As the NFL off-season continues I felt the need to examine some very basic points of life as an NFL observer. There are so many good points with regard to football news but just as many aggravating parts of the game that I think should be pointed out. All-in-all, the sport is the best in the world, but simply put, it isn’t perfect. Here are some thoughts on the good and bad.

As the NFL off-season continues I felt the need to examine some very basic points of life as an NFL observer.

There are so many good points with regard to football news but just as many aggravating parts of the game that I think should be pointed out. All-in-all, the sport is the best in the world, but simply put, it isn’t perfect. Here are some thoughts on the good and bad.

GOOD NFL:

>Non-stop football:

During the off-season, there is always something going on, from free agent moves to organized team activities.
I’ve never paid so much attention to glorified practices than I have this time around. The way a rookie corner looks to beat writers during OTA’s or injuries suffered here in early June are nuggets I must know about each day.
>Fan appreciation…everyday:

Once training camp starts, millions of fans will come out of the wood work just to see a glimpse of their favorite stars taking the field to sweat it out for more than a month of training camp.
>Growing so big, it’s not funny: The sport has grown more interesting to more fans from hardcore old timers, to the high-tech blog readers, video game and fantasy players.

> Z’s and O’s please:

The fact that football reporting and broadcast presentation have become hyper-analytical. It doesn’t matter if you read NFL.COM, the National football Post, ESPN, FOXSPORTS, CNNSI or local sports outlets, the writing, graphics and video are breaking down football in ways we didn’t see 10-15 years ago.

A small minority of football nerds like myself have been waking up early on Sunday mornings during the football season to watch NFL Matchup on ESPN, but aside from that, it was hard to learn about personnel packages, mismatches, coverage schemes and their drastic variations until now. Every morsel of schematic information is out there on cable, network and cyberspace ready for consumption.


BAD NFL:

>How hard it is to follow football on television:

If you like watching line play, running backs, and quarterbacks than you should stop reading now. I for one want more angles, more cameras and the ability to see the secondary, linebackers and receiver patterns more than the random smattering of replays we are shown. I understand the importance of the quarterback position but watching the side angle view that we generally see as the ball is snapped, you rarely get a chance to watch what the passer is looking at, and who, unless they are a slot receiver or back are open.

>Celebration censorship:

Carrying-on during end zone celebrations should not be allowed, but there should be time to do some celebrating with or without teammates and or props.
The NFL’s rules regarding celebrations are a good reason to call this the “No fun league.”

>Media rules:

Media rarely get a chance to cover full practices. I understand secrecy, but during the week, fans get little to chew on other than the previous weeks triumph or defeat. Let reporters cover one full day of practice, whether it’s a boring walkthrough or diversion to other teams trying to read your mind.

>Not so fan friendly player regulations:

As a young fan visiting training camps, I remember being forced to stand behind a rope fence holding back thousands of kids, and autograph seekers alike, never getting close to my hero’s of the time being. Sure, I got autographs from several Pro Bowl players but outside of a few weeks in July or August, there are no chances for the average fan to interact with players. Unless you win a contest or are rich, the accessibility afforded to fans of NASCAR or the PGA, MLB are lost to the handlers of NFL players. Players may be precious assets, but not made of glass.

>Special Teams:

It’s one-third of the game but you never heard a word about the importance of special teams or how kick and punt coverage work, or protection on a field goal is carried out unless something goes wrong. The NFL has some dynamic returners like Darren Sproles, Lawrence Maroney, Josh Cribbs, Leodis McKelvin and many others. They are often billed as fast, or smart return men, but where is the breakdown of how they do it, and what the other team is doing wrong. It’s easy to research the best slot receiver, but who is the best wedge-buster? Best gunner? Best tackler? Special teams illustrates the speed, violence and will that are pillars of the sport, so showcase it a little more.

1. Chargers - San Diego has been a disappointment for several years but I see that changing this time around. The team gets back Shawne Merriman and added a rookie pass rusher in Larry English. The offense is efficient and should Antonio Gates and Ladanian Tomlinson return healthy, be better than last year.

2. Steelers - How dare I put the champs in second place? Easy, repeating is nearly impossible. Pitt maybe strong, but they are getting older, see Hines Ward, James Farrior. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has the rings to prove his greatness, but I’m not convinced he’ll be able to retire on his own terms given his reckless style.

3. Patriots - The Pats are the favorite to win it all this year, but don’t count on it. New England has a bevy of offensive playmakers to go along with its legendary quarterback, but there are concerns on the offensive line, secondary, linebacker and backfield. That said, they will score at will and should be a lock for 12-14 wins.
 
