Directed by Sammy Mwangi and Victor Ber and hosted by Dan Ndambuki aka Churchill

I am going to entitle this particular chapter in my life, The Belmont Stakes; after the longest dirt track, 1.5 miles, in thoroughbred racing. I’m The Thoroughbred and the race, is My Divorce! The Belmont is also the final race of The Triple Crown series; and, as such, is known as “The Test of Champions!” And, boy oh boy, do I feel like a champion today! Why, because I was vexed and now I’m not. Why? Because I asked and the answer was laid at my feet. Why? Because I know, like the sun coming up in the morning, that Source ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS has my back. And, when I rely on Me – not someone else to fill in my blanks – but Me – my highest and broadest aspect; Me, source energy; Me – the one with the perfect answer to my question. Then, I can never be vexed for very long!

I heard this delicious Abraham-Hicks YouTube video yesterday, where Abe addressed the issue of us kids relying on each other for praise, enlightenment, direction, etc. And while this avenue of query can be beneficial and feel good, when someone is holding you as the object of their attention; it can also feel not so good, when someone you love/admire is not in agreement with you. Their opinion can have a deleterious affect on you and then, where does that put your vibe? In the proverbial toilet, that’s where. And why? Because we gave our Power over to another – someone who is not privy to all we have lived, all we have amassed and, the grandeur of who we are! And, I want to be very clear on this – the person can be your bestest Abraham buddy in the world, but you cannot rely on others to light up your path! It is an inside job – period!

I have noticed on the Abe Forum and other FB Abraham Pages, folks write in to ask for guidance/assistance around certain areas in their lives. I have never felt compelled to do this, until this morning. And, that moment passed quickly, because the answer filled in the space. Now, Dearest Ones – don’t get me wrong – all avenues are groovy – you want to ask for assistance – do it! You want to talk about what’s not working? Do it! But, I think what I am getting at here, is that the solution is more fun to play with than the problem. I enjoy playing with all my FB/Abe Friends in the playground of their solution, I’m really not interested in what lead them to that delicious knowing – I just like frolicking in the Knowing. And again, I respect that we all have our way of seeking direction and that, all roads lead home! And, I know, sure as shootin’ – that many of us are co-operative components for each other. But for me, I was so delighted when my Broader Aspect showed up, and dealt me the royal flush of answers to my question of the moment; which is/was – How Does One Wrap Up Her Divorce – Abe Style?

You see I am rounding the final turn at Belmont. I’ve run the race with grace, dignity and aplomb – employing all the teachings of Abraham into what could be construed as a “dirty business.” My divorce attorney and the gals who run the office are always amazed at the happiness and joy that I bring when I visit with them. And, why shouldn’t this stage in my life be joyful when it is SO the next logical step for me? Now, here’s the rub:

1. When I dip my toe into the subject of my divorce, it feels icky, as this reality is really old news. I moved on before I even initiated proceedings; what I am experiencing now is just a legal formality. Emotionally, I felt divorced the minute I knew which way I had to proceed to keep joy in my life – the law is just a bit slower than us leading-edge creators

2. Dwelling in this cantakerous, step-one world, can be an uncomfortable place to reside, even for a moment. Going over what was, is so yesterday! So banal! So mundane. And, we are Genuis Creators for crying out loud – we weren’t meant to stay put, or too even look back. We are ALL ABOUT the forward motion! And,

3. When you understand, down to the marrow of your bones, that this reality you are focused upon is old, and that the joy, the oozing, the creative jou-jou is in our Vibrational Reality, our Vortexual Reality, our Feeling Forward Reality – it becomes a balancing act, which, at times, requires a great deal of energy.

There is a “final” offer sitting in my in-box, it’s been there for quite a while! I am loath to read it and, as a result, I just can’t bring myself to hit the open button. When I’m in my V – I can’t do it. When I’m out of the V – I won’t do it. So, there you have the conundrum – what’s a gal to do?

Well, I’ll tell you – nothing. Keep pushing out the phone call with my attorney, until I feel I can get in my Vortex and then read the letter from a place of knowing. Done – have pushed it out a couple of times and I don’t give a fig what the other side is up to; they have screamed, I hang up or don’t answer. They have sent nasty grams, I don’t participate. Because you know what? This is my race damnit! And I’m going to run it the way I choose, when I choose, and how I choose. I am going to pick the perfect conditions under which I can make the wisest choices for me, period. I don’t care what anyone else’s schedule is dictating; I don’t take dictation!

And, here’s the answer that bubbled up this morning, because I am about to sign a piece of paper that says – THIS IS THE FINAL AMOUNT OF MONEY YOU WILL EVER RECEIVE IN YOUR LIFE!!!!! What I realized was that this piece of paper and my soon to be former husband, are one delivery system. And, when I fall up into my Vibrational Reality – the myriad of endless possibilities and delivery systems are felt completely by me! I don’t have to know what they are today! I don’t have to identify them, today. I don’t have to figure it all out, today! All I need do is to get into my Vortex and then…… bask, go general, dream, bask some more, feel, ooze, feel forward, etc.

I’ll tell you, this entire divorce process has been a bit odd – but the expansion has been outrageous! I have learned a ton and one of the biggest rewards has been fine-tuning my ability to focus on what’s working and to disregard the disgruntled folks screaming from the bleachers!

I want to thank you dear readers, from the bottom of my heart and the depths of my Vortex, for being here to listen/feel me, while I take this grand life’s journey! Thank you for holding me as the object of your attention, if only for a moment, I can feel it, and it feels good. Thank you one and all, for being co-operative components in this life’s journey. My appreciation knows no bounds!

And to Source – my Broader Aspect (I always new I was one hell of a Broad!), I say thank you! I love knowing your always here with me, intractable, unwavering, constant, consistent, and loving beyond my wildest dreams. And you always deliver the goods – the perfect answer – in the perfect time – wrapped in the most delightful of feelings.

Oh, and you better get that blanket of White Carnations ready for me. I’m going to give a call tomorrow, take the final steps, and cross the finish line to cheers, hoots and hollers from my Vibrational Family. I am going to sign the divorce papers with my Abraham-Hicks Alaska 2012 Pen, which we were given on the Alaskan Cruise! Won’t that be fun? And, the best part, I’ll be the only one in on it – well, not counting the non-physical posse that loves to play with me! And, it is my promise to you, that this is one old story that I will be happy never to unearth again!

And the Winner, by thirty-two lengths (wanted to beat out Secretariat’s record!) -

Alchemist!

Source: bscyb.com

Many times we watch a football stadium only the place where the game happens. Sometimes a stadium surprises you with some skills that cannot be watched with a simple look. For example, it’s nice to discover some curiosities about the Stade de Suisse, the stadium of Young Boys in Berna (Switzerland). It was built on the grounds of the former Wankdorf Stadium and opened on july 2005.

It has a  capacity of 32,000 spectators and all the seats are covered. It is the second biggest stadium in Switzerland and it was one of the venues in the 2008 Eurocup. Its surface is an artificial turf and it cost 350 million suisse franc. Just below the playing field is one of the largest shopping centers in Switzerland and a parking  with over 700 places. The stadium also includes schools, homes, a fitness center, several gyms and some restaurants.

