Jake Fine - Inside the Mind of Fine

Top 10 of the Week- Love Songs

Jake Fine — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 23:17:27 +0000

Yeah, yeah I am well aware of the fact it has been way too long since the last update to the blog. Although recent developments have thrown a significant amount of free time in my hands, and it looks like that might not be changing anytime soon. So to celebrate I would like to introduce the start of a new weekly countdown segment, and as the initial one I thought I’d go with theme of this weekend’s holiday. Now let me say first that I never have been a big fan of Valentine’s Day. If you really wanted to tell someone you love them shouldn’t you just do it instead of having a day where the card companies force you into it? Before I come off sounding like a cynic, it’s true we all experience love on some degree. So in honor of cupid’s biggest day of the year I present my list for best love songs.

10. Boys II Men “I’ll Make Love To You”

We all remember this one, a perfect exploration of the emotions behind physical love. Yeah, they’re talking about having crazy sex and if you need that broken down for you, then I don’t think I’m the one to help you.

9. Lenny Kravitz “Again”

This Grammy nominated song had a chorus that it almost seemed to make a cheesy pick-up line attempt of the “Hey baby where have you been all my life.” Although as Lenny sings this while carrying a simple guitar beat it comes off as sincere and really makes you think of that one who got away.

8. Goo Goo Dolls “Iris”

This hit song form the popular film, City of Angels took a perfect perspective at the forbidden love. I know who you are, I can’t be with you, just don’t forget me.\

7. Death Cab For Cutie “I Will Follow You Into The Dark”

Sweet sounding song that examines the rough patches that love lead to, and in most cases can prevail. The perfect way of saying I will be here for you no matter what comes our way.

6. Coldplay “Sparks”

This wasn’t a big time hit for Chris Martin and company but was featured in the comedy Wedding Crashers. Does a superb job of describing the feelings of love at first sight, making you see fireworks all around.

5. Van Morrison “Brown Eyed Girl”

Morrison’s popular retrospect tells the story of that first young love that we all can relate to.

4. Dave Matthews Band “Crush”

I love how this song captures that instant when falling for someone and you reach that state of deliriousness, not knowing if you’re right side up or upside down.

3. Oasis “Wonderwall”

Commonly referred to as one the best pop songs of all time, if you actually pay close attention to the lyrics it really goes into the detail of the devotion one fells for their beloved.

2. Snow Patrol “Chasing Cars”

I was a bit surprised at how high I had this on my list but there is not a lot that goes into how I could just sit here with you and do nothing but sit around and still have the best time ever.

The Beatles “Something”

Not a lot of debate behind this one. The best job discussing that instant of falling in love and realizing that you don’t want to live without that person.

Now it is pretty clear that some of this week’s selections were not conventional by any regard, but I would be interested in hearing feedback or arguments for any other tune that was left off my list. As always, have a great weekend and keep your mind on the fine side.

Hype Down! Super Bowl Great Not Best (By Lars $)

