After some back and forth battling in camp between Daunte Culpepper and Matthew Stafford, the Lions have finally come to a decision. The decision they made was to go with rookie quarterback, Matthew Stafford. Some people like the decision because he was their number one draft pick, and they feel that he needs to start playing to get better. I, on the other hand, do not agree.

The Lions are throwing Stafford into a situation where he is bound to struggle. That, I feel, is the worst thing you can do for a young player, especially a quarterback. Look at David Carr for instance. He was thrown right into a mediocre situation, and the rest of his career has been affected by that. He plays scared, and he has a lack of confidence in his offensive lines, which is a direct result of being sacked a million times on an inexperienced offensive line in Houston. Once your mind becomes affected, your game will undoubtedly follow. I feel that it would be much smarter for teams to let young quarterbacks develop on the sidelines and in practice.

Sometimes, though, I do think that playing a rookie quarterback right away makes sense. The times that it makes sense are when they are coming to a good team, and there is a real chance that they can have success. They do not need to feel the burden of carrying the team by themselves, and they can let the game come to them. Playing with this approach can get the young quarterback some victories, and thus they can build their confidence.

That, of course, is not the case with Stafford. He is coming onto a team that was 0-16 last season, and I feel that this could seriously hurt him in the long run. Not only that, but I feel that the Lions have a viable starter in Culpepper. He still has a strong arm, and the type of player, in Calvin Johnson, that can help him be successful. Stafford could really learn a lot from watching a guy like Culpepper who has been around for a while and has been successful in this league.

Well, I guess you don't go 0-16 unless you have some terrible decision-making along the way, and the Lions still clearly have that. 

With the 16th pick in the 1985 NBA Draft, the Dallas Mavericks changed the face of the league as we know it. With that pick, they selected Bill "Loney" Wennington out of St. John's University. This 7 foot monster spent several nondescript seasons with the Mavericks, Kings, and Virtus Bologna before going to play for the Chicago Bulls, and subsequently changing his career forever. 

With Michael Jordan and the Bulls, Wennington had a defined and vital role. He did everything right, and he made one of the best teams in NBA history possible. "Without Wennington," stated Bulls Coach Phil Jackson, "this team would not have been as good. Nobody realized this, but he was the glue that held everything together." When you hear that from one of the best coaches in the history of the game, you know that it is legitimate. But what did Wennington do that Phil Jackson loved so much?

Years later, it came out that there was some inner turmoil in the Bulls locker room early on in the 1998 season. Players would fight at practice, including a fist fight between Michael Jordan and Steve Kerr, and Bill was always there to settle things down. Both parties would always appreciate what Wennington would do to break things up, and everyone agreed that he had a gift that allowed this Bulls team to stay together. Although Wennington was great at being the peacemaker, he also made some contributions on the court. 

Wennington's shining moment came in a game when MJ scored 55 points against the Knicks, in his memorable return to MSG. Even with Jordan scoring 55 that night, the game was still tight in the waning moments. It was a tie game with a few seconds left, as Jordan went up for a fade away jump shot. As he went up, he got triple teamed, and Jordan saw Wennington cutting to the basket. At that moment, MJ dumped the ball off to Wennington for the game-winning dunk. It was a typical Wennington play, as it goes under the radar, and it gets lost behind Jordan's 55 point game.

That was what Wennington was all about and it was the reason that the team always respected him. He always made sure to put the team first, and winning was more important than personal achievements. 

Wennington retired in the year 2000 with the Sacramento Kings. Over the course of his career, Wennington averaged a mere 4.6 points per game and 3 rebounds per game.

Wennington currently does color commentary for the Chicago Bulls. 

Falcons

Matt Ryan (Choose ‘em) This guy showed flashes of brilliance as a rookie, and he should only improve with added time. The addition of Tony G can only make things easier for him. Not going to throw for huge numbers, so he would be a perfect second quarterback on any fantasy squad.

Michael Turner (Choose ‘em) Turner bounces off of defenders like a pinball, and wears down the opposition. This equals many late game touchdowns for ‘The Burner.’

