Things That Piss Me Off:Nu-Metal

Welcome back to another delightful addition of Things That Piss Me Off. I hope everyone enjoyed my column on "Tapout" shirts and that you will openly mock people like the ones I described in that column without mercy. Today I talk about music, specifically Nu-Metal.

As anyone who knows me knows, I love heavy metal. I really like the raw emotion of it. I love the guitars, the blast beats, the vocals and most of all the atmosphere. The other great thing about metal is the amount of sub-genres it has. Thrash, death, black, power, melodic death, folk, doom, industrial, progressive, even metalcore. The genres don't stop there. Bands will combine different styles and use different lyrical themes. Really it is such a wonderfully diverse genre that I truly believe has something for everyone.

Now that we have covered what metal is and why I love it so much, lets flash back in time to about, oh, 1998 or so. The musical landscape in America is changing. Grunge has been dead for four years, 90's rock or "post-grunge" is nearing its peak, no one cares about Hootie and the Blowfish anymore (personally though, I think Hootie is awesome) and boy bands are everywhere. The Backstreet Boys gave way to N'Sync, which led to 98 Degrees, which brought about O-Town, which led to 100000000000000000000000000000000 copycat bands and attempts to import some European group like Westlife. It was making money hand over fist, but mainstream music was missing something. Without grunge around anymore, where was the anger? Sure there were plenty of metal, punk and hardcore bands around but none of them could ever succeed in the mainstream and established bands would have to be signed to bigger contracts. And that was how Nu-Metal was born (I think so at least).

First off nu-metal is NOT metal. It is a clusterf$%^$^ of hard rock, rap, hardcore, no talent and really good marketing. I have no idea who coined the phrase nu-metal, but if I ever found out who did, than that person will receive their own entry into "Things That Piss Me Off." It is a pain when someone asks "what kind of music do you like?" you tell then you like metal and their follow up question is "oh, you mean like, Slipknot right?" "NO, F^$&^%$&^%$&^%$ SLIPKNOT AND EVERYTHING THEY STAND FOR!" is what you're thinking, but "not quite" is what
comes out and then a twenty minute long explanation ensues. Metal bands don't plod along drumming at 3 beats per minute. They don't use a distortion pedal to mask the fact that they can't play guitar, they don't have to remind you of how angry they are every chance they get and they certainly don't write lyrics like:

"Now I know y'all be lovin this, right here, L.I.M.P, Bizkit is right here" (you can't rhyme here with here its the SAME F^%*&^%*& WORD GOD D*^%*^%*^%*&^%*&%*^%!)
or
"If you're 555 then I'm 666, what's it like to be a heretic" (what does that even mean? I get the 666 part but why 555, is that some sort of holy number? Was that Jesus favorite number or something?)

Yea metal bands may be hard to understand sometimes, but they generally write pretty good lyrics. Also, remember that as far as I'm concerned, we live in a world where Metallica decided never to release "St. Anger" so for those of you who are unfortunate enough to have ever heard that piece of garbage album, don't bring it up.

But it's not just the music that pisses me off. Sometimes it is fun to listen to simpler music. I love a lot of progressive metal but sometimes you just want to listen to some good old fashioned thrashy stuff that doesn't incorporate a bassoon and jump between time signatures for no apparent reason. The whole nu-metal fad is so clearly a marketing sham it isn't funny. If Limp Bizkit was so angry, why would they be rapping about nonsense? More importantly, why would they be fighting it out with the Backstreet Boys and Brittany Spears for the top spot on TRL (god rest its soul)? Do you think you would ever see Celtic Frost fighting for that spot? Have you ever even heard of Celtic Frost? Look, the point is that this nu-metal crap was designed to con angsty 13-year-olds into conning their parents into buying them crappy merchandise. Remember too that our parents grew up in the 60's and saw all sorts of weird stuff happen in music. I doubt they were really "scared" when they first saw Slipknot:


Honestly, who would ever be intimidated by these guys(besides the clown of course, clowns are terrifying)? Those masks look like they were made out of construction paper by blind, deaf, quadriplegic, severely mentally challenged monkeys with scissors shoved up their asses and bottles of elmers glue taped to their tails. Like I said, I'm sure our parents saw weirder stuff at woodstock, they just would never in a million years tell us about it.

