It’s that time of the year again: fantasy football season. Fantasy football is a fun, exciting way for fans to feel as if they are a part of what actually happens on Sundays in the NFL. Fantasy football is actually quite simple and for some people can consume their lives for the few months that football is in season.

Anybody that plays can tell you that building a completely balanced team is the key to winning your league. That being said, here are the top 5 players at each position for fantasy with some breakdowns of players and what their upside and downside will be during this upcoming 2014 fantasy football season:

Adrian Peterson should be the #1 overall pick in every fantasy football league.
By Mike Morbeck, via Wikimedia Commons

Running Backs (RB):

1. Adrian Peterson: For the last few years since his return from injury, AP has just been filthy and he will again in 2014 be a monster. Peterson is basically the Vikings’ entire offense with the exception of wideout Cordarrelle Patterson. With his quarterback to either be Matt Cassel or rookie Teddy Bridgewater, Peterson is primed to have another great year as long as he stays healthy.
2. Matt Forte: Having Forte this high may come to a surprise of many but when healthy, Forte is an absolute beast. He can catch, he can run, he can do it all. The Bears look primed to have a very scary offense that centers around Forte especially if Cutler injuries himself yet again.
3. LeSean McCoy: Shady McCoy is coming off a breakout season with Chip Kelly and his offense. McCoy will have another stellar season but his production will fade, as teams defenses will figure out ways to slow down Kelly and his offense.
4. Jamaal Charles: Charles was everything for the Chiefs last season and so he put up some exceptional numbers. I just don’t see the Chiefs relying so heavily on Charles again in 2014 but that doesn’t mean he won’t put up numbers. Charles is still a main option in that offense and will continue to be.
5. Eddie Lacy: Not seeing Marshawn Lynch in the top 5 will make some people angry but I believe that Eddie Lacy has taken over the fifth spot. I am fearful that Lynch will get caught-up in the Super Bowl champion hype and it will affect his numbers slightly. Plus, Lacy has a lot to prove being so that he doesn’t endure a sophomore slump. 

Quarterback (QB):

1. Peyton Mannng: Despite the Super Bowl meltdown, need I even say more about this one?
2. Aaron Rodgers: I am looking for Rodgers to have a great season in 2014. He is healthy and wants to remind everyone just who the king of the QBs is. Watch out for Rodgers in 2014.
3. Drew Brees: Brees and the Saints were so close to beating Seattle in Seattle in the playoffs. The Saints always have an explosive offense, which makes Brees a top fantasy QB every year.
4. Matthew Stafford: Just having Calvin Johnson as your number 1 WR, you are going to make the top 5 despite all the turnovers. Stafford will look to cut down on the turnovers and if he does so, the Lions may have a chance at the playoffs this season.
5. Matt Ryan: I know this is a gamble putting him here but I believe with a healthy Julio Jones and Roddy White, the Falcons can have their scary offensive attack back. Plus the addition of speedster Devin Hester will help Ryan and the Falcons.

Wide Receiver (WR):

1. Calvin Johnson: Johnson scares anyone who goes up against him even in fantasy because he is that good. He will have another amazing season so fantasy owners be afraid if he isn’t in your lineup.
2. Dez Bryant: Whom else do the Cowboys have on offense? Their offense mainly consists of Tony Romo throwing deep to Bryant for the touchdown and after that it’s a mix of runs by Murray and some balls to Jason Witten. Bryant will have another breakout year.
3. AJ Green: Green has been one of the more consistent fantasy wide receivers in his first three seasons and more of the same in 2014. Andy Dalton and Green have a connection and Green will take advantage of that yet again. Green will have another pro bowl year in 2014.
4. Demaryius Thomas: Thomas would be higher than 4 if the Broncos didn’t have so many other weapons for Manning to throw to. Still Thomas is a deadly wide-out to go up against as he can explode for a few touchdowns in one game.
5. Julio Jones: When healthy, Jones is a top five wide receiver in the NFL. He is back and looks to be healthy and should be who we all know he is. Picking between him and Brandon Marshall was a difficult one but Jones gets the slight edge because of the Falcons weaker running back situation.

