The Highlight Reel presents This Week's Recap for September 30th

THIS WEEK’S RECAP…

Superstar of the Week: The cast and crew of Breaking Bad

The Breaking Bad cast at the start of Season 5
(L to R: Jonathan Banks, Bob Odenkirk, Aaron Paul, Bryan Cranston, Betsy Brandt,
Dean Norris, Anna Gunn, and RJ Mitte)

On January 20^th, 2008, a television drama debuted on AMC about a struggling high school science teacher who turns to producing and selling methamphetamine in order to earn a substantial amount of money for his family after being diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer. After 62 episodes of nothing short of pure gold, the story of Walter White reached an epic conclusion in one of the finest finales in television history on Sunday night with the finale of Breaking Bad.

In the aftermath of the series finale, I felt a feeling of pleasure as a viewer I cannot recall feeling except for a handful of times in my 30 years of television. I felt this way when The Office said goodbye in May and a few years ago when Friends ended. Even those times though, it was a different feeling of closure. There was still openness to the characters’ futures that kept me thinking about what could be. With this finale, I felt closure – closure that comes with finishing an amazing ride. It is a bittersweet feeling of sorrow for the end of the ride but thankfulness for being able to experience it at all.

Thank you to creator Vince Gilligan for one of the great television dramas of all-time. Thank you to Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn, Dean Norris, Betsy Brandt, RJ Mitte, Bob Odenkirk, Giancarlo Esposito, Jonathan Banks, Jesse Plemons, Laura Fraser and the countless others who gave life to the characters in this wonderful story. Thank you, Breaking Bad, for setting the bar for quality television to a new level of excellence.

Jerk of the Week: Kanye West

 

In an interview with BBC Radio last week, rapper Kanye West referred to himself as a God and later said that he is the biggest rock star in the world today as part of a self-satisfying rant in which the rapper said that hip-hop and rap are the new rock music and the premiere genre in all of music. As the biggest rapper in the world today, that means that West is the biggest musical artist in the world today (i.e. a God).

As ridiculous as all of that sounds, West then showed that these delusions of grandeur are indeed realistic thoughts inside the mind of West through his reactions to a comedy skit from Jimmy Kimmel. Kimmel, on an episode of his late night talk show, ran a skit where an annoying child recited West’s words from the interview in a humorous attempt to show how childish Kanye West appears. Where Kimmel’s comedy floundered, West’s Twitter rant succeeded.

Over two days, West tweeted the following statements – all directed to Kimmel:

“JIMMY KIMMEL IS OUT OF LINE TO TRY AND SPOOF IN ANY WAY THE FIRST PIECE OF HONEST MEDIA IN YEARS.”

“YOU CAN'T PUT YOURSELF IN MY SHOES. YOUR FACE LOOKS CRAZY… IS THAT FUNNY?… OR IF I HAD A KID SAY IT WOULD IT BE FUNNY???

“SHOULD I DO A SPOOF ABOUT YOUR FACE OR YOU FUCKING BEN AFFLECK… #NODISRESPECTTOBENAFFLECK #ALLDISRESPECTTOJIMMYKIMMEL!!!!”

Kanye West is an unfunny, pathetic joke. There is nothing about Kanye West redeemable. His music is horrible. His ego is overinflated. West is human scum. The fact that same many people, especially young people, see Kanye West and believe in the same hype West believes in himself is less a testament to Kanye’s greatness and more a statement on how far lost the youth of our society are. I do not wish death or ill will upon Kanye West. That said, I would not mourn him for a second should something horrible happen to get his ego in check.

Babe of the Week: Scarlett Johansson

A Melancholy Happy Trails to…
- The Crossover with Michelle Beadle, 240 days – On September 25^th, NBC Sports announced the cancellation of The Crossover with Michelle Beadle after struggling to find a stable timeslot or a solid audience on the upstart cable sports network.

In the aftermath of the show’s cancellation, it appears as though Michelle Beadle’s time at NBC is ending as Beadle’s agent is working on getting her out of her current deal so she can return to ESPN. After clashing with former Crossover co-host Dave Briggs, Beadle clashed with NBC Sports Executive Producer Sam Flood over the lack of promotion for the show and her straight-talk style that has won her millions of fans. More money and the entertainment TV aspect apparently are not enough to keep Beadle content at NBC when the suits want her to be someone she is not.

Wrestling with Emotion -- Looking Back at the Last Two Months

Wrestling with Emotion – Bits and Pieces around the Wrestling World…

The last time I wrote about professional wrestling was almost two months ago. At that time, John Cena and Daniel Bryan were on a collision course heading towards either the season finale of Total Divas on E! or SummerSlam. I do not really know which. Dixie Carter and the TNA brain trust decided the best possible free agent signing – for the company to reveal as the August 1 Warning – was former UFC star-turned-Bellator fighter Tito Ortiz. Ring of Honor was in the midst of a tournament for the ROH World Championship with a less-than-stellar tournament field.

Frankly, I reached a point in my wrestling fandom I never reached in 25+ years. My “give a damn” was officially busted. I did not care what took place in any of these companies. With baseball actually interesting, a very competitive IndyCar Series to follow, the NFL season looming, and so many great music specials on television at the time, wrestling just did not warrant any of the attention I usually gave it.

A lot has changed in two months regarding the landscape of professional wrestling. Yet, the old adage remains true – especially when dealing with professional wrestling: the more things change, the more they stay the same. The faces have changed on top in one company. The drive towards the biggest event of the year is going on in another company. A new era has started in a third company. Yet, it is a hard time to be excited about anything in professional wrestling.

WWE presents WWF 1998-1999: The Remake…

At SummerSlam, Daniel Bryan defeated John Cena cleanly to become WWE Champion. Shortly afterwards, WWE COO and special referee for the match Triple H assaulted Bryan as Randy Orton cashed in his Money in the Bank contract. Daniel Bryan’s WWE Championship reign lasted less than a minute. Triple H, along with his wife Stephanie McMahon and father-in-law Vince McMahon, justified putting the title on Randy Orton because Orton was “good for business.” Randy Orton was a good “corporate” champion. This was the beginning of the WWE’s version of the WWF Corporation angle of 15 years ago.

In the following month, Bryan has suffered countless beatings from Orton, Triple H’s hired goons – The Shield, and the Big Show – who now works as an unwilling henchman for the McMahons because Big Show is broke for unexplained reasons. Bryan defeated Orton for the WWE Championship at the Night of Champions only to have Triple H vacate the championship the following night because, again, Bryan is “bad for business” and this rehash of an angle is “good for business.”

I am a fan who believes every angle is fair game to redo after a certain period. However, the redo must be different in some ways. This rehash is ridiculously too close to the original.

Triple H is Vince McMahon. Randy Orton is The Rock. Daniel Bryan is Mankind. The Big Show is Kane. Stephanie McMahon is Chyna. The Shield is Big Boss Man, Ken Shamrock, and Test. When John Cena returns from his elbow surgery – the only reason Daniel Bryan is getting this chance at all in the first place – he will be Stone Cold Steve Austin.

And, you all thought this angle wouldn't end up being about me. Silly, silly IWC kids.

