As A Mariner Fan, I'm Pretty Much Done

                The Mariners entered this 2015 season with such high expectations.  Some dreamed of a World Series berth, even.  Most predicted us to make the playoffs.  But the Mariners sit at 42-50, and most Mariners fans would admit this season is probably over.  Is it mathematically and logically possible the Mariners could make a run at a playoff spot?  Sure.  But this team has been fiddled and farted with so much, there is absolutely NOTHING to give us any reason to expect a turnaround.  I for one am very disappointed in this team, and it's an all too familiar feeling I get with this ball club. 
                Four years ago, I said that if the Mariners didn't make the playoffs or LOOK like they'd make the playoffs by 2015, I'd give up on them.  Well, it's 2015 and the playoffs seem like a pipe dream.  I said I'd stop following them and stop buying merchandise and stop going to games and that's exactly what I'm going to do.  I'm slowly going to stop watching their games on TV, and from this point on I will not buy any Mariner merchandise or go to any games.  I refuse to support such a poorly run organization.  It's funny--all they have to do is look across the street to the Seahawks (and Sounders) to see how to run a successful sports franchise. 
                The Mariners are a joke.  Literally.  They've been made fun of on the TV show "How I Met Your Mother", they are constantly lauded and joked about by casual sports fans in Seattle.  You ask a person, any person who knows who the Mariners are and what they think of them, and (unless they've been under a rock the past 15 years) they'll say that they suck (or some variation).  This team has such a bad image problem I'm surprised they managed to lure high-priced free agents in Robinson Cano and Nelson Cruz.  Oh that's right, they just threw enough money at them, anything to get someone to be a bobblehead on Bobblehead Night. 
                The amount of things wrong with this team and the reasons they lose more often than they win are too numerous for me to name.  Lloyd and Jack need to go.  In fact, ownership needs to go (but you can't "fire" ownership, sadly).  A lot of the players (while most of them not their fault) have under-performed and need to go.  This team is such a mess not even a GM with OCD would want to take this team on.  This organization had its "fifteen minutes of fame" from 1995-2001, but outside those years this baseball franchise is a complete and udder joke, failure, abomination, and travesty.  Those words may sound harsh, but it's the truth.  In the 32 years outside of 1995-2001, the Mariners have had just 7 WINNING SEASONS, eclipsing 90 wins just TWICE. 
                So I bid my farewell to the Mariners.  I hope your ticket and merchandise sales plummet.  If you're as fed up as I am, please join me in staying away from Safeco and refusing to buy merchandise.  You do one of those two things and all you're doing is encouraging them to continue to do what they're doing and that's building a LOSER.  There is something wrong with this organization, and it's not just the players.  In fact, it's BARELY them.  It's ownership and management.  Unless ownership changes or they take the necessary steps to "reboot" this franchise, I will not be following the Mariners.  I will be more than willing to come back and support this franchise once changes are made.  But until then, Mariners, I bid thee farewell.  

EARLY Predictions for Seahawks 53 Man Roster

Well, with the draft completed the Seahawks roster for the 2015 season is coming into clearer focus and I think now would be a good time to predict the Seahawks 53 man roster.  Obviously, there are going to be injuries and probably more signings, but let's see how close I can get. 

QB (2): Russell Wilson, B.J. Daniels
With T-Jack probably gone, Daniels gets promoted to backup and might even be used on special teams a bit.  With that in mind, the Hawks might have a young QB on the practice squad.

RB/FB (5): Marshawn Lynch, Christine Michael, Demitris Bronson, Derrick Coleman, Will Tukuafu
No Robert Turbin?  Well, I just think the Hawks might just decide he's not going to blossom into a full-time RB in this league, so they might have to cut ties with him.  Or maybe he gets hurt, who knows.  Coleman will earn his starting FB job back and Tukuafu makes the team because of his versatility. 

WR (5): Doug Baldwin, Jermaine Kearse, Paul Richardson, Tyler Lockett, Ricardo Lockette
No Kevin Norwood or Chris Matthews, I know... I just don't see much production coming from either of them.  Maybe Norwood can be on the practice squad.  Ricardo Lockette is too good of a special teamer to leave off the team.

TE (3): Jimmy Graham, Luke Willson, Cooper Helfet
A lot are expecting Anthony McCoy to make a comeback, but I don't.  He's too injury-prone. 

