Football is Back

Monday, July 25th, marked the day that the NFL Lockout officially ended. It took 136 days to figure everything out between the Owners and the NFLPA. With football back underway, here is how the new timeline of events will happen.

Monday: The NFL will announce that teams can go to 90-man rosters and the official free-agent list will be distributed to teams.

Tuesday: Trading begins. Teams can reach agreements with rookies and undrafted free agents beginning at 10 a.m. ET. Teams can reach agreements with all free agents and signed players are allowed to enter team facilities.

Wednesday: Players can begin reporting to training camps 15 days before their first preseason games. According to the proposed timeline, 10 teams would report on Wednesday, 10 more on Thursday and 10 additional teams on Friday.

Thursday: Teams can begin to cut players at 4 p.m. ET.

Friday: Teams can begin filing transactions to the league office at 6 p.m. ET.

Aug. 4: Deadline for recertification and ratification of the collective bargaining agreement by the players.

This schedule is on ESPN.

Should I Stay or Should I Go?

Free agency is going to be very interesting this summer. Getting to a late start, teams will have to pick which players to keep, let go, and add very fast. Players will make sure they accept the best offer they can, while owners will have to move quick in order to get their players on the practice field and ready for the season.

This years free agent class is not a weak one either. Top players include Nnamdi Asomugha, Sidney Rice, Antonio Cromartie, Deangelo Williams, Braylon Edwards, Takeo Spikes, and many others. With the labor deal still undecided, the NFL is unsure if Peyton Manning, Logan Mankins, and Vincent Jackson will be free agents or not.

Enough with the lockout, the CBA, the NFLPA, or anything regarding all of that. Let's get to what we all enjoy, the football. Americas REAL past time.

Here are some of the top free agents this year, and the teams I think will be interested in them.

Braylon Edwards WR: Edwards is the type of guy that is hit or miss. One day he's on top of his game, another he should be eating a hot dog with Mark Sanchez. Inconsistent is the word to describe him. Despite his incosistency, he's a solid receiver. Many teams will be looking at him for a good number two wideout. If the Jets do pass on re-signing him, I believe the Redskins and Patriots will make a strong run at him. I'm sure he'd like to become a Patriot, rather than a Redskin. Who wouldn't? Tom Brady throwing passes to you in New England, or God knows who in Washington.

 

Santonio Holmes WR: Another Jet on the verge of leaving. New York is predicted to keep either Edwards or Holmes, but not both. They might not even re-sign both, but that would be very unordinary. If Holmes decides to go elsewhere, a couple of teams that a could be interested in him are the Ravens, Chiefs, Redskins, and Rams. The Ravens look most appealing to me, in a contender point of view. I wouldn't be surprised if New York keeps Santonio, but on the other hand, the Jets could try for another free agent WR.

Plaxico Burress WR: Haven't heard this guys name in a while huh? Well, he's back. Fresh out of jail, Plaxico will be looking to take his athletic physique to a championship caliber team. The rumored team that is supposedly interested in Burress is the Philidelphia Eagles. Why not? Isn't that the after-jail team? Imagine this, Michael Vick to Plaxico Burress for the touchdown! Criminal to Criminal! Yes, that was a joke. Calm down.

Chad Johnson(Ochocinco)WR: Remember when it used to be Chad Ochocinco(Johnson)? Yeah, that was last year. He's starting to decline at this point of his career. His years in Cincinnati could be over, but you never know. New England could be a destination for him, IF he will take less money. Johnson doesn't have a Super Bowl ring, and the Patriots would be a great opportunity to get one.

DeAngelo Williams RB: Injuries plagued Williams' season in 2011, and because of that, Carolina might pass on him this free agency. Jonathan Stewart will happily take over the role as starting back. So where does DeAngelo go? The Broncos have been reported to be very interested in him. Bringing a veteran running back to put behind a young Tim Tebow would be a great idea. Another team I can see him going to is the Rams. His role probably will not be increased or decreased wherever he goes.

Reggie Bush RB: The former Trojan has been a highly discussed story during the lockout. His tweets have been shocking. In some, he talks about how not playing football, and the lockout are great, and in others, he talks about leaving or staying with the Saints. I believe the Saints will try to re-sign him. The thing is, they'd have four running backs. If they decide to go their seperate ways, I see the Rams and 49ers looking at him. There have been rumors that Bush would return back to the 619 and sign with the Chargers. San Diego already has three running backs, without Darren Sproles. A fifth running back is unlikely.

