Seattle Seahawks 2012 schedule is released!

By Kshell

The Seattle Seahawks 2012 NFL schedule has officially been released. This year the Seahawks will begin the season on the road against a divisional opponent like they did last year as they begin the year against the Arizona Cardinals. Their home opener will be the second week of the year as they take on the Dallas Cowboys. The Seahawks have two national T.V. primetime games as they take on the Green Bay Packers at home on Monday Night on week three. Then later on in week seven at San Francisco 49ers on Thursday Night football. In this following post I'll give my two cents on each game while examing more games more deeply.

‎1 Sun, Sep 9  @ Arizona Cardinals (0-0) 1:15 pm PDT 

Previous meeting: Arizona Cardinals won 23-20 in 2011

These teams split the season series last year each winning on their homefield. The Seahawks last year went 7-9 while the Cardinals went 8-8. Both teams are hoping to return to the playoffs as Matt Flynn will be making his first start in a Seahawks uniform going up against Larry Fitzgerald and Cardinals offense.

2 Sun, Sep 16  vs Dallas Cowboys (0-0) 1:05 pm PDT

Previous meeting: Dallas Cowboys won 23-13 in 2011

This will be the Seahawks home opener as they take on the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys have won the last three meetings against the Seahawks all down in Dallas. The last time the Cowboys played the Seahawks in Seattle was the memorable 2006 Wild Card playoff game. The Seahawks won that game 21-20 in a wild finish. That game is most memorable because the Cowboys were in position to win the game with a field goal. Instead holder and starting quarterback Tony Romo fumbled the ball and was tackled short of the goaline.  Romo's miscue still haunts him to this day as the following year with the #1 seed the Cowboys lost their first playoff game. Romo being called a choke artist started that night in Seattle. This will be Matt Flynn's first home start of his career for the Seahawks as well.

3 Mon, Sep 24 vs Green Bay Packers (0-0) 5:30 pm ESPN 

Previous meeting: Packers won 48-10 in 2009

This is an interesting matchup as Matt Flynn takes on his former team as the Seahawks take on reigning MVP Aaron Rodgers. The Packers have won three in a row against the Seahawks. Although last time these two teams played on Monday night it was in Seattle as the Seahawks won in the snow 34-24. The Seahawks have won five games in a row on Monday Night and have the best record in the NFL on monday night. This will be a special game as every game on Monday night is special.

4 Sun, Sep 30  @ St. Louis Rams (0-0) 10:00 am PDT

Previous meeting: Seahawks won 30-13 in 2011

The Seahawks have dominated this series losing just one time against the Rams since 2005 posting a 13-1 record against the Rams. This is a key divisional game as the Seahawks prepare for the Rams on the road. The Rams will be having a new head coach as Jeff Fisher takes over the Rams hoping to lead them to some wins as they have been horrible lately.

5 Sun, Oct 7 @ Carolina Panthers  (0-0) 1:05 pm PDT

Previous meeting: Seahawks won 31-14 in 2010

The Seahawks get their first taste of Cam Newton the electric quarterback. The Seahawks have never won a game at Carolina in franchise history as they are 0-2 all-time. The Seahawks defeated the Panthers to go to the Super Bowl in the 2005 NFC Championship game. That was then and this is now. The Seahawks will have a hard time containing Newton as most teams have.

6 Sun, Oct 14 vs New England Patriots (0-0) 1:05 pm PDT 

Previous Meeting: New England won 24-21 in 2008

The Seahawks host the defending AFC Champions New England Patriots as Tom Brady makes his first appearance at Century Link Field. Brady missed the meeting in 2008 as he was out for the season as the Patriots rallied to defeat the Seahawks during Mike Holmgren's last season. Brady however did defeat the Seahawks back in 2004 at home 30-20. This will be another fun game for Seahawks fans as the day before the USC Trojans who are expected to contend for a national title will be playing the Washington Huskies on the same field. For fans of Seattle the SODO area will be packed for that 48 hour run. This will also see the return of Deion Branch back to Seattle where he played with the Seahawks from 2006-2010 and was regarded as a bust. This will also be Pete Carroll's first game against his old team. He was the head coach of the Patriots from 1997-1999 before being fired for Bill Bellicheck. That worked out well for both as Bellicheck won three super bowls while Carroll became a legend at USC.

7 Thu, Oct 18 @ San Francisco 49ers (0-0) 5:20 pm PDT

Previous meeting: San Francisco won 19-17

Last year the 49ers won swept the season series from the Seahawks. This will be the second primetime game for the Seahawks as they travel to play at the defending NFC West champions 49ers on a Thursday Night game. This will be a short turnaround for the Seahawks who are 1-1 on Thursday Night games in this recent format. If the Seahawks wish to compete for a division title they'll have to beat the 49ers. Jim Harbaugh dating back to his days at Stanford is 4-1 all-time against Pete Carroll including last years season sweep.

