D12 and DWILL Looking Like A Package Deal

You will probably see superstars Deron Williams and Dwight Howard of the Eastern Conference on the floor together in tonight’s NBA All-Star Game, a preview of what you can expect to see for years to come in most likely either Dallas or Brooklyn. Despite daily trade rumors involving Howard’s future, he has his Magic sitting 5th in the East and managed to make it to the All-Star break to play the game in front of his home fans. Meanwhile, Williams is just biding his time in New Jersey, quietly having another All-Star year and waiting until he can team up with another superstar and compete for a championship. With the March 15 trade deadline approaching, the Nets should be throwing whatever they can at the Magic in attempts to lure in Howard, because otherwise Dallas will have a great deal of cap space and would have the best shot at signing both Williams and Howard in free agency this summer. After the Mavericks decided not to go all out to resign Tyson Chandler last summer, it was clear they were thinking more about the long-term future than repeating as NBA champs. Apparently, during the offseason, Williams told some members of the Mavs that he would love to return to his hometown and team up with fellow superstar Dirk Nowitzki. If the Nets can’t entice the Magic with their future draft picks and promising players like Brook Lopez and Marshon Brooks to trade for Howard, then Williams probably won’t bother hanging around in Brooklyn for his player option in 2012-2013. This summer, Jason Terry, Jason Kidd, Brian Cardinal, and Delonte West become free agents, and the Mavs have a team option with Lamar Odom’s $8.2 million contract. I would expect the Mavs to try to resign Terry relatively cheap because of his valuable bench scoring and tenure with the team, but probably would not throw a great deal of money towards Kidd as Rodrigue Beaubois has proven to be a serviceable backup point guard. If keeping Lamar Odom hindered the Mavs chances of getting Howard and Williams, I would expect owner Mark Cuban to let him go without thinking twice. The most obvious move would be to amnesty Brendan Haywood’s horrible $8.3 million contract. I believe Cuban is counting on Williams coming to Dallas this offseason, which would create the best situation for Howard to compete for multiple titles. Howard would be able to come to Dallas and play with two other superstars but would still be viewed as the best player on the team and get plenty of touches on offense. This would form another “Big 3” in the NBA for years to come, as Howard, at age 26, is already far and away the best big man in the game. Williams, 27, is the 3rd best point guard in the league, and although Dirk is 33, his game doesn’t rely much on quickness or athleticism, leaving him a few more years playing at an All-Star level. Williams/Howard would be a better point guard/big man duo than even Chris Paul/Blake Griffin, and grouping them with a future Hall of Famer could create a force that could compete with the Thunder and Clippers in the West and maybe have a couple more rematches with the Miami Heat in the Finals. If the trade deadline passes and the Nets and Magic haven’t made a deal, I believe the Howard/Williams sweepstakes is the Mavs to lose as long as Cuban’s contracts can somewhat compete with whatever the Nets offer.

- Phillip Bullock

TO's IFL Debut

Owens may not even "love him some him" at this point. After watching Terrell Owens on ESPN3 playing for the Allen Wranglers last night I concluded one thing. TO just doesn't have it anymore whether it be because of age or the knee injury is irrelevant. The once all pro dominant receiver struggled getting off press coverage while being held without a catch the entire first quarter of his IFL debut. Sure, he later caught three touchdowns but none of those were against press coverage and none of those showed even a flash of the talent Owens once was. It's a sad sight watching him past his prime not even stand out on a field of has beens and never weres. I understand TO needs the money and I'll always remember TO as one of the greats but the popcorn has gone stale.

- Michael Gibson

84FOREVER

One of the greatest of all time is coming back. After a lackluster 2010 season that saw Moss play for three different teams, he didn't receive a contract offer he liked in the offseason and chose to retire. While there was speculation the Eagles sent a post retirement offer to Moss it apparently wasn't enough to coax the single season receiving touchdown leader into suiting up for the 2011 season. A year later Randy wants back in announcing on U-Stream his intentions to play again. While there are a lot of conflicting reports about what Moss can still do, he claims to still run a 4.3, if this is true then you can expect the 35 year old future hall of famer to definitely play somewhere. There was a time when everyone wrote Moss off after his stint in Oakland then the Patriots dealt a 4th round pick for him and he went on to have one of the greatest seasons of all time at the position. Of course Randy is a little bit older now but if he has something left in the tank he could definitely contribute as a deep threat and red zone target. There's a handful of teams that should give Randy a look.

1. New England Patriots (14-2) - This is an obvious destination, a place where Moss once was rejuvinated and helped the Patriots to an 18-0 record before falling short in the Super Bowl. It's painfully obvious the main thing the Pat's offense was lacking was a deep threat in their Super Bowl XLVI loss to the Giants as an old Deon Branch and a Chad Ochocinco that didn't know the playbook weren't quite cutting it. Add Moss to Gronk, Hernandez, Welker, and Brady then you have the best of your 2007 record setting offense combined with your dominate 2011 tight end heavy passing attack. If Moss has anything left this would be an unbelievably devastating offense. Some reports however say the Pats aren't that interested in bringing Moss back into the fold and may draft a younger deep threat or even look at a Brandon Lloyd or Reggie Wayne type in free agency. This would be the best landing spot for Moss if he's truly looking for a ring and the Pats might could sign him cheap enough to be able to snag Wayne or someone on the opposite side. Why not load up for the last of Brady's 3-5 year window.

