2014 NFL Preview and Predictions

The 2014 NFL Season is almost here, and as a Seahawk fan, I am extremely excited.  The Seahawks enter a season for the first time as defending Super Bowl Champions, and they are hungry for another.  Let's take a look at how I think each team will do, just so I can see how wrong I was come end of the season.  I have calculated each team's record so that there are an equal number of wins and losses throughout the league.  Some may surprise.  Here are my predictions for each team's record, by division:

* = Wild Card Team

AFC East
1. New England Patriots: 11-5
2. Buffalo Bills: 7-9
3. Miami Dolphins: 6-10
4. New York Jets: 5-11
Summary: The AFC East won't be a particularly strong division, and the Pats will get a good chunk of their wins from their division rivals.  The Bills may entertain thoughts of the post-season for a while, but their playoff drought will continue.  The Jets and Fins will struggle without having competitive rosters.

AFC North
1. Cincinnati Bengals: 9-7
2. Cleveland Browns: 9-7*
3. Pittsburgh Steelers: 8-8
4. Baltimore Ravens: 6-10
Summary: You heard it here first, folks.  The Super Bowl Champs from just a year and a half ago will finish in last place.  The Ravens will be inconsistent on both sides and struggle (And they'll regret that contract they gave Flacco).  Expect the Browns to compete with an improving D and a fierce QB battle. 

AFC South
1. Indianapolis Colts: 12-4
2. Tennessee Titans: 7-9
3. Jacksonville Jaguars: 7-9
4. Houston Texans: 5-11
Summary: The Colts will benefit from inferior competition in their division (6-0 in division play is a possibility) and Andrew Luck will get even better.  The Jags and Titans will compete but it won't be enough.  The Texans, without a legit starting QB, will be in rebuilding mode.

AFC West
1. Denver Broncos: 11-5
2. San Diego Chargers: 8-8*
3. Kansas City Chiefs: 6-10
4. Oakland Raiders: 6-10
Summary: I was gonna say this division will be decent, but seeing as they play the NFC West, I don't think they'll do too well.  The Broncos offense will have a drop-off and they'll lose a few close games, especially to the NFC West.  The Chiefs and Chargers are likely headed for slightly worse seasons, and the Raiders will be... the Raiders. 

NFC East
1. Philadelphia Eagles: 9-7
2. Washington Redskins: 8-8
3. Dallas Cowboys: 7-9
4. New York Giants: 4-12
Summary: Expect this division to be competitive, for the most part, but don't expect to have any really competitive teams to emerge and do some damage in the playoffs.  There will probably be a team that falls apart and does horribly, and I'll pick the Giants (watch me be wrong), because they're in real bad shape if Eli Manning gets hurt. 

NFC North
1. Green Bay Packers: 11-5
2. Detroit Lions: 9-7
3. Minnesota Vikings: 7-9 
4. Chicago Bears: 5-11
Summary: Green Bay is one of the better all-around teams in the league... if they stay healthy.  Which they should, after dealing with a rash of injuries last season.  Detroit will smoke a lot of teams out but lose some shootouts.  The Vikings should surprise some people, while I'm picking the Bears to really struggle, especially if Cutler gets hurt.

NFC South
1. New Orleans Saints: 12-4
2. Carolina Panthers: 8-8
3. Atlanta Falcons: 8-8
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 7-9
Summary: New Orleans will have an improved D and a solid team.  Carolina will have a bit of a regression and miss the playoffs.  Atlanta will be improved, but not enough for the playoffs.  And the Bucos underwent too many changes to succeed overnight, but they'll have their moments.

NFC West
1. Seattle Seahawks: 12-4
2. St. Louis Rams: 10-6*
3. San Francisco 49ers: 9-7*
4. Arizona Cardinals: 6-10
Summary:  I think the Seahawks will go 12-4, which surprisingly will give them a two game lead over the 2nd place team.  The Rams are going to be the surprise team of the west and shock everyone.  The 49ers will deal with injuries and off the field issues, but will remain competitive.  The Cardinals, meanwhile, will lose a lot of close games and be the hard luck team of the league, perhaps the best 6-10 team in history.

And now, for the playoffs.  Do the Seahawks repeat as Super Bowl champs?  Let's find out.

