Here We Are Again

Another season has passed, and I'm here to bring you some off-season highlights and information. What a season it was in 2011. We had the threat of missing the entire season for months on end, and finally had the players and owners strike a deal at the 11th hour. We had a blazing fast free agency period and shortened training camps. In fact, teams did not even train at the remote places they usually did, instead "breaking camp" by beginning training at their home facilities. The Hall of Fame game was canceled, but the first week of the preseason was saved. Then, as scheduled, the defending champion Packers hosted the New Orleans Saints in a shootout that many expected to be a preview of the NFC Championship.

The season was great, with many unexpected twists, including the rise of the Lions, Niners, Texans, Broncos, Bengals and even, to a lesser degree, the Panthers. The Colts were awful without Peyton Manning, and so were the Redskins, Bucs, Rams, Jags...need I go on? Teams expected to contend that missed the playoffs--Jets, Chargers, Cowboys, Eagles, Bears, Rams, and Chiefs. And of course, who saw the Giants winning it all? I'm a Giants fan, so the postseason ride was positively thrilling for me. It actually feels quite like a dream. But hey, it happened and now next season the Giants get to host the Thursday night opener, maybe against the Packers or Saints. But meanwhile, we have another long offseason to get through. So keep it here and keep coming back!

Moving Over.....

I think it makes sense to just make this an off-season blog, so I'll just focus on my predictions blog at mikeyscrystalball.blogspot.com. You can also read my work on the New York Giants blog, Big Blue View. Meanwhile, I'll see you guys in February. Happy Football Season!

PS

I don't miss football season anymore

One Week

From today is the start of the NFL season. I'll start posting my predictions over at mikeyscrystalball.blogspot.com
See you there!

Vick

Michael Vick signed a 6 year, $100 million deal this week. That's amazing considering that he's in his third season back from prison, and at the start of last year he was still the backup. Then he appeared to have a 5th gear on the field, and he led the Eagles to 59 points in a Monday nighter against the Redskins. A week or two later, he led one of the most remarkable comebacks ever, leading the Eagles back from down 31-10 to beat the Giants 38-31. I say that gritting my teeth as a Giants fan. But anyway, Vick is only 31 and still in incredible shape, and yet that still doesn't prevent us from asking, "is he worth it?" I think considering what he means to the Eagles, he is worth it. But he's also an injury risk, and six years is a long time in football terms.

Nine Days

That's how many days until the 2011 season kicks off. Is it just me, or is it surreal that it's really starting?

Let's Hope

...that all of you on the east coast are safe and that your damage from the hurricane/tropical storm is minimal. Even as I write that I know that's not the case, because some photos and video I've seen have shown some really scary stills and footage. As is usually the case, we turn to sports as a way to get away, but also because it's important to try to get back to feeling normal, and to give us something to look forward to. My thoughts and prayers are with you guys on the coast, though.