| |
FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2002
By Craig Bowlin
|
| |
The weather is still hot and humid, but the boys are coming back to
town. Yes, that's right football season is set to begin. There is nothing
better than strolling out of bed at 12:45 on a Sunday afternoon, just
in time to catch the end of the pre-game show and the beginning of what
could feasibly be almost 12 hours of football, including highlights
on ESPN after the 8 o'clock game. I just drooled on myself.
|
There is always a team that busts, a team that
surprises the league and a devastating injury to one of the game's top
players.
|
There are always a few things that happen every year. There is always
a team that busts, a team that surprises the league and a devastating
injury to one of the game's top players. There is always a breakout
year for some guy and without fail someone who did really well last
year, fades back into oblivion. One rookie makes an impact, while most
barely contribute, and some moron always complicates things by complaining
about how his team is keeping him down. Since I am a nice guy, I thought
I would let you know before the season starts the answer to all of these
issues. And, this information is free of charge.
|
| |
The Bust
A hard decision, but this year I don't think Oakland is going to make
it. They are a perennial playoff team, but age has finally caught up
with them. Rich Gannon is good, but in his late 30's... how much does
he have left. With Strom Thurmond, I mean Jerry Rice, on one side and
Tim Brown on the other; they are the only team in football where most
of their skilled position players are receiving social security. They
are done.
|
 |
The Surprise
Too many people are saying the Washington Redskins. They are going to
be good, but no one knows how well Spurrier's Florida offense is going
to translate to the pro-level. It could be unbelievable, and his offense
could be an interception machine. I think the big surprise this year
is going to be the Kansas City Chiefs. They had a rough time last year.
They lost their top three receivers during the season, and for a new
quarterback that is devastating. Trent Green was throwing to practice
squad players at the end of last year. I am pretty sure there is a reason
why those players are on the "practice squad" and not the "real team".
This year with a healthy Trent Green, Priest Holmes and the receiving
core healthy, they look to make a run. They aren't going to win it all
or anything, but they will turn a few heads.
|
| |
The Injury
Now this is a complete crapshoot here. It is tough to actually choose
the injury that is going to happen, but I can narrow it down to a position
and go from there. It will happen to a running back, most likely in
their knee area. There are so many to choose from. It seems like most
of them are returning from torn ACL's or MCL's anyways, but I am going
to say that Marshall Faulk is due for his knee to get smashed in. He
is too good. He brings more to the field than anyone, and his injury
would hamper the Rams to no end.
|
| |
The Breakout
There are a lot of players due for a breakout season. But this year
it is between Deuce McAllister and Thomas Jones. Both were second on
the depth chart last year, but this year is their chance to shine. They
have the starting job to themselves and both have something to prove.
McAllister will have a bigger year since his offense is faster paced
that allows Deuce to make more catches out of the backfield.
|
He took a team of cast-offs and made them champions.
|
The Failure
Last year's Super Bowl was a joke. How the Patriots won is beyond me.
They don't have one great player on that team, just a bunch of okay
players who played out of their minds. They are this year's failure.
There is no doubt in my mind that they will fail. They just aren't that
good. It just shows how good a coach Bill Belichick is. He took a team
of cast-offs and made them champions. Well this year, nobody is going
to be blindsided by them. In fact, teams are out to knock them off their
throne. They will finish under .500.
|
| |
The Rookie
William Green will be good, but being thrust into the starting running
back job as a rookie, is a tough role to fill. I see Clinton Portis
making a huge impact this year. He will end up the starting back for
the Broncos by week 6. Terrell Davis has two bum knees, Mike Anderson
is the new fullback, and Olandis Gary isn't really that good. Portis
is a high-energy back who is used to playing in the big games. He will
step up and prove he should have been drafted earlier.
|
| |
The Complainer
Terrell Owens. The man just won't shut up. He hates his coach, and this
year will declare his hatred for his quarterback because he only catches
11 balls a game. Screw you Terrell.
|
| |
I would like to end this article with a list of people who should leave
the game of football forever, immediately. Right now. Go. Get out. I
donıt care what anyone says. Their career is over.
Vinny Testeverde is 64 years old and he is terrible.
Terrell Davis. Leave while you can still walk.
Shannon Sharpe. I just hate him.
Jerry Rice. It's time to go now buddy.
Rich Gannon. You can wait until the year ends.
Kordell Stewart. He is a terrible, terrible quarterback. Does anyone
else see this?
Sean Landeta. I know he is still really good, but Iım not the only one
waiting to see the leg he punts with actually fall off this year.
Just as a side note, and I know everyone says this, but it is about
time for Kurt Warner to get a divorce. Kurt...buddy... your wife looks
like Susan Powers. C'mon, you are an all-pro quarterback, at least cheat
on her with the cheerleaders.
|
| |
|