8 Sun, Oct 28 @ Detroit Lions  (0-0) 10:00 am PDT

Previous meeting: Seahawks won 32-20 in 2009

The Seahawks take on a Detriot Lions team fresh off of making their first postseason appearance since 1999. The Lions last time they played the Seahawks blew a 17-0 lead as then rookie Mathew Stafford threw five interceptions. Now Stafford is no longer a rookie in fact he is a pro bowler who has led his team to the playoffs. This game is on the road at Ford Field the site of Super Bowl XL the place that gave the Seahawks the most heart breaking loss in franchise history.

 9 Sun, Nov 4 vs Minnesota Vikings (0-0) 1:05 pm PST

Previous meeting: Vikings won 35-9 in 2009

The Seahawks will be hosting the electric Adrian Peterson who still remains as one of the leagues premiere backs. The Vikings are in a transition right now unlike the NFC championship game bound squad the Seahawks faced back in 2009. Tarvaris Jackson the Seahawks backup quarterback also played with the Vikings. This will also be a homecoming for John Carlson who just signed a five year 25 million dollar deal with the Vikings.

10 Sun, Nov 11 vs New York Jets (0-0) 1:05 pm PST

Previous meeting: Seahawks on 13-3 in 2008

Tim Tebow will be playing at Seattle for the first time as who knows if he'll be the starting quarterback by then. Mark Sanchez the quarterback the Seahawks passed on will be entering a make or break season as will his loud mouth head coach Rex Ryan. The Jets who went to back to back AFC championship games in 2009 and 2010 are hoping to get back there. This will be the teams first meeting since Mike Holmgren coached his last game in Seattle as the Seahawks defeated the Jets in the snow 13-3 back in 2008.

11 Bye

12 Sun, Nov 25 @ Miami Dolphins (0-0) 10:00 am PST 

Previous meeting: Dolphins won 21-19 in 2008

Matt Flynn will be taking on the team he passed on to go to Seattle. The Dolphins were very much in the Flynn sweepstakes before losing out. This will be a cross country flight for the Seahawks who in the past haven't done very well in 10 a.m. games on the east coast. The last time these two teams played the Dolphins were enjoying an AFC divisional championship debuting the Wildcat. They have fallen on hard times since then because they still have yet to replace Dan Marino at quarterback.


13 Sun, Dec 2 @ Chicago Bears (0-0) 10:00 am PST

Previous meeting: Seahawks won 38-14 in 2011

In what will be the fourth trip to Chicago for the Seahawks in the last three years. The Seahawks have owned the Bears in the regular season winning the last three matchups including twice in Chicago. In the playoffs though the Bears have ended the Seahawks season twice. Last year the Seahawks crushed the Bears in Chicago behind a strong defensive outing. The Bears were banged up without Jay Cutler and Matt Forte. The Bears are always a tough match up especially on the road in Chicago.

14 Sun, Dec 9 vs Arizona Cardinals  (0-0) 1:15 pm PST
This will be the second matchup of the season for the Seahawks. In a strange scheduling by the NFL this will actually be the Seahawks first home game against a divisional opponent. The Seahawks have defeated the Cardinals the last two years at home and hope to do so again.

15 Sun, Dec 16 @ Buffalo Bills (0-0) 1:05 pm PST

Previous meeting: Bills won 34-10 in 2008

This game will be played out of this country as the Seahawks will be actually playing in Toronto which spoils what should have been the return of Marshawn Lynch to his old team the Buffalo Bills. The Seahawks traded for Lynch during the 2010 season and so far have been very happy with that trade.  Lynch provided a memorable playoff run to defeat the bounty hunting New Orleans Saints in the 2010 Wild Card playoff round. Then last year Lynch ran for over 1,000 yards first time a Seahawk did that since MVP Shaun Alexander did it in 2005. Lynch also made the pro bowl last year as the Seahawks sent five guys to the pro bowl. The Bills are a hurting franchise having not made the playoffs since 1999 when the music city miracle happened. The Bills are a decent team but as a Seahawks fan I'm thankful this december game is in Toronto in a dome and not in the horrid temperatures that Buffalo can produce in late December. This will also be the Seahawks last road game of the season.

 16 Sun, Dec 23 vs San Francisco 49ers (0-0) 1:15 p.m PST

This game has a chance to be very huge as the Seahawks take on the 49ers for the second time. Like year during the Christmas week the Seahawks will be hosting the 49ers in which will be pivotal game in the division title race. The Seahawks also might be developing a rivalry with the 49ers. There is no secret Pete Carroll and Jim Harbaugh don't like each other. I actually like that our head coach doesn't like another coach in our division. I always hate how Steve Sarkisian is so nice to every coach after getting his butt handed to him it's refreshing to see. With the addition of Flynn the Seahawks are hoping to take over this division. Beating the 49ers would be a nice start to doing just that.

