The Huddle: 2013 NFL Playoffs

NFL Playoffs are here, and 10 of the GCAS writers make their picks and answer a few simple questions about the upcoming playoffs.

Full Playoff Bracket Predictions.

Albert Nguyen:

Jonathan Lau:

Steven Wang:

Phil Voung:

Norman Leung:

Jonathan Mok:

Peter Wang:

Andrew Chow:

Andrew Leu:

Caleb Li:

Who will win the Superbowl and why?

Albert Nguyen: Denver will win because the NFL is fixed and there is no way Eli will have more rings than Peyton. The defense is very opportunistic and playing well. The weapons that Peyton has at his disposal are talented -- but more importantly, they are disciplined and have bought into the system.

Jonathan Lau: New England will win because I am a homer. It would be nice to beat the Packers to exact some revenge for Super Bowl XXXI.

Steven Wang: Houston some what has history on its side. Indy and NO both won their Super Bowls going into the playoffs having lost their last 2 or 3 games. While the playoffs its all about matchups, all you need is a team to get hot and Houston is more than capable of doing it. I will put Houston on upset alert tho against Cincy. More below

Phil Vuong: Seattle, because they are cheaters. 

Norman Leung: Green Bay will pull it out.

Jonathan Mok: I got the Texans winning the Super Bowl because the entire city of Houston is relying on this team ala the Rockets in 1994. Everybody is repping that red, white, and that blue, and championship windows don't stay open forever. I have never been a huge fan of Kubiak, but I am hoping that our skid into the playoffs will cause him to rethink his playcalling and open up the playbook a tiny bit so that everyone in the stadium won't know exactly when he'll draw up his patented draw play. The league knows all about JJ Watt now, but keep an ear out for Whitney Mercilus in the playoffs. As far as the offense is concerned, I hope Matt Schaub and Owen Daniels got together over new year's to run some routes because that connection will be key going forward. 

Peter Wang: The only way to complete the storyline is for Peyton to win it all this year. Also, it's only fitting that we get another Manning v Brady in the AFC championship game.

Jen Tsou: Is this like the one office chick who picks based on team colors or better weather... I predict San Francisco vs New England in Super Bowl. I can't walk through the reasons. Call it woman's intuition.

Andrew Chow: Denver will win the super bowl to complete the whole Peyton returns arch/story line.

Andrew Leu: The two hottest teams ending the season (Denver and Seattle) but I gotta go with the resurgence of Peyton. Guy knows how to lead the troops and looks healthy. 

Caleb Li: Since I completely made my bracket as a bias fan, I am going to remove the Packers as a possible choice for this question. I think the team with the most upside has to be Seattle, but I think they will find it hard to win four tough games in a row. I believe winning home field advantage was huge for the Broncos, it forces New England to have to play in the high altitude in Denver. Because of that I have them making it to the Superbowl, and really can you have Peyton lose in his hometown of New Orleans?! I doubt it. So I would have to pick the Broncos if i couldn't do my fan boy pick of the Packers.

Who was the biggest surprise team to make the playoffs?

Albert Nguyen: Biggest surprise team = Indianapolis Colts. They were 2-14 last year. With the addition of Andrew Luck, the Colts had a 9-game turnaround. That is absurd.

Jonathan Lau: Vikings - Christian Ponder?! Also, they probably should've been eliminated by the Texans in Week 16.

Steven Wang: Biggest surprise team = Washington Redskins. Playing in the NFC East can be quite challenging. You got the defending champs, enigmatic cowboys and eagles and not to mention you are starting a rookie QB and RB and backup QB. Indy is close second but Washington coming out on top surprised me more. Luck will win ROY in my opinion though

Phil Vuong: Seattle, because they are cheaters.

Norman Leung: Vikings, Washington, Indianapolis. Didn't expect this crop of rookies and 2nd years to turnaround teams this quickly

Jonathan Mok: Biggest surprise team has to be the Seattle Seahawks. I was a big fan of Russell Wilson in college, but for him to enter the NFL, win a starting job in training camp, and propel this team back to the playoffs has been a joy to behold. I'm not taking anything away from the Seattle defense, but this kid has displayed a maturity well beyond his years.

Peter Wang: Biggest surprise team = Minnesota Vikings. All Day has been carrying the whole team's offense, and for him to do it after knee surgery has been nothing short of amazing.

Andrew Chow: Biggest surprise team = Indianapolis Colts. Because they sucked last year.

Andrew Leu: Biggest surprise - Minnesota. Didn't hear much hoopla before the season. Even the first quarter of the season, the talk was about the packers and bears. The vikes played the most consistnent w Ponder at the helm. He has been solid and AP did his thing.

Caleb Li: Biggest surprise team has to be the Colts, everyone thought this year was going to be a tough one for Andrew Luck. Even the great Peyton Manning didn't come close to making the post season his first year in the league. The Colts looked awful last year, clearly the surprise of the year.

Which player is going to break out this postseason? 

Albert Nguyen: Break out player = Any Green Bay wide receiver.

Jonathan Lau: Stevan Ridley - assuming my bracket holds, Ridley could have some nice matchups against Indianapolis (29th ranked rushing defense) and Green Bay (17th ranked rushing defense). I think the Pats are going to need some balance on offense instead of being fully dependent on Brady like the last two Super Bowl failures.

Steven Wang: Upset Alert - Rather than a breakout player, I'm going to focus on a Cincy and their matchup with Houston.  Having home field helps but having lost 3 out of 4 games and their lone win barely over Indy does not bode well. Cincy has also gone 7-1 since starting 3-5 and their lone loss was to the cowboys on a last second FG.  If there is one team I don't want Houston to play, its Cincy. They have zero expectations and primed for upset. Would not see be surprised if they make it to AFC title game

Phil Vuong: Those cheaters on Seattle, Browner and Sherman 

Norman Leung: RGIII - it's going to be a rough next few years watching him play (from a Giants fan perspective) 

Jonathan Mok: Put your horns up for this year's break-out player: Earl Thomas. RG3 may be the storyline, but ET may be the ending of this weekend's Redskins/Seahawks matchup. Look for Earl to be flying all over the field in both run support up at the line and pass defense in the secondary. And if/when Seattle makes it to the next round to face Atlanta, you know Matt Ryan will leave a couple passes up for grabs. Hook 'em.

Peter Wang: Break out player = If there are still people out there who don't believe in Russell Wilson, then his postseason run should remove all doubts of him being a tier 1 quarterback.

Andrew Chow: Break out player = AP dominates til the very end

Andrew Leu: Breakout postseason player - Russell Wilson. He'll be cool calm and collective throughout the playoffs (I really hope Seattle gets past the wildcard...). But I'm a fan of wilson. The offense suits him well and he's been making great decisions. Seattle is in good hands for the next decade.

Caleb Li: I am going to have to go with Casey Hayward, the defensive back on the Green Bay Packers. Not many people know who he is, but he is the reason this team was even able to turn the season around after losing Charles Woodson to injury. Like Sam Shields in 2010, I see Casey being the key to giving the Packer defense the flexibility to move Woodson around and bring him on different blitz packages.

Which team(s) should have made the playoff? 

Albert Nguyen: Teams who should have made the playoffs = Bears, Giants, Cowboys. Chicago won 10 games, but finished 3rd in their division. New York went 1-3 against the AFC North and 3-5 on the road overall. That is not going to cut it. Dallas, enough said.

