Say Your Not Scared: I Dare You

The "Big Three's" taken, so let's give that up. ESPN.com called them "The Firm," catchy and clever, bravo to the Worldwide Leader in Sports. The way I see it? It doesn't matter what you call them, they don't need a cliche nickname. All I know is that this post season, the Phillies are top dogs again, and this time it's not Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, or Jayson Werth. It's three pitchers who have had success, but together, rock the baseball world.

Us Phillies fans can replay it in our heads like it was yesterday. 2008. Cole Hamels staring cold into the glove of Carlos Ruiz, cool and confident that he would mow down the opponent, sizing up hitters with the eyes of a future champion. In that post season Hamels pitched in 5 games, threw 35 innings and gave up a mere 7 earned runs. When the Phillies celebrated the club's first crown in 28 years that October, it was Hamels' 4-0 record and 1.80 ERA that ultimately set them apart. Evidence? The MVP Awards of both the World Series and NLCS that Hamels took home when the team finally ran out of champagne.

In 2009. Hamels didn't give the follow up performance the crowd was looking for. His 10-11 record and 4.32 ERA fell way short of club and fan expectations, and by the 2009 trade deadline Cliff Lee was a Phillie and Hamels was no longer the team's number one. It took until 2010 for Cole to take that to heart. Reuben Amaro acquired Roy Halladay in the off season, and Cole wasn't on the hill come opening day at Nationals Park. Regardless, he saw 2010 as an opportunity to make Philly forget that he ever missed a beat. This year Cole has dazzled opponents start after start, and while his 12-11 record is a product of an inconsistent offense, his 3.09 ERA speaks volumes for itself. '08 form? Cole would say its just 2010 form, and the difference a year can make.

Reuben Amaro Jr. has always been a General Manager who doesn't shy away from assessing immediate team needs. This off season he sent Cliff Lee to Seattle in a three team trade that made Roy Halladay a Phillie, building one of the league's best one-two rotation punches. Halladay has displayed nothing short of greatness with a Cy Young worth 21-10 record, and four complete game shutouts, the last of which clinched the NL East. At this year's deadline Reuben was at it again, but this time surprised us all. Although a struggling and ailing offense was a major concern come late July, Amaro seized the opportunity to put another lights out starter in red pinstripes. Enter Roy Oswalt. Since joining the club, Oswalt's ERA has dropped almost a full point to 2.73, and his 7-1 record has dictated much of a 19-6 team run.

The Phillies clinched the top spot in the National League earlier this week, and that allowed them to set up their three man rotation for the NLDS. While the other teams may need to focus on getting in themselves, you can't help but wonder how well they are sleeping. With Hamels, Oswalt, and Halladay on the play bill, teams know what to expect; a struggle. While hitters may have to face them, pitchers need to oppose them. Going into a game knowing that giving up three runs puts your team in a bad position, raises the stress level of opposing rotations immensely. Have a thing for sheer dominance? Take a look at the combined 13-1 record these guys have posted in September. That doesn't get you going? Just stay tuned, the fun is yet to come.

JD

A Second Chance: A Better Chance

Sunday in Jacksonville, Michael Vick proved that he was far from a Kevin Kolb fill in. Not only is the once pro-bowler, and once inmate getting the second chance he dreamed of, he is playing with a supporting cast sent from the football gods; so let's get one thing straight. Michael Vick is starting solely because he is one of the NFL's prominent offensive weapons, and while PETA may not be convinced, the rest are getting there.

Just when it seemed like all was crashing down on Philadelphia, the water has calmed, and the light has shined through. Much to the chagrin of many, that light is Michael Vick. Vick has carried an ailing offense to two straight wins, putting up eye popping numbers, and making eye pleasing plays. Vick has joined an offense full of weapons, filled with the uncertainty of what's to come, and powered by the element of surprise. What he adds with his legs, arm, and experience, raises the hazard level significantly. What Vick does is create. His play making abilities will enable Desean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin to get in the open field and use their legs to make it happen as well. The possibilities for an offense that features the swift #7 are endless. So open up your mind and your eyes, and just enjoy the show.

