Right after the season ended, I posted my first mock draft of the season.  Mind you, it was before the combine, trades and pro days took place.  With the draft two days away, here is my final mock draft of the season.

1. Indianapolis Colts – Andrew Luck QB Stanford – This goes without saying.  Best QB prospect since John Elway.

2. Washington Redskins – Robert Griffin III QB Baylor – RG3 has the speed, intangibles, accuracy and poise that made the Redskins comfortable enough trading up in the draft.  Perfect fit for Shanahan’s system.

3. Minnesota Vikings – Morris Claiborne CB LSU – Many experts have Matt Kalil going here and he very well may.  I’m in the minority with this selection, but going against Calvin Johnson, Brandon Marshall and Greg Jennings each year, the Vikings need a shutdown corner.  Claiborne is as good as they come.

4. Cleveland Browns – Trent Richardson RB Alabama – Cleveland could go quarterback here, but they can get a Brandon Weeden or Kirk Cousins in the second round.  With the departure of Peyton Hillis, the Browns need a running back badly.  I’m not a fan of grabbing a back this high in today’s game, but Richardson is the real deal.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Stephon Gilmore CB South Carolina – Tampa was hoping Richardson or Claiborne would be available here, but with both off my board, I have them taking Gilmore, a very underrated corner out of the SEC.  Blackmon is tempting, but with Vincent Jackson coming over in free agency, wide receiver isn’t a pressing need.

6. St. Louis Rams – Matt Kalil OT USC- To protect Sam Bradford or get him a weapon.  That is the question.  It could go either way here, but the key to the Rams righting the ship is keeping their quarterback healthy.  Kalil is the way to go.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars – Justin Blackmon WR Oklahoma State- Offensive weapons and fill the stadium.  The two needs of the Jaguars.  With Blackmon slipping down to them, there is no way they can’t take him and get Blaine Gabbert a weapon for what they hope is years to come.

8. Miami Dolphins – Ryan Tannehill QB Texas A&M – Tannehill has been shooting up draft boards as of late with his undeniable upside.  The Dolphins made it known that they like him and want him.  Tannehill started just 19 games in college at quarterback after switching from receiver.  He also threw 15 interceptions and had a knack to fade late in games.  To me, he has bust written all over him.

9. Carolina Panthers – ILB Boston College Luke Kuechly – If there is a sure thing next to Andrew Luck,  it’s Kuechly.  He is the total package at linebacker and will strengthen a weak unit in Carolina for years to come.

10. Buffalo Bills – Riley Reiff OT Iowa – Reiff is the second-rated tackle next to Kalil in the draft.  The Bills gave Ryan Fitzpatrick a surprise extension last year and Reiff will be the perfect protection to their investment.

11. Kansas City Chiefs – Fletcher Cox DT Mississippi State – Great quickness off the snap and gets through the line easily.  Tremendous quickness for a guy his size.  Will help stop the run in Kansas City.

12. Seattle Seahawks – Quinton Coples DE North Carolina – Coples is one of the most underrated players in the draft to me.  17.5 sacks the past two seasons and tremendous speed and wing span.

13. Arizona Cardinals – Michael Floyd WR Notre Dame – Last year, Larry Fitzgerald asked for Kevin Kolb and he got him.  This year, he wants Michael Floyd.  Fitzgerald could use a receiver opposite of him to take away the double-teams.  Floyd isn’t the speediest guy, but always gets behind the corners.

14. Dallas Cowboys – Mark Barron S Alabama – It’s either Barron or Michael Brockers here, but Jerry Jones really likes Barron and he will help sure up a questionable secondary that was exposed last year.

15. Philadelphia Eagles – Michael Brockers DT LSU – The Eagles need the most help at linebacker, but given Andy Reid’s track record, that won’t happen this year.  Brockers is a big body and extremely quick.  Won’t get a lot of playing time his first season, but will make an impact years to come.  If Dallas takes him, they will go with Barron.

16. New York Jets – Courtney Upshaw DE/OLB Alabama – New York needs an offensive playmaker, but with Floyd off the board, Rex Ryan will go back to his defensive mentality.  Upshaw is short for his position, but is quick and relentless.  Plays with a chip, perfect for New York.

17. Cincinnati Bengals – Dre Kirkpatrick CB Alabama – Not really sold on Kirkpatrick, but has good recovery speed and does a good job pressing at the line.  Good fit for him in Cincy.

18. San Diego Chargers – David DeCastro OG Stanford – The man credited with helping to protect Andrew Luck in school will now have the same task in San Diego with Phillip Rivers as he will help sure up the line.

19. Chicago Bears – Whitney Mercilus OLB Illinois – Chicago hasn’t had the greatest track record in drafts in the past few years, so they need to get this one right.  Their brass is crazy about Mercilus so look for him to get snatched up.

20. Tennessee Titans – Shane McClellin OLB Boise State – Under the radar pick here, but McClellin could help the Titan’s defense.  Will look to address wide receivers and cornerbacks later in the draft.

21. Cincinnati Bengals – Doug Martin RB Boise State – The Bengals need a back to share carries with newly acquired Benjarvus Green-Ellis.  Martin enjoyed a great career at Boise State and has been shooting up the draft boards.  Martin, A.J. Green and Andy Dalton will make one of the most exciting offenses in the game.

22. Cleveland Browns – Kendall Wright WR Baylor -Wright has the physical tools, but was he a product of RG3?  I’m 50/50, but the Browns believe.  If he does pan out, the Browns address two big needs in the first round.