Jonathan Lau: Bears - should've held off Seahawks at home in Week 13, which probably would've sealed up the playoff spot.

Steven Wang: Teams who should have made the playoffs = Bears just got unlucky and ran into Minnesota and GB, twice unfortunately. Lions no joke either. Tough draw for Lovie this year. 

Phil Vuong: Cowboys, but they got Romo'ed. 

Norman Leung: Bears (injuries), Giants and Steelers (couldn't pull out the close games)

Jonathan Mok: With the NFC East in disarray, this was the year that the Cowboys could have snatched the opportunity to make a postseason run. But yet again, when it was all said and done, the Boys left their millions of fans with millions of what-ifs. 

Peter Wang: Teams who should have made the playoffs = Pittsburgh Steelers. Losing Ben in week 12 and 13 proved too much for the team to overcome, not to mention their running back dilemma and defense injuries to stars Polamalu and Ike. 

Andrew Chow: Teams who should have made the playoffs = Dallas Cowboys. Injuries can't be a real excuse since all teams lose starters, but injuries ruined the Cowboys chances. Jerry Jones has promised changes....Cowboys will make the playoffs next season for sure. 

Andrew Leu: Teams that should have been in the playoffs - giants and bears. Both fizzled at the end after a solid first half.

Caleb Li: Giants, short and simple they are a championship quality team that is too lazy to care in the regular season. This time they woke up too late, or maybe it was just the fact that the Redskins were able to just win more. 9-7 should never be good enough for the playoffs and the 2011 Giants just got lucky.

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America's Team: 2012 Season Review

This is the third and final installment of America's Team this year. (2012 Season Preview, 2012 Midseason Report)

For Dallas Cowboys fans, the 2012 NFL season was another roller coaster year that featured plenty of ups and downs. But at the end of the day, it was simply one of sheer disappointment. Finishing with a record of 8-8, America's Team is truly the epitome of mediocrity.

Again.

The Cowboys finished with the same record in 2011.

-----

According to www.google.com:

Mediocrity

Noun

1. The quality or state of being mediocre.

2. A person of mediocre ability.

Mediocre

Adjective

Of only moderate quality; not very good: "a mediocre actor".

Synonyms

middling - moderate - indifferent - ordinary - mean

-----

With the fickle nature of fandom or fanship, there will undeniably be countless subjective analytical statistics and arguments in regards to the shortcomings in coaching, the defense, and mostly of Tony Romo.

Romo is the quarterback of the team -- and the cliche about being the quarterback is that he will receive too much praise when the team wins and too much criticism when the team loses. I want to make things clear. I do not hate or even dislike Tony Romo. He is the quarterback of the football team I cheer for, so I will always support him strictly because of the star on his helmet. However, facts are facts.

Tony Romo is 1-6 in win-or-go home games in Week 17 or the postseason.

If you look at the story of Tony Romo, he has beaten the odds time and time again. He was a great athlete in high school, but still didn't earn a spot on a division I football team in college. He broke all the records at Eastern Illinois University and had his jersey retired, but still went undrafted in 2003. He was signed as a free agent and sat on the bench for 4 years before checking into a game against the New York Giants in 2006. An unbelievable journey. Anyone who discounts what Romo has accomplished is just being disrespectful. Fast forward to today, and he is one of the most marketable and highest paid players in all of sports.

Being the NFL superstar that Romo is, there is arguably nobody else in the league that is nitpicked under the microscope as much as he is. It comes with the territory. When you play for the same team and the same position as Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman -- both football legends -- you will be measured not by regular season wins or passing yards or quarterback rating or even playoff appearances. For Cowboys fans, you will solely be judged (and justifiably so) by how many championship parades you bring to the city of Dallas.

For all of his well documented late season struggles, Romo was unquestionably having the best December of his career. He was giving all his naysayers the subliminal middle finger as the team traveled to Washington for their deciding game. Before throwing three devastating interceptions against their most hated rival, Romo had thrown for 10 touchdowns and only 1 pick in the month of December. He put the team on his back and got them into a position to win the NFC East division. A remarkable feat considering the team was 3-5 midway through the 2012 campaign.

The first interception was vintage Romo. He was backpedaling, didn't get his feet set, and floated a ball over the receiver. I can live with that. It was early in the game and it was just a poorly thrown ball. It was more of a physical mistake rather than a mental one.

The second one was a clear display of Romo's lack of arm strength, severely under throwing the ball right into the hands of the defender. This one made me cringe a little bit. I understand his thought process. It was one on one coverage on the outside so he wanted to give his receiver a chance. But in that situation, you must throw it to the sidelines and not to the middle of the field. Mental mistake.

The third one basically sums up Romo's career after he burst onto the scene in 2006. He had just thrown a beautiful back shoulder pass for a touchdown, the defense got a critical stop, and everything was shaping up for a storybook ending. Momentum was clearly shifting towards Dallas's favor. Then Romo happened. Instead of throwing the football away to live and play another down, he decided to lob it to the left flat without taking notice of the defender that was dropping back into coverage. Mental mistake.

The game was basically over at that point. 

Passionate supporters of Romo may scream offensive line! Or all of the wide receivers were hurt! Or Coach Jason Garrett can't manage a game! Or the defense was completely depleted! Or RGIII is too good! 

Three interceptions is three interceptions.

1-6 in deciding games is 1-6.

8-8 for the year is 8-8.

I realize that Alfred Morris is the first running back to rush for over 200 yards and 3 touchdowns against the Cowboys in history. I realize that Dallas is 2-11 in Week 17 since 2000, the worst in the NFL. I realize that Dez Bryant and Miles Austin were out of the game. I realize that half the defense was made up of guys who were literally in the streets a few weeks ago. I realize that our offensive line is horrible. I realize that Washington's execution with the read-option is unguardable. I realize that Jason Garrett makes no in-game adjustments. I realize that Jerry Jones is senile.

I realize all these things, but it doesn't change anything. It's still another year that was lost for Tony Romo and the Dallas Cowboys. For those who don't know, Romo will be 33 years old and entering the last year of his 2007 contract extension when they kick it off again next season. If the front office has any foresight at all, they would be wise to look at a couple quarterbacks during the upcoming draft and off-season. It only takes one play to usher in the Anthony Wright, Quincy Carter, Chad Hutchinson, Ryan Leaf, Clint Stoerner, and Drew Henson era. Trust me.

Scary thought: Robert Griffin III is 22 years old and Alfred Morris is 24 years old.

2012 was a fun ride, but the injuries were just too much to overcome. The loss of Sean Lee was huge -- it took away the defensive play making ability that the team needed to overcome their deficiencies and mistakes. Unfortunately, Dallas is stuck in the worst position it can be in. Not bad enough to garner a high draft pick. Not good enough to make the playoffs.

The Cowboys will have the 18th pick in the 2013 draft. A talented, young player on either the offensive line or defensive line seems like the smart choice. 

It's clear that Rob Ryan has to go, the offensive line needs a major overhaul, and the team needs a completely different personality in general. It will be interesting to see what Owner and GM, Jerry Jones, has in store over the long summer. I for one truly believe America's Team will be back one day. I just hope it will be sooner, rather then later.

Photo and video content courtesy of sports.yahoo.com, cbssports.com, dallasnews.com

Connect with Albert Nguyen!