JD

The Good Gone Bad

Coming into the 2010 season it seemed as though everything was going for Eagles quarterback Kevin Kolb. He was under the wing of Andy Reid, the old quarterback coach of the Packers (when Favre first became a starter) who has had a knack for breeding winners throughout his career. More importantly however, is the allegiances he had gained. He is inheriting an offense no older than him, and a fan base that is happy that a season not featuring # 5 is finally getting underway. Cue the violin. When Kevin Kolb rolled out last Sunday, and was was slammed head first into the ground by Packers' linebacker Clay Mathews, it all fell apart. During half time Kolb was deemed unfit to play, and left a mess for back up Michael Vick. When Vick picked that mess up, doing all but licking the plate clean in a 27-20 loss, what was once a first year starter's utopia, is now a living hell.

Since Kevin Kolb, along with middle linebacker Stewart Bradley, failed his concussion test earlier this week, Michael Vick has been announced Sunday's starter for the first time since 2006. And while Shaun Hill fills in for Matthew Stafford for the opposing Detroit, things are way different in Philadelphia. Kevin Kolb is being backed up by a 6-time pro bowler, not a late round draft pick up, so if Vick beats Detroit on Sunday, and shows that he has control of the offense, speculation will begin to rise. Do the Eagles continue to treat this as a rebuilding year, a year to get Kolb situated into the the NFL, or do they go with an option (Vick), that may give them a better chance to win. Starting or not, Michael Vick will be on the free agent market come this off season, but will starting him ruin the confidence of a project that Reid and the organization believes in? Kevin Kolb has officially stepped into the same boat as Donovan McNab; a boat called the dog house. In order to "do well" in eyes of the Philadelphia fans, Kolb needs to one, not make any mistakes, and two, out do Michael Vick, who looks the best he has in years. When it seemed that these fans could be rational, almost patient as a young quarterback gets acclimated into an established organization; a small concussion could be the burden on a career that has hardly begun.

JD

NFL Preview 2010

One of the highest anticipated football season in years is carrying one big punch line, "it's anyone's game." With player-organization turmoil reaching an all-time high, an unhappy player this off season is about as common as a hurt one. Week 1 lineups? A mystery. My Predictions? Next.

Power Rankings

1. Indianapolis Colts

And just when we thought Peyton would have a reason to turn it all in, with another MVP and another Super Bowl ring, the Saints put revenge on the table. The Colts 14-2 record capped off their reign as the winningest team of the last decade, and backed up their title as the league'spremier team. Super bowl runner ups? Old news. Peyton and the boys are coming back to win it all once again, so for anyone who gets in their way, good luck.

2. New Orleans Saints

Counting out the reigning Super Bowl Champions as NFC favorites is not only illogical but virtually suicidal. Four years removed, Katrina is no longer an excuse to win, and the feeling of victory at the highest level of competition takes it place. The Saints new inspiration? Get back, win, and parade down Bourbon once again. The Saints, a team known for its explosive offense, finds its strength with its play making defense, that had 26 interceptions last season, and scored on five. Jonathan Vilma's run stopping ability and Will Smith's 13 sacks last season is what spurred the secondary to new heights. From there, the league's most explosive offense takes it course. Quarterback play is all about getting it done in the clutch; and right behind Manning, Brees is my guy. Once Brees and Marques Colston get in sync, a defensive stop is an automatic 7, and the Saints become one of the league's elite.

