According to Robert Feder, Mike North (WSCR 670 AM) is going to be profiled on “Bob Costas Now” on HBO.

A crew from HBO’s “Bob Costas Now” will turn up today in the studios of Mike North’s morning show on CBS Radio sports/talk WSCR-AM (670). North is being profiled among the most influential sports talk show hosts in the country.

Really? Most influential? Obviously, Bob Costas didn’t ask people in Chicago. If he did, he’d find quite the contrary. Its amazing that Mike North is even on the air anymore.

Back in the day, I used to listen to the guy (mostly due to the fact that the SCORE was really the only dedicated sports station around in Chicago on 820 AM) and thought it was a nice touch having a “Chicago Guy” reflecting on Chicago Sports. It didn’t take long to realize that this was simply a guy with limited education, an embellished Chicago accent, and someone filled with racial and gender specific overtones.

To be fair, Mike North is simply a guy who got lucky. He went from being someone wearing an apron and dishing hot dogs, while giving his side of the story of Chicago sports, near Schurz High School to a well-known (unfortunately) morning sports radio host.

Unfortunately, things started to go downhill for North starting in 2002 after he signed a million dollar plus contract. The mega contract further inflated his ego his deameanour on the air got even worse. In 2004, he moved to mornings to compete with ESPN (Mike and Mike) which was a huge failure due to the fact that no co-host was even remotely able to keep him on track and with anything relevant to sports. In 2006, North decided to make a racial slur referencing Cubs pitcher Jae Kuk Ryu. North tried to defend himself (in his most usual, uneducated, and non-politcally correct way) and even got his former high school involved when they were trying to recognize his attendance by naming a field after him.

“I don’t get it,” he said. “I grew up in the streets, and we used to say that all the time. I’ve got buddies living in Chinatown who are Italian. Wait, can I say ‘Chinatown’?

That’s right. Mike North never gets it. In May of 2007, he even went a tad farther to stir the pot with White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen. To North’s defense, he was dead on for reprimanding Guillen for his tirade and vulgar language; however, North went out of bounds declaring that Guillen “show him respect”. Not to say that Guillen is anybody special, but who the heck is Mike North? Unfortunately, he forgot that he’s just a guy that got lucky after a stint selling hot dogs.

Add North’s “Jagbag” and “Who Ya Crappin’” to the mix and its clearly easy to see why his show is simply nothing more than just a complete waste of time to any Chicago Sports fan.

Unfortunately, I’m sure Bob Costas and his crew had a hard time finding another sports radio host to pick from in Chicago, but I just don’t see how a bumb like Mike North can even sit in the same room as an accomplished professional like Bob Costas. Obviously, North was picked due to being the most controversial in Chicago, not the best or most influential.

In either case, North continues to laugh all the way to the bank, regards himself as a local “celebrity” in the Edison Park neighborhood, and brags about his days as a pretty good 16″ softball player back in the day (just ask anyone who remembers him when he played for Furman Funeral Home:).

I’ll make sure to miss his usual chance to look stupid on television and make Chicago look bad when he’s on HBO.

Technorati Tags: Chicago Radio, Mike North, WSCR, 670 AM

Who ever would have imagined that the following week would start a streak that lasted 17 years and 253 games at starting quarterback? I never did, but over that time, I (a Chicago Bears Fan) became a glutton for punishment for 2 weeks of each NFL season. As a Bears fan, you knew you were doomed when Favre was on the field. At any point of the game or anywhere on the field, he could change the game.

What I liked most about Brett Favre was his ability to excel no matter who was around him. Think about some of the receivers, lineman, and running backs he had at his disposal. He looked great throwing to a guy like Sterling Sharpe or Donald Driver, but would complete the same throw to guys like Ruvell Martin, James Jones, and Robert Ferguson. He had one of the premier tight ends to block and catch for him in Mark Chmura, but also had to depend on guys like David Martin, Tyrone Davis, and Donald Lee. He had a good running attack with Ahman Green and Dorsey Levens, but still excelled in the passing game with Samkon Gado, Vernand Morency, Edgar Bennett, Noah Herron, DeShawn Wynn and Brandon Jackson. He made offensive lineman like Mike Flanigan, Frank Winters, Mark Tauscher, and Chad Clifton better and relied on them when they were still developing. Take guys like Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, and Ryan Grant and he made what looked like average careers and entries into the “Where are they now?” category into premier NFL athletes.