Roddy White (Choose ‘em) Superb body control, which separates him from average receivers. Should only get better in his second season with Matty Ice.

Michael Jenkins (Lose ‘em) This guy can never seem to put it together. It’s about time the Falcons get another no. 2 receiver.

Tony Gonzalez (Choose ‘em) The best tight end in the league was supposed to slow down two years ago. That never happened. In fact he had one of his best seasons last year. Playing with a young quarterback should mean tons of catches for Gonzo.

Jason Elam (Lose ‘em) This guy just doesn’t have it anymore. He has limited range, and you can do better for your kicker.

ATL D (Lose ‘em) They are not a stand out defensive unit. Stay away unless they have a favorable matchup.


Panthers

Jake Delhomme (Lose ‘em) With a weak arm and age creeping up on him, Delhomme is not going to have a good season. Don’t be surprised if you see Josh McCown or Matt Moore at the helm at some point this season.

Deangelo Williams (Choose ‘em) He will not be anywhere near where he was last season. Albeit, he will still have a good season, and he will definitely be worth picking on your team. Just don’t expect him to be your best player.

Jonathan Stewart (Choose ‘em) This team runs the ball very well and very often. This means many chances for pay dirt for Stewart.

Steve Smith (Choose ‘em) This guy just seems to be able to do it year in and year out. I have always second guessed him in the past, and he has always proven me wrong. I am going to start believing in him.

Muhsin Muhammad (Lose ‘em) At age 36, Muhammad’s best days are behind him. In a run heavy offense he should not get the chances that a good receiver needs to have a good season.

Jeff King (Lose ‘em) He is more of a blocker than a receiver. Pass.

John Kasay (Choose ‘em) One of my favorite kickers in the league. Strength and accuracy are both above par.

CAR D (Choose ‘em) Have some players, like Peppers and Beason, who can really make a difference. Should be one of the better defenses in the league this season.


Bucs

Byron Leftwich (Lose ‘em) He will have a better season than most people realize. He has a strong arm and has nice size for a quarterback. There are just too many quarterbacks that are better than him.

Derrick Ward (Lose ‘em) He was a hot topic coming into training camp, but he dropped off a bit. Earnest Graham and a healthy Cadillac Williams will steal too many touches for him to produce a lot.

Earnest Graham (Lose ‘em) Again, too much competition for Graham to stand out on this team. Might have a few goal line carries, which should raise his touchdown total. 

Antonio Bryant (Choose ‘em) Has all the tools that a good receiver needs. Leftwich will be thrilled to have him as a target.

Kellen Winslow (Choose ‘em) Word is that he and Leftwich have a good rapport. This guy has shown what he can do, and I project big things out of Winslow this season.

Matt Bryant (Choose ‘em) Strong leg and accurate. What more can you ask for?

TB D (Lose ‘em) Close to being a really good defense. Still a few pieces away.


Saints

Drew Brees (Choose ‘em) Arguably the best quarterback in the league right now. Threw for over 5,000 yards last season, and there is no reason why he shouldn’t do it again. Plus, no health concerns. Jackpot.

Pierre Thomas (Choose ‘em) From his limited action last season, Thomas showed that he can be the every down back that Reggie Bush cannot be. He should continue where he left off last season.

Reggie Bush (Lose ‘em) When is this guy going to be the guy that everybody thought he was going to be? He still has not learned the basics of being a running back in the league. Should have a respectable amount of catches if he can stay healthy.

Marques Colston (Choose ‘em) This guy has showed no signs of a fluke yet. Why should he start to drop off now?

Lance Moore (Choose ‘em) He is always in the right place at the right time. Brees sure does love to have a guy like Moore on this team.

Jeremy Shockey (Lose ‘em) Everything would make you believe that Shockey should be one of the best tight ends in the league. Well, why isn’t he?

John Carney (Choose ‘em) This team is going to score loads of points. Carney should cash in nicely.

NO D (Lose ‘em) A much improved defense from last season. Still not in the upper echelon of the league.

