Brady, Patriots... Business As Usual

Tom Brady to Tim Tebow... "I'll show you how to do this son!"

Blog by Haz Bey
Tom Brady did what he normally does and that's win football games at an elite level.  All Tim Tebow could do was watch how "Jedi Master" Tom Brady picked apart the Broncos defense effortlessly.  The 3-time champ threw for 320 yards on 23 of 34 passes with 2 touchdown passes.  Tom also ran for 2 scores as the New England defense made the necessary adjustments to the Broncos run game and basically played lights-out from the 2nd quarter on.

Tim Tebow played one of his better games of the season leading the Denver Broncos to 23 points, but as expected, there was no way that Tim Tebow would be able to out-duel Tom Brady at this stage of his career.  Tim has done so much his last 9 starts, but he has a long way to go to reach the level of Brady's.  Tebow is going to have to learn to get the ball out quicker instead of holding the football to hit the home run play.  With a full off season, Tim Tebow should be able to correct that problem moving forward and then he will be even more dangerous than he is now.

With yesterday's win in Denver, the Patriots are in better position to grab the number 1 seed in the AFC with Baltimore and Houston losing their games on Sunday.  Pittsburgh has an opportunity to keep up, but with a bruised and battered Ben Roethlisberger, their is no guarantee that the Steelers will come up with the win in San Francisco tonight on Monday Night Football.  Tom Brady looks ready for the Patriots first deep playoff run since 2007 season and as long as the Patriots defense holds up their end, there might be no team in the league that may be able to stop him.

Tebowing

Haz Bey

Tim Tebow is a 1 of a kind athlete.  I can not explain why he is able to perform the way he does after being ineffective throughout most of a football game.  I just can't and I am not going to try to.  Tim Tebow is a winner and I want to see how far he and the Denver Broncos will go.  Teams that play him must do what the Detroit Lions did when they met Tim Tebow 7 weeks ago and that is to blow the Broncos out.  Just flat out beat them to a pulp.  This way there is now way Tim Tebow can work his magic in the 4th quarter aka "Tebow Time". 

Tim Tebow is as selfless as they come as a teammate.  Never wanting the glory for himself and always making sure the media recognizes his teammates contributions as well.  Remember when Charles Barkley said "I'm am not a role model".  Well that does not apply to Mr.Tebow.  He is someone all parents should model their child after when it comes to molding them through competitive sports.  A complete class act in my eyes and I can not wait until he faces Tom Brady and the New England Patriots this upcoming Sunday.  It will truly be must see t.v.

In The Clutch Radio Show

NBA, NFL, MLB Winter Meetings talk. Exposed Haz and his NBA team loyalties!

In The Clutch Radio Show

Week in Sports Review

The Real McCoy

LeSean "Shady" McCoy

LeSean McCoy is the 1st Philadelphia Eagles running back to eclipse 1000 yards in the teams 1st 10 games of a season.  He is the league leader in rushing yards (1019), yards per carry (5.4) & touchdowns (12).  If "Shady" can continue the pace that he is on and lead the Philadelphia Eagles to a division title by winning out the rest of their games, how can you not consider him as an MVP canidate?  Is he an elite running back in this league?  No doubt in my mind he is.  When the Philadelphia Eagles give LeSean McCoy at least 20 carries, the Philadelphia Eagles are 3-0 this season.  The Birds have a 4-6 record.  So the writing is on the wall.  Give LeSean ball, Philly!  He's the "Real McCoy".

Haz Bey

Streaky Phins vs Streaky Boys

Thanksgiving 1993 "The Leon Lett Game"

Reggie Bush is Ballin'

The Miami Dolphins started the season at 0-7 and was in contention for a shot at Andrew Luck.  Now after winning 3 straight games, the 'Phins will roll right into Dallas for Thanksgiving and we all remember last time the Dolphins and Cowboys played on Thanksgiving.  Leon Lett was the "turkey" and his bone-head mistake on a blocked field goal in the snow allowed the Dolphins to shock the world and beat the defending champion Cowboys in front of a national audience.  But that 1993, these days are different.  I will promise to all of you out there that there will not be any snow in Dallas this Thanksgiving and Leon Lett will not be suiting up for the Cowboys this Thursday.  A blessing to all Cowboys fans. 

