rawaction

I'm leading my NFL pick'em pool at work after getting 14 of 16 right last week (12 in week 1). Colts/Jags is an interesting matchup. A lot could depend on Freeney playing. But I think when all is said and done, the short week, travel, back-to-back emotional rivalry games, and the hurry-up offense will help the Colts take this one. However, without Freeney, it becomes an issue of can the Colts CB cover the skyscrapers at WR with Leftwich having time to pass. As for other games, TB wasn't that great last year. Carolina is a legit contender. A 3rd loss, and their season is done. I think they step up and get it done. Also, this is the week to watch out for the oft ridiculed teams. San Fran, Houston, Green Bay, and Tennessee have good shots at upsets. I'm calling at least 2 of those teams will win.

I need a WR. I need a healthy Clinton Portis. I need a TE and a Defense.

I [expletive] hate you! I am in for a long season.

The only reason why he isn't still the best player in the game is because he isn't healthy enough to play everyday. Bonds is probably the best player ever. I don't care what he took. He wasn't the only one. He was a first ballot HOF BEFORE his best seasons. The only reason he doesn't deserve his own wing is because of the cheating. But I'd argue that his steroid use was just keeping with the game. He played in the steroid era. If you devalue what he did, you might as well throw out the last 20 years of baseball like they never happened. Bonds' career reminds me of Jordan's. Early on, he was exciting all around player. Explosive offensively (40/40 player), great defensively, energetic. As he aged, he changed his game and still maintained his standing as the best. Steroids or not, that can't be overlooked. He became more patient. More powerful, with obvious help. And more productive, despite being have lesser ability than a lot of players.

I think Jones struggles early and Benson comes in and stakes claim to the starting RB job, with a good day. I think a lot of people are overconfident with this game. Kevin Jones is a guy that could give the Bears trouble. And the key matchup will be Roy Williams vs. Charles Tillman. I'd like to see the Bears mix it up and split time with Vasher on Williams. I think the Bears win late with a Benson-led 4th quarter drive and then the defense and run game runs out the clock.

Just a couple things. Someone mentioned something the other day I thought was an excellent point. Hendry offered Beltran 5/$75M (I believe) and said that is high as he would go. I think the same offer would be there for Soriano, who other than OBP, which we know Hendry doesn't look at, has very similar numbers to Beltran after the 2004 season. I think that could possibly get it done, depending on the 2 LA teams. I can see the difference being the position he is playing. Angels have Kendrick at 2B. Dodgers have Kent leaving, but I see them going after a 3B and putting Betemit at 2B. Either way, I see Soriano playing OF for those 2. Also, just a minor thing, but I don't know who will be managing next year, but I'm guarantee that Soriano will be a top of the order hitter. If Pierre is back, Soriano will hit 2nd. If not, he will hit 1st. He has hit 1-2 the majority of his career, and I don't see that changing. If the manager is in the Hendry mold, I see him hitting 3rd before he is way down at 5. If he maintains his BB/PA, I'd have no problem with that. Speaking of his BB/PA. It scares me because it's much better than it has ever been. Jacque Jones did that last year and completely stopped in 06. The Cubs can't afford Soriano to re-lapse like Jacque and waste a .280-.300 BA season by having a .320's OBP. Lastly, I would love if Soriano could play CF. That would be great. If that didn't work, I'd like Jones in CF with Soriano in RF. I'd much rather have a CF/2B combo of Soriano/Loretta or Durham than Pierre/Soriano. Add Pierre (and Izturis) in the group that I mentioned earlier that could waste a good BA season by not taking walks. You'd have a team all hitting over .280, who all not named Lee or Murton would have the capability of less than .065 BB/PA.

At this point, I have 3 players who are NOT exempt. I have a full OF of potential 500 pt scores once again. I could have a full IF. And the game's best SP and a top closer. I have a few exempt players who I won't be able to keep in Saunders, Duke, McCarthy, and Shealy who could all be studs next year.

I don't know what I'm happier to see. 100 yards to Moose or 100 yards to the TE/FB combo.

Keep that ball, D. Manning! Just intercepted one of the game's all-time greats.....of course, who doesn't any more.

MOOOOOOOOOOOOSE! 4th best receiving day of the week so far.....and counting.

Ced. Good time for a change.

Nice return.

Too many long completions.

Nevermind, Gameday has gone crazy. The pass to Moose and every pass since has been thrown by Thomas Jones according to it.

QB controversy?

Great call. The old "what do we have to lose" play.

What the hell are they calling?

Gotta get 6.

Why go if that's gonna be the play call? If you are gonna gamble on not getting points on 4th and 1, why not gamble on 3rd and 8?

Great call. As, I said....still 2 scores with a FG. TD and the game is probably over.

I'd go. Great defense. Offense has moved the ball so far. A FG doesn't change it from a 2-score game.

they listened coach.

TOMMIE!

I called Clark with a big game. Looking good so far.

Grossman has gotta stop the obligatory red-zone throw into traffic interception.