3. Dallas Cowboys

They say everything is bigger in Texas, and in 2010, they are right. As an Eagles fan it pains me to "super rank" the Cowboys, and that should show you just how serious this squad is. Tony Romo, now a premier NFL QB, has an abundance of toys to play with. But if Jason Witten, Miles Austin, Roy Williams and Dez Bryant can't get it done, maybe backfield stars Marion Barber and Felix Jones will. On defense, Dallas leans on its pass rush that stars Pro Bowlers Jai Ratliff and Demarcus Ware; and wins with its secondary including All-Pro corners Mike Jenkins and Terrance Newman. Some keys to victory; we will stop you, and you won't stop us.

4. New York Jets

There are only so many things that can compensate for a sub par quarterback. The New York Jets, who feature USC product Mark Sanchez, luckily have them all. A game plan that can rely on its run game that hands the ball to Shonn Greene and Ladanian Tomlinson, but also has wide out weapons Jericho Cotchery, Braylon Edwards, Lavraneus Coles, and Santonio Holmes, who joins the Jets after Week 4. On the other side of the ball, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, where Rex Ryan, identical to his father Buddy, has his defense in tip top shape. A team that lost to the Colts in the AFC Championship last season, added a very key piece to their roster this off-season; a third down back. In pre-season, Sanchez and Tomlinson are already showing that they have a good connection, which will be a good safety valve, that tight end Dustin Keller barely provides. A new toy? Try a new best friend for a quarterback who needs the short game to survive.

5. Baltimore Ravens

Every year since Joe Flacco has been in the league this team has prospered and played football into the ladder stages of the year. Now that Ray Rice is a star back and the Ravens front office added Anquan Boldin to their roster; their chances of success are only getting higher. Baltimore's D has become a mere constant in the NFL ever since their title in 2000. With a star running back as well as a true number one receiver, Ray Lewis will make sure his offense has the ball. When they do, history won't tell the story, and points are much more probable.

6. Cincinnati Bengals

The main theme for good teams this year is an abundance of weapons on offense, and a reliable unit on defense. The Bengals have just that. Carson Palmer and his amigo Chad Ochocinco welcome another big mouth vet in Terrell Owens, fresh off the worst year of his career in Buffalo; expect some changes there. The Bengals, who thrived on the ground last season, adopted a dual system this off season, grooming Bernard Scott who's speed is the perfect compliment for Cedric Benson's change of pace style.

7. New England Patriots

In the eyes of the sports nation the Patriots had an off year last season, so if 10-6 with a division title is off, this team turns me on. WIth a shaky defense that features mostly young talent, the Pats offense could get back to '07 form, starting the year the healthiest they've been since. If the offense is in '07 form, look out. When Tom Brady gets in sync with his Welker dump off and Moss long ball, not only does the ground game open up but the pressure eases off the boys on the other end. If the Patriots can control the tempo of the game, use clock and score on long possessions, their defense will be able to take risks and go after opposing offenses, adding the final touch to a classic winning formula.

8. Green Bay Packers

Here is an offense that has the potential to score the most points this season. Seasoned wide outs in Greg Jennings and Donald Driver, a young versatile tight end in Jermichael Finley, a running back who puts up the same stunning numbers every season in Ryan Grant, and Aaron Rodgers, who is emerging as the league's next big thing at the quarterback position. This Packers team could very well be identical to the Cardinals in '08. Putting up lopsided numbers and winning the game in the air, ultimately when it counts, with a QB who is calm cool and collected at all times.

9. San Francisco 49er's

The 49er's, a sleeper team of sorts in 2010, not only find themselves as clear NFC West favorites, but a team that could make serious serious noise. The Niners defense was the backbone for any success they had in '09, led by a consistent secondary and an All-Pro play maker in Patrick Willis. In that vain, San Francisco's offense will show up much more in 2010. Adding Ten Ginn Jr. in the off season and welcoming back Frank Gore and Michael Crabtree as full time members after their set backs in '09, this team is wired for success.