Romo has an eye on the Playoffs

The Dallas Cowboys are also coming in to Thanksgiving riding a 3 game win streak and are clearly playing their best football all season.  After winning their 2nd overtime game this season in D.C. against hated division rival Washington 27-24 this past Sunday, the 'Boys proved that Tony Romo can execute in big moments when Dallas needs it most.  Dallas is the only team to beat the 49ers this season and we all know how good that team is over there in San Francisco. 

Leon Lett's Bone-Head Play

This Thursday on Thanksgiving The 'Phins and 'Boys put their 3 game win streaks on the line, but who will come out the victor?  The Cowboys should win, but if Reggie Bush and Brandon Marshall can have huge performances by taking advantage of Rob Ryan's wholes in his defensive scheme, then Miami might fly out of Dallas with a 4th straight win. 

Haz Bey

Where Did the 49ers Come From?

Willis the Monster

The San Francisco 49ers have basically came from nowhere to becoming an elite team in the NFL.  With quarterback Alex Smith running a very efficient offense and Patrick Willis leading arguably the best defense in the league, the 49ers have 9 of their first 10 games this season after trashing the laughable Arizona Cardinals 23-7 in San Francisco.  Now stop and clear your mind for a second or two.  The 49ers roster looks a lot like last year's roster.  So now the question is what is the driving force that is taking the 49ers to the next level?  Enter Jim Harbaugh.  His presence, his demeanor & his enthusiasm has lifted the San Francisco 49ers from mediocrity to possibly hosting a playoff game with a bye. 

San Fran's Savior

Jim Harbaugh has always been passionate at his profession.  Some people like it, some people don't, but bottom line he produces results.  We all remember the 1995 playoff run when Harbaugh led the overly matched Indianapolis Colts with his inspired play to Pittsburgh for a shot at the Super Bowl in the AFC Championship Game.  They came up just short, but what a run that was.  At Stanford, Harbaugh pumped life back into a once proud program and has developed the most coveted quarterback in recent memory in Heisman Trophy candidate Andrew Luck.   Now Jim Harbaugh has landed in San Francisco and has had immediate results.  The 49ers are undefeated on the road this season including wins in Cincy and Philly.  They have the leagues top ranked defense in both defending the run and ppg average.  Alex Smith is not turning the football over.  Smith has thrown for 13 touchdowns to only 4 interceptions.  Alex Smith's play has Jim Harbaugh stamp written all over it.

49ers beat Cardinals 23-7

With the 49ers sitting at 9-1 and only 1 game behind undefeated Green Bay for homefield advantage, another test awaits Jim Harbaugh and his troops.  A trip to Baltimore to spend Thanksgiving with his brother John Harbaugh and the AFC North leading Ravens.  The 49ers are battle tested and supremely confident. The Niners are true road warriors.  The Ravens are not as dominate defensively as in years past and are inconsistent on offense.  What may seem to be an upset to many, I predict the 49ers will go down to B-more and pull out a tough road win.  You heard hear first.

*I want to dedicate this blog to my dear friend Chauncey.  A life long 49ers fan.  R.I.P.

Haz Bey

In The Clutch Radio Show

In The Clutch with M & H Sports Radio Show Episode 6 (video)

Check out this weeks Radio show from M & H Sports...

M & H Sports Week 9 Recap Show... (Week in review & MNF picks)

Haz and Mike with Week in review and Sunday Picks!!