4. Eagles - Philly lost a legend in Brian Dawkins who signed with Denver, but retains a tough defense that is fast and versatile. Offensively, I like Quarterback Donovan McNabb’s weapons but don’t see running back Brian Westbrook staying healthy, thus Andy Reid will have to establish another threat to help take the pressure off of Westbrook while developing young receivers DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin.

5. Giants - If New York still had wideout Plaxico Burress, they would be my number one team, but given his off the field issues, and subsequent release, the team is a notch below. Defending a team without a top speed receiver is so much easier, just ask Eli Manning. The quarterback was a different guy after Plax was suspended by the team. New York brought in some very impressive players in Michael Boley, Rocky Bernard and Chris Canty but I simply don’t see this team scoring enough.

6. Cardinals - Arizona had a great year in 2008, and the offense, with or without Anquan Boldin will soar again in 2009. The team will have potential rookie of the year in running back Chris Wells. Add Wells to Larry Fitzgerald and others, and I see a very potent group. Defensively, I like some pieces, but don’t see this crew holding up all year,

7. Colts - Peyton Manning and the Colts are rebuilding. The team couldn’t run the ball last year, is getting a new starter in wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez who leaves a major void in the slot and has a brand new head coach. The Indy spin says the team is virtually the same, with a similar coaching staff, and players but you can’t tell me the loss of Tony Dungy won’t drastically change their fortunes.

8. Jets - Lots of new toys on offense and defense but no proven quarterback. This defense could be in the league’s top 3 but I worry that it’s inexperienced quarterbacks and wide receivers will keep it from reaching the NFL elite.

9. Ravens - I love this team but without speed at wide receiver, the Ravens won’t win it this year. The defense is amazing, special teams, quarterback and running backs are all solid to great but this team needs one more piece. Boldin? Braylon Edwards? I’d pay up.

10. Titans - Who wants to be that Kerry Collins doesn’t do anything near what he did last year? Tennessee was the league’s best team during the regular season but did little in the playoffs. This team lacks a wideout but has so many other great parts. I like them to make the post season again but fall short of a title again.

11. Dolphins - Miami could crack my top three if it’s young players step up and veterans stay healthy.  Chad Pennington is a wonderful passer and leader. Their running game is sound and offensive line is steady. I like the coaching staff, and no name defense, but like the last three teams, they don’t have a go-to wideout.

12. Redskins - If Jason Campbell is comfortable in this offense, and the defense can generate a pass rush, I see a Super Bowl team here. The ‘Skins can run it, have a physical defense and decent depth but need stability from Campbell.

13. Bears - The addition of Jay Cutler will mean a Super Bowl soon, just not this year. The Bears do not have enough weapons around Cutler to take his team deep into the playoffs. I do however love his talent, the Bears’ defense and special teams and think they will be among the NFC’s best.
 
14. Packers - Maybe I’m overrating the Packers, but they appear to be a defense away from contending for a Super Bowl. Aaron Rodgers is a Pro Bowl caliber passer with very strong receivers and a decent enough running game. My worry is that this team is just implementing a 3-4 defense which isn’t likely to be fully developed for at least a couple of years. 
 
15. Vikings - A great team with a dreadful quarterback situation. Tavarius Jackson is the best player they have at the position but I see Sage Rosenfels as being nearly as good. If this team can combine their talents to form a Trent Dilfer-like player, they may be able to do what Baltimore did in 2000 and ride a nasty and fast defense to the big game….If.

16. Falcons - Matt Ryan is a franchise player with the talent to elevate his team to the next level. I think Atlanta has a stellar offense, but it's defense isn't ready for the big jump yet. I question the secondary, linebackers and receiving depth.

17. Cowboys - The ‘Boys will be better without T.O. and that should be a relief. The team has an excellent running game, good quarterback and talented defense. Unfortunately, I don’t see a solid number one receiver, established secondary or any true sense of leadership.

18. Raiders - Quarterback JaMarcus Russell will have a break out year in my opinion. He is entering his third year and should have a better grasp of the offense. His running backs are terrific, the team added speed In the draft and I like a lot of players on this Raiders team. The only problem is that they still are the Raiders. Blame Al, not me.

19. Seahawks - This team plays in the worst division in football and should win the division title. I’m hoping they run the ball more this season and rely on what will be a very potent defense.

20. Texans - This team is a tease. They have solid starters at the skill positions and talent on defense, but for some reason cannot close games. Maybe if they had added a dominant, physical runner I could see them as a Super Bowl contender. They didn’t and I don’t.

21. Jaguars - David Garrard’s career as a starter in Jacksonville will be over after this year. Two years ago the team had Super Bowl talent, after losing Fred Taylor, Marcus Stroud and others, the team simply doesn’t have the talent to win. It’s not Garrard’s fault, but they also left him with a dearth of targets at receiver. That, will force Garrard to do more than he’s capable of.

