Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Detailed view of a game program and officially licensed products for sale prior to Super Bowl XLVII between the Baltimore Ravens against the San Francisco 49ers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The NFL has announced that San Francisco will host Super Bowl L. This is considered to be an even more important Super Bowl than the others because it is the 50th Super Bowl.

The San Francisco/Bay Area bid for the Super Bowl and were considered the early favorites. They’re getting a new facility in Santa Clara, Levi Stadium, and leaving Candlestick Park.

It’ll be a very technologically advanced stadium, including Wi-Fi for everyone in attendance. The stadium is very green, solar panels will produce all the electricity needed for the stadium, they use recycled water for irrigation and the technology will include ticketless access and you won’t even need cash to buy concessions. They’re also donating 25% of the revenue to the area, mainly children in need.

They also have a great and catchy tag line is: “the Golden Super Bowl, in the Golden State, by the Golden State Bridge.”

South Florida, mainly Miami, also bid for the Super Bowl. South Florida has hosted 10 Super Bowls and is definitely steeped in Super Bowl history. New Orleans has also hosted 10. Knocks against South Florida’s bid are numerous though: lack of luxury suites, a 27 year old facility that provides no coverage to fans. Remember rainy Super Bowl XLI? They like to host Super Bowls in fair weather cities, or domes, where game play and more importantly prestigious fans aren’t disturbed.

Houston bid for the Super Bowl as well. Houston has experienced a great rebirth of sorts as the cultural centers grow. Forbes named it the coolest city in America. The Houston bid stressed their ‘southern hospitality.’ Reliant Stadium hosted Super Bowl XXXVIII and they’ve upgraded their video display and it will be bigger than Dallas’s.

The Super Bowl, and the decision to let a city host one has always been a special process. Cities that want to host a city put together bids and presentations in hopes they will be granted the big game. The Super Bowl brings an economic boost to the area that hosts it. With the Super Bowl comes thousands of fans and media from all over the world, there are week long festivities. And the money that funnels in mainly through restaurants and hotels is desirable for any city.

Dec 23, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) reacts on the sideline in the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Cowboys Stadium. The Saints beat the Cowboys 34-31 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Tony Romo is not participating in the Dallas Cowboys OTAs. Romo will be out at least 3 weeks after having a surgical procedure on his lower back to remove a cyst. But let’s be honest, this ‘procedure’ is just what you see in those huge pimple videos on YouTube and Facebook.

“If this was the regular season and I had to play next week, I could,” Romo told the Dallas Morning News. “This is just about being smart. That’s why I did it now. This will have no effect on training camp. No way will it have an impact. And I still think there’s a good chance I’m on the field for minicamp.”

Romo was smart to do it now though. After he signed that huge $108 million dollar contract had he struggled in the early season or even training camp and had this procedure the ridicule and scrutiny would be immense. He went to a pool in Cabo on an off week and he still hears about it. At this moment there is already a Tony Romo’s Cyst Twitter account.

“That’s why I did it now. This will have no effect on training camp. No way will it have an impact. And I still think there’s a good chance I’m on the field for mini-camp.’’

But the precaution of not being in OTAs is significant or not depending on your personal view. Many veterans skip these, of course they have more skins on the wall than Romo.

“It was a pretty routine afternoon,’’ Romo said. “I was back at the [Cowboys] complex the next day to go through what we would do in the teaching sessions and the throwing sessions this off-season. . . . It was not much of anything, I just went in and had them look at it. It was more of an ache than anything. I just thought, ‘well, it’s something I’d rather not feel.’ I’d rather be 100 percent, not 96 percent. It’s done and it’s made me feel better.”

May 10, 2013; Renton, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Christine Michael (33) participates in rookie minicamp at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Today, the Seattle Seahawks announced that they have signed second round pick running back Christine Michael out of Texas A&M.  Michael was the Seahawks’ first selection in the 2013 NFL Draft with the No. 62 overall pick. Michael was the fifth running back taken in the NFL Draft.

