Posts Tagged ‘Sports Talk Radio’

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The Slump

Thursday, September 1st, 2011

By Maggie Mangiel

If you are like me, your main reasons for exercising and eating healthy are improving your overall health, adding years to your life, reducing stress, and having a sexy, fit physique to impress the opposite sex.  In impressing the male species, I go as far as wearing short-shorts and 6 inch heels, but hey, I am a different breed altogether.  Anyway, the point is, due to those reasons, you marched to the gym, got a one-year membership, and bought a package of personal training sessions.  You hit up Lululemon and Sport Chek and got decked out in colorful, too-tight spandex and over-priced sneakers.  Then, the quest began.

Things were going great.  The first 4-6 months were just out of this world.  The endorphins produced by exercising did their thing.  Your mood had never been better, and if I may dare add, you actually didn’t mind your friends and their so called “happy relationships” anymore.  You lost weight and inches from your waist, gained some precious lean muscle mass, and saw some abs.  You were so happy, you rewarded yourself with a new, sexy wardrobe.  Even the hot guy checked out your new caboose when you were doing some serious deadlifts.  Then out of nowhere, disaster struck.  You started noticing that you were too tired.  You were too busy to make it to the gym.  Then your new clothes did not fit. You felt bloated all the time.  You could not stop reaching for junk food.  And before you knew it, you had gained 5, 6, 7…oops, 10lbs.  So, before you stop altogether and start having breakfast at Mickey D’s, let me tell you why this might be happing.  It could one of the following reasons:

1. You have hit a plateau.  That’s when your body adapts to your new training and diet routine.

2. You have over-trained and did not get in enough rest.  That leads to being overly fatigued and a loss of interest in training.

3. You were not honest with yourself.  You skipped cardio and you reached for that 3rd Vodka-Cranberry and told yourself a lie that there are no calories in Vodka…Really?  In what science?

Now that the problem has been pinpointed, here is what you need to do to get out of that dreadful slump.  First, switch things up by changing around your exercise and diet routine every few weeks. Even a small thing like doing cardio using an elliptical today, then switching to the stair-stepper a few days later makes a big difference.  Second, sign up for group classes like Yoga and dance.  Do NOT do Zumba, that’s not a dance, seriously, you will make me hurt you if you do.  Third, stay away from alcohol; it’s not your friend.  No, it’s not. There are other things I can list but I will start charging, so I bet you are good with these three for now.  With that being said, get back out there, kick the ish out of that slump, and I promise you, that soon enough, the hot guy in the gym will be helping you with your cardio…if you know what I mean.  😉

Maggie Mangiel, for War Room Sports

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Unwritten Rules of Major League Baseball

Wednesday, August 31st, 2011

By Jimmy Williams

I just want to say a few words about baseball and it’s unwritten rules.  This has pissed me off for years.  Earlier this season, Detroit Tigers’ pitcher Justin Verlander was working on a no-hitter when Erick Aybar bunted the ball in the eighth inning and reached 1st base on a play where Verlander fielded the ball and threw it wide to first base.  Later in the inning, a two-out single was hit and the no-hitter was broken up.

After the game, many players were pissed at Aybar for laying down the bunt when there was still a chance of a no-hitter.  They said he had broken one of baseball’s “unwritten rules”.  First off, the term “unwritten rules” is stupid!  If it’s a rule, it should be in writing! Baseball players overall are a bunch of bivious creatures.  They hate when players don’t give their all by hustling to first base or running out a pop-fly, but they get upset when someone is doing everything in their power to get on base when a no-hitter is taken late into a game.  Aybar was trying to get on base late in a close game but because Verlander had a no-hitter going on, you get pissed.  If you ask me it was a smart play, yet people were treating Aybar like he was the leader of Cobra Kai, telling his students to hurt Daniel-San.

Baseball has so many unwritten rules that players often break them without knowing. Jason Turbow has written an excellent book called “The Baseball Codes”, which discuss some of baseballs unwritten rules.  Some of the rules are downright egregious!  I won’t name them all but I want to mention a few so you can see how stupid they are.