Tight Ends (TE):

1. Jimmy Graham: Graham is a touchdown machine because of his size and speed. Also having Drew Brees as his quarterback doesn’t hurt either. Graham looks to repeat his astounding 2013 season in 2014.
2. Rob Gronkowski: The key for Gronk is staying healthy. We all know what he can do when he’s actually on the field but his health has been an issue the last few seasons for the Patriots.
3. Julius Thomas: Thomas made a name for himself with the help of Peyton Manning in 2013, but much like his counterpart Demaryius Thomas, the Broncos have so many weapons where Thomas could be left out depending on the week.
4. Vernon Davis: When the 49ers throw the football, Davis is usually target number-one but they prefer to pound the ball and throw on third down. Davis will get his TDs and numbers but don’t expect him to exceed expectations.
5. Jordan Cameron: He had a hot start to the 2013 season only to cool down a bit towards the end. Yet with Josh Gordon likely to be indisposed, Cameron will and should be targeted more often. He is a great sleeper tight end option.

Defense/Special Teams (DST):

1. Seattle Seahawks: The NFL’s best defense in 2013 will again be dominant. You can’t go wrong with the Seahawks at all.
2. San Francisco 49ers: Like the Seahawks, you can’t go wrong with the 49ers. They are a physical and strong defense that will hit the opponent hard.
3. Carolina Panthers: I am actually scared to put this defense so high on here but I can’t overlook what they did last season. I am a big believer in showing what you can do in consecutive years so you prove that it wasn’t a one-year wonder. The Panthers will need to do that in order to maintain a top spot on here.
4. Cincinnati Bengals: Overlooked for some reason by the poor performance by Andy Dalton, the Bengals defense has quietly been one of the best every season for the last few years. They were a top-three defense without two of its best players last year so yeah, they deserve to be here.
5. Kansas City Chiefs: This defense has the most takeaways last season. That’s worth a lot.

Kicker (K):

1. Matt Prater: Prater is a benefactor of the Broncos explosive offense, but he is suspended for the first four games so beware if you have him on your roster until he comes back.
2. Justin Tucker: Tucker is a stud and you don’t usually hear that about a kicker. He makes just about everything and doesn’t crumble under pressure, which is exactly what you want in a kicker.
3. Stephen Gostkowski: Like the Broncos, the Patriots have a high-powered offense, which benefits Gostkowski. Nonetheless he is a good kicker and you can’t go wrong with selecting him.
4. Mason Crosby: Crosby is a consistent kicker who plays for a good offensive team. Like the others on this list, he is a quality selection.
5. Blair Walsh: Although Walsh plays for a bad team, he is a good pickup for a kicker in fantasy. Walsh can help any fantasy team get over the hump with his consistency.

As the NFL draft approaches many NFL scouts and GMs are trying to prepare themselves for the chance to select a prospect that could potentially change the history of their franchises. Each year there are many mock drafts and analysts trying to predict what teams will do with their pick and I am no different. So here is my mock draft for the first round of the 2014 NFL draft:

Whoever the Texans select with the 1st overall pick will call this field home. By “krisandapril”,  via Wikimedia Commons

1. Houston Texans: Jadeveon Clowney, DE South Carolina.

Clowney is a special talent that doesn’t come around very often so the Texans would be making a mistake if they overlooked him and took a QB. I mean just imagine a defensive line where JJ Watt and Clowney are each coming off the ends, thats just scary for opposing offenses.

2. St Louis Rams: Greg Robinson,  OT Auburn

Thank you RGIII. Trading with the Redskins two years ago has given the Rams two first round picks this draft and they should use this one of an offensive tackle. Keeping Sam Bradford upright could help the Rams improve on their 7-9 record in 2014-2015.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Blake Bortles, QB Central Florida

The Jags need a quarterback. In fact, the Jaguars need many positions but those can be addressed later in the draft. I think Bortles could be the franchise QB that could possibly bring the Jaguars back into somewhat relevance and maybe even get fans in Jacksonville to attend the games.