Jake Fine — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 19:28:00 +0000

In this day in age of Facebook chat, I-passes, and illegally downloading new movies to your home computer it easy to call the most recent Super Bowl the greatest of all-time. However, after closer consideration the epic battle between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Arizona Cardinals, while great, should not be considered the best Super Bowl ever. As thrilling as the last 8 minutes of the fourth quarter were, the first three and a half quarters were rather poorly played, and outside of James Harrison’s 100 yard interception return for a touchdown the game lack excitement. Not to mention that the officials were very involved in the game. I’m not saying that all of their calls were bad, but some were flat out terrible, and there were a lot of penalties called in general. Add the fact that the Cardinals final play was not reviewed on the field by the referee is unacceptable. Granted it was reviewed in the booth, but it his not his job to make that
close of a call at the biggest moment of the biggest game of the season. Besides that the fourth quarter was great, but there have been arguably better and more exciting fourth quarters than the one we saw this weekend.
Super Bowl XXXVIII between Carolina and New England featured 37 fourth quarter points, including touchdown plays of 33 and 85 yards by Carolina, three scores in the last 2 minutes and 51 seconds, and a last second game winning field goal by Adam Vinatieri. I would say an ending just as compelling as Super Bowl XLIII’s. However, great games are not based off of one quarter alone, but as the phrase “great game” would suggest, it is based off the whole game.
This leads me to argue that last year’s Super Bowl between the undefeated Patriots and surprising Giants is the greatest of all time. The Patriots were a Super Bowl victory away from becoming the greatest NFL team ever, this coming from a Dolphins fan. Taking into consideration the parity that we see around the league on a weekly the basis it would be astounding for a team to go 19-0, and the Patriots were that close. The Giants came into the game coming off possibly the greatest post season run in history, beating Tampa Bay on the road, then beating two 13-3 teams (Dallas and Green Bay) on the road in extreme conditions. Despite their success in getting to the Super Bowl not many people gave them the chance against the mighty Pats, but they delivered. Both teams defenses play terrifically, and both offenses answered the call in the fourth quarter when needed. The Giants last drive to win the game was a thing of beauty, and the best drive in Super
Bowl history. It is game that you will be telling your grandchildren you watched, this past Super Bowl, however, will most likely not be.
Back to analyzing the game. During the first quarter of the game my brother and I disagreed about how the Cardinals were running the offense. Pittsburgh’s defense was set up to minimize Larry Fitzgerald and take away the deep passes. So, Kurt Warner and his offense relied on short dump off passes to the running backs and a commitment to the running game. I was of the mind that this strategy was fine if they moved the ball and scored. My brother on the other hand thought that they were playing into the Steelers hands, and that Arizona needed it to be a shootout to win. In the end my brother seemed to be right, but I think Arizona’s problem was that they stuck with this strategy too long. Once it got late into the third quarter and they were trailing by 13 and the running game wasn’t working at all, they needed to switch gears. In the fourth quarter they finally did, which resulted in great performances by Warner and Fitzgerald, but it was too
late. As I am writing this I am hearing that the rumors are true that Todd Haley will become the next head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, but his performance in the biggest game of his career has to be questioned. Just think about how hot of a commodity Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo became after last year dominating performance in the Super Bowl. In my opinion Todd Haley performance was closer to that of then Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Wade Phillips in Super Bowl XXIV. Going into that game Phillips was a top head coaching candidate throughout the league, but after the Broncos suffered a 55-10 drubbing at the hands of the 49ers it would be another four years before he finally became a head coach. Obviously, Scott Pioli has accomplished enough in this league to be trusted with this head coaching decision, so Chiefs fans don’t worry too much.

Random Thoughts:
- The NFC won the coin toss for the twelfth straight year this year. I’m not even going to try and think of the odds of that, but thats plain crazy. Despite winning the toss the NFC is 3-9 in those games. I guess the coin toss doesn’t mean that much after all.
- The teaming wearing their white jerseys have now five straight Super Bowls, which is good news for the NFC for they are scheduled to be the road team in next years Super Bowl. Unless the AFC team choses to wear white like the Steelers did for Super Bowl XL.
- I am a big fan of Bruce Springsteen’s music, but I must say that the highlight of the halftime performance was his crotch first slide into the camera. I’m still trying to decide which I liked more Janet Jackson’s nipple or The Boss’s package.
- Next season and the subsequent Super Bowl will be the final one of the decade, and the AFC wins the Super Bowl it will produce and interesting breakdown of champions throughout the decades. Starting in the 1970s, which was the first decade to have ten Super Bowls every decade has had a conference go 8-2 in the big game. The 70s the AFC went 8-2, in the 80s and 90s the NFC went 8-2 in each, and now so far in the 00s the AFC has gone 7-2 with a chance to complete the symmetry. In case you were wondering the first four Super Bowls were played in the 60s and were split 2-2 between the NFL(NFC) and AFL(AFC).
- In case you didn’t notice, Illinois State swept Southern Illinois in basketball this season
- Absurdly early prediction for Super Bowl XLIV: Giants vs. Chargers. Both teams get their best defensive players back, the Giants move on past Plaixco-gate, and San Diego just has too much talent not too reach the Super Bowl eventually.