Bio: http://www.gymclassallstars.com/p/albert-nguyen_26.html

Email: albertn@gymclassallstars.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/alnguyen84

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Party Foul: Boxing - Manny Pacquiao v. Juan Manuel Marquez

Back in June, when Manny lost to Timothy Bradley in a controversial decision by the judges, everyone was mad at the sport of boxing. Talks of fixing fights and corruption became rampant and the sport was taking a huge hit. Tonight on the other hand, when Manny lost to Juan Manuel Marquez in a shocking knock out, there is no one to blame other than Manny Pacquiao himself. There was no need to go to the judges for this one.

At his core, Marquez is a counter puncher -- with that being said, JMM caught Manny with absolutely the perfect shot. Manny moved in right as Marquez was cocking his right hand. The vicious blow not only stunned the crowd, but it literally put Pacquiao to sleep for a good minute where he was laying face down on the canvas. Not only did Marquez get the revenge he sought after due to what happened to him during their previous three bouts, but tonight may have punctuated the end of both of their careers.

In a fight where Manny was actually winning, he simply got caught with the picture perfect counter punch. That happens in fighting. The three judges all had Manny leading the fight 47-46 as the 6th round was concluding.

I am still in shock as I type this up. Wow.

There was only 2 seconds left in the round.

Manny has never been knocked out like that. Ever.

----> Check out this great GIF of the knock out: Down. Goes. Manny.

Total Punches Landed
Pacquiao - 94
Marquez - 52

Power Punches Landed
Pacquiao - 68
Marquez - 41

Juan Manuel Marquez landed only 21% of the punches he threw during the 6-round fight.

Manny Pacquiao falls to 54-5-2, losing consecutive fights for the first time in his career.

Pacman is done.

Mayweather v. Pacquiao is done.

Boxing is done.


Photo and video content courtesy of latimes.com

Connect with Albert Nguyen!

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Email: albertn@gymclassallstars.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/alnguyen84

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Standing Ovation: Guan Tianlang

When I was in 8th grade, I was busy worrying about my image and trying to fit in with the popular kids. Guan Tianlang, on the other hand, is currently preparing to compete in the 2013 Masters. At 14 years old, Tianlang will become the youngest player ever to participate in the game's greatest championship at Augusta National next April.

When I first heard of this unbelievable feat, the first thing that popped into my head was that he's just probably a physical freak. Someone like Michelle Wie who was over 6 foot tall when she was just a teenager, giving her the length to compete with men twice her age.

Wrong.

Guan Tianlang weighs a measly 125 pounds -- but the kid still has the ability to not only hang with the big boys, but beat them as well. Simply put, he is an exquisite striker of the golf ball, who started playing the game of golf at the tender age of 4. In addition, he may be making the belly putter "cool" for the next generation of players. He recently converted to the belly putter (even though he doesn't have a belly) and subsequently won the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship to earn a spot in the Masters.

With most kids his age, Tiger Woods is his favorite player. He's had the opportunity to meet Tiger a couple times and plans on playing a practice round with the game's biggest star to prepare for the major tournament.

Good work, kid. Keep it up.

Photo and video content courtesy of newyorktimes.com, espn.go.com

Connect with Albert Nguyen!

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America's Team: 2012 Midseason Report

Heading into the season (Dallas Cowboys 2012 Season Preview), I was admittedly pretty optimistic with the direction of the franchise and the strides the team appeared to be taking. My prediction of 9-7 is not a particularly great record, but I understood it was ultimately another transition year for the team. With that being said, I believed that the Cowboys were going to be smarter, tougher, and more disciplined under the leadership of both Jason Garrett and Tony Romo in 2012.

I was wrong. Very, very wrong.

After eight games, Dallas is nothing more than a mediocre ball club that has actually taken steps backwards in some areas. Sitting at 3-5, the season may arguably already be lost -- and in the best interest of the team and its fans, I believe it should continue to lose. I was extremely upset and disappointed in 2010 when the team went 1-7 in their first 8 games (mainly because of Romo's injury) but proceeded to "finish the season strong" and lose out on drafting Patrick Peterson -- a dynamic, game-changing playmaker at the cornerback position.

Fast forward to today and this is the current state of the Dallas Cowboys:

Tony Romo has 10 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Coach Garrett's inexperience and poor time management has repeatedly cost the team. Dez Bryant suddenly has alligator arms and is dropping balls. The expensively revamped secondary can't produce any takeaways. There are still way too many pre-snap penalties. The rushing attack has been nonexistent (sans the Baltimore game). There is nothing special about the return game (when was the last time the ST scored a touchdown anyway?).

I could go on and on, but I'm trying to not get too negative.

With early injuries to Jason Witten (Romo's favorite target), Jay Ratliff (the team's best interior defensive lineman), Barry Church (starting safety), Demarco Murray (starting running back), and Sean Lee (one of the best inside linebackers in the NFL), it has simply been too much for the team to overcome.

But at the end of the day, making excuses is a loser-ish way of thinking. You either perform or you don't, and unfortunately there are too many disappointments in every facet of the team -- management and coaching staff included.

Cowboys fans, it's been 17 years since our last championship. We may still be America's Team in title, but the current generation of kids who are growing up and watching football today honestly has no idea of those dominant Cowboy teams of the mid 90s. We competed in four Super Bowls in the 70s, and that's why we became the face of the league. Then another three in the aforementioned 1990s, which ended up being timed perfectly for the proceeding generation of NFL fans. Thus, the momentum just continued to build and build from there. This is the reason the franchise became the most popular team in the league (and currently the 4th most valuable sports franchise in the world). Unfortunately, if the Cowboys don't win soon, the brand will eventually lose its luster.

I could have named many more than three busts, but I don't want to get too depressed.

Top 3 Performers:

1. N/A

Nobody is worthy of this spot. Sean Lee was definitely on his way to becoming the defensive leader and playmaker the team sorely needs, but his season-ending injury in week 6 took him out of the running. To me, he was the one guy the Cowboys couldn't afford to lose on the defensive side of the ball.

2. DeMarcus Ware

DeMarcus constantly sees double teams week in and week out (because of the Rob Ryan-led defense's ineptitude in producing quarterback pressure), but he is still on pace for 15+ sacks. You can basically pencil him in for a sack every game. That is consistency.

3. Jason Witten

Witten had a miserable start to the season partly because of his spleen injury, confidence issues, and forgetting how to block his man without having to hold. But, he quickly turned it around and has broken the team's all-time receptions record in the process. Congratulations.

Top 3 Busts:

1. Tony Romo

A. You can't have more interceptions than touchdowns. You just can't. Especially since you're in your 8th season as a full-time starter. Romo is not that young guy with a ton of potential anymore... he's 32 years old and has already peaked.
B. But when you do throw an interception, they can't be pick 6's. At least give your defense a f-ing chance.

2. Doug Free

After getting PAID in the offseason, he has proceeded to thank the organization by committing as many false starts and holding penalties as he can. No doubt, Doug Free has been the biggest disappointment on both the offensive and defensive lines.

3. Dez Bryant

I would like to start by saying that I am a huge Dez fan. I think he is one of the most talented players in the league. But his inability to focus throughout the entire game and his recent drops problem has really hurt his confidence. Basically, he has lost the swagger that makes him a special player. I just don't see the guy that fights for balls or makes people miss anymore. I used to blame his lack of production on coaching, play calling, and Romo, but maybe he just doesn't get it. Maybe he doesn't get how good he can be, and most importantly, he doesn't understand how hard you have to work to get there.