Michael played all four years at Texas A&M and was productive. As a senior, he carried the ball 88 times and rushed for 417 yards with 12 touchdowns. But Michael’s best year had to be his freshman year back in 2009. As a freshman, he carried the ball 166 times and rushed for 844 yards with 10 touchdowns.

With Michael now in the fold at running back, he will be competing with Robert Turbin and Spencer Ware for the number two spot behind starter Marshawn Lynch. Christine Michael was the ninth draft pick to be signed out of the Seahawks’ eleven picks. The only two players left to be signed are cornerback Tharold Simon and offensive tackle Michael Bowie.

Sticking with news, with the Seahawks signing Michael in the process they released long snapper Adam Steiner and re-signed tight end Darren Fells, who is a former professional basketball player all on Monday.

Follow me on twitter @Jovan10 for Sixers, College Basketball, NFL, MLB, and all sports updates.

For any questions contact me via email: jovan.alford@gmail.com.

Jan 20, 2013; Foxboro, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) prepares to make a pass during the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

How can a man, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, who has won 3 Super Bowls, played in 5 and thrown more touchdowns in a season than any other player in NFL history get more confident throwing the football?

I don’t know, but apparently he can.

“Going into my 14th year, I have never had more confidence in how I am throwing the football,” Brady told Peter King of Sports Illustrated. “I’ve never felt better throwing the football.”

Tom Brady’s mentor Tom Martinez passed away last year, so he has had to find a new coach. He has been working with former MLB pitcher Tom House.

“I owe so much to Tom Martinez,” Brady said. “He taught me so much about how to play the game and throw the football. He was so committed to me for so many years. I miss him every time I step on the field. I found Tom House, and really developed a rapport with him quickly. I’ve learned, and to me, the learning process is fun. The same way Tom Martinez was always there to watch and give me corrections, Tom House has told me why certain corrections need to be made.”

And at 35 years old (36 in August), believes he is a better quarterback now than in the 2012 season.

“When you’ve got to fit it into the tightest windows, mechanics are crucial,” Brady said. “And to me, the offseason is crucial. If you make a throw within four feet, that’s not going to be good enough. You have to make the throw within four inches of your target. That’s good enough. And that’s why the mechanics you adjust and learn in the offseason are important. You’re going to keep them during the season. Tom House, pretty soon after the season, said basically, ‘All right, Tommy. Get to work.’ That’s the one thing that helps me move forward. There’s nothing we can do about losing the championship game to the Ravens. It sucks. You move on. But, with Tom, I think I’ve learned some things this offseason that are really going to help me.”

If Brady is indeed better, does that make the Patriots Super Bowl favorites?

Dec 30, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) during the second quarter against the Chicago Bears at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson set a NFL record for receiving yards in the 2012 season, all while playing with 3 broken fingers apparently. In November of last year Johnson said he had suffered a concussion in a game but played anyways, the Lions refuted the claims.

“Calvin Johnson confirmed that he played with broken fingers last season. Said he’s been trying to straighten them out. No offseason surgery,” Chris McCosky of the Detroit Free Press tweeted.

“I am not going to comment on any of our players’ health,” Lions head coach Jim Schwartz said in a February report.  “But that’s not uncommon for a wide receiver. . . . We don’t have any injury reports this time of year.  And you know how I am about injuries.”

Schwarz is downplaying the significance of the injury, but when you set a NFL record for receiving yards with 1,964 in a single season it’s hard to say it hindered him. But at the same time, had he been healthy could he have broken 2,000 yards?

He was listed with a ‘thumb’ injury twice in non-consecutive weeks. No word if that is one of the 3 broken fingers he suffered.

Assuming he’ll be healthy and at 100% in the 2013 season, he could be poised for another huge year. Which is crazy to think about.