So, how can you avoid this awful, awful music? Simply avoid the following bands:

Limp Bizkit (WTF is a Limp Bizkit anyway?)
Slipknot (some metalheads will dig "Iowa." Other than that, avoid, avoid, avoid)
Stained (An appropriate name, as this band is a stain on this planet)
Puddle of Mudd (That isn't a puddle of mud, it's a puddle of s%&$)
Coal Chamber (Actually responsible for that "roof is on fire" song. Devildriver is ok though)
Dope (what kind of idiot names himself Edsel Dope? His real name is probably Nancy or something)
Disturbed (At least its good pump up music...)
Drowning Pool (See Above)
POD (Payable on Dick)
Godsmack (God should smack these clowns for making such awful music)
Poweman 5000 (They're an emo band now anyway)
Shinedown (Worst band of the 2000's)
Five Finger Death Punch (*^%*&^%*^%,^%*&$!)
Otep (Do not, I repeat, DO NOT make the mistake I did as a young metal head and confuse them with Opeth. You will be sorry...)
Switchfoot (Not at all a nu-metal band, but they suck anyway)

So there you have it folks. I think everyone knows that nu-metal sucks, so this column may seem skippable, but you'd be surprised at how many people still buy in to this crap. If you want to hear good music, pick a genre and you can find it. There's good rock and rap, good punk and metal, good indie and alternative but there is no good nu-metal (I lie, I am partial to Cold and Static-X).
If you want to hear some really awesome metal, I can point you to a place. All you have to do is click here. Even if you're not a fan of metal, you may become one. If not, good night, good luck, and please "just say no" to nu-metal.

Things That Piss Me Off:"Tapout" Shirts

Howdy everyone! I'm back and I'm pissed. Last time we talked about one of the worst highways in existence. Today, we move over to the fashion world to talk about one of the most popular brands of MMA (mixed martial arts) clothing lines in the world. I know, who would have ever thought I of all people would ever talk about clothes on this blog.

Anyway, my title is a little misleading. "Tapout" shirts don't piss me off. In fact, I think they are actually quite cool (much cooler than Affliction shirts anyway). So why write a column about them? Well it is quite simple.

You see, there seems to be a common, yet understandable, misconception amongst the uneducated about these shirts. A lot of highly successful UFC fighters wear "Tapout" gear. Rashad Evans, Rich Franklin, Kenny Florian and Frank Shamrock are just a few fighters the company sponsors. You see, I think that people see these guys walk to the cage in their super awesome "Tapout" clothes and think, "wow, that shirt is sooooooooo cool! That must be why these guys are so tough! It certainly isn't the long hours in the gym, the years of studying martial arts or the fact that they have put themselves through physical and emotional hell to get there, it has to be the shirt!" These idiots then proceed to go to their nearest department store and spend their entire paycheck on shirts. They throw away or burn all their other clothes and wear "Tapout" shirts exclusively, thus making them as tough as Rashad Evans, Rich Franklin, Kenny Florian, Frank Shamrock or any of the other fighters the company sponsors and THAT is what pisses me off.

I can think of one individual in particular that was a regular at a bar I attended relatively often. This guy was there almost every single night I was, each time sporting a different "Tapout" shirt. Every time I'd see this guy he looked the same. You know that "I'm too cool to smile or laugh, I'm gonna shuffle through the bar acting all tough because of the way I dress" look. Every time someone would bump into him, he'd throw up his arms like it was some big deal. People like him are popping up everywhere and it sucks. The worst part of it is, when I laugh at these people, someone always comes out with "I don't know man, he's in pretty good shape and look at that shirt, he's like an MMA fighter dude." No he isn't. I can tell he isn't.