23. Detroit Lions – Jonathan Martin OT Stanford – Matthew Stafford showed what he can do when he is healthy last season.  The secret is keeping him up and off the ground.  While corner is a big need for the Lions, keeping their franchise quarterback upright is an even bigger need.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers – Mike Adams OT Ohio State – The Steelers don’t mess up in the first round.  Easy as that.  Their track record speaks for itself.  I try every year and usually end up guessing wrong for them.  Dontari Poe and Dont’a Hightower have been thrown around as possible targets, but Poe doesn’t make sense to me.  Adams, who has a checkered past, or Hightower are the best bets.

25. Denver Broncos – Dontari Poe DT Memphis – Poe has been rising up the draft boards recently and enjoyed a great career at Memphis.  Explosive, big body will help free up the lanes for Von Miller and stop the run game.

26. Houston Texans – Coby Fleener TE Stanford – Playing in the two-tight end formation in Stanford, Fleener was Luck’s favorite target.  Add him to an already explosive offense, and it spells trouble for defenses in the AFC.

27. New England Patriots – Dont’a Hightower ILB Alabama – The Patriots need help in the secondary, but can’t pass up on a player like Hightower slipping to them.  Incredible athleticism and knowledge of his position.

28. Green Bay Packers – Nick Perry DE USC – I’m a big fan of Perry and from what I hear, the Packers are also.  They could also use a safety, but defensive end is a more important need.

29. Baltimore Ravens – Andre Branch DE Clemson – Branch has it all and could go earlier in the draft.  Ravens live and breathe defense and will rotate Branch in right away.

30. San Francisco 49ers – Kevin Zeitler OG Wisconsin – The 49ers defense is intact and they added Randy Moss, Mario Manningham and Brandon Jacobs to help the offense.  Time to address the line.  Zeitler is the best option.

31. New England Patriots – Brandon Thompson DT Clemson – Thompson will learn from Vince Wilfork and will give the Patriots a viable option for the foreseeable future.

32. New York Giants – Devon Still DT Penn State – Add a defensive lineman to the best unit in football?  Absolutely.  As talented as the group is, they are lacking a big man in the middle.  Still is that guy.

Photo credits: nepatriotsdraft.com

With the end of another exciting college football season after Alabama’s 21-0 victory over LSU, it’s time to focus on the NFL playoffs.  The juniors and seniors that will be declaring for the NFL however, will be more focused on pro days and combines in the coming weeks and months.  With the draft three months away and the college football season coming to a close, now is the perfect time for Pro Sports Bloggings first 2012 mock draft.

(Draft order will change according to playoffs.  Order is set based on playoff seeding)

1.  Indianapolis Colts – QB Andrew Luck – Stanford

The Colts have all but confirmed the selection of Luck first overall.  With the status of Manning up in the air after three neck surgeries, the Colts need to plan for their future.

2.  St. Louis Rams – OT Matt Kalil – USC

Sam Bradford is a franchise quarterback and more important than getting him a receiver such as Justin Blackmon, the Rams know the importance of keeping their quarterback upright first.

3.  Minnesota Vikings – CB Morris Claiborne – LSU

While it would again be tempting to take Blackmon, the Vikings need to sure up what has been a shaky secondary.  No better way to fix that then to take the top corner off the board

4.  Cleveland Browns – QB Robert Griffin III – Baylor

With the status of Peyton Hillis up in the air, the Browns could grab Trent Richardson at this spot.  Grabbing the talented Griffin however would give the Browns a true franchise quarterback, something the team has lacked in a long time.

5.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers – RB Trent Richardson – Alabama

LeGarrette Bount saw his touches decrease by half and his yardage by nearly 25%.  Richardson is the best talent on the board and while running back isn’t their most pressing need, it would be too hard to pass him up.

6. Washington Redskins – CB Dre Kirkpatrick – Alabama

Washington gave up too many big plays last year to not draft a cornerback.  If Griffin is off the board, then expect the Redskins to grab Kirkpatrick and be a front runner in the Matt Flynn sweepstakes.

7.  Jacksonville Jaguars – WR Justin Blackmon – Oklahoma State

Despite Blaine Gabbert’s struggles as a rookie, don’t look for the panic button to be hit just yet.  Provide Gabbert with the drafts best receiver and then let the learning continue.

8.  Carolina Panthers – DT Devon Still – Penn State

Carolina struggled to stop the run all season which didn’t help the dynamic offense.  Still was the 2010 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and his 6’4 310 pound frame should add the run stopping ability they desperately need.

9.  Miami Dolphins – OT Riley Reiff – Iowa

Matt Moore showed enough this season to earn the starting spot for next season.  Along with Jake Long, taking Reiff would solidify the line and add much needed protection over Marc Columbo.

10.  Buffalo Bills – DT Quinton Coples – North Carolina

While Coples didn’t have a senior season to go off of, he would be a great fit in the new 4-3 scheme (yes another new defense Bills fans).

11.  Kansas City Chiefs – OT Jonathan Martin – Stanford

Martin could be a big upgrade at right tackle and as the top rated pass blocking tackle, would be a perfect fit for the Chiefs.

12.  Seattle Seahawks – QB Ryan Tannehill – Texas A&M

Perhaps I’m crazy here, but if the Seahawks don’t land Matt Flynn, I think Pete Carroll finds his quarterback in the sure armed Tannehill.