Jan.1, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback EJ Manuel (3) runs against the Northern Illinois Huskies in the third quarter during the 2013 Orange Bowl game at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The Buffalo Bills shocked the football word when they drafted EJ Manuel in the first round instead of Geno Smith, who at one point in time was a favorite for the first overall pick. But Manuel isn’t expecting a rough transition, the offense the Bills run is easier for him to learn than the FSU offense he ran. In fact he told Sirius XM NFL Radio on Saturday that he has it figured out already.

“The funny thing is it’s easier to learn than the offense I had at Florida State,” Manuel said, via ESPN.com.  “It’s a true West Coast-type progression offense.  That’s really what I wanted when I was coming through the pre-draft process.  I wanted something that I could just go in and say 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, check it down and run it.  That’s it, it’s that simple.  I love it. . . .

“The learning curve for me is a lot shorter simply because of what I had at Florida State.  [The Seminoles' offense is] more complex and a little bit harder to catch on and learn.  This offense is very simple.  I’ve done a great job with it.”

Simpler does not mean less effective. Simpler in fact could mean better. If EJ Manuel is that confident in the offense and his understanding of it that could mean the Buffalo Bills are in for a quick turn around like what the Seattle Seahawks experienced with Russell Wilson and the Washington Redskins with Robert Griffin III.

1.  His last name is Wilson – You know Matt Flynn is waking up in a pile of cold sweat screaming “Wilson!!!” every night.  The minute the Raiders drafted Wilson, Flynn was doomed to see the past repeat itself.

2.  Wilson has the tools – Before this trepid 2012 season at Arkansas in which the poor kid lost his head coach and QB guru, Bobby Petrino, he was headed for a 1st round selection and possible 1st overall selection.  The “Hair” himself, Mel Kiper Jr., had him pegged as a 1st round guy before the season.  Take a  look at his junior year statistics via ArkansasRazorbacks.com and you will be reminded why he was talked about so highly, “ 277-of-438 passing for 3,638 yards and 24 touchdowns with six interceptions, becoming just the second Razorback in school history to pass for 3,000 yards in a season.”  All against the heralded SEC defenses.  Consider this, from his NFL.com draft profile: ” Wilson was unable to improve upon his junior season for a myriad of reasons, including the loss of his head coach, the departure of his three favorite receivers, and a sub-par offensive line.”  Hard to find a QB anywhere that wouldn’t struggle after losing all that he did.

3.  Oakland has nothing to lose – The Raiders have been pegged as the worst team in the league for this coming season.  They lack talent across the board.  Why not develop a young guy with potential?  As a fan I would much rather watch a young guy develop than a career backup lead us to a 4-12 record and leave the team about where we started.  Another AFC team, the Broncos, went through this with the Orton and Tebow dilemma 2 years ago.  Broncos fans were dying to see Tebow play and find out if they had anything in him.  They knew what Orton’s ceiling was, they wanted to see what Tebow could do given the opportunity.

4.  Young Coaches – With the young coaching staff of Dennis Allen, Greg Olson (O-Coordinator) and John Defilippo (QB’s) you know they want to attach themselves to a high ceiling guy they can put their fingerprints on as oppose to a guy who has been developed by other coaching staffs.  This staff would have the opportunity to start fresh with Wilson.

5.  Recent Rookie QB Success – The learning curve for rookie quarterbacks has sharply declined due to the offenses in the NFL going to the spread and the difficulty of the college offenses going up.  Offensive coordinators and coaches have helped by morphing the offense to match the QB’s skills (see RGIII and Russell Wilson).  Having played in the SEC and under Bobby Petrino he should have a firm grasp of NFL terminology and a strong understanding of NFL style defenses.

All of these reasons might not be needed as Tyler Wilson might just be the most talented QB on the Raiders roster.  But as I stated at the start of this article it is fluff season and the Raiders need any bit of news to get excited for the up-coming season.  So, speak to me Raider fans, who do you want to see lead the Silver and Black in 2013?

