The State of the Detroit Lions

Let’s go back to Week 4 of the NFL season. The Lions host Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, who were among the teams that were favored to win the Super Bowl. Sitting at 2-0-1, the Lions lose a nail biter 34-30. Many fans said that loss may be the best loss they have ever witnessed. The following week, the Lions head out to Green Bay and lose one of the worst officiated games I have watched, in case you forgot. Now sitting at 2-2-1, many of us were still optimistic.

Then we jump to today, the Detroit Lions sit last in the NFC North at 3-6-1, Matthew Stafford done for likely the season, Kerryon Johnson done for likely the season, Mike Daniels has finally came back after signing a one year deal for over $9 Million, Diggs traded for a bag of cheetos, and leaders of the team speaking out against that trade. This team has one of the worst defenses in the NFL after being hyped as having the best defensive line to begin the season. Darrell Bevell has actually done a good job on the offensive side of the ball, yet we are 1-6 in the last 7 games.

Fans are speaking about our scheduling “softening up” because we play teams like the Redskins, Broncos, and Buccaneers, but those teams are saying the same thing about the Lions. It is quite likely that the Lions enter the 2020 NFL Draft with a top 10 pick for the second consecutive year which will draw criticism considering Bob Quinn fired Jim Caldwell because “9 wins aren’t enough”. Well after 26 weeks of football, we are at 9 wins after Caldwell had 18 wins in 32 weeks of football. Now let me emphasize, I understand that Patricia and Quinn are attempting to build a system here. However, nobody knows what that system is, and I hate to think that neither do Quinn and Patricia.

As we roll into the conclusion of the 2019 season, the future of our staff is uncertain. Am I on the train that wants to fire Quinntricia? Not exactly. I do want to see a plan though. Trading Diggs for a 5th round pick is a decent move if, and only if, there are moves following that trade that will benefit the team. I’m glad to see that the front office believes in Tracy Walker and Will Harris. What I don’t like to see is our most prominent players, specifically Darius Slay, openly criticize that move. I waited until the four o’clock deadline to hear something about moves because apparently, the Lions were not sellers, they were buyers. So maybe they were going to use that 5th to acquire someone like they did last season in Snacks Harrison. As the clock hit 4pm, nothing happened. To me, that’s a fire-able offense, considering the state that the Lions are in.

As we move towards the NFL Draft, rumors of Stafford’s back injury has caused some reasonable concern. The problem is, Bob Quinn will not spend a first round pick on a quarterback because he is on the hot seat. Look at teams like the Packers (Rodgers), the Chiefs (Mahomes), and even in the sense of the Rams (Goff). These teams will draft a QB in the first rounder, let them sit and learn, and then unleash them. What is another characteristic of these teams? They are successful. Drafting a QB in the first round is a long-term move that Bob Quinn can not afford to take. I’m sure if Joe Burrow falls to the Lions, maybe he will actually give some consideration to him, but even then, I believe he will trade the pick to a QB needy team who haven’t already traded up for him.

In all honesty, I’m just as frustrated as the rest of the fans for how this season has turned out. I stayed positive after the TJ Hockenson selection. I stayed positive after making Justin Coleman the highest paying nickel corner.  I stayed positive after signing Trey Flowers to an absurd amount of money after the Patriots let him walk. I stayed positive after giving Mike Daniels $9 Million to sit the bench. I even stayed positive after we traded Diggs for nothing. Now, I don’t know have much care for this front office and ready to get into draft mode.

Lastly, for those who like to say, “Well if you don’t like them, who should replace them”. I have just the answer for you, but you are going to have to wait.

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Don’s Top 10 Quarterbacks: 2019 Midseason College Football Rankings

On July 23, 2019, I released my preseason rankings for QB’s here and now I’m back with an updated ranking. We’re seeing four new faces, and a little shifting up and down the list. This list is based off stats, team performance, and my opinion. Let’s get into it.