AFC South

Colts

Peyton Manning (Choose ’em) This guy is the definition of consistent. You can’t really go wrong when picking Peyton Manning. He’s as much of a sure thing as you can get.

Joseph Addai (Lose ‘em) Coming off an injury riddled season, Addai is a risky pick. Donald Brown doesn’t make things any easier either. 

Donald Brown (Choose ‘em) Don’t take this guy too high, but he has a lot of upside. Historically, young backs do well with Peyton Manning, and I don’t see any reason why Donald Brown should be any different.

Reggie Wayne (Choose ‘em) Peyton Manning’s number one receiver. Any questions?

Anthony Gonzalez (Lose ‘em) This receiver is getting a lot of buzz among the league, but I am not buying it. He is good, but not great. Manning will make him all that he is, which is good, but you can find better. Remember, there is only one ball to go around in Indy.

Dallas Clark (Choose ‘em) A matchup nightmare from the tight end position. He plays more like a receiver, which means continued success for this versatile target. 

Adam Vinatieri (Lose ‘em) He should get opportunities to kick, but he is not the same guy he was in New England. He has declined as of late, and there enough kickers that you can get before him to pass up on him.

IND D (Lose ‘em) With defensive-minded Jim Caldwell being the Head Coach, the Colts D should improve this season, but the injury concerns of Bob Sanders has me skeptical. He is their leader, and he needs to be 100% for them to be a feared and worthy D.


Titans

Kerry Collins (Lose ‘em) This team is a run first offense. Collins will manage the game, which means not too many interceptions. It also means few yards and touchdowns.

Chris Johnson (Choose ‘em) This guy is a speedster with quick decision making. Should have another monster season as long as Collins remains the quarterback.

Lendale White (Choose ‘em) He has slimmed down 30 pounds, which means he is serious about securing a role on this team. With them running the ball so much, there is no doubt he will see the end zone a ton.

Justin Gage (Lose ‘em) He has some talent, but he has no stand out quality. A very average receiver who will see a limited amount of throws.

Nate Washington (Choose ‘em) He has deep threat potential, and he is the kind of guy who can thrive in this kind of offense. Collins will take his occasional deep shots down the field, which means Nate will probably be on the other end.

Bo Scaife (Lose ‘em) Has nice athleticism for a big guy, but not yet a top tight end in this league. A good option as a backup.
Rob Bironas (Choose ‘em) This team frequently stalls on the opponent’s side of the field, which means a lot of attempts for this guy. Has a great leg, and he connects from 50+ with the best of them.

TEN D (Choose ‘em) Although they lost Haynesworth in the offseason, team will still be very good. They will not give up many points, and they will score their share of defensive touchdowns.


Jaguars

David Garrard (Lose ‘em) With a weak receiving crew, he is not going to have many options to throw to. Plus with MJD in the mix, they will probably focus on the ground game a little bit more.

Maurice Jones-Drew (Choose ‘em) A versatile back that can go for six on any given play. With a weak passing game and the departure of Fred Taylor, this should open up a ton of opportunities for MJD.

Torry Holt (Lose ‘em) This guy will be Garrard’s number one guy, but that isn’t saying too much. Holt is not even a shadow of his old self, and he will struggle with the lack of a real number two on the opposite side.

Marcedes Lewis (Lose ‘em) This tight end will be much improved this season. He has all the tools to have a really nice season for the Jags, but there are too many good tight ends in the league to warrant picking him for your team. 

Josh Scobee (Choose ‘em) A very accurate kicker with a strong leg. One of the better players on this team.

JAX D (Lose ‘em) This defense used to be good, but they have lost a lot of players. This defense has become too young to seriously consider taking them.


Texans

Matt Schaub (Lose ‘em) He just cannot seem to stay healthy, and that is never a good thing for a quarterback. He will have good games, when he plays, but if he gets injured that can really disrupt his flow.

Steve Slaton (Choose ‘em) Great hands, great speed, and can run between the tackles. Check.

Andre Johnson (Choose ‘em) He is always good for at least 90 catches, and he should have more than 7 tds. A top flight receiver who will leave defenders shaking their heads.