1)  Don’t swing at the first pitch after back-to-back Home Runs.  Huh?  Why not?  So if it is a good pitch to hit, I shouldn’t swing because the pitcher sucks “rhinoceros pizzle”? That’s just stupid!

2)  When you are hit by a pitch, you shouldn’t rub the mark.  What if it hurts like hell?

3)  Don’t help the opposition make a play by bracing them if they are falling into the dugout.  So basically, if you see a guy about to break his neck by trying to make a play, you should just let him break his neck.  I wonder how that will look on replay.

There are many more stupid “unwritten rules”, but you get my point.  I think baseball players should act like adults and stop being so “Tresvanty”.  They should take all of these “unwritten rules” and toss them in a “pit of unfortunate”.  I find it funny how players speak out when someone breaks an unwritten rule but for the most part they remain silent when a player breaks written rules.  Where is the backlash when players get caught drinking & driving, or engaging in spousal abuse, or drug possession?  Yet, when someone lays down a bunt in the 8th inning of a close game, players want to speak up.  For the players who spoke out against Aybar, you should be forced to drink bleach and then be thrown off the roof of a Baltimore row home, while landing on dog feces with glass in it.  And for those who read this and also believe in these “unwritten rules”, you can get the “Bozak”!

Jimmy Williams 

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Mitchell Butler Comes to The War Room!

Tuesday, August 30th, 2011

Former UCLA Bruin/Washington Bullet/Portland Trailblazer/Cleveland Cavalier/cast member of the movies Blue Chips & Rebound…and current pro-sports agent Mitchell Butler will be in The War Room this Thursday, September 1st to discuss some pressing NBA topics and his transition from NBA baller to NBA agent!

Tune in Thursday, September 1st at 6pm ET to hear our conversation with “Mitch”!  To tune in, go to www.WarRoomSports.com and click the “Listen Live” button…or dial 323-410-0012 to listen LIVE by phone.

In the meantime, join the War Room Sports Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/WarRoomSports and follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/WarRoomSports (@WarRoomSports)!

Finally, if you own an Android phone or tablet…an I-Phone, I-Pad, or I-Pod, please go to your Market and/or App Store and download the FREE War Room Sports mobile app!  It’s the VERY BEST way to stay up on all of our media content!

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Happy For Mike Vick the Man, Disappointed in the Philadelphia Eagles

Tuesday, August 30th, 2011

By Bradley Anderson

I am happy for Michael Vick.  Everyone loves a “Redemption Song”.  From a limited vantage point, he seems humbled, joyful, reinvigorated, and most importantly, eager to really LEARN the game of football, as opposed to depending on his RAW, UNBELIEVABLE athleticism to wow spectators, make games exciting, endanger his career, livelihood, and life. 

I think Andy [Reid]; having endured the heartache and pain of watching his own sons reap some of the same ills Vick did from sowing bad decisions into the most fertile soil of bad intentions, saw the potential in him.  He knew it was worth the risk to put him in a nurturing environment which would grow him amongst a brotherhood of men.  And now, we get to the fork in the road…a bad managerial decision that could potentially negatively impact the Eagles.  But Vick himself, I hope above all, Michael Vick the man is ready for the return to financial excess.  I hope he can manage the excess to create wealth for his grandkids’ grandkids. 

But more than that, here are the obstacles and the reasons this contract isn’t the wisest decision for the Philadelphia Eagles:

1) Currently, the Eagles’ offensive line is in need of a SERIOUS upgrade.  I think we’d all agree that Vick is in the top 5 or 10 athletes to EVER play the game.  And even at 31, having lost a half step, he’s still elite speed, athleticism, and talent personified.  And if HE can’t avoid getting PUMMELED in the pocket, you need to invest SERIOUS $$$ in your fat guys, otherwise you risk sledge hammers and boulders smashing up the pretty race car you paid all the money for.