13.  Arizona Cardinals – LB Luke Kuechly – Boston College

The Cardinals were top 10 in the league in sacks last season and if they pass up Melvin Ingram, I think they land Kuechly.  Look for the Cardinals to possibly take a defensive end, tackle or compliment to Fitzgerald as well.

14.  Dallas Cowboys – CB Janoris Jenkins – North Alabama

Similar to Jimmy Smith from last year’s draft, Jenkins has all the talent to be a first-rounder but has had multiple run ins with the law.  Where better to take trouble and turn it around than the Cowboys?

15. Philadelphia Eagles – LB Dont’a Hightower – Alabama

It’s no secret that the weak link to the Eagles “Dream Team” was the inability to stop the run.  If Kuechly is gone, who the Eagles like, look for them to take Hightower.  Michael Floyd is also a possibility if the team decides it has had enough of Desean Jackson.

16.  New York Jets – SS Mark Barron – Alabama

As the top safety on the board, Barron would add depth to a position that took a hit once Jim Leonard went down.  Rex Ryan being the defensive guru that he is, will jump all over this selection.

17. Cincinnati Bengals – OG David DeCastro – Stanford

The Bengals have found their franchise quarterback and receiver in Andy Dalton and A.J. Green, but they need some much needed protection for Dalton up front.  DeCastro is a big guy who will push to start from day one of camp.

18.  San Diego Chargers – LB Melvin Ingram – South Carolina

The Chargers need a pass rusher and with Ingram slipping down to their spot, A.J. Smith will be licking his chops to get the versatile linebacker.

19.  Chicago Bears – WR Michael Floyd – Notre Dame

It’s become obvious that while Devin Hester is the best return man ever, he just isn’t a receiver.  The Roy Williams experiment failed, the status of Johnny Knox is up in the air and Earl Bennett is just serviceable.  Time to get Cutler a true number one receiver.

20.  Tennessee Titans – DT Dontari Poe – Memphis

Poe has exceptional mobility for his size and will be able to take up multiple blockers at once for the Titans in hopes of improving their run defense.

21.  Cincinnati Bengals – RB Lamar Miller – Miami

Many analysts feel that Miller may actually be better than Richardson.  With Miller falling into the Bengals lap, it give them a good compliment for the hard-running Cedric Benson and another piece to their young core.

22.  Cleveland Browns – WR Kendall Wright – Baylor

If the Bengals take Griffin with their first pick in the draft, why not fill their need for a receiver with Griffin’s teammate at Baylor.  Perfect match.

23.  Detroit Lions – CB Alfonso Dennard – Nebraska

The Lions have needed secondary help and help at linebacker for quite a few years.  This could be the first time since 1998 that the Lions select a cornerback in the first round.

24.  Pittsburgh Steelers – LB Vontaze Burfict – Arizona State

A mean, hard-hitting linebacker in the black and gold, no not Harrison, but Burfict will soon bring his mean streak to the Steel City.  Burfict’s attitude and aggressive play will fit in perfectly as James Farrior’s career is coming to an end.  Another option is nose tackle Dontari Poe if he is still on the board.

25.  Denver Broncos – TE Dwayne Allen – Clemson

If Denver stays with Tebow, they need to get him all the weapons that they can.  The All-American tight end would be a perfect fit in Denver’s option based offense.

26.  New York Giants – OG Kelechi Osemele – Iowa State

True the Giants secondary has got burned on many occasions, but most of that was due to injuries.  The offensive line is the main concern for the Giants and Osemele provides a big body to protect their ELIte quarterback (see what I did there).

27.  Houston Texans – DT Jerel Worthy – Michigan State

The Texans defense was a surprise this year, but they could still use help up front.  Worthy can provide depth behind Shaun Cody.

28.  New England Patriots – CB Stephon Gilmore – South Carolina

Knowing the Patriots, they won’t draft here since they always make trades for positioning.  They do however, need to improve on their secondary which was dead last in the league against the pass.  If Gilmore decides to declare for the draft, the Patriots could use his physical play at the line

29.  Baltimore Ravens – C Peter Konz – Wisconsin

If Konz declares, he will be the top center on the board.  His elite blocking ability will help the Ravens get younger with their line.

30.  San Francisco 49ers – WR Mohamed Sanu – Rutgers

If you have watched the 49ers play this year, you know what a bust Braylon Edwards was and how inconsistent 2009 first round pick Michael Crabtree has been.  Coach Harbaugh wants to keep quarterback Alex Smith around long-term and they will need some weapons to help him out.

31. New England Patriots – WR Alshon Jeffery – South Carolina

New Englands passing attack relies heavily on the two great tight ends, but aside from Wes Welker, their receiving core is just average.  Jeffery improved his stock in the Capitol One Bowl and will give the Patriots the much needed vertical threat they have been looking for.

32. Green Bay Packers – DE Fletcher Cox – Mississippi State

The Packers have always loved to shore up their line in the first round.  Cox will help out the run defense and allow more pressure by the front three.

As the Penguins took the ice for practice Monday morning, a number of familiar faces were missing.  Kris Letang and Zbynek Michalek weren’t present.  Neither were Richard Park or Jordan Staal.  The most notable omission from practice however, was Sidney Crosby.  Crosby sat out the previous two games with concussion type symptoms thanks to multiple hits from the Boston Bruins last Monday.  Right as practice began, it was announced that Crosby would address the media after practice was over.  Not something that the media or fans wanted to hear.