Playoff Seedings
AFC
1. Indianapolis Colts (12-4)
2. New England Patriots (11-5)
3. Denver Broncos (11-5)
4. Cincinnati Bengals (9-7)
5. Cleveland Browns (9-7)
6. San Diego Chargers (8-8)

NFC
1. Seattle Seahawks (12-4)
2. New Orleans Saints (12-4)
3. Green Bay Packers (11-5)
4. Philadelphia Eagles (9-7)
5. St. Louis Rams (10-6)
6. San Francisco 49ers (9-7)

Wild Card Games
(6) Chargers at (3) Broncos: Broncos win
In a rematch of last year's division round game, the Broncos again get the upper hand... barely.

(5) Browns at (4) Bengals: Browns win
In what might be their first ever playoff meeting, the entire state of Ohio shows up and Browns fans take over Paul Brown stadium and the Bengals again fail to win a playoff game.

(6) 49ers at (3) Packers: Packers win
In another rematch of a division round game last year, the Packers this time get their revenge and beat the 49ers.

(5) Rams at (4) Eagles: Rams win
The Rams D proves too much for the Eagles high-flying offense, and Foles gets sacked several times.

Division Round Games
(5) Browns at (1) Colts: Colts win
The Colts have just enough magic and offense to power past the Cleveland D.

(3) Broncos at (2) Patriots: Patriots win
In what may be the final matchup between Brady and Manning, Tom Brady gets the upper hand and the Broncos are sent home disappointed... again.

(5) Rams at (1) Seahawks: Seahawks win
This game will be close and low-scoring, but the 12th man is just enough for the Hawks to squeeze out a win to move to the next round.  The Hawks have faced the Rams in the playoffs before (the year before the Super Bowl appearance against the Steelers, I believe) and they barely lost that one.  The same won't happen here.

(3) Packers at (2) Saints: Packers win
Aaron Rodgers is gonna have a career year after an injury-riddled 2013.  He's gonna be determined.

Conference Championship Games
(2) Patriots at (1) Colts: Colts win
Lucas Oil Stadium will be electric, and Tom Brady will be mad at his teammates for some reason.  Colts prevail in a shootout. 

(3) Packers at (1) Seahawks: Seahawks win
For the 3rd straight time, the Packers will lose an exciting game at Century Link Field, and the Seahawks punch their 2nd straight trip to the Super Bowl.  Should be as exciting as last season's NFC Championship game between the Hawks and Niners. 

Super Bowl XLIX in Phoenix, AZ:
Seahawks 30, Colts 21

In what will be the matchup of the two best QB's from the 2012 draft class, Wilson will prevail over Luck because Wilson won't be facing that tough of a defense, and the Hawks repeat as Super Bowl Champions!!!

Now, for some awards:

MVP: Earl Thomas, Seattle Seahawks
Going on a HUGE limb here, but if Earl leads us in tackles and interceptions, all the while our defense being the best in the league, again... it'd be hard to not include him in the conversation. 

Offensive Player: Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
Rodgers will have a career year and will have plenty of support and protection to go with it. 

Defensive Player: Robert Quinn, St. Louis Rams
He might set the sack record.  Twenty sacks is a very real possibility for Quinn.

Offensive Rookie: Bishop Sankey, Tennessee Titans
A bit biased, but I'd love to see Sankey, a running back, win Offensive Rookie of the Year, instead of a quarterback.  The quarterback crop isn't particularly strong, so this is definitely a possibility.

Defensive Rookie: Khalil Mack, Oakland Raiders
Regardless of how the Raiders do, they know they have a good one in Mack.  He'll lead them in sacks more than likely.

Coach: Jeff Fisher, St. Louis
If the Rams do as well as I predict them to, Jeff Fisher deserves Coach of the Year. 

Comeback Player: Robert Griffin III, Washington Redskins
His team may not too particularly well but I think RGIII will have a better season than the last.

Pepsi Rookie of the Year: Teddy Bridgewater, Minnesota Vikings
This always seems to go to a different rookie, so I'll go with Teddy Bridgewater to propel the Vikings... to 3rd place. 

Well, there you have it.  The Seahawks will repeat as Super Bowl champs, I predict.  If the 49ers somewhat struggle, and if the Hawks are able to win the division, a 2nd straight Super Bowl championship is a very real possibility.  Let's hope for a great season, and a 2nd straight Super Bowl win!  GO HAWKS!!!