2) Besides the eagles O-line being in shambles, Vick’s style of play is “balls to the wall”, “hell or high water”, “win or die”, and oftentimes outside of that pocket, Vick is engaged in near-death experiences.  Because he is able to get on the edge and extend plays and make plays with his legs, the risk of injury is raised exponentially.  Vick is RARELY (if ever) going to be able to complete a full season, and at what point do the aches and pains become permanent injuries that don’t heal?  At 31, playing as a fleet-footed athlete puts your career in jeopardy more and more with every play.  So, as management, ask yourself if you’re going to get enough out of him to get you SB wins?

3) Has he developed enough over the last 2 seasons to warrant top 3-5 QB money?  This is open to debate, but for me I’d say absolutely not.  a) He is 10x’s better with reading defenses, understanding coverage, and going through his progressions, instead of scampering like a scared deer or a neutered cheetah.  However, he isn’t ELITE at these things after only one season of improvement.  He still holds the ball too long, he still forces things a little (I know, who doesn’t?), but most alarming…MOST ALARMING…and the biggest issue I have; b) He cannot identify the blitzes.  When blitzed from the right, into his left, he folds like a deck of cards with a picture of Donovan in the Superbowl on them.  GREAT…even just GOOD QBs LOVE the blitz.  They want you to blitz.  They identify it pre-snap and even when they don’t, they can quickly see it coming, adjust, and either hit the hot read, or they are in sync with their slot guy, who also sees the coverage and the blitz, runs the appropriate option route, and the QB hits them instantly.  The Eagles don’t run option routes with their slot men (to my knowledge) and while we [the Eagles] have “hot” routes, Vick is wrapped up in thinking about the pressure rather than seeing it and making the quick read and throw.  During the last 3 or 4 games of the 2010/2011 season, Vick was EXPOSED…not as a fraud, but as a 2nd tier QB.  He is and always will be a tier 1 athlete, a tier 1 talent, and a tier 1 FOOTBALL PLAYER.  But he is NOT a tier 1, $100 Million ($40 Million guaranteed) QB…yet (If? When? Maybe? Could he? Will He?). 

I’m sure the Black protectionist, fans, and “stans” will be hounding me for not celebrating my Philadelphia Eagles for frivolously and prematurely throwing Manning & Brady money at Vick.  But forgive me.  I want to see more.  I’m a fan and supporter.  I have to be.  But I haven’t seen enough, and the difference between you and I, is that I know if you don’t spend your money on the O-line and D-Line (which we did…but just not enough), it doesn’t matter how many great skill players you have.

Bradley “B. Austin” Anderson of The War Room, for War Room Sports

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Basking in the Limelight

Monday, August 29th, 2011

By Maggie Mangiel

Is sculpting a beautiful physique a sport?  You bet your ass it is.  By clocking in about 5 miles in total cardio a day/6 days, I complete a marathon every week.  And if you think that’s crazy wait until I mention the time allotted for resistance training and the optimal nutrition program that can only be described as borderline psychotic.  In pop culture, the word “bodybuilder” became synonymous to a freak-show, but reality of the matter is this sport has branched into many categories such as female BB, figure, male and female fitness modeling, and bikini modeling, and is reaching the mainstream through fitness shows/expos and magazines.  This is where a 5’7”, long-legged, “tight tush”, 30 year old comes in.  Definitely not your average freak and I refuse to be; therefore I would like to be referred to as a “body-sculptor”.

There are different organizations that govern the sport. I’ve done my research and have chosen the WBFF since the way they do “their thing” suits my personality and look.  Besides, with a slogan such as “the best of the best competes with the WBFF”, how can I not?  As I like to believe, I have the best “tush” this side of the Atlantic.  The WBFF, which stands for World Body and Fitness Federation, holds events in state of the art, sold out venues, with cheering crowds and beautiful bright, colorful stage lights.  It provides an excellent platform for athletes to market themselves through magazines submissions and supplement contracts.

