Prisco says what many are thinking

by | May 6, 2009 | NFL News, NFL Random Thoughts

Whether he is or not I don’t know, but CBSSportsline.com’s Pete Prisco often comes off as an arrogant jerk. I also frequently disagree with his takes, though he’s an interesting read, likeable or not.

But while many NFL beat writers, local and national, are tip-toeing around the Brett Favre-to-Minnesota rumors – some even expressing excitement about the possibilities (not everyone) – Prisco is the first to say loudly what I think many are thinking – that if Brad Childress, Zygi Wilf and the Vikings hitch their wagons to the aging one-time superstar QB it’ll be a mistake.

Has anyone watched the last two seasons? He was great in 2007 for Green Bay until it mattered in the frigid NFC Championship game. That afternoon I remember thinking for the first time ever that it looked like he didn’t want to be there.

He recovered during the early part of his first foray in New York last year, but he injured his arm and he nearly single-handedly derailed the Jets’ chances at the playoffs during the final third of the season.

I’ve had more chances than many to watch Favre. As a lifelong follower of the purple he’s led many-a-comeback in the last minute against the team he apparently wants to play for. I hated him as a rival player. I admired him as a competitor. But his time has come. Last year the retire-unretire schtick was getting old – this year it’s reached the point of downright sad.

I think Prisco is right on this one. It’s time to stay retired, Brett.

“The gunslinger has no bullets left,” Prisco writes. “He shoots blanks.”

If he ends up signing in Minnesota I hope he proves Prisco wrong. But I think it’s the writer who got this one right.

Foote wants to play in … Detroit?

by | May 6, 2009 | 2009 NFL Free Agency, NFL Random Thoughts

I’m not sure whether to give Larry Foote a virtual pat on the back for loyalty or beg him to have his head examined. The former Pittsburgh Steeler linebacker apparently will get to fulfill his desire to leave the Super Bowl champion to join, yes, the ultimate Super Bowl longshot Detroit Lions.

Foote reportedly has inked a one-year deal to become Detroit’s new middle linebacker just days after receiving his release from the Steel Town where he helped win two Lombardi trophies.

By joining the rebuilding Lions he goes from being the third or fourth best linebacker on one of the league’s top defenses year in and year out to a team where he likely becomes one of – if not THE – best player.

(more…)

Anyone interested in 2010 mock draft?

by | Apr 28, 2009 | NFL Draft

I think we here at Zoneblitz made clear when we published our mock draft for this year’s annual player auction that we think they are relatively pointless and almost impossible to do well. We’ve done them two years in a row now but we don’t publish them until a week or so before the event takes place.

That said, there are already those out there analyzing what the 2010 draft will look like. This Sports Illustrated writer apparently believes the Chargers will beat the Eagles in the Super Bowl and that Oklahoma and Oklahoma State are going to be two of the teams to beat in college football this season.

Check out his full first round mock, if you are interested.

NFL draft brings fantasy speculation

by | Apr 27, 2009 | Fantasy Football, NFL Draft

The NFL draft and the bulk of free agency are over meaning it’s now possible to start making some projections for the upcoming fantasy football season.

Certainly there will be some guys who come out of nowhere during the season ahead. But with the draft 24 hours into the rear-view mirror, some situations have definitely cleared themselves up.

For one, there will be no more running back by committee in Denver.

The Broncos surprised many “experts” by eschewing defense with their first pick in favor of Georgia running back Knowshon Moreno.

Moreno has a chance to make a fantasy football impact right away. He’s fast, he can catch the ball and he was drafted high enough where, unless he totally flubs, he’ll be the starter and main man in the Denver backfield starting with his rookie year.

Thus, while Josh McDaniels managed to mangle his quarterback situation, he has ended one of fantasy players’ most frustrating situations – the long-standing timeshare running backs employed by former coach Mike Shanahan.

(more…)

Britton not happy about fall to second round

by | Apr 27, 2009 | NFL Draft

New Jacksonville tackle Eben Britton enters a good situation with a solid quarterback and a top-notch back after getting taken by the Jaguars in the second round Saturday night.

He wasn’t happy about dropping to the second round, however. It’s probably a good sign of his competitiveness, but he might want to back off on the threats.

“If one of those draft guys lined up across from me they’d be dead,” Britton told the Orlando Sentinel.

And that was just part of the rant. Gotta like the fire.