Empire State of Mind

Eli Manning believes he should be in the same elite class with the likes of Tom Brady and his brother Peyton.  Is he wrong for saying such a bold statement?  My answer is no and I am going to tell you why.  Eli has won as many Super Bowls as his brother in less chances, he has also beaten Tom Brady's undefeated Patriots in Super Bowl 42 with a game winning drive which ended with a Eli Manning touchdown pass and he has a Super Bowl MVP, something that even the great Brett Favre couldn't even accomplish.  So yes, Eli can be inconsistent at times.  And yes, he may look like he has no clue on what's going on, but his resume speaks for itself.  Eli is a winner.  I don't care what he does in the first 3 quarters of a football game, as long as the game is close in the 4th quarter, Eli is golden.  He may not be an elite quarterback, but Peyton's little brother is definitely clutch.  If he can find a way to help the New York Football Giants win in Foxborro this weekend, then he might have the Giants going in the right direction moving forward with two talented teams in Philadelphia and Dallas struggling to keep pace with them.

Haz Bey

In The Clutch with M & H Sports Ustream

 
Video streaming by Ustream

Good Show this week, Thanks to our guest, Kevin Mays, Scott Rusak, and Josh Bell
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/18266469

Statement Game

Now what the Birds did to the 'Boys last night was just shocking.  I mean the Eagles were acting as if a playoff spot was on the line while the Cowboys were just on cruise control.  Shady McCoy destroyed the Cowboys vaunted "D" to the tune of 185 yards on 30 carries with 2 touchdowns.  Rob Ryan made noise during the preseason by claiming Dallas would beat-down the Eagles once teams met, but reality proved otherwise.  Reality proved that when pushed comes to shove it was the Eagles who handed out the "butt-kicking" and now it is the Cowboys searching for answers.  Tony Romo did nothing last night.  Totally ineffective throughout the game.  The Cowboys defense over pursued in the run game and then played afraid of the Eagles ability to go down the field for big plays which left the middle of the field wide open for Mike Vick to find open receivers.  The Cowboys came in to Sunday night's game ranked number 1 in rush defense by only giving up 69.7 rushing yards a game, but the Birds led by McCoy and Vick shredded the Cowboys for 239 yards on the ground.  The Eagles showed the world that they are not dead, but they still have a lot to prove with the Chicago Bears coming to town on Monday night next week.  Are they a "Dream Team"?  No, but they are a team that is in mix for contending for a playoff spot. 

Haz Bey

In The Clutch With M & H Sports Episode 4 October 26, 2011

TODAY'S RADIO SHOW EPISODE 4 "IN THE CLUTCH WITH M & H SPORTS" HOSTED BY MIKE MCCLENDON & HAZ BEY... TOPICS INCLUDE...  RAVEN'S BLUNDER, TEBOW'S PERFORMNANCE, MATTHEW STAFFORD, WORLD SERIES, COLLEGE FOOTBALL, LUCK VS BARKLEY, NBA TOP 10 FROM ESPN...

M & H Radio Show

This Week on In the Clutch with M & H Sports we dove into the Tebow Hype, The great match ups in College Football this weekend coming up and A heated Take your pick Debate.

Each and Every Wednesday We will bring you all the hype in the World of sports and tell it like it is from M & H Sports!

Unfinished Business

Phils feel the pain of a season unfulfilled

The Philadelphia Phillies won a team record 102 games this past season, but got bounced out the playoffs by St. Louis.  A waste of a season, but there is no need to panic if you are a Phillies fan.  The team has the right players to get it done.  The problem with this team is its approach at the plate.  The Phillies are not in the buisness of manufacturing runs and it has cost them the last 3 times they have been eliminated from the playoffs.   When the Phillies are down their hitters believe that 1 big swing will bring them back into a game, but they do not realize that in the playoffs runs are hard to come by and if the opportunity presents itself, you must do what it takes to get that run home.  If they can change that approach then they should win it all next season plain and simple.  Starting pitching isn't an issue, defense isn't an issue, it is just the hitters approach to the plate.  Really simple, but if they don't make that change, they will continue to come up short when the season matters most.

Blog by Haz Bey

Is It Over Already?