“Not (feeling) bad. I’m not happy about watching, but I have to make sure with these sort of things that I’m careful and making sure I’m 100 percent before coming back,” Crosby said to a group of reporters huddled around him.

Even though Crosby passed his imPACT test, he said there is no timetable for his return.

Crosby said there are encouraging signs after he did well on the ImPACT test and he feels better than when he previously missed 10 months due to a concussion.

“I did my ImPACT test and it went pretty good,” Crosby said. “That was a good sign. It’s much different than previously going through that stuff. That was encouraging.”
Crosby’s demeanor was nowhere as bleak as it was in January when he first realized he was going to miss time with his concussion.

“I just didn’t feel right,” he said. “I skated the following day after that with a little bit of exertion. I just didn’t feel right. After talking with everyone I figured it was better to be cautious and not take any chances. That’s where I’m at right now.”

Crosby has 12 points (2 goals) in his first eight games back from the initial concussion suffered on Jan. 1 and Jan. 5.

Everyone was waiting for Crosby to return and were holding their breath each time he took a hit.  You have to wonder, will Crosby ever be symptom free?   The most important part for Crosby is his health, immediate and long-term, then hockey.  We heard for the past 10 months the criticism of Crosby for not “manning up” and he was a “wimp” because he wouldn’t play with his symptoms.  Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Penguins insider Josh Yohe said that he talked to multiple doctors.  They all said that the public is ignorant to the severity of concussions and they applaud Crosby’s honesty.  The real fans need to look outside of hockey for a minute and worry about his health.

Many like to point out that football players come back from concussions the next week or even the same game (Colt McCoy last Thursday).  What people don’t realize is that concussions affect each person differently and unlike a pulled groin muscle, they can’t be played through.  It’s hard for someone who never suffered the injury to realize the actual toll it takes on one’s life.  For every Aaron Rodgers and McCoy who returned quickly after concussions, there are the Marc Savard’s, Eric Lindros’s, Paul Kariya’s, Pat Lafontaine’s, Jay Beagle’s and now Sidney Crosby’s who don’t return right away or at all.

For those questioning the “toughness” of Crosby, here is a video you should watch on Preston Plevretes, a former LaSalle University football player who returned too quickly after suffering a concussion.  E:60 on ESPN did a profile on Plevretes and it will help give you some insight.  Thanks to my good friend Justin Welton for sharing this video ( Preston Plevretes ) .

The Penguins are battling through injuries this year as they did last year and surprisingly have one of the Eastern Conference’s top records again.  The Penguins can win without Crosby so there is no need to rush him back.  I’d much rather have a healthy Crosby for the next 10 years then the next two weeks and have another injury occur.  Take your time Sid and get well soon.

Photo Credits: www.nhlsnipers.com

Not since December 2000 has there been this much anticipation about a Pittsburgh Penguins home game.  In that year, Mario Lemieux returned to the league three years after retiring.  The captain didn’t disappoint with a goal and an assist.  Many fans won’t forget that night in Penguins history or when Lemieux flew out to Philadelphia after receiving his final radiation treatment and receiving a :90 second standing ovation from the Flyers fans.  Years down the road, Penguins fans will have another night to remember, that night is November 21, 2011.  Since January, Penguins fans have been speculating when Captain Sidney Crosby would return from his concussion injury suffered on January 1st against the Washington Capitals and January 5th against the Tampa Bay Lightning.  Many fans thought he would return during last year’s playoffs.  Many thought he would be ready at the beginning of the season.  There were even some who thought he may be done for good.  On Sunday afternoon however, it was announced that Crosby would return to action Monday night against the New York Islanders, 320 days after he last skated in an actual game.

There was no set timetable for his return, as his doctors were the only ones who could clear him to play.  Even coach Dan Bylsma said his wife gave her set of tickets away for this game just a few days ago.  Fans frantically searched for tickets anywhere they could.  Tickets that were going for $75 Sunday morning skyrocketed to over $350 by Sunday night.  This was the hottest ticket in town as Penguins forward Tyler Kennedy described it.  Versus picked up the game nationally and over 250 credentialed media members were at the Consol Energy Center waiting for the return of the kid.  Arron Asham said jokingly after warmups, “where is everybody going, I’m right here,” as the media members flocked towards Crosby’s locker as if it were the Stanley Cup.

Fans were given signs that said simply “Welcome Back Sid” on it.  Crosby was scheduled to have 12 minutes of ice time before the game and his predicted immediate impact varied depending on who you asked.  As the clock struck 7:08, the crowd erupted and gave 87 the standing ovation he deserved.  Even the biggest Penguins optimists couldn’t have expected what they saw on Monday.  With only 5:20 passing by, Crosby took the puck across the blueline, switched to his background and let it rip.  It seemed too good to be true, but sure enough Crosby tallied the first goal of the game.  He was far from done however.

Crosby added another goal on one of the prettiest backhands I have ever seen after reverse pivoting.  Crosby also added two assists on the night with goals by Brooks Orpik and Evgeni Malkin.  While his return doesn’t compare to Lemieux coming back from cancer, back problems and retirement, Crosby was every bit as good as “Super Mario.”  Four points in the 5-0 shutout – it looks as if Crosby hasn’t missed a step.