4. Cleveland Browns: Teddy Bridgewater, QB Louisville

Oh boy where do I begin with this train wreck of a team? The only bright spot for them is wide receiver, Josh Gordon, who is proving to be a star. Adding Bridgewater might help change this team and its image around, plus who wouldn’t want to see Bridgewater throwing bombs down the field to Gordon? I know I do.

5. Oakland Raiders: Johnny Manziel, QB Texas A&M

Johnny Football would look good in the silver and black — yeah I said it. He is the perfect quarterback for this team that has been trying to find a stable signal-caller for years now. His passing skills and mobility would be perfect for the style of offense the Raiders run. This is a perfect fit for both Manziel and the Raiders.

6. Atlanta Falcons: Khalil Mack, DE Buffalo

Derailed by injuries and poor play, the Falcons took a step back in 2013. Health and some defense, though, could bring the Falcons back to the winning level they were at just a year ago. Adding Mack to the defense would be a big step to improving a poor defense in 2013-2014.

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Sammy Watkins, WR Clemson

The Buccaneers think they have found a franchise quarterback in Mike Glennon who showed some signs of promise last season. Adding a player like Watkins would seriously improve a lackluster offense. Plus having Lovie Smith as the new head coach isn’t too bad either right?

8. Minnesota Vikings: Mike Evans, WR Texas A&M

Adding an explosive and extremely tall wide receiver to the Vikings offense that has speedster Coradarrelle Patterson and former MVP Adrian Peterson, could help them formulate into a dynamic force if Christian Ponder could get his act together. New head coach Mike Zimmer is known for getting the best of his players so maybe that will translate well for the Vikings.

9. Buffalo Bills: CJ Mosely, LB Alabama

The Bills already have standout player Kiko Alonso on their linebacking core and drafting a playmaker like Mosely could put together a dynamic LB core for years to come in Buffalo. People might think this is too high for Mosely but he is a NFL ready talent.

10: Detroit Lions: Jake Matthews, OT Texas A&M

The Lions might have been one of the biggest disappointments last season by blowing their division lead in a pathetic way. Their biggest problem was Matthew Stafford and his interceptions. Part of the reason for all Stafford’s picks was that their offensive line was abysmal. Working on it through the draft might help lower the number of interceptions Stafford throws this coming season which could equal the playoffs again for the Lions.

11. Tennessee Titans: HaHa Clinton-Dix, S Alabama

Having Bernard Pollard and Clinton-Dix as their safeties would make it difficult for opposing teams to throw the ball against the Titans. Clinton-Dix is an NFL ready talent who would bring his football smarts from Alabama over to Tennessee.

12: New York Giants: Anthony Barr, LB UCLA

Barr might be the best defensive player in the draft that isn’t heavily known. His ball-hawking and tackling abilities are astonishing and would be a huge boost to the Giants and their normally strong defense.

13. St Louis Rams: Aaron Donald, DE Pittsburgh

The Rams, with their 7-9 record last season, have two first round draft picks and will look to improve their defense with one of them. Adding Donald through the draft would immensely help and improve the Rams defensive line.

14. Chicago Bears: Taylor Lewan, OT Michigan

Over the past few seasons one of the biggest problems for the Bears has been keeping Jay Cutler up on his feet. They will look to improve that in the upcoming year and selecting an offensive tackle with their first round pick will be a step to doing so.

15. Pittsburgh Steelers: Darqueze Dennard, CB Michigan State

Ahh the Steelers who barely made history and almost made the playoffs despite starting off the season 0-4. They will look to add to an aging defense and going with Dennard would be a start move. His skills are just what the Steelers look for in a defensive player so its kind of a perfect fit.

16. Dallas Cowboys: Justin Gilbert, CB Oklahoma State

How bout them Cowboys!? Missing the playoffs yet again….but they will look to add to a defense that struggled mightily in 2013 and adding Gilbert would improve it very much so.