The saddest part of all of this is how members of the infamous Internet Wrestling Community believe Daniel Bryan will actually come out of this as a main event star for the remainder of his career. The more I see the proceedings unfold, the more I see the parallels in 2013 Daniel Bryan and 2011 CM Punk. Punk was on the verge of greatness after his “pipe bomb” promo on RAW. Then, Punk interacted with Triple H and Kevin Nash, came out on the losing end of the encounters, and saw his feuds for the WWE Championship overshadowed by Triple H and Kevin Nash’s feud. CM Punk was WWE Champion for over a year and yet appeared only as a mid-card talent – something he is now. Daniel Bryan won the WWE Championship and immediately had the legs of his momentum cut out from under him. Triple H and crew both buried him weekly verbally and physically. The focus of RAW has shifted from Bryan to a crying Big Show and how the McMahon Family is forcing him to do horrible things. Eventually, Bryan’s WWE title reign will appear in the mid-card to Triple H-Big Show main events.

The more things change, the more they stay the same.

Disappearing Faces and Missed Opportunities: The Road to Bound for Glory 2013…

On Sunday, October 20^th in San Diego, California, AJ Styles will challenge TNA World Heavyweight Champion Bully Ray for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship at Bound for Glory. While I am excited to see this match, it is all I am excited about when it comes to TNA Wrestling right now.

After relieving Bruce Prichard of his duties because of ineptitude, TNA has allowed multiple contracts to expire or come close to expiring in spite of Prichard’s absence. In the last month, Mickie James’ contract expired while she was TNA Knockouts Champion. After refusing a low-ball contract offer, Mickie lost the Knockouts title to ODB and currently is in contract negotiations with the company. Ken Anderson, coming off some of the best work he’s done in years, has his contract close to expiring and does not have a new contract on the horizon either. AJ Styles’ contract expired in September and the face of TNA Wrestling only signed a three-month extension with the company to last through Bound for Glory and its immediate aftermath. Most important of all, Hulk Hogan and his ungodly contract expire on October 1^st with neither side close to agreement on a new deal. This all comes fresh off the many releases over the summer for budgetary concerns.

For what TNA Wrestling spends on Hulk Hogan, the company could afford to resign Mickie James, Ken Anderson, AJ Styles, and probably 10 additional in-ring talents who would improve TNA’s in-ring action. However, we are talking about Dixie Carter making the right business decision.

Carter is a known fool when it comes to making the right decision for TNA. Carter allowed Spike TV to bend TNA over a barrel when it comes to promoting Bellator – right down to putting Rampage Jackson and Tito Ortiz on TV as in-ring performers until Bellator removed them from the programming, not TNA but Bellator. Dixie Carter has not made offers to any of the incredible free agents current available in professional wrestling – names like Shelton Benjamin, Carlito, MVP, John Morrison, Serena Deeb, Angelina Love, or most recently Ted DiBiase, Jr. or any of the major names in Ring of Honor. Now, as TNA heads into the biggest event of the year, Dixie Carter is taking a page from the Vince McMahon “Make It All about Me” playbook as Dixie Carter is now portraying a heel persona in conflict with the superstars on her roster. Not only is Dixie wrong from a business standpoint, she is also wrong from a storyline standpoint as well.

Looking at the potential lineup for Bound for Glory 2013, I find myself at a loss for words. The roster is painfully thin and matchups are growing stale with every passing week. Faces are disappearing weekly because of company mismanagement. On top of this, the notion of resigning Hulk Hogan as a priority and turning Dixie Carter into an on-screen heel persona are far from what TNA should be trying to do to save this company apparently in its dying days.

When 2013 started, the company had the opportunity finally to give wrestling fans what they wanted – a grand alternative to World Wrestling Entertainment and their hot garbage booking. Instead of creating new stars, TNA missed countless opportunities. Chris Sabin held the TNA World Heavyweight Championship for a month and then disappeared into obscurity upon losing again to Bully Ray – without even getting a championship rematch (apparently nobody in TNA read Booking 101). Sure, Magnus came out of the 2013 Bound for Glory Series as a stud. However, Jay Bradley looked unworthy of a contract, Kaz remains nothing more than a bit player, Joseph Park lost all of his momentum, and Samoa Joe remained stale as ever – all missed opportunities to help establish and refresh characters. The Knockouts Division now consists of ODB, Gail Kim, Velvet Sky, and Brooke Tessmacher. Once the greatest assembly of female talent in the business, the Knockouts are now down to four women is one of the most painful downfalls for a division in wrestling history.

In every way possible, TNA has stepped backwards in 2013. What should have been the company’s greatest year, 2013 has been potentially the worst year in the history of TNA Wrestling. For every great moment inside the ring, TNA has allowed company mismanagement to overshadow that greatness and allowed a feeling of absolute despair engulf the company and its programming.

The more things change, the more they stay the same.

The Era of the Panama Playboy – Ring of Honor has a new World Champion…

At Death Before Dishonor XI on September 20^th in Philadelphia, Adam Cole defeated Tommaso Ciampa in the semi-finals and Michael Elgin in the finals of a tournament to win the Ring of Honor World Heavyweight Championship.

After a 16-man tournament featuring some of Ring of Honor’s finest and some hired guns brought in to make the tournament seem more competitive but actually weakened the tournament in my eyes, Adam Cole defeated Michael Elgin to become the 19^th World Champion in Ring of Honor history. Shortly after scoring the victory, Cole firmly established his long-tease heel turn by assaulting former ROH World Champion Jay Briscoe and Michael Elgin with the championship belt. Not only did Adam Cole win the biggest title in the company, he became the biggest heel in the company in a single move – a move desperately needed to revitalize Ring of Honor.

Ring of Honor has been stuck in limbo since the end of the ROH-S.C.U.M. feud that dominated all major angles for a year. Adam Cole as a cocky, arrogant heel World Champion opens up a world of potential main event feuds. I love the idea of Cole feuding with Jay and Mark Briscoe, Michael Elgin, Kevin Steen, and perhaps even Tommaso Ciampa, Roderick Strong, or Jay Lethal down the line. Adam Cole’s championship reign signifies a new era for the company and, hopefully, a vast improvement in the storylines for a company known for providing the best in professional wrestling action in America.

Happy (Forced) Retirement, JR…

On September 11^th, legendary ring announcer Jim Ross announced his retirement from professional wrestling after over 40 years in the business. Well, retirement is what Ross would love to have you believe. After all, I can imagine Jim Ross hates to think that Vince McMahon and World Wrestling Entertainment fired him for a sixth time (two storyline firings and four legitimate firings). Of course, this is indeed the case as Vince McMahon fired Jim Ross over an incident beyond his control over the SummerSlam weekend.

Ross hosted a WWE 2K14 symposium for fans and video game executives over SummerSlam weekend in Los Angeles. During the symposium, a drunken Ric Flair appeared hijacked the event in another stop on the Ric Flair’s Sad Mess of a Life 2013 Tour. Ross was unable to regain control from Flair. Vince McMahon could not punish Flair, as he was not under contract to World Wrestling Entertainment. All Flair lost from his drunken appearance was future potential employment options with WWE, including a nixed appearance the next night at SummerSlam. On the other hand, Vince McMahon could take all of his frustrations out on his favorite punching bag – Jim Ross. McMahon fired Ross and spun the story as “the retirement of Jim Ross.”

