Craig James Blew the Whistle on Mike Leach

If you are keeping up with the story, you would know that ESPN Analyst Craig James is the one who blew the whistle on Mike Leach. The players seem to be 50/50 on whether or not they are fine with the firing. As I said yesterday, more players are coming forward with stories of Mike Leach's crazy methodologies.

Mike Leach has not made a public statement yet. We will see how he responds. Adam James actually uploaded a video of him inside the closet to Youtube. I guess there isn't much to say when you are this guilty.

This video was taken by Adam James, a player on the Texas Tech Red Raider football team on Saturday, December 19th, after being confined by Coach Mike Leach in an electrical closet off the Press Room at Jones AT&T Stadium. James was suffering from a concussion received during an earlier scrimmage game. James was ordered to stand in the darkness until released several hours later. James momentarily turned on a light to record his surroundings with his cell phone. Oops I put December 19th even though it happened on the 16th. I really meant to type the 16th.

Well got damn.... must be two sides.

The Mike Leach Conspiracy

I was writing this post in my head as I heard the news he was going to court.

Little did I know, Texas Tech was going to lay the smackdown on Mr. Leach and slide him a pink slip in the courtroom.

Anyways, my opinion is that this Mike Leach thing has been going on long enough. I for one am not sorry to see Mr. Leach get fired. As a matter of fact, I expected him to be released sometime in the spring. It's been far too much a distraction to keep this guy as a coach for that university.

Now, let me say that I have no sources other than the grapevine so this is purely speculation. However, I have heard rumblings on various sites and news outs for the past two years that Mike Leach's program has always pushed the envelope on NCAA rules. Probably not more than any other coach, but the thing that makes Leach stick out is that he is a peculiar person to begin with which makes you wonder exactly what crazy methodology he follows with his players. We have already heard about a concussed player being forced to sit in some sort of closet. I can only imagine that there will be more former players to come forward in the future.

Do not get me wrong. Mike Leach is a hell of a coach. He wins, he scores points, he gets his players a lot of national recognition. But at what cost?

Underclassmen Who Have Declared For the Draft

Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois
Dezmon Briscoe, WR, Kansas
Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State
Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland
Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame
Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers
Abe Koroma, DT, Western Illinois
Ryan Mathews, RB, Fresno State
Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame
Donovan Warren, CB, Michigan
Damian Williams, WR, Southern Cal
Mike Williams, WR, Syracuse

Eages and Cheating Refs Defeat Denver Broncos

I have never been this upset over the officiating in a Broncos game in my entire life. I am physically sick.

First the non call on Brandon Stokely. He knew we had no chance. Thats why he went off. The Broncos werent going to get a call all day. And they didnt.

Then you had the 30 yard pass interference on Champ Bailey. To me it looked like he just waved his hands in DeSean Jacksons face then they got tangled up as the ball got there, not that he went and pulled the arm. But whatever.

The hands to the face call was a gift. Jeremy Maclin's 30 yard BOBBLE was a giftwrapped win. I cannot effing BELIEVE our season is going to end on THAT CALL. He did NOT have the ball on the way down. Did not. Did not. DID NOT.

Eff Phil Simms. The ball clearly squirts around and bobbles out as he goes down. That is not a catch. Last time I checked you have to (1) catch the ball ALL THE WAY TO THE GROUND. And (2) HAVE CONCLUSIVE EVIDENCE.

There is no way the Broncos should have lost this game on THAT call. None the less the other phantom calls, and the no calls against our receivers.

I'm done with the NFL this season. I hope they are locked out. Maybe they'll get these BS judgment calls out the game and stop them from determining a teams season.

Breaking: Urban Meyer has Stepped Down at Florida

I think this post describes how I feel about this. Saw it coming from a mile away.

Developing......

12/23/09 Mock Draft!

Round 1

1. St. Louis (1-13) NDAMUKONG SUH, DT NEBRASKA

St. Louis has been HORRIBLE in 2009 to say the least. In the prime of Stephen Jackson's career it makes much more sense for them to bring in as much as talent anywhere as possible than to grab a QB with a one in a lifetime prospect in Suh looking at them. Ndamukong has proven he can be a true one man wrecking crew and he will change the fortunes of whatever franchise drafts him.

2. Detroit (2-12) BRUCE CAMPBELL, OT MARYLAND

How many games did Matt Stafford miss this year?

3. Tampa Bay (2-12) GERALD MCCOY, DT, OKLAHOMA

Tampa already has their QB, they need to solidify their D after trading the bust Gaines Adams.