Seahawks Predictions (NFL Preview Part 2 of 3)

For the first time ever, the Seahawks return to play as DEFENDING SUPER BOWL CHAMPIONS.  Boy does that sound good to say.  The Seahawks open their season with tough opponents and finish with tough opponents, with a relatively easy middle part of their schedule.  How do I see them doing in each game?  Let's find out.  I'll go game by game, predicting the score for each contest.  Let's get to it!



Week 1 - Vs. Green Bay Packers: Win, 24-21
Hawks Record: 1-0

Opening night of the season, the Hawks fall behind early due to jitters and excitement and trail at the half 14-10.  But in the 2nd half the defense steps up and the Seahawks score two unanswered touchdowns to make it 24-14.  The Packers score in the 4th to make it close, and they are able to get the ball back, but the D stops them.  Should be close and hard fought, I don't see them possibly scoring more than the combined 45 points I predicted. 


Week 2 - At San Diego Chargers: Win, 28-13
Hawks Record: 2-0

San Diego was a playoff team a year ago, so this won't be too easy of a contest... you'd think.  But Philip Rivers will struggle against the LoB, not having seen them at their current playing ability.  Expect the D to make some big plays (turnovers, sacks) and the offense to only be ordinary at best in this one, which should be plenty enough.

Week 3 - Vs. Denver Broncos: Win, 31-24
Hawks Record: 3-0

In the rematch of Super Bowl XLVIII, the Hawks again get the upper hand and win.  Peyton Manning will struggle at first with the noise but will eventually settle down.  Broncos will get stopped on a last minute try to tie the game. 

Week 5 - At Washington Redskins: Win, 28-10
Hawks Record: 4-0

The Seahawks are even better than the 2012 team that made the playoffs, but the same cannot be said for the team from Washington.  Predicting easy wins on the first two road games is risky, I'll admit, but the team will be well rested after a Bye Week and should be hungry in this one to keep things going.

Week 6 - Vs. Dallas Cowboys: Win, 34-16
Hawks Record: 5-0

Tony Romo has nightmares about Century Link Field.  I don't think he's ever won in Seattle, and that won't change.  This should be similar to the 2012 home opener in which the Hawks won handily.  This should also be one of the offense's better games of the season.

Week 7 - At St. Louis Rams: Loss, 20-19
Hawks Record: 5-1

Hard to do... but I can't see the Hawks going perfect.  And I see the Rams as a much improved team.  Should be close and hard fought, but the Hawks haven't done too well in recent years in St. Louis.  If the Rams don't improve much in 2014 then I wouldn't be surprised if this was a win.  But I think the Hawks may underestimate them.

Week 8 - At Carolina Panthers: Win, 10-7
Hawks Record: 6-1

How come the Seahawks have had to play IN Carolina for THREE straight years?  I'd understand two years in a row, but THREE?  That should not be allowed.  But no matter, the Hawks should win a defensive bruiser of a contest, with both QB's not getting to 200 yards passing.

Week 9 - Vs. Oakland Raiders: Win, 34-9
Hawks Record: 7-1

A part of me thinks the Raiders will be an improved team, but even so, this is a game everyone circles as a win in their predictions.  A loss to the Raiders at home would be inexcusable.  Matt Schaub will have flashbacks to last season when he through a game-blowing pick to Richard Sherman, and so he'll likely throw a couple INT's here. 

Week 10 - Vs. New York Giants: Win, 24-15
Hawks Record: 8-1

Whenever I pick the Giants to do poorly, they do well, and whenever I pick them to do well, they do poorly, so I give up.  Regardless, Eli Manning's never had much success in Seattle, and while this may be a closer contest than what we'd like, it should still be a relatively easy win. 

Week 11 - At Kansas City Chiefs: Loss, 28-20
Hawks Record: 8-2

Funny thing is, I don't see the Chiefs being as good as last year.  But the Hawks, having played in their seventh straight game without an off week at a stadium that's always hard for the visitors, I think, will struggle.  Jamaal Charles might have a big game.  If he does, and Alex Smith takes care of the football, this will be a tough game to win.  It's not too bad losing to a team on the road when they're in the other conference, because that doesn't factor into tiebreakers.