17 Sun, Dec 30 vs St. Louis Rams (0-0) 1:15 pm EST

Two years ago these two teams played on the last game of the regular season and it came down to the division title which the Seahawks won the game 16-6. Can the Seahawks repeat history by clinching the division title on the last week of the NFL season? We'll sure find out. The Seahawks have won seven in a row at home against the Rams as they hope to continue this domination of the Rams. I like that the Seahawks have all three divisional games late in the year at home. If the division race is close you have to like the Seahawks.

Eli Manning proves only ELIte quarterbacks win super bowls!

By Kshell

This past Sunday the New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots 21-17 to win their fourth super bowl championship. In doing so quarterback Eli Manning defeated Tom Brady for the second time in the Super Bowl. Eli playing in the house that his brother Peyton[Manning] built etched his name amongst the elite quarterbacks today. Eli [Manning] also proved a trend that has been developing in today's NFL as well. This year in the NFL you saw three guys pass for over 5,000 yards including Drew Brees and Tom Brady breaking Dan Marino's single season record for most passing yards in a season. This was the year of the quarterback as 10 quarterbacks passed for over 4,000 yards and 20 over 3,000 yards. Three quarterbacks threw for over 40 touchdown passes, five went over 30 touchdowns and 14 over 20 touchdowns. All this without four-time NFL MVP Peyton Manning who missed the entire season. The proof is in the pudding if you don't have an elite quarterback you aren't winning a superbowl.

Besides putting up big numbers these elite quarterbacks are also taking home super bowls. In the last five super bowls(two teams so 10 quarterbacks) here are the following super bowl quarterbacks: Tom Brady twice(2 regular season MVP, two first-team all-pro's, seven pro bowls, single season record holder for touchdowns in a season and two SB MVP's), Eli Manning twice( two pro bowls, two SB MVP's), Ben Roethlisberger twice( Rookie of the year, two pro bowls), Peyton Manning(four MVP's, five first-team all-pro's, 11 pro bowls, SB MVP), Drew Brees( one first-team all-pro, single season record holder for passing yards, six pro bowls, SB MVP), Aaron Rodgers(MVP, one first-team all-pro, single season QB rating record, two pro bowls and SB MVP), and Kurt Warner(Two MVP's, two first-team all-pro's, four pro bowls and SB MVP). As you can see that is an impressive list considering seven quarterbacks have combined won nine regular season MVP's, 11 first-team all-pro, 34 pro bowls and eight super bowl MVP's. Since 2003 the following quarterbacks have won a super bowl: Tom Brady(three times), Ben Rothlisberger(twice), Peyton Manning, Eli Manning(twice), Drew Brees, and Aaron Rodgers. As you can see this is a quarterbacks league the days of Trent Dilfer and Brad Johnson winning super bowls are over. Those quarterbacks I listed unless they self destruct will be going to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. This is why the Seattle Seahawks must act fast because currently they don't have that quarterback(you could argue that they never have).

The Seattle Seahawks came a long ways since last year having five pro bowl players to the zero they've had the last two years. The Seahawks finished with the same record as last year at 7-9 despite a defense ranked in the top 10 and a running back who went to the pro bowl in Marshawn Lynch. The reason for the Seahawks struggles to put it simply was they had no quarterback. While not being bad Tarvaris Jackson also proved he isn't good either. Jackson has never made a pro bowl in his career. Last season with the Seahawks Jackson passed for 3,091 yards(15 games, 14 starts) completing 60.2% of his passes with 14 touchdowns to 13 interceptions on the season. His quarterback rating was 79.2 which looking at these numbers aren't bad. The problem is those numbers aren't good and like the previous paragraph stated you need elite quarterback play to be winners. Jackson is the defination of average to below average. In his career his rating is 77.7, has a completion percentage of 59.4%, touchdown to interception ratio of 38-35 and a starting record that sits at 17-17. Jackson is a servicable quarterback who can be a spot starter if your franchise quarterback is missing one to four games. Anything more from Jackson and your season will be doomed. Which is why the Seahawks must take some chances this offseason on landing that elite quarterback.