Warming Up To The Ice

Jake Fine — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 19:41:18 +0000

Allow me to begin today with one of the biggest clichés possible by quoting one of the most inspirational folk singers of all time, Bob Dylan who once said, “The times they are a-changin’,” and after last night it seems our ole’ pal Bobby is summing up the winter Chicago sports scene in a nut shell. This weekend I got the chance to do what many others have done so already over the past few months- take in a Blackhawks game. It is not often I feel obligated to talk about a game which ended in a one point deficit in favor of the road team, but it was hard not to take in the whole experience that was thrown at me for that three hour period. I was anxious to arrive early in hopes of receiving my Patrick Sharp bobblehead to add to my collection. Although much to my surprise, despite arriving about forty minutes prior to the puck being dropped, not only was I denied my bobblehead, but I was shocked to see that over 22,000 fans were already in their seats in anticipation. Meaning one thing is clear- hockey is back in Chicago.

In no way do I pretend to be an expert on the sport or the NHL mainly because like so many others, my interest took a significant hit following the league’s lockout of 2004-05 season, it also didn’t help that our Chicago franchise had gone nearly a decade without even sniffing the postseason. But like in so many other circumstances winning fixes a lot, yet it’s so much deeper than that. Usually when attending games the crowd is predominantly males in the fortes brining their kids, but last night it was clear a majority of the seats were occupied by those in their twenties and thirties, a demographic that has been hard for the franchise to appeal to for some time. Fueled by a youthful roster lead by Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, and Patrick Sharp, the Blackhawks have once again become relevant as their high tempo style of play has made the squad interesting and entertaining.

Although one of the biggest surprises is that my experience at last nights game was so far ahead of when I went to a Bulls game several weeks ago it wasn’t even funny. Apparently I’m not the only one who thinks this because recently members inside the Bulls’ front office have stated that the team has lost a fair amount of season ticket holders because they simply would rather have a season package for Chicago’s greatest show on ice. Even with all the hype surrounding Bulls top pick Derek Rose, many are making the switch. This is a theme that might not change anytime soon with the two teams clearly heading in different directions, the ticket in Chicago this time of the season still brings you to the United Center, but for a much cooler game. Until next time, keep your mind on the Fine side.

Sanchez Departure = Pissed Off Pete

Jake Fine — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 22:29:49 +0000

Every year as soon as a national champ is crowned in college football we are almost instantaneously bombarded with the news of underclassmen expressing their intent to either return to school for another year or take their game to the next level by declaring for the draft. Since the news is made mid-January, most of us take the word with a grain of salt, not thinking much of it, or at least not until March when the draft is really anyone talks about. For me personally, I found Mark Sanchez’s press conference Thursday was quite interesting, but the best part had nothing to do with his future plans.

Usually with the press conferences the head coach will sit down and say the same generic message. Either, “We enjoyed our time here and winning games with him…,” to something like, “I am excited to get him for another year.” Although with Pete Carroll, that wasn’t the case as he was did not shy away from voicing his displeasure with the final decision Sanchez came to, “Mark is going against the grain, and he knows that.” The most telling moment was after speaking with the press for several moments, Carroll barely acknowledging Sanchez at all providing only a pat on his shoulder as he headed towards the exit. Carroll reportedly cut his Hawaii trip short so he could be at the press conference, but reportedly spent a lengthy period of time meeting with Sanchez late Wednesday, possibly doing all in his power to change his mind.

If you consider the options, Sanchez is making the right call, especially after Oklahoma’s Sam Bradford and Colt McCoy of Texas both chose to stay at school, leaving Georgia’s Matthew Stafford as the lone early challenge for Sanchez in the battle for first quarterback’s to be taken in the first round. The potential big bucks could be there for the red shirt junior who tossed for over 3,200 yards and 34 TD’s, which is the second most in school history, despite it being his first full year as a starter.