10. Philadelphia Eagles

Oh the Eagles. The hometown Birds are tricky to predict in 2010, but as a biased fan they had to crack the top ten. Kevin Kolb takes over for Donovan McNabb at the helm, signifying the end of an era that many fans loathed for years. As Kolb enters the bright Philadelphia spotlight, he couldn't of came at a better time. The Birds receiving core is among the league's best, and if Kolb can get them the ball with space to work, his job will be very easy. This off season, the organization addressed needs on the defensive end drafting DE Brandon Graham, and S Nate Allen to try and fill holes vacated over the last couple of years. The Eagles also added veteran linebacker Ernie Sims and get Stewart Bradley back from a knee injury that sidelined him for all of 2009. If the Eagles can stop the run, their young defense won't look so young, and the Kolb-Reid era could start with a bang.

11. Minnesota Vikings

What else is there to say but Brett Favre is back. After another "eventful" off season Favre is back and this time I have a feeling it will be his last; but who will ever know. Following a season where he posted a passer rating of 107.2, the best of his illustrious career, Favre will be missing favorite target Sidney Rice for the first several weeks of the year. A set back? Maybe, but with Adrian Peterson, Bernard Berrian, old friend Javon Walker and All-Pro play maker Percy Harvin, things are still looking up. Jared Allen continues to be the league's most feared pass rusher, and Minnesota's linebacking core and secondary continue to be a problem for opposing offenses. Favre's goal, eclipse last year's success and end of his Hall of Fame career with a touchdown, a completion, or even an incomplete pass; just not an interception.

12. Houston Texans

Following last year's success, the league's most recent expansion franchise can no longer be considered the underdogs. With an absolute dynamite offense featuring Matt Schaub, Andre Johnson, and Owen Daniels, that however, lacks a running game and a competent number two receiver that can take the pressure off Johnson, who is the league's best. That is where this team meets its downfall. If Schaub and Johnson get shut down, a formula which defensive coordinators are still out to find, Houston lacks a back up plan and a shut down defense. Houston has a good pass rushing line, but doesn't have a secondary lean on and feel comfortable sending the blitz. As more and more teams figure out this offense, the Texans run into more and more problems. Until than, Schaub and Johnson get set for a playoff run.

13. San Diego Chargers

The departure of Ladanian Tomlinson was the illustration of a new start for the Bolts this off season. Fresno State product Ryan Matthews has San Diego smelling like Febreze, fresh and not missing a beat on offense. On defense, the Chargers continue to descend. An aging line, slow linebacking crew and a depleted secondary has this team with question marks all around. So 13th? To put it plain and simple they are the hierarchy in one of football's worst divisions in years, a title that can carry a substantial amount of weight amidst an NFL season.

14. Miami Dolphins

Oh how Brandon Marshall is going to hate the wild cat. What he may not know; if he can avoid the drama, he could just thrive. The Dolphins made a huge step in acquiring Marshall as a number one receiver, one this team hasn't seen since Chris Chambers in the early 2000's. Chad Henne takes over an offense that limits his power, and inherits a diva who demeans it. The Dolphins are strong on defense, and have a scheme that has ultimately defined obscure offensive success over the past few seasons. But a big problem, Henne's plate. Just a few years removed from Ann Arbor Henne has a whole lot to handle, Tony Sparano and Bill Parcells can only pray that he is ready.

15. Washington Redskins

As one era ends in Philadelphia, the Shanahan-McNabb saga begins in D.C. Whenever there were shades of hope for Washington in the past, it seemed as though their quarterback is what held them back. No matter what anyone says about Donovan McNabb, they are inheriting a leader, a competitor, and a winner, who has experience and a skill set that will allow any team he is on to set serious success goals. With a plethora of running backs, and a handful of promising wide outs, McNabb is doing something he hasn't done in 11 years. He is starting over. As a franchise, Washington has already encountered a 350 pound speed bump in the form of a childish defensive lineman. To go without naming him, I would strongly advise Washington to get rid of the negative energy that he has brought to that franchise, and move on with a defense that can manage.