Reason #1 I know he and his kind are not fighters: cigarettes. No professional fighter smokes cigarettes. No amateur fighter smokes cigarettes. Hell, no high school wrestler or jiu jiutsu white belt that is even remotely serious about what they are doing smokes cigarettes. Have you ever tried to work out when you smoke? It's hard. Imagine having the most intense workout you ever had while someone is punching you in the face...a lot. That is what MMA is like. Want to try to do it and smoke, be my guest, but don't expect to last long.

Reason #2: Their size. A lot of these posers are actually pretty big. Of course, they are not as strong as they look. Createne may make you look great, it really doesn't improve your strength that much. Besides, have you ever actually looked at an MMA fighter? Sure they are cut and in great shape, but they are never "absolutely jacked." Yeah Brock Lesnar is huge but lets compare his UFC and WWE days: (UFC on the left, WWE on the right)

Wait a minute...thats not Brock Lesnar, its Brock from Pokemon....HOW THE F%$#^%$#^% DID THAT HAPPEN! Whatever, you're gonna have to google Brock Lesnar yourself. The point is that most fighters are relatively trim and don't look like they could pass for Pauly D from the Jersey Shore.

Reason #3: All the guys like that seem to be pretty boys. Fighters are an ugly bunch. Years of being punched in the face will do that to a person. I'm not just talking about pros either. Look at me (or don't if you're smart) I didn't wrestle past high school and I train twice a week at the most and my face is always banged up. I can't even imagine what it is like to train hours on end every day for years. Look at some of the guys in the UFC, especially the veterans. They most certainly on these pretty boys. Trust me, you can tell when someone has never been punched in the face before. They look more like The Situation and less like Wanderlei Silva (I'm to lazy for links, google him).

Wow, that's two, count em two Jersey shore references in one column. Look, if you are going to wear a "Tapouy" shirt, go ahead. Just remember, while it may look great, it doesn't make you tough and it certainly isn't a license to act like a tool. Otherwise, you will piss me off. Tune in next time for a column about something else. I am thinking about doing a video, since my computer has a webcam now. Anyway, all see everyone later

Things That Piss Me Off:Route 206

Okay its time to start a new column. I really want to write something and I am out of inspiration because I have been bothered by a lot of stupid little things recently. I figure if I gripe about these things on line I will be able to clear my head and write about something else. Since driving on it is fresh in my mind, I will start with quite possibly my least favorite highway ever.

Route 206 is a 130 mile long monstrosity that runs North to South from South Jersey to Sussex county. In terms of distance it is the fastest way to reach my intended destination (Princeton) from my lovely hometown in scenic wherever it is I'm from. It couldn't possibly be faster to travel all the way to Edison on route 287 and then pick up route 1 to Princeton could it?

Well it may very well be. For starters, half a mile of 206 runs through Pennsylvania. You may be thinking "well, if its only half a mile out of 130 and you wouldn't even hit that part driving to Princeton, so why is that a problem?" If you are asking yourself or any other unfortunate soul that may be reading this blog that question, you have either:

A)Never driven for more than a day or so in Pennsylvania, or

B)Never lived in an area of any other state where multiple Pennsylvania drivers may be on the road at the same time.

It's not that PA drivers aren't safe. In fact, they are far safer than us Jersey drivers. However, this is largely due to the fact that they drive really... really... reallllllly...really S-L-O-W. And not like speed limit slow. I'm talking 30 in a 65 slow. I'm not the type to rush, but this is a huge problem when you absolutely must be on time to training for a job that if you don't get, you will default on your next student loan payment.

