Ravens vs Steelers Preview: Ravens will run, run, run the ball against the Steelers 2nd ranked defense. I doubt Flacco will be used much expect maybe dump off passes or screens. Hopefully, two things will occur on the offense: 1) NO turn overs; and 2) Heap becomes a major factor. If the defense can apply the same about of pressure/sacks on 'Big Ben' as the Eagles did, look for a Ravens win.

No way am I jumping on the Washington Redskin's bandwagon or pledging my allegiance to them; to defeat your enemy, you must know and understand them. That being stated--I think the Redskins are temporarily flying high-- for one reasons: consistency - an idea, term, and definition that has plagued the Redskins for the past 3-to-4 seasons. The consistency starts at the QB position. Jason Campbell is finally settling down, adjusting, and understanding Zorn's West coast offensive play book. From week 1 to week 4 there has been consistency and continual improvement in his play:

	Week 1	Week 2	Week 3	Week 4
Pct	55.6	66.7	73.3	64.5
Yards	133	321	193	231
TD(s)	1	1	2	2
INT(s)	0	0	0	0
QB Rating	81.2	104.1	112.2	108.4

The Redskins have always had an 'above-average' defensive group (as of today they are ranked 14th total defense). The Redskins still have a dodge secondary and allow on average 21.5 points per game (18th in the league). If they do make it into the playoffs (as I stated it is a strong possibility) I think it will be in due to: 1) consistency and their above-average defense; and 2) their apparent weak schedule. Yes, I am aware they are in the NFC East-- currently the division is 11-4 (combined)-- possibly the best division in the NFL; however, look at their remaining schedule: St. Louis (0-4), Cleveland (1-3), Seattle (1-2: they are so desperate on their need for a WR), Cincinnati (0-4), Detroit (0-3), and 49ers (2-2). That's six highly likely wins for the Redskins. I know argument stating the ease of their schedule may contradict my statement about the Skin's being in possibly the best division in football. However, it is highly unlikely the Redskins will lose all of their remaining four division games.

I pray the Skins do not make it into the playoffs so I won't have to suffer listening to annoying Redskins' fans boast about their so-called greatness. Note to Redskins' fans: Mark your calender for December 7th when the Redskins have to travel up I-90 to face the incomparable and superordinary Baltimore Ravens.

Other notes:

• Booooo! Brett Farve threw 6 TDs. I hate him.
• St. Louis fired Scott Linehan.
• Jaguars (2-2) are still hanging on-- my Super Bowl prediction is still possible.
• Who would have thought the Titans would be 4-0?
• I knew Denver was going to lose against the Chefs; it was bounded to happen. Denver can not keep winning week-after-week on these offensive shoot-outs. Neither of these stats will help either: 30th (out of 32) ranked defense and four turn overs against the Chefs. Denver is definitely not the team that people and analyst though they were (now all the NFL analyst are jumping on this bandwagon!).
  
  
• Interesting quote from Don Banks of SI:

  More than ever, I say the longer the Cardinals continue to play the prolific but mistake-prone Warner over Matt Leinart, the greater chance Arizona is going to wind up stunting the development of its 2006 first-round pick.

  Hmm, I don't agree at all with this statement. Matt Leinart in the 16 games he started has 13 TDs and 16 INTs and a passer rating of 71. However, he sucked in the pre-season; I mean horribly. Look at Green Bay's decision with Rogers... that turned out alright. Why not let the same happen with Leinart?
  
  
• Fire Lane Kiffen for the love of God!
• Where in the world is Vernon Davis? So far 5 receptions for 87 yards... could he be the biggest flop or could it be because he sadly plays for the 49ers (hopefully the latter).
  

Labels: Football

I'm a little late but 2008/09 NFL football season is upon us. Some opening thoughts...

1. Redskins: I may be the biggest Redskins hater on the face of this Earth. I do not like the organization and I do not respect Dan Synder at all; however, I believe (and still do) that the Skins are a playoff team. Campbell's performance against the Giants-- 15 of 27 for 133 yards, 1 td-- was no better than rookie Joe Flacco (see below), and a total of 84 team rushing yards was not impressive at all. I must admit that the Redskins defense played alright. They held the Superbowl Champions to one TD and 3 FG. There's still hope for this team and do not write them off yet. Campbell is in his 4th offensive system and it takes time for a whole team to learn a new system. I've already heard some Skin's fan abandoning ship, however, I think it is too early for that. I still believe they will make the playoffs as a wild card in probably the toughest division in football.
   
