News. Sports. Arts & Entertainment. Politics
It’s happening. The day has finally come where the play calling in the NFL resembles my own play calling from back when I first started playing Madden.
First and 10? Streak to the endzone. Second and four? Streak to the endzone. Third and short? Streak to the endzone.
Okay, it might not be that drastic. But if it hasn’t been apparent in the past decade or so leading up to this season, it should be clear to everyone now that the NFL is a passing league.
Follow paulmbanks
Imagine, if you will, Troy Polamalu returning a fumble he forced himself for a touchdown; Aaron Rodgers lofting up 50-yard bombs with pinpoint accuracy; and Maurice Jones-Drew dissecting a defense with his explosive speed.
Now, imagine all of those things happening… with those players wearing Bears jerseys. Call it crazy if you’d like, but the draft records show that former GM Jerry Angelo had the power to make all of this possible. In hindsight. [Read more…]
Follow paulmbanks
The Green Bay Packers opened the season by playing teams who now have a combined record of 28-18 including the San Francisco 49ers (5-2), Chicago Bears (5-1) and Houston Texans (6-1).
Against the league’s cream of the crop, they went 2-1 and are inching back up the power rankings with each week’s stronger showing.
Finally, the Packers get to welcome one of the league’s bottom-feeders into Lambeau Field. The Jacksonville Jaguars have displayed more problems than positives and have a huge mountain to climb to compete with the Green and Gold. [Read more…]
Follow paulmbanks
Andrew Luck was billed as the most NFL-ready quarterback prospect since Peyton Manning — some even said John Elway.
It seems fitting, then, that the 23-year-old rookie was drafted first overall by the Indianapolis Colts, the franchise that drafted both Manning and Elway (the latter forced a trade from the franchise when it was in Baltimore) with the top pick.
While the expectations of Luck have been enormous, he has shown promise in his first two starts as the Colts’ quarterback. He’ll look to build on that promise at 1 p.m. today as the Colts (1-1) play host to their division rivals, the Jacksonville Jaguars (0-2) at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Follow paulmbanks
Can MJD be the undoing of the Chicago Bear’s entire season?
According to my own sound reasoning, the Bears will either be 3-1 or 2-2 heading into the 2nd quarter of the 2012 NFL season. All things considered, 2-2 isn’t exactly reason for panic.
Luckily for the Bears, sandwiched between games 5 thru 8 is their bye week in week 6. And the next quartet of opponents appears to be a less daunting bunch… on paper.
But the Jaguars, Lions, Panthers and Titans will all be looking to show the Bears why the game isn’t played on paper.
Follow paulmbanks
As the NFL season gets closer every day, so does your fantasy draft. The Sports Bank fantasy football previews continue we take a look at a running back position that has as many question marks as answers.
Follow paulmbanks
There’s a new sheriff in town in Jacksonville and his name is Mike Mularkey. Known for helping in the the development of the Falcons Matt Ryan, Mularkey turns his attention to young quarterback Blaine Gabbert and a Jaguars team who went 5-11 last season while ranking dead last in offensive yards per game.
Here are the guys in Jacksonville that you should have on your list come time to do the fantasy draft.
[Read more…]
With one week left to go in regular season play, fans usually fall into one of two categories at this juncture.
There is either increased intensity because of an imminent postseason run, or there is a malaise due to unmet expectations.
The fantasy component or monetary wagers can assist in making the games relevant for some. I have decided to hand out my honors a week early, so the winners don’t have to wait on pins and needles for the accolades. I wouldn’t want it to affect their play in the final week.
Plus, those on teams with nothing to play for might see limited time and therefore, mediocre statistics affecting their overall yearly numbers.
Follow paulmbanks
The fantasy football season is on the final stretch and every move takes on do-or-die importance. If you need a win now, start the higher rated player in my rankings and bring home that championship.
One week of the fantasy playoffs is in the books, and as expected, there were some big days across the board. The good news is there are just as many points out there for fantasy owners in week 15. Follow my rankings and I’ll see you in the next round.
The fantasy football playoffs are here and every move becomes more important. Not to worry, there are plenty of good options both on the waiver wire and possibly your bench. Follow my rankings and advance to the next round.
It’s what you’ve worked for all season, but chances are your team enters the fantasy football playoffs looking a lot different than the one you started with. Change isn’t necessarily a bad thing, even at this point in the season. There are still some players out on the waiver wire that can help your team take the jump from playoffs to championship.
English 