Offensive Line (9): Russell Okung, Alvin Bailey, Kristjan Sokoli, J.R. Sweezy, Justin Britt, Lemuel Jeanpierre, Mark Glowinski, Terry Poole, Garry Gilliam
In the first five, you have my predicted starters on the OL from left tackle to right tackle.  Sokoli will start at center, I'm predicting.  Patrick Lewis might make it over Jeanpierre... it's a close call.  Also I wouldn't be surprised to see any of the OL draft picks (Sokoli, Poole, Glowinski) be put on the practice squad.

Defensive Tackles (4): Brandon Mebane, Jordan Hill, Ahtyba Rubin, Tony McDaniel
I only see four here because the Hawks have Defensive Ends (Bennett, Scruggs) that can play interior as well as Tukuafu.  I wouldn't be shocked to see McDaniel cut due to his age, but we'll see.

Defensive Ends (5): Michael Bennett, Cliff Avril, Cassius Marsh, Frank Clark, Greg Scruggs
Scruggs is a long shot but I like him for his versatility.  Marsh should be a force if he can stay healthy.  Clark, despite his legal problems, should have a good rookie season.  Bennett should just stop whining about his contract situation and play.  I have Obum Gwacham on the practice squad.

Linebackers (7): K.J. Wright, Bobby Wagner, Kevin Pierre-Louis, Brock Coyle, Mike Morgan, Mister Alexander, Alex Singleton
What? No Bruce Irvin?  He's just too much of a problem now.  I think KPL is good enough to start.  I love the name of Mister Alexander, haha. 

Cornerbacks (5): Richard Sherman, Cary Williams, Marcus Burley, Will Blackmon, Tye Smith
Simon and Lane will start out on the PUP or injured list, I'm assuming.  I think the Hawks can get away with 5 CB's especially if they keep an extra safety that can move back and forth, like I'm predicting. 

Safeties (5): Earl Thomas, Kam Chancellor, Deshaun Shead, Keenan Lambert, Ryan Murphy
Shead can play safety and corner, plus he has experience so he has a good shot.  Lambert is the half-brother (I think) of Kam Chancellor so that certainly helps.  Murphy might only make the practice squad, but we'll see.

Special Teams (3): Steven Hauschka (K), Jon Ryan (P), Nate Boyer (LS)
I'm pulling for the former Green Beret.  Sorry, Clint Gresham. 

Well, that's 53 players.  I'm sure I'm totally wrong on some but we'll see how close I get. 

Seahawks Needs at Each Position for the Draft

With the draft just a few days away, I thought it'd be fun to look at each position for the Hawks and pick a player who might fit in well, if needed.  This'll be fun to look back on to see if I get any right and see how well I do in picking which positions are picked.  The Hawks have 11 picks, so it'll be interesting to see how they use them.  Here's what I predict:

Post Draft Review in RED.  
Seahawks traded a few picks away, ended up with 8 picks instead of 11.  Oh well.

Quarterback: Not a huge area of concern, but T-Jack's return being in question might make the Seahawks want to take a QB in the late rounds, if need be.  They already have BJ Daniels, so perhaps they won't use a draft pick in just bring in someone as an undrafted free agent.
Will they draft for this position: No
If they were to, who would they pick: Sean Mannion, Oregon State  (Big guy with big arm would be an interesting complement to RW.  )

Mannion went to the Rams... might end up seeing him against the Hawks.  But I was right in predicting the Hawks would NOT take a QB.  

Running Back/Full Back: Again, not a huge area of concern, but depth COULD be added.  Full back is set with both Coleman AND Tukuafu.  Lynch will be back as well, and Turbin and Michael remain his understudies.  I don't see a big risk on a running back, yet.
Will they draft for this position: No
If they were to, who would they pick: Michael Dyer, Louisville (Off the field issues but a tank on the field)

Again correct in saying no one was taken for this position.  Michael Dyer went undrafted, so he might be brought in to camp to compete for a backup RB spot.

Wide Receiver: The Hawks focused heavily on this position in last year's draft, but that doesn't mean they won't try to find a stud in this one.  I think they'll pick one to add to the competition.
Will they draft for this position: Yes
If they were to, who would they pick: Vince Mayle, WSU (Going with local kid, 6'2 so decent size)

Correct in saying the Hawks would take one, wrong choice though.  Tyler Lockett was the choice.  Vince Mayle went to the Browns.  