The Philadelphia Eagles just lost a tough game in Buffalo, 31-24.  The Birds are now 1-4 and are all alone in last place in the NFC East.  The hole seems to be too far to climb out of.  With games against the NFC East (5), not to mention the Patriots, Jets & Bears, the Eagles have no room for error.  The defense can't stop anybody and the offense cannot stop turning over the football.  A trip to D.C. against the hated division rival Redskins will make or break the rest of the season, but take my word for it, the Eagles are done.  A team with this many flaws on both sides of the ball can not recover from a 1-4 start.  Better luck next year Philly.

Blog by Haz Bey

Each and every Wednesday M & H Sports will be hosting our own radio show, In the Clutch with M & H Sports. Hosted by Haz Bey and Mike McClendon.

We will give you our opinions, insight and hilarious predictions. It is sure to be fun and entertaining, tune in on YouTube or see it here on our Blog!

Follow us on Twitter @MnH_Sports, @MrMcClendon_12, and @Haz_Bey

All Hail Mighty Megatron

Megatron Takes Over Dallas

Unbelieveable!

Calvin Johnson is literally destroying NFL defensive backs.  With his 8 touchdowns in 4 games, "Megatron" is on pace to score 32 touchdowns which would shatter Randy Moss' touchdown receiving record of 23 touchdowns from his historic 2007 season with New England.  Calvin's touchdowns are also coming down the stretch in games with the game on the line while being covered one-on-one, doubled & tripled-teamed.  All Matt Stafford has to do is just ball in the air and "Megatron" will conquer it.  Without any doubt, and this is no disrespect to Andre Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald, but Calvin Johnson is the best wide receiver in football.  Not since the likes of Randy Moss have we seen such a freakish athlete split wide right and wide left.  To think that "Megatron" is just hitting his prime is insane and if he can stay healthy for the next five years with Stafford at the helm, just imagine the numbers and exciting plays he will produce.  It is quite frightening.  All hail mighty "Megatron"!

Blog by Haz Bey

Problems in Big "D"

Romo Travels to Revis Island

The Cowboys are banged up at multiple positions, but that is not the reason they are 2-2 and 3rd in the NFC East.  Tony Romo has cost the 'Boys 2 games this season.  Week 1's trip to ""Revis Island resulted into a 2nd half collapse.  Week 4's submission to "Megatron" resulted in yet another 2nd half collapse.  This time at home to an NFC opponent.

All Hail Megatron

I am in total shock that Tony Romo can still make the same bad throws week in and week out.  He threw 2 interceptions that were ran back for touchdowns in the 3rd quarter of last Sunday's game against the Lions that literally broke the spirits of the Cowboys after dominating Detroit to a score of 27-3.  Setting up Matt Stafford and Calvin Johnson to carve up the Dallas "D" for the win. 

Pick 6 City

If the Cowboys want to reach the Super Bowl this year, when they have a lead in the 4th quarter of upcoming games, Jason Garrett will have to take the ball out of Romo's hands and run time off the clock by running the football and quick throws to tight end Jason or screens to the halfbacks and wide receivers.  By doing this Romo doesn't have to think or decide or do anything really then just run the play.  Low risk, high reward.  Sounds simple, but I see the Cowboys playing the same way they have always did, which is let Tony Romo do what he does.  Face it, Tony is a unique talent and he does more good than bad for Dallas, but he tends to do the bad things when it counts the most.  He came back from Week 1's loss with an outstanding performance in San Fran.  I want to see how he comes out after the bye and performs at New England.

Blog by Haz Bey

Dream Team Nightmare

The Philadelphia Eagles are not who we thought they were, but I am not going to let them off the hook.  Andy Reid has watched his team blow 3 4th quarter leads in as many games.  The Birds could easily be 4-0, but on the other hand they can also 0-4 as well.  With St. Louis' Steven Jackson pulling up lame on his 47 yard TD run in week 1, the Eagles dodged a bullet and with Jackson out of the game, the Birds went on to win 31-13 for the first and last time they won a football game.