The Seahawks this offseason have three choices at the quarterback position and only three options. The first option is through the draft whether you trade up, wait for a guy to fall to you or grab him later on in the draft. The next option is to go hard for quarterback Matt Flynn of the Green Bay Packers who is set to be a free agent this offseason. The last one has the best possible short term value but also could be the most disasterous which is signing Peyton Manning. The Colts have basically said they are drafting Andrew Luck and both they and Manning are working on the exit strategy. Tomorrow in a piece I'll be writing I'll further explore this very topic on what the Seahawks should do going forward with their quarterback problem. If this piece has taught you anything is that the days of game managing quarterbacks hoisting the lombardi trophy appear to be dead for now. Sure Alex Smith, Mark Sanchez and Joe Flacco can lead you to a title game appearance but those guys aren't playing on Super Bowl Sunday. Those guys aren't hoisting the Lombardi trophy either. The Seahawks franchise has already tasted title game appearances and super bowl appearances. We want the whole thing right now which is a Super Bowl championship trophy! If the Seahawks are to ever get that trophy they must find an elite quarterback or expect many more Super Bowl Sunday's where the confetti drops down and it isn't blue and green. If you want to win a championship you must acquire an elite quarterback there is just no way around it.

Fantasy Football cheat guide

By Kshell

Everywhere across the United States and perhaps the world fans are eagerly awaiting the 2011 NFL season. With the NFL season starting that means fantasy football drafts are currently going on. I'm in three leagues and I've drafted in one league with two more left to go. Now I'm afraid I'm pulling a Billy Beane in money ball where I'm telling my secrets so my opponents will catch up to me. In this following post I'll give some basic advice and give you some insight on what I think to do for fantasy football drafts. Keep in mind everyone loves how they drafted and a good chance the winner of your league is based on who played the waiver wire the best. I'll give plenty of basic advice to follow which should land you in the playoffs and hopefully win your fantasy football league(unless your playing with me of course). This is like in poker where I'll be telling you ABC poker.

I still think the number one rule is to attack the running back position. In a basic 12 team league you typically start two running backs and then one or two flex positions. In the NFL only 32 starting running backs with some of them sharing time you want to have the monopoly on running backs. For an example Arian Foster last year racked up 307 points in fantasy while the second place guy was Peyton Hillis who had 220.19 and 10th was Rashard Mendenhall 188.49 then Mike Tolbert was 20th with 140.91 points. Also pay attention to the depth charts as Foster last year typically went in the fourth-sixth round while Hillis was a free agent pick up. Foster scored 118.51(7.41 points per week) more than the 10th ranked running back. I personally like to have drafted two running backs before I take my first receiver and three running backs if not four running backs before I take my first tight end. Ideally in a PPR league you want running backs who rack up receptions so even if they have a poor reality game they still have a good fantasy game. The top five pass catchers at the running back position were Lesean McCoy(78 receptions), Arian Foster(68 receptions), Ray Rice(63 receptions), Peyton Hillis(61 receptions) and Darren Sproles(59 receptions). Those first four should go in the first round although Hillis and McCoy seem to fall out of the top 10 so don't hesitate to draft them.

In fantasy football like teams do in real life you always have to be prepared for injuries. Many fantasy owners saw their season go down the drain in 2008 when Tom Brady was injured first game. Now a smart owner will take a backup quarterback who has upside in round seven or eight. You always want to make sure you have insurance on your first round pick. If he is in a friendly offense take his backup. So if you have Michael Vick don't be afraid to draft Vince Young. If you draft a running back in the first round always take his handcuff even if he sits on your bench doing nothing. You don't want to be the Priest Holmes owner in 2005 when he was injured then Larry Johnson blew up. In general I'd avoid taking a quarterback in the first round. Last year Aaron Rodgers scored 290.43 points and the second highest was Tom Brady with 287.03. The 10th ranked quarterback was Eli Manning with 218.05 points, the 20th ranked guy was Sam Bradford with 172.24 points. The difference between the #1 ranked quarter back and the 10th guy was only 72.38 points(4.52 points a week) which is half the difference between the #1 running back and #10 running back. If you have a late first round pick I'd do what I did my last draft take McCoy first round then on the way back take Drew Brees or Rodgers. If you have an early pick don't take Vick instead take a running back then on the way back take another running back then in the third round take a Tony Romo type. The different between the #1 quarterback and sixth quarterback isn't that much.

Speaking of Michael Vick he is a prime example of my previous paragraph. How many Kevin Kolb owners last year screamed "oh crap!" when Kolb went down then some owner snatched up Vick off free agency? Andy Reid has a friendly offense so having Vick on your roster would have been a smart move. This year I think Vick is being grossly overrated in fantasy. Now is Vick great? Yes but to take a quarterback in the top three of your draft is just being crazy. With so much talent at the quarterback position just stick to running backs. Although Vick is very tempting because he can run and pass. Vick is injury prone so if you take Vick early take running backs next three picks then as a backup acquire someone like Sam Bradford, Josh Freeman or Kevin Kolb. Hopefully your league has a waiver pick up so the guy who has the least life who sits on the computer all day doesn't just pick up a bunch of players week one. Vick changed leagues throughout fantasy last year although he didn't win one fantasy title in the three leagues I was in. If anything remember to take a quarterback in round three and go with running backs you'll thank me when you make the playoffs.