Tight End: This position was fortified with Jimmy Graham.  Also remains Luke Willson, Cooper Helfet, and Anthony McCoy.  Don't see a draft pick here.
Will they draft for this position: No
If they were to, who would they pick: Randall Telfer, USC (Team needs a blocking tight end, and picking one from Pete's alma matter would be appropriate)

Again correct in saying there wouldn't be a pick.  Telfer went to the Browns, so unless he's cut he won't be a Hawk.

Tackle: Hawks need more help on interior of line than outside, but could use someone to give Justin Britt competition.  Also wouldn't hurt to have depth in case Russell "Glass Ankles" Okung gets hurt.
Will they draft for this position: Yes
If they were to, who would they pick: Ali Marpet, Hobart (Can play center, and has good speed for an OL)

Again correct in that they'd pick one tackle, but it was Terry Poole.  Marpet went to the Bucs.

Guard/Center: I group these together because a player can go back and forth between them.  This is one of the biggest needs, if not the biggest need, for the Seahawks.  Don't be surprised if two interior linemen are drafted.
Will they draft for this position: Yes, two players
If they were to, who would they pick: Arie Kouandijo, Alabama and Andy Gallik, Boston College (Kouandijo is a future pro bowler IMO and Gallik is small but is gritty, smart, and well-developed.)

Technically the Hawks took two interior linemen.  Glowinski will definitely play guard or center and they drafted Kristjan Sokoli, who played DT in college but the Hawks say will play guard.  Well, it worked with J.R. Sweezy, so they think it'll work again.  

Defensive Tackle: This position is currently held by Mebane and Williams, both can be injury prone and are aging.  Their successors are needed, and I'd be shocked if the Hawks didn't draft somebody.
Will they draft for this position: Yes
If they were to, who would they pick: Michael Bennett, Ohio State (Imagine if we had two guys named Michael Bennett on the defensive line, how confusing that'd be.  Someone would have to go by Mike Bennett.)

Again, technically correct.  Sokoli was a DT that they drafted, but probably won't play there.  Bennett went to the Jags, unfortunately.

Defensive End: The Hawks have Bennett and Avril, but both are nearing the end of their primes.  Marsh should be in the mix as well, but some depth will probably be added. 
Will they draft for this position: Yes
If they were to, who would they pick: Tavaris Barnes (Seattle had him for a workout and he's a rotational defensive end so he'd fit in VERY well here.)

The Hawks actually drafted TWO D-linemen, but Barnes was neither of them.  The picks were Frank Clark and Obum Gwacham.  The Hawks are now stacked there with depth.  Barnes went undrafted and still could be brought in for training camp.  

Linebacker: The Hawks starting trio is set with Wagner, Irvin, and Wright, with Pierre-Louis being a capable backup.  The loss of Malcolm Smith means for sure there will be a linebacker drafted.  I'll go with two, actually.
Will they draft for this position: Yes, two players
If they were to, who would they pick: Hau'Oli Kikaha, Washington, and Lynden Trail, Norfolk State (It'd be nice to get Shaq Thompson, but Kikaha is more likely.  Trail is 6'7" so he'd be nice to have to knock down passes.)

Oops.  Kikaha went to the Saints, Trail went undrafted (but signed with the Texans).  Hawks did not pick a single linebacker, so their depth at that position will be thin, unless Gwacham or Clark moves to OLB.

Safety: The Hawks boast the best pair of safeties in the league, but could use depth with Jeron Johnson gone.  Don't expect a high pick, but expect a pick nonetheless.
Will they draft for this position: Yes
If they were to, who would they pick: Tevin McDonald, Eastern Washington (Gotta pick another local kid.  He could learn LOADS under Kam Chancellor and Earl Thomas.  Well, anyone could.) 

Hawks got a safety, but again didn't pick the right one.  They picked Ryan Murphy from Oregon State.  McDonald went undrafted.

Cornerback: With losing Maxwell, this position will need to be addressed.  Jeremy Lane won't be ready for training camp.  Who is starting outside of Sherman?  Simon?  I'm not too impressed with Simon so far. 
Will they draft for this position: Yes, two players
If they were to, who would they pick: Alex Carter, Stanford, and Senquez Golson, Ole Miss (Imagine having two corners from Stanford starting... and Golson has excellent ball skills, something Pete covets.)

Hawks drafted just one CB (Tye Smith).  I had forgotten about the signing of Cary Williams.  Oops.  Carter went to the Lions and Golson to the (sigh) Steelers.  