I wish that I could feel bad for Jim Ross’ latest mistreatment. However, Jim Ross has brought this all upon himself repeatedly. On camera, Vince McMahon and WWE management have fired Ross twice – October 2005 and October 2011. Behind the scenes, Vince McMahon has personally fired Ross now four times – February 1994, August 1994, October 2009, and now September 2013. I know Vince McMahon will hire and fire Ross because he loves doing it too much to change the cycle. Apparently, Ross loves it too as he continues to run back to the WWE every time Vince snaps his finger for his favorite punching bag to return. I would love to wish Jim Ross the best in his retirement but this was anything but a retirement. Jim Ross paid the price for something Ric Flair did – sad but true.

Other Notes…

- Kurt Angle will return to TNA Wrestling at Bound for Glory on October 20^th after a stint in rehab. This came off the heels of an arrest in Texas for DUI – at least Angle’s fourth arrest for such an act. While I hope rehab worked for Kurt this time, I fear that Kurt returning to the hot mess TNA Wrestling currently is in will only drive him to the bottle quicker than usual.

- Over the SummerSlam weekend, Darren Young of the Prime Time Players came out during an interview with paparazzi on TMZ. In the aftermath of this, Young has appeared on Ellen, NBC’s Today, ABC’s Good Morning America, and in articles inside the pages of Sports Illustrated and USA Today. Young and his partner Titus O’Neil have suddenly received pay-per-view matches and a push out of nowhere as WWE exploits the national attention coming from their first openly gay superstar.

In response to WWE’s sudden push of Young, Kofi Kingston and Zack Ryder have visited in multiple men’s bathhouses across the country to watch and “learn” in hopes of developing a new set of skills for a renewed push.

The Highlight Reel presents This Week's Recap for September 23rd, 2013

THIS WEEK’S RECAP…

Superstar of the Week: Atlanta Braves

On Sunday afternoon in Chicago, the Atlanta Braves defeated the Chicago Cubs, 5-2, for their 92^nd victory of the 2013 season. With that win, Atlanta clinched the National League Eastern Division title for the first time since 2005 and the 12^th time overall.

The Atlanta Braves have overachieved greatly during the 2013 season. Throughout the 2013 season, the Braves have been the epitome of the term “walking wounded.” Twenty-one different players have spent time on the disabled list, leading all teams in the National League. Those players have spent a combined 1,355 days on the DL, fourth in the majors. In addition, the projected Opening Day starting lineup played together only 28 times out of a possible 155 games through Sunday. Along with the constant injuries plaguing the team, many of their marque stars have not lived up to their potential or contracts in 2013. Only two everyday players have batting averages above .300 – Chris Johnson and Freddie Freeman. Both BJ Upton and Dan Uggla are batting under .200 and, despite their massive contracts, are questionable selections for the 2013 postseason roster. Yet, the Braves have easily won the NL East and are in contention for home field advantage in the postseason.

I could be the kind of fan I usually am. I could complain about how Atlanta is destined for another one-and-done postseason appearance. I could complain about how, even with Bobby Cox gone, nothing changes regarding the Braves’ playoff chances. I could. However, I am not. I am thrilled the Braves are heading to the postseason and hope for the best. Frankly, if the bats can stay hot and the team stays healthy now, I do not see any reason why Atlanta cannot make a run this postseason. However, if they do not, winning the division against all the obstacles they have faced is more than enough to please this Braves fan in 2013. 

Jerk of the Week: Aaron Alexis

Last week, the nation received another indicator of how dangerously easy the wrong people can obtain firearms with the mass shooting at the Naval Sea Systems Command building inside the Washington Navy Yard in Washington DC. Aaron Alexis, a 34-year-old civilian contractor, killed 12 and wounded three before falling in a hail of gunfire at the hands of responding Washington police officers.

Two days before the shooting, Alexis legally purchased a Remington 870 Express 12-gauge shotgun and two boxes of rounds after passing a state and federal background check. This is mind-blowing considering Alexis’ background. Dishonorably discharged from the Navy in 2011, Alexis had not one but two arrests on his record for gun violence and eight arrests overall. Alexis had sought treatment for serious mental issues including insomnia, paranoia, and hearing voices. A local VA hospital treated Alexis for those mental disorders a month ago. A MONTH AGO. Thirty days ago, he was getting treatment because his microwave told him the government was out to get him. This man can – and did – legally buy a gun and ammunition in this country.

Aaron Alexis is the latest example of how slack, lazy, and ridiculously dangerous the gun laws are in America. I do not believe every gun should be locked away forever and ever. I believe everyone has the right to own a firearm… within reason. A man with eight arrests, including two for gun violence, has lost that right. A man who received medical treatment for hearing a microwave talking to him a month earlier has lost that right. Aaron Alexis murdered 12 individuals and shot three others because of two factors: insanity and a lackadaisical national process regarding the legal purchasing of firearms.

Sadly, the American public will forget Aaron Alexis in a month when a new face appears at the poster child for why change regarding how guns are purchased in this country is necessary. He or she will be just as crazy, just as violent, and just as unassuming. The victims will be just as innocent. The shame we as a nation should feel will be just as great. Moreover, the cycle of inaction will continue just the same.

Babe of the Week: Katie Aselton

A Melancholy Happy Trails to…
- Hiroshi Yamauchi, 85 – Japanese businessman best known as the President of Nintendo (September 19^th)
- Ken Norton, 70 – American boxer and actor (September 18^th)
- Ray Dolby, 80 – American-born inventor of Dolby and surround sound (September 12^th)

A Very Special Acknowledgement of Spectacular Achievement to… Nick Chipman

Nick Chipman, a Wauwatosa, Wisconsin native and food blogger, walked into his local McDonald’s 30 minutes before the end of breakfast service on Wednesday morning and placed an order: everything on the menu. In all, Chipman purchased 43 sandwiches – every sandwich offered for breakfast and dinner – and then created the “McEverything.” In all, Chipman’s culinary creation cost $141.33. However, that $141.33 bought Chipman more than the greatest McDonald’s sandwich ever; it bought Chipman the achievement of a lifetime.

Nick Chipman had a dream. Through work, determination, and a staff willing to fix all of this food, Chipman achieved his dream. I do not think his purchase and creation were stupid. I believe it was a testament to the American Dream living inside of us all. He had a dream and he made it come true. Anyone who scoffs at this is nothing more than a hater. I say more power to this man! He is more inspirational than any athlete or celebrity and is more American than any political fat cat ruining things in Washington, DC is.

God bless you, Nick Chipman. You are AMERICA!

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

This Week’s Recap…

Superstar of the Week: Peyton Manning

On Thursday night, the 2013 NFL season opened as the Denver Broncos took on the defending Super Bowl Champion Baltimore Ravens in Denver. At halftime, it looked like Baltimore had things in control with a 17-14 lead. However, one missed call by the officials and a missed opportunity by head coach John Harbaugh to challenge the play was all Peyton Manning needed to blow the game wide open. Denver outscored Baltimore, 35-10, in the second half to win the season opener, 49-27.