In most fantasy leagues it pays to be balanced not fantasy football. Let your buddy be "balanced" as he goes running back, quarterback, wide receiver, and then tight end. Go unbalance and go running back, running back, quarterback then running back. At the end of the day it's about who has the most points and the running backs especially those who rack up receptions rack up the most points. For receivers Roddy White had the most points with 228.29, Dwayne Bowe was second with 219.74. The 10th rated receiver was Stevie Johnson with 178.55. The difference between the top rated receiver and 10th was only 49.74(3.10 per week difference). The 20th ranked receiver Mario Manningham scored 151.07 points which is only 27.48 from the 10th receiver(1.71 points difference). There isn't much of a difference between the top tier receivers and mid tier receivers then bottom tier receivers. The same goes for tight ends as Witten led with 169.80, Antonio Gates was second with 143.14 while Zach Miller had 107.66. The difference was 62.14(3.88 points difference). The difference between Gates and Miller was just 35.48(2.21) points. So while someone in your league takes the top rated tight end because he is head and shoulders above everyone else remember that Witten scored just 28.89 points(1.80 per week) more than the 20th ranked running back and just 18.73 more than the 20th ranked wide receiver(1.17 per week). Witten is also scoring 2.44 less points than the 20th ranked quarter back. Like I said let someone else be balanced while you build an unbalanced team that is smashing your friend.

I have one rule I always obey when drafting in fantasy football which is I always take a kicker in the last round. I simply don't care about having the best kicker. As some chase the top kicker I'll be taking my fifth or sixth running back while getting some really good value. The top kicker was the Oakland Raiders Sebestian Janikowski who scored 158 points, the 10th kicker was Mason Crosby with 124 points and the 20th was Gano with 111 points. The difference between the #1 kicker and 10th is only 34 points(2.1 points per week) and 20th kicker is 47 points(2.93 points). I'll take a kicker the very last round and let my opponent be "balanced" while I stock up on running backs. You want to buy your running backs in bulk because some will bust but some will emerge. You will kick yourself for passing on a sleeper back but you'll never kick yourself for passing on the top kicker. Same goes for defenses as the New England Patriots scored the most points with 182, the Pittsburgh Steelers were second with 169 points. The Dallas Cowboys were 10th with 132 points and the Cleveland Browns were 20th with 118 points. The difference between the top defense and 10th defense is 64 points(4.0 points per week). I tend to grab two defenses who are ranked like eighth and 12th somewhere in that range and play matchups I feel that is better than picking high on a defense. I noticed when one guy takes a defense or a kicker everyone copies. Just sit back and take stock up on running backs.

One last piece of advice is pay attention to the coach. Think what you want about Norv Turner but his quarterbacks thrive in his offense. Why Phillip Rivers despite losing Vincent Jackson keeps getting better. I drafted him in a keeper league in the seventh round back in 2007 and he guided me to a regular season fantasy championship in 2008 and won me a fantasy championship in 2009. Don't fall into the trap of the Denver Broncos passing numbers as Josh McDaniels is gone while John Fox who is more consertative is there. Instead look at Sam Bradford who McDaniels is now the offensive coordinator for. Other than Wes Welker avoid all New England receivers as Tom Brady likes to spread the ball around. One week your guy can blow up for you while the next week he does nothing for you. Mike Shannahan has a habit of producing good running games but he also likes to mix up who he starts. So keep an eye on who he is using at running back which it appears to be Tim Hightower so he could bust out. The key is knowing who is coaching your player if he leans on the pass or the run. Also draft guys on good offenses you don't want your team full of Seattle Seahawks or Buffalo Bills. You want plenty of players on high scoring teams which increases the chance of your guy scoring a touchdown.

In conclusion, if you remember anything from this post that is to go heavy on running backs. I know that is boring advice but that is winning advice. Don't worry about starting two receivers ranked in the teens and a tight end ranked lower than 10th. Just grab a top six quarterback and load up on running backs. If you go running back, quarterback, running back, and running back you'll make the playoffs. Just make sure to look on the waiver wire as plenty of big time guys emerge from the waiver wire. Hopefully your team can stay healthy as losing your first round pick is tough. Look at the tendancies of the coaching staff of the player you are drafting from. Keep in mind this is fantasy and not real life so although Tom Brady is the best quarterback in the NFL don't waste a first round pick on him. Also try to avoid all Seattle Seahawks other than Zach Miller as he is the only player worth starting on your roster. Hopefully you enjoyed my fantasy football advice. I know I may have pulled a Billy Beane where my opponents will close the gap on me but I welcome the challenge.

Sold/Not Sold

By Twolf

The other day ESPN was discussing how each rookie quarterback was going to perform in their career. This gave me an idea, "I'll put my two cents in about which rookie will be solid and which will not. That should make a good first post." It's very simple, sold for ones I believe will be good and not sold for ones I believe won't.