When you think of USC you can’t help but think of the constant overstock of talent on the sidelines, even of the guys who never actually see the field. So why make the big deal of one guys decides to go after money? Carroll’s reaction could tell you everything you need to know concerning the Trojans’ QB situation for ’09. It is almost funny to even consider especially how strong it was perceived once the highly touted recruit Mitch Mustain transferred from Arkansas to SC, but in the spring ball, the one time Mr. Football from the Razorback state failed to win the number 2 QB spot as Mustain got beaten out by a Freshman.

Now Carroll realizes what he has isn’t good enough and may already see his chance for a title next season already slipping away. It’s not a question of weather or not USC will have talent, because anyone who knows anything about football will tell you they do, but with the big names they have already lost on defense like Rey Maualuga, Brian Cushing, and potentially even Taylor Mays, you will need to have steady play from the quarterback position in order to head to the title game. What all this says to me is that once again the Trojans are bound for the Rose Bowl- again. What would be a superb season by nearly anyone else’s standards has been reduced to a mere slap in the face for USC. Which is why it is so infuriating for Carroll to watch his best QB desert him for the next level. Until next time, keep your mind on the fine side.

No More Popcorn For You

Jake Fine — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 03:32:03 +0000

Recent events have shown me that my brain has appeared to be on hibernation for the past…..well, let’s just call it a significant and unnecessary period of time. Regardless I’m relieved and overjoyed to be back here to provide yet another bridge into the world going on inside my head. Before I go any further I believe it is essential to give props to the Mind Of Fine’s number one fan, none other than Lars $ (HEY LARS!) normally I would go on and say some nice things about you but looking at the current Missouri Valley hoops standings has lead my undying envy to do otherwise, but still thanks Lars.

As we find ourselves in the home stretch of the NFL playoffs this past weekend was another great weekend games, especially watching the Ravens top Tennessee 13-10 this past Saturday. I have always enjoyed watching Baltimore perform in the clutch games with superior defensive strength since winning Super Bowl XXXV. In addition I consider myself a fan of linebacker, Bart Scott. Not only is he too a former Saluki, I greatly appreciated having Scott come on Sunrise Sports as a guest, as he graciously talked to me for nearly a half hour, and since then I have had no problem rooting for him on the field.

Yesterday I found an old issue of Sports Illustrated back from the middle of November. As I was flipping through the pages I came across some quotes from Titans’ running back LenDale White calling out ma’ boy Scott. Not only did White accuse Scott of having, “popcorn muscles,” but also went on to say, “He talks for no reason. It’s one thing to talk when you win, but when you talk when you lose, it doesn’t make sense.”

I’m not the one to do the ha-ha thing but I can engulf upon the complete irony. In White’s defense, Scott has arguably done his share of talking sense he broke through into the starting line-up three seasons ago. Although on the other hand, talking is the ONLY thing White has done since coming into the league.

What drives off the wall is how these two players have come from two completely different paths. White was one of the high performers at USC, and always thought he was a first round talent (if you ask him about that today he would still probably bitch about it). After being snagged up with a pick in the second round, LenDale gripped his way into Nashville while doing everything from spitting on teammates to refuse to walk away from the doughnuts (and it shows), he has caused disturbance everywhere he goes. You can even argue that the only reason his attitude wasn’t paid more attention than it actually was had to do with the fact that White happened to share a locker room with Pacman. While with Scott, he did not come into the league with nearly any hype and had to fight just to have a spot on the roster. Now that he has put together a streak of success is it really any surprise that Scott is still playing and White is at home continuing to shove more food down his throat. But until next time, keep your mind on the fine side.

Best Case Scenario

Jake Fine — Wed, 21 May 2008 01:40:21 +0000

I was simply going to wait until tomorrow to express my thoughts on the joyous turn of events that allowed our beloved Chicago Bulls to not only cheat death but they walk away Wednesday night with the top pick in next month’s draft. It simply bottles the mind (please excuse the lame Blades of Glory reference) just to imagine how less than two weeks ago it would have been simple to settle with someone like a Kevin Love with the 9^th overall pick, and hope to fight for the final playoff spot in the Eastern conference, which would give you a top-20 finish in the league if you’re lucky. But now everything changes.