Honorable Mention: Dillion Gabriel, UCF; Kaleb Barker, Troy; Chris Robinson, Florida Atlantic; Cole McDonald, Hawaii; Jacob Eason, Washington

10. Jamie Newman, Wake Forest

via Andrew Dye, JournalNow.com

Starting off this list is the man leading the UNDEFEATED #19 Wake Forest Demon Deacons. Jamie Newman currently has 1,521 passing yards, 14 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions. Along with this, Newman is a top dual-threat QB with 262 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns on 78 rushes. Wake Forest is not only making themselves a name in the ACC, but also nationally. After defeating Utah State week 1, and North Carolina week 3, Jamie Newman will continue his push for the Heisman along into Wake Forest’s big game against Clemson November 16th.

9. Justin Herbert, Oregon

via GoDucks.com

Justin Herbert was my 3rd ranked QB entering the season and has not impressed me thus far. The Ducks suffered a hard loss to Auburn week 1 and since then, Oregon has not been able to put together a good offensive performance (excluding Nevada). Herbert looks great on the stat sheet with 1,341 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and 1 interception. However, I would like to see Herbert be able to dominate the Pac-12 and compete for a national title, but that loss to Auburn and the games against Stanford and Cal were a little to close for comfort for Herbert, who is a top QB prospect in the upcoming 2020 NFL draft. Herbert has a chance to prove me wrong with the games against Washington and Washington State approaching in a few weeks.

8. Anthony Gordon, Washington State

via Michael Wyke, AP

At number 8 is my top Pac-12 QB, Anthony Gordon. Gordon takes over the Washington State offense after Gardner Minshew being taken in the 6th round by the Jacksonville Jaguars. I rank Gordon above Herbert because of how explosive WSU’s offense is. They do have losses to UCLA and Utah, but they are putting up 45 points per game. Gordon himself has 2,146 passing yards (most in NCAA), 22 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions. As mentioned before, Washington State is going to Oregon for a big Pac-12 matchup which should be a great game to see how well Gordon and Herbert compare to one another.

7. Sam Ehlinger, Texas

via Joe Robbins, Getty Images

Texas football is back? Sam Ehlinger thinks so and I do as well. Ehlinger is leading the 4-1 Texas Longhorns with 1,448 passing yards, 17 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. As Jamie Newman was mentioned to be a dual-threat, Ehlinger is also with 236 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns on 51 carries. The Longhorns only loss is to LSU, which was one of the best games of the season this far. Texas has a big game against Oklahoma this weekend, which will be a true testament of who is the best team in the Big-12.

6. Jake Fromm, Georgia

via 24/7 Sports

The first of the three SEC quarterbacks comes in a #6 with Jake Fromm. Fromm is in his junior season now with the Georgia Bulldogs, who are in contention for a National Championship. Fromm has thrown for 1,076 yards, 8 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. Fromm was able to beat Notre Dame two weeks ago which was his only close call this season. At this rate, an interesting matchup between Alabama and Georgia for the SEC title is setup for the end of the season. Before that, Georgia must take care of Florida and Auburn, two teams that are going to test Fromm and the Bulldogs.

5. Trevor Lawrence, Clemson

via CBS Sports

Five games in and Trevor Lawrence has been incredibly underwhelming for people, myself included, who believed he was the best quarterback in the nation. Lawrence is sitting at 1,131 passing yards, 8 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions. Furthermore, Clemson is coming off a narrow victory against North Carolina a week ago. I still believe Trevor Lawrence is one, if not the most, talented QB in the nation. Look for him to shine as the season goes on and Clemson makes their way to another College Football Playoff.

4. Justin Fields, Ohio State

via Kevin Allen, USA Today

I mentioned in my initial rankings that I’d expect Justin Fields to make this list come mid season and here he is in the top 5. After transferring from Georgia and not being able to beat out Jake Fromm as the starting quarterback for the Bulldogs, Fields is leading a Buckeyes team that looks to be the best team in the country. Fields is at 1,293 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, 1 interception, 283 rushing yards, and 8 touchdowns. Incredible numbers as the first year starter is leading the undefeated, #3 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes who are almost a certain team to reach the playoffs. Fields is coming up against the top teams in the B1G-10 with Wisconsin, Penn State, and Michigan all left on their schedule. If Fields is able to keep this up, look for him to rise on my rankings at the end of the season.