Antonio Cromartie CB: With the Jets focusing on their defense, Cromartie should be high on their priority list. If Antonio decides to get arrogant and ask for more money than offered, we could see him on his third NFL team. The Raiders are going to have to replace Asomugha, and Cromartie could be the player to do that.

Nnamdi Asomugha Speaking of the Raiders, Asomugha is about ready to leave Oakland and make more money. Arguably the best cornerback in the league, and obviously the best free agent in this years class, will have many teams chasing after him. The Eagles, Texans, and Cowboys will be looking to bolster their secondary, and Nnamdi would be a great start.

Takeo Spikes LB: Very talented, but aging, Spikes will be looking to join a contender rather than the Niners. Unless San Fran gives him the money he can't decline, he might join a team like the San Diego Chargers who need the defensive back help.

Sidney Rice WR: Rice is probably the most talented receiver in free agency. Minnesota should be trying very hard to retain him, otherwise they'll be looking for a new go to guy. Seattle is a team that is also interested in Rice. They tried to get Vincent Jackson last season, so they should be looking for another top receiver. St. Louis is another team that comes to mind. Sam Bradford needs a legitimate receiver to throw to.

It's going to be fun to see where all these guys, plus many other free agents, go to this summer. Some teams are going to cash in, and cash out this offseason. Some teams will go from average to contenders by signing a top free agent.

Get Going

The NFL Lockout is not over yet. Owners voted on Thursday to aprrove the labor deal, 31-0 with the exception of the Raiders. After them, were the players. The NFLPA discussed between themselves, and agreed not to sign the deal off yet. Knowing that a deal is close, the players will work through the weekend, sources tell ESPN.

When the lockout does officially end, teams will be able to get to work. They won't be able to do everything as soon as fans expect, but time will come. Thanks to ESPN's blogger, Kevin Seifert, we can get on overview of how long it will take when the lockout ends.

Day 1: Conditioning, classroom work, and voluntary player training begin. Management can renegotiate contracts of their players. They can also sign their draft picks, as well as re-sign their own free agents. After 2 p.m. , ET, teams can then discuss contracts with other teams' free agents, and undrafted rookies, but cannot sign them.

Day 2: After the twenty-four hour time period passes by, at 2 p.m. , ET, undrafted rookies may be signed to any roster.

Day 3 & 4: Same as days one and two, training, conditioning, sign own free agents, and sign rookies.

Day 5: Teams are allowed to sign any unrestricted free agents. Rosters may be expanded to 90 players. Trades can be completed. Training Camp begins, but no official practices yet.

Day 6 & 7: Official practices begin, but without pads.

Day 8: Practice with pads begin.

Plan on this being the schedule after the lockout ends. Depending on how long it takes the NFLPA to sign their part of the deal, free agency and training camp might extend further into the season. Maybe a loss of a pre-season game? Speaking of a loss of a pre-season game, the Hall of Fame game between the Bears and Rams has been canceled. The next game after that would be San Diego and Seattle.

In my opinion, Day 5 should be interesting. Coaches and Managers should be negotiating like crazy on the days pryor to the open of free agency. With limited time before the season starts, trades, signings, and other offseason moves will be made quite fast.

Are you ready for some football? Yeah, I thought so.

Un-Locked?

The new CBA is reportedly almost finished, and the lockout could end as early as today, July 21st. The one thing that has not been settled is the Brady case. Ten players, including quarterbacks, Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, and of course Tom Brady want the franchise tag to be removed. Each want a long term contract, not a one year tender.

Also involved are Logan Mankins and Vincent Jackson. Just in case you've been living under a rock this past year, both of them feel they were disrespected by their teams. Jackson, wide receiver for the San Diego Chargers, was offered a 3.3 million dollar tender in the 2010 offseason. The money was one thing, but the length of the contract was another. VJ wanted to know that the Chargers wanted him. He wanted them to give him a long term contract, to stay in San Diego. The deal he wanted was not given. Instead of taking the 3.3 million and playing the entire season, Jackson held out on his team for the first ten games. He was declared on the

roster for the final six so he could have an accrued season. San Diego, including Quarterback Philip Rivers, missed his freakish athleticism for most of the season. The only happy person in that situation was Chargers G,M AJ Smith. He only had to pay Jackson three hundred thousand rather than the 3.3 million. Most Charger fans thought 100% that VJ would be gone by next year. Manager Smith thought otherwise. The unexpected occurred when, as soon as the season ended, Jackson was franchised tagged. Only two reasons can be for this ironic move.