Note:  Purposely didn’t mention Terrell Pryor as I think he will end up being 3rd string…

May 10, 2013; Renton, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks offensive lineman Jared Smith (66) waits to snap the ball during a rookie minicamp practice at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

It is pretty obvious that Performance Enhancing Drugs and players getting arrested, is a problem, not only in the world of professional football, but every college or professional sport there is.

The Detroit Lions as of right now lead the league in arrests, it’s not a real stat but, when it continues to happen over and over, it starts to make your team look bad, which is not good for business. You are a professional, so act like it.

But as of right now, the Seattle Seahawks currently lead the league in players testing positive for performance enhancing drugs, well, Adderall usage, not a big deal right? Wrong, the league has policies and programs in which they expect players who come into this league, to follow these exact policies and programs. So how many players does it take to test positive for specific drugs, in order for it to be a problem?

Bruce Irvin, a defensive end for the Seattle Seahawks was recently slapped with a four game suspension for violating the leagues policy on performance enhancing substances. Although he can still take part in offseason workouts, training camp and pre-season, he won’t be eligible to play a down in regular season play, until after the Seattle Seahawks game on September 29th, against the Houston Texans.

“I want to apologize to my teammates, coaches and Seahawks fans for making a mistake when I took a substance that is prohibited in the NFL without a medical exemption. I am extremely disappointed in the poor judgment I showed and take full responsibility for my actions. I will not appeal the discipline and instead will focus my energy on preparing for the season so I can begin earning your trust and respect again. I look forward to contributing to the team the moment I return.” – Irvin in a statement released by the team

Last season, Seattle Seahawks corner-back Richard Sherman safety Brandon Browner were both handed suspensions. Sherman who appealed the leagues decision, who sounded as if he lost his appeal, he would sue the NFL, won his appeal. Brandon Browner on the other hand, didn’t appeal the leagues decision and served his four game suspension as he rejoined the team for the start of the playoffs.

The drug of course, is Adderall (contains amphetamine), which happens to work like speed, seems to be used frequently in the league, according to Richard Sherman, (NOT QUOTING HIM ON THIS) especially with this Seattle Seahawks roster. Players who tested positive for for Adderall include safety Winston Guy, offensive linemen  John Moffitt and Allen Barbre and practice squad running back at the time, Vai Taua.

“About half the league takes it and the league has to allow it. The league made a mistake in my case. Obviously, I didn’t do anything, but you have to go through a process to prove you didn’t do anything. There are still naysayers out there who don’t believe me. But I accept it. If everybody loves you, it probably means you’re not much of a player.” – Sherman on Adderall use in the league

Sherman told a reporter that the league should remove it from the list of banned substances. If it appears on a list of banned substances, then why take it? Every player knows what to and not take when you are an athlete in this league, or any league at that. Others who have tested positive for this drug are New York Giants running back Andre Brown, corner-backs Aqib Talib, Eric Wright, defensive ends Jermaine Cunningham, Mike Neal, safeties Will Hill and Tyler Sash and Joe Haden.

Pete Carroll, head coach of the Seattle Seahawks spoke out on this issue once, but seemed as if it wasn’t his problem, when in fact, it sort of is. When you become a head coach in any sport, not only are you expected to teach and coach these players, but you are expected to lead them.

“I’m not gonna comment about it. This is a league issue” – Carroll on Adderall uses on his team

Being a strong positive leader, is something to be expected of you as soon as you are handed that title, it’s something you have to have if you expect to becoming THE voice from the sideline for any team, in any sport. I’m pretty positive, this drug will continue to run through this league and this list of players who tested positive for this drug on this team, won’t stay at 7. If the head coach of your football team won’t speak up about it too his players and just fully expects the league to take care of it, then who in this organization, besides the players who admitted they were wrong, will speak up?

Owners and head coaches across the league really need to crack down on this. I know I may get some heat for this article, possibly from Seattle Seahawks fans, but in the end, players on this team tested positive for this substance. And just because Richard Sherman says half of the league takes it, doesn’t make it right for 7 out of 53 players on a roster to use it. Act like a grown man and grow up, you aren’t in high school or college anymore where peers pressure you into trying something new to help boost your play.