22. Panthers - Continuing to run their offense with Quarterback Jake Delhomme in my eyes, was a sign that they are throwing in the towel this year. I know John Fox is a smart guy, and have faith In a lot of the offensive talent in Carolina, but after watching Delhomme single handedly blow this team’s Super Bowl chances last year, bringing him back became the off-season’s worst move. In any major city (see Boston, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago or Philly, Jake would have been run out of town faster than you can say “trade Cutler.” I guess Carolina isn’t a major city.

23. Saints - Drew Brees is the second best passer in football behind Tom Brady but he can’t do it alone. The team did nothing to address its lack of physical ball carriers, hasn’t brought in a top wideout, and lacks grit and toughness on defense. Brees better ice down his shoulder again. He may need to throw for 6,000 yards for the team to be competitive.

24. Bengals - Carson Palmer returns to a team with good offensive talent and is adding very nice defensive pieces. Unfortunately for Cinci, leadership and discipline don’t reside anywhere in Ohio. This team has zero chemistry.

25. Bills - Trent Edwards has a chance to be special and will put up good numbers with T.O. Edwards also has a weak offensive line which still hasn’t been fortified following the trade of it’s former Pro Bowl left tackle.

26. Broncos - Rookie Head Coach Josh McDaniels has some very good players on his roster but will struggle to make it through this year with a winning record. I think he is waiting for a quarterback to emerge to his liking, which is why he did trade Cutler and didn’t draft a highly touted QB. Next year he’ll either draft one, or trade for one.

27. Rams - This could be a surprise team because it has the talent on offense and defense to be good, but not much depth and is breaking in a new coaching staff. First time head coaches not named Harbaugh
or Smith generally don’t fare well early.

28. Chiefs - I respect the heck out of G.M. Scott Pioli and think he made great calls bringing in Todd Haley as head coach and Matt Cassel to play quarterback. This team has great young talent on defense and offense but simply is too young to understand how to win yet. Haley’s also a rookie head coach.

29. Lions - Congrats Lions fans! You’re team isn’t the worst this time around. I think Matt Stafford is running the show by Halloween and will be putting up big numbers for a team that may start winning in 2011.

30. Browns - Quarterback Brady Quinn may be the answer after all in Cleveland, but there will be growing pains. Quinn doesn’t have an established offensive line, dependable targets, or a franchise defense.

31. Buccaneers - I like the youth on defense and think Josh Freeman can be a great leader. I don’t see this team, also lead by a rookie head coach winning this year.

32. 49ers - Shaun Hill is their starting quarterback. Let me say that again, SHAUN HILL. This team has little depth on offense, no pass rush to speak of and a shaky passer and head coach. Is that a good recipe for a San Francisco treat? No.

Several years ago you may remember seeing a Nike commercial featuring a then popular quarterback named Michael Vick. Oh how times have changed. Fresh off his conviction and prison sentence for involvement with dog fighting, and two seasons removed from the game of football, the Vick experience today proves to be a much different ad. When it aired, viewers saw a young man strapped into the virtual football life of arguably the sports best "tools" player ever. Both on and off the field, it was never about Vick's athletic ability, but brain that concerned many.  At the height of his football fame questions of "can be a great thrower" arose, now questions of  can he simply be a "good person," are being asked. In my eyes, the answer is yes, and I'm willing to be he gets the chance to begin that journey this year.

It would make no sense for commissioner Roger Goodell to suspend Vick after seeing what the man has been through, serving his time, keeping his nose clean from what we know while in the clink, and serving out the remainder of his sentence at his home, yet under the public eye. Unless Vick does something else wrong, It's hard for me to beleive he won't get a shot at a roster spot this year. The question I have isn't if, or when, but who will take a shot at him.

Reporters and speculators all over have guessed teams that would be suitable for Vick and I'm no different so here goes.

Best case for Vick:

1.  St. Louis: The Rams are rebuilding. Unfortunately for Marc Bulger, that may mean a bevy of sacks yet again as his young line figures things out. Bulger has been sacked an average of 41 times per season the last three years. Slowly teaching Vick the passing system in St. Louis could pay off should Bulger go down.

2. San Fransisco: Shaun Hill may be listed as the starter, but he has much to prove and the 49ers should be ready to take the risk. A move all the way to San Fran may be good for the Virginia raised and former "dirty bird" Atlanta QB. What's the worst that can happen? Coach Mike Singletary drops his pants? Oops, too late.