2. Ravens: Everyone seemed to be impressed with Joe Flacco's performance -- 15 of 29 for 129 yards, one rushing TD-- I was too. He kept his composure for his first NFL start and apparently the professional game wasn't too fast for him. I think he adjusted well from NCAA IA football to the NFL. Hopefully, in due time he will get better with his arm .
   
   Defense is back to their old self: dominating opposing offenses and forcing turn overs. They know how to step up the heat when they need to. And it showed last Sunday when they dominated the offensive heavy- Palmer, Johnson- Bengals.
   
   There's hope at the end of the tunnel for Ravens fans.
   
3. Jets: I hate Brett Farve and his stupid off season drama. I lost total respect for him as a player on the field and off the field; however, his performance was solid last Sunday against the Dolphins. Let's see how long his luck runs by throwing the ball up for grabs when the pressure is on him.
   
4. Jaguars: Despite the lost I still think they are going to win the Superbowl (see my earlier posting or here). The season is still very very early and remember when the Chargers went 0-3? Yeah, they ended up one game away from the Superbowl.
   

Labels: Football

Antwan Barnes has the potential to be the next Ray Lewis or maybe Terrel Suggs. Barnes, a 4th round draft pick from Florida International, is posed to have a huge impact this year. In 2007, he played in 14 games recording 30 tackles, two sacks, and one force fumble. Not amazing or outstanding but this guy is the blue-chip mold of a Raven. Strong, power hitter, and in your face type football player.

The potential Barnes is displaying could lead to a versatile situational role. He's lined up everywhere from outside linebacker to defensive end and even safety in a few schemes. During the majority of his snaps, Barnes has been playing Suggs' rush end spot with the unsigned franchise player absent from practice due to a contract dispute. There have been a lot more pure standup linebacker repetitions for Barnes than last season when he primarily operated as an undersized down lineman as a situational rusher in the sub package

Barnes was immortalized on YouTube last summer during a preseason game when he devastated unsuspecting Philadelphia Eagles punter Sav Rocca with a forearm shiver and right shoulder, popping the helmet off the 6-4, 265-pound former Austrailian rules standout (See Below).

Following that huge hit last August, Barnes has gotten even bigger. A rigorous weightlifting program has bulked him up 15 pounds. Barnes is up to 6-foot-1, 255 pounds while maintaining his 4.5 speed.

I must admit this wasn't a big hit per se but more like a cheap hit. Who cares though because it was against an Eagle!

Labels: Football

LT during the AFC 2008 Champison Lost to New England. Note him wearing the helmet while on the bench :(


Yeah I know this is rather late but I just read a recent interview with LaDainian Tomlinson (see link above). In this interview, LT defines his boyish on the field whining.

Question: In each of the past two seasons, you’ve had moments that seemed uncharacteristic for you: displaying anger at the end of the loss to New England in the playoffs in January 2007 and exchanging heated words with quarterback Philip Rivers during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans last season. What’s happening with that?

Tomlinson: I think it’s fair to say that (I’ve been more emotional) because you start to taste it. Before, when we weren’t winning and we couldn’t taste even getting to the playoffs, it was different. You were just hoping to get to the playoffs. … Now, it’s different. … You’re expected to win games in the regular season, so getting to the playoffs is not an issue or a factor that we’re striving to do.

Right now, we’re so close and we’re in the playoffs with a chance to win (the Super Bowl), so of course emotions are going to come out because you know every opportunity you have is not always going to be there. So you want to take advantage of every opportunity you have.

Question: Do you feel like you have to control your emotions more?

Tomlinson: I never focus on if I’m showing too much emotion or not. To the media and the people there’s a no-win situation. At times when you do show a lot of emotion it’s, “Oh he’s showing too much emotion.” Or like in the New England (playoff) game (when I couldn’t play), “Oh, he’s not showing any emotion, he kept his helmet off.” So you can’t really win with that and I just focus that whatever way it comes out, that’s how it comes out and that’s my emotion in that situation.

That’s the way I deal with it. But it would be wrong for a person not to show his emotions because this is an emotional game. It’s something that drives people crazy, athletes just trying to win and you go through so many ups and downs that sometimes you are just going to want to just scream and get it out.

lil Dunn: Well Mr. Tomlinson, yes we know you want to win and finally beat the Patriots. But common son... do you think salking on the sidelines with your helmet on is going to "win" games? No. How about being a team player and supporting your teammates. Wow, that's a good idea! How about study the defensive line and formations to possibly relay this information to your teammates? Sounds like a good idea to me. Instead of being a little immature child and doing this and that with your emotions all the time, start taking some leadership qualities and think about supporting your teammates.