17. Baltimore Ravens: Eric Ebron, TE North Carolina

Joe Flacco didn’t exactly earn his huge contract in 2013 but he is still a very good quarterack — he just needs more weapons. Many teams are trying the new two tight-end offensive schemes, copying the Patriots, and the Ravens fit exactly into the mold. They already have Dennis Pitta and adding Ebron could provide a very scary offense if Ray Rice ever wants to stop beating up his fiancee and get back to his Super Bowl winning ways.

18. New York Jets: Derek Carr, QB Fresno State

Geno Smith didn’t exactly impress a lot last season but he did have some nice moments. Bringing in another young QB could put pressure on Geno to improve and one that is more of a pocket passer could be good for competition.

19. Miami Dolphins: Zack Martin, OT Notre Dame

The Dolphins owned their own fate sitting at 8-6 last season but dropped the final two games resulting in another non playoff season. Keeping Ryan Tannehill upright and after losing Jonathan Martin and Richie Incognito makes room for Zach Martin to step in and earn his first-round money quickly on the offensive line of the Dolphins.

20. Arizona Cardinals: Odell Beckham Jr, WR LSU

The Cardinals were the surprise team of last season and they almost made the playoffs in the strong NFC West. Adding another weapon to compliment Larry Fitzgerald will help the Cardinals chances of making the playoffs in 2014-2015. Beckham Jr could be that complimentary weapon who could mold into the wide receiver of the future.

21. Green Bay Packers: Jimmie Ward, S  Northern Illinois

The Packers for years have been lacking a strong defense even when they won the Super Bowl. Adding a defensive player would help the Packers chances to reach the playoffs yet again. Ward is a great fit as he helps out a weak secondary.

22. Philadelphia Eagles: Dee Ford, DE Auburn

The offensive side off football comes easy enough for the Eagles and Chip Kelly, but defense is what wins championships. Ford has proven that he has speed to get to the quarterback, which could be beneficial for the Eagles to improve their defense.

23. Kansas City Chiefs: Marquise Lee, WR USC

The Chiefs surprised everyone last season by making the playoffs due to good quarterback play, a good defense and actually having a decent head coach. But even with that success, there is room to improve, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Adding Lee would give Kansas City and Alex Smith another weapon to compliment Dwayne Bowe.

24. Cincinnati Bengals: Jason Verrett, CB TCU

The only part of the Bengals stellar defense that was lacking was the secondary and they will look to improve on that this season. They have the depth as they showed with all the injuries last year but getting Verrett would improve an already-great defense. He is an aggressive defender who can jump routes with consistency and has a knack for making plays even when the ball goes away from the man he’s covering.

25. San Diego Chargers: Louis Nix III, DT Notre Dame

San Diego shocked many people last season and they will look to add to that success and it starts with its defense. Nix has the ability and speed to make plays and that’s something that can help any team. If they draft him, he’d join former teammate Manti Te’o on the Chargers’ defense.

26. Cleveland Browns: Kelvin Benjamin, WR Florida State

After already drafting a quarterback earlier in the first round, the Browns should want to add more weapons to surround the rookie signal-caller. Wide receiver Josh Gordon is a clear number-one, and pairing him with Benjamin could pan out to be one of the best moves the Browns have made in years.

27. New Orleans Saints: Kyle Fuller, CB Virginia Tech

We all know that the Saints have no problems on offense but their defense could use some work. Fuller, who was hurt in his senior season showed at the combine that he is back and ready to help improve any defense and the Saints should look his way.

28. Carolina Panthers: Ra’Shede Hageman, DT Minnesota

The Panthers have a good defense and it showed in 2013. Pairing standout Greg Hardy and Hageman could be even scarier for opposing offenses.

29. New England Patriots: Bradley Roby, CB Ohio State

We all know that Bill Belichick likes to take random players and turn them into something special. Roby is no different. Personally, I think he is the most underrated cornerback in the draft. Belichick and the Patriots get another steal in Roby.

30. San Francisco 49ers: Brandin Cooks, WR Oregon State

Adding depth to a wide receiver core is never a bad thing, especially for the 49ers. Cooks has impressive speed. It would be fun to see Colin Kaepernick unleash the ball down the field more often in the 49ers’ new stadium.