Looking to the second half of the year, it doesn't get any easier. Dallas still has two games against Vick and the Eagles (who are also underperforming), two games against the explosive RGIII and the Redskins, a tough game on the road in Cincinnati, and home games against Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and New Orleans. I wouldn't be surprised if there are more Steelers and Saints fans in Cowboys stadium during those two games.

With that schedule, a 4-4 finish would be considered a successful 2nd half to the year. But like I mentioned earlier, I would rather go 0-8.

I am definitely feeling those Cowboys blues.

Photo and video content courtesy of mysanantonio.com, sportsillustrated.cnn.com

Connect with Albert Nguyen!

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Standing Ovation: Tracy McGrady

I would like to give a standing ovation to Tracy McGrady as he leaves for China. T-Mac is one of my favorite players of all-time. Even as a diehard Mavericks fan, I have no problem admitting that.

I've always admired his physical gifts and talents on the basketball court. McGrady, in his prime, was a 6' 8" forward with the court vision of a top point guard and the finishing ability of a dominant big man. I've always felt that his biggest attribute was his extremely high basketball IQ -- respectable basketball minds such as Jeff Van Gundy even alluded to the fact that it may have been too high for his own good and was ultimately, a detriment to his success.

To this day, I still firmly believe that his versatility is unmatched. He could either face you up out in the perimeter, where he had the ability to rise up and shoot over you, or back you down in the post, using his supreme footwork and knowledge of angles. He was unstoppable in the pick and roll game and his length allowed him to be an above average defender (when he wanted to be) and rebounder.

At the peak of his powers, you couldn't guard him with single coverage nor could you guard him by sending a double team because he would pick you apart with his anticipation and passing ability. Schematically on defense, he left coaches in a bind. Plus, his jab step power dribble to a reverse pivot to a spinning fadeaway jumper from 20 feet is still one of the most physically ridiculous go-to moves ever.

Undoubtedly, injuries robbed him from having one of the best careers in league history, but I don't want him to be remembered for "what could have been." I want people to focus on his off the court accomplishments as well as what he's meant for the game of basketball.

I leave you with his own words from his blog:

Goodbye NBA, Hello China

There are times in life that a new road presents itself and it appears this time has come for me now. I am so proud of what I have accomplished these past 15 years playing in the NBA. It was a dream entering the league as I just turned 18 years old. I worked hard and poured my heart and soul into this game. I consider myself a student of the game as I have watched, studied and played with and against the best players in the world. The NBA was my University and I learned so much. The gratitude I feel is really immeasurable. I have experienced the best moments a player can experience and have had some dark ones too. Both equally important in helping shape me into the man I am today.

As I leave the league for now, there have been so many profound people who inspired me along my way. I have to say thank you for guiding me and having an enormous influence on the way I played basketball. Isaiah Thomas, Rich Devos, Leslie Alexander and John Gabriel, you believed in me and I thank you. Jeff Van Gundy, you exemplified the brilliance of what a great coach is. Steven A. Smith, you gave us players a voice and for that I thank you. Doug Christy, Charles Oakley, Dee Brown, Mugsy Bogues, Antonio Davis, Dell Curry, Kevin Willis, you all showed a young kid from Auburndale Florida how to be a better player. Kobe, you made me work harder and it was an honor to play against you. And Yao, we shared an experience together that will always be with me, thank you. Sonny & Pam Vaccarro showed me how there is loyalty and genuine friendship in this business. Arn Tellem and Tim Hoy, 15 years and you are still my agents. Thank you for guiding me throughout my career. When all is said and done, there is so many that made an impact on my life. I am one blessed man to have the love and never ending support of my wife CleRenda and the best 4 kids a man can ask for. But most important, I give glory and thanks to God. It is thru Him that I have been so blessed and I am forever thankful.

As I enter this next chapter, I am excited to play for Qingdao Eagles in China. I have been to China several times in the last few years and I love the people and the country. It will be an honor to play for them. Thank you to every fan that has followed me and believed in me. Injuries and all, I wouldn’t have changed a thing. I am proud of the mark I left on this game and am grateful to have been a part this league. It was a dream to play in front of all of you, each night, in every stadium. Thank you.

Tmac

Photo and video content courtesy of: images.google.com

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America's Team: 2012 Dallas Cowboys Season Preview

HOW BOUT DEM COWBOYS!?

Offense
Tony Romo -- overrated locally, but underrated nationally. With that being said, there may not be anyone else in the league that is analyzed or put under the microscope as much as Romo is on a daily basis. I consider myself to be on Team Romo; not only because he is the quarterback of my team, but I genuinely believe that he is good enough to take this team where it wants to go.

In the past, the Cowboys arguably had TOO many weapons at their disposal, which can potentially create a very fine line between keeping everyone happy or not having enough balls to go around. However with the development of DeMarco Murray, the question marks at wide receiver, and the pre-season injury to Jason Witten, this forces the Cowboys to simplify things and just play smash mouth football. Instead of having the offensive mindset to win games by scoring 40 points, Dallas should be relying on ball control offense and limiting turnovers.

Romo proved last year that he is fully capable of taking care of the ball. With a makeshift offensive line that couldn't protect the quarterback from any type of pass rush, Romo still managed to play all 16 games, threw for 31 touchdowns and only 10 interceptions, compiled over 4100 yards through the air, and had a quarterback rating of 102.5. For those who are not in the know, Tony Romo has the second highest quarterback rating for his career in NFL history. (1 - Aaron Rodgers, 2 - Tony Romo, 3 - Steve Young, 4 - Tom Brady)

Tony has quietly developed into a quarterback that no longer has that 'gunslinger' mentality, but there are still times where he is unable to lead and inspire his team when they need it the most. This is something that can't really be taught; it has to be earned, and I feel like Tony Romo has made huge strides in this respect. As Cowboys fans, let's appreciate what we have and give him the benefit of the doubt. Go Romo.

The offensive line will still be an issue for the Cowboys this year, but this just places more of the onus on the game plan (coaching) and the on-the-field leadership (Romo). As long as the Cowboys aren't beating themselves and are in a position to win each week, I'm happy.

Defense

This defense is young, fast, and inexperienced. Dallas will be relying on young'ns such as LB Victor Butler (25), LB Bruce Carter (24), LB Dan Connor (26), LB Sean Lee (26), DB Brandon Carr (26), DB Morris Claiborne (22), DB Orlando Scandrick (25), and DB Barry Church (24) in addition to the staples of DeMarcus Ware, Jay Ratliff, Anthony Spencer, and Gerald Sensabaugh.

Personally, this is really exciting to see because Dallas hasn't had a defense that could really fly to the ball in years. Unfortunately, inexperience also means that the team will be more prone to making mistakes, but the play-making ability will more than make up for that. In other words, Jerry Jones has clearly given Rob Ryan the defensive freedom that is needed to allow his system to be successful. This is a culture change that should not be overlooked.

Special Teams
Dez Bryant needs to be returning punts. (Exhibit A & Exhibit B).