Labels: Football

According to NFL.com, offensive coordinator Cam Cameron and the Ravens have big plans for McGahee in 2008. The plans? Build the offensive around McGahee, whom they expect to carry the bulk of the offensive load.

I love this idea. I was really really excited when the Ravens traded for McGahee two years ago. I thought it was about time for a fresh and younger pair of legs. Ones that don't only run straight up the middle. Ones that have the ability to cut to the outside. In 2007, his first year with the Ravens, he fourth in the AFC in rushing with 1,207 yards and seven touchdowns and selected to the Pro Bowl (as an alternate). However, with these years QB situation and dilemma, expect the ball to be in McGahee's hands more often.

Cam Cameron, who helped transform LaDainian Tomlinson into a multi-purpose all-star running back, is planning on installing similar plays. Plays that will allow for McGahee to get more carries and catches in the back field.

Labels: Football

I couldn't. Sadly enough, as much as I like to boaster about my football knowledge, I failed to name all the teams in six minutes. Damn NFC South. Who cares about the NFC South seriously.

Labels: Football

Apparently, Joe Flacco, quarterback from the University of Delaware (my former University before transferring) is the new franchise quarter back of the Ravens. He is the future. Honestly, I do not want to discredit him or discount his ability. Flacco put up great numbers as a Blue Hen; as a senior, he played and started in 15 games, passing for 331 completions on 521 attempts for 4,263 yards, 23 touchdowns and only five interceptions for a 144.91 passer rating. He's a giant 6-6, has the ability to scan the pocket, and hands down the strongest arm in the draft. Watch some of his high light videos, beautiful arm. However, he did play for Delaware (I-AA). I have personal experience of going to many Blue Hen games, to say the least the caliber of talent, size, and game play was two notches up from Paint Branch football. Flacco transferred from Pitt after not getting enough playing time. Pitt isn't even a power house football program. To say the least I am a little nervous about him. He needs time to learn the huge curve from I-AA to professional football. Hopefully, the Ravens do not make the same mistake as they did with Boller and rush him too early by starting him. Thank god he has the guidance of Cam Cameron.

Personally, I was hoping that the Ravens drafted Chad Henne. I thought he was solid QB at big time powerhouse Michigan. Thank god they couldn't get Matt Ryan. I hate that fool. I think he's overrated, and worst off he's arrogant. I watched this video of him talking about possibly being drafted to the Ravens (this before the draft) where he sounded like he was completely too good to play for the Ravens and avoided acknowledging the possibility or opportunity to play for them. He sounded like "Hey, I'm Matt Ryan do you honestly think I will fall to the 8th spot. I'm the best QB ever." Good thing the Falcons have no O-Line so Ryan can get sacked and destroyed all season.

Labels: Football

RICE, RICE, RICE BABY! Ray Rice. I love this pick. I think this is honestly the steal of the second round. Absolutely love this pick. Rice figures to be a great complement to McGahee as a powerful rusher with good speed. At Rutgers Rice started all 13 games in 2006 for 1,794 rushing yards and 20 rushing touchdowns on 335 carries. Rice started all 13 games in 2007 recording 2,012 rushing yards and 24 rushing touchdowns on 380 carries. I remember in 2006 there was talk of the Heisman for this kid. Analyst say he lacks ideal size (5-8, 200 pounds-- he looks pretty huge in that picture) and question if he can take a beating at the professional level. However, Rice posses the ability to read his blocks well and has excellent lower-body strength. Finally, the Ravens have a one-two punch in the back field.

Labels: Football

I am truly thrilled about this pick. Draft analyst have stated that Tom Zbikowski, safety out of Notre Dame is an overaggressive and "lacks the hip fluidity" when defeated by opposing offenses. As as senior in 2007, in my opinion Zbikowski had a decent season with 80 tackles (1.5 for losses), one sack, three forced fumbles, one pass breakup and two interceptions. However, from 2004-'06, he played in 35 games (all starts), registering 213 tackles (4.5 for losses), six interceptions (two returned for touchdowns) and seven pass breakups. However, he has his weaknesses too. He often freelances defensive plays by chasing after big-time plays or big-time hits, leaving the defense exposed. What's cool about Zbikowski is that he is a amateur boxer on the side. According to ESPN:

He also was a nationally ranked Golden Gloves boxer who went 60-13 as an amateur.

