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to see the Indianapolis Colts lose in the Super Bowl. Generally, I try not to be a *hater* but many of the Colts players and media members brought this on themselves with their smug and arrogant comments throughout the playoffs. Therefore, I’m having great difficulty hiding my pleasure at their loss. Congrats to the New Orleans Saints on winning their first-ever Super Bowl.

A few other random observations from the Super Bowl:

• Really, NFL Films? Could you find no other footage from the entire Colts season but games against the Ravens? During the hours of pregame discussion, I lost count of how many times—when showing footage from the Colts season—footage from our divisional playoff loss was used. I say again, there was no other film available in your big a$s vault NFL Films?? Methinks not.
• How awful were the commercials? Apparently only 3 companies had money to spend as evidenced by their proliferation of ads: Doritos, Hyundai, and Budweiser. Have to say, their many commercials got kinda old.
• I don’t know the official length of the game, but this had to be one of the shortest games in history…worked for me!

Peyton Manning entered last night’s Super Bowl on the greatest hot streak of his life. Throughout this season, Manning had shredded defenses in every game his team had competed in for all 60 minutes. The Colts’ only two losses all season, in Week 16 to the New York Jets and Week 17 to the Buffalo Bills, came with Manning and many of the team’s other key players standing on the sidelines watching.

Manning deservedly took home his record fourth Most Valuable Player award this season. He shredded the Baltimore Ravens and New York Jets in the team’s two playoff games. The Colts seemed to have the better team, and everyone seemed to think they would win the game. Even Tony Dungy, the famously modest former coach of the team, said the Colts would win the game convincingly on Saturday.

Only they didn’t win the game. In fact, they lost thanks, in large part, to a critical late-game mistake by Manning, whose interception was returned 74 yards for a touchdown by Saints cornerback Tracy Porter with the Colts down seven, 24-17. Then the score was 31-17, and the game was all but over.

With a win in last night’s game, Manning could put himself into the conversation as the greatest quarterback of all-time. Now? That argument can’t be made now, at least not for awhile. Manning will have to try and reverse the feelings that this game will leave with people for a long time to come. He did throw for over 300 yards, but he also made the biggest mistake of the game, and single-handedly ended his team’s chances of winning. And that, rather than having a case for being the greatest quarterback of all-time, is what people remember Manning for now.

It looked like the Colts would make it after all.

After turning their backs on a clear chance at history when they gave up the last two games of the season (after starting the year 14-0), the Colts had breezed through the first two rounds of the playoffs, dispatching the Baltimore Ravens and New York Jets with little trouble. And then, after they led 10-0 at the end of the first quarter, after Peyton Manning had shredded the Saints’ defense with a combination of Joseph Addai runs and pinpoint passes, it looked like it would be a coronation of the Colts and their legendary quarterback with the Super Bowl title that they said they could only win if they didn’t go undefeated.

But then karma, at long last, came back around. And for all of his powers, even Peyton Manning couldn’t overcome the karma that his head coach, Jim Caldwell, and his general manager, Bill Polian, placed on the team several weeks ago.

It’d be easy to say that the two things aren’t connected, the way the Colts lost their undefeated season in the season’s second-to-last week. They lost a game at home, against a team (the Jets) that most people would say with near certainty that they would beat if Caldwell and Polian hadn’t forced Manning and other starters halfway through the third quarter with a lead. The look on Manning’s face throughout the rest of that game, as he stood next to Caldwell on the sideline with his helmet on, visibly angry at the decision, was all anyone would need to see.

He didn’t agree with the decision.

But, in the end, that didn’t save Manning from the karmic rebound the Colts surely suffered from yesterday. Think about all of the different things that happened in last night’s game that didn’t go the Colts’ way.

- After something good happens (stop the Saints on the one-yard-line on fourth down), the Colts run the ball twice to set up third-and-1 at the Colts’ 10-yard-line. If the Colts get a first down, they end the half up 10-3. They don’t, and the Saints end up kicking a field goal and go into halftime down 10-6.

- The Saints attempt an onside kick at the start of the second half that goes straight at Colts backup wide receiver Hank Baskett. If Baskett catches the ball, the Colts have the ball at the Saints’ 45-yard-line, and are in prime position to drive down the field and get at least three points, if not a touchdown. Instead, the ball bounces off of Baskett’s helmet, and the Saints recover.

- Early in the game, Drew Brees had several passes bounce off of the hands of Colts defenders. If any one of those passes is picked off, with the Colts already in control of the game, Manning could have quickly put the game out of reach. But they never got one of those interceptions, and the Saints were able to hang on.

At each of these points, the Colts had opportunities to put the game out of reach. At each of those points, they failed to do so. Some of that, without question, was because of things the Saints did. But it’s hard not to think back to that enduring image of the Jets game in Indianapolis Week 16, with Manning standing next to his rookie head coach, someone whose voice no one outside of Indianapolis could recognize, glaring out at the disaster unfolding in front of him.

Maybe, deep down, Peyton Manning knew then what the higher-ups in his organization were doing. He would never admit it, but maybe Peyton Manning had a feeling this would happen all along.

Either way, the facts are there for all to see. The Colts had their chances in last night’s Super Bowl. They had their opportunities to prove that they made the right decision, that they didn’t need to worry about karma because they wouldn’t do anything different if they had the chance to do it over again. But the Colts squandered those chances, and wasted those opportunities. And their opponents, the Saints, took advantage of every break that came their way, and sprung one of the bigger upsets in recent history.

Once again, karma proved to be bigger than any individual, bigger than any team. Peyton Manning may be the greatest quarterback in the game today. He may be able to read any defense, make any throw, find any opening to put the ball into. But even he, the great Peyton Manning, couldn’t overcome karma. And, for that, the city of New Orleans is greatful.

Ailea of the “Bad Girls Club” is a guest on our show and is ambushed by a caller (Breanna) who confronts Ailea about dating her man. None of the girls wanted to say who the boyfriend is but we got it out in the open and he is a star player on the defense of the Baltimore Ravens.

Listen in on hour number 2 for all the action. Hour 1 features TMZ’s premiere paparazzi “Dutch” talking about what it takes to stalk…. and there is much more!
Hour 1 Here
Hour 2 Here

“Robert Galinsky’s Reality” is an online radio show right here on ChatAboutIt.com Co-Hosted by Philip Galinsky and energized by CBS – CALL IN TO THE SHOW

Ailea Carr of Bad Girls Club

Wednesday January 6th Guests Include
Michelle Cozens – Wickedly Perfect
“Dutch” – TMZ premiere paparazzi
Danielle Guldin – Former Philadelphia Eagles NFL Cheerleader, VIP Talent Connect
Ailea – Bad Girls Club Season 3
Boston – Bad Grils Club Season 3
Cathy Nardone – Frank the Entertainer in the Basement Affair, The Japanese Game Show
Paul Grassi – 3rd place finisher on the Mole on ABC Season 5
Jess Zaino – Style Network Correspondent & Vivica Fox’s Glam Gods
Mark Yawitz – Co-Founder, Reality Wanted
Aaron Murphy – Founder, Reality Crew

Robert Galinsky’s Reality – Every Wednesday 6-8pm EST on ChatAboutIt.com energized by CBS. CALL IN AT 877.CHAT.212 and be a part of the show! “Robert Galinsky’s Reality” is an online radio show on ChatAboutIt.com energized by CBS and features the Kodak Zi8 Pocket Camera (get your 15% discount by clicking this link) and the show airs every Wednesday from 6-8pm EST on ChatAboutIt.com. The live call in number is 877.CHAT.212. WITH CO-HOST PHILIP GALINSKY!