1.) To involve Jackson in a trade for draft picks or talent.
2.) Use his talent to increase the receiving corps.

Mankins story is pretty similar. He was offered the same amount as Jackson, and did the same thing, held out. He played the final nine games, instead of five. Unlike Jackson, Mankins asked for a trade.

But like Jackson, he didn't get what he wanted. The both of them know the 2010-2011 season is over, and it's on to the next one. It's clear that Mankins wants to take his talents elsewhere, but Jackson could very well, stay in San Diego. As soon as the lockout ends, we'll find out.

The lockout isn't over yet though. Sources have told ESPN insider Adam Schefter that none other than the troublesome Logan Mankins and Vincent Jackson have demanded that they become free agents or paid ten million dollars in settlement.

Would two players hold up the NFL season? I HIGHLY doubt it.

With reports looming all around about them, Jackson and Mankins both have said they have made no demands. VJ tweeted this on Tuesday.

"Preciate the support guys! Can't believe all u read or see in media. I have made no demands, I wanna play ball like the rest of my peers!"

By the meaning of what he said, he has no involvement with the ending of the lockout.

When a new CBA is reached, and the lockout does end, expect the unexpected in free agency, trades, and other offseason moves. Players should be looking forward to this season more than ever. Us fans should be very excited for some football.

Any Day Now

A Super Bowl Championship, the one thing every NFL team plays for. It's the one thing the San Diego Chargers have not accomplished. They have had great seasons, ending with the best record in the NFL, and even a MVP on the roster, but yet couldn't even make it to the Super Bowl from 2000-2010. To start the new decade, the Chargers couldn't even make the playoffs.

The talent level is at the top right now. They are arguably considered to be the most talented team in the league. Philip Rivers is playing sensational as of late, and is recognized as the team's leader. He led the league in passing yards this last season regardless of all his receiver's injuries.

 Player / Yards/ Length of Injury

• A. Gates / 782 Yards / 6 Games
• M. Floyd / 717 Yards / 5 Games
• P. Crayton / 514 Yards / 6 Games
• L. Naanee / 317 Yards / 6 Games
• V. Jackson / 248 Yards / 11 Games

Rivers had one of his best years of his career in 2010, yet his team could not secure a playoff spot. The San Diego Chargers ended the year second in their division with a 9-7 record. It was the first time in four years they didn't make the playoffs. 

The passing game was top of the league with Rivers, but the running game was inconsistent. Three different running backs were used, and each started at least once. Rookie Ryan Mathews had a struggle of a first season, with 678 yards and 7 touchdowns. He struggled throughout the season with an ankle injury, forcing him to miss four games. Mike Tolbert came out of nowhere and filled in with 735 yards and 11 touchdowns. Sproles had 267 yards as well. Tolbert also missed a game for an injury.

The running game has not been elite for San Diego ever since Lorenzo Neal left the team. LaDainian Tomlinson has been the best running back of 2000's, but every one of his great seasons, he had Neal in front of him. Yes, LT has slowed down with age, and that's why the Chargers let him go. But what no one really thinks about, is blocking. The big boys in front have a pretty hard, and important job. Are you surprised when a lineman gets drafted in the top 10 picks? Let alone the first round? Well, like it or not, sometimes it's a smart move. I guarantee, if you ask Tomlinson who he would thank for his success, he would say his blockers, and mainly, Lorenzo Neal. The LT era is gone, now they are looking for a new answer. Is that answer Ryan Mathews? Let's hope so. As long as he stays healthy, they will be in good shape. Think about this, what if Philip Rivers played this superb when Tomlinson did? Unstoppable.

