Having played at lowly Vanderbilt in college, Cutler didn’t get the same recognition as draft mates Matt Leinart and Young, but believe this: Cutler is by far the best of the three. Entering his third NFL season Cutler is poised to take the Broncos by the reins and solidify his spot as Broncos quarterback. Not to say Cutler will make everyone forget about ‘ol number 7, but he will become the best Broncos QB since, and possibly ever. Yes you read right…no need to rub your eyes. I for one am the greatest John Elway fan ever, but having watched Elway in years one and two, and now watching Cutler in his first two seasons, I can definitely say that Cutler is ahead at this point in their careers. Number wise it’s not even close, but that is just the Shanahan factor. That’s why I think Cutler has a shot to obliterate Elway’s records, having Shanahan as coach in a QB friendly system can do that for a player. The one thing that really stands out for me with Cutler is the fact he played very well for a second year quarterback, despite playing with type-1 diabetes that was undiagnosed until after the season. Cutler lost 36 pounds in three months, but still played well. Imagine what this kid can do healthy! As long as budding star WR Brandon Marshall can put his off field problems to bed, Cutler and Marshall will form one of the games best duo’s. One more thing I see in Cutler: The “it” factor. Elway had it, Dan Marino had it, Joe Montana had it, and Favre still has it. The little feeling you get when your team needs a play, and you just know your QB is going to make it for them. Ah yes….the “it” factor. Sit back and watch Cutler this season. He alone gives Denver a shot at the post season.

OAKLAND RAIDERS (7-9)
Burning Question: Can the Oakland Raiders finally climb out of mediocrity?

Mike’s Take: Fact of the matter is the Raiders are still owned by Al Davis, and when you are owned by Davis, you are run top to bottom by Davis. Oakland’s problems seem to resonate from the fact that Davis just seems to refuse to change from his old school ways in order to catch up with how football is played today. Horrible free agent signings have plagued this team for years, and average drafting enhances the problem, but if you squint over the horizon, you just might see a glimmer of hope. Oakland may have finally found their franchise player in quarterback JaMarcus Russell. With only two career starts, it’s safe to say this will be another growing year for the team, but some pieces are in place to at least make them competitive. RB Darren McFadden was drafted in the first round to give Oakland a rushing threat not seen since the days of Marcus Allen, and combined with Russell, may form a formidable duo on offense, and with the signing of CB DeAngelo Hall who will team with Nnamdi Asomugha to form one of the best cornerback tandems in football. Oakland has pieces, but it just seems that players who are promising seem to die in Oakland. Is it a Davis thing?

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (3-13)
Burning Question: Will RB Larry Johnson reclaim his spot as one of the leagues best backs?

Mike’s Take: Johnson definitely has the ability to again become one of the leagues better backs, but as you know, a good running back needs a good line and a good passing attack. When Johnson was shredding the league apart for consecutive 1700 yard seasons in ’05, and ’06, Johnson was the beneficiary of a solid offensive line. Pro Bowl players such as William Roaf and Will Shields anchored a line that blew open gaping holes for Johnson to run through. Now it’s a very different story in Kansas City. The passing game is so poor under QB Brodie Croyle, teams will play eight man fronts in order to stop the run, and until Croyle can strike a little fear into opposing teams, they will continue to keep a safety in the box to eliminate Johnson. Head Coach Herm Edwards has made some strides to once again build a dominating O-Line for the Chiefs (drafted T Branden Albert 1st round ’08), but until Kansas City can bring a balanced attack on Sunday’s, Johnson will continue to struggle to find his old form. Look for 1200 plus yards, but no where near his peak production.

The Baltimore Bullet

by Brady Rynyk… Like a mako shark toying with a tuna feast, Michael Phelps took sight of all the swimmers in the men’s 200m freestyle like prey and devoured the field with his inconceivable acceleration. Right from the sound of the starter’s buzzer Phelps found himself with a significant lead after getting an explosive blast off the starting blocks. The Baltimore Bullet’s deep water entry and emphatic dolphin kick propelled Phelps with great ease to his 3rd gold medal of the Beijing Olympics. As his head breached the waters surface to take his first breath, Michael Phelps quickly discovered that the pack of swimmers would pose no threat to his inevitable victory, keeping The Quest for Eight alive. From the sixth lane Phelps plunged into the water and attacked the competition with relentless focus and determination. It took less than 20 seconds for the phenom to catapult himself to a full bodies length lead ahead of the other swimmers in the heat. Even before making his first flip-first turn, it was undoubtedly apparent that the 22yrs old Olympian would surpass his own 2007 world record of 1:43.86. As the race continued it was clear that none of the other finalists would even come close to challenging Phelps for the lead, leaving the rest of the field in a hunt for the silver medal. Republic of Korea ‘s Park Tae-hwan could only catch glimpses of the wake Phelps left behind with his motoring flutter kick.. The task proved too challenging for Park who could not close in on the American and finished in second place, 1.89 seconds behind. The race was so lopsided that with about 10 meters left in the swim, it was as though Phelps seemingly glided into the finishing block with relative ease to set both an Olympic and World Record at the National Aquatic Center. Shaving close to a full second from his best time, The Baltimore Bullet had the pool erupt with cheers when he finished with an official time of 1:42.96.

Phelps would barely have enough time to enjoy the moment, as he stretched out his muscles on the winner’s platform just before the medal presentation and American anthem was broadcast over the arena speakers. Phelps quickly posed for a few camera shots and handed a bouquet of flowers to his sister Hilary, before rushing off to prepare for his semi-final heat in the Men’s 200m butterfly – an event which he currently holds both the Olympic and World Records for, in addition to being the defending World and Olympic champion. As the swimmer returned to the pool deck to defend his title in the butterfly event, Phelps looked cool and collected, lip-syncing the lyrics of the music on his iPod. From his focused demeanour it was obvious by the time Phelps got out of his warm-up gear, another victory would only be moments away, bringing him once race closer to Speedo’s million dollar endorsement deal. As he entered the water, the swimmers stroke was flawless, and gave him an immediate lead over the field of eight. With results mirroring that of his 200m men’s freestyle, Phelps breezed through the heat with yet another Olympic record to add to his portfolio with a finishing time of 1:53.70 – almost one and a half seconds ahead of the second place finished.

Experts have suggested with the passing of Monday evenings Race of the Ages team relay, Phelps’ toughest challenges are said to be behind him. With another gold medal in hand and yet another gold medal race in the 200m butterfly just around the corner, Phelps is now one step closer to his Beijing goal. An achievement The Baltimore Bullet came just one first place finish shy of at the previous 2004 summer games, and once again remains on course to surpass Mark Spitz’s 1972 Munich record of 7 gold medals in one Olympics.