Kevin Walter (Choose ‘em) He peaked last season, and I don‘t see him putting up those same numbers again. Nonetheless, he is opposite Andre Johnson, which should mean another very good season for no. 83. 

Owen Daniels (Choose ‘em) Great athleticism from the tight end position. Should put up more touchdowns this season, and he will be a real weapon for Houston.

Kris Brown (Lose ‘em) Veteran kicker who will make most of his kicks. There are better options though.

HOU D (Choose ‘em) They will be surprisingly good this season. They have a great player on all three levels, and they should finally put it all together this year.

Because the NFL regular season is about a week away, I have decided to voice my opinions on drafting certain players for your fantasy football team. I will be updating a few players each day until there is a nice list before the start of the regular season. Don't agree with one of my opinions? Say something and make yourself heard! The comments and responses are the aspects that fuel this kind of segment, so don't be shy. Get involved! I will be starting this segment tomorrow night, so stay tuned.

If any of you are wondering who in the world Jeffrey Maier is, think back to the 1996 ALCS. During that playoff series, the Yankees and the Orioles squared off for the right to go to the World Series. In game one of that series, the Orioles had the lead 4-3 in the bottom of the 8th inning. Derek Jeter, a young Yankees shortstop at the time, stepped into the batter's box hoping to make a difference in the game. It turns out that he did... sort of. Jeter sent a towering fly ball to right field, but it looked like it was catchable. All of a sudden, out of nowhere, a 12 year-old fan, named Jeffrey Maier, turned into Inspector Gadget and extended his "go-go gadget arms" to snatch the ball from over Tony Tarasco's head. The play was ruled a home run, and Tarasco went crazy understandably. Nonetheless, the call remained a home run, and the game was tied at 4. More importantly, the momentum had shifted to the team in pinstripes, who would win the game later on in 11 innings.

Eventually, the Yankees went on to win the series 4-1, and went on to beat the Atlanta Braves in the World Series for their first of three championships in a four year span. But New Yorkers should not forget the heroics of their greatest fan, Jeffery Maier, who single-handedly propelled the Yankees forward in their time of need. Many people will deny Maier's role in aiding the Yankees championship run, but had they lost game 1 at home in the ALCS, things could have been a lot different. 

One person who definitely recognized the importance of Maier's play was, then Mayor, Rudy Giuliani, who awarded the 12 year-old a key to New York City. In addition, there was a railing added to the top of the wall in Yankee Stadium in order to prevent another controversey like this from happening. So although more people might be familiar with the name Steve Bartman, (sorry Chicago fans), just remember, Jeffrey Maier did it first! (And he actually HELPED his team)

As I looked over the standings in the MLB, I wondered which team would be 2009 World Series Champion. Of course, right now the Yankees are the favorite, but because I am a fan of the team and they are the team everybody expects to win it all, I wanted to pick another team that I thought had a real shot. I narrowed it down to 2 teams: the LA Angels and the San Francisco Giants.

The Angels stick out to me because of their recent success against the Yankees, and their ability to hit the ball. They have 8 guys that can presumably hit .300 this season which is absurd, and they are a very complete team offensively. The one issue I have with them is their pitching staff. They are not bad, but I just do not think that they are good enough to win a World Series. If they made it out of the AL I would be very surprised because of the hitting that they will need to face along the way.

Then there are the San Francisco Giants. The Giants are truly a team built for the postseason. Their pitching staff, in my opinion, is second to none right now, with Cain, Lincecum, Zito, and newly acquired Brad Penny. The first two pitchers are going to be tough to beat, and Zito and Penny are both veterans that should only improve as the postseason rolls around. When it comes to hitting, they are a little weak, but I feel that their pitching is good enough to carry them through that. Trust me, if they make it, they are going to be the team that nobody wants to see. It always seems that pitching wins come postseason, and I think the Giants would be the perfect team to show that. If they get in, watch out!