2. Chicago Bears (8-8) - They have to get Cutler a big time receiver he's gone too long without one. If they pass on giving Vincent Jackson a look, Moss would not be a bad cheaper alternative. The Bears locker room is strong enough to keep Moss focused and the team has good enough pieces to compete for the division with the Packers and the Lions. Combining Cutler's huge arm with Moss' downfield ability would be nice to see plus Moss is already very familiar with the NFC North.

3. Philadelphia Eagles (8-8) - The Eagles have shown interest in Moss before and this is the ultimate Super Bowl or bust year for them. If they trade Desean Jackson then Moss would definitely be a viable replacement to pair with Maclin. Vick, McCoy, Moss, Maclin, and Celek is definitely a Super Bowl caliber offense.

4. New York Jets (8-8) - With Plaxico Burress almost certainly not being brought back, Moss would be an excellent upgrade. The question is could Sanchez do well enough to keep Moss happy? Moss would get two games against the Patriots and the Jets have the talent on defense to make a run if Moss provides the offense with a spark.

5. SanFrancisco 49ers (13-3) - Desperately need another receiving threat outside of Vernon Davis and hopefully Moss could mentor Crabtree the way he did Harvin during his brief second stint with Minnesota. The defense is championship caliber and with another threat on offense this team could take the next step.

6. St.Louis Rams (2-14) - Jeff Fischer was the last coach to give Moss a chance and with Bradford needing a receiving threat it wouldn't be too bad of a landing spot. I think this would be pretty low on Moss' list of ideal teams though so unless no one else shows interest I wouldn't expect Randy to be a Ram.

7. New Orleans Saints (13-3) - If they lose Colston to free agency why not give Moss a look? I'm sure Brees wouldn't mind throwing to a big vertical threat like Moss and he has the Brady like leadership to keep Moss focused and performing.

It's anyone's guess what Moss still has left in the tank but if it's anything close to the old Moss then get your 84 jerseys out.

- Michael Gibson

SUPER BOWL XLVI Playoff Predictions

It's that time of year, only 12 teams remain in a single elimination tournament for the Lombardi trophy and man what a tournament it is. This is the deepest playoff field in recent memory, featuring five super bowl winning quarterbacks Brady (XXXVI,XXXVIII,XXXIX), Roethlisberger (XL,XLIII), E.Manning (XLII), Brees (XLIV), and of course the defending champion Rodgers (XLV). Tell me are you really going to feel good betting against any one of those guys? As for the rest of the seven teams in the field they're no push overs either. The Baltimore Ravens finally broke through and won the AFC North and have a championship caliber defense with a former Super Bowl MVP linebacker Ray Lewis. The Houston Texans have a top tier defense and no doubt the strongest running game in the field. The Detroit Lions can match any team score for score and feature the league's most dominant wide receiver. Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons were the #1 seed just a year ago and traded for Julio Jones for just this time of the year. The San Francisco 49ers have the top defense in the field and a power running game with an improved Alex Smith. The Cincinnati Bengals have a strong defense and an offense that can perform through the air and on the ground. Finally, the Denver Broncos have a strong defense that can get after the quarterback.

So who's gonna walk away as Super Bowl XLVI Champions?

NFC WILDCARD ROUND



6. Detroit Lions (10-6) AT 3. New Orleans Saints (13-3)

This has the potential to be a heck of a game. The last time these two teams met New Orleans handled them pretty well in a 31-17 victory at the Super Dome but that was not the same Lions team. Stafford was dealing with a finger injury and the Lions defense was without Suh. A healthy Stafford bombing the deep ball to Calvin can score with anyone. While I think the Lions offense can score a lot I really don't think the Lions can stop the Madden like offense that is the Drew Brees led Saints. This will be a high scoring game but I think the Saints will get a couple of stops where as the Lions will be hard pressed to get the Saints offense off the field especially in the Super Dome. Saints advance 49-35



5. Atlanta Falcons (10-6) AT 4. New York Giants (9-7)

As previously noted the Atlanta Falcons were the #1 seed in last years playoffs only to have the #6 seeded Green Bay Packers come to town and destroy them. They traded up in the draft to land Julio Jones for this time of year and I'll tell you the kid is a star. As long as the protection for Ryan is adaquate then I don't think the porous Giant's secondary will be able to cover Roddy, Julio, and Gonzalez. That's easier said then done with a Giants' defensive line featuring the likes of Tuck and Pierre-Paul but I think the Falcons' offense will find some success. The Giants have a couple of star receivers in their own right with Hakeem Nicks and Mr. Salsa Victor Cruz that should allow them to put up some big points. The Giants season feels eerily similar to 2007 when they won Super Bowl XLII by knocking off the undefeated Patriots. The Falcons have unfinished business from last year but these two teams are so close and any time two teams are close I feel better picking the team with the better QB and the home team. In this case I'll take Eli Manning all day over Matt Ryan especially in Met Life Stadium. Giants 27 Falcons 24

