Giants Schedule Leaks Early
by Brett Malamud
With an hour to go before the schedules are officially released, the Giants have theirs already out there. Per WFAN:
Week 1 (Monday night): Sept. 8, at Detroit Lions
Week 2: Sept. 14, ARIZONA CARDINALS
Week 3: Sept. 21, HOUSTON TEXANS
Week 4: (Thursday night) Sept. 25, at Washington Redskins
Week 5: Oct. 5, ATLANTA FALCONS
Week 6: Oct. 12, at Philadelphia Eagles, 8:30 p.m.
Week 7: Oct. 19, at Dallas Cowboys
Week 8: BYE
Week 9 (Monday night): Nov. 3, INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Week 10: Nov. 9, at Seattle Seahawks
Week 11: Nov. 16, SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Week 12: Nov. 23, DALLAS COWBOYS, 8:30 p.m.
Week 13: Nov. 30, at Jacksonville Jaguars
Week 14: Dec. 7, at Tennessee Titans
Week 15: Dec. 14, WASHINGTON REDSKINS
Week 16: Dec. 21, at St. Louis Rams
Week 17: Dec. 28, PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
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Brett Malamud is a Computer Science Major at Binghamton University. He is the co-founder of dabuzzza.com. His favorite athletes are Derek Jeter and Todd Bertuzzi. You can follow him on twitter at @brettnyy
Lions Schedule Leaks Early
By Brett Malamud
With an hour to go before the schedules are officially released, the Lions have theirs already out there. Per the Detroit Free Press:
Lions 2014 regular season schedule
Week 1: vs New York Giants on Monday Night Football
Week 2: at Carolina
Week 3: vs. Green Bay
Week 4: at New York Jets
Week 5: vs. Buffalo
Week 6: at Minnesota
Week 7: vs. New Orleans
Week 8: Atlanta in London
Week 9: Bye
Week 10: vs. Miami
Week 11: at Arizona
Week 12: at New England
Week 13: vs. Chicago (Thanskgiving)
Week 14: vs. Tampa Bay
Week 15: vs. Minnesota
Week 16: at Chicago
Week 17: at Green Bay
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Brett Malamud is a Computer Science Major at Binghamton University. He is the co-founder of dabuzzza.com. His favorite athletes are Derek Jeter and Todd Bertuzzi. You can follow him on twitter at @brettnyy
2014 Mock Draft 1.0
By Ryan Crawford
Let me start off by saying this is a very interesting draft. While there are multiple Quarterbacks that everyone talks about, I don’t think they are on a level with many of the QB’s that have been top ten picks in the past. Of course the teams that generally need Quarterbacks reside in the top ten. You would expect some of those teams to trade down for some additional value but I don’t anticipate the teams looking to move up paying a steep price to move. Teams generally overpay for franchise QB’s and these guys don’t fit that description. Don’t expect teams to jump up for the strength of this draft, which are Wide Receivers, Tackles and a couple of Defensive studs at the top. The result will be a cat and mouse game and alot of picks that people will be shocked at, both high and low. It will be one of the hardest drafts in years to predict. Good luck to the experts on this one. Should be a lot of fun…
1. HOUSTON TEXANS- Jadaveon Clowney-DL- South Carolina
Texans need a QB but not at #1. Clowney is still the best player in the draft.
Amid all of the hype for other players this season, expect Clowney’s name to be called first at the NFL Draft (Via US Presswire)
2. ST. LOUIS RAMS- Greg Robinson- Tackle- Auburn
This guy is a mountain with huge upside. I expected Rams to try to trade down but the price might not be worth it if someone is not coming up to get a QB or Clowney.
3. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS- Khalil Mack-OLB- Buffalo
The Jags need a QB bad and if they jump it would probably be Bortles but I think they wait till later rounds to grab the QB and keep building their defense.
4. CLEVELAND BROWNS- Sammy Watkins-WR-Clemson
Another QB needy team that will wait till later. Any QB coming in to a situation with Josh Gordon and this stud receiver will look better anyway.
5. OAKLAND RAIDERS- Jake Matthews- Tackle- Texas A & M
If Al Davis were alive, this pick would have Johnny Manziel written all over it. Does anyone ever really know what the Raiders will do? Matthews is the smart pick for a team in need of protection up front.
6. ATLANTA FALCONS- Taylor Lewan- Tackle- Michigan
The Falcons need linemen to protect Matty Ice and Lewan is the third tackle off the board early.
7. TAMPA BAY BUCS- Darqueze Dennard- CB- Michigan State
Defense, Defense, Defense for new coach Lovie Smith as the Bucs secure one of the top corners in the draft.
8. MINNESOTA VIKINGS- Blake Bortles-QB-UCF
Vikings sit tight and grab the only QB they really wanted for new coach Mike Zimmer.
9. BUFFALO BILLS- Eric Ebron- TE- North Carolina
Bills snag a big time weapon for second year QB EJ Manuel.