Coaching, Leadership, and Intangibles
I will admit I am not the biggest Jason Garrett fan out there. I believe that his offensive schemes are too basic, and opposing defenses can go through their reads too easily. Dallas doesn't implement enough quick slants, screens, and other plays that would negate a weak offensive line.

But at the same time, I will relegate to the fact that the culture at Valley Ranch is better now than where it was prior to his promotion to head coach. Wade Phillips is a great coaching specialist, but the team lost the sense of accountability with him at the helm, and it was time for him to go. As a result, Garrett was given a team that was 1-7 heading into the second half of the 2010 season -- yet he was able to finish the year winning 5 of the last 8 games. There is no question that he is a bright guy, and I fully expect the Cowboys to continue their improvement.

I've seen great strides when it comes to leadership, especially during this last offseason. Romo and company all decided to stay in the Dallas area and work out together. This is a clear indication that they realize team chemistry is just as important as talent.

My Prediction
Week 1: @ New York Giants - 1-0
Week 2: @ Seattle Seahawks - 2-0
Week 3: Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 3-0
Week 4: Chicago Bears - 4-0
Week 5: Bye
Week 6: @ Baltimore Ravens - 4-1
Week 7: @ Carolina Panthers - 4-2
Week 8: New York Giants - 5-2
Week 9: @ Atlanta Falcons - 5-3
Week 10: @ Philadelphia Eagles - 5-4
Week 11: Cleveland Browns - 6-4
Week 12: Washington Redskins - 7-4
Week 13: Philadelphia Eagles - 8-4
Week 14: @ Cincinnati Bengals - 8-5
Week 15: Pittsburgh Steelers - 9-5
Week 16: New Orleans Saints - 9-6
Week 17: @ Washington Redskins - 9-7

Record against NFC East: 4-2
Record against NFC South: 1-3
Record against AFC North: 2-2
Record against the rest: 2-0

Overall Record: 9-7

I see the Cowboys finishing 2nd in the NFC East and earning a wildcard spot, which will give them the opportunity to play in the playoffs. The 2007 and 2011 Giants showed the NFL that all you need is to get into the tournament because it becomes all about the matchups and how hot your quarterback is playing.

Overall Assessment
The Cowboys' defense is still young, and the offensive line still has a couple gaping holes. The team will be much improved from a year ago, but there are still too many question marks to really compete for a championship unless they get lucky and all the pieces fall their way. A playoff berth and hopefully a playoff victory is not bad for year 2 of the Jason Garrett era. Transition periods usually last a couple years anyway. Don't forget the year before Jason Garrett was the full-time head coach, the Cowboys went 6-10. A steady improvement is all you can really ask for. Therefore barring any major injuries, I fully expect the Cowboys to legitimately contend for a Super Bowl in the 2013/14 season.

Photo and video content courtesy of: espn.com and youtube.com

Connect with Albert Nguyen!

Bio: http://www.gymclassallstars.com/p/albert-nguyen_26.html

Email: albertn@gymclassallstars.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/alnguyen84

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What's Poppin': Movie Trilogies

It's been a while since I wrote a feature for my "What's Poppin'" column. The last couple of months have been somewhat hectic to say the least -- I finally graduated from law and grad school (Rant: I left school with a student loan debt that totals nearly $200 grand. If you are thinking about going back to school, please feel free to contact me. I may not talk you out of it, but I will definitely give you information admission boards, employers, and loan companies conveniently leave out), moved to Dallas, was best man at one of my closest friend's wedding, and found a job.

Fortunately for the movie studios in Hollywood, all of that didn't deter me from going out to the theaters. In fact, I watched The Dark Knight Rises (TDKR) at a 5AM showing on the Saturday morning of opening weekend. It ruined my sleep schedule and made me completely worthless for a few days, but it was definitely worth it.

(I watched the movie a total of three times in the first week, but let's not get into that.)

As many of you may/should already know, TDKR is the last installment of Christopher Nolan's brilliant remake of the Batman story. In my opinion, the aforementioned set of three movies will go down in history as our generation's defining cinematic trilogy -- similar to what Star Wars was for our parents' era.

So to further elaborate on the ever-popular idea of creating and watching movie trilogies, I've narrowed my list down to its most basic and true forms. For those who may not know me well, I was born in the mid 80s, so these movie titles are directly correlated to that specific time frame.

My Personal Top 5 Trilogies

1. Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, The Dark Knight Rises

In my opinion, each movie was so good individually that they may be even somewhat underrated as stand-alone films. Batman Begins is often overlooked because of the late Heath Ledger's Joker in part II, but it was the perfect opening chapter to the series. It had the right blend of character development and action and could be my favorite out of the three. The Dark Knight, 'nuff said. Ledger's performance has to go down as the best antagonist of all time -- just imagine if he played Lord Voldermort in Harry Potter. At the outset, TDKR was destined to not be good enough in people's eyes. I think when we all look back at Nolan's Batman movies, we're going to appreciate the brilliance that is Bane and *spoiler alert* Robin in the last movie. You know you are the GOAT when all people complain about is the inflection in characters' voices.

2. Toy Story 1, Toy Story 2, Toy Story 3

The first Toy Story is still my favorite animated movie ever. It catapulted this particular genre to the heights they are currently at today. It was the first feature film to be created entirely by CGI. Think about that. Also, how did Toy Story 3 not win an Academy Award for best comedy in 2010? I'm cracking up just thinking about Buzz Lightyear, the Latin lover.

3. The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, The Return of the King

Pure epicness. I realize that is not a real word, but it basically sums of the Lord of the Rings series. All three movies were aesthetically beautiful, even taking your breath away at times. To be honest, the graphics may be a little dated now, but let's remember the Fellowship of the Ring was released over a decade ago (2001)! The Return of the King finished off the series with a bang -- the battle scenes seemed to last for hours, which is exactly how I imagined them when I read the novels.

4. The Mighty Ducks, D2, D3

I've polled a bunch of my friends on the subject of movie trilogies, and for some reason, the Mighty Ducks films are always left out. How can people forget the amazingly cheesy character development that just screamed 1990s? Basically, all of the decade's corniness is lumped into this one movie franchise. You hated Gordon Bombay at first, but then you find out he's just been smothered by the game of hockey and the pressures that come with it. We instantly relate and cheer for Charlie because he represents the average Joe. Not everyone can be the most talented (Adam Banks), the most charismatic (Goldberg), the fastest (Luis Mendoza), or the strongest (Fulton Reed).

To add to all of the amazing characters, the way the plots were created simply made you want to stand up and cheer for the Ducks. People often overlook the fact that it was a co-ed team (do they even have those?), there were figure skaters who were converted into hockey players because not many people knew how to skate, there was a goalie who could catch everything with her glove, and there was the amazing Flying-V that made you quack in anticipation. Wow.

5. Infernal Affairs I, Infernal Affairs II, Infernal Affairs: End Inferno 3

I still don't understand the name change. Why wasn't the third movie just Infernal Affairs III? Anyways, if you are a fan of The Departed, then please watch the IA series. The Departed is essentially a copycat of Infernal Affairs, which is incredible in every way.

Honorable Mention: The Man With No Name trilogy (A Fistful of Dollars, For a Few Dollars More, The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly) and the Back to the Future trilogy.

I would have included the Terminator triology, but they just HAD to make a fourth one, which of course was downright horrible (sorry, Christian Bale). Just Terminator 2 alone would have vaulted the would-be trilogy into legendary status. What a waste.