Brad Penny, who was picked up by the Boston Red Sox during the offseason, was having a terrible season. He was 7-8 with a 5.61 ERA in 24 games. Being a Yankees fan, it was great to see a Red Sox pickup finally turn out bad. And this was not any ordinary pickup either. This was Brad Penny! The pitcher who went 16-4 in 2007 with the Los Angeles Dodgers. This was a guy who could possibly make the Red Sox the most feared rotation in all of baseball. But since it did not turn out as planned for the Sawx, they released the 31 year old right hander. In come the San Francisco Giants. A serious wildcard contender, with an already amazing pitching staff. They decide to pick up Penny and give him a shot. Turns out, for now, that the Giants might have struck gold. Last night, in his debut with the Giants, Penny pitched 8 scoreless innings against the defending champions from Philly. Is Penny back, or was it some fluke of a game? I think not. Going back to the NL after facing AL batting all season will definitely aid Penny in my opinion. It is a totally different ballgame altogether, and his numbers should undoubtedly improve. In addition, because he struggled with Boston this season, I would absolutely love it if Penny had a stellar finish to the season with the Giants. So I am definitely pulling for Penny to succeed all the way.

One of my favorite football names in recent modern history has to be Tim Biakabutuka. (Even better, his full first name is Tshimanga) Biakabutuka was drafted as the 8th overall draft pick in the 1996 NFL Draft. Biakabutuka played 6 seasons in the NFL with the Carolina Panthers, yet he did not produce much as a pro. He never had more than 718 yards in a season or play in more than 12 games. Biakabutuka did, though, have a wonderful college career for the Michigan Wolverines. During Michigan's 1995 season, Biakabutuka had a mammoth year. In one game against bitter rival and previously undefeated, Ohio State, Biakabutuka ran for 313 yards on 37 carries; an 8.5 yards per carry average. Not only was Michigan able to upset Ohio State during that game, but Biakabutuka's performance was the second best performance in Michigan running back history. Also that season, Biakabutuka set the Michigan rushing record for a single season when he ran for 1,818 yards. This record has still not been broken by any Michigan running back. Obviously, following his superb collegiate season, many NFL scouts felt that this guy could be the next big  thing. Unfortunately for the Panthers, injuries and a lack of production was the fate of this great college running back who retired in 2001.

Currently, Biakabutuka owns 2 jewelery stores in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Quick. What's the first thing you think of, when you hear the name Sam Bowie? If you said Michael Jordan, you are like 98% of Oregonians that regret the 1984 NBA Draft everyday. When the Portland Trail Blazers decided to draft Sam Bowie with the number 2 overall pick in the 1984 draft, they passed up on a chance to have possibly the best player to ever lace up a pair of Nikes; Michael Jordan. Outside of that draft day debacle by Portland, there was not much more information that I had about the 7''1 center out of Kentucky, so I felt compelled to find out. 

Sam Bowie played in the NBA from 1984-1995 with the Blazers, Nets, and Lakers. He was never a spectacular NBA player by any standards, as he was only able to record a double-double average in one of his seasons. As a 7''1 player, the rebounding was surprisingly the stat where Bowie underachieved the most. Most people would attribute his lack of rebounding to his inability to remain healthy, and that is a valid point. Unfortunately for the Blazers, the validity of the excuse did not help them achieve on the court. After only 4 seasons with the Blazers, Bowie was traded to the Nets for Buck Williams.

In his first season with the Nets, Bowie put up 14.7 points per game along with 10.1 rebounds per game; his best season statiscally as a pro. From that season on, Bowie's career went downhill consistently each year. The man that was drafted before guys like Jordan, Barkley, and Stockton, seemed to be struggling to stay afloat in a league that very few do. After 2 injury- plagued seasons with the Lakers, Bowie called it quits in 1995. Bowie's career averages were 10.9 points per game, 7.5 rebounds per game, and 1.8 blocks per game. Not exactly what you are looking for from the number 2 overall pick. At least Ryan Leaf has somebody to share his sorrow with.    