It’s undeniable that people will boo Crosby wherever he goes and his reputation of being a “whiny baby” – too put it politely – will stay with him.  Though whether you are a Penguins fan, a Flyers fan, a Red Wings fan or just a hockey fan, be happy that the face of the league is healthy and back in action.

Welcome back 87.

Washington VS Carolina –

The John Beck era officially begins in Washington this weekend as they take on Carolina and rookie sensation Cam Newton.  While Newton has put up outstanding numbers, they haven’t led to the wins that the Panthers were hoping for.  Washington is going to look to pound the ball with their three-headed running back monster of Tim Hightower, Ryan Torrain and Roy Helu.  4 out of Carolina’s 5 losses have been by 7 points or less and I like Carolina to win this one 20-13.

Seattle VS Cleveland –

Mike Holmgren faces his former team for the first time, albeit in a different position.  The status of running back Peyton Hillis is uncertain for the game (Madden curse anyone?), but Montario Hardesty should fill in just fine.  Colt McCoy will continue to look the way of Greg Little and exploit the Seattle secondary.  The Cleveland defense is better than advertised, especially the secondary, so if they can shut down Marshawn Lynch, I think Cleveland takes this one 17-13.

Atlanta VS Detroit –

Atlanta got back on the winning path last week against Carolina and Detroit suffered their first loss of the year at the hands of the 49ers.  Two key players for both teams will be inactive this game: Julio Jones of the Falcons and Jahvid Best of the Lions.  The Lions will look for Maurice Morris and Keiland Williams to change up the pace for the Lions on the ground.  Harry Douglas will look to fill the void left by Jones for the Falcons.  In what could be a shootout, look for Michael Turner to have a huge day. I’m taking the Falcons 35-32.

Denver VS Miami –

The good news for Miami is that they sold an additional 20,000 tickets for this game in the past week and a half.  The bad news, it’s so the fans can see the visiting quarterback.  That’s right, the Tim Tebow era has officially began in Denver.  Tebow, returning home to his college stomping grounds, will look to silence the critics and prove to his coach John Fox why he was the man for the job the whole time.  Plus, Miami is just horrible.  Denver wins this one, 24-10

San Diego VS NY Jets –

San Diego is coming fresh off the bye week which they needed desperately.  New York ended their three-game skid on Monday night with a victory against the Dolphins.  Early word out of San Diego is that Antonio Gates looked good in practice and is anticipating playing for the Chargers.  While the Jets ended their skid last week, they still didn’t look that impressive against the ‘Phins.  I picked San Diego to make the Super Bowl at the beginning of the year and I’m not jumping off their ship yet.  San Diego wins this one 20-14.

Chicago VS Tampa Bay –

Ah yes, the annual London Game for the NFL (which I despise).  I think the novelty of the idea has worn off and I can only pray Goodell doesn’t actually put a franchise in London.  Chicago looked impressive against the Vikings last week, but then again, besides the Cardinals, who doesn’t?  The offensive line gave Jay Cutler plenty of time in the pocket and he took advantage of it.  However, Tampa Bay is on a roll with a huge win against the Saints last week.  Tampa’s defense is too quick and explosive for the shaky Bears o-line to handle.  Look for Adrian Claybourn to have a field day.  Tampa Bay wins this one 31-17.

Houston VS Tennessee –

I wonder how many people actually realize that Tennessee is in first place.  With the Peyton Manningless Colts struggling as they are, one of these two teams are going to take the division.  The question is which?  Tennessee has lost its number one receiver for the year in Kenny Britt.  Rumors are swirling that they may take a flier on Terrell Owens in the coming weeks.  Tennessee, is last in football in rushing (they just signed Chris Johnson to that huge contract).  The Texans have struggled since the injuries to Andre Johnson and Mario Williams.  I think Johnson has his breakout game that fantasy owners everywhere have been waiting for.  Look for the Titans to win 28-21.

Pittsburgh VS Arizona –

There is still no team that we know less about in the league than the Steelers.  Their 4-2 record is very misleading and they have taken some steps back.  James Harrison and Aaron Smith still aren’t available and Maurkice Pouncey is expected to play.  For the Cardinals, they are coming off a bye week after getting smoked by the Vikings (yes those Vikings) and are looking to rebound and win this Super Bowl rematch.  The Steelers have a history of playing to the level of their opponent, that’s why I think this will be a close game.  Larry Fitzgerald will have 120 yards and two touchdowns, but it won’t be enough as the Steelers win this game 27-24 on a last second field goal by Shuwn Suisham.

Kansas City VS Oakland –

Oakland made an Al Davis type move in acquiring the retired Carson Palmer from the Bengals for a 2012 first-round and a 2013 second-round (could turn into a first-round) pick as their quarterback Jason Campbell broke his collarbone.  Palmer, who still hasn’t been announced as the starter but he is better than Kyle Boller, will look to relive the years of 2005-2007.  If he does this, the Raiders could continue their playoff push.  However, if he looks like the 2008-2010 edition, then Raiders’ fans will continue to question the move their front office makes.  Kansas City is off their bye week and are hoping to save their season with a win against their rival this week.  Oakland is favored by 10 points, but these games are always closer than people think.  Don’t be surprised if the Chiefs pull an upset, but I’m taking the Raiders 27-21.

St. Louis VS Dallas –

St. Louis is looking to showcase their newly acquired wide receiver Brandon Lloyd and try to win their first game of the season.  Dallas is coming off another heartbreaking loss against the Patriots making it 14 straight games decided by four points of less.  Take a minute and let that soak in….14 straight.  However, Dallas WILL break that streak this week and Tony Romo will have his best game of the season.  Dallas wins big 42-17.