And on the other side of the spectrum, if Hollywood had the audacity to ruin not only the Terminator trilogy, but the Indiana Jones one as well, why can't they find a way to make a third Bad Boys?! Will Smith and Martin Lawrence -- let's not wait until you guys are 50. And no, I do not want to watch a Bad Boys starring Will Smith's son (it's going to happen). While we're on the subject, I'm still waiting for a third installment of Shanghai Noon and Shanghai Knights.

What Could Have Been

- The Matrix, The Matrix Reloaded, The Matrix Revolutions

When The Matrix first came out in 1999, it completely revolutionized the movie industry. But the rest of the movies just never lived up to the first one. In the summer of 2000, I watched and re-watched The Matrix no less than 30 times.

Underrated

- The Silence of the Lambs, Hannibal, Red Dragon

This is coming from someone who absolutely despises scary movies. Anthony Hopkins played this role perfectly. He depicts the character as twisted, misunderstood, and just hungry. I don't know about you guys, but I can definitely relate to that.

Overrated

- Austin Powers: The International Man of Mystery, Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, Austin Powers: Goldmember

Am I the only person that doesn't think Austin Powers is funny? Mike Meyers was awesome in Wayne's World and Shrek, but I think it was just too much in Austin Powers. I realize that's what they were going for, but I liken Mike Meyers to someone like Will Ferrell. Hilarious, but not good enough to carry a movie by himself.

Don't Waste Your Time With These

1. The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, Revenge of the Sith

Maybe the expectations were too high, but you CANNOT screw up Star Wars!

Jar Jar Binks, really?!

2. Big Momma's House, Big Momma's House 2, Big Momma: Like Father, Like Son

I love Martin Lawrence, but these movies were just plain horrible.

3. The Mummy, The Mummy Returns, The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor

Many people don't know this, but the trilogy starring Brendan Fraser is actually a remake from a six-installment series that dates from the 1930s to the 1950s. I'm pretty sure those movies are better. Attention, Mummy lovers! Hollywood is completely rebooting the franchise in 2014.

What are some of the movies I failed to mention? What are your personal favorites? Do you completely disagree with my list? Please comment in the section below and you may be featured in the next GCAST.

Photo and video content courtesy of: allmoviephoto.com, wordpress.com, matrix.wikia.com, hoopsjournal.com, tumblr.com,

Connect with Albert Nguyen!

Bio: http://www.gymclassallstars.com/p/albert-nguyen_26.html

Email: albertn@gymclassallstars.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/alnguyen84

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GCAS League: The Draft

August 27, 2012 marked the first annual Gym Class All Stars fantasy football draft. As most of the members piled into the draft 15 minutes before the first pick, the reactions were hostile. "WHO RIGGED THE DRAFT ORDER?!" Clearly preseason favorites Mok and Alby were already calling foul play as they saw they had the 10th and 12th pick respectively. Of course you couldn't blame the commissioner, since I had my least favorite position of 8th, which in my mind is where the draft begins to get extremely hazy. So that's when the suspects became more clear: the two other favorites from UPenn must have called in favors from their Ivy League connections to hack the system to get the first and second pick of the draft. Well, I guess we will never know the truth, but the draft must go on.

ROUND 1
Pick	Overall	Position	Player	By
1	1	RB1	Arian Foster, Hou	Jonathan Lau
2	2	RB2	Ray Rice, Bal	Phil Vuong
3	3	QB1	Tom Brady, NE	Jen
4	4	RB3	LeSean McCoy, Phi	Peter Wang
5	5	QB2	Aaron Rodgers, GB	Andrew Leu
6	6	WR1	Calvin Johnson, Det	Andrew Chow
7	7	QB3	Drew Brees, NO	Zhan
8	8	RB4	Chris Johnson, Ten	Caleb Li
9	9	RB5	Darren McFadden, Oak	Norman
10	10	RB6	Matt Forte, Chi	Jonathan Mok
11	11	TE1	Jimmy Graham, NO	Albert Nguyen
12	12	QB4	Matthew Stafford, Det	Steven Wang

So pick 1 and 2 go according to the book, but we get our first surprise at pick three, when our rookie Jen decides to go with Mr. Tom Brady. You can't deny his ability to score fantasy points, but it's hard to justify it with a bona fide stud like McCoy still on the board. McCoy falls into Peter's lap, who isn't even present at this point. Rarely are you rewarded for auto drafting, but in this case he is. Chow is upset for drafting Calvin Johnson 6th, and before the round is over, he has set up a trade with myself for Chris Johnson. Madden Curse? This trade seems too good to be true when I look at my draft board. Alby shakes things up by taking a TE in the first round, while Steven completes the first round by taking the 4th quarterback of the draft. From the way things are playing out, this isn't going to be your dad's draft.

ROUND 2
Pick	Overall	Position	Player	By
1	13	WR2	Larry Fitzgerald, Ari	Steven Wang
2	14	RB7	DeMarco Murray, Dal	Albert Nguyen
3	15	TE2	Rob Gronkowski, NE	Jonathan Mok
4	16	RB8	Marshawn Lynch, Sea	Norman
5	17	RB9	Maurice Jones-Drew, Jac	Caleb Li
6	18	WR3	Brandon Marshall, Chi	Zhan
7	19	RB10	Adrian Peterson, Min	Andrew Chow
8	20	WR4	Victor Cruz, NYG	Andrew Leu
9	21	WR5	A.J. Green, Cin	Peter Wang
10	22	RB11	Michael Turner, Atl	Jen
11	23	WR6	Roddy White, Atl	Phil Vuong
12	24	WR7	Andre Johnson, Hou	Jonathan Lau

First mistake pick of the draft for me as I take MJD with my second pick of the draft. This guy might not even dress for game one because of a holdout... but then again, if he does play, it could be great value. Zhan creates tons of positive buzz with his Brandon Marshall pick, especially from Mok. Don't get me wrong, Marshall is going to be great in his reunion with Cutler, but take a close look and see that Marshall is the 3rd WR taken in this draft. There is still a lot of risk even if there is a lot of upside. Phil and JLau walk away with two strong receivers at the end of the 2nd round while others reach on potential with picks of Green and Cruz before the proven commodity of Roddy White.

ROUND 3
Pick	Overall	Position	Player	By
1	25	WR8	Wes Welker, NE	Lau
2	26	QB5	Cam Newton, Car	Vuong
3	27	RB12	Frank Gore, SF	Jen
4	28	RB13	Jamaal Charles, KC	P. Wang
5	29	RB14	Steven Jackson, StL	Leu
6	30	WR9	Greg Jennings, GB	Chow
7	31	RB15	Ryan Mathews, SD	Zhan
8	32	WR10	Hakeem Nicks, NYG	Li
9	33	WR11	Julio Jones, Atl	Norman
10	34	RB16	Fred Jackson, Buf	Mok
11	35	RB17	Trent Richardson, Cle	Nguyen
12	36	RB18	Doug Martin, TB	S. Wang

JLau kicks it off by making a homer pick of Wes Welker, and Phil starts to regret his selection of Cam Newton only seconds after making the pick. Health questions about Mathews drop him to the 3rd round. At this point RB started to get thin -- Mok picks up Fred Jackson, who in my mind is the last sure thing at running back.  Doug Martin could be very good now that he's all but assured the starting job in Tampa.