Now with a 1-3 record on the season, the Eagles are in last place in the NFC East.  A "Dream Team", really, sorry America, but that term does not apply.  Who in their right mind would even suggest something like that?  Oh yeah, good old Vince Young.  You know the guy that never took a snap for the franchise, but the media took that sound-bite and ran with it.  I don't know for what though, the original "Dream Team" was made up of some of the best basketball players to ever play the game.  Jordan, Magic & Bird were just some of the names associated with that legendary team.  The Eagles don't quite have such star power on their roster.  I believe them to be very loaded at the skill positions such as quarterback, running back, wide receiver & corner back, but their lack of talent with their safeties, linebackers & offensive linemen are holding this team from greatness. 

The Eagles have always been an arrogant franchise.  More times than not because their regular season success during the Andy Reid era, the Birds do not do a good job in hiding their weaknesses.  They always had the mentality that they would use their strengths to beat the other team anyways.  This years flock of birds are built on team speed and protecting a lead. Sad thing is they loss 3 straight games with 4th quarter leads.  Teams are running the ball right down their throat and then they carve the Eagles undersized "D" with mismatches on the safeties and linebackers.  The only way for the Eagles to fix this problem and get to the Super Bowl is to score 35-40 points a game without turning the ball over to outscore the opposition.  An impossible task to execute in the NFL week in and week out, but it seems like it is the only way for the Eagles live up the media's expectations and climb out of their 1-3 hole. 



Blog by Haz Bey



The Greatest Regular Season Night in Baseball... EVER!!!!

Anyone that was able to watch how the four most important games of the season played out last night will definitely remember it until the day they die.  The Cardinals, Braves, Rays & Red Sox were all playing for wild card spots last night and the "WOW" factor was in full effect.  Both the Red Sox & Braves 9 and 8.5 games leads respectfully, not to  mention they both had 3-2 leads over the teams they were playing against going into the 9th inning last night and blew those as well.  Unbelieveable!  How does that happen? For it to happen to 1 team in 1 season, ok we get it, but for the fate of two teams in two leagues to play out in identical fashion is quite stunning to say the least.

Now the Rays & Cardinals should get a lot of credit for fighting tooth and nail to just have a chance to have a shot at the playoffs, but the teams we have to admire the most is the Phillies and Orioles.  Philadelphia had nothing to gain in the standings by beating the Braves last night, but they played their starters for the entire series to tune-up for the playoffs.  That decision by skipper Charlie Manuel who is now the winningest manager in Phillies history, resulted in a 3-game sweep over their divison foes.  It also meant that this years Phillies won 102 games, most in team history.  Baltimore's skipper Buck Showalter motivated his team enough to compete with a far more talent group in the Boston Red Sox.  The Red Sox were playing for their playoff lives, but this was Baltimore's "Super Bowl".  When overpaid, former star outfielder Carl Crawford slid feet first instead of diving to make the catch on the game-winning RBI in the 9th, you can see the joy and excitement in all the O's eyes as they celebrated as a team that has just won the pennant.  The O's took the game to heart and kept the integrity of the game.  They didn't lay down and just let the season pass.  They made Boston work and ultimately destroyed their chances at a post season bid.  What's crazy is 3 minutes after the Red Sox blew a golden opportunity, they get to the locker room only to find out that the Evan Longoria had hit his second homer of the night in walk-off fashion.  The Yankees who were up 7-0, put in their bench and allowed the Rays to come all the way back to win. 

Now did the Yankees keep the integrity of the game in mind?  Most would say no, but I say, "GIVE ME A HELL-YEAH!" (Thank you Stone Cold).  The Yanks were up 7-0 for up to 8 innings.  They had every right to rest their players.  They have to play again on Friday.  What did they have to gain by playing their regulars in what seemed to be a blowout.  It is not their fault that the Red Sox won only 7 games all of September.  It is not their fault that the Red Sox did not win back to back games all of September.  And most importantly it is not their fault that the Red Sox were scoreboard watching and was a little too comfortable with a 3-2 lead with the last place Orioles after the 5th inning.  Don't blame The Yankees Red Sox Nation, blame your beloved Red Sox.  And Atlanta fans don't you dare blame anybody but yourselves either.  Did you guys really think that the worst team in baseball would hold up their end of the bargain?  Lets go Houston.