LISTEN HERE to December 30th’s Show.

Throughout the season and into the offseason, I have maintained that the biggest issue for the Ravens it the lack of an explosive, #1 WR.

Not having a #1 WR puts too much pressure on Joe Flacco and Ray Rice, the 2 most important players in this offense going forward. Defenses can put the extra guy in the box if they do not have to worry about the receivers on the outside. With that extra man in the box, Rice has less running room to work with, and the young offensive line, another critically important part of this team going forward, one that Ozzie Newsome has put a considerable amount of resources in, is further challenged with the extra man blitzing.

Furthermore, the physhological effect on Flacco cannot be ignored. Many got on Joe for forcing the issue in the GB game, but the fact of the matter is, Joe felt that he had to win the game, and that is not a good thing for a 2nd year QB to think, although it’s tough to blame him considering his options.

Flacco is the most important player on this team for the next 10 years. The Ravens need to give him the best opportunity to succeed. They have not done that, and they need to do that, starting this offseason.

Therefore, it’s time to talk WR.

As we approach the offseason signing and trading period, the Ravens are going to have to address their WR position. They are forced to……Derrick Mason and Kelley Washington are unrestricted free agents, while Mark Clayton and Demetrius Williams are restricted, assuming there is no CBA agreement in the very near future.

I expect Derrick Mason to be back, as many sources have indicated is likely the case in recent days. A WR group that includes Mason is better off than one without Mason; that is an undisputed fact.

Kelley Washington has indicated that he is going to look to start somewhere. While he played very well for the Ravens, I question whether he has done enough to get a starting spot. If the Ravens make the improvements that I feel they need to, and will make, perhaps Washington will have a better chance to play somewhere else, even if he is not guaranteed a spot. While I would like to have Washington back as a potential 3rd or 4th WR, I do not expect him back.

Mark Clayton and Demetrius Williams are both restricted FA’s. Mark Clayton really did not have a good year in 2009. I consistently criticized Clayton for getting no separation and for not doing anything to really help the passing game in any aspect during the course of the year. However, I do feel that if you put a #1 vertical deep threat opposite Clayton, that he could thrive, and perhaps be a poor man’s Derrick Mason, in that he is a possession WR with a bit of speed, with good route running ability. Clayton also seems to be well-liked by the coaches. That being said, even though I believe Clayton could be a solid #2 WR in the right situation, at this point, I would want a better option at #2 than Clayton. As a slot receiver, I would be open to bringing Clayton back.

Demetrius Williams represents a stark contrast to Clayton. He spent much of the year in John Harbaugh’s doghouse. When he did play, he gave Joe Flacco a much needed weapon and security blanket. When I say security blanket, I do not mean that in the way that most people would take it. Many people point to Mason as being Flacco’s security blanket, in that he will always be there when times are tough.

While that is true, a talent like Williams gives Joe the option to throw the ball up to him, and let Williams make a play with his talent and ability. Joe did that more times with Williams in the 3 game stretch of GB, Detroit, and Chicago, than he did all year with the other 3 WR’s combined.

I would welcome Williams back as the slot receiver, but if he did not play this year as obviously a more explosive option than Clayton or Washington, what would change going into next season? Why would the Ravens bring him back if they did not even want him playing this year?

Between Williams and Clayton, I would be happy with either as the slot, but would prefer Williams. However, it is more likely that Clayton is brought back as the #3 WR than Williams in my opinion.

Now, let’s take a look at potential options. Terrell Owens is a free agent. Terrell Owens  would fit in great in Baltimore in my opinion. He is older, nearing the end of his career. John Harbaugh has said that he likes TO, and has a good relationship with him.

However, TO spurned Baltimore, Ozzie, and Bisciotti in 2004. Can they put that behind them? I’m not sure, and honestly, I would not totally blame them if they didn’t, even if it makes sense on the field. That being said, I would be very excited to have TO in Baltimore.

Recently, a name that has been thrown around is that of Malcolm Floyd. Floyd is a 28 year old WR for the Chargers. He is considered to be an explosive talent that could break out at any time. At 6′5, 225, Floyd represents the big, vertical target that I and most Ravens fans have been clamored for.

Floyd will be a restricted FA for the second straight year. Last season, the Chargers extended a 2nd round tender to Floyd, and he held out of OTA’s in response. This season, they will tender him in a manner that will force teams to surrender a 1st and 3rd round pick to match the contract.

It is not a stretch to think that no team will give that up for Floyd. However, it is also not a stretch to think that the Chargers may not want to pay big money for Floyd. Floyd is going to want his big deal, and with Vincent Jackson, Legedu Naanee, and Antonio Gates, is it in the Chargers best interest to give that to him?

While signing Floyd is likely not an option, certainly, a trade could be worked out for Floyd. Inside sources have mentioned that Floyd is high on the Ravens radar, and I expect them to seriously consider trading for Floyd. Would it definitely take the Ravens 1st rounder? Most likely, but that remains to be seen as the market for Floyd and other WR’s develop further into the offseason.

Another option is Brandon Marshall. The much talked about WR here in Baltimore put up a pro bowl season even with Kyle Orton as his QB, with not many other weapons around him. Marshall is a beast; an explosive, stud playmaker. Say what you want about Marshall, but he seemed like a very good guy during the year. Many people in Baltimore got on him when there was the debate prior to last season as to whether the Ravens should bring him in, but again, Marshall was never convicted of any crime, and certainly, there is a grey area with regards to high-paid athletes and reported crimes. Even so, the reported problems with Marshall, prior to last year, had nothing to do with the locker room, it had to do with off the field issues.

Things were going well for Marshall, and there was talk that Denver would definitely look to lock him up long-term. However, Marshall had a falling out with McDaniels, in a situation in which many football people are taking Marshall’s side. Yes, Marshall was again involved in controversy. Sooner or later, coincidences become a trend, and Marshall is very close to that line, if not over it. However, it can not entirely be blamed on Marshall, and certainly, one can see a situation where he goes to a new team and has a very successful, productive career with no further distractions.

Now that everyone knows Marshall will not play another game for Denver, his price tag goes down. Last season, a 1st and 3rd was talked about for possibly acquiring Marshall. Now, that may be down to a 2nd rounder. Marshall is a guy who the Ravens absolutely need to look at. When compared to Floyd, Marshall may be the more sure thing, and perhaps the better talent, but Floyd does not bring the potential issues and distractions that Marshall would bring. Knowing the Ravens and John Harbaugh, I have to believe they would favor Floyd.

Anquan Boldin is also likely to be available. It seems as though his run in Arizona has run its course, and Kurt Warner’s retirement only increases the likelihood of his departure. Boldin, like Marshall, likely held more value prior to last season than he will this offseason. Unlike Marshall, it has more to do with performance than anything else. Boldin did not have an explosive year. Certainly, he is a great option at the WR position, but will he be as explosive in another system, without a top 3 WR in football in Fitzgerald starting across from him, and without a Hall of Fame QB getting him the ball? That is clearly debatable.