This will mark the first time the Bulls will pick first in the draft since 1999 when they snagged former Duke product, Elton Brand. If they had to return to the top spot this isn’t a bad year to get it as GM John Paxson has two very promising freshman prospects to look at in Kansas State forward Michael Beasley and Memphis guard Derrek Rose. If the pick was made based around all-around hype then Beasley (26.2 ppg, 12.4 rpg, 1.6 blg) would be the consensus choice especially after watching him dominate the Big 12 conference last season. In fact all season I have been guilty of dreaming about the slim possibility of watching Beasley play in a Bulls uniform. Although now that the opportunity is right there in front of me I have to admit that it is an option that has to be passed on.

When you look at how the NBA has evolved over the past few years there is one position that links to immediate success, point guard. It’s evident looking at the impacts had by the Nets after acquiring Jason Kidd, the Suns after signing Steve Nash, and the Hornets getting Chris Paul. If there is strength at that position it can make everyone around him better. I mean seriously, have we ever mentioned anything ever about Tyson Chandler’s productivity on offense? I didn’t think so. Though you will have to factor in some time for growth but I truly feel Derrek Rose can take his hometown team to the next level. Though he doesn’t have the greatest jump-shot it was clear to witness the impact he had on a Memphis team and could have lead them to a title, had it not been for a few missed free-throws. Regardless of who the Bulls plan to take it is obvious that Paxson will have do his homework the next few weeks to ensure that the best decision is made with the team in mind.

Also what the prescience of a top-pick, it could make everything else go towards the Bulls’ favor this off-season. Even though the team is still without a coach, this makes the job more attractive with the possibility to work with a player like Rose or Beasley and that could stick out to an Avery Johnson or Mark Jackson. And it becomes more enticing for other possible free agents. Who knows maybe this news could force Luol Deng to think twice about leaving. Bottom line, all of a sudden the Chicago Bulls have once again entered the garden of relevance, and signs could be looking up. But until next time, keep your mind on the fine side.

What A Wonderful Sight

Jake Fine — Fri, 16 May 2008 19:24:47 +0000

The few weeks leading into the start of baseball season, members all over the media try to get stimulated by starting the same cliché debates in hopes of creating more of a buzz for the upcoming season, and each year one debate seems to gather the most attention. Prior to this season the question that created the most interest was determining who in fact held the crown of toughest division. While some wanted to dish out more respect for the AL Central, it was hard to go against the AL East (If there are any other Cub fans out there that foolishly think they have the hardest task, shut-up! The division blows donkey balls). I mean they already have the Boston Red Sox who are fresh after winning their second title in four chances. Then there is the ever controversial Yankees, because how many years in a row can you really screw up with a pay-roll exceeding $200 million? Even Toronto sent off the perception of being a contender, especially if A.J. Burnett could stay healthy. However, as we approach the third weekend of May, we are now all saying the one thing no one could ever say with a straight face: First place Tampa Bay Rays.

After taking three of four at home against the Yankees this week, Tampa sits atop the division with a 24-17 record which puts the eleven year-old franchise seven games over .500 for the first time in their existence. As I have already informed several people already this week, I am officially drinking the Tampa Bay Kool-Aid, so much so that if given the chance I would happily pull a Kool-Aid man by sporting a Carl Crawford jersey and jumping through a wall of the Boston clubhouse while screaming out, “OH YEAH!”

So what’s the main reason for the sudden 180? Most of the credit should go to skipper Joe Madden who in only his third season in the dugout has successfully changed the culture in the clubhouse completely. No longer is this a team that would be content with posting a .500 record, now Madden has his club refusing to settle for anything short, which is how a team should think if they want to compete. Also it doesn’t hurt when your starting rotation has shown growth either. Jamie Shields has followed up to his breakout season last year by recording 4 wins and 45 strikeouts. Staff anchor Scott Kazmir who recently came off an injury has looked impressive starting his year off at 2-1 with a 1.69 ERA. Matt Garza is making Minnesota feel stupid for trading him as he also is off to a 2-1 start.