Cam Newton - Not Sold

Newton is a great athlete, but I don't see him being a productive quarterback at this level. He doesn't have the weapons in Carolina, he has no one in front of him to learn from, and he's from more of an option system.

Jake Locker - Not Sold

His biggest upside is learning from Hasselbeck. He's an athlete, like Newton, but his accuracy is his major flaw. He may have gotten away with it at the college level, but he won't in the NFL. Another downside for him is the system the UW ran for him. Like Tim Tebow he was better in the spread, which is fine for college, but ends up hurting quarterbacks once they go pro.

Christian Ponder - Not Sold

Minnesota has a bad offensive line, very few weapons at receiver, play in a division with great defenses, and the wrong style quarterback to learn from. Don't get me wrong, Donavan McNabb is a good quarterback, but not for Ponder to learn from. It's hard for a pocket passer to learn from a scrambler because they each can do things the other is incapable of.

Blaine Gabbert - Sold

Being a pocket passer and smart helps you immensely in the NFL. Great footwork, velocity, and touch on his throws will make him a solid quarterback for years to come.

Andy Dalton - Sold

Nothing about his situation (starter right away, can't push the ball downfield, coach the could be fired soon, owner that's just one step above Al Davis, no weapons on offense, and bad defense) says he'll be a good NFL quarterback, but I have a feeling he'll prove everyone wrong. Maybe not until he leaves Cincy, but he will.

Ryan Mallett - Sold

I hope New England doesn't use him as trade bait (like Merril Hodge thinks). With a few years being tutored by Bellicheck and Brady he could turn out to be the best quarterback from the 2011 draft (yes, I said it). His biggest test will be whether his maturity level gets better.

Patton's 2011 NFL Mock Draft

By Patton Richard

1. Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn.

People will argue whether this is the right pick, all I can say is we don't know enough about him. If he LOVES football like Tebow or Locker does, then he can succeed. If he's more worried about establishing a brand, I'm not so sure. If Carolina picks him they've done their homework. It's not like they're passing on Ndamukong Suh for him.

2. Denver Broncos: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama.

This pick seems fairly certain at this point. Marcell Dareus isn't nearly as good as Suh, infact I'd have him ranked below Gerald Mccoy (who went 3rd last year) too. This pick is for sale (Arizona is who would want to trade up here as they want to jump Buffalo as they both have the same needs).

3. Buffalo Bills: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU

My #2 rated player in this draft behind the guy who goes #4. I like Peterson, I think he's an elite playmaker. I ranked him above Joe Haden (the #1 CB last year).

4. Cincinnati Bengals: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia.

Cincinnati really needs a wide receiver. Although, don't be surprised if it's Julio Jones here. All I'm hearing about A.J. is that he's a superstar waiting to breakout, whereas Julio Jones is a football playing proffessional, who will run perfect routes and od the dirty things and not complain. We'll see who Cincinnatti takes.

5. Arizona Cardinals: Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M

Von Miller and Patrick Peterson are the two guys they want most. It looks like they'll get one of them.

6. Cleveland Browns: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama

I was told Julio Jones is the best blocking WR of the last 15 years. He's going to show up, and do everything you want him to do.

7. San Francisco 49ers: Jake Locker, QB, Washington.

I'm just going off what I believe to be true here. Jake Locker is a better fit for Harbaugh's system then Gabbert is. Also, Locker isn't guaranteed to make it past Tennessee, Washington, Minnesota or Miami so trading down makes it difficult. Robert Quinn could easily be the guy here too.

8. Tennessee Titans: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn.

Tennessee needs defensive linemen and they just hired the DL coach from Auburn in Tracy Rocker.

9. Dallas Cowboys: Tyron Smith, T, USC.

I've been hearing it's him or one of the two corner backs.

10. Washington Redskins: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri

I don't think they're actually happy about this at all. They wanted Locker or Juloi Jones and they're both gone.

11. Houston Texans: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina

It's tough here between Quinn and the CB needs. I think they'll address CB by Free Agency or trade up for Peterson if he drops.

12. Minnesota Vikings: Mike Pouncey, C/G, Florida

I've been hearing this for over a month now.

13. Detroit Lions: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado

I think Detroit goes CB here, but I'm not sure which one. I like Smith more and I keep hearing his off the field troubles aren't so troubling at all.

14. St. Louis Rams: Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois.

Liuget has huge upside, I'd love for him to drop to Seattle.

15. Miami Dolphins: Da'Quan Bowers DE, Clemson

Top 5 talent drops due to scary medical. Miami needs a passrusher.

16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska

Best player available, I guess. I'm not a huge Prince fan.

17. New England Patriots (from OAK): JJ Watt, DE, Wisconsin.

I keep hearing they want to trade up, but knowing them they probably want to trade down or out of the first round.