Part of 206 is known as the Disabled American Veterans Highway. I really think that naming this abomination of a road in their honor is an absolute insult to all of the service men and women who have fought and are fighting for our freedom. But the insults don't stop there. This highway is an absolute slap in the face to anyone who showed up and payed attention to at least five minutes of class of whatever it is you study to design highways. This highway goes through Hammonton, Bordentown, Hamilton, Trenton, Princeton, Hillsborough, Sommerville and Chester. All of these are pretty high traffic areas. Of course a highway running through them would be pretty big right? WRONG AGAIN...ONE LANE. Why is this highway only one lane? Who's brilliant idea was that? It was as if the state or federal government or whoever decided to build this thing rounded up the biggest jackasses they could find and said, "I want you to make this road piss people off as much as humanly possible, no matter what it takes." A single accident, even a fender bender, results in at least a half-hour delay. It's even worse than when there are accidents on the Merritt Parkway. Add in the aforementioned Pennsylvania drivers and you have a headache waiting to happen.

But the worst part of this god forsaken road? Go ahead, take a guess? Potholes, you say? That's a good guess and potholes are a huge problem. Okay, I understand it's the winter and its just wear and tear on the road but some of these potholes are ridiculous. I swear if some of these things were an inch deeper you'd start to see buried treasure or dinosaur bones or dead bodies or something. These huge holes appear every few feet too, with the only reprieve coming in stretches of road that are filled with normal sized potholes that will simply pop one of your tires rather than completely destroy your suspension. Yes, they suck, but the most infuriating thing I drove over is far worse. I can't speak for the parts in Sussex County or South Jersey, but Somerset County has something most interesting on its stretches of 206...speed bumps. That's right speed bumps....ON A F%#&#&^%$&$ HIGHWAY! WHOSE DUMB A^&%*&^% IDEA WAS THAT. WHAT...THE...F$#$^%$#&$%%*^&%&*^%*....ok sorry, but really, why would you put speed bumps on a highway?

Anyway, I'm gonna call it quits for now. I'm starting to get mad again. Check back later for more "Things That Piss Me Off." Expect to see entries on lax bros, Nu-Metal, video game bugs, "Tapout" shirts, and colleges that advertise on TV in the near future. Good night, good luck, and avoid driving on Route 206 at all costs.

My new blogs!

Alright, my new blogs are ready to go.

For video games and other nerd related topics head on over to gamethingies.blogspot.com

The jocks among you can see my sports topics at jdssports.blogspot.com

don't forget I will still be updating VMVT with other random stuff and top 10s. Also, I will not be removing things I already posted.

Im Moving....Sort Of

Okay, back in business. Now that my computer has arrived it is finally time to start posting again. However, I am going to change things up. I will start writing two blogs, one for my nerdy interest and another for sports thingies. I will still occasionally update VMVT with random stuff and top tens. Details will be posted when I get the stuff up and running.

Double feature: The NFC AND AFC South

With the season starting on Sunday, I'm kind of rushed for time. With my recent computer troubles, I haven't been able to post. So, tonight we get a double feature.











NFC South, The Teams:








New Orleans Saints





Last Year:13-3, Division Champs, NFC Champs, Super Bowl Champs (1st round bye, def ARI in second round, def MINN in NFC Title Game, def IND in Super Bowl)





Key Players:QB Drew Brees, WR Marques Colston, T Matt Stinchcomb, LB Jonathan Vilma, S Darren Sharper





Others to Watch:RB Reggie Bush, G Jahri Evans, DE Will Smith, CB Tracy Porter





Once again, the Saints look to have quite the offense. Drew Brees should once again put up some ridiculous numbers. He will be behind an excellent line anchored by Stinchcomb and Evans, have a great stable of running backs including Bush and Pierre Thomas and have one of the league's deepest receiving corp's. The Saints are quite underrated defensively. Vilma is a great player and Sharper has big play potential, even at his age. Tracy Porter looks like he could make the jump to being a top NFL corner. If the Saints can put pressure on QB's they have a very good chance of defending their title.











