Wrestling Wednesday - The Winners and Losers of the Bound for Glory Series

Wrestling Wednesday…

TNA Wrestling - The Real Winners and Losers in the Bound for Glory Series



It has been a while since I posted a Wrestling Wednesday edition of The Highlight Reel. When I last posted a Wrestling Wednesday blog, the Bound for Glory Series was still underway with James Storm and Samoa Joe appearing to be the frontrunners for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship opportunity at Bound for Glory. At No Surrender on September 9th, Jeff Hardy ultimately won the Bound for Glory Series with a final round victory over Bully Ray. When the Bound for Glory Series started, I initially posted how James Storm was a lock to win the competition. You can read that here. A match between Storm and then World Champion Robert Roode seemed set in stone for Bound for Glory. Austin Aries’ title victory at Destination X changed all of that.  With Roode out as champion but still destined for a match with Storm at the biggest show of the year, the Bound for Glory Series became a wide-open competition again. Jeff Hardy scored two wins over Samoa Joe and a win over Bully Ray over three days to ultimate win the series and a spot in the main event of the biggest show of the TNA year.

Jeff Hardy leaves the Bound for Glory as the winner. He receives the championship match against Austin Aries at Bound for Glory. However, the real question is if Jeff Hardy was the only winner to come from the Bound for Glory Series. After all, in a 12-man series with 77 matches, surely more than just one man could come out of the series looking like a winner. Right? I think so.

The biggest winner of the Bound for Glory Series is obviously Jeff Hardy. Not only does Hardy get the main event of Bound for Glory against Austin Aries, this also shows that TNA Management finally believes in Jeff Hardy again on a major level. After the March 2011 debacle at Victory Road in which a drug-fueled Hardy embarrassed the company, this win shows that TNA Management noticed and respected Hardy’s 18 months of sobriety by trusting him with this huge opportunity. Now, Jeff Hardy must take this big win and continue to build a relationship of trust between himself and management instead of breaking that trust by relapsing. For right now, I think regaining the trust of the company and firmly establishing his redemption is the most important aspect of Hardy’s Bound for Glory Series win.

Another big winner is Bully Ray. For the second year, Bully Ray lost in the final match of the series. Unlike 2011, Bully Ray is coming off this loss with a following unlike any other time in his career. Recently signing a two-year contract extension, the BFG Series firmly established Bully Ray as a main event talent on the verge of a World Championship for the first time in his 21-year career. I believe Bully Ray will be champion before the end of 2012. His run in the Bound for Glory Series only helped him earn this much-deserved title and status within TNA Wrestling.

Magnus is a major winner in the Bound for Glory Series. While the Brit was not a major player in the overall series, he looked great in many of his matches. Magnus firmly established himself as a cocky, arrogant heel over the course of the series. I enjoy the character and really believe it gave him the chance to show his skills. His upcoming rivalry with former Tag Team Champion partner Samoa Joe has a ton of potential to be great as both men have a history and unique styles I believe will work together nicely. Speaking of which, Samoa Joe was dominant in the BFG Series. He is also a winner as Joe’s career received a breath of fresh air. For the first time in a long time, Joe was a dominant force in singles action. There were times when Joe looked like the man to beat. Samoa Joe came out of the BFG Series as a winner.

Some guys left the Bound for Glory Series the way they started it. James Storm is still involved in his brutal and epic rivalry with Robert Roode after Roode interfered in Storm’s semi-final match against Bully Ray. I believed these two had a rivalry bigger than the TNA World Championship and I am glad to see that management agreed with me. Mr. Anderson just appears to be lost in the shuffle in TNA Wrestling. It is a shame too as Anderson is charismatic and terrific in the ring. However, the three-time World Champion just gained nothing from the event. The same is true for Rob Van Dam. AJ Styles and Christopher Daniels finally escaped the Claire Lynch storyline but both are stuck in a feud for the Tag Team Championships along with Kurt Angle and Frankie Kazarian that is close to five months long now. While they are bringing us great matches, I believe the time for both teams to move on is here.

The biggest losers of the Bound for Glory Series are Robbie E and D’Angelo Dinero. Dinero suffered a broken collarbone and withdrew from competition with three matches remaining. However, Dinero’s effort was already less than stellar so the injury merely ended his misery. For a man with so much talent and charisma, Dinero just cannot find that special something to return him to the spotlight he reached in Spring 2010. Meanwhile, Robbie E firmly established himself as a jobber to the stars with an effort that included weak outings in the ring and two fluke victories in the entire competition. At times, Robbie T came off as a bigger star and threat than Robbie E. It is a shame but I think that the muscular lummox may become a bigger star than the more-talented Robbie E too. The Bound for Glory Series was a major missed opportunity for him.

With Bound for Glory less than a month away, TNA Wrestling is setting up what should be a stellar event. Austin Aries will defend the TNA World Heavyweight Championship against Jeff Hardy. I believe James Storm vs. Robert Roode, Samoa Joe vs. Magnus, and another battle between AJ Styles, Kurt Angle, Christopher Daniels, and Kazarian are in the works. In addition, I believe that Bully Ray’s star will rise to a new level through involvement in the Aces & Eights storyline too. The BFG series has set the table for an outstanding event on October 14th in Phoenix, Arizona. While it appears only one man came out on top, the reality is there were more winners than losers in the very successful 2012 Bound for Glory Series.

The Highlight Reel presents Armchair Quarterback Tuesday for Week 2

Armchair Quarterback Tuesday…

We are two weeks into the NFL season and three teams appear to be the class of the NFL: the 2-0 Atlanta Falcons, 2-0 Houston Texans, and 2-0 San Francisco 49ers.

On Sunday afternoon, the Houston Texans moved their record to 2-0 with a 27-7 drubbing of the Jacksonville Jaguars. While Houston has yet to face a challenge in their AFC foes, quarterback Matt Schaub quietly looks to have not missed a beat in his return from an injury-shortened 2011 season. The Texans have dominated their opponents on the defensive side of the ball, as the Texans are the top-ranked defense through two weeks.  On Sunday evening, another defense shined as the 49ers defense manhandled Matthew Stafford and the Detroit Lions’ high-powered offense in their 27-19 victory. More important for the 49ers, quarterback Alex Smith is showing through the first two games of the season that last year was not a fluke. It appears that Smith just needed the motivation from head coach Jim Harbaugh and some consistency within the coaching staff to bring out Smith’s talent. Smith, the #1 overall draft selection in 2005, is living up to his potential finally and doing so consistently. Meanwhile in Atlanta, Matt Ryan and the Falcons quietly are 2-0 with another dominant victory over an AFC West squad. The Falcons beat the Denver Broncos, 27-21, in a game that was not that close on Monday night. The Falcons defense intercepted Peyton Manning three times in the first quarter and set the tone for a game that was not the offensive display predicted.

Houston, San Francisco and Atlanta are not the only 2-0 teams in the NFL through Week 2. San Diego is 2-0 after a convincing win over Tennessee. Meanwhile, both Arizona and Philadelphia are also 2-0 in the NFC despite ugly wins in their respective games. Arizona scored the upset of the weekend with a 20-18 victory over the New England Patriots. Meanwhile, defenses continue to pound Michael Vick like Rihanna after burning Chris Brown’s dinner but the Eagles are still winning with their come from behind victory over the Baltimore Ravens, 24-23.

The league is really showing the parity within the teams early this season as 20 teams are at 1-1. Among the 1-1 squads, the entire AFC East and NFC North divisions are at .500. Rookie quarterbacks Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III, and Russell Wilson have the Colts, Redskins, and Seahawks at 1-1. Along with Washington, the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants are 1-1 in the NFC East. Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and Cincinnati are all at 1-1 in the AFC North while Carolina and Tampa Bay are both 1-1 in the NFC South. Of the few teams to start out the season at 0-2, the New Orleans Saints have many (including yours truly) questioning how important Sean Payton truly was to the Saints with their stumbles out of the gates.

After Week 2, I still believe it is too early to throw in the towel on a season for any team (unless you are the Cleveland Browns, in which case you should have given up in June). However, it is the time to start waving the caution flag around certain teams. Two weeks of regular season action is more than enough time to get a grasp of certain teams can do. Teams like 1-1 Baltimore, Denver, New England, Pittsburgh, Green Bay, and the New York Giants will be fine. I even believe the 0-2 Saints will recover from this slow start. However, I think a few teams are in trouble already. The offensive lines of both Philadelphia and Chicago are going to damage their seasons as Michael Vick and Jay Cutler respectively cannot survive a full season’s worth of punishment like what they have received over the first two games. The Dallas Cowboys are back to their inconsistent ways, as shown by their loss to Seattle, while the first rough outing for Mark Sanchez in New York has led to the rumblings for Tim Tebow we all knew would come. None of these clubs have their seasons doomed yet but the lack of optimism from fans can be quite justified.