3. Joe Burrow, LSU

via Brody Miller, The Athletic

Joe Burrow has shocked the nation after leading an LSU team that most thought would be centered around their defense. Burrow led the Tigers past their win against Texas, while averaging 55 points a game. Burrow has thrown for 1,864 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions in 2019. LSU still has Florida, Auburn, and Alabama left on their schedule. We have witnessed what Auburn’s defense is able to do, as they defeated Justin Herbert and the Oregon Ducks week 1. Alabama is the number one team in the country. If LSU gets through this schedule undefeated, Joe Burrow has a chance to lead this team to a national championship.

2. Jalen Hurts, Oklahoma

via SoonerSports.com

Jalen Hurts is another shock to the country, but not as much as Burrow considering how we saw him lead Alabama as a freshman. After losing his job to Tua Tagovailoa, Jalen Hurts stayed on Alabama for a year before transferring to the team that sent consecutive #1 overall draft pick QB’s to the NFL. Jalen Hurts is considered as the front runner for the Heisman trophy, which will also be the third Oklahoma QB to win the Heisman in the third consecutive year. Jalen Hurts is sitting at 1,523 passing yards, 499 rushing yards, 21 total touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. Hurts is leading an Oklahoma team that is battling against Texas for the B1G-12 title, as well as also competing for a national championship. Just as I said with Ehlinger, the Texas/Oklahoma game will be crucial for both teams to reach the College Football Playoff.

1. Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama

via RollTide.com

Just as I ranked him in the preseason, Tua Tagovailoa is still the number one QB in the nation. Tua has been near perfect with a 76.4% completion rate, 1,718 passing yards, 23 passing touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. Alabama has the top receiving group in the nation and Tua is making great use. As of now, he is the top QB prospect in college while also leading the Heisman race. As Alabama begins the tail end of the season, they will be looking forward to showcasing their talent against the likes of LSU and Auburn along with a possible SEC championship game against Georgia. It is a criticism of Alabama that they play a weak schedule, however, they have to overcome great teams to reach the National Championship game once again.

Don’s Week 2 College Football Picks

We’re in the green boys, last week we went 8-7. Above average, profitable expert right here. Now that I have been able to watch how teams are this year, I feel as if it’s only up from here. Let’s get into it.

Spreads

Michigan (-22.5) vs Army

Texas A&M (+17) @ Clemson

Western Michigan (+16) @ Michigan State

Texas (+6.5) vs LSU

Stanford (+1.5) @ USC

Moneyline

Boise State (-440) vs Marshall

Maryland (-130) vs Syracuse 

Nebraska (-190) @ Colorado 

North Carolina (+155) vs Miami Florida

Oregon State (+210) vs Hawaii

Totals (Over/Under)

Vanderbilt @ Purdue (Under 56)

Cincinnati @ Ohio State (Under 53.5)

LSU @ Texas (Under 56)

Eastern Michigan @ Kentucky (Over 53.5)

California @ Washington (Over 44.5)

 

 

End of an Era: Andrew Luck Out, Jacoby Brissett In

Andrew Luck announced his retirement August 25th, leaving fans around the league stunned. My first reaction was that the Colts will be in the running for a lottery ticket to the Tua/Herbert sweepstakes next April. After pondering this thought, I realized that the Indianapolis Colts are still primed to be a playoff team. Hear me out.

Jacoby Brissett is a competent quarterback. He is no Andrew Luck, but he is better than your team’s backup. Brissett was in the same quarterback room as Tom Brady and Jimmy Garoppolo to start his career. The Patriots drafted Brissett in the third round of the 2016 NFL draft, who many presumed would be battling Garoppolo to be the predecessor to Tom Brady’s throne. On September 2, 2017, Brissett was traded to the Indianapolis Colts to takeover at QB for, at the time, injured Andrew Luck. He would complete the season for the Colts leading them to a 4-11 record as starter. Not great, but that was with a 34 year old running back in Frank Gore, and two real targets in TY Hilton and Jack Doyle. With that, the Colts were consumed by the injury bug and it hit them hard. That team is completely renovated.