What made this game memorable though was the performance of Denver quarterback Peyton Manning. Manning tied the NFL record for most touchdown passes in a single game with seven. Only five other quarterbacks have accomplished the feat, the last being Joe Kapp in 1969 for the Minnesota Vikings. Manning’s performance was an impressive accomplishment and one that football fans will not see again anytime soon.

Jerk of the Week: President Barack Obama and the liberal-minded Obama Sycophants

Other than the "Dawg" usage, I believe this is exactly how the conversation went.

I am going to start this by admitting I do not know much of what is going on in Syria. I honestly don’t. From what I have gathered from news posts and conversations, Syria is involved in a civil war. It is a civil war with an official beginning date of March 15, 2011 but a truthful origin date of the beginning of time. These people just do not get along. Can you blame them though? It is always hot. There is sand in your bum all the time. Everyone is poor and the entire country is nothing more than the personification of constant misery. Syria is New Mexico without the television show glamourizing its meth operations.

Anyhoo, Syrian leaders are now using chemical weapons as part of the civil war. They are using chemical weapons against their own people, the same people they are battling in a civil war. For some reason, President Barack Obama has decided America needs to take it upon ourselves to head into Syria and clean up this mess. I do not know all of the details but it is safe to say that Obama is working his magic with his fellow governmental cronies to send some of our young men and women to Syria because “Syria has chemical weapons.” This sounds familiar.

It sounds a lot like what George W. Bush said when getting America involved in Iraq a decade ago. Of course, Bush was the devil for getting us involved in an unnecessary military conflict according to the liberal-minded masses in America. Yet, Obama is doing this for the right reasons because… um… because he is Obama?

Oh, Hippie Girl.  You are the living end.

The rest of the world is against the idea of American involvement in this Syrian civil unrest. In fact, the only people who seem to be on America’s side in this decision are the same people who declared war on America in 2001 by hijacking four planes and taking out the World Trade Center and Pentagon. Barack Obama really wants to be on their side in this?!? Ugh.

People wonder why I can be so apathetic towards our government. It is moments like this, moments when both dominant parties prove there is no difference between the terms “democrat” and “republican” except for some different letters, where I feel my apathy is justified. I realize the system is broken. I know I do not have the power to change it. Therefore, I just do my best to play with the cards I have and try to avoid getting on the wealthy people’s bad side.

I feel bad though for the families who are going to lose young men and women to this unnecessary military conflict President Obama is going to get America involved in. I feel bad for all of the young morons like Hippie Girl who finally will see President Obama and all of their beloved governmental icons for the snake oil salespersons they really are. Finally, I feel bad for Syria because you were having a nice civil war all to yourselves until Obama decided America needed to crash your party. President Obama and the liberal-minded sycophants trying to justify his attempt at creating a new American military conflict are easily the biggest jerks around right now.

Babe of the Week: Carrie Underwood

Really? You’re shocked I would give this week to anyone besides the new face, voice, and legs of Sunday Night Football on NBC?

A Melancholy Happy Trails to…

- Tommy Morrison, 44 – American boxer and actor (September 1^st)
- Sir David Frost, 74 – British broadcaster best known for his famed interviews with Richard Nixon (August 31^st)
- Butler Blue II, 9 – American English Bulldog best known as the mascot of Butler University (August 31^st)

A Very Fond Farewell to… James Lemmie White, Jr.

James White, best known to friends as Lemmie, passed away on Tuesday, September 3^rd at the age of 65 from injuries suffered in an auto accident while at work. Lemmie was a good friend of my family and a man I respected greatly. He never was without a smile, a joke, or an infectious laugh. Lemmie, along with his wife of 46 years – Brenda, were a frequent visitor at the house. Every couple of weeks, they would come over and chat, play with the cats a little, and just catch up. I am going to miss that.

I know that he is in a better place than this world. Still, I feel bad because he left behind a wonderful family and a loving wife who were not ready to say goodbye yet. I feel bad for a community of friends not ready to say goodbye yet to a man who always made the mood lighter with just his smile. I feel bad because it is human nature to feel bad when you lose someone so good that you did not appreciate how special your time together was until it is gone. The world lost a good man on Tuesday. RIP, Lemmie.

The Highlight Reel presents Big A’s NFL Preview: Part I – The AFC

It is that time again. The smell of fresh cut grass fills the nose. The chill of an autumn night is on the horizon. Shoulder pads and helmets cracking ring through the ears of fans all over the country. Carrie Underwood and those gorgeous legs are going to excite us even more for Sunday night. However, America’s Game is back on Thursdays and Mondays too. Football season is here again.

Like millions of sports fans, I am primarily an NFL guy. Football is king; everything else is in competition for a distant second. That is why this is such an important and exciting time of the year. Life finally returns to normalcy with the return of professional football. Well, professional football and whatever the New York Jets are doing. The 2013 regular season kicks off Thursday night when the defending Super Bowl Champion Baltimore Ravens take on the Denver Broncos in Denver. Meanwhile, the rest of the league kicks off their 2012 this upcoming Sunday and Monday. After a wonderful summer with a terrific baseball season, an exciting IndyCar Series season, thrilling marquee UFC fights, and even NASCAR providing a few attention-grabbing moments, it is nice to say that football season is finally back.

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 2013 season. In addition, I will be making predictions that you can take to the bank. Last year, I predicted Baltimore would make the Super Bowl while correctly predicting seven of the 12 NFL playoff teams. Yeah, I know, not that great. Still, it is fun to make predictions about the upcoming NFL season and watch as the majority of them are destroyed by Week 5. This is my preview of the 2013 NFL season – starting with the AFC.

NFL Team Previews - The AFC

AFC East

Buffalo Bills – Currently owning the longest playoff drought in the league at 13 seasons, the Buffalo Bills will attempt to right the ship under first-year coach Doug Marrone. Rookie EJ Manuel is the new starting QB in Buffalo and leads a young offense full of explosive talent including running back CJ Spiller and wide receiver Steve Johnson. Buffalo’s defense is solid, fronted by linebacker Mario Williams. Buffalo will benefit from a weakened AFC East but still do not look playoff-ready. 2013 is another season of rebuilding for this once-proud franchise. (Estimated number of wins: 5-7)

Miami Dolphins – Second-year coach Joe Philbin and quarterback Ryan Tannehill are hoping to improve upon their 7-9 rookie campaigns in Miami. Miami improved their offensive by resigning wide receiver Brian Hartline and added free agent receiver Mike Wallace out of Pittsburgh. The Dolphins added tight end Dustin Keller from the Jets but lost him in the preseason with an injury. The additional losses of Jake Long (to St. Louis), Anthony Fasano (to Kansas City), and Reggie Bush (to Detroit) through free agency could hurt the Dolphins in the end. However, this offense has explosive potential with Hartline and Wallace catching for Tannehill. If the defense can play as strong as it appears on paper, Miami could surprise many fans and not only contend for a Wild Card berth but also a division title. (Estimated number of wins: 7-9)