Seriously, that was the best night of baseball and maybe one the most exciting nights in sports in general.  So much drama, so much at stake.  I loved every second of it and I know most of you guys did too, well except for those Braves and Red Sox fans.  September 28, 2011 will go down as the best regular season night in MLB history.  Now how will the playoffs top that?  I guess we are going to have to just find out, because now we know anything can happen, I mean anything.

Blog by Haz Bey

Lincoln Finacial's Bad Investment

They Keep chasing me!!!

The Eagles had a very eventful off season with the signing of some so called big name free agents and the re-signing of the franchises best player, Michael Vick. With the money that was invested in DE Jason Babin, overrated, DT Cullen Jenkins, earning his pay, CB Nnamdi Asomugha, Jury still out, they could have maybe cut back on them and signed some vets for their sorry excuse for an offensive line and a LB that can play in space and make a tackle for their young and talentless Linebacking core. Oh yea, I forgot to mention they gave the often injured Mike Vick $100 Million in his re-signing. Now I'm no GM but I think I understand a little bit of how you show build a team and with no protection for your All Pro QB and no solid LB's how can you contend for a championship?

 I say Championship because the birds always go to the playoffs, somehow, but what they can't do is win the big one, the Superbowl. They are suppose to be in contention this season with all the acquisitions they made in the off season but a slow 1-2 start is raising some eyebrows. They lost a shootout with the Falcons who, I think man for man is not as talented as the "Seagulls" and then they comeback the next week and take a dominating loss to the G-Men. These two games showed not only do they need help, but the coaching on both sides of the ball is erratic. They did the right thing for once and spent a couple dollars but on the wrong personnel. This could backfire because next season they will not only be hesitant in spending for these names they might also be close to the Salary Cap.

Blog by Mike McClendon

Parody?..Too Early to Tell

Stevie Baby!

So the NFL is three weeks in and of course we will talk surprises and all that nonsense we do early in sports seasons, but we can point out a few interesting things to watch the rest of the season. For one, the Buffalo Bills are 3-0, as well as the Lions, and they beat 3 quality teams. Chiefs, maybe not significant now RB Jamaal Charles is done for season, Raiders in a thriller and the Patriots. Both the Raiders game and Pats game the Bills trailed in the second half and fought back to win. Reminiscent of Jim Kelly and all those Run n Gun comeback games he had in his prime. The Bills are showing "moxy" and bravado and with the "Bungals" (Bengals) on the schedule for next week they have a chance to be going into a tough match up with the "Seagulls" (Eagles) 4-0. I highly doubt the Bills will win the AFC East though because the Pats and Jets will be focused and revitalized once the season is in its "winner" weeks, and what I mean by that is teams who are use to winning or have the talent to win start winning games they are suppose win. The beginning of the season and ladder parts of the season all great teams are primed for the upset. The verdict is still out on the Bills but I think whole heartily they will fall back into the pack and maybe have 7 or 8 wins.

MEGATRON!!!

Soon to be, in my eyes, Americas favorite team to root for the Detroit Lion's are 3-0 and gaining momentum going into this weeks match up with the Cowboys. Detroit is full of young talent across the board and if QB Mathew Stafford stays healthy and WR Calvin "Megatron" Johnson can also stay healthy and continue to do work then they have an outside chance of getting a wild card spot in the NFC. They won't contend for the division yet because the defense has to improve in the secondary and Packers will exploit that and at times maybe the Bears too. But what they have proved is that they can win and their 3 wins against the Buccs', Chiefs (common win for teams), and Vikes, showed the world this team is exciting and ready for the big stage. They just have to stay healthy, get more of a consistent running game, and keep playing hard and with heart. I will go as far to say they will make a playoff appearance, THIS SEASON, if, and it's a big if in the NFL, they can stay healthy. It is a exciting team to watch and if they can beat the, "I can't get the snap count right because the D-Line is yelling at me" Cowgirls (cowboys), then we will be talking more Lions all season.