Kicker/Punter: This position is set with Hauschka and Ryan.  I don't see the Hawks using a pick on one, unless they can't think of anyone else to draft.
Will they draft for this position: No
If they were to, who would they pick: Darragh O'Neill, Colorado (College teammate of Paul Richardson)

It'd have been a shock, for sure.  O'Neill went undrafted.

So there you have it.  With the Hawks 11 picks, I have them taking a wide receiver, a tackle, two guards/centers, a defensive tackle, a defensive end, two linebackers, a safety, and two cornerbacks.  We'll see how close I get!

Early Thoughts on the 2015 Schedule

Well, the 2015 NFL Schedule is out, and I'm mostly ok with it.  I mean, it can't be perfect, but the Hawks haven't had a schedule look this favorable in a while.  Here are my thoughts, in bullet form:

-- Opening at the Rams at 10am?  This sucks.  Hawks usually do well first game of the season, and with the Hawks struggling in St. Louis in recent years, this should bode well.
-- If the Hawks stumble against the Rams like they have before, they can't lose to the Pack, which will be a prime time game.  Fortunately, since the game is in September it won't be too cold. 
-- We have to wait until the END OF SEPTEMBER before another Seahawk regular season game is played at Century Link Field!  I think this might be the latest that the first home game has ever been, calender-wise. 
-- Monday night against the Lions should either be a close one or we'll see a lot of offensive fireworks.  Should be fun!
-- Play three cat mascots in a row, weeks 4-6.  Lions, Bengals and Panthers, oh my!
--Another Thursday game at San Fran.  Why must they do this to us?  Oh well we'll just win again.
--Three home games in a row, weeks 10-12.  Long awaited Steeler arrival to Seattle week 12.
-- Play two purple teams in a row (Vikings and Ravens), weeks 13 and 14.  Both on road. 
--Three games on SNF on NBC?  We get Al Michaels for three games?  Hell yeah.
-- Home games week 15 and 16 in very winnable games against Browns and Rams.  The Hawks could really establish momentum here.
--Finish at Arizona, with playoff implications on the line more than likely. 

-- The coldest game the Hawks will get is Week 14 at Baltimore, which shouldn't even be that bad.  No cold weather climates in November or December, and no warm weather games in September.  Finally!
--Only ONE east coast game, at Baltimore.  All other road games only go as far as Wisconsin, Ohio, Texas, and Minnesota.

Early predictions!  Why the heck not?

At STL -- Win
Hawks usually do well in opening games, and they'll want to erase last year's mistakes they made in St. Louis.
At GB -- Loss
Packers are going to want revenge... badly.  They've been burned by us too many times. 
vs. CHI -- Win
Could be blowout.
vs. DET -- Win
Could be blowout with it being primetime.
at CIN -- Loss
Hawks often lose against their first AFC opponent on the road.  Should be close, though.
vs. CAR -- Win
Don't see the Panthers being better than last year's team
at SF -- Win
49ers certainly didn't get better, so why would this change?
at DAL -- Loss
Hawks usually struggle in Dallas.  They'll want revenge from last year's game but they won't get it.
vs. AZ -- Win
Cards don't scare me.
vs. SF -- Win
They keep on rolling.
vs. PIT -- Win
Finally, Steelers come to Seattle and we'll hand them their ass on a silver platter.
at MIN -- Win
They're still in rebuilding mode. 
at BAL -- Win
Primetime game... could be close, low-scoring, hard-hitting, controversial... but Hawks win.
vs. CLE -- Win
Whoever the Browns trot out will suck.
vs. STL -- Win
Yeah... no chance, Rams.
at ARZ -- Win
That's right, we end on an 8 game win streak, which ends up being an 11 game win streak as Hawks win Super Bowl 50!