The pressure to succeed pushes all athletes but some choose to react to it in what I (this is my blog so only my opinion matters) consider negative.  Some females in my sport opt for enhancement such as breast implants (due to drastic loss of body fat, in case you didn’t know, mammary glands are made up mostly of fatty tissue), Botox, lip injection (we all know a “sista” has no need for that), and “supplementation” to obtain in a short period of time that desired muscle group that refuses to grow with natural progression.  Unfortunately, sometimes, the result is a jigsaw puzzle made up of Ken and Barbie body parts (i.e. – freak-show material).  The fortunate ones look like Hugh Hefner’s girlfriends.  Nonetheless, the public loves abnormality and that’s what brings them to the shows.

So, after some months of grueling training and consumption of an entire chicken farm, a Diva Bikini/Fitness Model is ready for the stage.  Before “D-day”, there are small, but very important details that need to be tweaked first.  A banging, blinged-out suit in the price range of $250-$1000 is custom made.  Nails, hair, and 5″ clear heels are acquired.  Yes you read it right, “acquired”.  The morning of the show, makeup and hair crew is at hand and a beautiful coat of bronzing tan is applied to make a girl feel like a perfect dolled up statue, or at least that’s how I feel.  Then I put on my Cinderella heels and hit the stage with a strut that makes Rupaul burst into tears of prideful joy.

Maggie Mangiel, for War Room Sports

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What If Brett Favre Were Black?

Friday, August 26th, 2011

By Jimmy Williams

He would be Aaron Brooks……..

Jimmy Williams 

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Breaking Down Eagles Free Agency 2011

Wednesday, July 27th, 2011

by Nairann Merceir

With a new CBA signed and in place, it’s time to start looking at possible free agent moves for the Philadelphia Eagles. First I will look at the Eagles own free agents and than explore the possible free agents to fill the Eagles various needs.

Eagles top 5 free agents are:

MLB Stewart Bradley – while the oft-injured Bradley has shown promise over the course of his short career, his inability to stay healthy over the course of a 16 game schedule is troublesome.  However, with no clear replacement on the roster, Jamar Chaney still has a lot to learn.  Re-signing Bradley is a must.

SS Quintin Mikell – I like Mikell a lot but he was obviously exposed the last two seasons not playing next to B. Dawk, and with the drafting of Temple safety Jarrett in the second round it looked like the writing was on the wall for Mikell.  However with last years second round pick Nate Allen returning from a knee injury and with little experience on the roster besides Kurt Coleman, the Eagles will be wise to re-sign Mikell to have veteran leadership to the back part of their secondary.

G/C Nick Cole – Nick has been a variable sub and spot-starter for the Eagles the last few seasons, and what he lacks in ideal size for the position he makes up with heart and effort.  However I think it’s time for the Eagles to start looking in a new direction, unless Cole is willing to return at a reasonable salary.

RB Jerome Harrison- During his time in Cleveland, Harrison has shown flashes of being a featured back and with McCoy clearly the no.1 here in Philly; I look for Harrison to explore his free agent options with the chances of battling for a starting spot on another team.

CB Ellis Hobbs – I doubt if Ellis will return as an Eagle next season. With the team using that money to sign an upgrade at the position.

Filling team needs:

Priority #1: Cornerback

All the rumor mills point to the Eagles trading Kevin Kolb to the Arizona Cardinals for Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a second round pick.  However, if the Eagles are unable to acquire Rodgers-Cromartie or any other cornerback in a trade involving Kevin Kolb, I feel there are a few quality free agents still available for the Eagles to choose from.  The Eagles could make waves this free agency and sign Oakland’s Nnamdi Asomugha, likely at a $17 million-a-season pop, but other options are available and at a more affordable price.  The Bengals Jonathan Joseph is the best of the rest in my opinion, and would fit nicely into the Eagles defense, having played a similar style with the Bengals.  However, Cincinnati has cap space to keep the 27-year-old Joseph.  Antonio Cromartie has ideal size, 6-foot-2, 210 pounds, but the N.Y. Jets aren’t likely to let him walk without a fight, as he has proved to be a nice complement to Revis.  The same could be said for the Falcons’ Brent Grimes, a local kid who played at Northeast High, and the Chiefs’ Brandon Carr.  This leaves the Eagles with choosing from Pittsburgh’s Ike Taylor and Washington’s Carlos Rogers as the next best options, however both are in their 30s.