Now, clearly, Boldin is a very good WR. I am not trying to downplay that. However, with regards to the Ravens, they are going to need to get that big play talent for Flacco. Boldin is not that big target, and is more of a very good possession guy that produces more yards after catch than he does explosive vertical plays. Boldin is between a #1 and a #2; the Ravens need that #1.

Finally, there are WR’s available in the draft, as well as a top TE in Jermaine Gresham from Oklahoma. Dez Bryant is the consensus best WR available, but is unlikely to fall to the Ravens at 26. Golden Tate from ND is another option who could fall to the Ravens.

Also, Arrelious Benn from Illinois, Erik Decker from Minnesota, Damian Williams from USC,and Brandon Lafell from LSU are 4 other options that could be available, some perhaps in the 2nd or 3rd round.

Obviously, as I have made very known, I feel that this is go time for the Ravens regarding the passing game and getting Joe Flacco weapons. Flacco will be starting his 38th game in week 1 of 2010, and to that point, has never played with an above average WR core, nor with a big target that pretty much all successful QB’s need to thrive. The fact that Flacco has played so well with limited options, only gives fans a clue as to what he could do with better options.

Certainly, there are the options there, and the Ravens are in great position resource wise. Now, here is what I would do with regards to the Ravens passing option.

First oder of business: For the #2 WR spot, I have 2 options. Terrell Owens, or Derrick Mason. I prefer Mason for this spot, but if he does not come back, whether he retires or if he and the Ravens cannot come to an agreement, TO would be my next option. TO is too old to be the #1 target for the Ravens to put along side Mason, as I feel they need “the guy” to be one with whom Flacco can grow with over the next 4+ years. However, as a #2, these would be my first 2 options. I expect it to be Mason, but TO needs to be the next consideration in my opinion, and would clearly be mine.

Now, onto the big play guy. Brandon Marshall and Malcolm Floyd are the 2 guys I’m going to consider. Most of this depends on what it would take to get these guys in a trade. Marshall is the better player, but he may cost less. If the Ravens can get Marshall for a 2nd rounder, they need to make that trade.

Perhaps I am overestimating the potential market for Floyd. Recently, Mike Preston of the Baltimore Sun wrote an article in which he suggests that Marshall will cost a 1st rounder or more, while Floyd can be had for less than a 1st. Of course, I consider the source of that article, and hesitate to put much stock into it. However, someone with at least some access to the team feels that way about these 2 players, so perhaps I have the wrong read on this. At any rate, these are my options, and there are many plusses for each over the other.

At this point, I will say that the Ravens should let the market develop, and get whichever one they can get for their 2nd rounder plus. I do not think it is a stretch to think that one of these 2 WR’s can be had for less than a first. If trading a first rounder is required, I still make the deal, and would probably prefer Marshall, but would be happy with either.

As for a 3rd receiver, if the Ravens have a first rounder and do not have to trade it in a deal for Floyd or Marshall, I am not looking to use that pick on a first rounder. Aside from a very uncommon 2010 with regards to 1st year WR’s, they normally do not have that big of an impact in their first year in the league.

Since Flacco will have a guy in Floyd or Marshall in my proposal that he will be able to grow with, getting a young WR in the draft is not a priority. I would look to get a WR in the 3rd -5th rounds, to act as the 4th WR this season, and to take over as the 2nd or 3rd when Mason/TO would move on in the future.

If they have the first rounder, the Ravens can then use that pick on a cornerback or pass rusher, or they could go with Jermaine Gresham if he is still on the board. Gresham could come in and provide an instant threat in the passing game, and would be in line to take over for Todd Heap after the 2010 or 2011 seasons. Again, I am putting a high emphasis on offense, both for overall need, and for the sake of Flacco’s development.

If the Ravens have their first rounder and take Gresham with that pick, then they likely wait until the 4th or 5th round to take a WR, going corner or pass rusher in the 3rd or 4th. If they go defense with their first rounder, perhaps they can take that WR in the 3rd. If they do not have the first rounder, having traded it for Marshall or Floyd, it becomes a matter of who the scouting department prefers.

As for a 3rd receiver, I would bring back Clayton, Williams or Washington. As I outlined earlier, I expect Clayton to be the easiest and most likely to bring back, so I will stick with him. He is a good team guy, knows the system and knows Flacco, and he had a decent 2008. With weapons around him, he will have the chance to go 1 on 1 perhaps with the nickleback at times. Clayton should be able to take advantage of matchup issues as the #3 receiver, and perhaps make better use of his talent. I would prefer Washington, because he presents an in-between contrast to Mason and Floyd/Marshall, and would bring him back under the presumption that the team will use more 3 WR sets, but I think Clayton is more realistic, so I’m sticking with him here.

So, at the very least, considering the worst, that the Ravens have to give up their first rounder for Marshall or Floyd.

1. Marhsall/Floyd
2. Mason/TO
3. Clayton
4. Mid round draftee

Depending on what it takes to get that #1 guy, perhaps the Ravens can add their TE of the future in Gresham and yet another weapon to their offense.

Now, after all that, my scenario, if it does not include Gresham which does not have much to do with the WR position other than not needing to draft a WR because of the trade, really only includes getting that #1 guy, and moving the current guys down. Mason would be maximized as the #2 possession receiver, and Clayton’s talents would me maximized in the slot.

With this offense, Joe Flacco would look like a whole new QB. I’ll say it again…Joe Flacco is the least of worries for Ravens fans. To do what he has with what he has had to work with in his first 2 years, really is remarkable, and should be better appreciated. I have a feeling that if the Ravens upgrade their  WR’s, and I fully expect them to, when Flacco makes a huge leap forward, many “experts” will point to the fact that it’s his 3rd year in the league, it is his time to make the jump, and so forth. However, the real reason will be because of the weapons that he will have, and the comfort in knowing that he will not have to be perfect and put the ball in the tightest of windows to get the ball to his WR’s.

This is a big offseason for the Ravens offense, and for getting Joe the weapons he needs to succeed, and to establish himself as a top 10 QB in this league.

Considering the track record of the decision makers in the Ravens organization, it is hard to be anything other than confident that they clearly recognize this and will address the issue.

For Flacco’s sake, and for the sake of this offense going forward, they 100% need to.

– With the Super Bowl just a day away, we have Baltimore Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti claiming this week — with a straight face — that several NFL teams are facing financial hardship, as if any of the fat cats that can afford to actually own an NFL team really knows what financial problems are all about anyway. Certainly Bisciotti — with his net worth of over $1.2 billion — doesn’t.

Well, we’ll all make sure to break out the hat to start taking up a collection for poor fools souls like yourself, Mr. Bisciotti.  This posturing by the Ravens owner shouldn’t come as any surprise — he was one of the owners who three years ago derided the CBA that the NFL and the Players Association signed then was a “bad deal”.  Yet despite that, Baltimore president Dick Cass admitted that the club is “doing well compared to other teams around the league. But just because we’re still doing well in revenues, that doesn’t mean we’re generating a lot of profit.”