New England Patriots – The 2013 offseason for the New England Patriots will be one Patriot fans cannot wait to forget. Wes Welker left for Denver. Aaron Hernandez left for either life or death row in prison. Rob Gronkowski is still shaking off the anesthesia from a summer of surgeries on various injuries. In addition, bit players like Danny Woodhead, Patrick Chung, and Brandon Lloyd are all gone. New England released the biggest acquisition this offseason – Tim Tebow. Still, I think Tom Brady will be excited to replace Welker with new wide receiver Danny Amendola from St. Louis. New England’s running game has a lot of potential with Steven Ridley and newly acquired LeGarrette Blount. I like the Patriots defense to improve upon last season as experience will only help their young starters Chandler Jones and Dont’a Hightower improve their game. I think New England will win the division again. However, I do not see New England making a deep run in the postseason this year. Tom Brady can only carry this team on his back so far. Too many “ifs” on offense to believe this team will reach the Promised Land. (Estimated number of wins: 9-11)

New York Jets – Jesus tap dancing Christ. This team is the hottest of hot dumpster fires. I do not see how head coach Rex Ryan survived the preseason with the way he mismanaged this team’s quarterback situation. Rookie Geno Smith is now the starter, despite throwing three interceptions and running out of the back of the end zone in his best outing in the preseason because Ryan sent previous Jets’ starter Mark Sanchez out in that same game, only to have Sanchez suffer a shoulder injury. They lost Darrelle Revis to Tampa Bay and LaRon Landry to Indianapolis in moves that will hurt the secondary while tight end Dustin Keller moved to Miami. As horrible as a 6-10 season memorable for a “butt fumble” and Tim Tebow riding the bench sounds, the Jets will be lucky to have anything that wonderful in 2013. Rex Ryan will be the first coach fired in 2013 and the Jets will be in the running for a top draft pick in 2014. (Estimated number of wins: 2-4)

AFC North

Baltimore Ravens – No defending Super Bowl Champion has lost more than five starters in an off-season. The 2013 Ravens are missing eight of the starters from their championship team. The most noticeable absence is of linebacker Ray Lewis, who retired after 17 seasons in the league. Ed Reed is gone to Houston and Anquan Boldin is now in San Francisco. On the plus side, Baltimore added linebacker Elvis Dumervil from Denver in a major free agency coup and I love the signing of tight end Dallas Clark from Tampa Bay to replace the injured Dennis Pitta. Joe Flacco signed a massive contract extension after winning a Super Bowl ring and claiming the elite status he longed for. I also like the addition of veteran wide receiver Brandon Stokley as another weapon for Flacco on offense. Ray Rice will continue to be one of the league’s premiere young running backs while Baltimore’s defense will not miss a step despite the roster changes. I do not believe Baltimore can repeat as Super Bowl Champions. However, I think they will be a part of the playoff picture deep into the postseason, either as the AFC North Champions or as a Wild Card. (Estimated number of wins: 9-11)

Cincinnati Bengals – If any team can shock the world in 2013, I believe it will be the Cincinnati Bengals. Coming off two consecutive postseason appearances, I think Cincinnati actually improved their roster over the off-season with the addition of rookie running back Giovani Bernard and linebacker James Harrison from the rival Steelers. In his third season, Andy Dalton is quietly looking like the best QB to come out of the 2011 Draft (Suck it, Newton and Kaepernick). If they stay healthy, I think the Cincinnati Bengals can challenge the Ravens for the division title. In any situation, I believe Cincinnati will be in the postseason again. However, unlike the previous two seasons, the Bengals are ready to make a run in 2013. (Estimated number of wins: 9-11)

Cleveland Browns – New head coach Rob Chudzinski inherits a 5-11 team with a 10-year postseason drought. I know I will sound crazy for saying this but I do not think Cleveland will be as bad as normal. Brandon Weedon will benefit from new offensive coordinator Norv Turner while Trent Richardson is looking to improve on a solid rookie campaign. The loss of Josh Cribbs to free agency will hurt Cleveland’s special teams and receiving corps. However, Greg Little and Josh Morgan (when he returns from suspension) will pick up the slack of a missing Cribbs. Cleveland is not going to be a playoff team in 2013. However, late in the season, I think they will be a spoiler ruining many other teams’ dreams. (Estimated number of wins: 4-6)

Pittsburgh Steelers – This season will be the worst season for the Pittsburgh Steelers in a long time because of one reason: age. The Pittsburgh Steelers are just old. Ben Roethlisberger is still one of the league’s elite quarterbacks. However, he lost his explosive young wide receiver Mike Wallace to Miami. Jericho Cotchery, Emmanuel Sanders, and Plaxico Burress will all have to pick up the slack in Wallace’s absence. Rookie Le’Veon Bell will be a great addition to the backfield that has struggled to find stability since the retirement of Jerome Bettis in 2006. Pittsburgh lost inspirational leader James Harrison to Cincinnati but appear to have safety Troy Polamalu starting the season healthy for the first time in years. I think Pittsburgh is taking the beauty of veteran leadership and going too far with it. They are just painfully old to me. As a painfully old team, the Steelers will disappoint a lot in 2013. I think the Steelers will more likely finish as the worst team in the AFC North than as division champion. (Estimated number of wins: 5-7)

AFC South

Houston Texans – The Houston Texans have one of the best teams in football… on paper. The Texans defense is second to none with JJ Watt appearing to be a modern day Reggie White, Brian Cushing developing into one of the premiere linebackers in the game, and the addition of Ed Reed adding some veteran leadership to a young secondary. On offense, quarterback Matt Schaub still has one of the premiere wide receivers in the game in Andre Johnson and an outstanding tight end in Owen Daniels at his disposal. Running back Arian Foster should be outstanding if he stays healthy. Health is key for Houston. If they stay healthy, the Houston Texans will be a Super Bowl threat this season. If the injury bug bites them, Houston could lose the division and possibly even find themselves out of the Wild Card hunt. I believe in the positive regarding the Texans. 2013 will be a huge success for Houston. (Estimated number of wins: 10-12)

Indianapolis Colts – I misjudged Indianapolis completely in 2012. I thought Indianapolis would struggle with a first-year coach and rookie quarterback. Despite missing head coach Chuck Pagano for most of the season due to his cancer diagnosis, the Colts thrived with QB Andrew Luck. The Colts lost DE Dwight Freeney to San Diego but added LaRon Landry to their secondary while adding wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey from Oakland and running back Ahmad Bradshaw from the Giants to the offense. I believe the veteran wisdom of new backup QB Matt Hasselbeck will only help Luck prevent a sophomore slump from occurring. I do question whether Coach Pagano is a good fit or not as he actually only went 2-3 in the games he coached last season; Bruce Arians – now in Arizona – coached the Colts into the postseason. I think Indianapolis will take a step backwards in 2013, but only a small step. They will still contend for a postseason berth. (Estimated number of wins: 7-9)

Jacksonville Jaguars – New head coach Gus Bradley inherits a Jaguars team coming off a 2-14 season. Blaine Gabbert returns as starting quarterback while many in the media continue to whisper “Tim Tebow” as the potential savior for the Jaguars. At least he would put butts in the seats at EverBank Field. Running back Maurice Jones-Drew remains the lone bright spot for the Jaguars’ offense and will remain their biggest threat. Jacksonville’s stud second-year wide receiver Justin Blackmon is starting 2013 with a suspension as character issues are rearing their ugly head. Regardless of what Jacksonville does, I do not think the Jaguars have a chance of doing anything more than playing for the first pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. (Estimated number of wins: 3-5)