Atlanta Falcons





Last Year:9-7





Key Players:QB Matt Ryan, RB Michael Turner, WR Roddy White, DE John Abraham, DB Dunta Robinson





Others to Watch:WR Harry Douglass, TE Tony Gonzalez, LB Sean Weatherspoon, S Erik Coleman





The Falcons look to bounce back from a disappointing 2009 season. Matt Ryan should come back strong after being banged up last year. He has an excellent corps of receivers, especially with Harry Douglass back. If Tony Gonzalez can still go, he will add yet another weapon to a potent passing game. All of this should help Michael Turner find running room. The Falcons are a little shakier on defense. 1st round pick Sean Weatherspoon will start as a rookie and Peria Jerry is essentially a rookie as well. However, if the young guys step up, the vets can still play and Dunta Robinson gives a full effort, the Falcons could be a contender.











Carolina Panthers





Last Year:8-8





Key Players:RB DeAngelo Williams, RB Jonathan Stewart, LB John Beason, DB Chris Gamble




Others to Watch:QB Matt Moore, QB Jimmy Claussen, WR Steve Smith, the defensive line





The Panthers are a franchise in flux right now. They seem to have gotten their quarterback of the future in Jimmy Clasussen, but Matt Moore has proven he can win games in the NFL. It will be interesting to see what Coach John Fox does this year and in the future with his QB's. Of course, the running game is still the focus of this team. Stewart and Williams may be the best pair in the game. Unfortunately, it just doesn't seem like the Panthers are quite there on offense. The defense is a bit of a mess as well. Beason and Gamble are great, but there isn't much outside of them. The defensive line will need to step up after loosing Julius Peppers to free agency. The Panthers will be competitive, but I just don't see them as contenders this year.











Tampa Bay Buccaneers





Last Year:3-13





Key Players:RB Cadillac Williams, LB Barrett Ruud, DB Ronde Barber, DB Aqib Talib



Others to Watch:QB Josh Freeman, WR Arrelious Benn, DT Gerald McCoy, S Sabby Piscitelli





Look at it on the bright side Tampa fans. Sure you will be really terrible this year but at least you don't have to be blinded by frightening bright orange uniforms. But seriously, the Bucs are making the right moves for the future. Freeman, Benn and McCoy all look like they will turn into excellent pros. I have to take my hat off to Cadillac Williams. No matter how many times he gets injured, knocked down or beaten up he keeps fighting on. It's a shame he isn't on a better team. On defense, the veterans Ruud, Barber and Talib should help the young players develop. They will not be very good this year but again, they are on the right track. The Bucs have a brutal schedule and won't win many (maybe not any) games this year. However, a few good drafts could make them into a contender again.





How They'll Finish:


New Orleans Saints:14-2

Atlanta Falcons:10-6

Carolina Panthers:7-9

Tampa Bay Buccaneers:1-15





Now for the AFC South, The Teams:





Indianapolis Colts





Last Year:14-2, Division Champs, AFC Champs (1st round bye, def BAL in 2nd round, def NYJ in AFC Title Game, lost in Super Bowl to NO)





Key Players:QB Peyton Manning, WR Reggie Wayne, TE Dallas Clark, DE Dwight Freeney, DE Robert Mathis





Others to Watch:WR Pierre Garcon, WR Austin Collie, LB Gary Brackett, S Bob Sanders





The Colts look to be loaded once again. Any time you have Peyton Manning under center you are going to contend. The guy is just amazing. The line is great too and he has a bevy of targets to throw to. Garcon and Collie stepped up big last year and will continue to establish themselves as excellent receivers. On the other side of the ball Freeney and Mathis will continue to get loads of pressure on QBs. However, if the Colts want to contend they are going to need another solid season from Gary Brackett and a healthy Bob Sanders. There is little doubt that Indy will be a top flight team in the regular season. However, what they do in the playoffs will be the true test for the Colts this year.







Houston Texans



Last Year:9-7



Key Players:QB Matt Schaub, WR Andre Johnson, DE Mario Williams, LB Brian Cushing, LB Demeco Ryans



Others to Watch:RB Steve Slaton, TE Owen Daniels, LB Darryl Sharpton, S Eugene Wilson





The Texans can just never seem to get over the hump. With the schedule they have this year I don't see it being any different. Matt Schaub seems to suffer from EliManningitus, a condition that causes him to turn the ball over at unfortunate times in games. Steve Slaton was great two years ago and then suddenly couldn't hang on to the football. Turnovers are hard to overcome, even for a team as talented as the Texans. Losing Cushing for the first few games will really hurt. The Texans lack depth on defense. However, their starters are as good as any unit. Mario Williams is an absolute monster and Eugene Wilson is a solid veteran at safety. Still, I can't quite see them stepping up and becoming truly elite yet again. Their schedule is just too tough.