If the Rays are to continue to hover near the top of the AL East they will have to increase their offensive production. Currently Tampa is 16th in the majors in runs scored and does not have a single starter who is currently hitting over .280. Carl Crawford who despite who is currently at .276 has always been known to heat up closer to the All-Star break, and it will needed as well as his leadership for this young ball club. B.J. Upton and Akinori Iwamura continue to heat up at the plate and Carlos Pena won’t be hitting .212 all season, he just needs to learn not to swing for the fences every time ala Sammy Sosa. My biggest question centers on rookie third baseman Evan Longoria. Last month the Rays gave Longoria their biggest contract ever for nine years, $45 million. So far the rookie has gotten off to a sluggish start his first year in the big leagues hitting .210 with 4 HR and 15 RBI. He will need to start showing more consistency or it could have a very negative affect on his confidence now that all the expectations are thrown at him. A similar situation happened with Kansas City’s Alex Gordon who had to be sent down to Tripple-A after hitting below .200 for the first three months.

Bottom line the surprising productivity from the Rays will make this division race an exciting one to watch during the summer. While Boston isn’t too far behind as expected Baltimore with 21 wins has been almost as much of a surprise. Also even though it might not last forever I would like us all to enjoy the fact that the Yankees are stuck in last place. Suck on that Hank! Until next time, keep your mind on the Fine side.

Long Way Down

Jake Fine — Mon, 12 May 2008 16:29:58 +0000

For many it will be hard to realize but this June will mark a full decade since Michael Jordan hoisted the Larry O’Brien trophy for the sixth time for the Chicago Bulls. At one time the organization had such an allure to it and in many ways set the gold standard as to how a team should run in the NBA. Of course in the post-Jordan era the Bulls have endured their share of low points and an endless amount of high draft picks go to waste but that was all part of the “rebuilding process,” or at least that’s what we were told. Although it wasn’t until recently that it became evident that this beloved team has completely fallen from grace.

After too many losing seasons Chicago was able to revamp around a young core making the playoffs three straight seasons, including last year which saw them fall short against Detroit in the second round. The turn of success gave fans new hope and thoughts that returning to a contender wasn’t that far, but in reality it was nothing more than an illusion. For the 2007-08 season everything came into focus as the embarrassment year was tarnished by trade rumors, contract negotiations, lack of discipline and leadership. The overflow of turmoil lead to one head coach losing his job and one superstar shipped out to a divisional rival. Despite all the negativity there was still optimism that Chicago could return to being competitive.

In order to actually turn things around it was clear the Bulls need an offensive minded coach, and who fits the bill better than former Pheonix Suns coach Mike D’Antoni? The Bulls wanted him, he wanted the job, it seemed like a done deal, or at least we hoped that it was. Our dreams were once again ruined this time by the sight of D’Antoni signing on the dotted line to take over for the New York Knicks, a team that has more problems than anyone else in the league.

The Voice Of Reason

Jake Fine — Tue, 06 May 2008 18:26:41 +0000

Last night I was working a remote at a very festive Cinco de Mayo party. The margaritas were flowing, kids were playfully running around the parking lot, and they had a band playing a set list that could have been copied from a playlist on my ipod. After rocking out to everyone’s favorite Journey song the lead singer began a little chit chat with the crowd which eventually turned into a comment on Cedric Benson. Of course he was referring to the incident which occurred late Saturday night in which the Chicago Bears’ starting running back was arrested for boating while intoxicated and resisting arrest on a lake outside of Austin, Texas. Then the front man of the Fleshing Melons continued to comment, “If the Bears needed any reason to get rid of them this is it,” and the crowd began to cheer.