Now, transitioning from that 2017 team to the 2019 team, Brissett has more experience learning the Colt’s offense while sitting behind Luck. Furthermore, the Colts have brought in valuable assets including Devin Funchess and Eric Ebron. They drafted Quinton Nelson in 2018, who has been a superstar talent at their left guard position. In April’s draft, the Colts selected receiver Parris Campbell who will provide explosive speed to the receiving group. Marlon Mack returns as the leading back, rounding out the offensive group.

If anything, Brissett comes out and is able to give Indy 7 wins. I truly do believe he can get them to 10 or 11 wins, depending on how things play out. All hope is not lost, but Indy is going to feel the difference now that Luck is out indefinitely. Regardless, Jacoby Brissett is someone who I deem respectable and competent to be an NFL starter.

Don’s Five Sleeper Teams: 2019 College Football

The 2019 College Football Season is approaching very soon, so I have decided to release my top 5 teams that can really stir the pot this season. I don’t think these teams have a real shot at winning their conference, let alone the national championship, but each team will play a key role in knocking off the top teams in the nation.

1. Auburn Tigers

via ESPN

Auburn has the ability to emerge as a top team in the nation depending on how they handle their brutal schedule. They kick off their season with Justin Herbert and Oregon coming down Week 1. They then have Texas A&M, Florida, LSU, Georgia, and Alabama all on their schedule. Freshman Bo Nix has been named the starting QB, who takes over the position after Jarrett Stidham was drafted by the New England Patriots this April. On the defensive side of the ball, defensive tackle Derrick Brown returns as the defensive leader. Brown, who is looked at as the top defensive tackle in the country, looks to show his abilities against the likes of all the teams listed above. Auburn was given a tough schedule but I believe they can pull out some gritty wins and upset one of the top SEC teams.

2. Texas A&M Aggies

via College Football News

Similar to Auburn, Texas A&M was given a rough schedule. Looking at the preseason rankings, the Aggies will play the #1, #2, #3, and #6 teams in the nation. Kellen Mond returns at QB with Kendrick Rodgers returning at receiver. This duo will look to keep up an explosive offense against the highly talented offenses of Clemson and Alabama. What will make or break the Aggies’ season will be their secondary. It is not an easy task to be forced to contain receivers like Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs III, Justyn Ross, and Tee Higgins, but having to play against the nation’s top QB’s in Jake Fromm, Tua Tagovailoa, and Trevor Lawrence, it makes things much more complicated. If Texas A&M pulls out a a couple wins against Alabama, Clemson, LSU, and Georgia, this season will be a success.

3. Nebraska Cornhuskers

via Brandon Cavanaugh/Athlon Sports

Nebraska enters the 2019 season after a 4-8 season. What makes me hopeful for Nebraska is that Scott Frost is in his second year, with Adrian Martinez returning at Quarterback, who is regarded as a top QB in the B1G 10. In their last 6 games in the 2018 season, Nebraska ended 4-2. Without a tough schedule, the Cornhuskers can compete in the B1G 10 West, with a shot at the B1G 10 title. I’m looking forward to their game on 9/28 when Ohio State comes to town. The Ohio State/Nebraska game will make or break their season. Entering 2019 as the #24 ranked team in the nation, Nebraska is my personal dark horse of the year.

4. Iowa State Cyclones

via Iowa State Athletics

After experiencing key losses to the offense with running back David Montgomery and receiver Hakeem Butler being drafted last April, Iowa State looks to reload entering 2019. With Brock Purdy back at QB, the Cyclones are primed for a shot at the B1G 12 title. Purdy showed signs of excellence in 2018, but also flashes of disappointment. Entering his sophomore season, Purdy should be able to effectively lead the Cyclones through the first half of the season without taking a loss. The true testament will be their games against Oklahoma and Texas. If they are able to knock off those two teams, Iowa State could make a push for the National Championship.

5. Michigan State Spartans

via Kirthmon F. Dozier, Detroit Free Press

Rounding out this list is a team that should not be here, but is. Michigan State is a very good team, when they decide to play offense. Defensively, Michigan State may have the best defense in the nation. Offensively, they have one of the worst offenses in the nation. With Brian Lewerke returning from after a disastrous 2018, he will be the leader looking to turn the Spartans into a competitor in the B1G 10 East. With myself being a Michigan fan, I am intrigued to see how Michigan State play in 2019.