Tennessee Titans – In his third season, Jake Locker may be in for more of a battle than just against opposing defenses in the AFC. The addition of Ryan Fitzpatrick from Buffalo should add a little fire to Locker’s seat as starter for a Titans team who should perform better than last season’s 6-10 record. I like the addition of Shonn Greene from the Jets to the backfield, as he should take some of the pressure of Chris Johnson. Tennessee has a solid crop of receivers including Kenny Britt and Nate Washington so there is no justifiable reason for the Titans to struggle this season offensively. The defense is young but solid. I believe Tennessee should improve greatly from last season’s mistakes and contend for a Wild Card spot in the AFC. (Estimated number of wins: 7-9)

AFC West

Denver Broncos – The second year of the Peyton Manning Era in Denver sees the Broncos coming off a 13-3 record and playoff loss to eventual Super Bowl Champion Baltimore. The Broncos added wide receiver Wes Welker from New England to electrify an already outstand receiving corps including Eric Decker and Demaryius Thomas. The release of Willis McGahee will lead to more carries for running backs Knowshon Moreno and rookie Montee Ball. The Broncos’ defense will start the season missing stud linebacker Von Miller due to suspension and Elvis Dumervil to free agency. However, the addition of linebacker Shaun Phillips, and cornerbacks Quintin Jammer and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie to the defense will only make Denver stronger in the end. I believe Denver will be a Super Bowl contender in 2013. After playing so strong last season only to come up short, the Broncos know anything short of a Super Bowl appearance this season will be a major disappointment. (Estimated number of wins: 11-13)

Kansas City Chiefs – The Kansas City Chiefs are a completely new team from the squad of last season. New coach Andy Reid helms a team led on offense by new quarterback Alex Smith, fresh off his dismissal from the San Francisco 49ers. Jamaal Charles, one of the best running backs in the league, returns with a new offensive line blocking for him including #1 overall draft pick Eric Fisher. New tight end Anthony Fasano and wide receiver AJ Jenkins should provide weapons that will free up wide receiver Dwayne Bowe. Kansas City’s young defense can only improve after last year’s dismal campaign. I think Kansas City actually should surprise many fans and contend for a Wild Card berth. Head Coach Andy Reid and quarterback Alex Smith both have a lot to prove in their new setting and I think they could do well. (Estimated number of wins: 6-8)

Oakland Raiders – After years of firing coaches who got them to 8-8 records, Dennis Allen remains head coach for a second season despite going 4-12 in 2012. Matt Flynn, who went to Seattle only to lose his job in the preseason in 2012, signed with Oakland in the offseason… only to lose his job in the preseason to Terrelle Pryor. The Raiders look like one of the biggest disasters of the 2013 season. Running back Darren McFadden appears to be the only real threatening offensive weapon for the Raiders, although Jacoby Ford could breakout as a star wide receiver if the quarterback situation settles down. Oakland added veteran safety Charles Woodson from Green Bay in a move that should add a little veteran experience and leadership to a defense in desperate need of both. I think Oakland is going to struggle greatly in 2013. Perhaps they will pull off a few victories over unsuspecting opponents taking them lightly. However, the postseason is not even a consideration for this year’s Raiders. (Estimated number of wins: 3-5)

San Diego Chargers – Finally, the San Diego Chargers did a move I have requested for almost five years as they fired head coach Norv Turner. New head coach Mike McCoy does have one major problem with his team though: age. Tight end Antonio Gates is entering his tenth season in the league while quarterback Phillip Rivers is entering his ninth season under center for the Chargers. Unless Mike McCoy brings in a breath of fresh air to the team’s mentality, defenses across the league know what to expect from both of San Diego’s top offensive stars. Add to this the regression in skills from Rivers, who has turned into a turnover machine in the last two seasons, and you have a Chargers team destined for disappointment in 2013. I do love the running backs in San Diego as, if used properly, the Chargers could be effective on the ground with Ryan Mathews and Ronnie Brown carrying the ball and newly acquired Danny Woodhead from New England catching the ball. The Chargers added linebacker Dwight Freeney from Indianapolis through free agency and linebacker Manti Te’o through the NFL Draft. Both should help improve a mediocre defense. I think San Diego could flirt with a .500 record and possibly even flirt with a Wild Card berth in an improvement over last season’s 7-9 record. (Estimated number of wins: 7-9)

Division Predictions (w/ Division Winners and Wild Card Teams in Bold)

AFC East – New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, New York Jets

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

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

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

AFC Championship Game Prediction

Denver Broncos 34 – Houston Texans 28

 

Super Bowl XLVII Prediction

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

The Highlight Reel presents Big A’s NFL Preview: Part II – The NFC and Playoffs

It is that time again. The smell of fresh cut grass fills the nose. The chill of an autumn night is on the horizon. Shoulder pads and helmets cracking ring through the ears of fans all over the country. Carrie Underwood and those gorgeous legs are going to excite us even more for Sunday night. However, America’s Game is back on Thursdays and Mondays too. Football season is here again.

Like millions of sports fans, I am primarily an NFL guy. Football is king; everything else is in competition for a distant second. That is why this is such an important and exciting time of the year. Life finally returns to normalcy with the return of professional football. Well, professional football and whatever the New York Jets are doing. The 2013 regular season kicks off Thursday night when the defending Super Bowl Champion Baltimore Ravens take on the Denver Broncos in Denver. Meanwhile, the rest of the league kicks off their 2012 this upcoming Sunday and Monday. After a wonderful summer with a terrific baseball season, an exciting IndyCar Series season, thrilling marquee UFC fights, and even NASCAR providing a few attention-grabbing moments, it is nice to say that football season is finally back.

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 2013 season. In addition, I will be making predictions that you can take to the bank. Last year, I predicted Baltimore would make the Super Bowl while correctly predicting seven of the 12 NFL playoff teams. Yeah, I know, not that great. Still, it is fun to make predictions about the upcoming NFL season and watch as the majority of them are destroyed by Week 5. This is my preview of the 2013 NFL season – concluding with the NFC.