Tennessee Titans

Last Year:8-8

Key Players:QB Vince Young, RB Chris Johnson, T Michael Roos, DB Cortland Finnegan

Others to Watch:RB Javon Ringer, WR Kenny Britt, LB Stephen Tulloch, S Michael Griffin

Like their divisional rivals in Houston, the Titans are just a bit below the top level. If nothing else they will score a lot of points with Chris Johnson running behind an excellent line anchored by Michael Roos. If Vince Young can keep his head in the game watch out. If he can't the Titans may have issues. Defense was the strong point of Tennessee's surprising run two years ago. This year I just don't see that being the case. The defensive line is okay but it just doesn't hold up to the Kearse/Haynesworth/Vanden Bosch line that keyed the '08 team. Stephen Tulloch looks to break out this year and Cortland Finnegan is great but the Titans D just doesn't look that strong. Of course, if reports are true and the Titans are pursuing Haynesworth, the impact will be huge. I feel that the Titans and Texans are dead even and he could help push Tennessee ahead.



Jacksonville Jaguars

Last Year:8-8

Key Players:QB David Garrard, RB Maurice Jones-Drew, DE Aaron Kampman, DB Rashean Mathis

Others to Watch:WR Mike Sims-Walker, WR Tiquan Underwood, DE Derrick Harvey, LB Kirk Morrison

The Jaguars look as though they are going to take a step back this season. A lot of the problem is their brutal schedule. Unfortunately, it is also because they just don't have enough playmakers. Maurice Jones-Drew can't do it all by himself. To make matters worse for the Jags, his small size and lack of a feasible backup will make him a prime target for injury. David Garrard is solid, but he won't win any games on his own. Sims-Walker and Underwood stepping up will help, but Jones-Drew is the focal point of the offense. The defense has a lot of solid players but no true studs. Kampman comes the closest, but he is still a notch below elite. All in all, I can't see the Jags contending. It's a shame, especially because the franchise is just not drawing many fans.



How They'll Finish:
Indianapolis Colts:12-4
Tennessee Titans:9-7
Houston Texans:9-7
Jacksonville Jaguars:4-12

The NFC West is next. A lot of people are saying it will be the worst division in football. That may be true but the beautiful thing about the NFL is that everyone is a contender on day one...well, almost everyone.

The AFC North:Insert Clever Subtitle Here

Yesterday we took a look at what looks to be the strongest division in football. Today we move to another stacked division, the AFC North. Cincinnati was the surprise winner last year but can they do it again? Lets see.








The Teams:








Baltimore Ravens


Last Year:9-7, Wildcard team, (Def NE in 1st Round, lost in 2nd round to IND)


Key Players:QB Joe Flacco, RB Ray Rice, WR Anquan Boldin, DE Haloi Ngata, LB Ray Lewis, S Ed Reed


Others to Watch:RB Willis McGahee, DB Ken Hamlin, DB Travis Fisher, S Dawan Landry





The Ravens look like a stacked team this year. Joe Flacco should be able to take the next step this year especially with a receiver like Boldin to throw to. The offensive line is excellent too. Rice is the feature back in the three pronged attack that also includes McGahee and fullback LeRon McClain. The Ravens have long been known as a defensive team but the offense looks like it will be quite strong. Of course the defense will be just as good. Ray Lewis is still a monster even in his 15th season. Ed Reed is a step slower and yet he's still faster than most players in the league. Haloi Ngata is an absolute beast of a defensive end. Any time you can get a 350 pounder that can move you will take it. Rookie Terrance Cody and veteran Kelly Gregg are both loads and either one will be terrors at nose tackle. The key to the season will be the secondary. Veterans like Hamlin and Fisher will have to step up. If they do, this team could go all the way.