ROUND 4
Pick	Overall	Position	Player	By
1	37	RB19	Darren Sproles, NO	Steven
2	38	WR12	Jordy Nelson, GB	Alby
3	39	WR13	Miles Austin, Dal	Mok
4	40	WR14	Percy Harvin, Min	Norman
5	41	WR15	Mike Wallace, Pit	Caleb
6	42	WR16	Jeremy Maclin, Phi	Zhan
7	43	WR17	Dez Bryant, Dal	Chow
8	44	RB20	BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Cin	Leu
9	45	WR18	Steve Smith, Car	Peter
10	46	WR19	Marques Colston, NO	Jen
11	47	RB21	Kevin Smith, Det	Phil
12	48	TE3	Vernon Davis, SF	JLau

Another round, another holdout guy. Luckily for me, Wallace reported to camp yesterday. Chow is looking for a positive impact from Dez Bryant's new curfew, and Peter can't understand why Steve Smith is still on the board (still thinking this is 2006). Phil reaches for Kevin Smith -- it is clear that there isn't much left in the world of running backs. JLau's faith in Alex Smith is unusual especially with Finley, Hernandez, and Gates all still on the board for TEs.

ROUND 5
Pick	Overall	Position	Player	By
1	49	RB22	Willis McGahee, Den	JLau
2	50	WR20	Brandon Lloyd, NE	Phil
3	51	TE4	Jermichael Finley, GB	Jen
4	52	QB6	Matt Ryan, Atl	Peter
5	53	WR21	Antonio Brown, Pit	Leu
6	54	QB7	Tony Romo, Dal	Chow
7	55	RB23	Reggie Bush, Mia	Zhan
8	56	TE5	Antonio Gates, SD	Caleb
9	57	QB8	Michael Vick, Phi	Norman
10	58	WR22	Dwayne Bowe, KC	Mok
11	59	RB24	Ahmad Bradshaw, NYG	Alby
12	60	WR23	DeSean Jackson, Phi	Steven

Willis McGahee doesn't get the respect he deserves for the amount of yards he amassed playing with Tebow and Co. last year. With Peyton opening up the offense, we could see a solid year for McGahee. Norman takes Vick, which in recent history has proven to be a very high risk. Quite interesting that 3 quarterbacks were taken this round but Eli Manning is still on the board.  He's not top 5 talent, but he belongs with this group.

ROUND 6
Pick	Overall	Position	Player	By
1	61	WR24	Pierre Garcon, Wsh	Steven
2	62	WR25	Demaryius Thomas, Den	Alby
3	63	WR26	Eric Decker, Den	Mok
4	64	TE6	Aaron Hernandez, NE	Norman
5	65	QB9	Peyton Manning, Den	Caleb
6	66	WR27	Steve Johnson, Buf	Zhan
7	67	WR28	Vincent Jackson, TB	Chow
8	68	WR29	Torrey Smith, Bal	Leu
9	69	TE7	Fred Davis, Wsh	Peter
10	70	D/ST1	49ers D/ST	Jen
11	71	WR30	Reggie Wayne, Ind	Phil
12	72	QB10	Philip Rivers, SD	JLau

This is when the draft gets interesting!  The two Broncos receivers go along with 5 other wideouts.  Rivers is an excellent pick as the 10th QB off the board and is primed for a bounce-back season.  A defense in the 6th round?  That's a bold strategy -- let's see how that works out.

ROUND 7
Pick	Overall	Position	Player	By
1	73	WR31	Titus Young, Det	JLau
2	74	RB25	Cedric Benson, FA	Phil
3	75	WR32	Santonio Holmes, NYJ	Jen
4	76	WR33	Denarius Moore, Oak	Peter
5	77	TE8	Brandon Pettigrew, Det	Leu
6	78	D/ST2	Steelers D/ST	Chow
7	79	TE9	Jason Witten, Dal	Zhan
8	80	RB26	DeAngelo Williams, Car	Caleb
9	81	WR34	Darrius Heyward-Bey, Oak	Norman
10	82	WR35	Anquan Boldin, Bal	Mok
11	83	WR36	Kenny Britt, Ten	Alby
12	84	TE10	Coby Fleener, Ind	Steven

Phil reaches for Benson in the 7th round, trying to make up for his Kevin Smith reach.  Santonio Holmes looks like he'd rather watch paint dry than play football this season with the San-bow monster at the helm.  A lot of TEs go in this round, including rookie Fleener, who already has good rapport with fellow Stanford teammate Luck. Kenny Britt has top 10 WR talent, and as the 36th WR off the board, Alby could be laughing all the way to the playoffs.

ROUND 8
Pick	Overall	Position	Player	By
1	85	RB27	Shonn Greene, NYJ	Steven
2	86	RB28	Peyton Hillis, KC	Alby
3	87	RB29	Donald Brown, Ind	Mok
4	88	D/ST3	Bears D/ST	Norman
5	89	RB30	Jonathan Stewart, Car	Caleb
6	90	RB31	C.J. Spiller, Buf	Zhan
7	91	RB32	Ben Tate, Hou	Chow
8	92	RB33	Isaac Redman, Pit	Leu
9	93	RB34	Mark Ingram, NO	Peter
10	94	WR37	Alshon Jeffery, Chi	Jen
11	95	RB35	David Wilson, NYG	Phil
12	96	RB36	Steven Ridley, NE	JLau

Both Carolina RBs ending up on the same team seems like a bad hedge bet. Tons of running backs are taken in this round, and with that comes many question marks. Phil feels good about his David Wilson pick, and as a Giant fan, he knows better than most that Bradshaw can't handle all the carries on his own.  The real question is, who is Alshon Jeffery?

ROUND 9
Pick	Overall	Position	Player	By
1	97	RB37	Rashad Jennings, Jac	JLau
2	98	WR38	Robert Meachem, SD	Phil
3	99	WR39	Nate Washington, Ten	Jen
4	100	WR40	Randy Moss, SF	Peter
5	101	WR41	Lance Moore, NO	Leu
6	102	TE9	Tony Gonzalez, Atl	Chow
7	103	D/ST4	Eagles D/ST	Zhan
8	104	RB38	Beanie Wells, Ari	Caleb
9	105	K1	Sebastian Janikowski, Oak	Norman
10	106	WR42	Sidney Rice, Sea	Mok
11	107	RB39	Roy Helu, Was	Alby
12	108	WR43	Randall Cobb, GB	Steven

Late pick-up of Meachem could prove to have a huge payoff as Rivers is looking for a new number one. The Chargers never seem to win the big game, but lucky for fantasy owners, our Super Bowl happens in the regular season where the Chargers are king. Randy Moss' return could be boom or bust, but once again Peter is living the glory days of 2006, because I am not sure Moss has too much left in the tank. As a Packer fan I am going to hate on the Cobb pick, this guy is 4th at best on the depth chart, and with no return yards in this league getting production from Cobb will be hard to come by.