At first sight it may seem a common stadium. But it is not:

Curiosity 1: Ecological stadium

On top of the stadium it’s placed the world largest stadium-integrated photovoltaic installation. It consists of approximately 8,000 Solar modules covering an area of 12,000 m2. In one year it can provide enough electrical energy for approximately 325 average households per year, 1,134,045 kWh in total and a Co2 saving of about 567 tons/year. The electricity from the photovoltaic installation powers the stadium and the neiborghood around the area.

Curiosity 2: The hot seat

In the stadium there is a single red seat, all the others are both black or yellow. It is the first seat installed in te stadium, in 20th january of 2005. There are not tickets available for that seat and it is used to be reserved for a famous visitors or Young Boys former players. The suisse goalkeeper Walter Eich unveiled it.

Curiosity 3: Icy record 

The stadium is not only used as a football ground. Many live shows and spectacles  have taken place there (Bon Jovi, Ac/Dc, Bruce Springsting or Red Hot Chili Peppers have played there). The Stade de Suisse has the record on attendance to a Ice Hockey match in Europe. The local teams, SC Bern and SC Langnau choose the stadium to play their hundreth match. It was on January 14, 2007,  when they filled the Stade de Suisse with 30,076 fans and the tickets were sold out out within 53 hours of tickets going on sale.

With the NFL season underway and the introduction of Thursday night games into week 2 this year, the question must be asked… Are Thursday night games good for the NFL? In my opinion, from a fans standpoint, I would say NO. Aside from the inconvenience of having to pay for an extra channel, I feel it is unfair to give teams altered weeks of preparation due to the scheduling. If a team plays on Thursday and then has a Monday night game, that team would have 11 days to prepare for the game… If a team has a Monday night game and is then scheduled for a Thursday game, that team would have only 4 days for preparation. It is unsafe to give players that short of time to recover between games and it is unfair to give teams differing amounts of preparation time. With such a strong emphasis on player safety and game integrity today, its shocking a change hasn’t been made. From the NFL’s point of view, however, I can see how Thursday night games could be beneficial. The added game day provides more opportunity to generate revenue and gain exposure for the league. Although the NFL may benefit from holding games on Thursday, I feel the inconsistencies in preparation for teams surrounding Thursday night games will contribute to a lesser product of the field.

“I have a question about this. It concerns #3, the question. Doesn’t saying “How will I feel when I “get it?” infer “lack of”? IE, “when” means “I don’t have this now”?  Would it not be better to ask #3 in such a way as you already have it? Like, “This is how it feels?”  Or am I reading too much into this. I have to admit since Abe some things have me scared to think them, and instead of going general (as is always stated) when I’m feeling negative…I have the tendency to say to myself “Shut up, all is well, everything always works out. You know that, so don’t go there”.

The dentist is in!!! More drilling down needed here I see! My absolute favorite thing to do – create more clarity around a subject. I so understand your question and the resultant “other end of the stick” feeling that sometimes reveals itself, when we are asking for something not yet delivered in the physical realm.

If I were in our physical shoes, I would start my grid building with two ideas in mind: first, have fun with it – it’s not the SATs ; and second, take something that isn’t so “big” for you to begin with. Remember the wonderful world of generality that is always available to you? Let’s go there for a moment, shall we? How about we build a Grid around Well-Being?

What do I want?
I want to feel well-being in all aspects of my life.

Why do I want it?
Because it will bring me relief in every area of my life.

How will it feel when I get it?

Oh Gods, where do I begin? Well, I can feel it already. It feels smooth, eeeeeasy, calm, deep, resonant, fulfilling, dreamy, pure, open, available, big. It feels like this is always with me, this feeling of empowerment and joy. It feels like an old friend, so happy that I have made my way to this vibrational playground once again to frolic, sing, jump and play! It feels like home. It feels like I never left. You know why? Because I didn’t leave, and IT never left me! How funny! I’ve been so darn serious around all this and just think, it’s all a game! A game of my choosing, a game where I create the attractions and rides, a game were I get to interact with people, situations, opportunities on my terms, on my timing, on my point of vibration! Good grief, I feel like I’m flying, but unlike Icarus – I can never be too close to the sun. I am radiant, pulsating, sending forth the delicious vibration of Source! Wow – This grid building is crazy good! I can see now how easy it can be when I let go of my resistance and let Source Mind, my Broader Aspect flow through me! My vibration is sky high, and then some. And, you know what? If this was the only Grid I ever built – and I kept this vibration flowing – all other aspects of my life that are not seeming to flow, will rise to the occasion – IT IS LAW!! Keeping things general is a wonderful place to play! I love playing, I love creating! I am Creator and I am FREEEEE!!

WOW – there you go – hope that was as good for you, as it was for me! I feel terrific! Thank you so much for the question, it made my day co-creating with you on the answer!

Love, love and more sideways, liquid, Grid LOVE!!

Alchemist!

Miami Marlins – Steve Cishek got knocked around on Tuesday night, eventually getting yanked after allowing three runs and only recording one out.  Cishek’s ERA is now 9.95 for the month of August, pushing his season-long ERA up to nearly 3, which is probably where it should’ve been anyway, given his crummy WHIP (1.34).  After Tuesday’s outing, he’ll be looking over his shoulder at Heath Bell, who the Marlins would probably like to see win the job back going into next season.  Steve Cishek to Hot Seat.

    |Closer      |Set-Up      |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |Updated
MIA |Cishek      |Bell        |Dunn        |Bell        |9/19/12

 
Cincinnati Reds – Jonathan Broxton picked up his third NL save in Aroldis Chapman’s absence on Tuesday.  Chapman is throwing a bullpen session today and could resume closing shortly, but Broxton is worth holding on to in case the Reds shut the hard-throwing lefty down until the playoffs.  No hierarchy change.

    |Closer      |Set-Up     |2nd In Line  |2013 Closer |Updated
CIN |Chapman     |Broxton    |Marshall     |Madson      |9/19/12

 
Chicago White Sox – Matt Thornton pitched a clean 8th inning, then stayed on to face the first hitter of the 9th before giving way to Addison Reed, who recorded the final two outs.  Thornton and Brett Myers are jockeying for the 8th inning role, but as a lefty, Thornton is probably more likely to pick up a random save here and there, given Robin Ventura’s recent tendency to play match-ups all the way through the 9th.  Hierarchy change: Matt Thornton to Set-up, Brett Myers to 2nd in line. 

    |Closer      |Set-Up      |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |Updated
CHW |Reed        |Thornton    |Myers       |Reed        |9/19/12

 
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Heath Bell, Miami Marlins – Steve Cishek got knocked around last night, and has pitched in four of the last five.  He might get the day off today.
2. Jonathan Broxton, Cincinnati Reds – Aroldis Chapman’s fatigued arm means Jonathan Broxton should see the majority of Cincinnati save chances over the next week or so.
3. Javier Lopez, San Francisco Giants – Javier Lopez and Sergio Romo continue to share the 9th inning role for the Giants.