State of the Game

Three remaining teams are undefeated at 3-0, and one of which is the defending champs Green Bay Packers, the other two haven't seen the playoffs since the turn of the new millennium, they also share the longest current playoff drought at 11 seasons. There is a stable of teams at 2-1, of the 15 teams at that mark 9 of them were not in the playoffs last season, I know only 6 make it from each conference but you get my point. The 2011 season has shown some sort of parody but again it is extremely early and like I mentioned earlier, when the season gets into its "winner" weeks then the strong teams will leave the pack and some will fall back. 

Blog by Mike McClendon

The Best of the West vs. The Beast in the East

E-A-G-L-E-S  Eagles!!!

The so called beast of the NFC right now is everyone one's favorite "trending topic" Philadelphia Eagles. They stacked their roster with overpaid talent and spent a couple extra bucks than normal. So this makes the world think this is their year. (Laugh out Loud) Michael Vick took over last year and showed the world his black ass by putting together highlight after highlight last season. With him at the helm from the start of training camp the Eagles could possibly soar high and get it done, maybe. It all depends on health and keeping wide out DeSean "Action" Jackson happy, but I digress, I'll let my partner in crime Haz Bey tell you why the Birds are for-real.

HAZ: The Birds are for real for only one reason, Michael Vick.  In his short time as the Eagles starting quarterback, Vick has change the culture throughout the whole organization from a team that is good enough to compete with the elite teams in the league to a team that is ready to buy themselves a championship now.  Some may argue that during the "McNabb" tenure the Eagles held back on giving McNabb what he needs to get the franchise over the hump, but now with Vick playing at an all-time level, the Eagles management feels like they must capitalize on Vick's talent and maximize their chances on bringing a Super Bowl title to Philly.  Vick's presence alone attracted the services of Nnamdi Asomugha, the most sought after free agent in football this off season.  Not to mention with Vick running the show, Kevin Kolb needed to go, which made way for Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie to be part of a 3 headed monster at cornerback teaming up with Pro Bowlers Assante Samuel and Nnamdi Asomugha.  The Green Bay Packers are still the team to beat, but the Eagles will be one of the teams ready to dethrone them.

MIKE: I agree with you that Vick is a great talent, but to me he is the Dominique Wilkins of the NFL all highlights, all stats, and always injured. Like "Nique" Vick is going to "oooh" and "awwe" the crowd but also like the "human highlight film" Vick will come up short of getting the job done on the field. To me it's not just the Packers they need to worry about. They should keep in mind that the Saints are only two seasons removed from being champions, the Bears, believe me or not, were one game and one "wimpy" ass QB from being in the Super Bowl last season, and the whole NFC East is going to be gunning for this ,back up QB Vince Young,  proclaimed dream team. Haz the birds are not going to get it done behind Vick and his $100 Million arms and legs.

HAZ: Dominique Wilkins, great name drop, but not good enough my friend.  The Eagles produce too much talent on offense for Vick not to be successful.  Your hatred for the Eagles blinds you from the fact that Philly has a very favorable schedule which will automatically land them anywhere between 13-3 and 11-5.  That means playoffs and another division title.  No one team, not even the mighty Green Bay Packers wants to see Philly if they are clicking on all cylinders come playoff time.  Vick strikes fear into a defense not seen since the likes of Randall Cunningham and Steve Young.  So let's see what happens when I prove you to be wrong, Michael.

MIKE:Yea Yea, I've herd it all before. I will admit this though the birds are "flocking" together as a unit this year and the most electrifying man in the game Mr. Vick will probably take them deep in the playoffs, but like I always say the NFC is a toss up and who ever is hot at the right time usually prevails.