NFC DIVISIONAL ROUND



4. New York Giants (9-7) AT 1. Green Bay Packers (15-1)

The Green Bay Packers needed a clutch Rodgers to Nelson throw to avoid overtime the last time these two teams met and this game may require similar heroics. The Packers come into this post season with the 32nd rank defense in the league and knowing they have to out score teams to win because their defense isn't going to stop too many playoff caliber offenses. The Giants have a defensive line that can get to Rodgers especially with his swiss cheese offensive line. I think this will be the first game post season overtime game with the new rules we'll get to see. In the end I think the Packers pull it out Packers 27 Giants 21 O/T



3. New Orleans Saints (13-3) AT 2. San Francisco 49ers (13-3)

The 49ers are making their first post season appearance since 2002 and they're playing a juggernaut Saints team. While the Saints are a different team on the road than they are at home, they are just too potent of an offense to pick against. The Saints have way more playoff experience and the difference in caliber of quarterbacks is enough to make me feel great about taking the Saints to get to the NFC Championship game. The 49ers defense is good but not good enough to contain the Saints for a whole game. Saints 27 49ers 13

NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME



3. New Orleans Saints (13-3) AT 1. Green Bay Packers (15-1)

This is gonna be one of the most hyped NFC Championship games of all time. Super Bowl XLV Champion VS Super Bowl XLIV Champion and Rodgers VS Brees at historic Lambeau Field. Heck if we're lucky there will be some snow. A rematch of the opening game of the year that provided us a 42-34 Packer win in a thriller should play out pretty similar, a lot of offense. Rodger's offensive line worries me and the Saints defense is actually better than Green Bay's. In a tough decision I'll take the

Saints 49 Packers 45

AFC WILDCARD ROUND



6. Cincinnati Bengals (9-7) AT 3. Houston Texans (11-5)

The Texans are going to the playoffs for the first time in the franchise's history but with TJ Yates at the helm it may be a short stay. This is the first time ever two rookie QB's have matched up in the playoffs should yield a pretty competitive game, both defenses are tough and when they previously played the Texans pulled out a last second victory 19-17. This time I expect another close game but I think a few plays by the budding young star AJ Green make the difference.
Bengals 20 Texans 16



5. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4) AT 4. Denver Broncos (8-8)

Tim Tebow, Tim Tebow, Tim Tebow, had to get that out of the way as that's the only thing anyone is focusing on in this match up. I've heard people refer to this game as essentially a bye week for the Steelers, I couldn't disagree more. Tebow is not an NFL quarterback I'm not gonna sugar coat it, he's awful. Tebow is however a winner and in a single elimination tournament at home with a good defense against a very banged up Steelers team and an immobile Roethlisberger (who throws a lot like Tebow with that banged up ankle) I think this one will be close and Tebow has won his share of close games this year. Tebow has one more shocker in him get ready for non stop Tebow coverage because he's beating the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Broncos 17 Steelers 10

AFC DIVISIONAL ROUND



6. Cincinatti Bengals (9-7) AT 1. New England Patriots (14-2)

A better year than any Bengal fan could have hoped for has them in Foxborough matched up against Tom Brady and the Pats. The Bengals D is pretty good but stopping Brady, Gronk, Welker, and Hernandez I don't see it happening. I think Patriots win this one in a laugher and I won't even list reasons why. Patriots 42 Bengals 17



4. Denver Broncos (8-8) AT 2. Baltimore Ravens (12-4)

The Ravens lucked out and don't have to play against their arch rival Steelers for the third time, instead Tebowmania comes to town coming off it's biggest win of all time. Anytime the Broncos play against a less than elite offense they have a chance to keep it close there's no way I'm taking Tebow to beat the Steelers and Ravens in back to back weeks though. T-Sizzle and Ray have their way with the Broncos offense and Ray Rice gets rolling Ravens 27 Broncos 10

AFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME



2. Baltimore Ravens (12-4) AT 1. New England Patriots (14-2)

This is the year for the Ravens they finally won the AFC North and got the Bye week and then they got to play against Tebow instead of the Steelers in the Divisional and now they get the easy task of defeating Brady in New England, oh wait. As much as everything has gone right for the Ravens and yes I know they beat the Pats in Foxborough in the playoffs a few years ago there's no way they'll beat Brady with a Super Bowl berth on the line. Gronk and Hernandez should give the Ravens Defense match up problems and Brady will pull this one out. Patriots 34 Ravens 27

SUPERBOWL XLVI



3. New Orleans Saints (13-3) VS 1. New England Patriots (14-2)

Brees VS Brady in Manning's house. This has been a horrible season for Peyton Manning with his neck injury causing him to sit out the whole year, I'd have to imagine the worst thing that could top it off would be to see Tom Brady win in Manning's home stadium. Well that's what has the chance to happen in this fateful February. This has the potential to be a pure shoot out of a Super Bowl and honestly could very well be the first Super Bowl to enter overtime which would be convenient because I think this is a pure coin flip game. Patriots 55 Saints 49 O/T



Super Bowl MVP: Tom Brady

- Michael Gibson