Chicago White Sox – Addison Reed allowed three baserunners without recording an out on Saturday, and had to be bailed out by Matt Thornton, who picked up the save.  Reed has now allowed multiple baserunners, and at least one run, in 7 of his last 9 appearances.  Addison Reed to Hot Seat. 

    |Closer      |Set-Up      |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |Updated
CHW |Reed        |Myers       |Thornton    |Reed        |9/16/12

 
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Jonathan Broxton, Cincinnati Reds – Aroldis Chapman’s fatigued arm means Jonathan Broxton should see the majority of Cincinnati save chances over the next week or so.
2. Javier Lopez, San Francisco Giants - Javier Lopez and Sergio Romo continue to share the 9th inning role for the Giants.

Greetings Denizens of the hippest planet in the Universe! How’s your day unfolding in this raging, fomenting time/space reality known as The Leading Edge of Thought? Are you poised for another opportunity to co-create together and blow the roof off? Are you ready to join the party that you have orchestrated, right down to the napkin placement, and floral arrangements? Are you prepared to drop whatever is keeping You from YOU; and strut, jump, skip down to The Hall of Mirrors where music, merriment, libations, sexy guests, and gastronomic delights abound? What’s that you say? It all seems a bit – over the top? Well, hell yes, it’s over the top – its your party for crying out loud! It’s the one you have been planning since early childhood – see the cupcakes in the corner with the jelly beaned, festooned icing? You had that thrown into your Vortex when you were 4! The Specifics of all and I mean ALL of your desires, resides in your swirling, twirling, Vortex of Creation – ready to manifest; right here, right now. You – Dear, Delicious One, need only give up the anchor and rode that have been holding you firmly in place, and allow yourself the ride of a lifetime; into your Knowing, into your Becoming, into the Broader Beingness That is YOU, YOU, YOU – Quantum YOU!

In order to establish a solid foundation/grid; i.e., a more vivid point of attraction, you need to hold the 3rd step, for a minimum of 17 seconds. This 17 seconds of pure, positive, focused thought, will summon another thought of equal, vibrational quality and composition. This magnetism (LOA) will cause them to mate; thereby, creating a more potent construction to my vibration of thought. Then, remaining focused on this new and improved higher, vibrational thought/feeling for an additional 17 seconds, will call in another feeling/thought of equal girth and vibrational intensity. They converge, upping the vibrational and tonal ante again – more power, more velocity, more, more, more. I continue on this path for a total of 68 seconds (or 4 segments of 17 seconds strung together) et voila – I have created a Grid/Point of Attraction that is secure, stable, deep, and resonant. This Grid acts as a beacon to the Universal Manager, The Law Of Attraction which immediately sets out to fill in the grid with manifestations.


There you have it folks, through our 3 Step Process, we have successfully stepped around the land mines of how, what, where, who, and when; any one of which can cause a negative tremor to the force of our Grid! Instead, we are emitting a Pure Vibrational Offering, which can only be matched by a vibration of commensurate tonal quality. And now, the only action that need be taken, is Alignment, IOW, to remain in the Vortex for extended periods of time. The only thing you need do from this moment forward, is to Purely Focus on that which pleases you, that which delights you, that which titillates and tantalizes you! Period. THAT is the action. Shall we call it Allowed Action? Because not doing is taking action too! You are allowing Law of Attraction to fill in your Grid, using the specifics of your Vortex. And, the results will take your breath away, I promise. 


I am off now – to frolic with quasars, to create with other geniuses, to show myself just how high I can go! I know I’ll see you there, traipsing about the heavens, dancing among the stars, and laughing till the cows come home! And, to think, We Have Barely Scratched The Surface……………..


Alchemist ~*

Below are a sampling of some of my flipped classroom routines:

I. Learning Journals: I purchase inexpensive copy books (25 cents each) for students to use. The journals stay in class ( we are not 1:1 ) as I want students to have the opportunity to reflect on a regular basis. Like brushing your teeth, reflection and metacognition are habits that have to be developed with support and guidance. At first students do not take many risks with their reflections and stick pretty close to the provided prompts. Over time though they open up (just like a flower blooms!) and are able to reflect with amazing insight into their own learning journeys. Besides the prompts, we use journals to debrief activities and set weekly goals.

Simple, inexpensive and portable. Personalized with a $ Store nameplate sticker!

II. Index Cards: Index cards have so many uses, they are one of my favourite go to tools. Students seem to love them as well as they are so contained, unlike the rest of their sometimes very overwhelming lives. This year I am using them for students to set daily goals and then place the card on their desks beside them to be a visual reminder of their short-term goals. I got this idea from Net Smart by Harold Rhiengold and have tried it myself over the last couple of weeks and found it very helpful in aligning my attention with my goals.

Other uses of index cards: summary of key ideas from an activity, making outlines for essays, and review of a challenging topic, etc. I buy rings at the dollar store for students to hold all their index cards together and they LOVE these (almost as much as I love the dollar store!).

Index Card Rings

III. Learning Packets: Each unit has a packet and a list of possible activities (ex: watching screencasts, lab activities, group activities). Some will be completed as a class (ex a lab that requires set up or white boarding) but some are optional and allow for student choice. The cover page lists all the activities and begins with the optimal completion date. This cover page also lists journal prompts for the unit. During flex time students can select from the activity list. As the year starts I encourage students to figure out what combination works best for them. This is a fluid process and takes time for students to adjust to and requires lots of discussion. Example of a cover sheet for a learning packet below.

Cellular Packet

IV. Flex time: This is time in class for students to complete what they need to get their learning done. At the start of the semester I begin with a small amount of time and depending on the dynamics of the class, this may only be 10 mins. As students become more comfortable with this open time I increase it.  What amazed me the most is that students can (in most cases and after acclimatizing to the structure) self pace, for example students will go back to units where they struggled and ask for help from me or from other students. Students seem to want to work through their weaknesses first, before they enter new content territory.

V. Hot Seat: Hot Seat is one of many of the Flipped Class terms that comes from Phil McIntosh (@mistermcintosh ). Hot Seat occurs as we are moving towards the end of a unit and students and I meet for a formal appointment (I do get time each day to check in and talk to students as well). This is when students have the opportunity to present, question and reflect on the evidence they have archived to demonstrate their learning. This might look different for each student, and it is definitely not a pile of completed worksheets (this year I am trying e-portfolios for the first time). Students are very proud to share and seem to really value this time.

After a question or two I get a true sense of what is really going on with the student. It becomes very apparent if a student is not ready to challenge an assessment, we might make a plan for the student to write the assessment the following week (but outside of class time). In making this decision I use my both my teacher judgement and intuition. There are the “little monkeys” who are trying to game the system who I work to hold firmly accountable, students who will claim they are not ready but always do well (“stress monkeys”) and then those that are sincerely struggling and need extra support or more time. (“little muffins”). An example of the first Hot Seat of the year, which is more prescriptive.