16. Atlanta Falcons

Here is another explosive offense. Matt Ryan and Roddy White are one of the league's premiere connections, and Michael Turner is...Michael Turner. Like most teams in the NFC South this team has much trouble getting stops, most importantly when stops are badly needed. Clutch defense wins, and this team has lacked that along their rocky roads to the off season over the past few seasons. If all goes well, Matt Ryan will be healthy this season and their offense can carry this team to limited success. Their next goal, eliminate that limit, that will not only act as a driving force but a burden on the confidence of a rising team.

17. New York Giants

SI's pick to win the NFC East just isn't doing all that much for me. Although the Giants have serious talent on both ends of the ball, they spent much of 2009 searching for answers that never got resolved. A huge factor for the Giants this season, their schedule, which is seemingly one of the toughest in the league. Six games against NFC East rivals, and a date with each team in the NFC South, a schedule formula that equals no smooth sailing in 2010 for the boys of North Jersey.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers

The absence of Ben Roethlisberger will be something that this team will not overcome until he is back behind center. That is when Rashard Mendenhall, Mike Wallace, and Hines Ward insert the final piece to a strong offense. However, a 16 game NFL season is much about momentum, and an 0-4 start would just be hard to overcome. To avoid that, this defense needs to take '08 form and step it up. Troy Polamalu using his speed, and hair, needs to keep the long plays in front of him, and allow Lamar Woodley and James Harrison to get around the end and get to opposing QB's. Old Steeler football, let the defense do the work.

19. Chicago Bears

Like most teams, this team will rise and fall with Jay Cutler. My prediction; he is on the rise. With Devin Hester, Johnny Knox and Devin Aroshamadu, Cutler certainly has guys that he can air it out to and use the big play to the fullest. Serious keys for this team this season. Get back to the ground, that means you Matt Forte, yes you. Sophomores slumps go in the rearview mirror, no questions asked, and the Bears badly need you in 2010. Another key, the arrival of Julius Peppers and the return of Brian Urlacher, however aged they may be, need to be the flames that re ignite a defense slipping out of its prime.

20. Arizona Cardinals

Ken Wisenhut and the Arizona staff made the absolute right decision with Derek Anderson, assuring that their offense will be run by an accurate quarterback that has shown glimpses of starter potential. Something that Matt Leinart certainly has not. On defense, the Cardinals continue to look to their secondary for answers, and hope that Darnell Dockett can continue to be a play maker on their offensive line. All-Pro safety Adrian Wilson will continue to do his thing, but expect this team to be seriously dethroned by the NFC West this year.

21. Tennessee Titans

The Titans defense took a major step back in 2009, which made room for their offense emerge. While I cannot see it all coming together for the Titans in 2010, you still can't sleep on the blur. Chris Johnson, coming off an MVP season (where he was not crowned) will continue to carry a team that as yearning for another option. Until that craving is assessed, C.J. is taking his speed and his busy agenda, and going to work.

22. Jacksonville Jaguars

Like the Giants the Jags have a tough schedule, with divisional games in the AFC South, and a date with each team in the NFC B-East. Like the Titans, the Jaguars are riding one option, Maurice Jones-Drew, but Mojo can only take so much. A team that always has their name in the mix come playoff time, is too one dimensional therefore too predictable, and too similar to a year ago.

23. Carolina Panthers

Dear Carolina, call me crazy, but you may just miss Jake Delhomme. While his end to a mediocre run in Carolina came to a close awkwardly, Matt Moore doesn't heal any wounds. Steve Smith is getting old and your dual back system is just about all you have left, so hit the ground and talk to Rex Ryan about possible playbook swaps for 2010.

24. Denver Broncos

While some of us hope that success will follow Tim Tebow to Denver, he not only has no control but also has little hope. Denver, last year's Cinderella team, lost All-Pro receiver Brandon Marshall to free agency, and will find out soon how valuable Marshall was despite his downing attitude. Elvis Dumervil will need to capture greatness once again, and the Broncos defense could benefit from stalling the opponents run game again in 2010.