More importantly, Favre respected every aspect of the game and was a “guys guy” on and off the field. If you think about it, here was a guy from one of the most rural towns in Mississippi and transplanted into the desolate reaches of the Midwest. You’d think it be quite difficult to adjust and go from eating crawdads and mud bogging to a place where everyone wears bright orange in November and the daily diet consists of cheese and brats. Not only did Favre adjust, he became one with the fans and the town. He never seemed to get too involved with annual rivalries against Minnesota or Chicago, yet played the game as he would play any other while still understanding the importance as the fans understood it. He also had a great relationship with his former head coach (Mike Holmgren) and placed credibility for guys like Steve Mariucci and John Gruden in their attempts for future head coaching jobs. While his relationship was tense at times with Holmgren and it wasn’t often uncommon to see Holmgren’s approach model the approach a parent would use with a child, they were both successful as Favre developed into one of the best. Comments like “No more rocket balls please?” eventually led to “Its your offense, run it”.

Not only was Favre a great ambassador for Wisconsin and the Packers, he was human. He made a position that is considered one of the toughest in all of professional sports seem like it was just another day at the park. He stepped onto the field like a guy who just woke up from a massive hangover and toss 4 TD’s on a team like it was nothing. When he scrambled, it looked like something any father would do when playing a quick touch football game in the yard as 5 kids were on the chase. Sure, his free-style personality led to excessive drinking and addiction to pain medication, but he overcame the issues and took full responsibility for them. He even was able to go out and throw for 399 yards and 4 TDs the day after his father passed away..

Favre always had the advantage when it came to his arm and even though this led to “gunslinging” (as he called it) and a high interception total, he still got the job done and encompassed 275 total wins. To Favre, 60% of the time worked all the time.

I won’t miss Brett Favre when it comes to a Bears vs. Packers matchup, but beyond that I’ll miss the guy for all his accomplishments and what he was able to do on the field. While most fans (especially in Chicago) are happy to see him depart, I’d bet that the flipside of that coin has some sorrow attached to it.

Technorati Tags: Green Bay Packers, Brett Favre

Technorati Tags: Green Bay Packers, Brett Favre, Mike McCarthy

Onto Lance Briggs and Bernard Berrian. It was almost certain the Bears were going to keep one and let the other go from the start. I think since that was the case, they made the right decision. It doesn’t appear that David Haugh (ChicagoSports.com) agrees. Of course, the Bears were ranked 28th in total defense last year with Briggs on the field. Still, the Bears losing a pro bowler like Briggs would have been deplorable in comparison to keeping Bernard Berrian, especially at the price tag he got from Minnesota ($42 million over 6 years). In my opinion, Berrian lost his luster this past season with the multitude of drops and the moniker of having “alligator arms” over the middle. Even with those issues, the primary reason he’s not in a Bears uniform is mostly due to issues he couldn’t control (no running game, quarterback issues, etc.). He had great catches against Washington, Denver, and Oakland, but seemed unreliable in the standard passing schema the Bears employed throught the year. He’s always been a deep threat for the Bears offense, but based on other issues at the offensive line, running back, and quarterback positions, Berrian never really got a chance to establish his true ability downfield in 2007. He’s a good receiver, but not at that type of money, especially since the Bears need to rebuild at the interior of their offense all the way from play calling to being able to run the ball. Even with the bare bones type roster at wide receiver, I still wasn’t upset to see him or Muhammad depart. Both guys are replaceable in my opinion and I’m hoping that the Bears can pick up a special WR in the draft and get what they paid for from Mark Bradley.