That's baller in my book. Zbikowski is a smash mouth, power hitting player. He fits in with the Ravens mold of playing hard-tough football. Great prospect and has the chance to learn from Reed and Landry, will provide much need depth at the safety position, and a boost for the special teams. Overall great pick.

Labels: Football

If you are a Skins fan, it might be best for you to skip this posting. Jerry Jones is the man. He knows how to run an organization. Actually if you are a Skins fan read this. Dan Snyder should take a play out of his play book because I haven't seen, read, or know (maybe I'm a little ignorant like some suggest after reading my postings) of any extremely bad football decisions made by Jones. Look how T.O. in Dallas turned out... great. T.O. showed he is still a dominate force/threat as a WR (2007-- 81 Receptions, 1,355 Yards, 15 TDs, Avg 16.7 Yards). The Pacman Jones episode has yet to play itself out. However, the terms and conditions of the Pacman Jones trade to Dallas is brilliant. Trading a fourth and sixth round pick in this year's draft for a first round CB with only two years of mileage is a great deal (plus if Pacman fails to play this coming season, Dallas will get the Titan's next year 4th round pick). Who cares about off the field issues. IF Pacman gets reinstated (I'm sure Jone is making big moves as we speak to try to make this happen), it's not like he's going to mess up again and get arrested. No way. Can you imagine all the money Pacman has lost from salaries, bonus, and legal fees. I think his ignorant days of making it rain hundred dollar bills on strippers are over.

Over the past two years Jones has made Dallas a dominate and significant threat in the NFL. 2006 season = 9-7 record and losing to Seattle as wild cards. 2007= 13-3 and 1st place in the NFC East. Not only does the record speak for itself look at the draft record. Jones (along with Bill Parcells) drafted quality players over the past five years, such as Terence Newman, DeMarcus Ware, Bobby Carpenter, Felix Jones, Mike Jenkins. All solid and productive players who started immediately (minus Jones and Jenkins).

This year's draft was a serious statement by Dallas and Wade has to live up expectations. Look at their Defense: Newman, Ware, Carpenter, Jenkins, Williams, Hamlin, Ellis, Zach Thomas, Tank Johnson, Pacman; that rivals the Ravens. With the addition of Felix Jones to complement Barber, Dallas as a solid one-two punch in the back field. The only question they did not address in the draft was WR, which worries me. Given the WR draft class wasn't so deep/solid (the Redskins for some odd reason drafted the two best and an additional TE--opting not to address their dire need for a pass rusher) Dallas is probably waiting until next year to address this or maybe in the free agent market. Additionally, I'm not sold on Tony Romo. I seriously question as man's work ethics and drive when he's going on holiday to Mexico a week before a playoff game. How he manage to get away with this I still do not know. Plus he is a sketchy QB, his track record in big time games is not so solid aka Tony Nomo.

However, despite these short comings I am predicting that the Dallas Cowboys will be NFC Champions in for the 2008/09 season and play the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2008/09 Super Bowl (I already predicted Jacksonville see below).

Barber and Jones present a great threat in the back field. It will be interesting to see how opposing defenses will handle the Barber/Jones threat while TO, Witten, and Glenn are lined up at scrimmage . Will they stack the box? Or response to man to man coverage? We'll have to wait in see. In the mean time though, Dallas is the dominate threat and leading team in the NFC.

Labels: Football

Okay maybe ESPN doesn't know all because I honestly totally disagree with who they and that dude from the Baltimore Sun projected to be drafted... Matt Ryan. However, their assumption is based on two situations that I do not believe will happen, such as:

1. The Falcons and Dolphins passing on Ryan.
2. The Patriots do not trade down.

It is hard to deny that if Matt Ryan is available at the 8 pick, the Ravens won't draft him. But I highly doubt that both the Dolphins and Falcons will pass on Ryan. Last year, I would probably say that the Falcons QB situation was a little bit worst than the Ravens. The Falcons disparately need to franchise QB after the Michael Vick situation and last year's performance.