4. Cleveland (3-11) JIMMY CLAUSEN, QB, NOTRE DAME

Cleveland fans won't like this but it will happen. Everything will be brand new in Cleveland next season. Quinn and Anderson will be cut or one could be left to backup. Its time for a fresh start, starting with a new face of the franchise.

5. Kansas City (3-11) RUSSELL OKUNG, OT, OKLAHOMA STATE

6. Washington (4-10) Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas

Same as Cleveland. Everything will be new. They need to let Jason Campbell continue his career elsewhere and stop leading him on.

7. Buffalo (5-9) DEZ BRYANT, WR, OKLAHOMA STATE

Terrell Owens will be 37 years old next season.

8. Seattle (5-9) ERIC BERRY, DB, TENNESSEE

9. Denver - from Chicago (5-9) SAM BRADFORD, QB, OKLAHOMA

Josh McDaniels' traded for Kyle Orton last offseason because Jay Cutler couldnt coexist with ownership. After this season of missed points and possessions there is no way Josh McDaniels ponies up with Kyle Orton for the long haul. Not if he wants to keep his job.

10. Oakland (5-9) TAYLOR MAYS, S, SOUTHERN CAL

He's how tall? How fast? How strong? Wait. Did you say something about cover skills? #WEOFFTHAT

11. San Francisco (6-8) JOE HADEN, CB, FLORIDA

Dre Bly and Nate Clemets aren't spring chicken.

12. San Francisco - from Carolina (6-8) Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech

Manny Lawson keep that Gatorade cold.

13. Jacksonville (7-7) TIM TEBOW, QB, FLORIDA

Tim will be asked to save the NFL's failing Florida franchise. It's kind of ironic that he will be looked at as their savior.

14. Pittsburgh (7-7) ARRELIOUS BENN, WR, ILLINOIS

Limas Sweed keep that Gatorade cold.

15. Houston (7-7) C.J. SPILLER, RB, CLEMSON

Steve Slaton can't hold on the ball. Spiller will leave him holding onto his balls on the sideline.

16. New York Jets (7-7) Dan Williams, NT, Tennessee

Kris Jenkins suffered another knee injury. Dan Williams is similar to his former teammate Robert Ayers as he's turnt it up at the end of the season and gotten noticed quick.

17. Atlanta (7-7) Earl Thomas, FS, Texas

18. Tennessee (7-7) BRANDON SPIKES, ILB, FLORIDA

Keith Bulluck tore his ACL in a contract year. 'Nuff said.

19. Miami (7-7) TERRENCE CODY, DT, ALABAMA

20. New York Giants (8-6) Pat Robinson CB FSU

21. Baltimore* (8-6) BRANDON LAFELL, WR, LOUISIANA STATE

22. Seattle - from Denver* (8-6) Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers

23. Green Bay* (9-5) Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa

Aaron Rodgers needs help on the line.

24. Arizona* (9-5) JERMAINE GRESHAM, TE, OKLAHOMA

25. Cincinnati* (9-5) Golden Tate, WR Notre Dame

Coles and Ocho are in their 30's. Henry is no longer with us. Caldwell has broke out from the group of young receivers they have, but he is not in Tate's category as a complete player.

26. Dallas* (9-5) Damian Williams WR USC

Terrell Owens? Nah we don't miss him.....

27. New England* (9-5) Javid Best, RB California

A surprise pick. The Pats have defensive problems, but I believe they need a jolt on offense. Sometimes your best defense is a ball hogging offense. Best is a younger faster Kevin Faulk who will convert 3rd downs from all over the field.

28. Philadelphia* (10-4) Carlos Dunlap DE Florida

29. Minnesota* (11-3) Sean Weatherspoon OLB Missouri

30. San Diego* (11-3) JONATHAN DWYER, RB, GEORGIA TECH

Goodbye LT.

31. New Orleans* (13-1) Ras-I Dowling, CB UVA

32. Indianapolis* (14-0) Sergio Kindle OLB Texas

Jason Campbell Get the Hell Out of Dodge

Dear Jason,

The Redskins don't care about you. Daniel Snyder doesn't love you. You offensive line doesn't care. Clinton Portis could give a f... anymore.

Do yourself a favor Jason and save your career by leaving Washington. They have jerked you around from coach, to coach, to coach and blamed you each season for not mastering a brand new playbook every spring (also known as the Alex Smith effect). Daniel Snyder refuses to sign any big names on the offensive side of the ball to help you. You simply cannot win in Washington. They won't let you.