Pittsburgh Steelers


Last Year:9-7


Key Players:QB Ben Roethlisberger, WR Hines Ward, LB James Harrison, LB LaMarr Woodley, S Troy Polamalu


Others to Watch:RB Rashard Mendenhall, WR Antwaan Randle El, T Flozell Adams, CB Ike Taylor





Losing Roethlisberger for four games will hurt, but at least the Steelers have games against Tennessee and Tampa that are winnable anyway. When he does come back, Big Ben needs to cut down on his turnovers. Sometimes it is better just to take a sack. Veteran Flozell Adams will step in for the injured Willie Colon at tackle and he must preform better than he did last year. The defense will be the focal point. Having Polamalu back will allow the Steelers to mix up their looks and blitz from every which way. The linebackers may be the strongest in the league with Harrison and Woodley. If Ike Taylor and the rest of the corners can step up, the Steeler defense may be the NFL's best.








Cincinnati Bengals


Last Year:10-6, Division Champs (Lost in 1st round to NYJ)



Key Players:QB Carson Palmer, the receiving corps., RB Cedric Benson, DB Jonathan Joseph



Players to Watch:TE Jermaine Gresham, WR Jordan Shipley, LB Rey Maualuga, DE Antwan Odom



Cedric Benson, Carlos Dunlap, Tank Johnson, Pac-Man Jones, Matt Jones, Rey Maualuga, Chad Ochocinco, Terrell Owens, Frostee Rucker. Any guess as to what those names have to do with each other (other than the fact that they all play for the Bengals)? Give up? Well I'll tell you. They all have the potential to be distractions. Whether their character issues stem from run ins with the law or just attitude in general, the potential is there. That said, the Bengals will be a solid team this year. They may have the deepest receiving corps. in the league and Carson Palmer will spread the ball around effectively. He can only hope this this doesn't tick off T.O. Cedric Benson must keep his head on straight and continue to play well. Defensively, I feel the Bengals are a bit lacking. Joseph is highly underrated, but the Cincy D just seems to be missing something. If Maualuga can take his game to the next level and Odom can continue to play well the Bengals will have a chance. Unfortunately for Cincinnati fans, I think their division is just a bit too tough.


Cleveland Browns

Last Year:4-12

Key Players:WR Josh Cribbs, T Joe Thomas, DT Shaun Rogers, LB D'Qwell Jackson

Others to Watch:RB Montario Hardesty, WR Mohamed Massaquoi, TE Ben Watson, DB Joe Haden

It's hard to look at this team and say anything really stands out other than the fact they need massive improvements. The Browns have that dangerous combination of over-the-hill veterans and inexperienced rookies that usually makes for a bad team. Jake Delhomme will turn the ball over. A lot. Teams that turn the ball over don't tend to win too many games. To make matters worse, the offensive line is a mess outside of Thomas. The defense looks a little better with the massive Rogers in the middle and the outstanding Jackson at linebacker. Still though it isn't enough to truly contend. There are a few bright spots, especially considering the team had an excellent draft getting Haden, Hardesty and former Texas QB Colt McCoy. Add young talent like Cribbs and Massaquoi into the mix and the Browns look to have the foundation of what could turn into a solid team. However, this will most certainly not be there year.

How They'll Finish:

Baltimore Ravens:13-3
Pittsburgh Steelers:11-5
Cincinnati Bengals:9-7
Cleveland Browns:3-13


Well, I really have to pick up the pace with these. NFC south coming tomorrow. The Saints capped a stellar season with their first-ever Super Bowl Victory. They will look to have an encore performance this year. Of course, the Atlanta Falcons will do everything in their power that doesn't happen. The Panthers look to be in bad shape but also look like they could contend with a few moves and a little luck. As for the Buccaneers...well they have cool uniforms. Anyway, check back to see my predictions for this interesting division.