 

Best Games Each Week in the 2019 College Football Season

WEEK 1

#8 Florida @ Miami (FL) 8/24 7:00 EST

Georgia Tech @  #1 Clemson 8/29 8:00 EST

Northwestern @ #25 Stanford 8/31 4:00 EST

#11 Oregon @ #16 Auburn 8/31 7:00 EST 

Houston @ #4 Oklahoma 9/1 7:30 EST

WEEK 2

Army @ #7 Michigan 9/7 12:00 EST

#12 Texas A&M @ #1 Clemson 9/7 3:30 EST

#6 LSU @ #9 Texas 9/7 7:30 EST 

WEEK 3

#20 Washington State @ Houston 9/13 9:15 EST

Stanford @ UCF 9/14 3:30 EST

#19 Iowa @ Iowa State 9/14 4:00 EST

#1 Clemson @ Syracuse 9/14 7:30 EST

#5 Oklahoma @ UCLA 9/14 9:00 EST

WEEK 4

#16 Oregon @ Stanford 9/21 TBD

#8 Auburn @ #17 Texas A&M 9/21 TBD

#11 Michigan @ #13 Wisconsin 9/21 12:00 EST

#7 Notre Dame @ #3 Georgia 9/21 8:00 EST

WEEK 5

#5 Ohio State @ Nebraska 9/28 TBD

#Washington State @ #19 Utah 9/28 TBD

Texas Tech @ #6 Oklahoma 9/28 TBD

WEEK 6

#15 Washington @ 10/5 TBD

#7 Auburn @ #10 Florida 10/5 TBD

#14 Iowa @ #16 Michigan 10/5 12:00 EST

#25 Michigan State @ #4 Ohio State 10/5 7:30 EST

WEEK 7

#1 Alabama @ #24 Texas A&M 10/12 TBD

#7 Florida @ #5 LSU 10/12 TBD

#10 Penn State @ #17 Iowa 10/12 TBD

#6 Oklahoma @ #11 Texas 10/12 12:00 EST

WEEK 8

#16 Michigan @ #10 Penn State 10/19 TBD

#13 Oregon @ Washington 10/19 TBD

WEEK 9

Washington State @ #13 Oregon 10/26 TBD

#12 Auburn @ #5 LSU 10/26 TBD

#9 Notre Dame @ #16 Michigan 10/26 TBD

#10 Penn State @ Michigan State 10/26 TBD

WEEK 10

#15 Utah @ Washington 11/2 TBD

#4 Georgia @ #7 Florida 11/2 3:30 EST

WEEK 11

#5 LSU @ #1 Alabama 11/9 TBD

Iowa State @ #6 Oklahoma 11/9 TBD

#17 Iowa @ #8 Wisconsin 11/9 TBD

WEEK 12

#11 Texas @ Iowa State 11/16 TBD

#4 Georgia @ #12 Auburn 11/16 TBD

Michigan State @ #16 Michigan 11/16 TBD

WEEK 13

#11 Texas @ #22 Baylor 11/23 TBD

#24 Texas A&M @ #4 Georgia 11/23 TBD

#10 Penn State @ #3 Ohio State 11/23 TBD

WEEK 14

Washington State @ Washington 11/29 4:00 EST

#9 Notre Dame @ Stanford 11/30 TBD

#6 Oklahoma @ Oklahoma State 11/30 TBD

#24 Texas A&M @ #5 LSU 11/30 TBD

#1 Alabama @ #12 Auburn 11/30 TBD

#3 Ohio State @ #16 Michigan 11/30 12:00 EST

Don’s 2019 College Football Preseason All-American Team

OFFENSE

QB: Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama

RB: Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin

RB: Travis Etienne, Clemson

WR: Jerry Jeudy, Alabama

WR: CeeDee Lamb, Oklahoma

TE: Jared Pinkney, Vanderbilt

C: Tyler Biadasz, Wisconsin

OT: Andrew Thomas, Georgia

OT: Prince Tega-Wanogho, Auburn

OG: Shane Lemieux, Oregon

OG: Ben Bredeson, Michigan

DEFENSE

DL: Chase Young, Ohio State

DL: AJ Epenesa, Iowa

DL: Kenny Willekes, Michigan State

DL: Derrick Brown, Auburn

LB: Isaiah Simmons, Clemson

LB: Paddy Fisher, Northwestern

LB: Joe Bachie, Michigan State

DB: Bryce Hall, Virginia

DB: Lavert Hill, Michigan

DB: Grant Delpit, LSU

DB: Paulson Abedo, Stanford

SPECIAL TEAMS

K: Rodrigo Blankenship, Georgia

P: Braden Mann, Texas A&M

All-Purpose: Rondale Moore, Purdue

All-Purpose: KJ Hamler, Penn State

Don’s Top 10 Running Backs: 2019 College Football Rankings

With the 2019 CFB season right around the corner, I wanted to see which players I should be on the lookout for. After digging around, I decided that I should just watch the top players, write some notes about them, and put them in my own order. For the first edition of this mini series, I decided to start with running backs. I conducted a list of 30 backs from numerous sources. I then committed a cardinal sin of only watching their highlight tapes. I then narrowed that list down to 15 players, watched a few games of each, and then made my final judgement. Enjoy!

1. Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin

via AP PHOTO/NATI HARNIK

Jonathan Taylor is the best running back in college football, period. In his two years at Wisconsin, he has 4,174 yards with 29 touchdowns on 606 carries. Those yards and touchdowns are quarterback stats. Unfortunately, the Heisman has been taken from him due to record breaking quarterbacks. Regardless, look at his film. Look at his highlights. Jonathan Taylor runs harder than anyone I have looked at heading into the 2019 season. He isn’t much of a threat in the passing game, which I am not a fan of, but he doesn’t need to be. Wisconsin just hands him the ball and lets him do his business. Mind you, he is also playing in the Big-10, these aren’t Big-12 defenses. Look for Taylor to make a push for the Heisman once again this season.

2. D’Andre Swift, Georgia

via Joe Robbins

I could make an argument for Etienne being here at two as well, but I’m putting Swift ahead of him based on the fact that Swift is both quick and powerful. His numbers do not reflect those of Swift’s, but that’s due to the loaded backfield that Georgia has each year. I’m looking forward to the 2020 Draft to see the Swift vs Etienne arguments to be the number one back taken. Even though Taylor is the best running back in college, Swift and Etienne should and, most likely, will be taken before him due to the fact that they can be a weapon in the passing game.

3. Travis Etienne, Clemson

via Carl Ackerman Jr

Out of the three, Travis Etienne is definitely the most dangerous in open space. Even more so, Etienne has the ability to find open space regularly. He doesn’t have to bulldoze defenders like Taylor, he just out runs them. Like Swift, he has a predominant role in Clemson’s passing game. I would not be surprised if Etienne ends up being at the top of this list once the 2019 season ends, he’s that good. Last year, Etienne accumulated over 1,600 yards with 24 touchdowns. That is one season alone. Again, this is based on limited film review, but 24 touchdowns in one season should be enough for him to be at the top of this board. This should be another great season for Etienne and the Clemson Tigers.

4. Ke’Shawn Vaughn, Vanderbilt

via USA Today

Go on YouTube, type in Ke’Shawn Vaughn vs Baylor, and enjoy the show. Vaughn is a top tier talent stuck on a terrible team with terrible offensive-line. Honestly, his situation is like Barry Sanders’ in a way. Vaughn is also the truth because he is in the SEC, where they do send plenty of defensive players into the draft. In the two games I watched from last year, Vaughn is an asset in the pass game, however, Vandy’s QB is utter garbage and can’t get him the ball. I’m looking forward to see what he’s going to bring heading into this season.

5. J.K. Dobbins, Ohio State

 via AP PHOTO/JAY LAPRETE

Now with Mike Weber gone, J.K. Dobbins enters the 2019 season as the sole ball carrier for the Buckeyes. While watching Dobbins, I noticed a few things. One, he’s super shifty. One he gets passed the line, he can makes linebackers look lost trying to grab him. Secondly, if they do grab him, he is able to shake them off and maintain balance throughout his run. Lastly, he has incredible vision. As he navigates across the line of scrimmage, Dobbins seems to always know exactly where and how he is going to create a big run. I expect Dobbins to be Justin Fields’ best weapon this next season.