But if you are generating profit of some amount, then where’s the problem?  Since when does owning an NFL team mean that you’re supposed to be guaranteed a “lot of profit” instead of profit period (or any profit at all)?  And let’s not even go into the reality that, in the cases of almost all of the groups that own NFL franchises (or sports franchises in general), that “losses” on the books — sometimes nothing more than manipulated numbers by a team’s accountants — are often creatively written off at the end of the year.  Or better yet, let’s not forget how much the value of professional sports teams increases by on a regular basis.  Bisciotti’s Ravens, for example, were purchased for $600 million in 2000 and have already increased in value to a staggering $960 million, according to Forbes — the team’s not exactly running you into the poor house, is it Mr. Bisciotti?

Bisciotti relaxing in his luxury suite during a Ravens game

I can’t think of too many people who’d have a problem with turning a tidy $360 million profit on their investment in less than 10 years the way Bisciotti has, but let’s face it — the reason someone gets into the business of professional sports has never been to make money.  It’s always been more about ego than anything else, and even if Bisciotti (and other owners of professional sports franchises) manage to only break even in the time they own a particular franchise, none of them are counting on revenue from their teams to live on — and all of them are still going to rake in a mammoth profit when the time comes that they decide to divest themselves of the venture.

None of that seems to matter to the out-of-touch people who populate the ownership ranks of professional sports, however.  These are the same men who have, over the last several decades, weaseled and extorted huge sums of money from the cities and states that their teams play in in the form of aid for the construction of cash-cow stadiums and other kickbacks like tax breaks — usually under the threat of moving their franchise away if their demands aren’t met.

Make no mistake in thinking that the nonsense being spewed by Bisciotti is anything more than propaganda that you’ll here a lot more of in the upcoming months, as the owners begin their campaign to paint themselves as the “good guys” in their upcoming war with the NFL Players Association, a conflict which — as imbecilic as one would imagine, considering the obscene amount of money that everyone in the NFL, players and owners alike, are raking in — is looking inevitable.  A lockout in 2011 is looming — and even though Commissioner Roger Goodell is claiming otherwise, the fact that the NFL will take in $5 billion of television money in that year even if no games are ever played should tell you that — just like we’ve seen from his Wall Street and banking brethren of late — if his lips are moving, he’s probably lying.

With so many average, hard-working Americans watching their livelihoods put at risk by a faltering economy, I’ve got no tolerance for the greedy league stooges and shills like Bisciotti crying financial hardship — and neither should you.  If he NFL ends up shutting down in 2011, I’ll have no sympathy for any of the main participants (owners and players alike).  While the Lombardi Trophy gets awarded tomorrow, I’ll present a Ro-Sham-Bo Award to the Ravens owner today — hopefully, he’s not under the impression that there’s a lot of profit ahead for him in owning it.

Steve Bisciotti

In yesterday’s Baltimore Sun, Steve Bisciotti, owner of the Baltimore Ravens, was quoted as saying the following:

“It certainly doesn’t show up in the standings,” Bisciotti said. “If I’m a Yankees fan, I’m upset we’re not winning 130 games with the roster that they have and the money that they pay out. I think it’s a disgrace they only beat the average team by 10 games in the standings with three times the money. I’d fire that GM. You don’t need a GM. All you have to do is buy the last Cy Young Award winner every year.”

I obviously understand the point that Bisciotti is trying to make here, but he couldn’t come off sounding any less informed.  For those of you who don’t get what he is trying to say, I will spell it out.  He is implying that there should be a salary cap in baseball.  An argument I don’t happen to agree with, but a fair one nevertheless.

My problem with this ignorant statement is two fold.  First of all, regardless of salary cap or no salary cap it just isn’t that simple.  There are still budgetary constraints even if you’re the Yankees and many other obvious issues that prevent you from assembling a team that can dominate to that degree.  Including-

1. First one is pretty obvious Steve.  The Cy Young winners and MVP’s and whatever else you may have been referring to aren’t free agents every year.  Even if they were free agents, signing them might not be in the budget and you have to worry about draft pick compensation for Type A and Type B free agents.
2. You can’t just go out and trade for every star player out there for the same reasons.  Budgetary constraints, roster limitations, not to mention you wouldn’t have a farm system to use in any trades if you gave up all your draft choices signing Type A and Type B free agents.

Second of all it is not the Yankee’s fault that there is no salary cap in baseball.  Every team in Major League Baseball operates by the same rules and regulations as the Yankees.  It is capitalism and it is no different than anything else in the business world.  The Yankees run the most successful business, therefore they have the most money to spend and just because they have that much money doesn’t mean that they are necessarily going to spend it wisely.  We all know the Yanks have made mistakes in the past, but they are now a very, very well run franchise.

So in closing, why don’t you stick with what you know Steve and keep the Yankees out of your mouth.

Gamblers of the world, rejoice! Yes, your most profitable prophet is back, armed with the-way-it-is. Today’s topic: the Super Bowl. I’ve thoroughly crunched all the numbers, weighed all the injuries, picked Uncle Mo’s brain over steak dinner, meditated, vegitated, and flipped a few coins. And I’ve successfully detached the chaff from the wheat. So… here’s the wheat.

The media likes the Colts. This is understandable. Peyton Manning was designed by beings of superior intellect specifically to play this game, and the results of their work are bearing fruit… especially if you’re a Colts fan. He’s absolutely torn apart two of the better defenses in the league on his way to the Super Bowl, to the point that I’m surprised Shannon Sharpe didn’t implore the President to call in the National Guard. The Saints, meanwhile, should have lost to the Vikings, if you listen to those same pundits. This is the game on the surface, as deep as most in the national media will (can) delve.

But not me. I’ve already explained my process. And there’s more to this game.

First, let’s look at those playoff opponents. The Colts beat the Jets, a 9-7 team with a great defense but pedestrian, run-based offense. Their only chance was to stop Peyton Manning. As a terminator-style football robot, this is impossible, hence, the Jets chances of winning were virtually non-existent. This victory was highly expected, and doesn’t surprise Ed Honcho one bit, even in third person.

The Ravens are almost a carbon copy of the Jets (not surprising, since Rex Ryan came to New York from Baltimore), only slightly better on offense and slightly worse on defense. Still, their defense performed better than New York’s, something I believe we can chalk up to Colts’ rust (a month since their last competitive game). Nonetheless, their anemic offense could get nothing going, and Indianapolis had time to work out the kinks before pulling away.

The Saints, on the other hand, had to overcome the Vikings, the most difficult opponent either team played on their way to the Super Bowl. Strong on defense and prolific offensively, they gave the Saints everything they could handle and, as some would argue, should have won the game, and would have had it not been for all the turnovers. Of course, neglected here is the fact that the Saints caused those turnovers, a major part of their game plan, and one I’m sure they’ll take into the game Sunday.

And they thumped the Cardinals in Kurt Warner’s last game. Everyone’s poo-pooing (that’s right) the Cardinals as a below-average opponent, but just a week earlier, they’d knocked off the NFL’s second-hottest team, the Packers, and just last year, were in the Super Bowl. The manner of the Saints demolition should rather signify their qualities as a team, instead of the Cardinals’ weaknesses, but people will think what they want to think.