You're the perfect goat. Your a nice guy, you didn't as even raise your voice after good ol' Dan flirted with every available Quarterback from Jay Cutler to Mark Sanchez. So take what little dignity you have left and get the hell out of dodge! Where should you go? I heard Buffalo is looking for a QB. They got this guy named TO to throw to, and these guys Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch to hand the ball too. It could be a good fit. Carolina might be interested. You'd get to whoop the Redskins every preseason in the yearly Carolina-Washington preseason game. You'd get to throw to Steve Smith and hand the ball to these two guys that call themselves Double Trouble. It could be a great fit. Seattle could be interested as well.

Whatever you decide Jason wisen up and get as far away from DC as possible!

Ya Boy,

D

Tim Tebow: NFL Collusion?

People are starting rumors left and right that there is a gentleman's deal between the NFL owners to allow the Jacksonville Jaguars to select Tim Tebow in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft. Tebow apparently is the one factor that can save the sinking ship that is the Jacksonville Jaguars fanbase. (Hey, no one told you to put a franchise in Jacksonville.)

I think there is absolutely a chance that there is a deal to do this, but I dont put it past one man to eff up everything just to say "F U" to the rest of the NFL.

NFL, I introduce you Tim Tebow.

The first round pick of the Oakland Raiders.

+1 for Al Davis? Will he go along with the deal? Will he select Tebow just because?

Bruce Campbell will enter the draft

Bruce Campbell is going to enter the 2010 NFL draft. I think this kid has a very good chance of being a top pick, maybe THE top pick depending on who has it. Tampa, Detroit, and Oakland could all use his services.

With Locker Gone, How to The QBs Stack Up?

With Locker back in college (only he knows why) the top Quarterbacks in the 2010 draft can breathe easier. Jake probably made them all 4-5 mil each as they slide up on team's boards with one less QB available. But which QBs will benefit the most?

• Jimmy Clausen - possible top 5 pick.
• Sam Bradford- the BIG winner. If he can test well he can get to the top 10. You never know *cough*JoshMcDaniels*cough*
• Tony Pike- Slides into the first, possibly.
• Colt McCoy- Also may slide up into the first.
• Tim Tebow- go ahead and pick out a nice condo in Jacksonville, nothing has changed for you Timmy.

Jake Locker Has Money to Blow

Apparently Locker has already signed a Major League Baseball contract which netted him a $300,000 signing bonus. Does he even want to play in the NFL? I'm thinking probably not. Or will he try to play in the NFL then go on to the MLB in his thirties? You never know with these baseball guys. He has all the talent but this decision would make me think twice on drafting this kid over a comparable prospect.

Ndamukong Suh is the best prospect in the draft hands down now with Locker out, and will undoubtedly be the first pick to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Denver Broncos Mock Draft and Offseason Plan

If I am Josh McDaniels I am trying to accomplish a few goals this offseason no matter how far the 2009 Broncos go in the playoffs.

Goals

1. Sure up the interior part of the offensive line.
2. Find depth and quality youth at cornerback.
3. Add playmakers anywhere I can find them.
4. Get rid of more of Shanahan's overpriced players.
5. Find young developing offensive players who fit the spread offense.

In his words own "smart, versatile players."

Possible Retirements

C Casey Weigmann
CB Ty Law

Cuts/Unsigned Free Agents

RB Lamont Jordan
QB Chris Simms
G Ben Hamilton
T Brandon Gorin
P Mitch Berger
DE/LB Jarvis Moss
DT Marcus Thomas
S Joshua Barrett
WR Brandon Lloyd
Surprise Cut: TE Daniel Graham

Traded

TE Tony Scheffler (franchised) - DEN receives 2nd round pick

Resigned

WR Brandon Marshall
OLB Elvis Dumervil RFA
TE Tony Scheffler RFA (traded)
OG Chris Kuper RFA
QB Kyle Orton
OG Russ Hochstein
K Matt Prater

Yeah a lot of this is taken from BroncosTX77 but I will spice it up, read on.

Now that we have effective cut or traded both tight ends, a backup QB, RB, Punter, and two offensive linemen we go into free agency. Spencer Larsen has moved to FB fulltime as well.