6. C.J. Verdell, Oregon

via Twitter @EricEvansPhoto

CJ Verdell is the exact running back you would expect from the Oregon Ducks. He’s fast, he’s elusive, and he can catch the ball. Playing with speed at the tempo Oregon plays with is a tough task, but Verdell has not disappointed me while watching his film. He’s a perfect target for Justin Herbert, usually able to make at least one defender miss. What Verdell lacks is physicality, however, as I mentioned, he makes up in speed. This Oregon team should be able to make a run in the Pac-12.

7. Cam Akers, Florida State

via AP Photo/Chuck Burton

Similarly to Vaughn, Cam Akers is stuck with a garbage team. I actually felt bad for him while watching his film because his QB can’t throw and his line can’t block. He had a down year last year, mainly due to injury issues. Reports came out that Akers is now one-hundred percent and looking to prove a point. Well, I’m hoping that Florida State fixes their line issues because Akers is a special talent. Like most of the other backs mentioned, he has a role in the passing game, but as I said, his QB is trash. If Florida State is back to where they need to be, Akers can show why he is a top back in the NCAA.

8. A.J. Dillon, Boston College

via AP Photo/Michael Conroy

I’ll admit, I was wrong about A.J. Dillon. Initially, I was going to leave him off this list. Luckily, I actually watched some of his tape and thank the lord I did. A.J. Dillon is a big kid, 245lbs at 6’0. That’s fullback size. However, he’s quicker than I thought he would be. The most surprising thing about all of what I saw was that he is actually a weapon in Boston College’s pass game. I am going to be looking at Dillon a lot closer this next season to truly see what his impact is.

9. Kennedy Brooks, Oklahoma

via 24/7 Sports

I was unsure whether or not Brooks would even be on Oklahoma’s roster this season due to some allegations against him, however, it is likely that he will be rejoining the Sooners. Therefore, I believe he belongs on this list. Brooks explodes through the line, which is good and bad. He’s so fast through that his offensive line doesn’t have time to reach the second layer of defense. However, Brooks has the speed and agility to make tacklers miss. While watching his film, he was used in the passing game, but usually as a check down. I’m intrigued on how Brooks and this Sooners team will be without Murray this next year.

10. Najee Harris, Alabama

via rolltide.com

Rounding out the list is Najee Harris. I’ll be honest, if Harris was on any other team in college football, he would probably be a top 5 back right now. However, with the crowded and talented backfield down their in Alabama, Harris still remains in my top 10. Stat wise, Harris isn’t jumping off the sheet for anyone. It’s his film and his size. Najee runs hard, and loves to jump over defenders. Mind you, he’s 6’2 and 230lbs. Similar size to A.J. Dillon, I think Najee is the best back Alabama has had in the last few years. I’m hoping he will be able to shine a bit more this season, however, Alabama has quite the receiving core so I would expect them to utilize them more than their backfield.

Honorable Mention: Zach Moss, Utah; Eno Benjamin, Arizona State; Clyde Edwards-Helaire, LSU 

 

Out with Superteams, In with Duos: The New NBA

Everybody who hated on the NBA because of the superteams now has to find another excuse because the NBA is now transitioning away from what I found to be amazing. Putting five all-stars on a team to play against five 18 year old’s was awesome. However, all of this new change with the NBA rosters has superteams being weeded out. Let’s look at some that have formed this offseason and some that exist entering the 2019-2020 season:

Brooklyn Nets: Kevin Durant & Kyrie Irving

Los Angeles Lakers: Lebron James & Anthony Davis

Golden State Warriors: Steph Curry & Klay Thompson 

Los Angeles Clippers: Kawhi Leonard & Paul George

Houston Rockets: Chris Paul & James Harden

Milwaukee Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo & Khris Middleton