Hot Seat #1

VI. Outside of Class Assessments: Students must complete an application form and submit to me by the end of day on Tuesdays. Outside of class assessments occur on Thursdays only, either before school or after school (if they cannot make one Thursday, I say “OK next Thursday”). Students have to present their evidence for their learning in advance of the assessment and as I say a time or two, these assessments are a privilege and not a right. This is the classroom practice that I have to repeat and explain the most and for some students it takes literally months for them to appreciate this opportunity. I do limit it to 2 times per student ( but would extend in certain situations) and have a blackout period in the last two weeks of the semester (for my sanity). I have turned students away (they did not complete the form, they had no evidence etc). Application form below.

Outside of Class Assessment Application

What are your favourite tried and true classroom norms? 

With a record-setting number of  teams with new starting QB’s this season, it got me thinking of what teams could make a change at field general should their team’s record go awry this year. Below listed are the teams in order that I feel are most likely to make a change at QB next season. Let me know if you feel any other QB’s are in danger of losing their starting job…

-Arizona Cardinals: (Who Ever They Finish With)
The most obvious of QB changes coming, the Cardinals are crying for a QB to take control of the job. I can see their GM on the phone right now begging Kurt Warner to take the job back.

-Denver Broncos: Peyton Manning
With only a two-year deal, Peyton’s second year with the Broncos may depend solely on his first season back from injury. If the Broncos struggle or Peyton can’t make the comeback like most expect he will, I see Denver going in a different direction, especially if the Broncos get a high pick.

-Dallas Cowboys: Tony Romo
When Jerry Jones spoke of the teams window closing, I believe he was speaking directly about Tony Romo. Another postseason absence will go along way in earning Romo a trip out of Dallas. I think a long shot scenario could be the Broncos trading Peyton Manning and a draft pick for Tony Romo.

-Seattle Seahawks: (Who Ever They Finish With)
Pete Carroll is like a kid in a candy store with QB’s. He can’t make up his mind what type of QB he wants to lead his team, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he changes starters 3 times this season alone.

-San Francisco 49ers: Alex Smith
With relations between Smith and the team already shaken from the beginning of the offseason, I don’t think it’s out of lines to say that the team would look in a different direction if Smith fails to get it done this season.

-Kansas City Chiefs: Matt Cassel
With injury issues and a list of team disappointments that are piling up, I see the Chiefs looking in another direction if Cassel can’t lead them to the playoffs this season.

-Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Josh Freeman
Going along the same lines as my Christian Ponder theory, if Freeman performs the way he did last season, new head coach Greg Schiano may want to make a QB change to someone he believes in. The free agents and rookies Tampa acquired during the offseason, however, should go along way to help Freeman keep his starting job.

-Oakland Raiders: Carson Palmer
Although the Raiders gave up a great deal to acquire Palmer, we have seen with teams like the Cardinals and Seahawks willing to bench high paid QB’s for a better producer. If Palmer shows the rust he displayed last season, he may not get another chance with the black and silver.

-Buffalo Bills: Ryan Fitzpatrick
Although recently signed to an extension, if Fitzpatrick leads the league in interceptions again this season, expect a QB change sooner than later.

-Minnesota Vikings: Christian Ponder
I give Ponder the benefit of the doubt, I think he has a chance to be a good NFL starter. However, if the Vikings have another poor season and the team changes head coaches, I fear for Ponders job. A new head coach may want to start over fresh, which certainly wouldn’t bode well for Ponder and an already aging Adrian Peterson.

I don’t know what goes through their mind as far as that. But it’s their team. They’re playing for themselves, their school, and all the work they’ve put in. That’s who you’re playing for, it’s as simple as that. We think we have good leadership, and we’ve got the respect of the team, we’ve had it always. I don’t think that plays into anything.

If a spaceship came down and took me away tomorrow, it’s [still] their team. At the end of the year, they’re gonna look at the record, and it’s what they did. I think that’s a healthy way to approach it.

Frank Spaziani on if he thought the team might be playing to show they had his back

Well, It could be debilitating if you pay attention too much to it, if you dwell on it. You’re a human being, you don’t like to hear that. But the perception is reality of what’s happening. The only way to change perception is to change the facts. The only facts that we have here to change are the W’s and the L’s. Change the W’s and L’s, and life will go on. If you want your job, do your job.

Head football coach Frank Spaziani, on the hot seat talk surrounding his name

4. Andy Reid (Eagles) – Lets see, 5 conference title games. One Super Bowl. Coaching a team in the best and hardest conference (NFC East). Still employed even if you haven’t had a lot of success of the years. That is Andy Reid for you. Some say, he should been let go last year. The Eagles have built a super team. If a conference title game or Super Bowl is not how you end the season, expect major moves to go down in the off season. Mike Vick is a 100 million dollar man, so losing the coach seems like the better move. Andy Reid needs to make some noise, or he might be looking for a new job.

3. Rex Ryan (Jets) – Makes noise every year. Puts out good teams on the field. No Super Bowl, but he came close twice. Ryan is setting himself up this year. Say what you want, the Tebow trade will help more than hurt. If Sanchez can’t take the heat, then these past 3 years were a fluke. Tebow is a winner. Sanchez is ok, but he needs to show more in order to keep his starting job and save his coach. Throw in the ongoing Revis situation and you can see why Rex needs to make some major moves.

2. Lovie Smith (Bears) – The Bears will get no love. And Lovie will get no credit. This team should be among the elite. Yes, Smith has something to do with it. But the health of players has some impact on it also. Your starting QB Jay Cutler can’t stay on the field and he is a gunslinger (ie Brett Farve). You never had a real WR. The offensive line has always been suspect. And the defensive is strong, but the offensive never really  gave them anything. The 2012-13 season should be different. Cutler appears to have grown up. Brandon Marshall is on board at WR. We all remember there days in Denver. So Lovie and the Bears have a team on paper who should be able to make strong run this year. The thing that is stopping them is the North has gotten stronger. The Packers are always at the top of the division. But the Lions made a push last year that should carry over to the next. The Bears need to pray for a wildcat spot. If not, Smith maybe looking for a job next year.

1. Gary Kubiak (Texans) – The best team who can never get over the hump. 6 years, one playoff run. Most coaches would have gotten fired with this lack of success and so much talent. Kubiak has a nice young QB (Schaub), best RB in the game (Foster), a top 3 WR (Johnson) and a defensive that always ends up in the top 10. These should equal playoffs every year. In Kubiak’s case they do not. This year is make it or break it. The front office must be laying off on him. He coaches like his job is safe. No one should feel like they can’t get fired tomorrow. The Texans play in the AFC South. So a 11-12 win season should not be hard. You the Colts and a rookie QB. The Jags who might need the number pick next year. And the Titans who have no idea who the QB will be. Kubiak has to do more than wins games. A deep playoff run is what is needed to help his team and save his job.

Left off list:

Jason Garrett (Cowboys) – Almost made the list. Jerry Jones loves this guy. The Miles Austin injury hurt him. The talk of getting rid of Romo, save Garrett for another 2 years. Romo will take the hit if the team does not do well. For Garrett, this saves his job.

Mike Smith (Atlanta) – Same as Garrett, the QB will take the hit for the bad. Matt Ryan is the one who looks bad to the fans. Smith does have to take the blame for the playoff game last year. But all the other stuff falls on Ryan. Whatever Ryan does, Smith will skate by for another year. If the Falcons don’t make noise, Smith will be on this list next year.