Who’s Hot: Eli Manning rebounded from three interceptions to pass for 510 yards with three touchdowns in the Giants 41-34 win over the Buccaneers… Reggie Bush ran for 172 yards and two touchdowns in Miami’s 35-13 win over Oakland… Clay Matthews sacked Jay Cutler 3.5 times in Green Bay’s win over Chicago… Vernon Davis caught two touchdowns and did not embarrass himself with another failed goalpost dunk in the 49ers 27-19 win over Detroit… The Atlanta Falcons secondary picked off Peyton Manning three times in the first quarter during the Falcons’ 27-21 win over the Broncos.

Who’s Not: Jay Cutler went 11 of 27 for 126 yards with one touchdown and four interceptions in Chicago’s loss to Green Bay… The Dallas Cowboys, as a whole, stunk to high Heaven in their 27-7 loss to Seattle… Chris Johnson, three seasons removed from his 2,000-yard season, rushed for 17 yards in Tennessee’s 38-10 loss to San Diego… Washington Redskins wide receiver Josh Morgan’s stupid personal foul set the Redskins back 15 yards on their final drive and ultimately cost them as Washington lost to St Louis, 31-28, on a missed field goal... Stephen Gotkowski was more Shank-kowski as his missed 42-yard field goal caused New England to lose to Arizona, 20-18.

The Highlight Reel presents This Week's Recap for September 16th

THIS WEEK’S RECAP…

Superstar of the Week: Ryan Hunter-Reay



On Saturday night at the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California, the IndyCar Series concluded their 2012 season with 500 miles of intensity in the MAVTV 500 IndyCar World Championships. Ed Carpenter won the race with a thrilling last lap pass of Dario Franchitti. While the race was outstanding, Carpenter’s victory was secondary to the real story of the weekend: the two-man battle for the IndyCar Series Championship between Will Power and Ryan Hunter-Reay. Power went into California with a 17-point lead over Hunter-Reay. Both men qualified in the rear of the field and were running together in 13th and 14th respectively when the championship became Ryan Hunter-Reay’s to take on Lap 56. Will Power crashed and, for the third consecutive season, failed in his quest to win a championship with a DNF in the season finale. With Power out, Hunter-Reay still had to finish 5th or better win claim the title; a feat he accomplished with a 4th-place finish. The championship was the culmination of a long, trying road to the top for the Texas-based wheelman.

Debuting in 2007 with Rahal-Letterman Racing as the replacement for Jeff Simmons, he won Rookie of the Year honors and scored his first career victory at Watkins Glen in 2008. In 2009, Ryan Hunter-Reay bounced around in the IndyCar Series after losing his ride at Rahal-Letterman Racing to budget cuts. His once-bright future looked bleak. Then, he signed with Andretti Autosport in 2010. Hunter-Reay won at Long Beach and appeared to be on the verge of superstardom when the wheels fell off for Hunter-Reay. Still, he received the utmost in confidence from team owner Michael Andretti and lead sponsors DHL and Sun Drop despite struggles that included a nadir of not qualifying for the 2011 Indianapolis 500. After that low point, Ryan Hunter-Reay rebounded to finish 2011 with a win in New Hampshire and eight top tens in the final nine events. That momentum that carried into 2012. Hunter-Reay scored four victories over the season (Milwaukee, Iowa, Toronto, and Baltimore) and was able to capitalize on the late-season misfortunes of Will Power to claim his first IndyCar Series Championship. Hunter-Reay’s championship victory is the first for an American since Sam Hornish in 2006.



Congratulations go out to Ryan Hunter-Reay - the Superstar of the Week and 2012 IndyCar Series Champion!

Jerk of the Week: Nakoula Basseley Nakoula

I am sure many who do not follow the news are wondering who I am talking about at this moment. Nakoula Basseley Nakoula is an Egyptian-American responsible for writing, producing, and distributing the anti-Islamic film Innocence of Muslims. Many are citing the trailer and clips of this film posted on YouTube as a cause for some of the attacks on United States embassies that started on September 11th and are still underway in much of the Middle East. Among these attacks, one in Benghazi, Libya killed US Ambassador to Libya Christopher Stevens and three others. In total, 39 are dead and over 400 are injured from the attacks started as a reaction to Nakoula’s movie.

It is easy to throw everybody from the Muslim world under the bus because of these attacks and their reaction to a stupid, poorly made film intended to do nothing but incite riots. However, I am choosing ultimately to pin the blame for all of this on the film’s creator himself: Nakoula Basseley Nakoula. He knew what this first was going to do and made the movie anyway. This was an attempt to provoke a group of easily provoked people volatile towards the western world to start with. Someone should tell Nakoula “mission accomplished” because many innocent people are dead or injured because of this little film. I am positive that is all the man intended from the beginning of production. That is why I also believe that authorities should arrest and charge this man with the same crimes as the Muslim terrorists who actually committed the heinous acts in Libya, Egypt, and at the other embassies.

Babe of the Week: Miranda Lambert and Danica Patrick



A Melancholy Happy Trails to…
- Sid Watkins, 84 - British neurosurgeon and Formula One Safety and Medical Delegate (September 12th)

A Special Get Well Soon to… Jerry “the King” Lawler

On the September 10th episode of Monday Night RAW, commentator Jerry Lawler suffered a heart attack live on the air during the Daniel Bryan/Kane vs. Darren Young/Titus O’Neil match. Rumors are that Lawler was dead for almost 20 minutes, shocked seven times via defibrillator, and had CPR performed backstage for minutes in order to keep the King alive long enough to make it to a Montreal hospital. I did not see the incident live as I no longer watch World Wrestling Entertainment programming. When I initially heard about it from messages on Facebook and Twitter, I questioned whether the show was so bad that Lawler’s body attempted to shut down in order for the King to escape. Yeah, I know it was a mean joke. It was still funny and a valid question considering what WWE offers on a weekly basis. Anyhoo, Lawler underwent a procedure and appears to be well on the road to recovery. That is awesome news considering how tragic and horrific the incident appeared on television.

Get well soon, Jerry Lawler. Sexual predators everywhere need their wrestling role model and the business needs “The King.”

The Highlight Reel presents Armchair Quarterback Tuesday

Armchair Quarterback Tuesday…

Welcome to a brand new feature in The Highlight Reel. Every Tuesday during the NFL season, I plan on writing about the best and worst of the previous week in the National Football League. Welcome to Armchair Quarterback Tuesday!

After the first week of the NFL regular season, I think there is one thing we can all agree on: the replacement referees have got to go! Deadspin.com produced a great piece highlighting the 21 worst mistakes made by the scab officials on Sunday with videos of each one included. It is a far better compilation than I could create so I encourage you all to read it here.

Thanks to DirecTV throwing me a bone with a week of NFL Sunday Ticket for 14 years of customer loyalty, I was able to watch most of every game from Week One. Questionable officiating did not mar a couple of games. However, for every highlight in Week One on the field, there was also a questionable officiating decision that affected games as well. These were the most glaring officiating blunders that I personally watched.

- In the Washington Redskins - New Orleans Saints game, Washington started a drive on the 20 after a touchback, meaning the first-down marker was exactly at the 30. On third down, with the ball spotted at the 24, Robert Griffin III threw an incomplete pass. The Saints committed a five-yard penalty on the ensuing punt. Somehow, 24 + 5 = 29 yet it got Washington the first down.

- In the Indianapolis Colts - Chicago Bears game, Andrew Luck threw an interception on a play where a Bears defender clearly jumped offside.

- In the New England Patriots - Tennessee Titans game, the referees mistook an incomplete pass for a fumble. The replay booth reversed the ruling. However, this was too late for the Titans. On the runback during the fumble recovery, which should never have happened, Titans quarterback Jake Locker suffered a shoulder injury from a hit by a Patriots defender.

- In the San Francisco 49ers - Green Bay Packers game, Green Bay scored a touchdown on a Randall Cobb punt return when two illegal Green Bay blocks to the back, that officials initially flagged, went unpunished when the officials picked up the flags.

- Also in the 49ers - Packers game, officials flagged the 49ers for unsportsmanlike conduct for “removing a helmet” even though Aaron Rodgers’ foot removed the helmet.

- In the Seattle Seahawks - Arizona Cardinals game, the officials gave Seattle four timeouts in the second half.