Priority # 2 Defensive end:

Under the reign of Head coach Andy Reid, the Eagles have always placed a high value on end.  Since 2007, the Eagles have drafted four defensive ends in the first three rounds.  The reason the Eagles need to address defensive end during free agency is because they haven’t drafted the position well.  Brandon Graham’s (last years #1 pick) knee concerns make it all but certain the Eagles will sign a defensive end this free agency period.  Minnesota’s Ray Edwards and Carolina’s Charles Johnson are at the top of the defensive end class and would likely be options for the Eagles because of their sack totals and age (both are 26).  However, the Panthers are expected to re-sign Johnson but the Vikings more than likely won’t be able to afford Edwards.  Cliff Avril of the Lions and Mathias Kiwanuka of the Giants are also options at defensive end, if they reach free agency and aren’t resigned by their current teams.  Another hot name is former Eagle Jason Babin, who has been gaining buzz because of his success last season in Tennessee under the direction of new Eagles defensive line coach Jim Washburn.  He’s 31 and probably looking to cash in, so the price tag may be too high for the Eagles.

Priority #3 Defensive tackle:

Seattle’s Brandon Mebane is probably the best defensive tackle available this free agency period.  Mebane is 26 and the kind of gap-plugger the Eagles covet, however word is that new defensive coordinator Juan Castillo is supposedly looking for pass rushers inside.  The Bears’ Tommie Harris used to fit the mold Castillo is looking for but his numbers have steadily decreased over the last few seasons.  Albert Haynesworth isn’t a free agent yet, however many believe the Redskins will release the former all-pro, another of Washburn’s success stories, so that is also an option for the Eagles.

Priority #4 Linebacker:

This all depends on whether or not the Eagles choose or want to keep Stewart Bradley.  If the Eagles choose to say farewell to their middle linebacker or are outbid for his services by another team, I feel there are few options out there for the Birds.  First is Buffalo’s Paul Posluszny, followed by Tennessee’s Stephen Tulloch, Tampa Bay’s Barrett Ruud, or Jacksonville’s Kirk Morrison.  Posluszny is interesting because he played outside at Penn State until his senior season and could also play outside in the Eagles scheme, allowing second year man Jamar Chaney to stay inside.

Priority #5 Running Back:

Personally I feel the easiest way for the Eagles to address their backup tailback need is to keep Jerome Harrison.  However that’s easier said than done.  Talks out of the Nova Care Center at the end of the season was that Harrison wants an opportunity to start.  He won’t get that chance here with LeSean McCoy clearly in place as the number one back.  Other options include Darren Sproles of the Chargers, who appears to be a match for the Eagles offense.  He can run and catch and has never been the featured back.  Ronnie Brown did a lot of the Wildcat in Miami and would give Andy a new toy for that formation.  Also, Bucs tailback Cadillac Williams may be willing to play back-up after losing his starting job in Tampa.

Others:

Of course if Kevin Kolb is moved, a back up to Vick has to be found among a list of candidates.  I’m not thrilled by Mark Bulger, Brett Farve, Matt Hassellback, Troy Smith, Trent Edwards, etc.  Like I said in an earlier blog, that a deal to acquire Vince Young makes sense.  Also, the state of Winston Justice’s knee could make right tackle a priority for the Eagles, just as Nate Allen’s ruptured patellar tendon could lead to a safety acquisition.  The Eagles are stocked at wide receiver, but every armchair general manager has Plaxico Burress in midnight green, so that is also another free agent signing possibility.

Only time will tell.