Green Bay VS Minnesota –

Lucky me, I get to rip Minnesota for the third time in this post.  They drafted Christian Ponder 12^th overall out of Florida State in this years draft.  Congrats kid, you get to make your starting debut against the 6-0 reigning champion Packers.  I don’t care if it’s a rivalry and if it’s at Minnesota, it’s going to be the blowout of the week.  Minnesota is very bad and will be for a long time.  Green Bay wins this one 45-10.

Indianapolis VS New Orleans –

I feel bad for the NFL schedule makers.  This will mark three times in four weeks that the Colts will be on primetime.  If I had a vote, I would make Peyton Manning my MVP right now for this season.  No other player in the league has as much impact on his team when injured.  New Orleans is coming off a loss to Tampa Bay and will gain confidence as they steamroll the Colts.  New Orleans wins this one as Mark Ingram has his best game as a pro, 28-7.

Baltimore VS Jacksonville –

The Ravens are looking for real this season and I put them just behind the Patriots as the second best team in the AFC.  Jacksonville hung in there against Pittsburgh last week and will be looking to make this a trap game for the Ravens.  However, with the explosive talent on offense in Ray Rice and Anquan Boldin and the stars at all three levels of the defense in Haloti Ngata, Ray Lewis and Ed Reed, this Ravens team will be too much for Blaine Gabbert and Maurice Jones-Drew to handle.  The Ravens win this one 27-14.

Carolina vs Atlanta –

At the beginning of the year, this seemed like a no brainer.  While Atlanta is the favorite at home, I think the Cam Newton and Steve Smith show will continue once again.  With Julio Jones out of the lineup for Atlanta, Harry Douglas just doesn’t provide the same threat opposite of Roddy White for Matt Ryan to utilize.  Carolina wins 24-20.

Indianapolis vs Cincinnati –

Indianapolis has to win eventually, but with Delone Carter filling in for Joseph Addai who is out of the lineup, too much pressure will be put on Curtis Painter this week. Look for the dynamic rookie duo of Andy Dalton and A.J. Green to continue to torch opponents as the Bengals win 28-14.

San Francisco vs Detroit –

Quick, if you thought this Week 6 matchup would have two teams with a combined 9-1 record raise your hand.  That’s what I thought.  Detroit is coming off an emotional Monday Night Football victory against the Bears while the 49ers are coming off a shalacking of the Buccaneers.  The 49ers are the 4-1 team that no one seems to be talking about.  Jim Harbaugh’s 49ers are running the ball down opponent’s throat and while the Lions defense is ferocious against the pass, they are only 18^th against the run.  If Alex Smith can simply manage the offense, the 49ers win a close one, 31-28.

St. Louis vs Green Bay –

Poor St. Louis, after just missing the playoffs last season, they started off the season against the Eagles, Giants, Ravens and Redskins before reaching their bye week.  The reward for the 0-4 Rams?  The Green Bay Packers.  Aaron Rodgers and the Packers are on a roll and will reach 6-0 very easily as they will trounce the Rams 45-10.

Buffalo vs N.Y. Giants –

What a story the Bills are.  Filled with a team of misfits that no one wanted, they are sitting atop the AFC East at 4-1.  The Giants are the true version of Jekyll and Hyde as you never know what team will show up on any given week.  I like the Giants in this matchup as Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz will each break 100-yards en route to a 31-24 win.

Jacksonville vs Pittsburgh –

The Jaguars have won 12 of the 21 matchups between these teams, but this season, they may not be so lucky.  Ben Roethlisberger shined last week with 5 touchdown passes and though they are slowing down, the Steelers defense is something that Blaine Gabbert has yet to see at this level.  I give the Steelers the edge, 31-13.

Philadelphia vs Washington –

The “Dream Team” has been more of a nightmare than anything this season. Losing 4 straight games after opening the season with a convincing win at St. Louis, has the Eagles in panic mode.  The Redskins on the other hand, currently lead the NFC East with Rex Grossman at the helm.  I have picked them every week, but this is my guarantee of the week, the Eagles will win this game by a score of 35-17.

Houston vs Baltimore –

Houston loss a close one to the emotionally charged Raiders last week and the absence of Andre Johnson was noticeable.  The Ravens are fresh off a bye week and will look to focus on Texan’s running back Arian Foster.  I give the edge to the Ravens in what should be a close game, 27-24.

Cleveland vs Oakland –

“Just win baby” is what Al Davis was famous for saying.  The Raiders pulled out a heartfelt victory against the Texans last week, only a day after their late owner (Davis) passed away.  The Raiders defense has been off and on this week, but I see the emotions carrying over one more week as the Raiders win at the Coliseum for the first game after Davis’s death, 24-17.

Dallas vs New England –

After a bye week, Tony Romo will look to erase his collapse against the Lions from a couple weeks ago.  Foxboro may not be the place for it though as the Patriots never seem to lose there.  With Benjarvis Green-Ellis listed as a game time decision, the Patriots may have to lean on rookie Stevan Ridley in the running game.  In what should be a shootout, the Patriots will score on the final drive to win the game 37-35.

New Orleans vs Tampa Bay –

The Saints have been one of the hottest teams in the league after their season opening loss to the Packers.  The Buccaneers, who are notoriously slow starters, can’t afford to give up an early lead to the explosive Saints.  With LeGarrette Blount listed as doubtful, the Saints will come out on all cylinders winning this one 31-14.