- In the Pittsburgh Steelers - Denver Broncos game, the officials forgot how the two-minute warning works. When a touchdown happens at the two-minute mark, the officials are supposed to wait until after the conversion before calling for the two-minute warning. Instead, the officials sent the game to timeout right after the touchdown. The Broncos had more time to set up their two-point conversion play while Pittsburgh lost the timeout they could have used to plan their two-minute drill.

Then, there were all of the pass interference calls, missed false starts, and other mistakes that showed the replacement officials’ incompetence. With the news that the NFL Officials Lockout appears to have no end in sight, I believe we are in store for a lot more blown calls and epic failures until we finally have a huge blunder affect a marquee match-up. Then, and only then, will the NFL finally correct this issue and get the normal referees back on the sidelines. I just hope that when the major mistake that causes Roger Goodell to stop pouting over the Bounty Scandal suspensions being overturned happens, it does not affect the New York Tebows or else ESPN may implode.

Who’s Hot: Robert Griffin III set the world on fire with his performance in the Redskins’ 40-32 victory over New Orleans… After a worthless offensive showing in the preseason, the New York Jets scored 48 points in their victory over the Buffalo Bills… The 49ers defense smothered Aaron Rodgers and the powerful Green Bay Packers offense in a showing that makes San Francisco look like a legit contender… The Baltimore Ravens looked incredible on both sides of the ball in their 44-13 win over the Cincinnati Bengals… Tony Romo may have another weapon in Dallas as Kevin Olgetree caught two touchdowns in the Cowboys 24-17 win over the Giants.

Who’s Not: The Philadelphia Eagles may have won over Cleveland but Michael Vick’s four interceptions did not look like the play of a winner… Speaking of Cleveland, Brandon Weeden and his four interceptions showed why you do not start a 28-year-old rookie… Ryan Tannehill led the Miami Dolphins to a 20-point loss against Houston with the skills of a QB destined for worse losses… Cam Newton ran like a chicken with his head cut off and Carolina suffered for it in their 16-10 loss to Tampa Bay… The Oakland Raiders were downright embarrassing in their 22-14 loss to San Diego as that game was never close as the score said.

The Highlight Reel presents This Week's Recap for September 9th

THIS WEEK’S RECAP…

Superstar of the Week: Jeff Hardy

If anybody had told me in 2011 that Jeff Hardy would be in the main event of TNA Wrestling’s biggest show in 2012, I would have either replied in disbelief or replied in anger about TNA trusting the undependable Hardy with such an important spot. However, it is now 2012 and I am actually excited to see Jeff Hardy in such an important spot.

Jeff Hardy won the Bound for Glory Series with a win over Bully Ray in the Finals during Sunday’s No Surrender pay-per-view event. With that victory, Hardy now goes to the main event of TNA Wrestling’s Bound for Glory next month in Phoenix to face World Heavyweight Champion Austin Aries. That is a long way away from where Hardy was just 18 short months ago. In March 2011, Hardy hit rock bottom with an embarrassing, drug-fueled appearance at Victory Road 2011. Since that 90-second match against Sting, Hardy has committed himself to redemption through drug rehabilitation. For the first time, Hardy appears to be clean and sober for an extended period. It shows too as Hardy is having outstanding matches, appears to be in the best shape of his career, and is staying out of trouble with management and the law. I am proud to see Jeff Hardy succeed like this. I just hope that, with success, Jeff Hardy is able to remain committed to the most important goal he has: sobriety. For all of the wonderful nights like No Surrender, none of them mean a thing if Hardy relapses.

Call me a dreamer but I think Jeff Hardy may finally stay away from the drugs that have taken so much from the wrestling business and from Hardy personally. At least, I hope so. Congrats for making it this far, Jeff.

Jerk of the Week: Hank Williams, Jr.

I am not a big fan of President Barack Obama. For the most part, I believe his first term in the White House has been a complete bust. However, I am not going to get on a soapbox and completely slander the man either. That seems to be the only way to show your Republican pride though - especially if you are a celebrity. That is why country music singer/relic/has-been Hank Williams, Jr. took an opportunity in front of a Texas concert crowd last week to talk politics in the midst of playing such classics as “All My Rowdy Friends” and “Family Tradition.” At the Stockyards Music Festival in Fort Worth, Texas, Williams said:
 

“We’ve got a Muslim for a president who hates cowboys, hates cowgirls, hates fishing, hates farming, loves gays, and we hate him!”

Really, Hank? REALLY?!? Did he have to say all of that about President Obama? I mean, we all know how he feels about the man. Williams made that perfectly clear last year when he pissed away what should have been his last steady paycheck with the termination of his Monday Night Football gig. But, did Rockin’ Randall Hank really need to make a last gasp at fame through more ignorant bigotry? As sad as Randy Travis is because of his recent downward spiral, at least Randy Travis still appears respectable because his downfall has not resorted to hatemongering to get attention. Travis is merely drinking himself to death. Hank Williams, Jr. should be ashamed of himself for these remarks. Where Clint Eastwood was comical in his anti-Obama ranting at the RNC, Hank Williams, Jr. missed the point as his ranting crossed over into nonsensical hate-speech that usually only comes from your least-favorite racist grandparent before he/she slips off into a food coma at Thanksgiving. Hank Williams, Jr.’s desperate cry for attention is the last act of a sad relic hoping to find a new audience in the equally sad anti-Obama Republicans who share a mutual hatred of the man because of racial and rumored religious reasons instead of his ineptitude in office.

Babe of the Week: Kellie Pickler (Mad props for shaving her head to show unity as her friend, Summer Holt Miller, battles breast cancer)

Summer Holt Miller (left) and Kellie Pickler (right)

A Melancholy Happy Trails to…
- Art Modell, 87 - American businessman and owner of the Baltimore Ravens. Known for moving the Cleveland Browns to Baltimore. (September 6th)
- Michael Clarke Duncan, 54 - American actor best known for The Green Mile, Daredevil, and Armageddon. (September 3rd)
- Sun Myung Moon, 92 - South Korean religious figure best known for founding the Unification Church and The Washington Times (September 3rd)

The Highlight Reel presents Big A's NFL Preview - Part I: The AFC

It is that time again. The smell of fresh cut grass is fills the nose. The chill of an autumn night is on the horizon. The sound of shoulder pads and helmets cracking together ring through the ears of fans all over the country. America’s Game is back. Football season is here.

I am like millions of sports fans. I am an NFL guy. Football is king; everything else is a distant second. That is why this is such an important and exciting time of the year. The regular season started with the NFL Kickoff Special on Wednesday, September 5th when the Dallas Cowboys defeated the New York Giants, 24-17, at MetLife Stadium. Meanwhile, the rest of the league kicks off their 2012 this upcoming Sunday and Monday. After a wonderful summer with the 2012 Summer Olympics, an exciting IndyCar Series season, thrilling marquee UFC fights, and a baseball season full of historic accomplishments, it is nice to say that football season is finally back. As great as all of those sporting events are, none of them patch the excitement, drama, or punch of National Football League action.

As I have done since the beginning of The Highlight Reel, it is time for my annual preview of the upcoming NFL season. In the upcoming series of blogs, I am briefly going to preview all 32 teams for the upcoming 2012 season. In addition, I will be making predictions that you can take to the bank (if you want to lose all of your money). Still, it is very fun to make predictions about the upcoming NFL season and watch as they all ring false by Week 5. This is my preview of the 2012 NFL season - starting with the AFC.

NFL Team Previews - The AFC
AFC East
Buffalo Bills - The Buffalo Bills made waves during the off-season by signing QB Vince Young (from Philadelphia) and DE Mario Williams (from Houston). While Young did not survive the preseason cuts, I think Williams will be a major player on a Buffalo Bills team that will surprise many in 2012. Starting quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick returns off a career season in 2011 to lead a Bills offensive that will heavily feature star running back Fred Jackson and wide receiver Stevie Johnson. I love the addition of Williams to an already stout defense. I do not believe Buffalo is a legit Super Bowl contender by any stretch of the imagination. However, I would not be surprised to see Buffalo get a wild card berth in 2012. The Bills are young, hungry, and loaded with potential. (Estimated number of wins: 8-10)

Miami Dolphins - Hoping to improve off a 6-10 2011 season, the Miami Dolphins have a new head coach in Joe Philbin and new quarterback in rookie Ryan Tannehill. Yeah, the Dolphins can hope all they want but the 2012 season will be one of the worst seasons in franchise history. While running back Reggie Bush stands out as the brightest star on the Dolphins, he cannot carry the entire team. Tannehill has no weapons to throw the ball to with Brandon Marshall traded to Chicago and the star free agency acquisition WR Chad Johnson already released. Even if Tannehill loses the starting job to Matt Moore later in the season, the lack of other offensive weapons kill Miami’s chances. The Dolphins defense is the only real positive I see in Miami. Defensive end Cameron Wake and linebacker Karlos Dansby will have stellar years. However, Miami does not have enough offense to succeed. 2012 will be a miserable time for Dolphins fans. (Estimated number of wins: 2-4)