Nairann Merceir, Philly Sports Correspondent for War Room Sports

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The State of The Philadelphia Eagles

Monday, July 25th, 2011

by Brandon Pemberton

Starting today , NFL teams will be able to re-sign their own free agents and talk to other free agents.  The Philadelphia Eagles have plenty of issues at different positions they need to address, mostly on the defensive side of the ball, in my eyes.  They already have a Super Bowl contender’s offense in my opinion, and while some believe picking up Plaxico Burress and or Reggie Bush are top priorites, the Eagles defense stunk last year in the red zone, they are weak at linebacker (as usual), they have one legit, healthy starter in the defensive backfield, and outside of Trent Cole, the defensive line can all go.  If I were the General Manager of this team, here is what I would be thinking about and doing:

Defensive Line: It’s time to either break up the defensive tackle combination of Brodrick Bunkley and Mike Patterson or get rid of them both.  The two of them have been big disappointments since being drafted in the first round of the draft in back to back years (2005 and 2006) and I’m tired of seeing them getting blown off of the ball and never making a play in the backfield.  The two of them aren’t playmakers and have no impact on this team.  I said it last year and I will say it again right here: Antonio Dixon should get a chance to be a starter on this team.  He has great size (6’3”, 322 lbs), is strong at the point of attack, and makes plays in the backfield.  He brings a different type of game and size compared to the other two.

Also, Albert Haynesworth will most likely be available after spending a season in D.C. with the Redskins, but he also might be facing a possible suspension from the NFL after his incident in the restaurant with the waitress in which he was charged with misdemeanor sexual assault.  Eagles hired defensive line coach Jim Washburn and he has gotten the best out of Albert during his career in the NFL.  When playing with motivation and something to prove, Haynesworth can be the most disruptive force on the interior line in all of football.  Another player that is available is DE Charles Johnson from the Carolina Panthers, who had a breakout season after Julius Peppers left for Chicago, and I also like Ray Edwards from Minnesota as well.  Bottom line is the Eagles need to help Trent Cole as far as rushing the passer is concerned.  Brandon Graham is coming off of a bad knee injury and most likely will not be ready for the start of the season.

Linebackers: The Eagles have refused to put any stock in having tough, hard nosed, playmakers at the linebacker position over the years and it has killed them.  Ernie Sims stinks and is comparable to a stray bullet.  He has no idea who and what he’s going to and suppose to hit.  It was a reason why a team like the Detroit Lions were ready to let him go and it’s time for him to receive his walking papers from the Eagles.  Chad Greenway might become available depending on the agreement on years concerning free agency in the CBA and he is the kind of player the Birds need at linebacker.  He has the speed, size, instincts, and tenacity that the Eagles have lacked at that position for years.  At middle linebacker, Jamar Chaney came on at the end of the season, starting the last two regular season games as well as the playoff game against the Packers.  He showed good instincts, speed, coverage ability, and sound tackling.  Played well enough that the Eagles are giving him the chance to be the starter this season.

Stewart Bradley has been injured on and off the last two seasons and even when he was healthy and on the field, he was overrated and exposed in pass coverage against tight ends and making plays in open space.  Moise Fokou saw time at all three linebacker positions and made no impact while on the field.  That leaves the Eagles with another weak linebacker core that needs to be upgraded.  There have been talks of playing Bradley at the “Sam” Linebacker, which was the position he played in college at Nebraska. 

Defensive Backs: Besides Asante Samuel at the left corner, they have question marks at the three other positions in their defensive backfield.  Offenses picked on the corner opposite of Samuel at an alarming rate last season.  There have been talks heating up about the Eagles trading QB Kevin Kolb to the Arizona Cardinals for Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and possibly a 2nd or 3rd round pick.  This would instantly upgrade the Cornerback position and force more passes to the other side of the field.  Nate Allen is coming off of a serious knee injury(ruptured right patella tendon) and was having an up and down rookie season before the injury.  Quintin Mikell is a free agent, who has been exposed for the fraud he has always been as a player and it’s time for him to walk as well.