FA targets: CB, OL, QB, P, RB, TE

Free Agents

CB Carlos Rogers, Washington Redskins
G Richie Incognito, St. Louis Rams
3-4 OLB/DE Chike Okeafor, Arizona Cardinals (probably won't be available but if he is, get him)
TE Randy McMichael, St. Louis Rams (basically an older version of Richard Quinn he can learn from and start with)

Draft Targets: C, DT, DE, OG, QB, RB, WR, TE

2010 Draft



Round 1: Rolondo McClain LB, Alabama
At pick #9 or 10, I am absolutely not comfortable taking Joe Haden or Terrance Cody here. Rolondo McClain is a great prospect and LBs have more of a shot to give you bang for the buck than a CB or a two down DT. As BroncosTx77 said, the departure of Dawkins (already one of the greatest Broncos of all time) is looming and the Broncos have no heir apparent as far as leadership is concerned. This pick is as important off the field as it is on it.



Round 2: C JD Walton, Baylor
Not a sexy pick but a necessity pick. He anchored the Baylor line along with Jason Smith and helped develop one of the nations better rushing attacks. I'm sure Josh McDaniels covets a run blocking center.

Round 2 (Possibility from Scheffler trade): DT/DE Arthur Jones, Syracuse
He will drop into the late first or into the top half of the second due to injury concerns. (Pectoral tear and knee surgery alone in 2009) I personally think he has as high a ceiling as anyone in this draft. McDaniels takes him because he understands great teams stock their lines with talent, and Jones fits the mold of a smart, versatile player.

Round 3: CB/S Kyle Wilson, Boise
His stock is getting better, but he isn't getting any bigger. At 5'10 185 he could be great depth for us when Champ/Goodman leave after 2010. We'd simply reload and keep it rolling.


Round 4: RB Keiland Williams, Lousiana State
I'd take LeGarrette Blount here in a heartbeat but he doesn't fit in the "smart" part of our mold. Keiland has played on a pretty stacked LSU offense and hasn't gotten a proper chance to shine. Who knows, maybe he becomes the change of pace guy in the future. I believe he catches the ball as well, so versatile, check!

Round 6: Brody Eldridge TE, Oklahoma
The former blocking back for Oklahoma turned TE. Sounds versatile to me!

Round 7: Matt Dodge, P, East Carolina
You got to love the bodybuilding punter. This kid will actually make tackles if he has to.

Undrafted FAs
WR Carl Moore Florida
QB Max Hall BYU
QB (WR) Matt Grothe USF

Let me know what you think.

Jake Locker is staying in school

I hope he doesnt pull a Sam Bradford, but one of the top QBs in the draft is going back to school for another season. I personally think this is a bad move for Locker. He undoubtedly would have been a top 15 pick this year regardless. What does going back to college prove? Sure he can become a top 5 pick but that's what we said about Sam Bradford too. I find that it is better for these guys to come out and sit on the bench a year in the pros than go back and risk injury for free. At least get paid to develop your craft.

Congrats Brandon Marshall: 21 Catches

The NEW NFL record now stands at 21 receptions with Brandon Marshall. Terrell Owens now has #2 all time with his 20 receptions. Too bad the Broncos lost.

Breaking: Brian Kelly Hired as Notre Dame Coach

Breaking News: Notre Dame has hired Cincinnati Head Coach Brian Kelly at their next head football coach.

Should Urban Meyer Go to Notre Dame? YES

Why shouldn't Urban Meyer go to coach the Golden Domers?

He's done all he can do at Florida. He's won two titles, rode the excitement of the Tebow era, and is now regarded as one of the best coaches in the game. If he really wanted to fatten that resume' he'd go and be the man to lead Notre Dame back to greatness. Besides, does he want to turn into Bob Stoops or Pete Carroll in a down swing after losing his QB?

For the Domers, Charlie Weis proved himself too inept to get it done. Chip Kelly... eh... not big enough a name for Notre Dame. It MUST be Urban Meyer.

This is really the only play for them right now. Another lowkey coach and mediocre record would set this team back a generation as far as recruits go. Get it done. Get Urban.

Golden Tate and Jimmy Clausen Peace Out of Note Dame

Jimmy Clausen and Golden Tate have decided that they will take their talents to the NFL next year. The wheels are falling off at Notre Dame. In my opinion this is a great move for the two of them to get the hell out of dodge as soon as possible. They aren't going to be competing for anything next year in South Bend anyways. On to their NFL possibilities...

Jimmy Clausen should be a top 15 pick in what some are calling a terrible QB draft (Clausen, Locker, Pike, Tebow, Bradford)

Golden Tate is a late first rounder to high second rounder right now. It is interesting because potentially he and Clausen could end up on the same team next year.