I still believe that come September, Steve McNair will be the Baltimore Raven's starting QB. When McNair is healthy the man can still play football. Look at his first season (in 2006) with the Ravens, they went 13-3. Unlike in 2007, McNair had a solid O-line to actually protect him. He wasn't forced to leave the pocket as much as he did in 2007, where for some God unknown reason couldn't hold on to the ball to save his life. However, after a whole season to recover I believe McNair's only competition will be from Troy Smith. Ozzie Newsome really fell in love with Troy Smith and believes in his potential. He cautioned Brian Billick not to rush Smith and start him like they did with Kyle Boller (drafted #1 by Ravens). Newsome wants Smith to develop and mature under McNair and is viewed as an long term investment.


Even if Ryan is available and drafted by the Ravens , he will not start this year. The Ravens are still looking at possibly a sub-par 2008 season, unlikely to make the playoffs. The Ravens need to draft defense and arguably really need to get younger at CB. Chris Mcalister who will be 31 this year, got absolutely burned last year. He bit on too many routes by the WR and just got smoked. At times he looked absolutely sloppy and unfocused. Rolle was out more than half of the season with epilespy. And Cori Ivy? Common he was more suited for nickel or dime package, not opposite of Mcalister.

Let Smith develop for one to two more seasons, he showed positive signs and his potential in the last couple games of the season. They have more pressing needs on defense and the Raven's organization and philosophy has always been defense.

Labels: Football

Labels: Football

Honestly, Dan Snyder and Vinny Cerrato are the NFL's worst decision makers....hands down. Where should I start? Alright how about trading TWO draft picks for Brandon Lloyd. Lloyd had three below average seasons with the San Francesco 49ers (To be fair, he never played with a great QB in San Fran). However, after two seasons with the Skins, Llyod caught only 25 passes and zero touchdowns. Let me repeat that, 25 passes in TWO seasons.

Do you remember Snyder and Cerrato's decision to make Adam Archuleta the highest paid safety in the history of the NFL? I do. I had a conversation with a Redskin fan back in 2005. I remember him specifically saying, "That was a great decision. Archuleta is a beast and he dominated in St. Louis." That statement is semi-true, he was a beast with the Rams. But I replied that the Skins got a 28 year old, product of the system, slow white man. Guess my statement turn out to be the correct one.

Labels: Football

Well it looks like my postings are getting attention from around the globe. I am currently in a philosophical debate with this guy. I must admit that this guy is a rather smart and intellectual when it comes reviewing movies. However, I got his panties all tied in a knot when I made the following comment in my posting below: "....superb acting especially from unknown Javier Bardem ." My comment was followed up with this statement to the guy in a recent online chat conversation: "yeah who gives a fuck about spanish films."

And I'm going to say it again... who gives a fuck about Spanish films? I don't. And I'm pretty sure the rest of America doesn't and probably the whole world (minus Spain). You know why? Because their movies are 1. not mainstream 2. unknown (just like Javier Bardem prior to 'No Country for Old Men' which will lose the Best Pictures Award to 'There Will Be Blood') 3. seriously who honestly cares.

This guy thought he was very clever listing a bunch of well known Spanish directors, a few "famous" Spanish movies (e.g., Y Tu Mama Tambien... hmmm is that famous? Sound's like a Telemundo soap opera), and one well known Spanish actor. However, that weak argument is not going to encourage me to familiarize myself with Spanish films nor stop me from spewing more ignorance.

What if I said, "Who gives a fuck about Italian films?" Is it a valid argument to list a bunch of famous Italian directors like Francis Ford Coppola (Godfather I,II,III), Martin Scorsese, or Roberto Benigni (actor and director, e.g., Life Is Beautiful) and what they've done for American film? Or a bunch of famous Italian actors and their achievements, such as Robert De Niro (Godfather II, Heat, Cape Fear, Raging Bull, The Deer Hunter, Taxis Driver, Casino), Al Pacino (Godfather I,II,III, Heat, Scent of a Woman, Insider, etc etc), John Cazale, James Gandolfini, or you get the point. Just because there are a many great Italian actors, directors, and actresses in AMERICAN films doesn't change the fact that no one cares or watches real Italian movies (because they suck and plus WHO CARES ABOUT THEM?).

Should I list a bunch of Japanese directors and actors? Some Korean? How about Kenyan or Uzbekistan directors and actors? After wards than maybe everyone will start caring about Kenyan and Uzbekistan movies!!!! YAY!!


lil dunn hopes this posting will encourage that guy and other to refrain from making pointless statements that do not change the fact that no one cares about Spanish films.