31. Denver Broncos: Calvin Pryor, S Lousiville

The Broncos looked crazy-bad in the Super Bowl. Adding some defensive help could give the Broncos another chance to shore-up a weakness that was exploited in the Super Bowl.

32. Seattle Seahawks: Brandon Coleman, WR Rutgers

There aren’t many positions or areas where the Super Bowl champs need to improve. Last week, they released Sidney Rice and replacing him will be a priority. Since the Seahawks like the tall players Coleman, listed at 6’6’, would be the perfect fit.

As many of us found out yet again in Super Bowl XLVIII, defense wins championships. Far too often, fans and analysts of the NFL forget about the defensive side of the ball and solely put their focus on flashy offense. As a viewer I understand why, but let’s not forget about the old fashioned style of football that the great game once was known for. I’ve heard people call this past Super Bowl a “boring” one. Yes it was a blowout and wasn’t as intense as previous games but it was a complete and utter show of domination by the Seahawks. To me, dominating play is anything but boring.

Seattle and its Legion Of Boom are the Super Bowl Champions, and rightfully so after their domination of the Broncos. By Mike Morris, via Wikimedia Commons

Seattle showed why they were the best team all season long and they deserved their Super Bowl victory. People doubted them all year because of their “mediocre” offense and their supposed inability to win away from Seattle. They lost only two games away from Seattle this season, both being in the final seconds of the game (at Indianapolis and at San Francisco) so I don’t understand where this myth comes from about them not being able to win on the road.

Lets also not forget who they beat en route to the title — Drew Brees, Colin Kaepernick and Peyton Manning. They held all three teams under 20 points and I would say that is a pretty impressive feat to accomplish.

But until they pulled off what might go down as the most dominant performance in a Super Bowl in history, the numbers didn’t speak that loudly. People wondered what would happen against one of the best quarterbacks of our generation playing his best football.

What their defense was able to do against Denver is incredible. The Legion of Boom and the rest of the Seahawks are now the champions and will be until someone else dethrones them next season. That might be easier said than done though, as the Seahawks are a very young, talented and now experienced team that could be on the verge of a potential dynasty if they make all the right moves as they have done in the past. Defense, not offense wins championships, and the Seahawks reminded everyone of that once again.

Richard Sherman. Over the last few days, Sherman’s name has been all over the headlines in the sports world and for good reason after the Seahawks ousted the defending NFC champion San Francisco 49ers to advance to their first Super Bowl since 2005.

On the last play of the game, 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick decided to test Sherman, the best cornerback in the NFL, by throwing a pass towards the end zone trying to find Michael Crabtree for what would have been the go ahead touchdown with under 30 seconds left. It was the first time all game that Kaepernick decided to throw towards the all pro cornerback and I bet Colin is regretting it now.

Richard Sherman is stirring up the headlines after the NFC Championship game. By Jeffrey Beall (Own work), via Wikimedia Commons

Everybody knows that Sherman is a fiery competitor but nobody expected that kind of a post game interview. In the days following the game, people have had mixed feelings towards Sherman’s interview. Some have called him a thug and some have praised him for him emotion and love of the game. Sherman even wrote about it himself.

After I watched the interview live, my initial reaction was strictly wow. I couldn’t believe what I had heard, I couldn’t believe that he called Crabtree a “sorry receiver,” yet I loved every minute of it. I rewound the interview many times to make sure I heard it all correctly and never for a second did I not enjoy it. I’ve had a few days to think it all over and my thoughts are the same as they were when everything happened live. Good for Sherman. Too many times in sports nowadays players get scrutinized for simply being passionate and showing emotion. What is so wrong with a player showing emotion after a huge play or win as long as it doesn’t physically hurt someone or isn’t so inappropriate that it offends people everywhere? We forget that the players we all love to watch and admire are still human and they are just like us just with gifted athletic abilities.

I love everything about what Sherman did and said and for the people who have a problem with it then those are the ones who shouldn’t be watching sports. Sports leagues, especially the NFL, need more players like Sherman who aren’t afraid to speak their minds and show emotion. The rivalry between the Seahawks and 49ers has become the most heated in the NFL and after the NFC Championship game, it looks as if it will stay that way for a long time.