3. Buffalo: You may be thinking, wow, they already have Terrell  Owens, isn't that enough drama? Wrong. T.O. is in Buffalo but I don't see there being much an issue. If anyone can thread the needle or huck it deep, it's Vick. I'm not even thinking about his once legendary speed, but Vick's ability to zip the ball out. Even if he's lost velocity, which I doubt, on-time throws that fit the system will surpass the bullets he'd rocket late to covered guys.

4. Kansas City: Scott Pioli, the new K.C. G.M. seems to be surrounding his team with character guys like Mike Vrabel and Matt Cassel, but I don't see Vick as being a distraction there. Yes the media would raise questions but it's not exactly as tough as New York City, Boston or Philly.

5. Pittsburgh: Having won another title, Pittsburgh has plenty of clout and a veteran locker room that won't let things get of control. They also have a franchise QB in Ben Roethlisberger who plays like Vick once did with reckless abandon. Vick would be the perfect backup for a quarterback in Roethlisberger who I predict will grow more fragile quickly than any big name thrower in the game.

Fans of the New York Jets have had nearly a full month to rejoice following the drafting of Southern California quarterback Mark Sanchez. Sanchez jerseys are being sold, fans are dreaming of a new and improved version of last year’s rookie sensation, Raven Joe Flacco. Looking across New York’s talented offensive line and deep backfield, and strong defense, there are so many reasons to be happy as a Jet, unfortunately there is one thing missing…a talented duo of wide receivers. New York’s former number one wideout, Lavernaues Coles is gone and really wasn’t the answer regardless. Jerricho Cotchery is a strong second or third option, but I don’t see him forcing teams to roll coverage his way. New York has as much talent as anyone but unless they make a big splash before week one, their offense will sputter mightily.

Guys like Chansi Stucky, David Clowney and Cotchery have great size, but none that I have seen can stretch a defense, for that reason teams will not fear the deep pass. Even with two of its running backs unhappy with contracts, I expect the Jets to have each ready by week one. Running will only do so much. When New York gets into third and long situations where will they turn? Teams without deep threats must be extremely efficient offensively. If the Jets plan to play the way Miami did last year, and run constantly mixing in gadget plays to make up for its lack of deep passing, this team, like the Dolphins won’t go deep in the playoffs. Defenses will be able to anticipate where the ball is going, and hard hitting teams will clamp down on intermediate zones and force young Mr. Sanchez or Kellen Clemens to make tough throws. Those throws often result in turnovers. Clowney has some potential, but strong offenses need proven weapons. The Jets have none.

The Arizona Cardinals will regret not trading wide receiver Anquan Boldin.
There are several teams who desperately need wide receivers. If you live in New York, Nashville, Dallas or Baltimore, you know exactly what I am saying. Draft day has come and gone,  and with it chances for the Cards to make the bold move of moving Boldin for a draft pick or combination of picks and players that could have helped this season. I love Boldin. He’s a terrific number two wideout and has underrated speed in my opinion. He is more of a power wideout than speed guy, but can run fairly well. He’s just not worth the $10 million per year he’s supposedly seeking. Combine the cash issue with the fact Arizona so far has missed out on getting good value for Boldin and you’d conclude as I have that the Cards have handled this poorly.

DEFENSE:
The Cardinals’ defense finished last season 19th in total defense, gave up nearly 20 points per game and only picked off 13 passes during the regular season. The run defense was even worse. Cards brass should have shipped Boldin away to bring in defensive help.  2008 first round draft pick Dominick Rodgers-Cromartie was a stud all year leading into the playoffs but he could use some help.  Just look at the Cards’ 2009 draft class. Three of the top four picks play defense. If the team had sent Boldin packing in exchange for draft picks they may have been able to get players valued higher than the second worse picks in each round. Arizona had just one extra draft pick this year and that was in the seventh round. They may have found good defensive value late but Boldin was at least worth a second or third round pick.  20 defensive players went before the Cards selected in round two, 17 in round three. You can’t tell me their two picks were rated higher than the other 37.

Offense:

In the four games Arizona played without Anquan Boldin, they won three. The team has enough offensive talent at the skill positions to take care of business efficiently without Boldin. Quarterback Kurt Warner has all-world wideout Larry Fitzgerald to go along with Steve Breaston and Jerheme Urban. I know that none of these guys has the toughness and ability Anquan Boldin has shown, but given the Cards’ interest in running more, and picking a top halfback in the draft, it might not matter in 2009-2010.

There is still time for team to move Boldin, but with two years left on his contract and little having changed since the regular season ended, I don’t think he’ll go anywhere this off-season. The problem for Arizona is that Boldin seems primed to continue to voice hide displeasure in the media which will only mean distractions for a team already trying to do the impossible. Losing the Super Bowl one year, then trying to return and win it the next.