18. San Diego Chargers: Cameron Jordan, DE, California.

Scheme fit. People thought Cameron Jordan fight be a top 5 guy after his Senior Bowl. His stock is falling but not that far, he could certainly go before this.

19. New York Giants: Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College

I think he's the 2nd best OT in the draft, and he's gotta go at some point.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue

They want a pass rush, Kerrigan is a high floor low ceiling type player

21. Kansas City Chiefs: Phil Taylor, NT, Baylor.

Trusting a source here, saying Romeo Crennel wants a nose tackle. But lets be honest, KC now runs the same way NE does, so who knows.

22. Indianapolis Colts: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado

Rarely does Bill Polian come out and say exactly what it is they need, so I trust they'll go OT here.

23. Philadelphia Eagles: Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri

This is a tough pick to narrow down, I know they'd love a CB here. I feel like it could be Danny Watkins here too.

24. New Orleans Saints: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin.

There right side was bad, and Carimi is a fantastic run blocker. I think he fits the system well here.

25. Seattle Seahawks: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama

This is a weird spot, and I think Seattle would trade down. When writing this spot I wrote down these names: Mark Ingram, Danny Watkins, Marvin Austin, Muhammad Wilkerson, Stephen Paea, Kyle Rudolph, Jonathan Baldwin, Titus Young, Jerrell Jennigan, Aaron Williams, and Colin Kaepernick. This is why we need to trade out of the first round, I decided to go with Mark Ingram for a few reasons. Yes, I think this is a luxury pick. I know RB is not our biggest need. His 10 yard burst at the combine was fantastic, so ignore his 40 time. Secondly, he runs angry like he's going to hurt someone. Third, everyone hated Lynch and our RBs until the Saints game, but he wasn't great, or even good, last year. I think Ingram can be a probowler right away, and we need talent everywhere. I'm surprised this pick came this way.

26. Baltimore Ravens: Brandon Harris, CB, Miami (FL)

This seems like somewhat of a reach, but Ozzie Newsome is the best drafting GM in the league. They always look towards what they're going to need, and they're going to need more corner backs now and later.

27. Atlanta Falcons: Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame

This is the perfect fit, but somewhat of a luxury pick. They would love a WR here too. I don't know which one they'd prefer.

28. New England Patriots: Danny Watkins, OG, Baylor.

Probowl caliber olinemen goes to a team where he can start right away and everyone will ask "Why didn't we take him earlier?"

29. Chicago Bears: Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State

They need oline help badly.

30. New York Jets: Marvin Austin, DT, North Carolina.

They need Dlinmen badly, it's either him Wilkerson or Paea.

31. Pittsburgh Steelers: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa

He's tough, feels like a Pittsburgh pick.

32. Green Bay Packers: Muhammed Wilkerson, DE, Temple

They're going to go after a passrusher, maybe Brooks Reed here?


Round 2

33. New England Patriots (from CAR): Ryan Williams, RB, Virginia Tech

They need a runningback, I think they might take Ingram at #17.

34. Buffalo Bills: Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas

In order to be a QB you have to have a STRONG arm. Mallett has that, although I keep hearing he might slip out of the 2nd ala Colt McCoy.

35. Cincinnati Bengals: Andy Dalton, QB, TCU

I'm told Jay Gruden loves Dalton and thinks he's a good fit for the WCO.

36. Denver Broncos: Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA

They are taking Defense throughout the entire draft. He's the best one on the board

37. Cleveland Browns: Brooks Reed, OLB/DE, Arizona

I think he's the hybrid type that will work for Cleveland.

38. Arizona Cardinals: Jerrel Jernigan, WR, Troy

I love Jernigan, and I think Arizona needs more targets.

39. Tennessee Titans: Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State

I think the Titans would prefer getting Dalton over Ponder, but we'll see.

40. Dallas Cowboys: Ras-I Dowling, CB, Virginia

Dallas would love to take another CB, that's why I'm hearing it could be Jimmy Smith or Prince in the first, I think they'll settly with Dowling here.

41. Washington Redskins: Rodney Hudson, OG, Florida State

Fits the scheme well.

42. Houston Texans: Aaron Williams, CB/S, Texas.

He might be a CB, but I think he'd be a safety.

43. Minnesota Vikings: Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh

Big wide receiver to replace Sidney Rice if he walks this year.

44. Detroit Lions: Mason Foster, LB, Washington

I think they go DE or LB here. Foster, Martez Willson and Bruce Carter are my highest 3 left.

45. San Francisco 49ers: Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State

I feel like Paea is a Harbaugh type of player.

46. Denver Broncos (from MIA): Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State

It's all defense.

47. St. Louis Rams: Titus Young, WR, Boise State

Tough to place him over Torrey Smith, but I think Young fits Mcdaniels better.