Now, let’s wait and see if Sherman calls Peyton Manning a “sorry quarterback” after the Super Bowl. That, I think, would be a little bigger story.

Coming into the 2013-2014 NFL season, many people expected that at least some version of the last four teams standing would be the Broncos, Seahawks, Patriots and 49ers. Most years, it doesn’t happen where the projected final four actually make it due to a magical run from a dark horse or incredible unforeseen season. But this year it has happened and for the NFL that is a very good thing.

AFC Championship

Can Tom Brady lead the Patriots to another Super Bowl win? First he will have to go through Peyton Manning and Denver. By Keith Allison from Baltimore, USA (Tom Brady) [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

For Brady and the Patriots a win could mean an incredible feat of reaching the Super Bowl for a sixth time despite all the injuries and poor play from Brady throughout the season. For Manning, this game could make or break his legacy based off his previous playoff struggles.

NFC Championship

On the NFC side of things, the championship showcases two of the most exciting and best young quarterbacks in the NFL. Colin Kaepernick has already made it to the Super Bowl in his short career and Russell Wilson is looking to add to his impressive resume. Over the last few seasons, Seattle vs. San Francisco has become arguably the most heated rivalry in the NFL so it is only fitting that they meet for the NFC crown. Kaepernick and the 49ers have had their recent struggles playing in Seattle so it will be interesting to see how they respond in the NFC Title game.

No matter which two teams win this weekend, Super Bowl XLVIII will be a battle of new vs old. Either way the NFL and its fans will benefit from the matchup.

Who do you think will be in the Super Bowl?

Without the greatest sports moment of 2013, the San Antonio Spurs would have been having a parade instead of the Heat. By Michael Kain, via Wikimedia Commons

Can you believe that it is almost 2014? It seems like just yesterday 2013 started and we were looking forward to another great sports year and it lived up to the hype indeed. There were many great sports moments and memories this season but only five can make my list. Here for my Top 5 Moments of the 2013 Sports Year:

5. October 13, 2013. Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts. 2013 ALCS Game 2

Heading into the bottom of the eighth inning, it looked as the Detroit Tigers would come into Fenway Park and take the first two games of the ALCS, heavily swaying the series in their favor heading back into Detroit. But David Ortiz had other ideas. Trailing 5-1 with two outs left, David Ortiz stepped up to the plate with the bases loaded to face Tigers closer Joaquin Benoit. Nothing had gone the Red Sox’s way on this night but with one pitch, one moment, that would change. Ortiz rocketed a pitch over the outstretched arm of Torii Hunter over the wall in right field to tie the game up. In that, “moment” I knew that this was the Red Sox’s year. Fenway was rocking and all the momentum swayed back to Boston. It was an “I don’t believe what I just saw” type of moment and makes it way onto my list at #5.

4. June 24th 2013. TD Bank Garden. Boston, Massachusetts. 2013 Stanley Cup Finals Game 6

Trailing 2-1 in the game with under two minutes to play it seemed that the Blackhawks would be forced back to Chicago for a series deciding game 7. But the miraculous happened, with 1:16 left to play the Blackhawks tied the game up at 2, stunning the crowd in Boston. The game looked like it would go to overtime yet again, only to have the Blackhawks score another goal only 17 seconds later. Watching this game live, I didn’t believe what I had witnessed. Down by one not even a minute ago, the Blackhawks were up by one with under a minute to play. After the game winning goal went into the net, I knew it was over. The Bruins were shocked to a level that was unseen before and the Blackhawks would finish up that final minute and claim another Stanley Cup trophy for the city of Chicago.

3. November 30, 2013. Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn, Alabama. 2013 Iron Bowl

One of the most incredible sports moments in history only makes it as #3 on my list because it wasn’t for a championship but it was still such an amazing and shocking play that it makes the list nonetheless. Coming into the Iron Bowl both Auburn and Alabama still had a chance to make the BCS Title Game and the winner would more than likely make it there. Trailing by a touchdown late in the fourth quarter, Auburn tied the game at 28. Alabama then drove the ball down the field only to set up what would be the game winning field goal. The field goal went wide right and was improbably returned for a touchdown by Chris Davis to win the game and stun the college football world. An incredible play, incredible moment and hopefully won’t be for nothing as long as Auburn can claim another National Championship.