New England Patriots - The New England Patriots really deserve the name “America’s Team.” After all, America is a capitalist country where the rich get richer and New England continues to get richer with every passing off-season. Coming off a second Super Bowl loss to the New York Giants, the Patriots are looking to erase the disappointment of that loss with another huge season and fourth Lombardi trophy for Coach Bill Belicheck and quarterback Tom Brady. I think that New England will miss the veteran presence of running back Kevin Faulk and wide receiver Deion Branch (both released) and the versatility of BenJarvus Green-Ellis (now in Cincinnati). However, Brady still has WR Wes Welker as his primary target and three huge targets in tight ends Rob Gronkowski, Aaron Hernandez, and newly acquired Visanthe Shiancoe (from Minnesota) to torment opposing defenses with. Meanwhile, the Patriots defense looks vastly improved over last season’s group with the additions of DE Chandler Jones, LB Dont’a Hightower, and FS Tavon Wilson via the 2012 Draft. The Patriots have their division won now. The real question is if New England has another super Bowl run in them. I think New England will be a major contender and are, alongside Baltimore, the class of the AFC. It will not surprise me to see the Patriots in another Super Bowl at the end of this season. (Estimated number of wins: 13-15)

New York Jets - When the best passer of your quarterbacks is third-sting QB Greg McElroy, you know things are bad. That is the story of the New York Jets. Over the off-season, the Jets resigned Mark Sanchez to a multi-year extension and traded for Tim Tebow from the Denver Broncos. The Jets are the league’s biggest source of stories. However, none are positive. In the preseason, only McElroy led a touchdown drive in four games. I am amazed that new offensive coordinator Tony Sparano remains employed. The New York Jets have went from one win away from a Super Bowl berth in consecutive seasons to 8-8 last season to whatever new depths they will reach this season. As strong as New York’s defense under coach Rex Ryan can be, their offense is so pitiful that victories will be few and far between in 2012. The Jets have three quarterbacks, meaning they have no quarterbacks. Joe McKnight and Shonn Greene remain to underachieve in the backfield with the retirement of LaDainian Tomlinson. Santonio Holmes is the only stellar receiver while TE Dustin Keller is still an overrated dropping machine. New York’s defense will keep the Jets in many games. The veteran leadership of studs like LB Bart Scott and secondary standouts Antonio Cromartie, LaRon Landry, and Darrelle Revis will help rookie DE Quinton Coples develop that much faster. However, the Jets offense will struggle so much that I fear New York will be out of the running before Halloween is here, incredible defense or not. (Estimated number of wins: 4-6)

AFC North
Baltimore Ravens - Coming off the heels of a heartbreaking AFC Championship Game loss to New England, I believe the Baltimore Ravens are coming into the 2012 season with a chip on their shoulder that will not be easy to knock off. Entering their fifth seasons in Baltimore, head coach John Harbaugh and quarterback Joe Flacco are poised to reach their first Super Bowl together. Harbaugh’s leadership is among the league’s best while Flacco is quietly among the best game-managers in the NFL today. Running back Ray Rice continues to thrive for the Ravens while the addition of wide receiver Jacoby Jones from Houston will help Anquan Boldin find more man-on-man coverage that he can manipulate to his advantage. The loss of linebacker Terrell Suggs to injury will hurt the legendary Baltimore defense. However, Ray Lewis is still seemingly ageless as he enters season number 17 while rookie linebacker Courtney Upshaw should lessen the blow of losing Suggs for the season. I love the way Baltimore plays as their smash mouth style screams old-school football and not finesse football. If they do not allow the epic nature of their AFC Championship Game loss affect them mentally, Baltimore will find themselves back in the AFC Championship Game this season. 2012 is Super Bowl or bust for the Ravens. (Estimated number of wins: 10-12)

Cincinnati Bengals - I never believed that last year’s Bengals would go 9-7 and get a playoff berth. I was so wrong on this team. The Bengals return the core of last year’s surprise success story. Second-year starter Andy Dalton is looking to improve on a rookie campaign that saw Dalton make the Pro Bowl. He and wide receiver AJ Green will only get better with experience. The Bengals lost running back Cedric Benson to free agency but acquired the vastly underrated BenJarvus Green-Ellis from New England to come out of the backfield. The Bengals defense continues to look impressive with a roster full of solid team players. I do not believe that Cincinnati will have the same amount of success in 2012 as last season. The element of surprise is gone for this team. With that said, Cincinnati should still flirt with a .500 record and play spoiler to many teams late in the season. (Estimated number of wins: 7-9)

Cleveland Browns - I am sorry, Cleveland fans. I am so, so sorry. Last season, I believed in Cleveland enough to say that the Browns could finish .500. Wow, I was wrong on that. Star running back Peyton Hillis is now in Kansas City after an unceremonious exit. The Browns have a 28-year-old rookie, Brandon Weeden, at quarterback and rookie running back Trent Richardson looking to turn around one of the most anemic offenses in the National Football League in 2011. Wide receiver/kick return specialist Josh Cribbs will be one of the bright spots for the Browns. Sadly, for Cleveland fans, I believe he will be the only bright spot. Weeden will not finish the season as starting QB, either because of injury or futility; while I fear Richardson will be ineffective late in the season because of overuse, injuries, and the inflated expectations that come with being the #3 overall draft pick. Cleveland will be one of the league’s worst teams or, as Cleveland fans say, it will be another typical season for the Browns. (Estimated number of wins: 3-5)

Pittsburgh Steelers - The 2012 Pittsburgh Steelers have a different look from the Steelers who have reigned supreme in the AFC for almost a decade. Longtime Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward is now working for NBC Sports while linebacker James Farrior is gone. Still, most of the premiere Steelers are still on the roster. The change in appearance will come in the new leadership alongside head coach Mike Tomlin. New offensive coordinator Todd Haley has implemented a new offense in Pittsburgh that has ruffled the feathers of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Still, Big Ben should shine as his staff of receivers includes young stud wide receivers Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown alongside veteran WR Jericho Cotchery and tight ends Heath Miller and Leonard Pope (a Haley favorite from their time in Arizona). If Pittsburgh can keep their running backs healthy, the Steelers offensive will be among the league’s elite. Pittsburgh’s defense, while appearing old, is still as hard-hitting as ever. Health is an issue though as Pittsburgh’s defense struggled with remaining healthy over the course of last season. When healthy, the Steelers defense and core stars LB James Harrison, DE Brett Keisel, LB LaMarr Woodley, and SS Troy Polamalu are second to none. However, if the Steelers show their age and players begin taking plays or games off, the Steelers defense will make the team vulnerable to lesser teams. I do not see a Super Bowl run in this year’s Steelers. However, if they made a run, it really would not be a surprise as Pittsburgh is just one of those organizations that never seem to falter for long. I think a more realistic outcome for the Steelers is a wild card berth in 2012. (Estimated number of wins: 9-11)

AFC South
Houston Texans - After living on potential for years, the Houston Texans finally won the AFC South and earned a playoff berth in 2011. However, by the time they reached the postseason, quarterback Matt Schaub was out for the year and stud wide receiver Andre Johnson was playing injured. Still, the Texans got their first playoff victory in franchise history and finally lived up to some of the potential they have shown for years. Unless major injuries affect the team this season, I believe the Texans are a lock for the AFC South again in 2012. With Schaub and Johnson healthy, they make for one of the most lethal combinations in the AFC while running back Arian Foster is one of the game’s elite backs. On defense, Houston will miss DE Mario Williams (lost to Buffalo via free agency) but will not miss a beat with DE J.J. Watt and linebacker Brian Cushing leading a strong Texans defense. Houston has all of the tools necessary to win and finally have a taste of victory in their seventh season under Gary Kubiak’s leadership. Houston is a playoff team with an outside chance at an AFC Championship Game berth. While I do not believe they are on the same page as Baltimore or New England, Houston is right there with Pittsburgh and Denver on the second tier of AFC dominance. (Estimated number of wins: 10-12)