And it’s important that we examine both teams’ entire body of work. The media tends to take a short-sighted, what-have-you-done-for-me-lately approach to prognosticating, disregarding facts that don’t prove their point (like the return of injured players, for one). If the Colts and Saints were squaring off, let’s say, two months ago, when the Saints were thumping everyone in their paths (including the Dolphins and Patriots, teams the Colts struggled with), and the Colts were staging valiant fourth-quarter comebacks against inferior opponents, who would be the favorite? These are, in essence, the same teams, don’t forget.

Now, as we extrapolate these facts to the game at hand, the Saints are nothing like the two teams the Colts beat to make it to the Super Bowl. You might even call them their opposite… a bizarro Jets/Ravens, as Mad Adam would probably say. Explosive on offense and pedestrian on defense, though with the ability to create turnovers. If you had to pinpoint a strength of the Saints defense, though, you’d say the secondary, especially now that their guys are healthy (Jabari Greer, Tracy Porter, Darren Sharper… even Malcolm Jenkins). Against the Colts, this is a good thing. And when you compare the Colts to the Saints’ last opponent, Minnesota, things stack up well for the Saints too. The Vikings have an exponentially better defense than the Colts, on almost infinite orders of magnitude, especially if Dwight Freeney is restricted or can’t go. And Minnesota’s offense, ranked 5th in the league, was better than Indy’s as well (they finished 9th).

Of course, Minnesota didn’t have Peyton Manning, the crux of the Saints issue.

You can’t blitz Manning. Well, you can, if you like losing. And the Saints like to blitz. This is a conundrum that Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams must try to solve. I’m here to tell you it doesn’t matter. Do the best you can, cause this game’s going to be won or lost on the other side of the ball.

That’s right, it all boils down to New Orleans’ offense vs. Indianapolis’ defense. Indy’s D has improved, but not to the point it can stop the Saints. If the Saints can score in the 30’s, they’ve got a very good chance of winning this game (and seeing as they averaged scoring in the 30’s, you’ve got to like their chances).

Now, let’s look at some non-footballing issues. Most notably, the disrespect card. It’s become the most important motivating factor in sport today. More powerful than your opponent calling you out, more powerful than the greatest pre-game speech, more powerful than the substantial fact that you’re actually playing for a championship… that this is everything you’ve worked for. Nobody likes to be disrespected. And when outcome-predictions lean towards the one-sided, one of the teams is going to feel disrespected. This week, that’s the Saints. And can you blame them for using it as motivation? First, it works. Second, they were 13-0 at one point, and staring down the barrel of a perfect season. And nobody thinks they can win! Don’t be surprised, if they come out victorious, to hear “nobody believed in us!” more than a few times.

And then there’s this; while the Saints will be playing the Colts, the Colts will be playing an entire city, 336,644 strong. So don’t be surprised when you hear that Joseph Addai was tackled by Antoine Dauterieve, a chef at Lamarque’s Deli, or that Brees completed his last pass to Annabelle Pioulard, a city planner, or that Garrett Hartley’s holder is Pierre Desailly, a trumpeter. The Saints are held up on the backs of thousands of tortured fans, and they won’t let them fall. Was there any doubt that Hartley’s game-winning kick against Minnesota was guided straight through the uprights by the collective will of a city that needed it? That had to have it? I think not.

Given these virtually indisputable facts which have forced themselves to be weighed…

New Orleans 36
Indianapolis 34

And that’s the way it is.

Now, all you gamblers out there… quit emailing me, and quit tying up my phone line. I’m an important man, and I’m expecting a call from Uncle Mo any minute now. You’ve got what you came for, do with it what you will.

We’ve already looked at what the Saints need to do.  Now, lets look at the favored Indianapolis Colts.

Tom Moore and Peyton Manning

The Colts greatest strength is that they possess most stable offense in the NFL.  Offensive coordinator Tom Moore (a former wide receivers coach with the Pittsburgh Steelers) has been in Indianapolis for more than a decade.  When you look around the league, most offensive coordinators have been hired within the last year or two.  A handful have been around since 2006.  Aside from the Colts, only the Bengals have kept their coordinator around for  more than a “New York minute.”  It is precisely this aspect of stability and familiarity that allow the Colts to consistently make great in-game and in-drive adjustments to defenses.

The success of this team is predicated, largely (though not entirely), on the capacity of the offense to simply take what is given and squeeze more out of those concessions than most defenses ever think possible.  The definitive expression of that tool this season was the Week 2 win at Miami.  The Dolphins power run game cranked out over 200 yards and Miami dominated the clock.  The Colts had the ball for little more than a quarter, but managed to put together quick scoring drives that produced touchdowns and a victory.  Contrast that win with the AFC Championship Game victory over the top-ranked defense of the Jets.  The Colts overcame a 17-6 deficit, out rushed the Jets, and still threw for well over 300 yards.  The Colts make defenses give ’til it hurts.

The Keys:

1) Remember! The Colts played in this game in 2006.  They used an unconventional approach to win that game.  They used the surprising and powerful tandem of Dominic Rhodes (113 yards) and Joseph Addai (77 yards and 10 catches) to defeat the Chicago Bears.  Peyton Manning was not the star of that game.  The Colts were also the beneficiaries of five turnovers and many other errors committed by a quarterback clearly overwhelmed by the moment.  That game is not likely to be repeated by a player like Drew Brees.  The last MVP to get outfoxed in a Super Bowl was going up against the coach who wrote his playbook.  The Colts have to be ready for THIS game — but remember all the little non-football things that worked so well in 2006.

Kelvin Hayden Closes Out the Bears

2) Be patient on offense.  The Colts are, by design, a very patient team.  No one is more patient than Peyton Manning at the line of scrimmage.  In this game, with Dwight Freeney hobbled by a torn ligament in his ankle, the Colts may find themselves in a shootout with the league’s most potent offense.  If the Saints get out to a big early lead, the Super Bowl will not unfold like the AFC title game vs. the relatively impotent New York Jets.  Patience will be the key to avoiding turnovers, integrating the run into the offense, and keeping the Saints defense off balance.  If the Colts have a lead, patience will the key to keeping the powerful Saints offense on the bench.

3) Hands Up!! Without Dwight Freeney at full strength, the Colts may be hard pressed to sack Drew Brees.  The Saints QB has a quick release and he is athletic enough to escape pressure.  Still, he is only 6′0″ tall (?).  The Saints offensive line does a masterful job of creating wide passing lanes for Brees.  The Colts will have an opportunity to significantly interrupt the Saints short passing game by using two tactical approaches.  First, defenders have to create a “Sea of Hands” effect at the line of scrimmage.  If this is done consistently, the linemen will force Brees to change his arm angle and his release point.  Second, the Colts can use stunts by DLs, loops by linebackers and delay blitzes into passing lanes to disrupt the passing game.  This all requires a high level of coordination, but this style has been a staple of Tony Dungy defenses for years.  New Colts defensive coordinator Larry Coyer has been more aggressively in his approach, so don’t be surprised if you see the Colts emphasize batted balls at the line.