I Love Russell Wilson

                I love Russell Carrington Wilson.  Not in the sense that I wanna marry him, but I love him as an athlete, a person, and a role model.  He's an inspiration to kids everywhere that want to succeed at a sport but play at a disadvantage, such as being too short.  He is a man who other men should strive to be like, because Russell Wilson is THE man. 
                Russell Wilson spends every Tuesday at Seattle Children's Hospital because he is such a great human being.  He is a strong advocate against cancer (Strong Against Cancer).  I start to wonder if this guy ever devotes any time to himself, with all the practice, watching film, and charitable work he does. 
                Russell Wilson's true character came out in the 2015 NFC Championship against the Green Bay Packers.  Despite throwing four interceptions and being down by two scores, this man did not give up.  He rallied his teammates because technically, they were still in it.  Most quarterbacks would have given up at that point, giving a half-hearted effort to get their team down the field knowing in the back of their mind they probably don't have a shot.  That idea never crossed the front or back of Russell's mind.  Despite facing the utmost of adversity, Russell never gave up.  Not for one second.
                I wanted (and received for my birthday) Russell's jersey, not just because of the great player he is on the field but because of the great person he is off the field.  He is almost for sure going to sign a new contract here with the Hawks (because why would he want to play anywhere else?) and he'll be worth every penny. 
                Russell sure has his critics (49ers fans mainly, but also even some Seahawks fans).  I've been one at times, I will admit.  He doesn't put up the best passing numbers in the league (his 2012 draft partner, Andrew Luck, has put up better passing numbers each year).  But Russell wins games.  I'd love to see what other quarterbacks would do with our offensive line and receiving units.  Sure, those units step up when it matters, but for the most part, they could be considered below average at times.  But Russell wins despite not having a huge weapon to go to on offense or without the best protection.  Here he is, perhaps winning his 2nd Super Bowl in just his third season. 
                It is my dream to one day meet Russell Wilson.  He'd even be in my top 5 people I'd most like to meet/shake hands with/get the autograph of.  He's only 1 month and 18 days older than me.  I have a feeling I will be a huge fan of this player, this person, for a long time...

All Possible Super Bowl Matchups, Their Storylines and Likelihood

(6) Baltimore Ravens vs. (6) Detroit Lions
Highly... highly doubtful this would happen.  There has never been a Super Bowl with two #6 seeds, although there has been a Super Bowl with two wild card teams.  Not many storylines in this one... it would certainly be a hard-fought, defensive struggle with perhaps some aerial attacks from the gunslinger QB's. 

(6) Baltimore Ravens vs. (5) Arizona Cardinals
Again highly unlikely as these two teams basically limped into the playoffs.  But they are two well-coached teams and it would be the second time John Harbaugh has faced an NFC West team in the Super Bowl.

(5) Cincinnati Bengals vs. (6) Detroit Lions
Two historically unfortunate franchises facing off (One would get their first Super Bowl win).  Also it would be the battle of the kitties.  Would be another hard-fought game, but this wouldn't be a Super Bowl that intriguing.  Not very likely, either.

(6) Baltimore Ravens vs. (4) Carolina Panthers
How many times would we hear Steve Smith Sr.'s name mentioned in the talk before the game?  Answer: A LOT.  He would probably want this Super Bowl, but not many people do.  Would be another defensive game.

(5) Cincinnati Bengals vs. (5) Arizona Cardinals
Another matchup where a team would get their first Super Bowl win.  Highly unlikely matchup with the two QB's (Dalton, winless in playoff games, and Lindley, who is a practice squad guy on most teams).

(4) Indianapolis Colts vs. (6) Detroit Lions
Jim Caldwell, the current coach of the Lions and former coach of the Colts, would be the main storyline here.  Also, two Texas-raised QB's (Luck and Stafford) would be facing off.  Not too likely, but not impossible for this matchup.  If a matchup is going to happen where the seeds of the two teams add up to at least ten, this would be the matchup that would happen.

(6) Baltimore Ravens vs. (3) Dallas Cowboys
Defense vs. Offense?  Hard to say what the storylines would be for this game.  Dallas would be heavily favored, for sure. 

(5) Cincinnati Bengals vs. (4) Carolina Panthers
Another battle of the kitties which you certainly shouldn't bet on.  These two teams tied in the regular season... might we see overtime in the Super Bowl for the first time if this were to happen?  Also, two minority coaches facing off (First since Lovie Smith's Bears against Tony Dungy's Colts).  Wouldn't be a Super Bowl that NBC is clamoring for, that's for sure.

(4) Indianapolis Colts vs. (5) Arizona Cardinals
How many times would Bruce Arians' name be mentioned?  A LOT.  This would be a fantastic Super Bowl to watch with the Bruce Arians storyline (provided Arizona got Stanton back and he was playing decently).  Could Arizona's D contain Andrew Luck?

(3) Pittsburgh Steelers vs. (6) Detroit Lions
These two teams are pretty close geographically.  Also, the Steelers 2nd to most recent Super Bowl victory came in the Lions stadium.  Other than that, not too many storylines. 