48. Oakland Raiders: Stefen Wisniewski, C, Penn State

Everyone has been saying this is Oakland's target, but Torrey Smith sure does run fast...

49. Jacksonville Jaguars: Colin Kaepernick, QB, Nevada

Just a hunch here.

50. San Diego Chargers: Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland

Wide Receiver here I guess, I mean San Diego had the #1 Offense and #1 Defense last year.

51. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Rahim Moore, S, UCLA

This seems to be a good fit for Moore and for Tampa.

52. New York Giants: Mikel Leshoure, RB, Illinois

A lot of people have Leshoure has the #1 RB in this draft, and he falls this far.

53. Indianapolis Colts: Ben Ijalana, OT, Villanova

They're going to take olinemen at every chance they get.

54. Philadelphia Eagles: Martez Wilson, LB, Illinois

Good LB that fits a need.

55. Kansas City Chiefs: Bruce Carter, LB, North Carolina

Fits the system.

56. New Orleans Saints: Drake Nevis, DT, LSU

He's a big big boy.

57. Seattle Seahawks: James Carpenter, OT, Alabama

Again I wrote down 5 names: James Carpenter (OT, Alabama), Edmund Gates (WR, Abilene Christian), Greg Little (WR, North Carolina), Christian Ballard (DE, Iowa), Jurrell Casey (DT, USC). I wanted to place Greg Little here so badly, but wussed out. I think Carpenter is the best OL left.

58. Baltimore Ravens: Christian Ballard, DE, Iowa

Good DE. I'm not quite sure on the scheme fit, but I like him.

59. Atlanta Falcons: Randall Cobb, WR, Kentucky

A playmaker for the offense that wants/needs them. He's like Mccluster and will probably go way earlier than this.

60. New England Patriots: Jabaal Sheard, LB, Pittsburgh

New England is just taking the highest rated player that falls.

61. San Diego Chargers (from NYJ): Johnny Patrick, CB, Louisville

I really don't know what to do with San Diego.

62. Chicago Bears: Jarvis Jenkins, DT, Clemson

Chicago needs to replace Tommie Harris badly.

63. Pittsburgh Steelers: Curtis Marsh, CB, Utah State

They would love to get a CB earlier, but Curtis Marsh is a physical player.

64. Green Bay Packers: Jurrell Casey, DT, USC

I think he should go before this. Green Bay won the superbowl with lots of players on IR, they draft depth everywhere and Casey will play in the NFL for a long time.

Seahawks trade WR Deion Branch back to Patriots for 4th round pick

By Kshell

The Seahawks have finally ended the Deion Branch marriage trading him to the New England Patriots for a fourth round pick. Branch when he had came to Seattle brought with him tons of hype but after four disappointing years plus part of a fifth year the Seahawks decided to get something for him.

Both teams have been in the news lately with mid season trades which doesn't happen much in the NFL. The Seahawks last week traded their fourth round pick in 2011 and a fifth/or a sixth in 2012 to the Buffalo Bills for Marshawn Lynch. While the Patriots made the controversial move of trading Randy Moss to the Minnesota Vikings for a third round pick.

The Patriots have to be excited considering they traded a fourth rounder for Randy Moss after the 2006 season and now received a third round pick for him. In 2006 they traded Branch to the Seahawks for a first round pick and now have acquired Branch for a fourth rounder. Tim Ruskell made a mistake back then so don't fault Pete Carroll and John Scheinder for getting a fourth rounder for someone who has not fulfilled his lofty expectations.

When the Seahawks acquired Branch they were coming off of a Super Bowl appearance so giving up a first round pick didn't appear to be that bad. Branch was just a season removed from winning the Super Bowl MVP. Despite not ever having a single 1,000 yard receiving season or ever catching more than five touchdowns in a season Tim Ruskell traded away a 2007 first round pick plus gave Branch a 6 year/39 million dollar deal. Branch was supposed to be the piece that got the Seahawks over the hill but instead has been nothing.

Branch in 2006 learning the offense played in all 14 games plus two playoff games and had 53 receptions for 725 yards and four touchdowns. Not bad for a guy learning a new offense and moving to the other coast. Unfortunately for Branch and Seahawk fans this was the best Branch would do for Seattle. This year in four games Branch has a solid 13 receptions but has just 112 yards receiving.

Pete Carroll is continuing to blow up this roster and rid himself of Ruskell busts. Burlson, Houshmandzadeh and now Branch the three leading and costly receivers are all gone. Instead the Seahawks will turn to Golden Tate, Mike Williams, Brandon Stockley and the lone holdover Deon Butler. At the end of the day the Seahawks received a fifth round pick for Josh Wilson and a fourth for Branch. Essentially if someone said the Seahawks could get Marshawn Lynch for Deion Branch and Josh Wilson I'd be excited as should you. This is a great trade for Pete Carroll and the Seahawks.