Pete Carroll (Seahawks) – Playoffs, yes. Sub-par record, yes. Looking bad but just getting by will only last for so long. Carroll needs a 9 win season and another playoff upset to avoid the hot seat. This year, he will have 3 QB’s to play around with. Hopefully a above .500 record will fall in his lap.

Here are the top 5 lists by position of who I think will be the top fantasy performers this season. I am sure I will raise a few eyebrows, but we will have to wait till the end of the season to see how it all pans out…

QB:

1. Aaron Rodgers – With no running game and a questionable defense, Rodgers will have plenty of chances again this season for fantasy points.

2. Cam Newton – Although I don’t think Cam will match his numbers from last year, I expect him to put together another solid fantasy season.

3. Eli Manning – Almost eclipsing the 5,000 yard marker last season, I expect Eli to be tops in fantasy with a backfield that will help him more this season.

4. Tom Brady – Hard to choose against the “Golden Boy”, I feel I would have rated him better had it not been for questions on the O-Line.

5. Joe Flacco – Maybe a surprise, I feel Flacco will take a big statistical step forward with more trust being given to him in the offense.

RB:

1. LeSean McCoy – Picking up from last year, I expect McCoy to have a monster stats year in an offense that will try to protect Vick from injury.

2. Steven Jackson – With Jeff Fisher at head coach, I can see Jackson back on top of the league as the premiere back people may have forgotten him to be.

3. Ray Rice – One of the most lethal offensive weapons in the NFL, I feel his numbers may drop slightly with an emerging Flacco.

4. Darren McFadden – As long as he can stay healthy, I don’t see defenses being able to stop McFadden from putting up huge fantasy points.

5. Chris Johnson – With an inexperienced Jake Locker getting the QB job, I see Johnson getting plenty of carries to help the young QB ease into the offense.

WR:

1. A.J. Green – It sounds weird but Dalton to Green has a chance to be one of the most prolific combinations in the NFL… Green will have a huge year!

2. Calvin Johnson – With teams likely having to quadruple team Megatron, I find it hard to see him repeating his production from last season.

3. Victor Cruz – Let the Salsa commence, Cruz’s production is here to stay.

4. Larry Fitzgerald – I would have rated him higher if Arizona actually had a QB on their depth chart…

5. Steve Smith (CAR) – Smith’s career has been resurrected with the arrival of Cam Newton, I see Smith putting together another top 5 fantasy season.

TE:

1. Antonio Gates -  A healthy Gates is a deadly Gates. I expect him back to his dominant form coming off an injury plagued season a year ago.

2. Jimmy Graham – Now one of Brees’ go to guys, I see him getting a lot of the Saints red zone looks.

3. Aaron Hernandez – The more versatile of Belichick’s tight ends, I see Hernandez having a better fantasy year this season with “Gronk” drawing most of the double teams.

4. Kyle Rudolph – With Peterson coming off a bad injury and Harvin, who has always battled health issues, I see Rudolph getting plenty of targets as the young QB Ponder develops in his second year.

5. Vernon Davis – Davis will continue to show dominance but will always be held back statistically because of the offense he is in.

DEF:

1. Eagles – With a year to gel and bolster up at linebacker, I see the Eagles as tops in the NFL on all defensive levels.

2. 49ers – With basically all starters returning on defense, I find it hard to think Willis and the gang won’t impress.

3. Giants – Additions at linebacker and in the secondary will give the Giants the push to be an elite fantasy defense.

4. Buccaneers – Maybe a surprise pick, I feel the Bucs will have a youthful hunger on defense behind rookie head coach Greg Schiano.

5. Ravens – What’s a defensive list without the Ravens, however, I feel the loss of Suggs hurts them from a fantasy perspective.

K:

1. Mason Crosby (GB) – One of the most high-powered offenses in the NFL, I at least see him making a lot of extra points.

2. Matt Prater (DEN) – An already solid kicker, Denver’s altitude gives you the chance for longer field goal attempts, as well as Peyton Manning’s ability to get points when in the red zone.

3. Hartley/Kasay (NO) – Who ever is the winner of the Saints kicker duel will have plenty of chances to put of fantasy points in New Orleans’ high-powered offense.

4. Stephen Gostkowski (NE) – Always a safe fantasy pick, you are basically guaranteed points from Gostkowski once New England crosses the 50.

5. Dan Carpenter (MIA) – Maybe a shocker, the lack of offense in Miami gives Carpenter the opportunity for some 5 field goal games. Of course you also run the risk of getting a goose egg…

Boston Red Sox – Andrew Bailey picked up his first save of the season on Friday, throwing a clean 9th inning.  He’s definitely on track to win the closer job soon, but he’s not officially the man yet.  ”I wish he had a little more [appearances] so I could make that determination,” Bobby Valentine told mlb.com.  Alfredo Aceves has blown three of his last five save chances, and remains on a blazing Hot Seat, but the job is still his for the time being.  No hierarchy change.

    |Closer      |Set-Up      |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |Updated
BOS |Aceves      |Bailey      |Padilla     |Bailey      |8/25/12

 
Los Angeles Angels – Garrett Richards got the game’s final two outs on Friday, earning his first save of the year.  Richards does not factor in to the Angels usual late inning plans; Ernesto Frieri and Kevin Jepsen were unavailable, having both pitched three games in a row, and Scott Downs had already pitched.  No hierarchy change.

    |Closer      |Set-Up      |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |Updated
LAA |Frieri      |Downs       |Jepsen      |Frieri      |8/25/12

 
Milwaukee Brewers – Kameron Loe got the last two outs of the game after John Axford couldn’t close the door on Friday.  Axford returns to the Hot Seat with the bad outing, and the uncertainty continues in Milwaukee.  No hierarchy change.

    |Closer      |Set-Up      |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |Updated
MIL |Axford      |Henderson   |Loe         |Axford      |8/25/12

 
San Francisco Giants – Javier Lopez picked up his fourth save of the season on Friday.  He’s now earned three of the last four save chances for the Giants, but two of his recent saves have been less than one inning long.  Lopez won’t accumulate saves at this rate moving forward, but he’s just as likely as Sergio Romo or Jeremy Affeldt to get the last out in the 9th at this point.  No hierarchy change.

    |Closer      |Set-Up      |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |Updated
SF  |Affeldt     |Romo        |Lopez       |Wilson      |8/25/12
    |Wilson(DL)  |

 
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Luke Gregerson, San Diego Padres – Dale Thayer is on paternity leave and was not with the team on Friday.  He may not return until tomorrow.
2. Jared Burton, Minnesota Twins - The Twins are employing a committee, and while Glen Perkins remains the best bet for saves overall, Jared Burton could get an opportunity whenever match-ups are right.
3. Sergio Romo/Javier Lopez, San Francisco Giants – With the Giants in full committee mode, it’s time for Sergio Romo and Javier Lopez to join Jared Burton as regular members of the vulture save watch.  Either could get a save on any night.