NFL Team Previews - The NFC

NFC East

Dallas Cowboys – Dallas enters 2013 with another offseason of lofty expectations delusions of grandeur. Tony Romo is entering his eleventh season with a huge new contract and a new offensive coordinator in Bill Callahan. After finishing 8-8 and missing the postseason again, the Cowboys brought in Callahan and new defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin as part of a coaching shake-up that changed everyone except for head coach Jason Garrett. The Cowboys have many studs on offense including running back DeMarco Murray, wide receiver Dez Bryant, and tight end Jason Witten for Romo to work with. The Dallas defense, which faltered late in 2012, has a new look with Kiffin installing a 4-3 defense. DeMarcus Ware returns to the defensive line and, alongside Anthony Spencer, make for one of the more impressive front fours in the game. Dallas’ secondary still looks like a mess though so any opposition with a strong offensive line will give Dallas issues. Frankly, I love the Cowboys. They are the team of my youth. However, I do not have faith in them doing anything special again this season. Dallas is all talk and little execution again in 2013. At best, they will contend for a Wild Card berth and nothing more. (Estimated number of wins: 7-9)

New York Giants – Last season’s 9-7 record was a disappointment for the New York Giants. They either seem to be feast or famine when it comes to making the postseason. After winning it all in 2011, they missed the postseason in 2012. I do not think they will miss the playoffs in 2013. Eli Manning has an explosive offense around him. I believe second-year running back David Wilson has a lot of potential to become a breakout star in New York. Meanwhile, the receiving tandem of Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks make for one of the best receiving duos in the game. New York lost veteran defensive end Osi Umenyiora to Atlanta through free agency but remains strong with the addition of Cullen Jenkins to the defensive line. New York has all of the potential in the world to go far and make another Super Bowl run. While they will battle Washington for the division title, I think a postseason berth as a division winner or Wild Card is inevitable. (Estimated number of wins: 9-11)

Philadelphia Eagles – 2013 is a new era for the Philadelphia Eagles. After 14 years, Andy Reid is now in Kansas City. New head coach Chip Kelly is bringing new energy to the Eagles after coaching the Oregon Ducks to three Pac-12 titles and four BCS games in four seasons. Michael Vick beat Nick Foles for the starting quarterback job; a decision I question as Vick is more fragile than fine china in a bullpen. Philadelphia has an amazing offense on paper with running back LeSean McCoy emerging as one of the premiere backs in the game. DeSean Jackson and Riley Cooper make for a terrific wide receiving tandem for Vick to work with while Brent Celek is quietly one of the best tight ends in the game. However, I believe Philadelphia will miss Jeremy Maclin after he suffered a season-ending injury in training camp. Philadelphia’s defense still leaves a lot to desire, as the Eagles do not appear to have improved on that end of the ball. I do not believe Philadelphia will contend for the postseason, as I do not believe Vick will stay healthy again. However, the Eagles will greatly improve on last season’s woeful 4-12 record. (Estimated number of wins: 6-8)

Washington Redskins – Robert Griffin III and Albert Morris led a rejuvenation of the Washington Redskins that few could have seen. The Redskins returned to the playoffs and, if not for injuries late in the season and a heartbreaking injury during their playoff game against the Seahawks, appeared like a championship contender. I believe Washington can be a dangerous team again in 2013 provided they remain healthy. Griffin, returning from knee surgery, will see his first in-game action on Sunday. I believe we will see quickly if RGIII is back or if he will suffer from a sophomore slump. Frankly, I believe Griffin and the Redskins will be fine. The return of linebacker Brian Orakpo to the defense after last season’s injury will only make a solid defense that much stronger. I believe Washington will contend for the division title or a return to the playoffs with a Wild Card berth. The Washington Redskins are going to be a very dangerous team in 2013. (Estimated number of wins: 9-11)

NFC North

Chicago Bears – After starting last season 7-1, the Chicago Bears collapsed in an epic fashion and missed the playoffs. Head coach Lovie Smith is gone, replaced with new head coach Marc Trestman. Jay Cutler remains at quarterback and is coming off a decent 2012. Matt Forte is a talented running back who worked wonderfully with Michael Bush last season in the backfield. Brandon Marshall is still one of the premiere wide receivers in the game while Earl Bennett is more clutch than people give him credit. Chicago’s defense will look drastically different with the retirement of linebacker Brian Urlacher. However, the defense remains strong with Julius Peppers, Lance Briggs, and Charles Tillman as standout talents. In addition, Devin Hester is still one of the most dangerous kick returners in the game. I think Chicago could be a dangerous team in 2013. If the Bears can avoid another collapse, a playoff appearance and run is not out of the question for Chicago. (Estimated number of wins: 9-11)

Detroit Lions – This is a make-or-break season for the Detroit Lions. In his fifth season, head coach Jim Schwartz must improve on last year’s 4-12 disappointment. Matthew Stafford has the best wide receiver in the game on his team in Calvin Johnson. The acquisition of running back Reggie Bush from Miami will give Stafford another weapon to work with. Detroit’s defense must learn to play cleaner football as penalties, especially dumb penalties for over-aggressive play, hurt the Lions in 2012. Defensive tackles Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley are dominant at their position but both make dumb mistakes that only hurt the Lions. Detroit must clean up on that side of the ball to return to the playoff success of 2011. I think Detroit will improve, record-wise, but not enough to make the postseason. (Estimated number of wins: 6-8)

Green Bay Packers – The Green Bay Packers are looking to improve on an 11-5 season and loss to eventual NFC Champion San Francisco in the playoffs. However, this year’s team looks completely different from last year’s squad on the offense side of the ball. Aaron Rodgers finally has some talent to work with at the running back position in the form of rookies Eddie Lacy and Johnathan Franklin. Jordy Nelson, James Jones, and Randall Cobb are Rodgers’ primary wide receiving threats with the departures of Greg Jennings (now in Minnesota) and Donald Driver (retired). A healthy Jermichael Finlay returning at tight end will boost the Packers offense. On the defensive side of the ball, Green Bay is still young, powerful, and dominant everywhere except for the secondary. I like Green Bay’s chances to make a run in the postseason again in 2013. As long as Aaron Rodgers remains healthy, I believe Green Bay will be a contender for the Super Bowl. (Estimated number of wins: 10-12)

Minnesota Vikings – Without Adrian Peterson, the Minnesota Vikings just look ugly to me. With Adrian Peterson, the Minnesota Vikings are one of the most interesting teams in the league. Quarterback Christian Ponder is leading a Vikings team that rode AP’s shoulders into the postseason last year onto the field in 2013 with a new receiving corps including Greg Jennings from Green Bay and a resigned Jerome Simpson. Still, I believe Minnesota will miss Percy Harvin tremendously. Jennings is not the only Packer to join the Vikings for 2013 as they also signed linebacker Desmond Bishop. Bishop’s addition will only help a defense that was surprisingly dominant last season. I do not believe Minnesota will return to the playoffs in 2013. However, I do not believe they will be horrible either. Minnesota is going to be in the hunt all season long and may flirt with a Wild Card berth. (Estimated number of wins: 7-9)

NFC South

Atlanta Falcons – The Atlanta Falcons were one win away from a Super Bowl appearance after losing in the NFC Championship Game to the San Francisco 49ers. For the first time in a long time, the Atlanta Falcons actually did something in the postseason and appeared to live up to all of their potential. Coming off a division win, I believe Atlanta can actually improve on their 2012 campaign with an offseason filled with quality additions. Atlanta added running back Steven Jackson from St. Louis to replace Michael Turner, a move that will add veteran motivation for young running back Jacquizz Rodgers. Tight end Tony Gonzales returns for his 17^th season and will be a lead target for Matt Ryan alongside wide receivers Roddy White and Julio Jones. On the defensive side of the ball, Atlanta improved with the addition of defensive end Osi Umenyiora from New York. I think Atlanta is finally ready for a major run after finally tasting success with a division title and a playoff victory in 2012. The NFC South is going to be competitive with the returning New Orleans Saints and youthful Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the division. Even if Atlanta only lands a Wild Card bid, the Falcons will be a threat in 2013. (Estimated number of wins: 10-12)