10. DETROIT LIONS- Mike Evans- WR- Texas A&M
Could go corner here but teaming Evans with Megatron makes too much sense and scares the heck out of opposing secondarys.
11. TENNESSEE TITANS- Justin Gilbert- CB- Oklahoma State
With the secondary defections in free agency, a big need for Titans is filled with this pick.
12. NEW YORK GIANTS- Anthony Barr- OLB- UCLA
Giants are in need of strong defenders and haven’t had a linebacker with this much potential in years.
13. ST LOUIS RAMS- Ha Ha Clinton Dix- S- Alabama
If the Rams can’t trade down off the 2nd pick, look for them to trade down here to add more picks later on. If they use the pick, a good safety is a big need and Dix is one of the top two. Calvin Pryor also a strong possibility
14. CHICAGO BEARS- Timmy Jernigan- DT- Florida State
The Bears need to beef up the defensive line and Jernigan brings the beef in a big way
15. PITTSBURGH STEELERS- Aaron Donald-DT-Pittsburgh
The Steelers stay in town to pick the speedy, strong Donald. Another team that needs to rebuild its defense and this is a good start.
16. DALLAS COWBOYS- Johnny Manziel-QB-Texas A&M
Nothing more than a hunch on my part, but imagine this guy playing for America’s team. Jerry Jones is never one to miss a good marketing opportunity and Tony Romo is 33 and not exactly Peyton Manning or Tom Brady. Makes sense from so many vantage points.
17. BALTIMORE RAVENS- Odell Beckham Jr-WR-LSU
Ravens can really use another weapon for Joe Flacco and Beckham Jr is one of the best. Brandin Cooks could go here as well.
18. NEW YORK JETS- Calvin Pryor- S- Louisville
Yes I know the Jets need another receiver badly but this guy is a hammer and Rex is drooling at the thought of a young Ed Reed. The Wide Receiver class is very deep and they will get a couple in later rounds.
19. MIAMI DOLPHINS- Morgan Moses- OT- Virginia
It’s no secret that the Dolphins need some serious help on the offensive line and this guy should slot in at one of the tackles.
20. ARIZONA CARDINALS- Bradley Roby- CB- Ohio State
Even with the addition of Antonio Cromartie, the Cards could use a young corner and this guy has all the talent in the world
21. GREEN BAY PACKERS – Kony Ealy- DE/LB- Missouri
The Packers need a lot of help on this side of the ball and the versatile Ealy can play multiple spots. CJ Mosley is a possibility here as well.
22. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES- Brandin Cooks-WR-Oregon State
Doesn’t take the Eagles long to replace Desean Jackson with this speedster whom Chip Kelly knows well from his Oregon days.
23. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS- Kelvin Benjamin-WR-Florida State
Chiefs need more weapons for Alex Smith and Benjamin is a big target.
24. CINCINNATI BENGALS- Jason Verrett- CB- TCU
Marvin Lewis is concerned about his secondary and the corners are starting to run so he grabs a very good prospect in Verrett
25. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS- Louis Nix- NT- Notre Dame
A strong nose tackle prospect, Nix is a great fit for the Chargers D.
26. CLEVELAND BROWNS- Teddy Bridgewater- QB- Louisville
How many times have we seen this one. The guy a team was considering at 4 drops to their next pick at 26. The last time we saw this was with Geno Smith and the Jets last year. The Browns can’t believe their good fortune and the shouts of joy are heard all the way from Cleveland.
27. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS- Ryan Shazier-OLB- Ohio State
The Saints need to improve their defense and Shazier is a good step in that direction. He can play inside or move outside if needed at the linebacker spot.
28. CAROLINA PANTHERS- Zach Martin –T-Notre Dame
Looking for another Tackle, Martin falls right into the Panthers lap.
29. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS- CJ Mosley- ILB- Alabama
Another defender for the Patriots. A wide receiver is a possibility here or trading down as the Pats like to do.
30. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS- Marqise Lee- WR- USC
In need of another young receiver, 49ers are thrilled to get Lee at 30.
31. DENVER BRONCOS- Dee Ford- DE- Auburn
Think the Broncos need more defense? Me too. Another guy to rush the passer
32. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS- Ra’Shede Hageman- DT- Minnesota
What do you get the team that has everything? Another weapon for Russell Wilson? Another defender for a team full of stud defenders? Some protection for the offense? Just get the best guy available and at this point that is Hageman.
NFL All-Arrest First-Team Offense
By Nick Vespasiano
The NFL has seen many arrests in recent years, many for ridiculous reasons. This begs the question, what if all of those arrested players were on the same team? Presenting the NFL All-Arrest First Team offense:
QB – Michael Vick: Dogfighting
Mike Vick was arrested back in 2007 and sent to prison for 23 months for dogfighting as a member of the Atlanta Falcons. To this day his reputation among NFL fans is mixed. Pretty interesting how fans will turn on someone like Vick while embracing someone like Ray Lewis (who killed a guy). It was hard not to choose Daunte Culpepper for this spot but the Vikings “love boat” is already on the list.