4) Keep the Defensive Tackles Fresh. At some point in the Super Bowl, the Saints are going to look to their right guard and ask him to impose his will on the Colts.  When this happens, the Saints are going to run right and run right some more.  They did it against the Cardinals and Darnell Dockett.  They did it against the Vikings and Kevin Williams (for just one drive).  The Vikings rotated Pat Williams over and made quick, effective adjustments. The Colts have to anticipate that a team that runs as frequently as the Saints do is going to try to exhaust the defensive line.  I think the Saints are going to try this maneuver when game breaks are less likely to be a factor — mid first quarter and early 3rd quarter.  Both of these teams like to break the defenses momentum with long drives.  Player rotation will be important.  If you see #90 Daniel Muir walking around with his hands on his hips, look out.

5) Attack the Weakest Links. After watching the Saints play on a number of occasions (with Jeremy Shockey and without), I’ve come to believe that the best approach is force the Saints to throw to their least reliable receivers.  Devery Henderson is that guy.  Henderson has explosive speed.  He beat the Cardinals over the top for a score in the Divisional Round game.  Still, his concentration and ability to catch the ball are not as good as Marques Colston, Robert Meachem, Lance Moore or Reggie Bush.  The Dallas Cowboys, playing against the Saints without Shockey and Bush, were able to effectively cover Colston and Meachem with a combination of coverages.  Henderson isn’t someone you can ignore, but if you’re looking for a dropped pass on 3rd down, he’s your guy…not Colston.

The second part of this key is to attack the football when Reggie Bush has the ball.  Bush is a player maker who is looking to make a name for himself in the league.  He has underperformed since being selected out of USC and seems to always be looking for redemption.  Bush may be more focused on the end zone than on protecting the ball.  If Gary Brackett can get a hit on the ball (remember his hit on Jerome Bettis at the goal line in 2005?), Bush could turn the ball over and give the Colts a boost.

7)  Bull Rush Off the Edge. Dwight Freeney can be effective, even with an injured ankle.  Freeney’s stock in trade has been the speed rush and the spin move back to the quarterback.  In recent years, however, he has added the bull rush to his repertoire.  I suppose bull rushing on an injured ankle is a recipe for a torn Achilles tendon, but that risk may be better than the alternative.  If Freeney is able to use his full array of rush techniques, the Saints will counter by ensuring that a tight end and/or running back get chips on him before running routes or stay in to block.

Finish the Play. The Saints have a lot of strong players on offense.  This season, New Orleans has put together what could be a full length feature film consisting entirely of hustle plays.  The Saints play through the whistle.  There was no better demonstration of this than Robert Meachem’s play against the Washington Redskins.  Meachem’s strip of a Redskin defender, and subsequent touchdown return, erased an interception and allowed the Saints to escape by the narrowest of margins.

Hustle Plays Turn the Tide

The Colts know all about this degree of effort.  Pierre Garcon’s strip of Ed Reed after the first of two Peyton Manning interceptions (the second was nullified by a penalty) was the most memorable play of the Colts playoff run this season.  Garcon’s effort against a Hall of Fame bound defender illustrates what will be required to seal the deal on Sunday.  The team that has a “Leon Lett-down” is not likely to emerge victorious.

As much as it hurts to admit it, the Indianapolis Colts are just that much better than every other team in the league. The New Orleans Saints are the feel good story of the Super Bowl, but when you look at the facts that good feeling slowly disappears. The Colts will win Super Bowl XLIV because Peyton Manning will not allow his team to lose, not in a game that is this significant to his legacy.

Manning has undeniably established himself as the top quarterback in the NFL. No signal caller is more efficient and knowledgeable when it comes to the subtle nuances of the game. In the Colts two playoff victories this season, Manning dismantled what were considered to be two of the top five defenses in football in the Baltimore Ravens and the New York Jets. He is a player who studies the game more intently than almost any player ever and who goes above and beyond the call of duty in preparation and execution.

Manning earned his fourth Most Valuable Player award this season despite having a less than amazing supporting cast of skill players.  That being said, the Colts will benefit from the fact that while their skill players may still be unknown and unproven they are more consistent and explosive than the backs and receivers of the Saints.  Players such as Pierre Garcon, Austin Collie and Donald Brown have excelled this season as relative unknowns primarily because of their exceptional field general. The Saints receiving core of Marcus Colston, Robert Meachem and Devery Henderson cannot be expected to produce on the same level as Garcon, Collie, Dallas Clark and Reggie Wayne.

Saints supporters will hold tight to the opinion that the Colts defense is suspect and will be exposed by the Saints explosive passing attack, especially if stud defensive end Dwight Freeney misses the game with torn ligaments in his ankle, but the Colts defense is extremely underrated. In the regular season the Colts were ranked 18th in total defense and 14th against the pass.  The Saints, generally regarded as the better defensive team, were ranked 25th and 26th respectively in those categories. The Saints defense relies heavily on turnovers, and Manning does not make mistakes in crucial situations.

While some believe the Colts will not be able to pressure Drew Brees and get sacks, the stats suggest that sacks are not necessary for the speedy Colts defense who have only recorded one sack in there two playoff games while giving up a stingy 20 total points.  Even without Freeney, Robert Mathis and Raheem Brock will command double teams from a questionable Saints offensive line that allowed the Vikings to bother Brees all day in the NFC Championship game that they were lucky to win.

The Saints have stumbled into the Super Bowl after ending the season with three loses and benefiting from the self-destruction of the Vikings two weeks ago.  The Colts are the more dangerous and talented team, if for no reason other than who will line up under center on Sunday.  Manning is playing on a level never before seen in history. He is aware that a win in Super Bowl XLIV would not only solidify him as the best in the league, but would also earn him a place on the Mount Rushmore of all-time greats.

Manning’s desire to be the best and the teammates that surround him are too much for a Saints team that will find out exactly “Who Dat?” when the Colts win.

Michael Phelps!

Everyone knows who he is, right? Yes, he is the best swimmer in the world who had won 8 gold medals in Beijing Olympic.
He was born in Baltimore, Maryland. He still lives there when he doesn’t have those games or practices. It’s interesting how this big star lives in a small city. And he is a great fan of Baltimore Ravens like me!
Whenever he has time, he comes to watch the Ravens games, and the spectators always welcome him with the great applause.
The Ravens also support Phelps enthusiastically because he could be the team’s most famous fan who can advertise the team. The Ravens had also made the uniform with ‘PHELPS’ on the back.
It is always interesting to know the celebrity fan of the sports team.

Read More: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/ann_killion/02/02/raiders/#ixzz0ePh4QMQx
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Dallas Cowboys :
*Signed (K)Connor Hughes to F.C.

Chicago Bears :
*Hired Mike Martz as new Offensive Coordinator

St. Louis Rams :
*Signed (WR)Nick Moore/Patriots to F.C.

Baltimore Ravens :
*Hired former Redskins Head Coach, Jim Zorn, as new Quarterbacks Coach

San Diego Chargers :
*Re-Signed (FB)Billy Latsko to F.C.
*Re-Signed (DT)Derrick Jones to F.C.

By Jesse Jones

The Baltimore Ravens have filled one of their coaching holes by hiring Jim Zorn to be their quarterbacks coach.

Zorn, who was recently fired by the Washington Redskins, was the QB coach in Seattle when Matt Hasselbeck was in his prime.  In ‘03, Hasselbeck threw for a franchise record 3,841 passing yards.  Hasselbeck also led his team to a Super Bowl and has been to three Pro Bowls.