Labels: Football

Maybe it's way to early to be talking about next year's Super Bowl but why not? I was extremely impressed with how the Jacksonville Jaguars (11-5) played the second half of the season: tough smash mouth football with an outstanding run game. Fred Taylor and Maurice Jone-Drew are monsters; great running back combo. David Garrard had a solid year at QB, 18 TD-3 Int, QB 102.2 rating, look for him to improve. On the offensive side of the ball, Jaguars finished in the top ten for points, total offensive yards, and rushing (2nd in NFL). Defense had a decent year, finishing near the top 10 in most of the defensive categories. With the arrival of Greg Williams at defensive coordinator look for drastic improvements on the defensive side. Jacksonville already re-signed one of their top free-agents: Fullback Greg Jones.


Lil Dunn's 2008 NFL Predictions: Jags need help on their pass-rush on the right size. Look for them to draft a DE, if available at the number 26 pick Calais Campbell from Miami U or Lawrence Jackson from Southern Cal. If they are thinking wide receiver look for either LSU's Early Doucet or Texas's Limas Sweed (if available). I read in a mock draft that the Jag's will draft Andre' Woodson from Kentucky. Not sold on this argument at all. Jags have a solid QB: look for Garrard to return as their starter.

Prediction: Jags will win the AFC South over the aging Manning & Co. Their biggest challenge to winning the Super Bowl next year San Diego Chargers (not the Pats).

Labels: Football

I honestly do not understand what all the talk is about. Yes, Eli Manning helped led the Giants to an impressive 10 consecutive road game wins (including the defeat of the then undefeated New England Patriots). However, Eli's performance in the Super Bowl hardily warranted the Super Bowl MVP. He completed 19 of 34 passes for 255 yards, 2 TD, 1 Int., and a QB rating of 87.3. Let's compare Eli with Tom Brady's two Super Bowl MVP:

2003: Tom Brady was 32 of 48, 354 yards, 3 TDs, 1 Int, and a QB rating of 100.5

2001: Tom Brady was 16 of 27, 145 yards, 1 TD, 0 Int, and QB rating of 86.2 (it's fair to note in 2001 this was Tom Brady's first year as starter in the NFL - he was drafted in 2000).

So what? Big deal you might be saying that Tom Brady arguably the best QB in the league or in NFL history had better MVP numbers than Eli. Before you jump onto the Eli bandwagon and rave how great a QB he is please look at the stats:

In 2007, Eli threw 20 intercepts to 23 TDs tied in the league for highest with Jon Kita and Carson Palmer. In the regular season he was ranked 25th in passer rating between Vince Young and terrible Kyle Boller (Yes, I'm a die hard Raven's fan). He completed 56.1% of his passes, which is 4.2% lower than Trent Green (60.3%) who only played 5 games in 2007.

I will tip my hat to Eli on the last five games of the year he had an expressive streak: ten touchdowns against two interceptions and averaged a QB rating of over 100. This however does not warrant the level of Eli hype the media, the dirty Giant fans, and the bandwagon fans have boasted after the Super Bowl.

I give credit to the Giant's defense for winning the Super Bowl and not Eli's "MVP" performance. The Patriots were held to a total of 274 offensive yards and 14 points. This was a team during the regular season averaged 411.2 offensive yards (1st in the NFL), 295 pass yards a game (1st in the NFL), and 36.8 points a game (1st in the NFL). Giant's D sacked Brady 5 times. The D was successful at containing Moss (5 catches , 62 yards , 1 TD) and Maroney (rushed for 36 yards).

Too much of the Super Bowl coverage was on Eli Manning; due to the fact that he is Payton's younger brother. I'm predicting that Eli will follow in the foot steps of those QBs, such as Trent Dilfer (12/25- 153 yards- 1 TD- in Super Bowl XXXV), Ben Roethlisberger (9/21- 123 yards- 3 INTs- in Super Bowl XL), Brad Johnson, and Kurt Warner, who won the Super Bowl due to their outstanding defense, and then almost immediately returned to mediocre players.

Lil Dunn's 2008 NFL prediction: Don't be surprised to see Eli throw between 14-18 interceptions with a QB rating no higher than 78.5. Do not draft Eli in your fantasy football on grounds of his stellar performance on the last 5 games. Or on the hope that he's finally figured out the how to read defenses after 3 straight seasons of having a QB rating no higher than 77 and failing to throw less than 17 interceptions.

I predict Eli & Co will fail to make the play-offs due to the tough NFL East Division and the resurgence of a healthy Eagles and Skins team.

Labels: Football