(6) Baltimore Ravens vs. (2) Green Bay Packers
Would be a very good matchup, but not many storylines.  Almost all of America would be rooting for the Packers, more than likely.  And the Ravens would be huge underdogs.

(5) Cincinnati Bengals vs. (3) Dallas Cowboys
Not many storylines here, either.  Dallas would be heavily favored, having taken out Green Bay (and probably Seattle, both on the road) to get to this point. 

(4) Indianapolis Colts vs. (4) Carolina Panthers
Two number one pick QB's (Luck and Newton) face off in a chance to reward their team for picking them number 1 overall with a Super Bowl title.  And two soft-spoken coaches who get a lot of respect from their players would face off.

(3) Pittsburgh Steelers vs. (5) Arizona Cardinals
This would be a rematch of Super Bowl XLIII, EXACTLY six years later (Feb. 1, 2009 to Feb. 1, 2015).  A few of the same players remain, namely Big Ben for the Steelers and Larry Fitzgerald for the Cardinals.  And with the Steelers trying to take a Super Bowl from the Cardinals on the Cardinals' turf, this would be a very good matchup. 

(2) Denver Broncos vs. (6) Detroit Lions
Would likely be a high-scoring game.  What prevails, a horse or lion?  Could Matthew Stafford be the third rising QB to beat Manning in a Super Bowl?  (The first two being Brees and Wilson)  Also, Golden Tate would be facing the Broncos in the Super Bowl for the 2nd straight year.

(6) Baltimore Ravens vs. (1) Seattle Seahawks
Not too many storylines here, other than Pete Carroll vs. the other Harbaugh brother.  Justin Forsett would be facing his former team.  Both running backs would be from the University of California.  Would be a hard-fought, low-scoring game. 

(5) Cincinnati Bengals vs. (2) Green Bay Packers
Titletown vs. No Titles in this town.  Basically.  Green Bay would be heavily favored and heavily rooted for.  There was a regular season game in 2013 between these two teams which was back and forth and high scoring, which I'd expect this game to be as well.

(4) Indianapolis Colts vs. (3) Dallas Cowboys
These two teams just recently played and Dallas smoked them.  Indy would be seeking revenge.  This would be a good matchup for NBC, with two gunslingers airing it out.  It would be up to the defenses to make a big play or two. 

(3) Pittsburgh Steelers vs. (4) Carolina Panthers
Don't see this matchup happening (at all) but it would be a fun game to watch.  Two big QB's against two tough defenses.  Two minority coaches facing off in this game as well.

(2) Denver Broncos vs. (5) Arizona Cardinals
Peyton Manning taking on another NFC West team with a tough defense.  Depending on Arizona's offense, Denver could be heavily favored.  Not likely with Arizona limping in to the playoffs.

(1) New England Patriots vs. (6) Detroit Lions
Not too many storylines.  It would be Tom Brady in University of Phoenix Stadium against a wild card team from the NFC... again.  Could Stafford pull an Eli Manning and beat Tom Brady?

(5) Cincinnati Bengals vs. (1) Seattle Seahawks
Very few storylines in this matchup that NBC would probably want to stay away from.  The Hawks would be heavily favored, more than likely.  It would be the 2nd time the Hawks (as a #1 seed) face an AFC North Team (that is a wild card) in the Super Bowl. 

(4) Indianapolis Colts vs. (2) Green Bay Packers
The story would be the quarterbacks, of course.  Two quarterbacks with potent offenses with defenses that usually do just enough to get wins.  Would most likely be a high-scoring and entertaining game.

(3) Pittsburgh Steelers vs. (3) Dallas Cowboys
OH MAN.  This rivalry would be renewed with a Super Bowl matchup.  This would be a dream matchup for NBC.  Many are dreaming of this potential matchup.  The history behind these two franchises would be the main storyline.

(2) Denver Broncos vs. (4) Carolina Panthers
This would be the John Fox Bowl, the Denver coach having previously coached Carolina.  However, I don't see this matchup with Denver happening, either, but anything's possible.  Peyton Manning would be facing another athletic African American quarterback who comes with a strong running game and a solid defense.  Would Manning lose again?

(1) New England Patriots vs. (5) Arizona Cardinals
Tom Brady would need to shake his Arizona demons... against Arizona.  Arizona would probably be underdogs in their own stadium.  Bruce Arians would be a coaching god if he won this matchup.