Minnesota vs Chicago –

Minnesota is coming off a blowout victory against the Cardinals as the Bears are coming off a tough loss against the Lions.  All season, Jay Cutler has been running for his life with little protection from his offensive line.  The Vikings defense is still tough, but not what it used to be.  If the Bears are able to contain Jared Allen, I think they can pull out a victory in what will be sloppy game, 20-14.

Miami vs N.Y. Jets –

Brandon Marshall said he plans on getting ejected in the second quarter and he just may fight Bart Scott.  Marshall is looking to light a fire under his 0-4 Dolphins who will be leaning on Matt Moore to lead the charge with the season ending injury to Chad Henne.  The reeling Jets, losers of 3 straight, need a bounce back game and there is no game to do so in than against the Dolphins.  The Jets will take this one 24-3.

First off, let me say that as a sports fan, I love the shootout.  I like the excitement of the one-on-one competition and the atmosphere it creates.  However, as a hockey fan, it just doesn’t make that much sense to me.  After the NHL lockout of 2004-2005, the league adopted the shootout to determine the winner of the game should the score remain tied after regulation and one overtime period.  The NHL first experimented with the shootout in the 2003 All-Star game after the game was at a 5-5 tie.

When I think about the shootout deciding games, I can’t help but scratch my head and wonder how it makes sense.  People for the shootout will say that the NHL needed to win some fans over and the shootout helps create that excitement.  However, deciding a regular season game with a one-on-one skill competition doesn’t do the sport justice.  The MLB, NFL, and NBA, hockey’s biggest competition, don’t have these rules.  Baseball and basketball you play until there is a winner.  In the playoffs, hockey is the same way.  Who can forget Brett Hull’s famous goal in the 1999 Stanley Cup Finals against the Buffalo Sabres that won Hull’s Dallas Stars the Stanley Cup?  No shootout was needed to add excitement to that game.  The Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning in game 4 of last year’s playoffs thanks to James Neal in Double Overtime which was an amazing game for hockey fans to watch.

My argument is that it doesn’t make that much sense.  Hockey is a team game and should be decided by the team as a whole.  Not whether or not Miikka Kiprusoff is able to stop Alexander Ovechkin or Brad Richards on a breakaway attempt.  The NHL is looked at as the fourth major sport in our country and is looking for ways to compete with the other three major ones that I have listed above.  What if those other sports adopted a similar approach to decide the games that the NHL does?  In the NBA, it would come down to a one-on-one game to five or a slam dunk contest if the game is tied after one overtime period.  In baseball, they would grab their best sluggers for a home run contest if the game was tied after 10 innings.  For football, the equivalent to a shootout would be seeing how far your quarterback can throw the ball or dare I say a field goal kicking contest?

What’s wrong with just letting the game end in a tie?  With the shootout, the scoring column now has a fourth column (Wins, Losses, Shootout Wins, and Shootout Losses).  If the NFL, the most profitable sport in America can end in a tie, why can’t the NHL?  If you don’t want the game to end in a tie, then make it like the playoffs and have them play continuously until there is a decided winner.  The shootout is exciting to watch, but to allow a meaningful game and a team’s chance of making the playoffs to hinge on if a goalie can stop a breakaway doesn’t do justice to the game.

“Who is Iowa anyway? Never heard of em”

Those were the words spoken by Pitt wide receiver Devin Street via his Twitter account Friday night before Pitt took on Iowa.  After the fourth quarter collapse by Pitt, I think Street and the rest of the Panthers know exactly who the Iowa Hawkeyes are.

Pitt (2-1) led Iowa (2-1) 27-10 going into the fourth quarter before Iowa quarterback James Vandenberg led the Hawkeyes to the biggest comeback in school history.  Vandenberg threw for 162 of his 399 yards in the fourth quarter en route to a 31-27 victory.  Redshirt junior Pitt quarterback Tino Sunseri threw for 255 yards and 2 touchdowns and junior running back Ray Graham (the nation’s leading rusher going into the game) led the rushing attack for the Panthers with 97 yards on the ground.

Street did his best to back up his words with 7 receptions for 138 yards and a touchdown.  Unfortunately, the defense played with less intensity in the fourth quarter than they did in the previous three according to head coach Todd Graham.  Redshirt senior Max Gruder led the Panthers defensively with 14 combined tackles.

The loss to the Hawkeyes stunned a lot of fans who seemingly thought the game was over.

“In all honesty, I was watching the game, but seeing how it was 24-3, I changed the channel to Penn State and Temple because I assumed Pitt won.  I turned the game back on and I was in utter shock at the turn of events that took place,” Clarion University sophomore Ryan Troupe said.

While the loss was a tough one to swallow for Pitt fans, it is good news that the offense put points on the board against a tough Iowa team.  In their first two games against Buffalo and Maine respectively, the Panthers took awhile to get going and it didn’t look as if Tino Sunseri had a total grasp on the offense.  While Sunseri did silence some critics with his performance Saturday, not all are sold on him.

“Tino doesn’t fit the role of the ‘high-octane’ system that coach Graham wants to run.  I feel they should give quarterback Anthony Gonzalez a shot to run the team if they lose to Notre Dame this weekend,” Troupe added.