ROUND 10
Pick	Overall	Position	Player	By
1	109	QB11	Andrew Luck, Ind	Steven
2	110	RB40	Jahvid Best, Det	Alby
3	111	QB12	Eli Manning, NYG	Mok
4	112	QB13	Robert Griffin III, Was	Norman
5	113	WR44	Justin Blackmon, Jac	Caleb
6	114	WR45	Malcom Floyd, SD	Zhan
7	115	RB41	Michael Bush, Chi	Chow
8	116	WR46	Brian Quick, StL	Leu
9	117	RB42	Toby Gerhart, Min	Peter
10	118	QB14	Ryan Fitzpatrick, Buf	Jen
11	119	WR47	Mike Williams, TB	Phil
12	120	WR48	Michael Crabtree, SF	JLau
ROUND 11
Pick	Overall	Position	Player	By
1	121	QB15	Jay Cutler, Chi	JLau
2	122	QB16	Matt Schaub, Hou	Phil
3	123	RB43	Pierre Thomas, NO	Jen
4	124	QB17	Jake Locker, Ten	Peter
5	125	D/ST5	Seahawks D/ST	Leu
6	126	WR49	Greg Little, Cle	Chow
7	127	RB44	LeGarrette Blount, TB	Zhan
8	128	RB45	Ryan Williams, Ari	Caleb
9	129	RB46	Jacquizz Rodgers, Atl	Norman
10	130	RB47	Mikel LeShoure, Det	Mok
11	131	WR50	Kendall Wright, Ten	Alby
12	132	WR51	Jerome Simpson, Min	Steven
ROUND 12
Pick	Overall	Position	Player	By
1	133	K2	David Akers, SF	Steven
2	134	QB18	Ben Roethlisberger, Pit	Alby
3	135	D/ST6	Texans D/ST	Mok
4	136	TE10	Jermaine Gresham, Cin	Norman
5	137	QB19	Joe Flacco, Bal	Caleb
6	138	WR52	Danny Amendola, StL	Zhan
7	139	TE11	Jacob Tamme, Den	Chow
8	140	WR53	Santana Moss, Was	Leu
9	141	RB48	James Starks, GB	Peter
10	142	K3	Neil Rackers, Was	Jen
11	143	TE12	Greg Olsen, Car	Phil
12	144	K4	Stephen Gostkowski, NE	JLau

This is pretty unreal.  Eli falls and becomes the 12th quarterback taken. Even when he threw 25 INTs he doesn't deserve to be taken so low. And to see the rookie Luck who is starting for a team with little to no weapons being taken right before him is outrageous. Sorry Steven for all the hate; maybe you will prove me wrong. Also Steven didn't need Eli since he has Stafford, but this also isn't a keeper league, so I'm still puzzled by the Luck pick. Chow is definitely looking for some more Peyton-to-Tamme magic from two years ago, which makes me wonder whatever happened to Dallas Clark.

ROUND 13
Pick	Overall	Position	Player	By
1	145	D/ST7	Ravens D/ST	JLau
2	146	RB49	Jonathan Dwyer, Pit	Phil
3	147	RB50	Mike Tolbert, Car	Jen
4	148	D/ST8	Giants D/ST	Peter
5	149	WR54	Rueben Randle, NYG	Leu
6	150	QB20	Brandon Weeden, Cle	Chow
7	151	WR55	Laurent Robinson, Jac	Zhan
8	152	WR56	Brandon LaFell, Car	Caleb
9	153	WR57	Jon Baldwin, KC	Norman
10	154	K5	Mason Crosby, GB	Mok
11	155	WR58	David Nelson, Buf	Alby
12	156	WR59	Doug Baldwin, Sea	Steven
ROUND 14
Pick	Overall	Position	Player	By
1	157	WR60	Stephen Hill, NYJ	Steven
2	158	D/ST9	Packers D/ST	Alby
3	159	QB21	Andy Dalton, Cin	Mok
4	160	WR61	Austin Collie, Ind	Norman
5	161	D/ST10	Lions D/ST	Caleb
6	162	RB51	Daniel Thomas, Mia	Zhan
7	163	WR62	Davone Bess, Mia	Chow
8	164	K6	Dan Bailey, Dal	Leu
9	165	WR63	Plaxico Burress, NYJ	Peter
10	166	RB52	Jackie Battle, SD	Jen
11	167	K7	Alex Henery, Phi	Phil
12	168	RB53	Shane Vereen, NE	JLau
ROUND 15
Pick	Overall	Position	Player	By
1	169	WR64	Eddie Royal, SD	JLau
2	170	D/ST11	Falcons D/ST	Phil
3	171	WR65	James Jones, GB	Jen
4	172	K8	Jason Hanson, Det	Peter
5	173	QB22	Carson Palmer, Oak	Leu
6	174	K9	Greg Zuerlein, StL	Chow
7	175	K10	Matt Bryant, Atl	Zhan
8	176	K11	Rob Bironas, Ten	Caleb
9	177	D/ST12	Patriots D/ST	Norman
10	178	RB54	Rashard Mendenhall, Pit	Mok
11	179	K12	Adam Vinatieri, Ind	Alby
12	180	D/ST13	Bills D/ST	Steven

Not seeing much here besides sleepers, kickers, and defenses. New to see someone still wants Plaxico even though no NFL team seems to want him. Also Jen takes the third running back from Carolina; for both her and myself, I hope Carolina gets over 500 yards a game in rushing. Mok stashes Mendenhall for (hopefully) a second half return, as Jlau hopes injuries in San Diego means Royal gets some targets like he had his rookie season.

My final thoughts on the draft, either Jen made many rookie mistakes or she is just that much smarter than the rest of us. Most interesting draft was Alby, who made many risky picks with taking a TE in the first round and characters like Hillis and Best. Lastly Alby capped it off by taking a kicker on an offense relying on a rookie QB and a Defense that ranked last a year ago. I am also surprised Norman took 2 defenses, and one of them being New England who couldn't stop a nose bleed. 

Reactions from around the GCAS League:

Phil Vuong:

Reach and Regret - Kevin Smith.  I didn't like any other rbs there, but I should have taken a WR or TE instead. Fortunate to get Benson and Wilson later on so I feel okay about it, but it was a terrible lapse in judgment. Frank Gore and Turner where they went since they are both aging RBs.

Best Draft Steal: Eli, for sure. A lot of Eli hate in this league, but amazing value.

Best Draft: Mok had the best draft, hands down.

• Excited about David Wilson, Bradshaw won't make it through the season. I am also intrigued by Lloyd and how he performs with Brady and reuniting with McDaniels.
• Kenny Britt could turn out to be the biggest steal in any draft, Top 10 talent.
• Mike Williams was overrated last year but very underrated this year. Could do a lot better with VJax in the mix.

Andrew Leu:

• Surprised to see Brady go before Rodgers, but no complaints since i got him
• Sometimes you just got to go with a value pick when the guy you want gets picked up right before your turn (i.e. Victor Cruz after Adrian Peterson)
• Surprised Flying Turtle drafted 6 RBs (esp 2 sets on the same team)
• No love for Tebow?! I bet he scores more TDs than Shonn Greene 

Biggest reach: Sebastian Janikowski - 9th round for a kicker is pretty early esp since he wasn't even the highest scoring kicker last year; and when you have Darren Mcfadden, it'd be wise to get more than 1 bench RB
Biggest Steal: Eli Manning in 10th round

Worst draft (no hard feelings tho): Tsoufresh & Tsouclean - Lowest projected Week 1 score is typically a good indication

Best draft: Mok Draft - solid team including his bench. Too bad there's not a cash prize.

Albert Nguyen:

• My entire team is on the block 

Photo courtesy of NFL.com

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