Indianapolis Colts - After going 2-14 with Peyton Manning on the sidelines, the Indianapolis Colts are a completely new team in 2012. Manning is returning from injury in Denver. Former Baltimore defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano is now head coach. Andrew Luck, #1 overall draft pick, is the new starting quarterback. Longtime Colts like Dallas Clark, Jeff Saturday, Pierre Garcon, Joseph Addai, and Gary Brackett are gone. These are not the Indianapolis Colts of the last decade. While the Andrew Luck Era is underway, I do not think the era will have any success in 2012. Indianapolis looks like a hot dumpster fire in waiting. Reggie Wayne is the only stable veteran receiver for Luck as wide receiver Austin Collie continues to struggle with concussions. Indianapolis also drafted tight end Colby Fleener, Luck’s favorite target at Stanford, so Luck will have a semblance of familiarity in Indy. The defense still has leadership in DE/LB Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis. While they lack other big names on defense, Pagano led Baltimore to one of the most elite defenses for years and will bring that leadership with him to Indianapolis. The Colts will improve on 2-14. However, it will not be by much. 2012 will not be a pretty season for the Colts. (Estimated number of wins: 3-5)

Jacksonville Jaguars - Under new leadership in new owner Shahid Khan and new coach Mike Mularkey, the Jacksonville Jaguars are hoping to improve on their 5-11 record in 2011. They can hope for improvement but it will not come in 2012. Blaine Gabbert starts his second season at QB with Chad Henne, formerly of Miami, waiting in the wings to take over. Jacksonville’s lone star over the last six seasons, running back Maurice Jones-Drew, is fighting the team over a better contract and missed training camp and the preseason in his holdout. Even with Jones-Drew back, Jacksonville does not really stand a chance at being successful. The rest of the offense is weak. Rookie wide receiver Justin Blackmon appears like a legit weapon to help change the Jaguars’ ways but must first stay out of trouble with the law. Meanwhile, free agent acquisition Laurent Robinson moves up the depth chart with his move to Jacksonville from Dallas. The defense is nothing to celebrate as this collection of unknowns try to stop opposing offenses; something Jacksonville has not accomplished in years. Jacksonville is going to suffer another ugly season with nothing to show for it but a lot of losses and disappointed fans. (Estimated number of wins: 3-5)

Tennessee Titans - The Tennessee Titans were one of the most pleasant surprises of the NFL in 2011 as their 9-7 record surprised many and almost earned them a wild card berth. Going into his second year as coach, Mike Munchak now has sophomore quarterback Jake Locker in the starting spot over veteran Matt Hasselbeck. Locker will have plenty of young, hungry weapons in receivers Nate Washington and Kenny Britt to pass to while Chris Johnson looks to regain his spot as the top running back in the game. Tennessee’s defense remains a squad of nameless-but-solid players that should keep the Titans in many close contests this season. While I do not believe Tennessee will crumble greatly, I do not believe they will match the 9-7 success of last season. Tennessee will be a tough team to beat but a team most teams will defeat. (Estimated number of wins: 6-8)

AFC West
Denver Broncos - Despite leading the Broncos to an 8-8 record, division title, and playoff victory, Tim Tebow was traded to the New York Jets after the Broncos signed quarterback Peyton Manning from Indianapolis. With Manning now under center, the Broncos hope to have arguably the greatest passer of all-time at QB for them. However, nobody knows for sure how Peyton Manning is going to play in meaningful games after missing all of the 2011 season recovering from neck surgery. However, even if Manning is a shell of his former self, the Denver Broncos are more than talented enough to be a winning team. The Broncos offense has a terrific dual threat in the backfield with running backs Knowshon Moreno and Willis McGahee and a quartet of stud receivers at Manning’s disposal in Eric Decker, Demaryius Thomas, and free agency acquisitions Andre Caldwell and Brandon Stokley. As loaded as Denver’s offense is, their defense is just as talented. Defensive end Elvis Dumervil, linebacker Von Miller, and cornerback Champ Bailey helm a defense among the league’s best in 2011 that will only improve in 2012. While I believe that the Super Bowl is not in their future, I can see the Broncos winning the AFC West and making some waves in the postseason. 2012 will be a very good year for the Broncos. (Estimated number of wins: 10-12)

Kansas City Chiefs - After finishing 7-9 last season, the Kansas City Chiefs look to improve in their first full season with coach Romeo Crennel. Matt Cassel has his favorite weapon in Kansas City happy as wide receiver Dwayne Bowe has a new contract. The addition of running back Peyton Hillis from Cleveland gives the Chiefs three solid backs in Hillis, Jamaal Charles, and RB/WR Dexter McCluster to offshoot the losses of RB Thomas Jones and fullback LeRon McClain to free agency. While Kansas City lacks many of the big names on defense that other AFC teams have, the KC defense is still steady and firm in the clutch. I do not believe Kansas City can really challenge Denver or San Diego for the division title. However, Kansas City will be a tough challenge for opposition throughout the season. They may even play spoiler for a few teams late in the season. (Estimated number of wins: 6-8)

Oakland Raiders - Despite finishing 8-8 for the second season in a row, the Oakland Raiders fired their head coach for the second season in a row. New coach Dennis Allen replaces Hue Jackson as the Raiders prepare for their first full season since the death of legendary owner Al Davis. Carson Palmer returns to Oakland as starting quarterback for his first full season after going 4-5 in nine games with the team last season. While the Raiders have another new coach, maintaining Palmer is really the first good move from Oakland in a long time. If healthy, his veteran leadership can guide the young corps of receivers to great things. Both Jacoby Ford and Darrius Heyward-Bey are among the league’s fastest receivers. A good report with palmer can only help both men improve. The loss of running back Michael Bush to Chicago should not hurt Oakland as bad if Darren McFadden can remain healthy for a full 16-game season. However, that is a feat easier said than done. Oakland’s defense is solid with veteran leadership from DE Richard Seymour and great play from talented linebacker Rolando McClain. I do not believe Oakland can win the division. However, they have the potential for another .500 season. With a few breaks falling their way, they may even get that first winning record since 2002 and earn a wild card berth in the postseason. (Estimated number of wins: 7-9)

San Diego Chargers - I just do not understand the San Diego Chargers. On paper, the Chargers should contend for the Super Bowl every year. However, they continue to regress year after year. Despite this, management retains head coach Norv Turner for reasons beyond my comprehension. In 2011, the Chargers went 8-8 and missed the postseason for a second consecutive season despite having another outstanding season from quarterback Phillip Rivers. Seeing San Diego’s weapons, I cannot understand why this team will not make the playoffs. Rivers has a loaded group of receivers in Malcolm Floyd and newly acquired Robert Meachem (from New Orleans) and Eddie Royal (from Denver). Running back Ryan Matthews is a scoring machine while the addition of fullback LeRon McClain (from Kansas City) adds a great receiving and blocking threat in the backfield. Tight end Antonio Gates is still among the elite at his position when healthy. Plus, the Chargers possess a talented defense with some of the league’s hardest hitters. That only leaves one reason why the Chargers will fail again in 2012: Norv Turner. He is just not a winning head football coach. San Diego will flirt with .500 and may even sneak into the postseason with a wild card berth. However, the Chargers will fail to live up to the potential this team has because of questionable leadership. (Estimated number of wins: 7-9)

Division Predictions (w/ Division Winners and Wild Card Teams in Bold)
AFC East - New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, New York Jets, Miami Dolphins

AFC North - Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns

AFC South - Houston Texans, Tennessee Titans, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars

AFC West - Denver Broncos, San Diego Chargers, Oakland Raiders, Kansas City Chiefs

AFC Championship Game Prediction
Baltimore Ravens 27 - New England Patriots 21

The Ravens will win the AFC Championship.

Super Bowl XLVII Prediction
For my Super Bowl XLVII prediction, read the second part of my NFL Preview as I break down the NFC.

The Highlight Reel presents Big A's NFL Preview - Part II: The NFC

It is that time again. The smell of fresh cut grass is fills the nose. The chill of an autumn night is on the horizon. The sound of shoulder pads and helmets cracking together ring through the ears of fans all over the country. America’s Game is back. Football season is here.

I am like millions of sports fans. I am an NFL guy. Football is king; everything else is a distant second. That is why this is such an important and exciting time of the year. The regular season started with the NFL Kickoff Special on Wednesday, September 5th when the Dallas Cowboys defeated the New York Giants, 24-17, at MetLife Stadium. Meanwhile, the rest of the league kicks off their 2012 this upcoming Sunday and Monday. After a wonderful summer with the 2012 Summer Olympics, an exciting IndyCar Series season, thrilling marquee UFC fights, and a baseball season full of historic accomplishments, it is nice to say that football season is finally back. As great as all of those sporting events are, none of them patch the excitement, drama, or punch of National Football League action.

As I have done since the beginning of The Highlight Reel, it is time for my annual preview of the upcoming NFL season. In the upcoming series of blogs, I am briefly going to preview all 32 teams for the upcoming 2012 season. In addition, I will be making predictions that you can take to the bank (if you want to lose all of your money). Still, it is very fun to make predictions about the upcoming NFL season and watch as they all ring false by Week 5. This is my preview of the 2012 NFL season - concluding with the NFC.