2. February 3, 2013, Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, LA. Super Bowl XLVII

The blackout game. Leading 28-6, the Ravens seemed as if they were running away with the Super Bowl title until a mysterious blackout happened and swayed the entire game in favor of the 49ers. In what was legendary linebacker Ray Lewis’s final career game, it was only fitting that the game would end on a defensive stand, something the Ravens have been known for in their history. San Francisco made it interesting, driving the ball down to the goal line only to be stopped four times in a row leading to a Ravens victory. In one of the more memorable Super Bowls in recent memory and it goes on my list as the #2 sports moment in 2013.

1. June 18, 2013. American Airlines Arena, Miami, Florida. NBA Finals Game 6

In what might be the greatest NBA Finals game in history, it not only defined the series but the legacy of LeBron James. One rebound, one boxout and the San Antonio Spurs would have been the world champions but Chris Bosh and Ray Allen saved the Miami Heat’s season and the legacy of the “Chosen One”. The Heat were trailing most of the game and it seemed as if they would not repeat as champions. Even their fans believed they would lose as many of them left the stadium early only to attempt to return as the Heat made something of the game. Down by three, Lebron missed what would have been the tying three pointer only to have Chris Bosh snag the ball out of the air and throw it back in the corner to the best three point shooter in NBA history in Ray Allen. Of course Allen was going to make the tying three, of course he was and he did. Sending the Spurs into disbelief, something we had never seem before from San Antonio. The Heat would go on to win the game in overtime and then eventually win game 7 to claim their re-peat. If that Ray Allen three doesn’t fall, LeBron falls to 1-3 in the NBA Finals and we all look at him differently. But what a game. What a series.

If I was a 49ers fan, I’d be mad. I’d be upset. I wouldn’t be able to stand for two things about this week.

1. Colin Kaepernick still has a lot of work to do.

The 49ers are playing better, but fans expected more. After last season, fans expected Colin Kaepernick to take another step forward. While he hasn’t really regressed, the bicep-kisser hasn’t exactly taken the huge leap forward 49ers fans hoped he would after last year’s Super bowl run. The last six games of this season will go a long way toward Kaepernick’s perception as either a young player who temporarily plateaued as the league caught up with him, or a player who could never get to the next level after the league caught up with him.

After losing in each of the past two weeks, the 49ers find themselves at 6-4, tied with Arizona for second-place in the NFC West, and 3 1/2 games behind Seattle. It’s not exactly where they hoped to be and they’ll have to play a lot better throughout the rest of the season to even earn a playoff spot.

2. That roughing the passer call was manure

Hogwash. Shennanigans. Ridiculousness.

Whatever you want to call it, the penalty that Ahmad Brooks took vs. Drew Brees changed the game. Ray Lewis, for one, was less than happy.

I’m pretty sure Ray Ray said what a lot of us were thinking, and he has the credentials to back it up. What you get from a player so recently retired are good, candid comments like this. I don’t agree with Ray Lewis very often, but in this case he and Trent Dilfer pretty much nailed the commentary.

There were lots of unhappy fans and media as well. Ahmad Brooks and lots of NFL defenders agree. Brooks used a little stronger language than “hogwash” to describe the call.

One of the reasons the 49ers are a successful organization is that they’ve had really tough, hard-nosed players and coaches. The Brooks hit was legit, and it changed the game.

If I was a 49ers fan, I would not be happy. At 6-4, the 49ers need to win at least four of their final six games to ensure a playoff spot, and fighting for their playoff lives was not what Niner fans had in mind at the start of this season.

It was Cami’s last day at the CJ Silas Show. Photo by Leighton Giannini

On Wednesday night, we were lucky enough to have the opportunity to guest-host the CJ Silas Show on ESPN Radio 1280 The Ticket.