In recent years, Michael Vick has taken a stand against dogfighting. (Via AP)
RB – Marshawn Lynch: Hit-and-run, felony gun charges, DUI
Super Bowl champion, Marshawn Lynch has been arrested three times. The first was in 2008 as a Buffalo Bill when he hit a woman in his Porche and drove off. Thankfully she was ok and he lost his license. In 2009, still a Bill, Lynch was arrested and sentenced to probation in California when police found a loaded gun in his car. Finally, as a Seattle Seahawk in 2012, lynch was arrested on suspicion of DUI. Lynch gets the first RB spot for getting arrested three separate times for three different things.
RB – Dion Lewis: falsely reporting a fire, reckless endangerment
Plenty of running backs get arrested, most recently Ray Rice for assaulting his fiance (they still got married!). I hadn’t even heard of former Philadelphia Eagle Dion Lewis but his 2012 arrest was the most unique of the RB’s. He and his brother, both drunk, pulled the fire alarm on their hotel when they got locked out. He was charged with falsely reporting a fire and reckless endangerment but somehow the charges were dropped.
FB – Corey Macintyre: exposure
Of all the arrested FB’s, this guy takes the cake. In 2009, the former Buffalo Bill allegedly “fondled himself” outside the window of a 59-year-old woman at 8:30 in the morning. The charges would eventually be dropped.
TE – Matt Spaeth: public urination
Tight ends (excluding Aaron Hernandez) seem to be more well behaved than other positions. But former Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Matt Spaeth was cited for disorderly conduct in 2009 for publicly urinating outside a restaurant near Heinz Field. Spaeth’s teammate, kicker Jeff Reed tried to interfere with the police and got himself arrested as well.
WR – Randy Moss: careless driving
In 2002, the former Minnesota Vikings wideout struck and pushed a traffic officer half a block in Minneapolis. Police allegedly found marijuana in his car but he was never charged. Moss pled guilty to careless driving, costing him $1200 and 40 hours community service. Not the first or last of his antics but definitely the most notable of his career.
WR – Plaxico Burress: criminal possession of a weapon and reckless endangerment
Who can forget when in 2008 Plaxico Burress shot himself in the leg accidentally in a New York City night club? A member of the New York Giants at the time, Burress was charged with two counts of criminal possession of a handgun and reckless endangerment after the gun tucked in his jeans went off. He had no license for the gun. Burress was sentenced to two years in prison and two years of supervised release. He was also suspended for the Giant’s last four games and released after the season ended.
OT – Bryant McKinnie: indecent conduct, disorderly conduct, and lewd or lascivious conduct
Bryant McKinnie was one of four members of the 2005 Minnesota Vikings involved in the “love boat” incident. The party on Lake Minnetonka involved two boats, 16 other Vikings, prostitutes from Atlanta and Florida, and 90 people in total. Without going into too much detail, McKinney apparently had himself a good time. He ended up paying a $2,000 fine, completed 48 hours community service, and forfeited one game’s worth of pay.
OG – Eric Steinbach: boating under the influence
Only six NFL guards have been arrested since 2000. Former Cincinnati Bengal Eric Steinbach was cited for drunken boating back in 2006. The fifth Bengal to be arrested that year and the only drunken boater on the list, Steinbach drove through an idle zone on the Ohio River in Kentucky before being pulled over and failing several field sobriety tests.
C – Kenyetta Jones: assault, battery on a law enforcement officer, obstruction, trespassing
While a member of the New England Patriots in 2003, Kenyetta Jones poured scalding hot water on his roommate, giving him second and third-degree burns. He was released by the Patriots and went on to play in the Arena Football League. In 2008, he tried to urinate on the dance floor of a St. Petersburg night club which ended in his being charged with battery on a law enforcement officer, obstruction, and trespassing after police tried to remove him.
OG – Jeremy Bridges: assault and battery, communicating threats
Just before 2007 training camp, as a member of the Carolina Panthers, Jeremy Bridges was arrested for pointing a gun at a woman in a strip club parking lot. He was suspended 60 days, given a year probation, a $500 fine, and 60 hours community service. The very next year, while he and his wife celebrated their anniversary at a restaurant, Bridges bought a bottle of Dom Perignon champagne and proceeded shake the bottle and spray other customers. When asked to leave he allegedly got physical with a bouncer and was arrested on a $2500 bond.
OT – Andre Smith: attempting to board an airplane with a loaded gun
In early 2013, Cincinnati Bengals tackle Andre Smith tried to get on a plane at the Atlanta airport with a loaded handgun. I don’t know what’s worse, not knowing you can’t bring guns on airplanes or thinking you could get away with it. He claims he didn’t know the .380 pistol was in his bag before going to the airport yet somehow he didn’t bother checking. He was released from jail on a $3,000 bond.
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Nick Vespasiano is a senior English major at St. Olaf College and aspiring sports writer. He was raised in Minnesota, favorite teams are the Vikings, Wild, and Twins. Favorite athletes are Randy Moss and Jaromír Jágr.
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