You can’t help but dub this team the ‘Seadderall Seahawks’. Who’s ready for football?

As a Jets fan, I often found myself pondering reasons for optimism for the NY Jets this year and what they would need to win their division.  Earlier this week I wrote part 1 which talks about the Jets additions that will immediately help reach that goal.  Then I wrote part 2 which was more about the team’s remaining holes and weaknesses.  It is time for the last and perhaps most important reason why the Jets have a shot at the division next year: an analysis on the competition.

Reason #5:  The AFC East is a weak and winnable division this year

Let’s take this opportunity to look at all the teams in the AFC East as they stand now:

New York Jets

Strengths: Defensive Line, Cornerbacks, Offensive Line, Defensive Coaching, QB Coaching

Biggest Holes: Quarterback

Also Needs To Step Up: Safeties, Wide Receivers, Pass Rush

May 10, 2013; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets rookie quarterback Geno Smith (7) talks with offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg (right) during New York Jets rookie minicamp at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Let’s assume all before mentioned reasons in Part 1 and Part 2 of these articles happen as I predict they could.  We’re looking at a Jets team with a reupholstered offensive line with the depth to finally be able to stay fresh throughout the season.  We also have a new QB in Geno Smith, who on paper, looks like he should have somewhere between a Ryan Tannehill and Matt Ryan rookie season depending on the mentality he comes into camp with.  We know one thing; he’ll have good offensive line support.  That is probably the most quintincential thing a rookie QB needs for his first impression in the NFL.  It will strongly benefit his mental growth and composure.  Rex Ryan got it right this season and hired Marty Mornhingweg a coach who has been a head coach before and can take on 90% of the teams offensive coaching responsibilities while Rex focuses on his specialty, the defense.  Now the Jets lost Revis, but gained Sheldon Richardson and Dee Milliner.  While most don’t see Sheldon’s pick being relevant to the Jets needs, you have to remember Rex’s value as a defensive coach.  If a player is a top 4 overall player on his board, that’s something worth trusting.  Coples was drafted in 2012 for his athleticism and versatility so this season is where he has to show it, as Rex moves him into the 3-4 outside linebacker role.  Coples will be supported by Calvin Pace and a new free agency addition, Antwan Barnes, one of San Diego’s top pass rushers in 2011.  The linebackers aren’t the strongest point, but they also aren’t a problem area in the defense.  The Jets will surround them with an outstanding defensive line and cornerback group.  If Rex can just coach the safeties up, this is one of the best defenses in the conference.  The biggest piece IF in this Jets fan pipe dream is can Geno start by week 1 and can he approach the game and play like a 1st round pick, the more he can do that, the less pressure off the other areas of need for the team.  This season basically rides on Geno Smith this year for the Jets.

Miami Dolphins:

Strengths: Wide Receivers, Defensive Line, Linebackers

Biggest Holes: Cornerback, Offensive Line

Also Needs to Step Up: Quarterback

Dec 30, 2012; Foxborough, MA, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) warms up before the start of the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Miami is my favorite to win the AFC East as it stands now, not the Patriots.  They gained Mike Wallace who has carried the Steeler offense on his back the last few years.  It helps that he really seems to be clicking with sophomore QB, Ryan Tannehill in camp.  Miami’s big hole is their CB situation.  They traded away Vontae Davis last year and let Sean Smith go to the Chiefs this offseason.   They drafted Boise State’s Jamar Taylor in the 2^nd round who seems like a good prospect, but they’re going to need either him or 3^rd round pick, Will Davis to be good enough to start to begin to close up the cornerback hole in their defense. They look to have a very strong defensive line with the addition of Dion Jordan and a good linebacking corps with the addition of Phil Wheeler and Dannell Ellerbe.  Miami’s defense as of right now is about where the Jets defense is personnel wise (maybe a bit below with a big question mark at CB), but the Jets have one big thing the Dolphins don’t, and that’s an off season of Rex Ryan’s defensive development.  The Dolphins season rides on the play of the CBs, Offensive line and Ryan Tannehill.