NFL Team Previews - The NFC
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys - Another year, another amount of lofty expectations. The Dallas Cowboys enter the 2012 season with quarterback Tony Romo entering his tenth season overall and sixth season as a starting QB in the NFL. Romo has the look of a star and the media backing to match. However, there is nothing about his play connecting Romo to the praise he receives. Romo is the biggest underachiever in the National Football League today. A new offensive line should keep Romo upright with plenty of time to find wide receivers Miles Austin, Dez Bryant, and tight end Jason Whitten. Running back DeMarco Murray is among the league’s most promising backs. Plus, Dallas revamped their much-heralded defense through the acquisitions of cornerbacks Brandon Carr from Kansas City and Morris Claiborne via the #6 overall selection in the NFL Draft. Those two help improve the secondary on a defense already possessing defensive stars DeMarcus Ware, Anthony Spencer, Sean Lee, and Jay Ratliff. There is no reason why the Dallas Cowboys should not play deep into January and threaten the NFC’s best for a berth in Super Bowl XLVII. Wait. There is one reason: quarterback Tony Romo. I am a diehard Dallas Cowboys fan. That said, I have no faith in Tony Romo to bring anything to Dallas but another season of disappointment. Sadly, with the backup QB now Kyle Orton, Romo is literally the best shot Dallas has at the quarterback position so the Cowboys’ success rests solely on him. Dallas will stay in the thick of the NFC East hunt until late in the season. However, I do not see Dallas making the postseason. Also, I see Jason Garrett looking for work in January. A .500 record is probably too high an aspiration for these Cowboys. (Estimated number of wins: 7-9)

New York Giants - After last season’s Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots, head coach Tom Coughlin and quarterback Eli Manning both solidified their status among the elite of the NFL. With that new clout, I believe the Giants are going to be a huge favorite for success again in 2012. New York is a team built for the postseason and it shows. Despite mediocre regular season stats and records, the Giants bring it when the lights are on bright and the stage is huge. Many forget Eli Manning when talking about the premiere quarterbacks in the league but Manning collects Super Bowl rings among the best. The emergence of Victor Cruz as a top receiver gave Manning the weapon he needed in 2011. Cruz will only get better in 2012 alongside fellow receiver Hakeem Nicks. The loss of Brandon Jacobs (now in San Francisco) means that Ahmad Bradshaw is the feature running back. However, the oft-injured Bradshaw still has many questions surrounding his durability. Meanwhile, the Giants bring one of the best defenses in the game to the field weekly. The defensive line includes two major stars in Justin Tuck and Jason Pierre-Paul while Michael Boley and Mathias Kiwanuka anchor a solid group of linebackers. The New York secondary has struggled to stay healthy for years but feature talent like Prince Amukamara and Antrel Rolle, who are among the league’s best when healthy. Personally, I do not believe the New York Giants are a Super Bowl team this year because of history. The Giants have historically struggled in the year after winning a Super Bowl and I believe 2012 will be no different. The Giants could win a very competitive NFC East. However, another lengthy march to Super Sunday is not in the cards for the G-Men. (Estimated number of wins: 8-10)

Philadelphia Eagles - Last year, the Philadelphia Eagles called themselves “the Dream Team” and missed the playoffs with an 8-8 record. Instead of playing the free agency game or living on hype this off-season, the Eagles stayed low-key. Philadelphia cut away some of the excess baggage of last season as they released Vince Young, Steve Smith, and Ronnie Brown while adding linebacker DeMeco Ryans in a trade with Houston. On paper, the Philadelphia Eagles look like a major threat. However, the big red flag continues to be star quarterback Michael Vick. Injured in two preseason games already this season, Vick is coming into another season banged up. If Vick can stay healthy, Philadelphia is among the league’s best. However, he cannot stay healthy with his playing style so I expect backup quarterbacks Trent Edwards and Nick Foles to get considerable playing time. Regardless of who is at quarterback, the Eagles have the offensive weapons to put a lot of points on the scoreboard weekly with running back LeSean McCoy and wide receivers DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, and Riley Cooper. Meanwhile, the Eagles defense is among the best n the NFC. The addition of Ryans only adds to a powerful defensive front including defensive end Jason Babin and defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins. Philadelphia‘s secondary is still among the league’s elite with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Nnamdi Asomugha roaming freely. One thing I believe will push Philadelphia to new heights is the emotion surrounding head coach Andy Reid. In his 14th season, Reid is coaching to keep his job while still mourning the sudden passing of his 29-year-old son Garrett during the preseason. While I would like to knock the Eagles because of Reid’s missed opportunities or Vick’s health, I just have a feeling that Philadelphia may put things together in a big way in 2012. The Eagles will be in the thick of a tough NFC East and will make the postseason either through a division title or a wild card. With destiny on their side, anything is possible once the postseason begins. (Estimated number of wins: 8-10)

Washington Redskins - Led by first-round draft pick (and #2 selection overall) Robert Griffin III, a new era is here for the Washington Redskins. While RGIII showed great talent and leadership at Baylor, this is the NFL. Griffin is playing for owner Daniel Snyder’s sinking ship known as the Washington Redskins. The Redskins added Pierre Garcon from Indianapolis to give their young QB another weapon at wide receiver alongside Josh Morgan and Santana Moss. Meanwhile, Washington’s defense includes a terrific linebacker in Brian Orakpo, outstanding cornerback in DeAngelo Hall, and not much else. For year, Washington has appeared talented on paper only to fail to achieve anything on a consistent basis. 2012 will not be any different in Washington. Despite all of the youthful enthusiasm coming with the arrival of RGIII, Washington’s coaching staff is old, tired, and dated. Plus, the defense is still a weakness and the running game is nonexistent. The Washington Redskins will play hard throughout the season. However, I do not see Washington doing anything special in 2012. The biggest victory Washington can have in 2012 will be to keep Griffin healthy and not prove to be another Washington draft bust. (Estimated number of wins: 3-5)

NFC North
Chicago Bears - I love the Chicago Bears this season. While Jay Cutler is a quarterback I question, I do not question the success Cutler has when passing to wide receiver Brandon Marshall. The two both achieved career-highs when together in Denver years ago. The addition of Marshall from Miami will help the Bears’ passing game greatly by adding a massive target that also alleviates the pressure on receivers Devon Hester and Earl Bennett. Running back Matt Forte is back with a new contract and ready to run through opposing defenses while the addition of Michael Bush will give Chicago a great receiving threat in the backfield. As good as the Bears offense looks, the Chicago defense looks that much better. Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher is coming into the season with some nagging injuries. However, defensive end Julius Peppers and linebacker Lance Briggs lead a squad that is among the most dominant defenses in the NFL. Head coach Lovie Smith, entering his ninth season, has the experience to win. The Bears have the talent to win. While the NFC North is loaded with highly competitive football teams, I think Chicago will surprise some people and steal some attention from the loaded Packers and exciting Lions. If Chicago does not win the division outright, they definitely will be in the wild card picture and a threat when the postseason arrives. (Estimated number of wins: 9-11)

Detroit Lions - On paper, the Detroit Lions appear to on the cusp of a Super Bowl run. The Detroit Lions finally kept quarterback Matthew Stafford healthy for the duration of a season and the Lions went to the playoffs. With Stafford at the helm, Detroit has one of the top young quarterbacks in the game leading an offense with one of the league’s best receivers in Calvin Johnson. The Stafford-Johnson combination is one of the top duos in the game and reminds me of duos like Montana-Rice, Aikman-Irvan, and the other great QB-WR duos of all-time. Detroit will rely heavily on them again in 2012. One flaw in Detroit’s offense is that injuries have depleted Detroit’s backfield. I believe this will make the Lions too dependant on the passing game. As for their defense, Detroit brings about one of the most young, hungry, aggressive defenses in the game. Defensive tackles Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley lead a smash mouth defense that opponents will struggle to score on in 2012. Ultimately, I see only two things keeping Detroit from being a sexy pick for postseason success. First, Detroit is in a division with the Packers and Bears. Second, many of the Lions players have shown great immaturity in multiple run-ins with the law. Two arrests during the off-season led Detroit to release CB Aaron Berry. If Detroit can show some much-needed maturity, the league may not have to step in and intervene. As for the divisional woes, Detroit is going to be part of a three-team fight for the NFC North that will go down to the wire. I believe Detroit will struggle down the stretch simply because of the weak running game. If they make the postseason, it will be with a wild card berth at best. 2012 will be a good season but not as successful as the 2011 campaign. (Estimated number of wins: 8-10)