Week 12 - Vs. Arizona Cardinals: Win, 19-17
Hawks Record: 9-2

Two years ago in Seattle, the Hawks thwomped the Cardinals 58-0.  Last year, the Cardinals got their revenge and stole a win from the Hawks in Seattle, the first home loss in quite some time.  This time around, the Hawks are the ones getting revenge in what should be a tight contest again. 

Week 13 - At San Francisco 49ers: Win, 21-16
Hawks Record: 10-2

It's about damn time we win in San Francisco.  It's not a long flight, their fans aren't particularly loud, and the weather never plays a factor.  Since this game is being played in the newly constructed Levi's Stadium, the Hawks might think of this as a neutral site game (especially since there WILL be some Hawk fans there) and forget that it's a road game.  The Hawks know this is one of the most important games on their schedule, and their failure to win in San Francisco should fuel their desire for this win.  Hawks in an upset. 

Week 14 - At Philadelphia Eagles: Loss, 28-20.
Hawks Record: 10-3

The Eagles are more than likely the best team in the NFC East, and while I see this game going either way, I think the banged up Hawks (from the Niner game) struggle to contain Nick Foles and LeSean McCoy.  This game would have some playoff implications, but it's not the end of the world if the Hawks lose.  With two road contests in a row against NFC playoff teams from a year ago, the Hawks would probably be ok with going 1-1 in these contests. 

Week 15 - Vs. San Francisco 49ers: Win, 27-13
Hawks Record: 11-3

The 49ers will be seeking revenge yet shall find none.  Colin Kaepernick (if he's healthy) will struggle and the Hawks will put themselves in great position with this win.  I expect it to be a close game for the most part, with the Hawks pulling away with a late score to make it a two-score game.

Week 16 - At Arizona Cardinals: Win, 24-14
Hawks Record: 12-3

Last season, the Hawks had a pretty resounding win against the Cardinals in Arizona, and I see a similar result here.  For the 2nd straight year at the end of the season, the Hawks play at the site of the upcoming Super Bowl, and like last year, they will win.  They'll look at this game as a Super Bowl dress rehearsal. 

Week 17 - vs. St. Louis Rams: Loss, 19-17
Hawks Record: 12-4

In their defense, I'm predicting the Hawks to not have to win this game to secure a playoff spot.  Sure, they'll give the Rams a good effort, but without 100% effort, expect the hungry Rams to take advantage.  They haven't won in Seattle in quite some time, and that's due to change.  But don't worry Hawk fans, this game won't matter to the Hawks at all.

Well, that's it.  What?  No post-season?  Of course the Seahawks make the post-season.  They're way too talented to miss them.  But guess what?  You're going to have to wait until part 3 of my NFL Predictions to see how they do in the playoffs.  Sorry!  Don't want to spoil too much.  I'll give you a sneak peak.  The first game the Hawks will play will be against...


THE RAMS.

"WHAT?!"

That's right.  The Rams. 

"So if the Rams make the playoffs, does that mean the 49ers miss them?"

You're going to have to wait and see. 

Update:

Here is who I think will lead the Seahawks in each of the following categories.  Passing and rushing leaders will obviously be Wilson and Lynch, respectively, but what about the other categories?

Receptions: Baldwin
Receiving Yards: Baldwin
Receiving TD's: Kearse
Sacks: Avril
Tackles: Thomas
Interceptions: Thomas

Surprising Predictions for 2014 NFL Season

With the NFL season getting closer and closer, training camps being under way, I thought (Before my official season predictions) I would make 20 surprising predictions for the 2014 season.  I did this before the 2011 season (didn't post it) and managed to get 7 out of 20 surprising predictions right.  None of these are going to be very predictable (Such as saying the Broncos will win the AFC West).  I'll try to go out on a limb for each one.

20. The NFC West WILL have a team lose at least 10 games... maybe 11 or 12.
Yes, the NFC West is good, and will have at least two playoff teams for sure, but I think one team might just succumb to the pressure of playing in the best division in football.  I'm not sure which team, but either the Rams or Cardinals are most likely, obviously.  I'm crossing my fingers that it's the 49ers.

19. Perfection will die early--No perfect teams after Week 7's games
There are plenty of very talented teams in football, which is exactly the reason why no one will be perfect after week 7.  Usually there's one team that starts 8-0 or 9-0... but not this year.

18. The worst division in football won't be the AFC South, but the AFC East
Just going on a limb, thinking the Bills, Jets, and Dolphins could all have losing records, one of which might have a top 3 pick in next year's draft. 