The Eagles drafted Temple safety Jaiquawan Jarrett in the second round, a selection that was a bit of a stretch in my eyes.  I thought he would be available in the 3rd round or maybe fourth.  While he is a big hitter and sound tackler, and is always in the right spots, he is sort of a tweener as a NFL saftey.  He doesn’t have the top end speed and range to play free safety and isn’t big enough to play in the box constantly as a strong safety.  The Eagles should look for help at safety from the likes of Roman Harper (Saints), Atari Bigby (Packers), or maybe Eric Weddle (Chargers).

The Eagles say they are all in and ready to win it all.  If that’s the case, then fixing the defense and giving first year defensive coordinator Juan Castillo talent to work with will be key.  Free agency will be moving fast, so we will see.

Brandon Pemberton of Brandon on Sports, for War Room Sports

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If Kevin Kolb is Traded, Vince Young Makes Sense as Vick’s Backup

Friday, July 22nd, 2011

By Nairann Merceir

As a die-hard Eagles fan, I would love to see nothing more than Kevin Kolb traded once the lock-out is officially lifted, to the Arizona Cardinals for Rodgers-Cromartie (immediate upgrade at right corner) and a second round pick.  However, once Kolb is traded, that leaves the Eagles with a huge void at back-up QB, leaving only second year man Mike Kafka as Michael Vick’s primary back-up.  I don’t know about you, but I’m not comfortable with Mike Kafka having to start two to three games.  Hence the reason the Eagles must seek out a veteran back-up to Vick.  I’ve heard rumors of Brett Farve, Mark Bulger, etc. coming to Philly but I want Vince Young, and here is my argument now.

First, the offense that Andy Reid and the Eagles have installed for Vick fits the skill set of Vince Young.  Plus we know Andy has a proven track record of developing QBs who were labeled as underachieving passers, such as McNabb and Vick, so why couldn’t he do the same for Young?  Now let’s look at Vince Young the player.  Last season, Young appeared in 9 games (8 starts), and had the 4th best third down passer rating in the league, only trailing Brady, Roethlisberger, and Kitna.  At times in his short career, he has done pretty well, he’s had several come from behind victories, and he’s been effective in the short and long passing game.  According to NFL Films, last season Vince was the most accurate passer of balls that were thrown in the air beyond 35 yards and we know how that plays into Desean Jackson’s game.

Looking at Young’s first 4 seasons in the NFL, 2006 through 2009, he has amassed a regular season record of 26-13 as a starter.  That’s a .67 winning percentage for you math guys.  He’s lead 11 come from behind victories in his career, including 9 come from behind or tied performances in 2009.  That season, he started the final 10 games and led the Titans to an 8-2 record after they began season 0-6.  So the leadership skills are there.  He also made the Pro Bowl that season but we know that’s a bogus award/recognition.  

His career numbers through the first 5 years of his career are: 54 games played, 8,098 yards passing, 42 tds and 42 ints, with a 57.9 percent completion rate, 264 rushes for 1,380 yds and 12 tds.  If you compared that to Vick’s first 5 seasons, Mike played 58 games, threw for 9,031 yards, 51 tds and 39 ints, with a 52 percent completion rate.  There’s no need to even add rushing numbers, as they are not even comparable. However, as a passer, Vince Young is on par with Michael Vick through the first 5 years of their respective careers, with Vince actually being a more accurate passer.  So there is definitely something for the Eagles to develop here, and let’s not forget this guy was a top 3 talent when he came out of Texas in 2006.  If anyone has a better option out there to back up Michael Vick for this Eagles season, who may be called upon to start two to three weeks in case Vick goes down, I would love to hear it.

Nairann Merceir, Philly Sports Correspondent, for War Room Sports

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Top NFL Free Agents

Wednesday, July 20th, 2011

by Brandon Pemberton

Well, from all the reports we are hearing, as soon as Friday, the NFL lockout could be over and the league back in business.  Supposedly starting Friday and ending Sunday at 11:59 pm, teams will use that time period to re-sign their own free agents or decide to let them walk.  Monday at 12-midnight will be the start of free agency and training camp would commence by mid-week.  I have been going over the list of potential free agents and I have compiled my top ten available players:

1. Nnamdi Asomugha, CB Raiders, 30 years old ( 11 career Int’s, 4 time All-Pro)

Is right behind Darrelle Revis as the best cornerback in football.  If you looked at his career interception numbers, you might be fooled and not realize how great of a player he has been over the last 5 years since becoming a starter.  Is a shutdown corner, he has the size, footwork, and technique, while being a class-act off of the field.  He’s asking for $19 million per and he’s 30 years old, so there is some risk of his play falling off in maybe 3 or 4 years, but as of now he cuts off one side of the football field.