Colorado Rockies – Matt Belisle picked up the save on Thursday, as Rafael Betancourt was given the night off after pitching in three of the previous four games.  No hierarchy change.

    |Closer      |Set-Up      |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |Updated
COL |Betancourt  |Belisle     |Brothers    |Betancourt  |8/24/12

 
San Francisco Giants – The Giants used three relievers to get through the 9th inning on Thursday, and Sergio Romo was the last, as he picked up a two-out save after Jeremy Affeldt and Javier Lopez had both pitched.  Affeldt had a bad outing, failing to retire either hitter he faced.  He remains on the Hot Seat, and there’s no prohibitive favorite to get saves in the Giants bullpen on any given night any more.  No hierarchy change.

    |Closer      |Set-Up      |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |Updated
SF  |Affeldt     |Romo        |Lopez       |Wilson      |8/24/12
    |Wilson(DL)  |

 
Boston Red Sox – Alfredo Aceves had one of his worst outings of the season yesterday, surrendering 5 runs in one inning.  He now has a 4.60 ERA, and with Andrew Bailey looming, another blown save or two could cost him his job.  Alfredo Aceves to Hot Seat.

    |Closer      |Set-Up      |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |Updated
BOS |Aceves      |Bailey      |Padilla     |Bailey      |8/24/12

 
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Scott Downs, Los Angeles Angels – Ernesto Frieri has pitched in three consecutive games, including a marathon 43-pitch inning last night.  He’ll need at least one day off to recover.
2. Jared Burton, Minnesota Twins - The Twins are employing a committee, and while Glen Perkins remains the best bet for saves overall, Jared Burton could get an opportunity whenever match-ups are right.

This coming season, there are teams that are content with their ability to run the ball, but looking towards the future, this satisfaction might not last much longer. The following are a number of teams who find themselves in such a position.

St. Louis Rams: Steven Jackson has been this team since he was drafted in 2004. That status has taken its toll, and years of beating defenses that have been playing eight or more in the box against him is finally starting to slow him down. Jackson still has plenty of tread left on the tire, but how quickly this disappears will be determined by the actions of the organization. A weak offensive line, a shallow receiving corps, and no depth at running back has left Jackson high and dry the past number of years, and by all appearances will continue to in 2012. The Rams must alleviate the burden on Jackson, or they will shortly find themselves short a potential Hall of Fame running back.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Maurice Jones-Drew is facing much the same situation that Steven Jackson is. He receives marginal help from the team around him, and carries it on his back. Injuries in the past couple of seasons have caused the team to blanch in regards to discussing a new contract, and that may have tipped their hand regarding his future with the team. This is not unheard of, as a similar situation to Marshall Faulk and the Colts may arise. The Jags don’t need to scrap him yet though. If they can build up the offense some, Jones-Drew can become the foundation for it-not the entire thing. New coach Mike Mularkey, a former offensive coordinator, should have a keen awareness of the health of the offense, and should diversify it enough so that the running back is not expected to win games. The problem though, is that there does not exist great depth at the position, and the offensive line is all right at best. Even if the team parts ways with the running back (though if they did, they would be best served doing it similar to the way they did Fred Taylor), the next starter will face the same difficulties and lack of depth.

San Diego Chargers: Ryan Mathews has thus far proven a bit of a disappointment, given his first round status. Injuries have been a primary contributing factor in this, making him unreliable week to week. This was a factor in accounting for quarterback Philip Rivers’ up and down season; without the option to run effectively, Rivers was forced to make the plays, and the team suffered as a result.

Depth at the position is also a potential issue. Mike Tolbert, who filled in Mathews stead, is now a Panther. The Chargers did bring in Ronnie Brown, a former Pro Bowler, and Jackie Battle, who showed he could carry the load when playing in Jamaal Charles’ absence, but Brown has not had great success or health since 2008, and Battle only has the handful of games he played in last season on his resume. If Mathews remains healthy for a change, which having been hurt already seems to be doubtful, and Battle and Brown do well in a supporting role, then San Diego will have no issues. Conversely, if health continues to be an issue, then the team will have to pursue other options at the position.

Dallas Cowboys: DeMarco Murray burst onto the scene in 2011 after the injury of starter Felix Jones, amassing an impressive 897 yards on the ground and 183 receiving, over 7 starts and 13 games, before he himself was hurt. Battling these injuries, the team still managed to rank 18^th in rushing. Jones, a first round pick in 2008, has thus far proven to be, while not a bust, disappointing. Injuries are primarily responsible for this, but in his time on the field he also does not provide what a first round pick should. Murray made a strong case for himself last season, and it appears that that may be too much for Jones to overcome to regain the starting role. If Murray assumes the starting position, it will be up to him to at least in part duplicate his results from 2011. The Cowboys would love nothing more than to have Emmitt Smith reincarnate on their depth chart, but they will settle for consistency. The Cowboys have enough holes in their team that running back will not be a huge priority, but if neither of the two can provide, the Cowboys will begin searching for just such a player.

Atlanta Falcons: Michael Turner has been the epitome of reliability. Over the past four seasons, he has roughly averaged 1,320 yards and 12 touchdowns a season, while fumbling no more than 4 times. He is now 30 years old, over the hill for a running back. While his best days might not be behind him, there are not too many more ahead. Turner’s contract lasts until 2014, so barring the unexpected, the Falcons will absolutely keep him on board. This means that the team has two years to decide the future at the position. Whether they keep Turner or move on, they have that long to figure it out. On the roster are Jason Snelling and Jacquizz Rodgers backing him up. Snelling is a known commodity who has been with the team since ’07. He will not be filling Turner’s shoes. Rodgers, on the other hand, may have the potential to do just that. This season, and next, the Falcons must rotate him into the lineup and increase his workload. This will serve two functions: easing the burden on Turner and extending his career, and determining whether or not Rodgers can become the starter later on down the road. If Rodgers does not appear up to spec, then expect Atlanta to use the next two seasons to find a better qualified replacement. 

Hot Seat Van of the show ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’ will now travel across the length and breadth of India giving the common man an opportunity to experience ‘KBC’ right in his city. The ‘Hot Seat Aapke Shehar’ was unveiled by the show’s host Amitabh Bachchan.