Green Bay Packers - How can a team who went 15-1 the previous season have something to play for the next season? When the team turns 15-1 into a one-and-done postseason appearance, there is something to play for in the next season. That is the story of the Green Bay Packers. Aaron Rodgers is among the elite quarterbacks in the NFL. He had an MVP season in 2011 that went for nothing when the Packers fell to the New York Giants in the playoffs. The Packers bring back the stellar group of receivers from last season wide receivers Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, James Jones, Jordy Nelson, and tight end Jermichael Finlay will be at Rodgers’ disposal. Also, the Packers improved their running game over the off-season with the acquisition of Cedric Benson from Cincinnati and solidified their offensive line with the addition of center Jeff Saturday from Indianapolis. Meanwhile, Green Bay’s defense remained in tact from last season. Still young and powerful, the Packer’s defense showed up soft in crucial moments in 2011. 2012 will be a year of redemption for men like linebackers Clay Matthews and AJ Hawk, nose tackle BJ Raji, and cornerback Charles Woodson as they work to return the Packers defense to a place of dominance within the league. I do not believe Green Bay will go 15-1 in 2012. However, I believe this Packers squad will be better than last year’s team. Green Bay knows what it feels like to be the dominant team who wins nothing in the end. 2011 was a complete waste. Aaron Rodgers and company will not allow that to happen again. Locking in the very challenging NFC North, Green Bay will battle with Chicago and Detroit for the division title before ultimately coming out on top. The Packers real success will come in the postseason because Green Bay is a legit Super Bowl contender. 2012 is about redemption after the failures of last season. The 2012 Green Bay Packers are coming to dominate in the games that matter most. I believe they will do just that as the Packers make a trek towards New Orleans in February. (Estimated number of wins: 11-13)

Minnesota Vikings - The Minnesota Vikings just look ugly to me. Second-year quarterback Christian Ponder is back to lead a Vikings team with once-elite running back Adrian Peterson trying to come back from injury and a group of wide receivers that would complement any team’s number one receiver. If Percy Harvin can stay healthy and newly acquired Jerome Simpson from Cincinnati can stay out of trouble, Ponder could mature into a steady QB. While Peterson remains a question mark with health concerns, second-year running back Toby Gerhart should give Minnesota a solid running back nonetheless. Still, the offense is a major weakness for a franchise that has featured many of the most prolific offenses of all-time. As rough as the Vikings offense appears, their defense is not much better. Defensive end Jared Allen is an incredible player trapped on a squad where his talents are wasted. Minnesota will be in the cellar of the NFC North. I will not be shocked if head coach Leslie Frazier is looking for work by the end of this season. I just have no faith in the Vikings doing anything special in 2012. (Estimated number of wins: 3-5)

NFC South
Atlanta Falcons - The Atlanta Falcons are quietly one of the sexiest picks to make it to Super Bowl XLVII and I can understand why. The Falcons have an incredible team on paper. Matt Ryan is quietly one of the best quarterbacks in the game. Ryan has a stellar duo of receivers in Roddy While and second-year star Julio Jones along with legendary tight end Tony Gonzales and a backfield including the versatile Michael Turner and Jacquizz Rodgers. Also, the Falcons defense is loaded. While Atlanta lost linebacker Curtis Lofton to division rival New Orleans, they still bring a group including defensive standouts John Abraham and Jonathan Babineaux on the defensive line and Dunta Robinson and Asante Samuel in the secondary to the field every week. Atlanta is a team loaded with outstanding players. My main problem with the Falcons is a failure to close the deal in important games. Atlanta should have more to show for the last four seasons than early playoff exits. With New Orleans damaged by the bounty scandal suspensions, the NFC South has never been more open for the Falcons to reign supreme. If Atlanta can finally live up to their potential, the Falcons could make a Super Bowl run. However, Atlanta actually living up to that potential remains the question. I think Atlanta can make the playoffs but I will not believe in their Super Bowl aspirations until they actually win something meaningful. (Estimated number of wins: 10-12)

Carolina Panthers - I am so thrilled that I was wrong in questioning the selection of Cam Newton with last year’s #1 draft pick. Newton had the most prolific rookie season for a quarterback in NFL history while improving the Carolina Panthers from 2-14 to 6-10. In the second season of the Cam Newton Era, Carolina looks on the verge of great things with another rookie turning heads for the Panthers. The Panthers have a running game that most teams would dream of with the three-headed attack that is running backs DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart, and newly acquired Mike Tolbert from San Diego. Wide receiver Steve Smith is still among the league’s best when healthy while tight end Greg Olsen remains a big target for Newton. Carolina’s success, once again, will depend on the defense. If Carolina can keep their defense healthy, the Panthers could shock the world and really contend to win the NFC South. A playoff appearance is definitely not out of the question for the Panthers. Rookie linebacker Luke Kuechly from Boston College is already making waves while Jon Beason and Thomas Davis both return from injuries. If the injury bug bites the defensive again, Carolina will struggle. However, if Carolina can stay healthy on the defensive side of the ball for the first time in years, the Panthers could shake things up in a big way in the NFC. (Estimated number of wins: 8-10)

New Orleans Saints - The 2012 off-season was horrific for the New Orleans Saints. The scandal surrounding the New Orleans bounty situation has led to the Saints losing head coach Sean Payton for the entire season due to suspension. Without that leadership, New Orleans will depend on the leadership of quarterback Drew Brees more than ever before. I think that New Orleans will miss Payton tremendously. However, I do not think it will lead to a colossal freefall for the Saints. New Orleans still possesses an offense loaded with weapons for Brees. Darren Sproles, Pierre Thomas, and Mark Ingram make for a three-headed monster in the backfield for the Saints. Plus, Brees can spread the ball all over the field with wide receivers Marques Colston, Lance Moore, Devery Henderson and elite tight end Jimmy Graham at his disposal. Initially suspended for the regular season, an appeals panel reinstated linebacker Jonathan Vilma for the regular season mere days before the regular season begins. This, along with the elimination of DE Will Smith’s four-game suspension from the bounty scandal, helps the Saints defense greatly. The addition of linebacker Curtis Lofton from Atlanta also adds to a defense already feared in the league. New Orleans is in the highly competitive NFC South. Atlanta is still strong and Carolina is emerging as a threat. New Orleans could be questionable because of Sean Payton’s absence. However, I think Drew Brees will make up for Payton’s loss with the leadership that comes from an elite QB. New Orleans is not going to have a home game in Super Bowl XLVII but they will make a lot of noise in the postseason before losing late in January. (Estimated number of wins: 10-12)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers head into 2012 amidst change. Under new head coach Greg Schiano, the Bucs hope to improve from last season’s 4-12 mark. Quarterback Josh Freeman is a terrific young talent with new weapons in Tampa Bay as the Buccaneers acquired veteran wide receiver Vincent Jackson from San Diego and tight end Dallas Clark from Indianapolis. If he remains healthy, running back LeGarrette Blount is among the best young backs in the league. Meanwhile, the Bucs defense brings about both veteran leadership in safety Ronde Barber and youthful dominance in defensive end Adrian Clayborn. While Tampa Bay brings about a lot of talent and a fresh mindset in new coach Schiano, I do not believe things will change greatly for the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay is in a challenging NFC South with New Orleans, Atlanta, and Carolina. The Buccaneers can only hope to improve on the 4-12 2011 season. (Estimated number of wins: 3-5)

NFC West
Arizona Cardinals - The Arizona Cardinals are a mystery to me. I do not like how Arizona is in a consistent quarterback controversy with John Skelton as starter one week and Kevin Kolb as starter the following week. The running game is a disaster in Arizona. Still, the Cardinals have a lot of receiving weapons that make them a dangerous team week in, week out. Larry Fitzgerald is one of the best wide receivers in the league. He will bring out the best of whoever is playing at QB for the Cardinals. The addition of Michael Floyd from Notre Dame via the NFL Draft gives Arizona a terrific duo of receivers. Meanwhile, the Cardinals defense features some talented stars in defensive ends Vonnie Holliday, Darnell Dockett, and cornerback Patrick Peterson. If the stars align, the Cardinals could challenge San Francisco in the NFC West. I think Arizona will have an improved 2012. However, they are no good enough to be in the playoffs yet. (Estimated number of wins: 6-8)