With the tough loss, how will Pitt come out against the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame (1-2) this Saturday at Heinz Field (12:00 p.m.)?  Notre Dame started off the season ranked #16 in the nation, before losing to University of South Florida and a heartbreaking loss at the hands of Michigan.  However, they came to play last weekend in an upset against Michigan State.

“Notre Dame is struggling just as much as Pitt this season, so I think it will be a pretty close game,” Clarion University sophomore Curtis Jones said.

Unless Pitt gets off to an early start and is able to contain Notre Dame quarterback Tommy Rees, I think Pitt is in for a long game Saturday afternoon.  Look for the fans to be screaming for a change at quarterback for Trey Anderson or Gonzalez as the Panthers fall to the Fighting Irish, 35-17.

Morgantown, West Virginia - With #2 ranked LSU invading Morgantown in just two weeks, the Mountaineers were looking to cruise past the Spartans of Norfolk State University on Saturday afternoon as a warm up game.  However, trailing 12-10 going into halftime, isn’t what the Mountaineers had in mind.  The Mountaineers looked very shaky in the first half as they were out gained by 99-yards of total offense (242 to 143).  The Mountaineers had a chance to score early on, but had to settle for a field goal after being stuffed six times on the goaline.

“It’s flat out embarrassing, that’s it,” said coach Dana Holgorsen said about the failed attempts.

To close out the first half, after a touchdown from quarterback Geno Smith to Devon Brown, the Mountaineers received the ball with 1:30 seconds remaining.  Instead of running out the clock, Holgorsen decided to go for it.  The strategy came back to bite the Mountaineers as they were unable to capitalize and it led to another field goal for the Spartans to end the half.  Needless to say, the crowd let Holgorsen know how they felt.

“We got the ball back with 1:30 seconds which is plenty of time to score, but we just didn’t execute,” Holgorsen explained.

“They probably had a reason to boo the way we played.  I probably would boo too,” Holgorsen said jokingly to the media.

Thankfully for the Mountaineers, there are two halves in football and after a halftime pep talk from the coaching staff, the ‘eers came out on all cylinders in the second half.

“We are a young and inexperienced football team, but we can’t use that as an excuse.  We didn’t look good in the first half and I don’t know if we were trying to hard or if it was a coaching error…. either way, I’m proud of the way we came out in the second half,” Holgorsen said postgame.

Leading the charge for the Mountaineers in the second half was Smith.  Smith furthered his case as the top quarterback in the conference by going 20-34 for 371 yards and tying his career high in touchdowns with four.  Smith found four different receivers for touchdowns as Brown, Tavon Austin, Tyler Urban and Ivan McCartney all found paydirt en route to a 55-12 trouncing.  Receiver Brad Starks also scored on a pass from backup quarterback Paul Millard in late game relief.

“Geno played well, but he needs to get better.  He plays up to tempo, balanced and shows enthusiasm.  In fact, he’s the only voice that we have on the sideline with this inexperienced team and he is definitely a leader,”  Holgorsen said about his quarterback.

With a test next week at Maryland, followed by the “Gold Rush” game against LSU, the Mountaineers may have overlooked their opponents a little bit this week.

“I think we definitely overlooked our opponent this week,” McCartney admitted.

“We didn’t come to play and they were the hungrier team.  We played around in the first half and we had to come out and get it.  It’s all about keeping the temp,” McCartney added.

Holgorsen knows this team has work left to do if they want to be ready for the tough opponents lined up in the coming weeks.

“We are far from a finished product.  It’s called football and we will get better with each snap,” Holgorsen stated.

The Pitt Panthers start the high-octane era under Todd Graham this Saturday, September 3rd, at Heinz Field.  Taking on the Panthers, will be the Buffalo Bulls of the Mid-American Conference.  Buffalo struggled last year as they went 2-10 win their loan wins coming against Bowling Green and Rhode Island.  Pitt looks to put up points galore against the Bulls and show the fans what their new look offense is all about.  On paper, it looks to be a lock that the Panthers will win against a lesser opponent, but fans and players alike, remember what happened just a few years ago.

“A few years ago we saw what happened when our focus wasn’t there when we lost to Bowling Green.  All of the games are important to win.  I want to go undefeated, that’s the goal.  We want to win them all,” senior defensive standout Brandon Lindsey told me earlier this year.

With the group in tow, I don’t see focus being a problem at all.

Keys to winning-

1.  Tino Sunseri – Sunseri enters his second year as the Panther’s starting quarterback.  Sunseri had an up and down year last season and is looking to prove the doubters wrong this year.  With the transformation to a no-huddle offense from the pro-style, look for Sunseri to improve dramatically as Pitt spreads out the field.

2.  Get up early – When a team like Pitt plays a lesser team like Buffalo, it’s important to score early and often.  Buffalo comes into this game looking to pull an Appalachian State type upset in the opening week, but if the Panthers can find paydirt to start the game, the momentum will swing the way of the home team.

3.  Contain Marcus Rivers – The senior wide receiver led the Bulls is receiving last year with 50 receptions for 690 yards and 5 touchdowns, all which led the team.  Rivers is the Bulls big playmaker and knows how to get the job down.  He was a member of the 2008 team which won the MAC championship before losing to UConn in the International Bowl.  Look for seniors Buddy Jackson and Antwuan Reed to contain Rivers throughout the game.

While the real display of the new brand of Pitt won’t be challenged until week 3, this will be a good tune up game for Pitt to work out the kinks.  Look for Pitt to dominate the action, 48-17.