I’d like to see the Bears obtain the services of guys like Limas Sweed and/or Mario Manningham (if available) in the draft (although if Mendenhall were available I’d opt for him). Both ran 4.45 in the 40 and have good hands. Sweed is the more attractive receiver with his height, but Manningham is one of the premier route runners coming into this draft. I’d like to also see the Bears opt to use Mike Hass as their possession receiver on short to mid routes. He hasn’t gotten a chance in the regular season, but stayed on the team due to proving his abilities in the pre-season. Don’t laugh…he’s a 2005 Biletnikoff winner and may be able to fit the mold of guy like Wes Welker. If all that would hold true, you’d have Sweed/Manningham as your eventual premier receiver, Hester in a multiple receiver set, Bradley (if he finds his way and stays healthy), Hass as your replacement for Muhammad in terms of a possession receiver, and the combo of Clark/Olsen and tight end. That could help make things more promising in 2008.

The bigger issue will be on the offensive line. It didnt look as if Alan Faneca was really sought and you had to know the Bears wouldn’t offer that type of money to a guy at that age. The problem is that both Rueben Brown and Fred Miller are gone and John Tait and Olin Kreutz are aging like a fine Merlot. Looking at the depth chart, you’re replacements for Brown/Miller are Terrance Metcalf and John St. Clair. Yes, that’s a fearful big gulp for any Bears fan. The Bears should be able to pick up a decent and developmental offensive tackle/guard in the later rounds IF they focus on offense in the draft. One of the predictions is Jeff Otah from Pitt, but that might be a dicey decision for a guy who many think is still raw.

The Grossman/Orton debate. Finally, there will be an open competition for starting QB in training camp. This should have been done going into the 2006 season. Most Bears fans would have liked to see a guy like Derek Anderson picked up in free agency, but you have to believe if that were to have been the scenario, any free agent would have suffered due to the other offensive issues the Bears currently need to sort out going into 2008. Grossman’s lost his ability to depend on his first round pick status to maintain being a starter and Orton has shown the ability to run the Bears offense and be somewhat effective. It’s early, but my pick is Orton will be the starter in week one. Maybe we’ll finally be able to peg all the offensive issues on Ron Turner’s play calling.

And finally, the 2008 draft. Its uncertain what the Bears and Jerry Angelo will do (in terms of staying put at their picks, trading picks up/down, or trades) in this year’s draft, but the focus definitely needs to be on offense. The biggest pick will be their first one (#14). A lot of things need to change for this team, especially on offense, but the 2008 draft could help deliniate a lot of majour issues going into next season.

Technorati Tags: Chicago Bears, Jerry Angelo, Bernard Berrian, Lance Briggs, Brian Urlacher, Rex Grossman, Kyle Orton, Devin Hester

1. Nikolai Khabibulin: If there was one acquisition that Dale Tallon hoped would be stable for this team, it was this one. Unfortunately, it never happened. Just watching Khabibulin makes you wonder how dominant he was with Tampa in winning the Stanley Cup. Hawks fans thought it was a lack of defense that supported his erratic and inconsistent play, yet with the emergence of Keith, Seabrook, Wisniewski, and Byfuglien and the acquisition of Brent Sopel, Khabibulin still is lost at sifting his way through a screen, wanders and overplays shots in or near the crease, and has been utterly inconsistent. He ranks a lowly 33rd in GAA and 34th in save percentage. If only he could play Calgary every night…

2. Injuries: I swear both Tallon and Denis Savard were just waiting for Martin Havlat to be sidelined due to injury at multiple points of the season, but to lose Toews (who far surpasses his nineteen years of age), Williams, Adams, Wisniewski, and Patrick Sharp really left this team with a slew of line issues. Even with the injuries, its nice to see Patrick Kane holding his own when many thought his frame couldn’t handle an NHL season.

3. Veterans: Besides Robert Lang, who would you keep here? Yannic Perreault and Sergei Samsonov were brought in to help create more offense, but it wasn’t long before Samsonov was scratched and then waived. Perreault’s moniker is being the modern-day Peter Zezel in terms of faceoffs, but I’m disgusted as to how many times he gets tossed for overstepping the drop. Add Rene Bourque, Andrei Zyuzin, and Tuomo Ruutu to the mix and let’s start bringing up guys from Rockford.