Ever since Norv Turner started coaching in 2007, San Diego always gets off to slow starts. They started 1-3 in 2007, 3-4 in 2008, 2-3 in 2009, and a horrible 2-5 last year. The Chargers weren't able to get themselves out of the hole they dug themselves into last year. The Cowboys and the Chargers are almost mirror images of each other if you think about it. Both teams have a ton of talent, no run game, and soft coaches. The only thing different is, the cowboys took a step, whether it be forward or backward. They moved on from Wade Phillips and gave Jason Garret an opportunity. The Chargers were also expected to go the same way, and let Ron Rivera step up. They didn't. He's know the Carolina Panthers' head coach. Back to the "soft coaches" reference. Norv is not a head coach, plain and simple. He's an offensive coordinator, SPECIFICALLY an offensive coordinator. Same goes for Wade Phillips, he's not a head coach as well. Now, he's Houston's defensive coordinator. All these slow starts, missing the playoffs, with all the talent they have only means one thing, Norv Turner is on thin ice. Psssst, Gruden, you ready to coach?

Chargers notable free agents for this offseason. 

• Vincent Jackson
• Darren Sproles
• Eric Weddle
• Malcom Floyd
• Stephen Cooper
• Kevin Burnett
• Brandon Siler
• Billy Volek

Vincent Jackson definitely headlines San Diego's free agents. He only played five games last year from holding out. He was offered a 3.3 million dollar tender, for one year. Jackson declined, and said he wanted a long term offer. A.J. Smith decided to be his stubborn self and tell him no, for some reason. Surprisingly, the first move he made after the season was franchise tagging none other than Vincent Jackson. Everything is pointing to Jackson staying in the blue and gold. The only way I see him leaving is if another team makes a trade offer that Smith can't pass up. 

On the other hand, 2010 could be the last time we'll see Darren Sproles as a Charger. San Diego is not willing to give Sproles the money he wants. Plus, they already have Mathews, Tolbert, and now Jordan Todman, a guy that resembles Sproles very well. 

Unless Malcom Floyd is willing to sign a one year tender for less money than what he could make somewhere else, don't expect to see him back in San Diego.

Another guy that's high on the Chargers priority list is Eric Weddle. He is a very gifted safety. He may not have much speed, but he is a great tackler and defender. He should return back to Qualcomm. 

Everyone else on the list is a toss up. Smith could decide to resign them, or look at others in the free agent market. One move has already been made by bringing Bob Sanders to San Diego to boost the secondary. Other guys they could go after is ILB Takeo Spikes, WR Steve Smith (Carolina), TE Kevin Boss, CB Nnamdi Asomghua, TE Bo Scaife, and DE Cullen Jenkins.

The NFL Draft is also a place to improve your roster. San Diego had the eighteenth pick in the draft. With that pick, they chose Corey Liuget, DT out of Illinois. In the second round, the Chargers had two picks. With those two picks, DB Marcus Gilchrist and LB Jonas Mouton were chosen. They also had two picks in the third and sixth round, and one in the seventh. WR Vincent Brown, DB Shareece Wright, RB Jordan Todman, OL Steve Schilling, and OLB Andrew Gachkar were the final five picks. 

 A.J. Smith might not be the best GM out there, but he does find incredible talent. In the 2011 draft, Smith covered all the main weaknesses of the team. Corey Liuget, Jonas Mouton, and Andrew Gachkar will give more strength to the pass rush. Marcus Gilchrist and Shareece Wright will help Quentin Jammer and Antoine Cason out in the pass coverage. Steve Schilling will help on the offensive line if needed. Vincent Brown will be a great slot receiver, and could be a steal of the draft. Jordan Todman will replace Darren Sproles, plain and simple. 

In 2010, one of the big reasons for their upsetting season was special teams. Mike Scifres had four blocked punts, two for safeties and two for touchdowns. They also allowed three kickoffs returned for touchdowns, two in one game. One punt was returned for a touchdown as well. The Chargers couldn't answer either, they did not return one punt or kickoff for a touchdown. Steve Crosby, the special teams coach in 2010 was let go after the season. Rich Bisaccia was chosen to replace him.

Once the lockout is over, the Chargers should secure the players they need, sign the players they want, and get to the practice field with a new state of mind. The state of mind should be redemption. Forget 2010, and bring a championship back home to San Diego. Every player on the roster should be thrilled for this next season. Management should focus on this season as well. If they win a championship, it would be very unlikely for San Diego not to give the Chargers their new stadium.