CJ went on vacation and gave us the keys and we did our best not to wreck the car. We are pretty sure we got it back to her in one piece and are thankful for the opportunity.

We talked about why Mike Trout doesn’t get more attention, had JD Scroggin in to talk about Cal Poly football, and even argued about which young quarterback in the NFL will take a step forward or backward in their second season as a starter.

I wanted to also thank the CJ Silas Show Syndicate – Cami, Leighton, Bobby, and Alex – for helping make sure we got the show back to CJ in one piece.

Enjoy.

LPMD’s second release, an EP titled “Closer to that Sky,” comes out this week.

Miles M. Davis makes his second appearance on the podcast this week! Miles is half of the group LPMD, teaming with Yellowcard drummer Longineu Parsons III. Davis is also a native of Cayucos.

Owen and Andy discussed with Miles the Dodgers vs. Mets Cayucos Little League rivalry in the mid-90’s, the Dodgers-Giants rivalry of today, and what LPMD has cooking with Closer to that Sky, which has been featured in the intro and outro for the past two podcasts.

Miles talked about why he doesn’t care if Tim Lincecum‘s arm falls off, why he loves Bruce Bochy, and his love of the 49ers. We had a great time with our childhood friend and we hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

Alex Smith’s benching sealed San Francisco’s fate. By John Martinez Pavliga (originally posted to Flickr as IMG_7552), via Wikimedia Commons

As the 2011 San Francisco 49ers walked off the field of Candlestick Park after losing a close NFC championship game to the eventual champion New York Giants, you could tell that although they had lost, this team had a demeanor about it. It seemed clear that they would be contenders for a long time. They had something to prove and it prove it they did by going into Lambeau Field in week-one and beating the Packers. During their first eight games, the 49ers went 6-2 under quarterback Alex Smith, including Smith going 18-19 while throwing for 232 yards and three touchdowns on a Monday night game against the Arizona Cardinals. Everything seemed to be going well for the 49ers, until during their bye week when they got the news that Alex Smith had suffered a concussion.  They opted to sit Smith for the week 10 matchup against the St. Louis Rams and start second year quarterback Colin Kaepernick. The 49ers and the Rams tied the game and questions began to surface whether or not Smith would return as the starting quarterback.

Kaepernick gave the 49ers a dual threat and skill-set that Smith did not have. Coach Jim Harbaugh liked this option very much and named Kaepernick the starter for the remainder of the season. Kaepernick thrived as the starting quarterback and had the 49ers a favorite to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.

This decision must have left Smith wondering his value to the team and many wondered if he would accept his new role as a backup. Smith, being the team player that he is, took the new role with grace and watched Kaepernick take his team all the way to the Super Bowl. Under Kapernick, including the playoffs, the 49ers had a record of 7-3-1 and under Alex Smith the 49ers went 6-2.

I never agreed with coach Harbaugh’s decision to bench Smith for Kaepernick, but I guess that’s why I’m not coaching in the NFL. I always felt like it was completely unfair for Alex Smith. The guy led the team to the NFC championship game and if not for a few dumb fumbles, the 49ers would have made the Super Bowl. With Alex Smith. Not to mention, he was 6-2 in the first eight games with 13 touchdowns and only five interceptions. It was a risky move by Harbaugh, one that did pan out as the 49ers did reach the Super Bowl only to come up short.

How ironic is it that the drive that could have sealed the 49ers Super Bowl dreams, came down to a few red-zone plays where Kaepernick just needed to make a good throw? The whole game he was missing key throws that could have changed the game, for instance, his interception. He could have easily dumped it off to his running back who was wide open rather than throw the ball down the field, very high over Randy Moss’s head into the arms of Ed Reed. The 49ers’ performance was lackluster in the first half and I believe without the very odd power outage, the Ravens would have destroyed them at the end of the game just like they did in the first half, but props to the 49ers for making a comeback and the game interesting. Kaepernick and the 49ers had an incredible year and will probably win a Super Bowl in the next few years. But I think the 49ers were destined to lose this season from the moment Alex Smith was replaced as the starter. Karma bites, and the 49ers found that out the hard way.