17. The Jacksonville Jaguars will shock the world and ALMOST go .500 for the year.
I think Gus Bradley's doing a really good job in Jacksonville and I think under first-year signal caller Blake Bortles the Jags will go 7-9, perhaps good enough for 2nd in the paltry AFC South.

16. The best rookie quarterback won't be Manziell or Bortles or even Carr.  It will be Teddy Bridgewater. 
Teddy has a running game in place, can run himself, and has an improving defense.  Sound familiar?  He also doesn't have too many tough defenses to deal with in the NFC North. 

15. The team with the worst record in the NFC will come from... THE NFC EAST?!
Yep, that's right.  Sure, the Bucs, Vikes, and Falcons could contend, but all are bound to have better seasons than their last.  The worst NFC team will come from the NFC East.  And that division won't do too hot this year, either.

14. A historically inept franchise will make the playoffs
So either the Raiders, Browns, Jaguars, Bills, Buccaneers, Cardinals, or Lions will make the playoffs.  I'll go with the Browns.

13. A recent perennial playoff team will finish in LAST place
So either the Ravens, Broncos, 49ers, Patriots, or Packers will finish in last.

12. Peyton Manning and the Broncos will have a slightly off year, be saddled with injuries, and not make it to the AFC Championship game
They'll probably still win the AFC West, but the Broncos won't do that hot. They'll probably get the 3 or 4 seed and lose before the AFC Championship.

11. The MVP will not be a quarterback
It will either be a defensive player (Kuechly?), wide receiver (Megatron), or running back (AD, Jamal Charles)

10. There will be a division separated by only three games. 
Which means the last place team will only be three games behind the first place team.  A lot of parity happening.  I'll lean towards the AFC North.  Division winner: 9-7  Last place: 6-10

9. The first coach to get fired will be Joe Philbin of the Miami Dolphins
Other possibilities: Dennis Allen of Oakland, Jason Garrett of the Raiders.  But I don't think the Dolphins will get off to too good of a start.

8. Bishop Sankey of the Tennessee Titans will be in the Top 5 in AFC rushing, at least come close to a Pro Bowl, and come very close to offensive rookie of the year. 
I think Sankey would've been close to a first round pick had he started his NFL career 10-15 years ago.  He'll show everyone that running backs, especially young ones, can be very valuable.

7. No team will get to 13 wins
There might be a few 12 win teams, but no 13 win teams.  Or 14, 15, etc.  Too much parity this season.

6.  The league leader in rushing will not be Jamaal Charles, LeSean McCoy, or Adrian Peterson.
Not sure who it will be (Lacy? Lynch?) but it won't be one of those big three.  Although they all might be close.

5. Johnny Manziell will start less than 4 games. 
A lot of people think he'll start at least half of the Browns games, but I'm putting my money on Hoyer doing a great job. 

4. The team that finishes with the worst record (and therefore the #1 pick most likely), will already have a franchise quarterback. 

3. There will be an 8-8 playoff team.
Probably in the AFC as a wild card.

2. The worst team in the NFC South will have an equal or better record than the 2nd place team in the AFC South. 
So if it was the Falcons in last place, their record would be better than or equal to say the Titans, if they finished 2nd. 

1. The Seahawks will at least make it to the NFC Championship game.
There will be football well into January in Seattle.

After the season is over, I'll go back and review how I did on each prediction.  Coming next (and soon): NFL Predictions and Seahawk Predictions!  Stay tuned!