Milwaukee Brewers – John Axford earned a one-out save on Tuesday, as the Brewers used three relievers- Axford, Jim Henderson, and Manny Parra- to get through the 9th inning.  Milwaukee’s big messy committee forges on, with Henderson still the most likely to get the save on any given night.  No hierarchy change.

    |Closer      |Set-Up      |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |Updated
MIL |Henderson   |Axford      |Loe         |Axford      |8/22/12

 
Seattle Mariners – Lucas Luetge got out of a jam in the 8th inning on Tuesday, then stayed on for the 9th in a four-run game.  Luetge earned his 2nd save of the season because there were several runners on when he was summoned in the 8th– Tom Wilhelmsen’s job remains extremely safe.  No hierarchy change.

    |Closer      |Set-Up      |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |Updated
SEA |Wilhelmsen  |Furbush     |Luetge      |Wilhelmsen  |8/22/12

 
San Diego Padres – Dale Thayer blew the save last night, and has now allowed runs in 2 of his 4 appearances since Huston Street hit the disabled list.  If he blows another game, the Padres might give Luke Gregerson a shot at closing until Street returns.  Dale Thayer to Hot Seat.

    |Closer      |Set-Up      |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |Updated
SD  |Thayer      |Gregerson   |Brach       |Street      |8/22/12
    |Street(DL)  |

 
San Francisco Giants – Javier Lopez picked up his second save in as many days, as the Giants again used him and Sergio Romo to get through the 9th.  Jeremy Affeldt was warming in the bullpen and likely would’ve been summoned had Lopez not induced a double play to end the game.  With the Giants still using a committee, any one of these three could get a save on any given night, though Affeldt remains the best bet.  No hierarchy change.

    |Closer      |Set-Up      |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |Updated
SF  |Affeldt     |Romo        |Lopez       |Wilson      |8/22/12
    |Wilson(DL)  |

 
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Drew Storen, Washington Nationals – Tyler Clippard has pitched in three straight games.
2. Jared Burton, Minnesota Twins - The Twins are employing a committee, and while Glen Perkins remains the best bet for saves overall, Jared Burton could get an opportunity whenever match-ups are right.

New York Mets – Over his last 21 appearances- a 15-inning stretch- Jon Rauch has only given up one earned run.  He finished off the 8th inning last night, and coupled with his two bail-out saves of Frank Francisco earlier this week, he’s moved past Bobby Parnell on the Mets depth chart.  Hierarchy change: Jon Rauch to Set-up, Bobby Parnell to 2nd in line.

    |Closer      |Set-Up      |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |Updated
NYM |Francisco   |Rauch       |Parnell     |Francisco   |8/19/12

 
San Francisco Giants – After Jeremy Affeldt gave up 2 runs while only recording 2 outs in the 9th inning on Saturday, he was yanked in favor of Clay Hensley, who got the last out for his 3rd save of the season.  Hensley doesn’t factor in to the usual late-inning plans for San Francisco, but with the Giants already using a committee of Affeldt, Sergio Romo, and Javier Lopez, this outing is enough to potentially cost Affeldt future save chances.  Jeremy Affeldt to Hot Seat.

    |Closer      |Set-Up      |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |Updated
SF  |Affeldt     |Romo        |Lopez       |Wilson      |8/19/12
    |Wilson(DL)  |

 
Los Angeles Angels – Scott Downs was activated from the DL on Saturday.  Downs, who has 9 saves on the season, should return to his old set-up role and may occasionally see a save chance as he did before.  Hierarchy change: Scott Downs to Set-up, Kevin Jepsen to 2nd in line.

    |Closer      |Set-Up      |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |Updated
LAA |Frieri      |Downs       |Jepsen      |Frieri      |8/19/12

 
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Ryan Cook, Oakland A’s – Grant Balfour has pitched in three straight games.
2. Jonathan Broxton, Cincinnati Reds – Aroldis Chapman has pitched in back-to-back games.  The Reds have been trying to protect his arm and have only used him in three straight twice all season.
3. Jared Burton, Minnesota Twins - The Twins are employing a committee, and while Glen Perkins remains the best bet for saves overall, Jared Burton could get an opportunity whenever match-ups are right.

With one preseason game in the books, I felt it was time for a review and look to the future, beginning with number one overall pick Andrew Luck. The Colts QB couldn’t have asked for a better start to a career, connecting with Donald Brown for a 63 yard touchdown on his first pass in the NFL. After a strong showing during the game I expect Luck to perform solid throughout the season. Although I don’t see Cam Newton numbers, Luck is my lock for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. The Colts are certainly moving in the right direction, however, they are in need of help on defense and O-line before they can regain dominance in the AFC South.

Robert Griffin III the 2nd overall selection in the draft also had a strong showing in his first preseason game. Leading his team to the games only touchdown and a victory, Redskins fans are hopeful the Baylor standout will grow to be a star in the league. I have to say that I was impressed with RGIII’s first action behind center. He seems poised in the pocket and already commands respect in his huddle. My concerns for RGIII don’t have as much to do with him as the division he plays in. The NFC East is hands down the toughest division for QB’s when it comes to the pass rush. RGIII will have his hands full dodging the likes of Pierre-Paul, Trent Cole, and DeMarcus Ware. It is because of RGIII’s division that I think he will struggle in the NFL.

It was no surprise that the Miami Dolphins would draft QB Ryan Tannehill, what’s surprising is how well he has performed up to this point. Tannehill is the biggest question mark for me out of all the rookie QB’s this year. He has all the physical attributes you look for in a starter, but I am still not sold. I feel his efficiency may be skewed in the preseason because of his familiarity in the offensive system. Tannehill is going against 2nd team defenses learning their systems, while he is commanding an offense he ran in college. For the sake of the Dolphins franchise, I hope that Tannehill develops into a good QB. However, with his inexperience and total lack of offensive weapons, I see a bumpy start in the NFL for Ryan Tannehill.

With one of the more surprising picks in the draft, the Cleveland Browns selected QB Brandon Weeden 22nd overall. Although I like Weeden as a player and think he has a chance to be a good starter in the NFL, I don’t like the fit in Cleveland. The Browns are in a rebuilding phase, so choosing an aged rookie in Weeden is a bit of a head scratcher. The Browns drafted a player that is coming in with a potentially shorter career window, and with the Steelers, Ravens, and Bengals in division, don’t expect easy trips to the playoffs anytime soon. After Weeden’s shaky performance in the first preseason game, I would anticipate more of the same during the season. If the Browns could land some playmakers to put around rookies Weeden and Trent Richardson, they may have a viable offense in the future,

Another interesting selection in the draft was the Seahawks choosing Russell Wilson in the 3rd round. Pete Carroll, who seems to be stockpiling QB’s, puzzled many experts with the pick. After an offseason where the Seahawks payed a hefty ransom for free agent Matt Flynn, it seemed obvious they would build around Flynn. However, Pete Carroll must have saw something from Wilson, which may have been on display in their first preseason game. Wilson amazed by using both his arm and legs to put up two scores. So who does Seattle go with? Although it may end up being the wrong decision, you have to go with Matt Flynn. Similar to the Kolb situation in Arizona, the team payed to high a price tag to not give it a chance. I wouldn’t count out seeing Wilson this season in some wildcat formations or if Flynn struggles badly. Either way, I feel Russell Wilson has the potential to be a solid player in the NFL, he just may need an opportunity on another team to prove it.

New York Mets – Jon Rauch again bailed out Frank Francisco in the 9th, retiring the only batter he faced for his third save of the season.  Francisco remains on the Hot Seat, and could start losing save chances to Bobby Parnell if he doesn’t get his act together quick.  No hierarchy change.

    |Closer      |Set-Up      |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |Updated
NYM |Francisco   |Parnell     |Rauch       |Francisco   |8/17/12

 
Oakland A’s – Jerry Blevins picked up his 9th hold of the season, pitching parts of the 7th and 8th innings ahead of Ryan Cook and Grant Balfour.  Cook has now had scoreless outings since being demoted, and if Bob Melvin was serious about Cook’s demotion being temporary, then the young righty could win the job back soon.  Grant Balfour, through no fault of his own, is now on notice.  Hierarchy change: Jerry Blevins to 2nd in line, replacing Pat Neshek.  Grant Balfour to Hot Seat.

    |Closer      |Set-Up      |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |Updated
OAK |Balfour     |Cook        |Blevins     |Cook        |8/17/12

 
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Jared Burton, Minnesota Twins - The Twins are employing a committee, and while Glen Perkins remains the best bet for saves overall, Jared Burton could get an opportunity whenever match-ups are right.