4. Special Teams: If memory serves my right, the Blackhawks were ranked as high as fifth in power play conversions early in the season. That’s dropped to 27th (14.8%) as of today. Coming into Sunday, the Hawks encompassed going 1 for 33 on the power play. That’s dismal, but injuries have severely hampered this teams ability to create consistent power play lines and thus create scoring opportunities. The Blackhawks rank 16th in the penalty kill category (81.5%) and even lead the league in shorthanded goals. It never seemed as if Savard could figure out who would play forward on the kill. Thank God for Sopel though as he’s provided some calmness around his own net instead of trying to force the puck out of their own zone.

5. Cohesiveness: This team seems a lot more “together” in years past, but Savard still questioned their commitment about a month ago. Injuries surely have not helped this factor with guys on different lines each night, but if there is one bright spot its the way Kane and Toews play together. Other than contract renewals, these guys have like 15 years to go on the same line. The problem is the Hawks still give up more goals than they score, yet amazingly rank sixth with a plus 13 in plus/minus.

The Blackhawks are not “officially” out of the playoffs yet, but need must-wins against Columbus and Nashville to create any chance of getting a spot. If not, I’d like to see how the younger prospects fit in the mix with the roster that will be here in 2008. If nothing else, it looks as if we’ll get to see this team further develop…and at home and on TV.

Technorati Tags: Chicago Blackhawks, Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Nikolai Khabibulin, Robert Lang, Patrick Sharp, Duncan Keith

I don’t think its necessary to re-hash all the negatives and pull out every stat that Knight encompassed during his tenure as a head coach. It’s pretty evident that he was a controversial coach/man and when he had his time in front of the media, he often came across as obnoxious and beligerent. With that being said, I think everyone should try to focus on what Knight accomplished off the court with his players. Sure there were incidents with Neil Reed and the eventual cause for his termination from IU involving Kent Harvey.

Knight may have been black and white in terms of public appearances, but he didn’t use that format when dealing with his players in terms of culture. They came to him raw and undeveloped, and left his program as better athletes and better men. Look at people like Steve Alford, Mike Krzyzeweski, and Isiah Thomas. Even ask his own son who was berated on live TV on the bench. Ask any of them, and they’ll tell you their future careers as players and coaches were formed under the tenure of Bob Knight.

As crazy as Knight seemed publicly, he always ran a clean program and weighted on court performance with off court responsiblity equally. He always made sure that players with scholarships due to their athletic ability rewarded themselves with a good education. It was rare to ever hear any of his players involved in off court shenanigans including alcohol, drugs, or gambling. He had many chances to upgrade to the pros, but never lost his focus and committment to his players at Indiana or Texas Tech. He was devoted and promised he’d be there when his recruits signed a letter of intent. If Bob Knight spoke it, it was law.

If nothing else, his players learned one key item: respect. Unfortunately, that sometimes ended up with physical intervention, but nonetheless it reinforced that he was in charge above all else. Maybe that’s what sports needs today? With the lessons learned from past players who entered college and pro’s still as children and acted like children. Knight wouldn’t be applicable for youth or high school sports, but he’s a perfect fit for the college and pro level. He taught his players the game and also taught them how to be men off the court.

With his departure, most will focus on his negative approach to coaching and conducting himself publicly. I say ask his former players what they thought about him.

Technorati Tags: Bob Knight, Indiana University, Steve Alford, Texas Tech, Mike Krzyzewski, Isiah Thomas

1. Media: There’s nothing more enjoyable than seeing Sean Salisbury and Keyshawn Johnson back themselves into a corner with a “super safe” pick and then try to B.S. their way out of it and talk like it never happened. I’ve never seen sports commentators turn 180 like that before. These 2 clowns had New England going 19-0 like it was taking candy from a baby and then did their best Houdini acts in the after-game coverage.

2. Peyton Manning: Was it really necessary to go back-and-forth to him in the box to see his reaction? I know it’s Eli’s brother, but just another chance for Joe Buck to spew.