25. Seattle Seahawks

T.J. is out of town and everyone can take a second to acknowledge the newfound peace in the locker room. Pete Carroll hopes to start off his second stint in the NFL with success, but the team he inherited is not going to make that easy. Matt Hasselbeck will have his hands full with a young up and coming offensive core that includes Justin Forsett and Golden Tate, as prime targets, and Julius Jones as a fellow savvy vet.

26. Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs are never getting out of Kansas City, not without a winning season in the coming years. Matt Cassell peaked with the Pats and like many low tier teams this team will look to the ground for answers. The Chiefs front office acquired Thomas Jones this off season to join Jamaal Charles in a back field that could make some loud noise. Aside from the the Chiefs have problems, and they're not getting out of Kansas City alive.

27. Detroit Lions

The Lions had the best draft in the league this year, which will set them up for the long run, and allow them to rebuild in the 2010 sprint. Ndamukong Suh and Jahvid Best are among a young crew that also includes sophomores Matthew Stafford and Brandon Pettigrew, which will give Detroit fans something to be excited for as they watch these players blossom and show signs of a good future.

28. Buffalo Bills

The Bills added a play maker in C.J. Spiller via the NFL Draft, but should of added a player that could help them on the defensive end. With Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch already in town, Buffalo went in the wrong direction and missed a big opportunity to begin to rebuild a defense that is a serious issue.

29. Oakland Raiders

Jason Campbell was hurt this off season but if he is healthy. Ed Davis may have finally done something right. While I earlier bashed his performance as a D.C. quarterback, Oakland yearns for someone that can control the tempo of a game and put up points. Oakland has a decent defense for a team that is in what I like to call the "NFL's hole," and their offense is what has stalled any chances of success in past years.

30. Cleveland Browns

Brady Quinn finally left, and Cleveland fans can finally smile. With Lebron gone, some of the focus may move to the Browns and the spotlight could be something that a dying franchise can call on for inspiration. Other than that, Cleveland has nothing to cheer about, but an embarrassing team and a "starting" quarterback that is bound to let them down.

31. St. Louis Rams

Sam Bradford has been stunning in pre season and in result is the named starter for Sunday's opener. A major concern early on, is that number one receiver Donnie Avery has sustained an injury that will sideline him for all of 2010. Bradford is not going to have an easy road this season, but will gain much experience as "the man" on a very sub par team.

32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tampa Bay. Nothing going for them, nothing to cheer for. But good luck.

Division and Playoff Predictions

NFC East

1. Dallas Cowboys

2. Philadelphia Eagles

3. Washington Redskins

4. New York Giants

NFC North

1. Green Bay Packers

2. Minnesota Vikings

3. Chicago Bears

4. Detroit Lions

NFC South

1. New Orleans Saints

2. Atlanta Falcons

3. Carolina Panthers

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

NFC West

1. San Francisco 49er's

2. Arizona Cardinals

3. Seattle Seahawks

4. St. Louis Rams

NFC Wild Card- Philadelphia Eagles and Minnesota Vikings

AFC East

1. New York Jets

2. New England Patriots

3. Miami Dolphins

4. Buffalo Bills

AFC North

1. Baltimore Ravens

2. Cincinnati Bengals

3. Pittsburgh Steelers

4. Cleveland Browns

AFC South

1. Indianapolis Colts

2. Houston Texans

3. Tennessee Titans

4. Jacksonville Jaguars

AFC West

1. San Diego Chargers

2. Denver Broncos

3. Kansas City Chiefs

4. Oakland Raiders

AFC Wild Card- New England Patriots and Cincinnati Bengals

NFC Championship Game- Dallas Cowboys vs. New Orleans Saints

AFC Championship Game- Baltimore Ravens vs. New England Patriots

Super Bowl- New England Patriots beat Dallas Cowboys 27-21

JD