Though in many cases taking a back seat to the pass in today’s NFL, the run is still a crucial portion of any offense. The following are a number of a teams that have had recent issues on the ground:

New York Jets: Shonn Greene improved as the starting running back in 2011, and broke 1,000 yards. Behind him, LaDainian Tomlinson and Joe McKnight only contributed another 414 yards. In total, the team put up 1692 yards. This was good for a 22^nd ranked rushing attack. The ground game that helped them pound their way into two AFC Championship games, accounted for 2374 yards in 2010, and 2756 in 2009. Over two years, that is a 1,000 yard difference. Looking at all the numbers, we find that Mark Sanchez passed for 1,000 yards more in 2011 than he did in 2009, so its clear to see where the yards went. The problem? Success on the ground is different than success in the air, and the team was a lot less successful on the ground than they were more effective in the air. The trade off was not worth it. New offensive coordinator Tony Sparano, a run oriented coach and progenitor of the Wildcat in the NFL, will see to it that these backs see many more carries this season. Tim Tebow will give the team options (no pun intended); look for Sparano to utilize him extensively in Wildcat and other packages. The onus, however, is on McKnight and Greene to take advantage of their increased workload. Win or lose, if they do not prove to be productive, the Jets will be eyeing a running back come draft time.

Washington Redskins: Mike Shanahan’s proclivity to start multiple running backs has continued in his time in Washington. Last season, Tim Hightower, Roy Helu, and Ryan Torain all started at some point, with Evan Royster contributing as well. Given recent history, it seems that any running back can be inserted into Shanahan’s system and rush for 1,000 yards- Clinton Portis, Tatum Bell, Reuben Droughns, et al. In his final season in Denver, aided greatly by injuries, the coach used 7 different running backs, all of whom made possible the team’s 12^th ranked running game. His tenure in Washington has been marked by the same approach to the position; the team has utilized 8 different running backs. A wanting offensive line has helped in preventing this from being an effective strategy . The team ranked 30^th in 2010, and 25^th in 2011. From what time they received on the field, Helu and Royster looked like they had the makings of an effective backfield tandem. This must be proven in 2012, and Shanahan must give these two an opportunity to develop, not shuffle them in and out of the line up. Consistency at this position will be critical to the success of the team. Without it, the offense will continue to have trouble running the ball, and the team will have to either finally draft a running back in the first or high second round, sign or trade for a caliber veteran, or spend more time milling through backs hoping one works.

Indianapolis Colts: The Colts of the past number of years have been linked with the arm of Peyton Manning, not the legs of a star running back. The last time a Colts running back broke 1,000 yards was in 2007, and since that time the team has not ranked higher than 26^th in the league in total rushing offense. New head coach Chuck Pagano and new offensive coordinator Bruce Arians both will key towards the run, but the question is with who? Joseph Addai, their last 1,000 yard runner, was let go this offseason. Donald Brown and Delone Carter were retained; Deji Karim and Mewelde Moore, back ups in Jacksonville and Pittsburgh, were brought in, and Vick Ballard was drafted in the fifth. Former first round pick Brown appears to have the best chance to be the starter, having just put up his best season so far. In his sparing play, he has shown the potential to be the team’s bell cow. This will be his and the other backs’ season to prove their worth. The team is starting fresh, and with a young new quarterback learning the ropes, it will be essential to have a ground game to take the pressure off him, and add versatility to the offense. If this cadre in the backfield does not show up on Sunday, the team will be in the market for a franchise running back.

Pittsburgh Steelers: The quality of the quarterback position in Pittsburgh has led them astray from the traditional ground and pound, smash-mouth attack the Steelers have employed since time immemorial. Ben Roethlisberger has paid the price though. A draft which has reworked the offensive line will help a lot, but establishing the run, and moving back towards that traditional approach, will extend the career of Roethlisberger. Rashard Mendenhall has proven decent in the position, but a fumble-filled Super Bowl, and an okay 2011 outing has potentially put his starting job in jeopardy. Behind him, Isaac Redman has done well with what carries he’s received, and has average more yards per than Mendenhall. Based on this, he may have a more featured role in the offense. In any case, the team’s running backs must step up and take every advantage of their renewed offensive line. They must become a credible threat, in order for Roethlisberger to effectively lead the offense, especially against the very strong AFC North defenses. That failing, the team will be searching for just such a player.

Detroit Lions: The 29^th ranked ground game provided very little aid in achieving the Lions’ return to the playoffs for the first time since 1999. For much of the season it sputtered, but towards the end of the season it was revitalized by the inspired play of Kevin Smith, whom after an excellent rookie season in 2008, was largely forgotten by the team. He was let go, but resigned in November to add depth to the position. The reason for this, and a large factor behind the lack of production on the ground, was the injury of Jahvid Best. Best, a first round pick in 2010, has failed to make it on the field for a good portion of his young career. Like Matthew Stafford’s first few seasons, his has been marred by injury. Much like the quarterback in his first two injury-filled years, he shows why the team drafted him so high when he plays. Paired with 2011 second round pick Mikel Leshoure, the duo may have been one of the better in the league. Unfortunately, a torn ACL in the preseason prevented this from happening. Health, then, becomes the greatest issue. Stafford dispelled fears that he was a glass cannon in 2011; Leshoure and Best must do the same. If they don’t, and Smith disappears again, a running back will top priority on the team’s list of needs, because they need that aspect of the game to help open up the options for Stafford and keep him healthy.

Green Bay Packers: The Packers have not had a 1,000 yard running back since Ryan Grant ran for 1,253 in 2009. Admittedly, with the passing attack they fielded last season, they did not need much of one, but what they had, which ranked 27^th in 2011, was not enough. When the Chiefs and Giants forced them out of their comfort zone, and when they couldn’t get yards in the air, they were not able to get yards on the ground. They suffered as a result. Neither Ryan Grant nor James Starks broke the 600 yard mark. Grant is no longer with the team, and Starks, who burst on the scene in the 2010 playoffs, but did not carry much over into 2011, is now the presumptive starter, heading up a depth chart of unknowns. They do not have to put up 2,000 yards and 20 touchdowns, but they at least need to be effective. This may have been all they needed to have achieved a perfect season and make it to the Super Bowl, and could be all they need to do it this year. Hopefully, Starks will answer, and one of the other runners on the roster will provide a suitable back up to, if nothing else, spell him. It will be on the legs of this motley crew to deliver, or the Packers could face disappointment again. The team is rounding out, and this position will either have its man this season, or the Packers will be getting him next year.