Carolina Panthers – 2013 is a make-or-break year for Ron Rivera and the Carolina Panthers. As talented as quarterback Cam Newton is, two years of showboating and “mine first” football have me looking for Newton finally to prove himself as a leader in Carolina. The Panthers have plenty of weapons on offense. DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart are terrific running backs. Newly acquired wide receiver Ted Ginn, Jr. joins tight end Greg Olsen and wide receivers Steve Smith and Brandon LaFell as part of a litany of options for Newton. Carolina has arguably the best linebacker in the game right now in Luke Kuechly and boasts a new mix of youth talent and veteran leadership on defense. Carolina has no excuses for finishing with another losing season. They have no excuses yet I fear they will end 2013 with another losing campaign. (Estimated number of wins: 6-8)

New Orleans Saints – For the first time since 2011, the New Orleans Saints are back in the league. Last season was a loss due to the ridiculous punishments from the infamous “Bounty Gate.” Head coach Sean Payton is back after serving a one-year suspension and inherits a team coming off a 7-9 record. Drew Brees is looking to get back in winning form with his coach and high-powered offense. I love New Orleans’ three-man backfield of Mark Ingram, Pierre Thomas, and Darren Sproles. Jimmy Graham is one of the best tight ends in the league and still has lots of room to grow. New Orleans defense has room to grow and it was a weakness of the team last season. New defensive coordinator Rob Ryan should improve that defense greatly although the loss of defensive end Will Smith for the season due to injury is a tough blow early. I think New Orleans is going to return to playoff form in 2013. They will fight Atlanta to the final week for the division title. Regardless of if they win the division or not, the Saints will be a playoff team in 2013. (Estimated number of wins: 10-12)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers – For many teams, a 7-9 record was a disappointment in 2012. For the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, it was a great improvement. Greg Schiano led the Buccaneers with the energy and vigor he used at Rutgers and turned Tampa Bay into one of the hardest teams to beat in the league. Second-year running back Doug Martin looks to continue his fantastic start as the main weapon for quarterback Josh Freeman. Tampa Bay’s outstanding young defense should only improve with experience. The loss of Ronde Barber to retirement places the leadership role on newly acquired CB Darrelle Revis. I believe a healthy Revis elevates Tampa Bay’s defense to another level. Tampa Bay may have a slim chance at a Wild Card berth. More than likely, Tampa Bay will flirt with a .500 record and play spoiler to many late in the season. (Estimated number of wins: 7-9)

NFC West

Arizona Cardinals – The Arizona Cardinals enter 2013 with a new head coach and finally some stability at quarterback. Bruce Arians, the assistant who led Indianapolis to the postseason in 2012 while Chuck Pagano battled cancer, takes over the Cardinals. Despite not returning to the form he had in Cincinnati before his knee injury in 2005, Carson Palmer will provide veteran leadership and more talent at quarterback than the revolving door of starters had last season. The addition of running back Rashard Mendenhall from Pittsburgh will improve one of the league’s worst running games. I think Palmer will also help Larry Fitzgerald return to form as one of the elite wide receivers in the game as well. On the defensive side of the ball, I think Arizona could be one of the best defenses in the league as the talent is there. Darnell Dockett is one of the best defensive linemen in the game. Meanwhile, if rookie Tyrann Mathieu can stay out of legal troubles, he could join third-year cornerback Patrick Peterson to form an exciting and dangerous secondary tandem. I think Arizona could surprise many in 2013. I do not think they are in the same league as San Francisco or Seattle. However, Arizona could flirt with .500 and be a spoiler to many late in the season. (Estimated number of wins: 6-8)

San Francisco 49ers – After coming so close to winning the Super Bowl last season, the San Francisco 49ers are one of the odds-on favorites to win it all in 2013. Quarterback Colin Kaepernick steps into his first full season as starting QB with enough hype surrounding him to make you believe he was the combination of Tim Tebow, Peyton Manning, and Tom Brady. Still, even though he showed signs of greatness in 2012, I feel Kaepernick will come back to Earth in 2013 because I do not believe he is as good as the hype suggests. With that said, San Francisco is still a legit Super Bowl contender. San Francisco will miss Mario Manningham for a chunk of the season and Michael Crabtree for the entire season due to injuries. However, the addition of former Raven Anquan Boldin will give Colin Kaepernick a much-needed weapon to go alongside tight end Vernon Davis. Meanwhile, their defense is one of the best in the game. Patrick Willis may be the best linebacker in all of football. The addition of Nnamdi Asomugha only adds veteran leadership and experience to an already-talented secondary. If the 49ers can stay healthy and productive on the offensive side of the ball, their defense can carry them far into the postseason. The 49ers will have a dogfight with Seattle for the division title. However, I believe both teams will be postseason bound and the 49ers have another Super Bowl appearance within their grasp. (Estimated number of wins: 10-12)

Seattle Seahawks – Russell Wilson brought in a breath of fresh air to the Seattle Seahawks and it showed as Seattle almost made it to the NFC Championship Game with their rookie QB last season. In his second year, I think a sophomore slump is out of the question for Wilson as he has too much talent around him. The addition of Percy Harvin from Minnesota will only help Seattle when Harvin returns from injury. Marshawn Lynch continues to be one of the league’s top running backs and Zach Miller is quietly one of football’s top tight ends. Meanwhile, Seattle brings back one of the best defenses in the game. For a defense loaded with unfamiliar names, the group plays together as a whole unit unlike few in the league. I like Seattle’s chances to win the challenging NFC West over San Francisco. However, even if they do not win the division, a Wild Card berth is definitely not out of reason for this talented team. (Estimated number of wins: 10-12)

St. Louis Rams – This is Sam Bradford’s year to show if he is a superstar quarterback or another #1 Draft pick bust. Sadly, for Bradford, he is going into 2013 without any major weapons around him. Wide receiver Danny Amendola is now in New England. Running back Steven Jackson is now in Atlanta. While the Rams are younger on offense, they are also going to have to learn a lot while playing in a challenging NFC West. This is not the same team that went 2-1-1 against San Francisco and Seattle in 2012. This team is a lot weaker on both sides of the ball and I think it will show. Chris Long and James Laurinaitis will do the best they can to lead this defense. However, defense alone will not keep St. Louis in the thick of things. I think the Rams will return to form as one of the league’s more disappointing teams in 2013. There is just very little to like about the Rams. (Estimated number of wins: 4-6)

Division Predictions (w/ Division Winners and Wild Card Teams in Bold)

NFC East – New York Giants, Washington Redskins, Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles

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

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

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

NFC Championship Game Prediction

Seattle Seahawks 38 – New York Giants 28

 

Super Bowl XLVII Prediction

On February 2^nd, 2014, Super Bowl XLVIII will take place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The potential is there for snow, bitter cold weather, and one of the greatest spectacles in professional sports history. I am sure an overrated and aging musical act will perform at halftime. In addition, I am sure it will be the biggest event in Super Bowl history to date.

My prediction for Super Bowl XLVIII is that the Denver Broncos will defeat the Seattle Seahawks to win the Super Bowl. Despite the hopes and dreams of New York faithful, a Manning will hold the Lombardi Trophy in MetLife Stadium – Peyton Manning. Denver is winning it all this season.