Just like John Elway, Steve Francis, and Eli Manning before him, Ricky Rubio has refused to sign with the team that drafted him. What makes Rubio's case unique from those others, is the fact that Rubio will not play for the league that drafted him either. Not only did Rubio disrespect the Minnesota Timberwolves by not signing with them, but he also disrespected the NBA when he decided to play in Barcelona instead.

In my opinion, this kind of behavior is extremely childish, and I cannot stand when players do this. When a team drafts you to become a professional athlete, you should be ecstatic to be part of a professional sports organization. How could you be so ungrateful to people who are investing an entire draft pick on you? When a team drafts you, it shows that they believe in you and they respect the way that you play the sport. It is a huge honor to be part of professional sports, but it seems that some athletes just do not see it that way.

It is possible that these athletes are so good that they forget what this is really all about. To them, being a part of professional sports team is something that they expect, not appreciate. From the time most of these athletes are young, they are bred to play sports, and when they are very talented, they are expected, by the people around them, to become a professional. All of those expectations and pressure can definitely get to a person, and it can seriously change the person's way of thinking. I think it is unfortunate for these athletes, and I pity them more than I am angry with their behavior. If a guy like Rubio was truly able to see the opportunity that was thrown at him, without the distorted vision that he probably has from outsiders, he would have jumped at the opportunity to play for the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA. After all, is it not the precipice of professional basketball to play in the NBA?

During Sunday's preseason game against his former Chicago Bears team, Kyle Orton hurt his finger. At the time, the injury did not look too serious, although there was some blood involved. However, further results show that the injury may cause Orton to miss the opening game of the regular season against the Cincinnati Bengals. This would be terrible news for the Denver Broncos as they are already uncertain of the health of backup quarterback, Chris Simms. If Orton does indeed miss that first game, quarterback Tom Brandstater, the 6th round pick out of Fresno State, would start the first game for the Broncos. If there is any hope for Brandstater to succeed it is this: The last time a 6th round quarterback with the initials T.B. had to fill in for an injured quarterback, he became a 3-time Super Bowl winner and he broke the single season touchdown passing record with 50. So don't be surprised when Brandstater becomes the number one fantasy pickup this week, and maybe the best pickup of the entire season. (Happy September Fools!) 

As a Cowboys fan, when I see a player succeed for my team and then get thrown into oblivion, I have a tendency to wonder what happened to that player. Reggie Swinton is just one example of that kind of player. When Reggie Swinton stepped onto the scene in the 2001 season, I felt that the Cowboys had a legitimate threat at kick/punt returner; a position where they always seemed to be lacking. And with a guy like Dante Hall starting to make a name for himself, it was a position that more teams were shifting their attention to. Swinton, who was the first receiver out of Murray State to eclipse the 1,000 yard mark, showed the Cowboys that he was more than capable of being their return man. In that 2001 season, Swinton set single-season club records for kickoff returns with 56, kickoff return yards with 1,327, and combined kick return yards with 1,741. Not bad for your first go-around with America's Team. The following season, Swinton raised his kick return average from 23.7 to 24.9, which was among the tops in the league for consistent return men. Also that season, Swinton had the longest return in the league, when he returned a game opening kickoff 100 yards against the rival Eagles. Swinton really seemed to have this position locked up for the next few years with Dallas. Then out of nowhere, Swinton was released early in the 2003 season. From that point, the Detroit Lions pounced on the accomplished return man, and they did not regret doing so. In his first season with the Lions, Swinton played well. His 13.8 punt return average was fourth best in the NFL, and he was the only NFC player to score a touchdown on a kickoff and a punt during that season. After a quiet 2004 season with the Lions, Swinton was released by Detroit and eventually picked up by the Arizona Cardinals. Swinton had a productive season with Cardinals, as he had his highest combined kick return totals (kickoffs and punts) in his career with 1,790 return yards. Following his one season with the Cardinals, Reggie Swinton retired from the game of football at the ripe age of 29. Although he only played 2 seasons with the Cowboys, Swinton remains my favorite return man that the Cowboys have had since I started rooting for the team as a child. It's all about the quality, not the quantity.