(4) Indianapolis Colts vs. (1) Seattle Seahawks
I predicted this matchup at the start of the season, and I'm sticking to it (sort of).  It's a real possibility.  It would be the matchup of the QB's from the 2012 draft class, Luck vs. Wilson (1st overall vs. 75th overall).  Would be a good matchup and the Seahawks SHOULD be favored.

(3) Pittsburgh Steelers vs. (2) Green Bay Packers
This is another dream matchup for NBC, a rematch of Super Bowl XLV.  Many of the same players remain from those teams, including the starting quarterbacks.  The first time they faced off was in an environmentally-controlled arena, and this time would be the same thing. 

(2) Denver Broncos vs. (3) Dallas Cowboys
This is another matchup that NBC would like.  This is a "rematch" of Super Bowl XII, 37 years later.  This game would be very high-scoring (41-38?) and more than likely be close.  Their regular season game in 2013 would be one many would hope this game would be similar to.

(1) New England Patriots vs. (4) Carolina Panthers
This would be a rematch of Super Bowl XXXVIII, with basically only Tom Brady remaining from either of those two teams.  The Patriots would be heavily favored, but the Panthers would give them a fight. 

(3) Pittsburgh Steelers vs. (1) Seattle Seahawks
Oh boy.  Rematch of Super Bowl XL.  This is a game I would definitely want to see, just so the Hawks could get revenge.  The Hawks are scheduled to host the Steelers next season, so a Super Bowl re-rematch would take place the following season.  Let's just hope for this game Bill Leavy would not be officiating. 

(2) Denver Broncos vs. (2) Green Bay Packers
Rematch of Super Bowl XXXII.  I have dreamed of this Super Bowl matchup again for a long time, because Super Bowl XXXII was the first Super Bowl I ever watched.  These two teams playing against each other look so visually appealing, with red and orange vs. yellow and green.  Another dream matchup for NBC.  If the Hawks can't be in the Super Bowl, THIS is the matchup I would want.

(1) New England Patriots vs. (3) Dallas Cowboys
Another game for the ages.  Dallas would have a TON of supporters, being much geographically closer to Arizona than New England.  Hard to say who would be favored.  This would be an exciting and close game, for sure.

(2) Denver Broncos vs. (1) Seattle Seahawks
Rematch of Super Bowl XLVIII, less than a year later.  Obviously, the Broncos would be seeking revenge.  A Super Bowl rematch hasn't happened the following season since Dallas and Buffalo in 1993 and 1994.  Dallas won both of those games (the first easily, the second sort of easily) and I think the same would happen here.

(1) New England Patriots vs. (2) Green Bay Packers
Another dream matchup.  They played in the regular season in Green Bay, with the Packers coming out victorious.  New England would be seeking revenge and without Lambeau to protect the Packers, New England would have a real shot (and probably be favored).  Rematch of Super Bowl XXXI.

(1) New England Patriots vs. (1) Seattle Seahawks
This is the matchup many Hawks fans think will happen, are rooting for, or both.  It would be the 2nd straight year the two #1 seeds face each other.  This isn't technically a dream matchup for NBC, but it would be a classic.  I do think the Patriots would put up more of a fight than the Broncos last season, but I see the Hawks coming out on top. 


So there's all the possible Super Bowl matchups.  Which will happen?  We'll find out by the end of January 18, when the conference championship games conclude.  Should be fun to watch.  