New England Patriots:

Strengths: Quarterback, Runningbacks, Head Coach

Biggest Holes: Wide Receivers, Safety

Also Needs To Step Up: Health of Tight Ends, Defense as a Unit

Jan 20, 2013; Foxboro, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) sits on the turf after not being able to convert on a fourth down during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

The Pats are always a solid team with Tom Brady at QB.  It’s the hardest position to find a standout to play and they have a future hall of famer.  The only problem?  Just about every position other QB and RB on the Pats will be weak this year.  They had maybe one of the worst off seasons I’ve seen since following football, losing both Wes Welker and Brandon Lloyd.  To accommodate for these losses the Patriots picked up injury prone Danny Amendola who wasn’t resigned to the Rams and drafted some off the radar wide receiver prospects in Aaron Dobson (Marshall, round 2) and Josh Boyce (TCU, round 4).  These seem to be decent prospects but I have a hard time seeing either of them replacing Brandon Lloyd.  The Pats, however have 2 tremendous tight end weapons in Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski for Tom Brady to throw to, but both had injury problems this past season.  Each of Tom Brady’s proven targets this year were injured for 5 or more games last season.  That’s only issue #1.  The Patriots defense has been a struggling unit for years.  They started fixing it by adding Chandler Jones and Donta Hightower but it seems like the Patriots sidestepped on that defensive rebuilding project this off season, letting safety Patrick Chung go to Philadelphia without finding an adequate replacement.  Most of their draft picks are unfamiliar names to most and don’t seem to be likely immediate contributors to the Patriot defense which makes the unit as a whole look like its taken a step back from last season’s mediocrity.  If the defense can’t step up, it can mean critical games losses against the Jets and Dolphins, especially if Ryan Tannehill and Geno Smith are having good days.  Yes, I know you can never count out Tom Brady; but let’s just keep in mind that a far less talented Jets team took a far more talented Patriots team into overtime in Foxboro last year.

Buffalo Bills:

Strengths: Runningbacks, Defensive Backfield

Biggest Holes: Quarterback, Defensive Line, Offensive Line

Also Needs To Step Up: Linebackers

May 10, 2013; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback EJ Manuel (3) talks to the media following rookie minicamp at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

There’s not much to say here.  The Bills seemed to be a good team on paper last year but did worse than the Jets.  They lost their #2 and #3 receivers in free agency as well as a pair of guards.  Their most note worthy pickup in free agency was Kevin Kolb.  They did have a decent draft offensively getting Robert Woods, a very talented WR out of USC in the 2^nd round.  They should have a decent pair of outside receivers once they pair him with Stevie Johnson.  They also drafted Marquise Goodwin in round 3, the quickest receiver in the draft.  His big question is his lack of production and ability to beat defensive players in college.  He’s a big question mark but can be a threat as a possible slot receiver or kick returner for the Bills.  I’m not too high on EJ Manuel, he’s a much riskier prospect with an equal or lower ceiling than Geno Smith given his inferior production against weaker college competition.  The Bills need for him to step up in an even bigger way than the Jets need Geno to just to be competitive at all this year.  The Bills added a few linebackers both in free agency and in the draft, but it doesn’t look to be enough for them, unless their veterans can lead by stepping up this season.

One last BONUS reason: Good Timing with a strong NFC, weak AFC

Given all of the above info, the Jets can be in it, given the weakness of the AFC East this year.  In fact, the whole AFC conference is pretty weak outside of the Broncos, Bengals and Texans.  The NFC has a lot more teams that look good this season.  Look at teams like the 49ers, Packers, Seahawks, Falcons, Saints, Giants, Bucs and Vikings. Even the lower tier NFC teams like the Rams, Lions and Panthers look like they’d be favorites against all but maybe 3 or 4 teams in the AFC.  Having middle and upper level AFC teams like the Pats and Dolphins losing their NFC games will help level out the playing field and put more importance on the games where the Jets play them.  The Jets can pull out this division if they can win against the Pats and Dolphins which could be doable in 2013 with work and focus.