3. Jason Taylor: You would think that when you receive an award from the wife of the best running back of all time, you’d show some appreciation. Yes Jason, Roger Goddell wasn’t the only person to your left.

4. Eli Manning: I remember him coming onto the field for the first possession and wondering what type of game was in his future. If memory serves me right, just about every ball was right on target. He got it done on third down and kept drives going. Guts is clearly defined when throwing to Plaxico Burress in single and triple coverage. Eli, please make sure you give at least half of your Super Bowl bonus to David Tyree. I hope Rex Grossman was watching and taking notes.

5. Time of Possession: The Giants won this matchup with a near minute surplus. The Giants (and Patriots) were 50% on third down conversions, but it was the Giants who seriously benefited in this area by keeping the Patriots offense off the field.

6. Giants D: Brady gets knocked down 18 times. Unheard of all year. The key was the defense’s ability to get pressure from the front four all game long. Brady never really seemed comfortable in the pocket and it was noticeable on much of his throws. The other key factor was the ability to shut down the Patriots screen.

7. Randy Moss: Got a touchdown and 62 yards, but the Giants kept him out of the game as much as possible. Besides the touchdown, I say the Randy Ratio was a big zero.

8. Kevin Boss: I had a feeling that the Giants were going to get a big play from their tight end at some point in the game. The result was a 45 yard reception that led to a touchdown a few plays later. With all the talk from Rodney Harrison, it was his missed tackle that led to the play.

9. Giants O: I enjoyed the scheme that was employed by the offense. They went to the shotgun and spread the Patriots out and still mixed in the run when needed. The routes over the middle were open for much of the game. It seemed to help make Seau, Vrabel, and Bruschi look their age.

10. Poise: The Giants had it and the Patriots didn’t. Brady looked like a sixth round pick and Manning sealed his future with a Super Bowl win and MVP.

Overall: I picked the Giants to win 23-20 and though the score wasn’t right, the Giants got the huge win. Seriously, this game had all the makings for an upset and the Giants played the role of David. No one knows, but it looked like the Patriots bought into the 19-0 record and a perfect season. The Patriots made the mistake of running into the wrong team at the wrong time. Just about everyone counted them out and it set the table for a Super Bowl win…and me winning $112 bucks.

Technorati Tags: Super Bowl XLII, Eli Manning, Tom Brady, New England Patriots, New York Giants

In either case, the shift will begin to focus to Sunday and 4 hours of intense coverage. This could turn out to be a very special Super Bowl if the Patriots go 19-0 and hush the 1972 Dolphins and the notion that the 1985 Chicago Bears were the best team ever.

While all that is true, there should be some haste taken by everyone in the Patriots corner (or those who claim to be) in such a big game. Super Bowl XLII has the makings for quite the upset and majour losses in Las Vegas. Here’s what may happen on Sunday:

What the Patriots Will Do: When you’re 18-0, what would you change? What I like most about the Patriots is their patience. Calm, cool and collective. There never seems to be an ounce of urgency, but even against Baltimore, they remained as focused as could be. An intangible asset the Patriots held this year was time of possession. Not a glaring stat, but something the Pats use to their advantage in every game. On paper, they only lead the Giants in T.O.P. by a mere minute, but the other advantage they have is their ability to get it done on third down (48.2%). Even with Randy Moss, the Patriots are as methodical as can be and will opt for the sure, short route (i.e Wes Welker/Kevin Faulk) when its there rather than going down field to Randy Moss. When a defense goes to a nickel or drops just about everyone back, the Patriots still have Laurence Maroney to handle the ball. Even worse for opposing teams is the fact that Brady can eat a seven course meal with the protection he has on just about every down. Utilizing a zone package is a formula for trouble with the multiple receiver sets the Patriots display and use. One more thing about the Pats offense is the constant utilization of check downs and audibles. Guessing right before the snap usually accounts for guessing wrong when the whistle blows.