RAIDER NATION

The laughing stock of the NFL from 2003-2009 has been the Oakland Raiders, not Lions, not Browns, and not even the St. Louis Rams. It has been one of the most popular and one of the winningest teams in football history the Oakland Raiders. With a bunch of no-names and a "soft" talking and playing QB in Jason Campbell the Raiders took a couple of steps in the right direction last season by going 8-8 overall and undefeated in division play at 6-0. If running back Darren McFadden can stay healthy and the Raiders can continue to play good to great defense then they have a shot to win the lowly AFC West.

MIKE: If Jason Campbell can stay average and not at any point of the season drop below average then the Raiders have a great chance of winning the division because they already have a great ground attack in McFadden and Michael Bush and in a pass happy league the Raiders are really good at rushing the passer. The only other flaw that worries me outside of Jason Campbell is the Raiders run defense. It has always ranked low in the league since 2003 but with 2nd year player Rolando McClain improving off his rookie season last year I think he will rally all the other young guys in that LB and DL core. Last year Raiders ranked 3rd in pass defense and even with the loss of Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha to the Eagles I don't expect that to change. Michael Huff and Tyvon Branch ranked high among safeties in interceptions and sacks and with a young CB group led by Standford Routt the Raider can stay in contention all season.

HAZ: Now the fact that you are saying that Jason Campbell will lead the Raiders to the AFC West title is ludicrous, he is the forth best quarterback in the AFC West which consist of 4 teams, plus I am pretty sure Phillip Rivers will have plenty to say on the field about it.  For the Raiders to win the division they will have to be lights out on the defensive side of the football, period.  With McFadden and Bush in the backfield, they should be able to control the clock with there above average running game, which will give the defense the rest they need to beat up on the opposition.   I do not think the loss of Nnamdi Asomugha will devastate this team at all.  There is plenty of speed on defense to contend with the likes of San Diego, Denver and Kansas City, but at the end of the day Jason Campbell is going have to make plays that will decide the outcome of a hand full of games this season and I do not trust that he will get the job done more times than not.  San Diego will rebound with a determined Phillip Rivers and capture the AFC West.

MIKE: LOL, laugh out loud! The fact that the Raiders went 6-0 in the AFC West last season is yesterdays history, I agree. But my point to you Mr. Bey is this, with a young and talented defense and one of the best front 7 in the league, check the stats, how can you bet against the Raiders to win the division when nobody else in the AFC West did anything this off-season to improve.? So I say your train of thought is absurd because Jason Campbell won't have to make plays to win the Raiders games, he will have to not lose games for the Raiders by being what he already knows he is, and that's an average QB. The main focus for the Raiders is to stay healthy and then I believe they can win the AFC West division and get back to the playoffs and get back to being the BLACK & SILVER of old.

HAZ:  Did you just tell me to check the stats? Jason Campbell doesn't have to win games, but he just can't lose games?  Oh you're telling jokes now, but seriously the Raiders are outmatched.  San Diego will not lose the AFC West again.  So now the Raiders must focus on the wild card.  Teams like the Jets, Steelers and Bills seem to be the early favorites to claim 2 wild card spots available come season's end, but if the Raiders can somehow win 10 games, they might just get there, which would be great for the league.

Raiders vs. Eagles Superbowl!!!

Will the Eagles and Raiders meet in the Super Bowl this year?  Probably not, but in the NFL anything can happen.  Both teams have a lot to prove, but for very different reasons.  The Eagles have put themselves in position to win a Super Bowl now and will have very high expectations to live up to all season long.  The Raiders on the other hand lost a lot close games last season and still wound up with an 8-8 record.  Now Oakland looks to take the next step of their progression and reach the post season by winning the AFC West.  It will be a very tough task, but it definitely not out of their reach.  The new season is upon us, so lets see where these two teams are at come January or even February.  Like Kevin Garnett said after beating the Lakers in the 2008 NBA Finals... "ANYTHING'S POSSIBLE!!!"

Mike McClendon

Haz Bey

This Blog was written by both Mike McClendon & Haz Bey of  M & H SPORTS