Mariners 2014 Season Recap and 2015 Outlook

                The Mariners just concluded their 2014 season, and for the 13th straight season failed to make the playoffs.  However, not a lot of people picked them to make the playoffs (myself included).  I predicted the M's to lose 93 games, and instead they pleasantly surprised most of us and went 87-75.  However, the Mariners faded towards the stretch, their pitching fell apart while the hitting remained subpar, and they lost 9 of 12 in September before winning their last 4 games, which wasn't enough.  I predicted Jack Zduriencik to be fired, and he probably would have been had the Mariners lost 93 games.  But instead, his contract was extended, and it's not something I agree with.
                The Mariners were a competitive team  around the trade deadline this season for the first time in a while, so general manager Jack Zduriencik tried helping the offense by trading for three hitters: Chris Denorfia, Kendrys Morales, and Austin Jackson.  Not one of them really provided much pop in the lineup.  Denorfia was supposed to hit well off of lefties but didn't.  Morales was supposed to provide a presence at the cleanup spot but would often create an out between Cano and Seager.  And Jackson, while providing a good presence at the top of the lineup, good speed and good defense, didn't do enough to justify the trade nor to be the team's future in centerfield.  Jackson struggled mightily at times with strikeouts, and he is still looking for his first home run as a Mariner.  Despite these inadequate trades, the Mariners ownership decided to extend the contract of general manager Jack Zduriencik, merely because the Mariners remained relevant due to their excellent pitching.
                While the Mariners struggled at times, they did win more games than they lost, and it's because of a handful of players.  Felix Hernandez pitched perhaps his best baseball ever and will likely win his second Cy Young Award.  Hishashi Iwakuma, after coming off an injury, pitched great baseball until late in the season.  Chris Young wins the Surprise Player of the Year award, making the roster and pitching great as well.  And Robinson Cano proved to be worth the $240 million contract, hitting well and providing veteran leadership in the clubhouse.  And Kyle Seager played his best baseball and made the All-Star team, being the first home-grown position player to be an All-Star since Jose Lopez.  And let's not forget Dustin Ackley, who got hot in July and August and single-handedly won us a few ballgames.  Finally, closer Fernando Rodney set a Mariners team record with saves with 47, and the entire Mariners bullpen was just downright dominant.  So this team had some bright spots that hopefully can continue into 2015.
                The theme throughout this year was excellent pitching to go with some (hopefully) timely hitting.  But often times that hitting was simply not there.  This team again struggled with the bats, hitting under .250 as a team for the fifth straight season, despite Robinson Cano and his .314 average.  The hitting will continue to plague this team and prevent them from making the playoffs until it is fixed.  Cano is a good start.  Seager will only get better.  Ackley might be good enough to get his batting average even higher next season.  But who else will complement those guys?  Zunino constantly hit around the Mendoza line, but hopefully he'll improve for 2015.  Who is the answer at DH?  Are Jackson, LoMo, and Taylor the answers at their positions?  Time will tell.  But until the hitting is fixed, this team won't go far.  This team must (and I cannot stress this enough) acquire some decent bats this offseason, and no washed up hitters like Cory Hart or Jack Cust.  They're just never worth it.
                I made a post three and a half years ago saying this team needs to make the playoffs by 2015 or look like a playoff contender by then.  Well, the 2015 season will be here before we know it.  We'll have to see what Jack Zduriencik does in the offseason.  The Mariners obviously need another bat or two, either at an outfield spot, first base, or designated hitter.  The 2015 season will basically be a make-or-break type season for the M's, with Felix and Cano nearing the end of the prime of their playing careers.  They won't be able to put up the same numbers for much longer, so time is running short.  Zduriencik must do everything possible to put together the most competitive team he can for 2015, without selling the farm like his predecessor, Bill Bavasi.  A letdown season in 2015 would be killer and would set the team back another couple years. 
                Let's not forget manager Lloyd McClendon.  Had the Mariners made the playoffs, he'd be in serious contention for manager of the year.  He expected a lot of his players and benched them when necessary.  He fought for his players with umpires and he usually made the right call.  He also did his best to put together the best lineup possible, arranging guys and spots on a daily basis.  McClendon did the best he could with what he was given, and I give him kudos.  He's definitely the right man for the job.  He just needs to be given a bit more to work with.  When he's given the right tools to work with, we'll see how good Lloyd can make this team.  Lloyd's not the type of guy to yell at someone for doing something wrong; instead, you'll know you need to improve and make fewer mistakes just by Lloyd's demeanor and the disappointment he'd show.  If the Mariners collapse in 2015, Lloyd should not be held solely responsible like other managers have been in the past. 
                I'll give the Mariners a shot in 2015, at least at first.  Signing a good free-agent bat (or trading for one) will certainly give me and other Mariners fans reason to believe.  Certain young players that obviously won't have much Major League success should be let go, such as Justin Smoak and Jesus Montero.  They've had their shot; time to just write off their trades as failures and move on.  But in 2015 I am going to be extremely critical of this team and demanding.  For too long the Mariners have teased their fans with a winning season and then losing seasons the next few years after.  The Mariners haven't put together back-to-back winning seasons since 2002-2003.  In fact, the last two times the Mariners had winning seasons (2007 and 2009), the GM screwed up so bad that the following seasons were 100 loss campaigns.  Back to back WINNING seasons is what this team, this fanbase, this organization so desperately needs.  But what they need even more is a playoff team.  Let's put together not just a winning team for 2015, but a playoff- and championship-caliber team!  GO Mariners!