Now I feel that it is my responsibility to act as the voice of reason because I’m firmly believe that a majority of Bears fans are ready to kick him out of town when in reality there is no chance that it will happen. In no way do I want to defend Benson’s actions from over the weekend. Was it smart? Absolutely not, but since the incident took place there have been numerous conflicting reports. This simply states that we still don’t know all of the details and until we do it is unfair for the Bears organization or anyone else to think otherwise.

Outside of the entire legal mumbo-jumbo, the reason there has been such an outcry for Benosn’s job is obviously due to the fact that since Chicago snagged him with the 4th overall pick three years ago his stats have been anything but impressive (42o carries 1,593 yards 10 TD’s). In addition many seem to reading too much into the fact that the team drafted Tulane running back Matt Forte in the second round of the draft just over a week ago. In the current time of the Jerry Angelo regime I’ve learned two things: first that no matter what the problem may be Angelo is always plan, and secondly after observing how he has handled certain distractions over the past few seasons it is safe to assume that he is not one to admit when he is wrong. After everything that Angelo and the organization has invested in the former Texas Longhorn, he will refuse to cut him after Saturday’s arrest. To do it now would contradict all the moves made this off-season the revamp the aging offensive line which paved the way for Chicago to rush just over 83 yards a game (30th in NFL). Sure he didn’t get exactly get it done last season but why not at least see what he can do now with a more competitive supporting cast. Furthermore, cutting ties with Benson would mean heading into the 2008 season with a backfield core of Forte, Adrian Peterson and former NIU Huskie Garrett Wolfe, a combined 8 career starts (all from Peterson). It seems extremely unlikely that Lovie Smith would want to head into the new year with such an inexperienced group. So why the end of Benson in a Bears jersey isn’t quite over yet, it is nearly a sure thing the his leash just got that much shorter. Until next time, keep your mind on the fine side.

It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year.

Jake Fine — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 18:36:01 +0000

Anyone who knows anything is well aware that the NFL beats the living snot out of every other professional sports league because regardless of what time of year, it is more interesting than anyone else could ever offer. This weekend there is no exception as the 2008 NFL Draft takes center stage of the sports world. Anyone who knows me doesn’t need the explanation that this is by far one of my favorite times of the year because this is how championships are built. Not through free agency but through the draft. Here is how I expect the first round to fall this weekend.

1. Miami- Jake Long, OL Michigan (No shit, already happened)

2. St. Louis- Chris Long, DE Virginia

3. Atlanta- Glen Dorsey, DT LSU

4. Oakland- Vernon Gholston, DE Ohio St.

5. Kansas City- Brandon Albert, OL Virginia

6. NY Jets- Darren McFadden, RB Arkansas

7. New England- Derrick Harvey, DE Florida

8. Baltimore- Matt Ryan, QB Boston College

9. Cincinnati- Sedrick Ellis, DT USC

10. New Orleans- Leodis McKelvin, CB Troy

11. Buffalo- Mike Jenkins, CB South Florida

12. Denver- Malcom Kelly, WR Oklahoma

13. Carolina- Ryan Clady, OT Boise St.

14. Chicago- Chirs Williams, OT Vanderbilt

15. Detroit- Rashard Mendenhall, RB Illinois

16. Ariona- Aqib Talib, CB Kansas

17. Kansas City (From Min)- Phillip Merling, DE Clemson

18. Houston- Jonathan Stewart, RB Oregon

19. Eagles- Jeff Otah, OT Pitt

20. Tampa Bay- Keith Rivers, LB USC

21. Washington- Kenny Phillps, S Maimi FL

22. Dallas- Limas Sweed, WR Texas

23. Pittsburgh- Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB Tennessee St.

24. Tennessee- James Hardy, WR Indiana

25. Seattle- Tyrell Johnson, S Arkansas St.

26. Jacksonville- Trevor Laws, DT Notre Dame

27. San Diego- Brandon Flowers, CB Virginia Tech

28. Dallas- Felix Jones, RB Arkansas

29. San Francisco- Quentin Groves, DE Auburn

30. Green Bay-Antonio Cason, CB Ariozna

31. New England- Don’t get to pick because they cheat

32. NY Giants-Dan Connor, LB Penn St.