January 25, 2013; Ko Olina, HI, USA; NFC players pose during the team photo at NFC media day for the 2013 Pro Bowl at the JW Marriott Ihilani Resort. Pictured Top Row (L-R): NFC wide receiver Victor Cruz of the New York Giants (80), NFC tight end Kyle Rudolph of the Minnesota Vikings (82), and NFC tight end Jason Witten of the Dallas Cowboys (82). Middle Row (L-R): NFC fullback Jerome Felton of the Minnesota Vikings (42), NFC long snapper Don Muhlbach of the Detroit Lions (48), NFC outside linebacker Chad Greenway of the Minnesota Vikings (52), and NFC inside linebacker Daryl Washington of the Arizona Cardinals (58). Bottom Row (L-R): NFC punter Thomas Morstead of the New Orleans Saints (6), NFC quarterback Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints (9), NFC quarterback Eli Manning of the New York Giants (10), and NFC wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald of the Arizona Cardinals (11). Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

So after winning my league Super Bowl following the 2006 season, I quit playing Fantasy Football for a few seasons. Honestly, I must say I did NOT miss it. It’s nice to enjoy football for what it is, and not end up screaming at the TV and ruining a Sunday over something stupid like “Damn, why did Brady throw it to Hernandez? I started Gronk!!!” That said, I’m still an idea man… and I’ve got a great idea to breathe new life into Fantasy Football for anyone getting bored or looking for a new twist:  Divisional Fantasy Football.

Each of the 8 players gets one NFL Division and can field his team from any players in that division. So the person with the NFC East could choose from Eli Manning, RGIII, Michael Vick, and Tony Romo at QB. Meanwhile the guy with the AFC North could pencil in Ravens RB Ray Rice and Bengals WR A.J. Green every week. Whoever drafts the AFC South would boast a team featuring Texans RB Adrian Foster and Colts QB Andrew Luck. You get the idea.

It would sort of take the fun out of the draft, since there’d only be one round, but the guy with the first pick still has to strategize… does he take the NFC North so he’ll have Packers QB Aaron Rodgers, Vikings RB Adrian Peterson, and Lions WR Calvin Johnson? Or take the NFC West just to have Colin Kaepernick and Russell Wilson available at QB to be paired with Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald and Rams WR Tavon Austin? And of course you’d still have week to week strategy of who to start/play.

Besides semi-killing the draft element, another stumbling block is the bye week. Usually the NFL schedule has most or all teams from one division on a bye at the same time. If one division does NOT have several teams on bye the same week, then that team would have an advantage. BUT, what if you had an active/inactive roster, so you could keep most of your top players active, but still leave plenty of “free agents” for other divisions to use one-time only when their division is on bye? Maybe you’d have to leave X number of QB’s available… Maybe each week you could move players to/from inactive list.

So I have the NFC South, and they’re all on bye except New Orleans. Maybe I start QB Drew Brees the best of the Saints players and then fill in with the unprotected players from the other divisions. Maybe force everyone to leave 1-2 QB’s from their division on an unprotected inactive list so the talent pool was decent….

Not sure if this format would work in head-to-head style of play, or more suitable to a “rotisserie” format where you don’t play against anyone, just accumulate points each week. Maybe it could be done either way.

Not sure how this idea could make money. Unless you could have a website where people would play for $10 and just spread the word around until it’s really popular. Perhaps I could copyright the concept so I could cash in if ESPN and Yahoo wanted to start offering this. Probably not, who knows. But consider this date/time-stamped blog entry from 2008 as my official claim on the idea; feel free to contact me with big-money offers.