Although his time in D.C. failed, Jim Zorn did help Jason Campbell improve as a quarter.  In 2008, Campbell threw for 3,245 yards, 13 touchdowns and 6 interceptions.  In 2009, he threw for 3,618 yards, 20 touchdowns and 15 interceptions.  His passer rating also went from 84.5 to 86.4 in the two years under Zorn.

Hopefully Zorn can help Flacco grow and make the offense better.  Then we might see that pose a lot more in Baltimore.

The Baltimore Ravens have hired Jim Zorn as their quartback coach.  I wasn’t a fan of Jim Zorn as a head coach because I honestly believe he didn’t have an idea as to what he was doing.  I do however believe that Jim Zorn is an exceptional quarterback coach and is one of the reason as to Jason Campbells improvement.  I do wish that the Washington Redskins would have kept him as the quarterback coach.

Jim Zorn is a likeable guy and he deserves to continue his coaching career in the NFL, whether or not being the head coach.  I wish him the best of luck with Baltimore, especially now that he has a very good QB with a pretty good offensive line to protect him.

Best of luck Jim!

Each year on FootballRelativity.com, we compare the 17 Hall of Fame finalists in terms of whom we think should be elected. So here’s a look at this year’s contenders for enshrinement in Canton. (Here are links to a comparison of last year’s finalists, and thoughts on the class that was elected.)

Tim Brown – Wide Receiver/Kick Returner – 1988-2003 Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders, 2004 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (first-time finalist)
Cris Carter – Wide Receiver – 1987-89 Philadelphia Eagles, 1990-2001 Minnesota Vikings, 2002 Miami Dolphins (repeat finalist)
Don Coryell – Coach – 1973-77 St. Louis Cardinals, 1978-1986 San Diego Chargers (eligible before but first-time finalist)
Roger Craig – Running Back – 1983-1990 San Francisco 49ers, 1991 Los Angeles Raiders, 1992-93 Minnesota Vikings (eligible before but first-time finalist)
Dermontti Dawson – Center – 1988-2000 Pittsburgh Steelers (repeat finalist)
Richard Dent – Defensive End – 1983-1993, 1995 Chicago Bears, 1994 San Francisco 49ers, 1996 Indianapolis Colts, 1997 Philadelphia Eagles (repeat finalist)
Russ Grimm – Guard – 1981-1991 Washington Redskins (repeat finalist)
Charles Haley – Defensive End/Linebacker – 1986-1991, 1999 San Francisco 49ers, 1992-96 Dallas Cowboys (eligible before but first-time finalist)
Rickey Jackson – Linebacker – 1981-1993 New Orleans Saints, 1994-95 San Francisco 49ers (eligible before but first-time finalist)
Cortez Kennedy – Defensive Tackle – 1990-2000 Seattle Seahawks (repeat finalist)
Dick LeBeau – Cornerback – 1959-1972 Detroit Lions (seniors candidate)
Floyd Little – Running Back – 1967-1975 Denver Broncos (seniors candidate)
John Randle – Defensive Tackle – 1990-2000 Minnesota Vikings, 2001-03 Seattle Seahawks (repeat finalist)
Andre Reed – Wide Receiver – 1985-1999 Buffalo Bills, 2000 Washington Redskins (repeat finalist)
Jerry Rice – Wide Receiver – 1985-2000 San Francisco 49ers, 2001-04 Oakland Raiders, 2004 Seattle Seahawks (first time eligible)
Shannon Sharpe – Tight End – 1990-99, 2002-03 Denver Broncos, 2000-01 Baltimore Ravens (first year eligible)
Emmitt Smith – Running Back – 1990-2002 Dallas Cowboys, 2003-04 Arizona Cardinals (first year eligible)

Let’s play relativity. 10 points will be an automatic yes vote, 1 point is someone who should not be a finalist again.
(By the way, all links to players are from the Pro Football Hall of Fame website, which is home to an incredible trove of research. Consider this a recommendation.)

10 – Jerry Rice – Two of the first-year eligible players are slam dunks. Rice is arguably the greatest player of all time at any position – I have no qualms about saying he’s the best I’ve seen with my own eyes. He was an unstoppable force on San Francisco’s dynastic teams of the 1980s and 90s, and he has ever receiving record ever imagined. He’s been a future Hall of Famer since halfway through his career, so his day will certainly come in Miami.

10 (con’t) - Emmitt Smith –  Smith isn’t in the list of the 10 best players ever like Rice is, but the league’s all-time leading rusher was a keystone of the Cowboys’ three Super Bowls in the 1990s and is an easy first-ballot choice. He was undoubtedly one of the top 2 backs of the 1990s (along with Barry Sanders), and his longevity and productivity are distinguishing figures for his career.

Note: Rice and Smith will certainly go in together as the highest profile names from the 2010 class. That leaves just three spots for the other 13 modern-day finalists, with seniors finalists Dick LeBeau and Floyd Little getting yea-or-nay votes on their own. Keep that in mind as you read the remaining profiles.

9 – Dick LeBeau – People today know LeBeau as the architect of the zone blitz defense and the defensive coordinator on many great defenses over much of the past two decades. But before he became a coach, LeBeau was a terrific cornerback for the Lions. With 62 career interceptions, he stands tied for seventh on the all-time list. LeBeau was a borderline Hall of Famer as a player, and his contributions as a coach will push him over the line to induction as a seniors candidate.

8 – Cris Carter – We said Carter should have gotten into the Hall of Fame last year, but the selection committee went for Art Monk instead. Carter still deserves induction, and if he misses out it will be because with Rice going in voters wanted to focus on other positions. Carter should get in, and he will someday. But we can’t say for sure that day will come this year because of the tight window for election.

7 – Richard Dent - Last year we pegged Dent (and seniors candidate Claude Humphrey) as the pass rusher who should get in. The late Derrick Thomas got in instead. Dent faces the test of being the third player from the great mid-1980s Bears defenses to get in (behind Mike Singletary and Dan Hampton), and that costs him support. But when you look at his sack numbers (137.5) compared to his era, it’s hard to say Dent doesn’t belong. He was a dominant, game-changing player and a Super Bowl MVP, which are both huge calling cards. It’ll be interesting to see whether he gets one of the two or three spots for modern candidates this year.

6 – Dermontti Dawson - We pushed for Dawson to make the Hall last year, but Randall McDaniel was the offensive lineman who got the nod. Now that McDaniel’s in Canton, Dawson should be the offensive lineman next in line. Dawson’s career wasn’t especially long, but the Steelers center was unquestionably the best center in the league during his prime, as his six straight All-Pro nods indicate. Dawson certainly merits induction over Grimm among this year’s protectors, and he should get in eventually. Perhaps this is his year.

6 (con’t) – Shannon Sharpe - Sharpe is the preeminent pass-catching tight end that is eligible for enshrinement at this point. But as a receiver, I’d put Sharpe behind Rice (obviously) and Carter in the receiver pecking order, but Sharpe is more deserving than former AFC West rival Tim Brown or Andre Reed. Sharpe needs to get in the Hall before guys like Tony Gonzalez and Antonio Gates are on the Hall of Fame horizon, because I’m not sure he will beat those guys in the voting. Sharpe has a case to make it to Canton, but his chances this year slip a little bit because Rice and Carter appear to be in line ahead of him.