Philadelphia 76ers: Joel Embiid & Ben Simmons

Portland Trailblazers: Damian Lillard & CJ McCollum 

Dallas Mavericks: Luka Doncic & Kristaps Porzingis 

Utah Jazz: Donovan Mitchell & Rudy Gobert

San Antonio Spurs: Demar Derozan & LaMarcus Aldridge 

Oklahoma City Thunder: Russell Westbrook & Triple Doubles

All I’m really thinking is how incredibly fucked one of the Los Angeles teams are going to be in the next few years. I’m predicting one team to create a dynasty that will last 3-5 seasons and the other to plummet into the ground, not here for predictions, just here to give my two cents. One of the duos I didn’t mention is Brogdan/Oladipo which I think is going to be fun. Unfortunately Blake Griffin and Blake Griffin does not count as a duo. All in all, the Warriors are still in great shape with Draymond and now D-Lo. Houston is blowing it up so lets see where Chris Paul goes. The Lakers will probably sneak into the playoffs as an 8 seed. The Clippers will be a top 3 seed in the west. Oh, and the Zion/Lonzo duo! They miss the playoffs but will be fun to watch. I’m actually excited for the NBA, this is fantastic.

The Trials and Tribulations of Michigan Sports

Last October I address my thoughts on Michigan sports as a whole, and I feel like I should revisit and explain my updated stance on our local teams.

Detroit Lions

Every year, I have hope. I pray to the supernatural that just maybe the Lions will make a run for it all. All I think now is the 30 for 30 that will come out about how the Lions are cursed without even being cursed. You had great terrible teams come out of the muck, the Cubs won a World Series, the Red Sox turned it around, the damn Browns are now Super Bowl contenders. Where are the Lions? No where, that’s where. The Lions did the right things this off-season, but I hate saying how great we drafted without seeing any of these guys actually play on Sunday. We have an aging QB, absolutely no receiving depth, have no idea who is playing our other guard position, no opposite corner to Slay, and praying to the heavens that Tavai works out to be a great linebacker and Tracy Walker being a great safety. Our defensive line looks great, but other than that, the only thing I can look forward to is the memes on r/NFL to another possible failed 1st round tightend. It’s a shame, but I can’t look away. This team hypes me up only to break my heart.

Detroit Pistons

Can anyone explain to me what is going on here. Again, people are telling me it’s a great draft but come on. No way of knowing, at all, until the season starts. And I can’t help but recall that the Pistons were about to trade for Mike Conley, what a joke. Let’s put all of our cap space towards 3 players, who other than Blake Griffen, are not worth the check. I feel bad for Blake if I’m being honest. I don’t see how the Pistons will make a legitimate run in the East, and considering all of the stars are moving to the West, what a disaster. This team is a disaster.

Detroit Tigers

Check this out, the Tigers have a chance to not even get to 50 wins this year. Losing 100 games is sad, but losing 110 games, that’s another joke. A joke that we may be laughing about. I don’t give a shit about a rebuild, you should be able to win more than 50 games. The Tigers have won less than I’d say 6 series this season. I don’t even bother paying attention anymore because I’m better off watching a little league game. If tickets were free, I’d still probably not go.

Detroit Red Wings

Yay, Steve Yzerman is back. Maybe we can show up to play a game other than in the last month when we’re locked in on a top 3 pick. Who’s brain told them, you know what, instead of us giving ourselves a better chance next season with a higher rated prospect, lets win some games to completely destroy that. But hey, young team, Stevie Y, I’ll have to check with the hockey experts to find out how I should feel.

Michigan Wolverines

Yes, I’m aware that the baseball team is in the World Series. I’m talking about the football team running away from the College Football Playoff as fast as they could. Getting absolutely embarrassed by the Buckeyes, only to get even more embarrassed by the Gators. Jim Harbaugh finally passed the offense down to his offensive coordinator, so hopefully we can actually throw the ball more than 15 times a game. Oh, and the entire defense left so let’s see how that’s going to treat us. Maybe another 10 win season with some shitty bowl game will suffice. It’s unfortunate that fans are okay with that. Still baffles me.

Michigan State Spartans

I’m clearly a Wolverine fan but I hope that the Spartans can score more than 10 points a game. I wish that the Michigan vs State game would be more special than what it is now. Granted, the weather has caused the games to be a shit show that last few years, but can you imagine Lewerke throwing for 300 yards with that great defense behind him? State would be easily a top 10 team in the nation, but whoever is running that offense over there is either blind or incompetent because numbers don’t lie.

All in all, I feel like this is an accurate overview of our local teams. Not much to be excited for other than to be pissed off that we suck at the end of each season.