What will the explosive and exciting Chargers have in store for us this season? We'll find out!

SAN DIEGO SUPER CHARGERS!

#New Faces of the Sacramento Kings!

 

@Jimmer Fredette(7) ; @Tyler Honeycutt(3) ; @Isaiah Thomas(22)

NBA Mock Draft & Predictions

The 2011 NBA Draft is not predicted to be one of the strongest, but also not the weakest. Headlined by Kyrie Irving and Derrick Williams, the draft takes place Thursday, June 23rd.

Trades happen every year, whether it be for draft picks, players, or even money. This year will be no different. Some teams in the trade market include: 

• Philadelphia 76er's
• Golden State Warriors
• Orlando Magic
• Minnesota Timberwolves
• Los Angeles Lakers
• Phoenix Suns

Philadelphia is trying to find a new home for Andre Iguodala, Warriors are thinking of moving Monta Ellis, Orlando might be losing Dwight Howard, Timberwolves have power with the second pick, the Suns are trying to get younger, and the Lakers are looking to rebuild with a new Point Guard or Center.

2011 NBA First Round Mock Draft (without trades.)

1. Cleveland Cavaliers - Kyrie Irving G Duke
2. Minnesota Timberwolves - Derrick Williams F Arizona
3. Utah Jazz - Brandon Knight G Kentucky
4. Cleveland Cavaliers - Enes Kanter C Kentucky
5. Toronto Raptors - Jonas Valanciunas C International
6. Washington Wizards - Jan Vesely F International
7. Sacramento Kings - Kemba Walker G Connecticut 
8. Detroit Pistons - Kawhi Leonard F San Diego State
9. Charlotte Bobcats - Marcus Morris F Kansas
10. Milwaukee Bucks - Klay Thompson G Washington State
11. Golden State Warriors - Tristan Thompson F Texas
12. Utah Jazz - Alec Burks G Colorado
13. Phoenix Suns - Jimmer Fredette G BYU
14. Houston Rockets - Bismack Biyombo C International
15. Indiana Pacers - Donatas Motiejunas C International
16. Philadelphia 76er's - Chris Singleton F Florida State
17. New York Knicks - Kenneth Faried F Morehead State
18. Washington Wizards - Markieff Morris F Kansas
19. Charlotte Bobcats - Tobias Harris F Tennessee
20. Minnesota Timberwolves - Marshon Brooks G Providence 
21. Portland Trail Blazers - Jordan Hamilton F Texas
22. Denver Nuggets - Tyler Honeycutt G UCLA
23. Houston Rockets - Nikola Vucevic C USC
24. Oklahoma City Thunder - Iman Shumpert F Georgia Tech
25. Boston Celtics - Jeremy Tyler C USA
26. Dallas Mavericks - Josh Selby G Kansas
27. New Jersey Nets - Justin Harper F Richmond
28. Chicago Bulls - Kyle Singler F Duke
29. San Antonio Spurs - Davis Bertans F International
30. Chicago Bulls - Nolan Smith G Duke

Trade Rumors

• Minnesota is not sure on their second pick. They are discussing between Derrick Williams and Enes Kanter. They are also in trade talks with Phoenix, Houston, Charlotte, and even the Los Angeles Lakers.
•  San Antonio are looking to trade up to get a big man, more importantly, an International big man. Jonas Valanciunas is the guy they are targeting at the moment.
• Washington is in need of a down low scoring threat. They are sitting at the number six spot in the draft. Look for them to try and trade up to four to get Enes Kanter if Minnesota doesn't draft him.
• Celtics owner Danny Ainge says every player on Boston's roster is available for trade talks.
• Minnesota, New York, Portland, and Orlando are some of the teams pursuing Steve Nash.

 Big Names That Could Be Moved.

• Dwight Howard - Los Angeles is the top team on the list trying to get him. The proposed trade would be Lamar Odom and Andrew Bynum for Dwight Howard.
• Steve Nash - Phoenix might be willing to trade Nash to Minnesota for the second pick.
• Chris Paul / Deron Williams - The Lakers need a new point guard, and one of these two would be a great addition. 

Expect the unexpected at this years NBA Draft.