5 - Don Coryell – Coryell has been eligible for induction before, but this is the first time he’s reached the finalist level. That’s not surprising, considering his victory total as a head coach with the Cardinals and Chargers is just 114-89-1, far below an elite level. But Coryell is considered an offensive innovator, as his Air Coryell type of vertical attack inspired prominent coaches such as Mike Martz, Norv Turner, and others. That’s the reason Coryell could make it in – almost as a contributor and not just a coach. My sense is that Coryell could gather support in that vein and end up sneaking into the class in a final spot, kind of like Ralph Wilson did last year.

5 (con’t) – Floyd Little – Little is a fascinating Hall of Fame case. As a seniors candidate, he doesn’t have to contend with anyone else for a spot – he’s simply subject to an up-or-down vote by the committee. And the fact that seniors candidate have a better rate of success getting in bodes well for Little too. But Claude Humphrey missed from this position last year, and Little’s numbers (12,000 all-purpose yards including kick and punt returns but just 6,300 rushing yards) aren’t awe-inspiring. Maybe the fact that Little is an all-time great Bronco and that the Broncos are underrepresented in the Hall of Fame will get him in, or maybe whoever presents Little’s case has the kind of ammo that will spark his election. But it seems to me that he’s no better than a 50-50 shot to make it in.

4 – Russ Grimm - We’ve already talked a little bit about the Grimm options, but now let’s focus in on Grimm’s HOF chances. Last year, we rated Grimm behind Randall McDaniel on the guard list, and McDaniel got in. This year, Grimm has a bit of a better chance because the offensive line class isn’t as packed. I’d still favor Dawson over Grimm, but the fact that none of the Hogs from the Redskins’ 1980s lines has gotten in gives Grimm a shot. There are still some voters who favor Joe Jacoby over Grimm as a Hall of Famer from that group, but since Grimm has generally established his candidacy as the best of that group, he has a shot.

4 (con’t) – Charles Haley – Haley is another of the candidates in this year’s class who made it to finalist level for the first time after years on the preliminary ballot. That doesn’t seem to be a good omen for his election. The most sterling part of Haley’s resume is that he played for five Super Bowl champs (two in San Francisco and three in Dallas), but the fact that he was an all-pro both at defensive end and linebacker is just as impressive. He won NFC defensive player of the year honors in those two years (1990 in S.F. and 1994 in Dallas), and he made five total Pro Bowls. His sack total of 100.5 isn’t stunning compared to guys like Dent or Rickey Jackson, but the fact that he played so much time at linebacker without being in a 3-4 zone blitz system explains that a bit. We put Haley behind Dent on the list, and on first blush we’d support Jackson over him as well, but Haley’s role on dynastic teams gives him a better shot than Jackson has. That’s probably not enough to sneak into this year’s class, but Haley could start building support for induction in a year without Rice and Smith-level guys on the top of the ballot.

4 (con’t) – Cortez Kennedy - Last year we gave Kennedy virtually no chance of induction in his first year as a finalist, but it seems like the former Seahawks defensive tackle actually got more support than we expected. The durable former all-pro was defensive player of the year in 1992 and was an eight-time Pro Bowler and three-time all-pro. Kennedy still falls below our standard for induction, but we now believe he has a better shot than fellow defensive tackle John Randle of making it to Canton, even though Randle has gaudy sack numbers that Kennedy, a run-stuffer, never compiled.

3- Rickey Jackson – Jackson has a shockingly good resume, considering he’s been eligible for 10 years but has never before reached the finalist level. His sack numbers (128 not counting his rookie season, in which sacks were not an official statistic), aren’t as good as Dent’s, but Jackson played in an era before 3-4 outside linebackers were pure pass rushers. Instead, he was a complete player on some of Jim Mora’s terrific defenses, and he was the best of a linebacker corps that included Sam Mills. Jackson probably won’t go from first-time finalist to induction, but his presence on the list is a deserved honor, and he has an outside chance of building a candidacy over the coming years. For now, though, he’s behind Richard Dent and Charles Haley in line.

3 (con’t) – John Randle - Last year we gave Randle more of a shot than this, but it seems like Kennedy has gained more steam in his candidacy than Randle currently has. Randle was a terrific 4-3 under tackle for the Vikings and Seahawks, and he used his slashing skills to pile up 137.5 sacks. That number compares favorably with Haley, which could help him in this year’s class, but the fact that Randle too often came off as a one-dimensional player hurts his cause. He’s been a finalist both years he’s been eligible, which means he has a shot to make it in, but the sense here is that he still has a wait before that happens – if it ever does.

3 (con’t) – Andre Reed – Reed finished his career with 951 receptions, which puts him sixth all-time, and he was the best receiver on the terrific Bills teams of the 1990s. But like Tim Brown, Reed was never among the best two or three receivers in the league. He never was a first-team All-Pro, although he did make seven Pro Bowls. That puts him behind Carter and Sharpe and of course Rice in the receiver pecking order when it comes to a place in Canton. I do give Reed a razor-thin edge over Brown, but to me that’s more of a decision for who should remain a finalist instead of a call about who should actually be elected.

2 – Tim Brown - Besides Rice and Smith, Brown is the only other first-time eligible to make it to finalist status. But it’s hard for me to see Brown as a Hall of Famer. The long-time Raider (and cameo Buccaneer) had nearly 15,000 receiving yards, which puts him up the list, but there was rarely a time when Brown was one of the best two or three receivers in the game. The fact that he was never a first-team All-Pro (voted as one of the top two wideouts in the league) bears this view out. Instead, guys like Rice and Carter (early in Brown’s prime) and Randy Moss easily outpaced Brown. Brown strikes me as a compiler, and to me that puts him behind not only Rice but also Carter and even Reed in this year’s class. In this year with election spots extra tight and the receiver spot so well represented among the finalists, there’s no way Brown gets in. But even if Brown were the only receiver among the finalists, I’d have a hard time supporting his induction. He belongs in the hall of the very good, not among the game’s ultra-elite in the Hall of Fame.

1 – Roger Craig – Craig is another long-time eligible player who finally crossed the border into the realm of finalists. Craig was the running back on the 49ers’ 1980s dynastic teams, and his ability to both run the ball and catch it out of the backfield made him a perfect fit there. Craig was the first player to total 1,000 yards both rushing and receiving in the same year back in 1985, and he made the Pro Bowl both as a running back and a fullback. His role on three Super Bowl winners is admirable, but the truth is that Craig fell well below Joe Montana and Jerry Rice in significance on those teams. Making the group of finalists means that Craig will be remembered for his fine play, but he fell below Hall of Fame level in his career. The reality is that he’ll probably be fortunate to make the list of finalists again after this year.

So what’s our prediction: There are three gimmes in the class – Rice, Smith, and LeBeau. To that we’ll add three more names – Dent, Carter, and Coryell in an upset instead of Dawson, who deserves the sixth spot. We’ll see how this outlandish prediction does on the Saturday before the Super Bowl.

By Jesse Jones

When I went to the Baltimore Ravens website today, they had an article showing the experts’ predictions about who the Ravens would take with the 25th pick in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft.  They mentioned which player the team would take, followed by an explanation.  Honestly, I forgot about some of the players when I was thinking who the team should take.  See for yourself:

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