2. Ray Edwards, DE Vikings, 26 years old ( 2010 stats 37 tackles, 8 sacks)

Played the left end position opposite of Jared Allen the past two seasons and has blossomed into a nice player.  Is not only a good pass rusher, but plays the point well against the right tackle and tight ends against the run.  Should receive a nice contract ASAP.

3. Charles Johnson, DE Panthers, 26 years old (2010 stats 62 tackles, 11.5 sacks)

After being a part time player his first three years in the league, Johnson had a breakout season as a starter when the Carolina Panthers let Julius Peppers leave via free agency.  He showed the ability to get to the QB on a consistent basis and that will get you paid.

4. Johnathan Joseph, CB Bengals, 27 years old (14 career Int’s)

Is an underrated cover corner that would be a great fit for any team.  Was part of one of the NFL’s best corner tandems the last few seasons.  Is great in “Bump & Run” coverage and tackles as well.

5. Carl Nicks (restricted), G, 26 years old (made the 2010 pro bowl and 2nd team all-pro)

Is one of the best Guards in football and was part of the best Guard tandem in football.  He is a pure mauler and uses his size (6’5” 345lbs) to his advantage as he pummels his opposition weekly.  Is only 26 years old and has plenty of great football ahead of him.  A team might give him an offer even though he is a restricted free agent. He is that good.

6. Santonio Holmes, WR, 27 years old (2010 stats 12 games, 52 catches 746 yards, 6 TD’s)

When he is not serving suspensions for off the field nonsense and actually playing, Holmes is one of the most dangerous receivers in the game.  His ability to change direction at full speed and control his body while making spectacular receptions, are second to none.  The only risk with giving him a long-term deal is the chance he gets in trouble off of the field again.

7. DeAngelo Williams, RB Panthers, 27 years old (2010 stats 6 games 87 carries, 361 yards, 4.1 ypc, 1 TD)

Williams went down with a right foot injury in the sixth game of the season and was placed on injured reserve with a right foot sprain.  He was on pace for his 3rd straight 1000 yard season and had previously established himself as one of the league’s most explosive running backs.  Since the Panthers have Jonathan Stewart under contract, it’s more than likely that Williams hits the free agent market.  I could see him landing in Denver with his former coach John Fox.

8. Sidney Rice, WR Vikings, 25 years old (2010 stats 5 games, 17 receptions, 280 yards, 2 TD’s)

Had a career year in 2009 but had surgery on his hip and played in only 5 games in 2010.  Is 25 years old and is in the prime of his career.  As long as he is healthy, he is a legit number one receiving threat in this league.

9. Stephen Tulloch, MLB Titans, 26 years old (2010 stats, 111 solo tackles, 49 assists)

Has been the starter at middle linebacker for the Titans the last three seasons and has developed into a good player.  He is a physical run stopper and is very good in pass coverage as well.  Underrated player in my eyes due to the fact a lot of people haven’t seen too many Titans games.  He is legit.

10. Zach Miller, TE Raiders, 25 years old (2010 stats, 6o receptions, 685 yards, 5 TD’s)

Has caught over 50 passes for over 650 yards each of the last three seasons on a dreadful Oakland Raiders team.  He’s actually way better than most casual NFL fans might believe.  Has deceptive speed, great hands, and catches the ball well in traffic.  Made the Pro Bowl last season and I see many more in his future if he leaves the Raiders and plays for a franchise that’s ready to win now.

Brandon Pemberton of Brandon on Sports, for War Room Sports

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