Defensively, the Patriots (even with age) still conduct business as usual no matter who the opponent. The key here is Rodney Harrison. Even still, the blitz packages used (usually multiples) are a hindrance to an opposing offensive line and distort most schemes. The only soft spot I see in the defense (and this is a stretch) is containing the run. And I do mean a stretch…

Key Offensive Player: Matt Light
Key Defensive Player: Ashante Samuel

What the Giants Will Do: You wont find it on paper, but the Giants always seem (lately) to keep close in the game on both sides of the ball. This is an odd team, but also a team you don’t want to face in a crucial game. Offensively, their biggest asset may just be the running game with Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw. The bigger question will be the ability to run the football consistently allowing Eli Manning to set up with play-action and the ability to keep the Pats defense at bay with blitz packages. As far as Manning is concerned, its more like Jekyl/Hyde and its anyone’s guess as to how he’ll perform, however, he looked poised and confident against Green Bay and utilized Plaxico Burress just the way he was designed.

Defensively, the biggest key will be to keep the Giants offense in the game and that may not be a stretch considering what the Giants have done defensively this postseason. Expect to see the Pats cautious with the screens and focus more on the middle to deep middle routes in an effort to exploit the secondary. It didn’t work for Green Bay, but then again this is New England. The Giants defense will decide how much of a chance they have in winning.

Key Offensive Player: Kevin Boss
Key Defensive Player: Kawika Mitchell

Overall: Very eery matchup here and it almost seems as if the Patriots have gone 18-0 too easy. The biggest factor will be the Giants ability to convert on third down and keep the ball out of Brady’s hands as much as possible. The Giants will need to start quickly and will depend on a defensive turnover to pull this one out, but I have a feeling they’ll play spoiler on Sunday. Expect a late field goal by Tynes to win it. My opinion, but the champagne is pulled out by Don Shula and his 1972 Dolphins.

My Pick: Giants 23 Patriots 20

Technorati Tags: New York Giants, New England Patriots, Bill Belichick, Tom Coughlin, Tom Brady, Eli Manning, Randy Moss, Junior Seau, Brandon Jacobs, NFL, Super Bowl XLII

New York vs. Green Bay

This game has Brett Favre written all over it and it seemed unlikely that the Packers would host the NFC Championship game at Lambeau Field. In the end, the tumultuous Cowboys folded and Terrell Owens cried like a girl who didn’t get Hannah Montana tickets. The Packers won’t benefit from snow this weekend, but will feel right at home with frigid temperatures (a balmy high of 6 degrees) expected.

What the Packers Do Well: They’ll show you an I formation with double tight ends and then on the very next play spread it out with four receivers. They’ll pass when expecting the run and run when expecting the pass. Brett Favre is always #1 on the “Who We Have to Stop” list, however, with an excellent running game with Ryan Grant (201 yards vs. Seattle), expect to see Green Bay exploit the Giants defense with Ryan Grant utilizing cutbacks when the Giants become over-agressive. Due to the weather, it’s a good bet you’ll see a slew of draws and screens in an effort to counter the blitzing schemes. If none of that works, they’ll just depend on Favre to bail them out gunslingin’ all over the field. Defensively, the Packers may have one of the best secondaries in the league. Al Harris and Charles Woodson make it nearly impossible to go down field in the passing game and their linebackers look something similar to what the Bears had last year.

What the Giants Do Well: Get pressure on the quarterback. They get good enough pressure from their front four, yet will still come after you on third down making it nearly impossible for a quarterback to drop back 5 to 7 yards. Their decent against the run, but did let Marion Barber run all over them last week. Ryan Grant won’t be any easier. Offensively, they’re as about consistent as City of Chicago fees. They can put together a great drive (like they did before the half against Dallas) yet seem to take two steps back for every one step forward. Running game is all about power, but this one falls on the shoulders of Eli Manning. He’ll need to do the same thing he did in teen temperatures as he did in Dallas. The key will be New York’s ability to keep drives alive and survive without Jeremy Shockey.

Guys Not Necessarily Heard From: Green Bay Offense: Donald Lee-Just the guy who could exploit the Giants across the middle on third down. Green Bay Defense: Atari Bigby-He may be the guy who stops the Giants running game. New York Offense: Ahmad Bradshaw-will he be the key to success on third down? New York Defense: R.W. McQuarters-he’ll get accustomed to being in the nickel, not smoking it.