San Francisco 49ers - Last season, the San Francisco 49ers were Kyle Williams’ botched kick return away from making the Super Bowl after a decade of futility. Their 13-3 record was the league’s biggest surprise by a mile. Head coach Jim Harbaugh brought a level of confidence to the team that turned perennial underachievers into stars. Quarterback Alex Smith developed into one of the best game managers in the NFL while the dominant 49ers defense finally won the close games they consistently lost under former coach Mike Singletary. Entering 2012, the 49ers have a lot of hope after coming so close during last year’s miracle run. Frankly, I believe the 49ers are going to regress in 2012. As much as I would love to see Alex Smith succeed, I believe his new thee-year contract will eliminate the fire for improvement that turned Smith around last season. Also, I do not see running back Frank Gore remaining healthy for an entire season again as his history normally includes a trip to the IR. San Francisco still has many bright spots on offense. Tight end Vernon Davis gives Smith one of the best weapons at that position in the game while the addition of running back Brandon Jacobs (from New York) and wide receiver Randy Moss (for a third of the league) add much-needed experience to the offense. That said, the 49ers offense will ultimately hurt the team. The 49ers defense is elite. From the defensive line through the secondary, the defense is the best in the league. Linebacker Patrick Willis leads a squad that impacts a game like only a handful of defenses have in league history. The 49ers defense will continue to make up for the offense’s struggles in 2012. San Francisco’s best hope for success is to continue playing the way they played last season: defense keeping the game close and offense doing just enough to win. This formula almost got the 49ers to their first Super Bowl since 1994. The 49ers can win a weak NFC West. However, I do not believe they have a real chance at returning to the NFC Championship Game. The 49ers will be good but not great and 2012 will not be as bright as 2011 in San Francisco. (Estimated number of wins: 9-11)

Seattle Seahawks - After a disappointing 2011 campaign full of quarterback instability, the Seattle Seahawks signed quarterback Matt Flynn from Green Bay to a huge deal and drafted Wisconsin quarterback Russell Wilson in the third round to be Flynn’s backup. Wilson outplayed Flynn and earned the starting job in Seattle during the preseason. To me, this is a huge red flag on the 2012 Seattle Seahawks. As good as Wilson may be, the money paid for Flynn will lead many in the fan base and within management wanting Flynn on the field. The minute Wilson stumbles, Flynn will get the spot and controversy will cloud Seattle. This is not what a young Seahawks team needs. Running back Marshawn Lynch will carry a brunt of the load for the Seahawks on offense while young receivers Golden Tate and Sidney Rice, joined by veteran Braylon Edwards, will work hard for whoever is at QB. Still, Seattle just does not feel like a contender. Besides quarterback issues, Seattle has a defense that can be described as questionable at best. Pete Carroll can coach players to levels of success beyond their abilities. However, I do not see Carroll coaching this Seahawks squad to anything more than a below .500 record. (Estimated number of wins: 5-7)

St. Louis Rams - After going 2-14 in 2011, the St. Louis Rams fired head coach Steve Spagnuolo and brought in legendary Tennessee Titans coach Jeff Fisher as the new leader of the Rams. I think St. Louis will improve greatly in 2012 from the leadership of Fisher. Also, quarterback Sam Bradford should rebound from a horrible sophomore season filled with injuries. The same is true regarding running back Steven Jackson as Jackson is one of the league’s premiere running backs when healthy. However, Jackson has suffered from many injures over the last two seasons. The Rams added receiver Steve Smith from Philadelphia to give Bradford a fresh weapon. Plus, the Rams defense looks to improve on a difficult 2011 with more improved play from young stud defensive end Chris Long and linebacker James Laurinaitis. The addition of veteran Courtland Finnegan to the secondary will only help the Rams defense. St. Louis could surprise many with their competitiveness in 2012. I do not think they have a chance at the division or postseason. However, the Rams could prove to be a tough out and play spoiler to some opponents late in the season. (Estimated number of wins: 4-6)

Division Predictions (w/ Division Winners and Wild Card Teams in Bold)
NFC East - Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys, Washington Redskins

NFC North - Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings

NFC South - New Orleans Saints, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

NFC West - San Francisco 49ers, Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks, St. Louis Rams

NFC Championship Game Prediction
Green Bay Packers 35 - New Orleans Saints 31

The Green Bay Packers will win the NFC Championship.

Super Bowl XLVII Prediction
On February 3rd, 2013, the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana will play host to Super Bowl XLVII. An overrated and aging music act will perform at halftime to ridicule and detestation while the eyes of the world will be on the biggest sporting event of the year. I predict that Super Bowl XLVII will be between the Green Bay Packers and the Baltimore Ravens. As for who will win, I think Aaron Rodgers will officially bury the legacy of Brett Favre in Green Bay by bringing a second Lombardi trophy back to Wisconsin. The Packers will defeat the Ravens, 31-21, to win Super Bowl XLVII.

Green Bay will win their second Super Bowl in three seasons.

The Highlight Reel presents This Week's Recap for September 2nd

THIS WEEK’S RECAP…

It is good to be writing again. The Highlight Reel went on an unscheduled sabbatical last week after some events beyond my control preoccupied my attention. On Saturday, August 25th, I took my mother to the emergency room in Eden, NC at around 10PM. She was in extreme discomfort. She had an abscess form near her rectum that needed medical attention. She underwent surgery on the abscess Sunday and remained in the hospital until Tuesday. That, added to my current workload from Greensboro College, kept me away from The Highlight Reel for a week.

However, my mother is fine now thankfully. I have nothing but the most sincere gratitude for everything that helped during this trying time. My sister, Tonya, and Aunt Deborah and Uncle Roy all helped to make sure I stayed in shape for classes while the well wishes of other family, friends, and even Michelle Beadle (she sent a direct message on Twitter that was amazing) meant the world to me because I believe they helped speed my mother’s road to recovery. In addition, schoolwork is back under control so I believe it is time to write once again.

On with The Highlight Reel…

Superstar of the Week: Clint Eastwood



I am not very big into politics. Honestly, I have so little faith in our country’s government at this point in time that those who do not know me any better might consider me anti-American.  With that said, I still tuned into the Republican National Convention nightly to listen in on a few of the key speakers. The majority of the speeches were forgettable. Republican VP nominee Paul Ryan came off like a serial killer while Republican Presidential nominee Mitt Romney was just pompous and douchey enough to be presidential material. The real star of the entire convention though was a man not even running for office. He is only getting his name out there to promote Trouble with the Curve.

In a surprise speech before Mitt Romney accepted the Republican nomination, legendary actor Clint Eastwood came out to give a brief endorsement of Romney. Scheduled to speak for three minutes, Eastwood spoke for 11 minutes in the one of the best celebrity meltdowns ever on live television. During this speech, Eastwood spoke to an empty chair for minutes in a conversation with President Barack Obama. He told jokes and interacted with the crowd in a way that was less “engaging Republican endorser” and more “crazy dementia-riddled grandpa in need of his meds.” Still, it made for amazing television.

I am sitting with President Obama during his visit to my home.
#Eastwooding

A new social media trend, Eastwooding, is all the rage on Twitter and Facebook. Plus, Clint Eastwood is the talk of the town for the first time in ages. That is not a bad thing with a new movie, Trouble with the Curve, hitting theaters this month. Congrats to Clint Eastwood for stealing the show at the Republican National Convention.

Jerk of the Week: Lance Armstrong

On August 23rd, Lance Armstrong announced that he was ending his fight against the USADA instead of continuing to fight against allegations that he used performance-enhancing drugs during his illustrious bicycling career. In the following days, the French Cycling Federation stripped Armstrong of his seven Tour de France titles while Armstrong’s image took a hit from which it will never recover. Despite allegations and rumors clouding him for years, Armstrong never admitted guilt or defeat until now. In the court of public opinion, Lance Armstrong’s refusal to continue fighting these allegations symbolizes an admission of guilt. Lance Armstrong cheated and lied about it for over a decade.

I admit that I was one of many who cheered for Lance Armstrong for years. I admired his accomplishments. In all honesty, I still respect his accomplishments because Lance Armstrong won seven Tour de France races after overcoming life-threatening cancer. The fact that he cheated is somewhat nullified by the fact that cycling is so drug-filled and PED loaded that the only clean cyclists finish in the low 200s in these events. My main problem with Lance Armstrong is that, despite ending his defense, he still refuses to admit that he cheated. Just admit it, Lance. Don’t admit it with a passive aggressive refusal to fight for your innocence anymore. Admit it outright.

Babe of the Week: Kelly Clarkson



A Melancholy Happy Trails to…
- Neil Armstrong, 82 - American astronaut and first man to walk on the moon (or a soundstage resembling the moon) (August 25th)
- Jerry Nelson, 78 - American puppeteer and most notably The Count on Sesame Street (August 23rd)
- Phyllis Diller, 95 - American comedienne (August 20th)
- Tony Scott, 68 - British film director (Top Gun, Days of Thunder, Unstoppable) and producer (August 19th)