No need for an explanation. The next two weekends are paradise for college basketball fans. Before that, I do need to address some NFL thoughts that are bouncing around in my head. By the way, after Wednesday, I will be posting on this blog at least twice a day about the commencement of March Madness.
1. Somehow, the Ravens did okay for themselves. Sure, they lost McAlister, but he didn't play last year anyway. They replace McAlister with Domonique Foxworth, who, while looking premier cover skills, is one of the fastest cornerbacks in the NFL and won't get beat deep. They lost Jim Leonhard, but make sure you remember that Jim Leonhard was a backup last year to a very capable Dawan Landry, who got injured in the second week of the season.
Losing Bart Scott hurts, but the Ravens have an eager group of linebackers waiting to be the next Scott (or Adalius Thomas or Ed Hartwell or Jamie Sharper). Tavares Gooden is especially exciting. They lost Jason Brown, who received tackle money for being a center, but replaced him with Matt Birk. Granted, Birk isn't as good or as young as Brown, but he's an established player who will keep Flacco off his butt until the team finds a long-term replacement. Finally, they got Ray Lewis back, so he can retire as a Raven and tutor his replacement.
2. T.O to Buffalo? Really? When I first heard the news, I was simply floored. Other than the 49ers, Ravens, Eagles and Cowboys, Buffalo was about the least place I could imagine Owens (pictured, left) ending up. A small market team up north with an inexperienced, "jury is still out" quarterback?
... That being said, I think it will work - at least for the one year. After that, it never does. Owens always does well in his first stint with a team. He'll play for pride and for a big contract next year. I'm not saying the Bills are now the team to beat in the AFC, but because the Bills haven't made the playoffs in 10 years and are in need of a few fans, I think it's a smart move on Buffalo's part.
3. What will LT do? As I'm writing this, talks are going on between Tomlinson and the Chargers as to Tomlinson's future with the team. They're trying to restructure his contract, and the team has said that if it doesn't happen by the end of today, it's not going to happen. Although many teams could use Tomlinson (New Orleans, Philadelphia, and Jacksonville come to mind), he, like Ray, belongs in San Diego. I've said it before on this blog, so of course I'll say it again, the franchising of Darren Sproles was just stupid. I know they wanted to keep him on their team because of what an X-factor he can be, but he's not a featured running back in this league, and they just ridiculously overpaid for him. If Tomlinson were to resign, there is no doubt that he would still be "the guy." He needs to get the deal worked out today, get healthy this offseason, and focus on next season.
4. Houshmandzadeh to the Seahawks; where does Michael Crabtree end up? The "lock" of the upcoming NFL draft is no longer a lock. Houshmandzadeh is definitely a good pick-up for Seattle; they had the cap room and now they can pick up a player of equal value at perhaps a greater need with their number four pick.
The question now obviously becomes how far Michael Crabtree (pictured, left) will fall. I can't see it being out of the top 10. Both Oakland and Jacksonville (picks 7 and 8, respectively) have huge need at WR, and would not pass on him.
Don't be surprised to see a lot of movement around this spot, too. There are plenty of receivers in this year's draft, and if the Raiders do not think Crabtree represents a significant upgrade over, say Darrius Heyward-Bey, but the Bears covet Crabtree, Chicago may be willing to give up their first and a second round pick for the spot.
And now that that's off my chest, bring on the madness.