My Pick: Packers 31 Giants 17…homefield advantage really counts when in Green Bay…in January.

San Diego vs. New England

Is this just a formality or what? Everyone was hoping for an Indy-New England matchup, but Team Peyton didn’t deliver. Philip Rivers will learn this week to not provoke the home field fans…quickly.

What the Patriots Do Well: Everything. Need I say more? Tom Brady and the Pats made things a bit more interesting against Jacksonville, but San Diego won’t be any match on either side of the ball. No matter who they play, no one seems to be able to create enough pressure on Brady to create mismatches or forcing him to create plays. Brady is superb in changing the play when the original call isn’t there. Expect to see New England man-handle the time of possession column.

What the Chargers Do Well: Apparently, not relying on LaDanian Tomlinson. The key to their success may be exploiting the middle of the field, but that’s if Rivers has anytime to throw the ball and if San Diego can establish somewhat of a running game. Most, if any, of their success may come from Michael Turner and Darren Sproles. Defensively, the Chargers will match up well on paper utilizing the 3-4, but nothing seems to matter when it comes to New England. Belichick may be a bit hesitant to test anything to Antonio Cromartie’s side.

Guys Not Necessarily Heard From: New England Offense: Kevin Faulk- Not unheard of, just another guy who will exploit the Chargers on screens. New England Defense: Ty Warren- Yet another Patriot who will benefit from a stellar defensive roster. San Diego Offense: Michael Turner- will he be the right formula for what looks like a negative equation? San Diego Defense: Marlon McCree-stretch out good because they’ll need you on every passing play.

My Pick: New England 35 San Diego 13…the Patriots may be more methodical, but they’ll still make a statement.

Technorati Tags: Green Bay Packers, New York Giants, San Diego Chargers, New England Patriots, Brett Favre, Tom Brady, Eli Manning, LaDanian Tomlinson

In comparison to their 2006 spending splurge in which they set all kinds of money with their wallet rather than their on-field performances, this offseason has been surprisingly barren aside from the signing of Japanese star Kosuke Fukudome. 

Still, there is a shocking difference between the Cubs of old and this new breed.  In years past, the Cubs would make it known of their plans to acquire a top-flight, proven free agent over the winter only to end up settling for a cheaper version at the last minute.  Case and point: Juan Pierre.  The 2005 acquisition spent all of one season in Chicago and came at a heavy price in hindsight.  However, over the last two seasons, the Cubs have gotten exactly what they wanted.  Alfonso Soriano was seen as the top free agent available in last season’s class, and Kosuke Fukudome was the undisputed top target of an organization desperate for some stability in the outfield.  Clearly, times have changed for the Cubs.  This offseason will perhaps be best known for the addition by subtraction to the Cubs roster.  Jacque Jones and Mark Prior are each off to greener pastures, and while it would be completely unsurprising to see each of these players have career years now that they have left the not-so-friendly Confines of Wrigley Field, these are still moves that needed to happen.  The same can be said for Cliff Floyd, who obviously felt the pressure of playing in his home town.

Looking at the way the outfield has changed in the last few months is quite surprising. Instead of watching Jones and Floyd lumber in the Wrigley grass, we suddenly have one of the most athletic outfields in the League.  Soriano was a surprisingly capable outfielder last season despite being hampered by a leg injury for most of the season, and Felix Pie, despite his struggles against left handers at the plate, is undoubtedly the best defensive outfielder on the Cubs roster.  Fukudome is known in Japan as an above-average outfielder with a good arm, and while most of the Japanese parks are stadiums and don’t have nearly the variables that a Wrigley Field corner outfield spot poses, it is reasonable to assume that most of his defensive prowess will translate into the Majors.

Sure, we’d all love the Cubs to add a proven number two starter to their rotation, but let’s be honest: the market is decidedly thin (Kyle Lohse? Seriously) and the Cubs have a lot of young arms at their disposal.

So, as you feel yourself growing increasingly frustrated at the Cubs lack of activity in the pitching department this winter, just remember what 66 wins felt like..

Ouch.