Blackjack: Gone but Never Forgotten

               There's an emptiness in my heart that wasn't there two days ago.  Just 42 hours ago as of me writing this, my family had a cat.  His name was Blackjack, and he was the kind of cat you wouldn't change anything about.  Not a thing.  Because he was perfect just the way he was.  He was our kitty, and we loved him so much.  Somehow, even though he was just one cat, he was able to provide enough love to four different people.  Some people that live alone don't get that much love from two cats.  But Blackjack was the kind of cat any family would love. 
                Our family was truly blessed to have had a wonderful cat like him.  The interesting thing is, though, is that we weren't planning on keeping him.  When he and his siblings were born, he was the one we knew for sure we'd give away, provided they all lived.  We were going to give him away because there were enough black and black/white cats in the neighborhood.  We wanted a white cat with fleck of black or a multi-colored cat.  Unfortunately (and yet, in a way, fortunately) they didn't make it, and we ended up with the black and white tuxedo cat, naming him Blackjack. 
                I still am finding it hard to believe that he is gone.  He was the indestructible cat, the cat with a million lives, the cat we just couldn't and wouldn't imagine ever passing on.  He endured many attacks from raccoons and even other cats.  He had to go to the vet so much in his life the vets recognized his name and appearance instantly.  We spent a lot of money on him throughout his life, but every penny was worth it. 
                I keep wanting to wake up and realize this was all a dream (or nightmare), but I can't.  I want to live in a world where Blackjack is a constant presence in our lives for all of eternity, but I can't.  I want to see him one last time, hear him meow one last time, hear him go "urf!" and hear him purr one last time, but I can't.  There are so many things I would love to do with him one last time, but unfortunately in a lot of cases, you don't know when your last time will be.  I know in my heart in the past few years of his life, I really enjoyed every moment I had with him, because we all knew his time was starting to run short.  Despite that, I feel like something was taken away from me, a great joy in my life.  Blackjack was one of the greatest joys in all of our lives.
                As time goes on, we'll think about him less and less, as we inevitably do about lost loved ones.  But not for one second will we, any of us, forget about the kind of cat he was.  He was the best damn cat any of us will ever know.  To lose something as precious as him is heartbreaking and devastating no matter the circumstances.  The say that dog is man's best friend... well in our family, HE was our best friend.  He was the one thing we could all agree on that we loved.  He was our darling angel of a cat. 
                I'm forcing myself to try not to think about seeing his lifeless body or the hole that now resides in my heart.  I'm trying to think about the good times we had with him, like putting bows on him when it was presents-opening time or seeing him on the stairs when we'd get home from work/school.  There will come a time, years and years from now, when I am much older, that I will think of a fond memory of Blackjack and smile.  Sure, he may not be around anymore and won't ever come back, but the memories we were able to make with him and the love we shared, is priceless.  We loved him, and we know he loved us too, as much as a cat could have the capacity of love for humans. 
                Blackjack will forever have a special place in each of our hearts.  Myself, Gregg, Mary, and Kristin, all loved that cat to pieces.  He made our bad days a little better and our good days even better.  We have so many tuxedo cat things around the house, from a pillow to magnets to a rug.  Each of them serves, not as a reminder of a loss, but as a reminder that Blackjack left a presence.  He was here as our cat, for 18 wonderful years, and he was as much a part of our family as a cat could be.  Blackjack, you may have left this great, green Earth, but you will never leave our hearts.  We love you, Blackjack.  Rest in piece, Snack. 

Blackjack

Blackjack Macquaid Holland
April 17, 1996 - August 7, 2014

Blackjack was born on April 17, 1996 as one of three cats in a litter to our cat to the time, Tobi.  Blackjack got his name, not just from his black fur (the only one of his litter to have black fur), but because he was the only one to survive of the litter.  Therefore, we knew he was lucky and named him Blackjack. 

On September 10, 2002, we lost his mother, Tobi.  She was just 8 years old at the time of her death.  We tried getting Blackjack a new friend, Gabby, but she and him could not get along, so we had to give her away.  For the past 11 years, we lived with Blackjack as our only cat, and boy was he a great cat.

Blackjack had many quirks about him that made him so special to us.  He would get up on his back two legs and stand just for a piece of food.  He would always meow or "urf" as we called it, if you held his tail.  If he was asleep, and you pet him, he would always, without fail, wake up with an "URRRRRF!"  And boy, did he love his tuna.

About two years ago we found out he had kidney disease, so we had to start giving him special treatment the past couple of years, from sub-q (subcutaneous fluids) to medicine and a special diet.  He was semi-close to not making it, but even at 16, we knew it was too soon for him to go.

We lost Blackjack today because of an incident with a coyote, but the fortunate thing is that we were able to recover his body and say goodbye.  He is buried right next to his mother.  Burying him was one of the hardest things we've ever had to do. 

Blackjack may have been bothered by things we did to him such as holding his tail, but we all knew we loved him so much.  He was the fifth member of our family.  I feel like a lost a brother or a best friend, because that's kind of like what he was to me.  For 18 of the 25 years of my life, Blackjack was our cat, our friend, our companion, and he will be deeply and greatly missed.  I love you Blackjack.  RIP.