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 The NFC East is great division. There’s always fodder for a story and some epic NFL contests have come from there. The 2009 NFl season is no different. There’s some fantastic, controversial stuff going on with the Dallas Cowboys, the New York Giants have manifold questions, the Eagles are an enticing Super Bowl pick for someone who like a little risk, and the Redskins spent big money again.

 So when I look at the NFL schedule and the New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys on Sept 20th, I’m thinking this is going to be one interesting game. The New York Giants will be playing their second NFC East Game to open the season so the race will be on from the get go. Eli Manning just signed a mega-contract so the onus is on him to win. But he’ll have to do it while the Giants are looking for a receiver to emerge and replace Plaxico Burress. The only certainty with the New York Giants is that the pass rush will be unbelievable.

 Which spells bad news for Tony Romo, who is dealing with his own set of problems. T.O. and his disruptions are gone. That means Williams will have to fill some big shoes. The Cowboys traded for him, giving away the farm to get their next star wideout. The pressure will be immense. For Romo, who has been pegged as both immensely talented and prone to mishaps in crucial moments, steady and effective leadership would shut a few people up. So would outplaying the NFL’s highest paid QB.

 So, Giants at Cowboys tickets will be a prime way to get a handle on the NFC East. The early performer doesn’t always take this division. It was only two seasons ago that the Giants exploded on the NFL, going on a winning streak that carried them to the Super Bowl. But gaining the early edge could be crucial to winning a division that always seems to be a wide open race when the season gets underway.

Tags: sports by edrouant
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 Yes, yes, I know. With NFL training camps in full swing I’ve been lax in my MLB notes. I’ll try and make that up today.

The New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox are neck and neck in the AL east. This is going to be one of the more interesting stretch runs. But then again, don’t the Yankees and Sox always make it interesting?

The Detroit Tigers and Chicago White Sox also looks to be a good one. Can the Sox make an end run? The schedule makes me think so.

The Los Angeles Angels have a little breathing room over the Rangers. But not much. Still, I think their road rage will keep them in the top spot.

Phillies, Marlins, Braves, Mets. This is a pick’em and I have no idea who’s going to bloom and who’s going to rot like stinking fish.

The NL Central is so crowded it’s unbelievable. I’d like to think Chicago Cubs but I’ll put my wallet with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Finally, the Dodgers have a comfortable lead in the NL West. Can they hold it? I think so but a recent Yahoo article is calling that into question because of a perceived lack of pitching depth. Keep your eyes peeled for a slump.

Tags: sports by edrouant
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 In the ongoing battle for dominance of the NFC North, Bears vs Packers tickets for the opener at Lambeau Field will give NFl fans their first glimpse into a division that has been rocked with changes. Like no other division the NFC North is making changes.

 The Green Bay Packers have been embroiled in the whole Brett Favre controversy, even though Favre has been gone for over a year and despite the proof that Aaron Rodgers is a quite capable NFL quarterback who’ll probably get better over the next few seasons. The furor may settle down now that Favre’s flirtation with the Minnesota Vikings is at an end. For their part the Chicago Bears have created their own media storm by signing Jay Cutler and giving up Kyle Orton. Most Bears tickets holders feel that Cutler is a considerable upgrade and paves the way for another Super Bowl appearance.

 This Bears Packers game is a good way to start the season for the NFC North. The Bears and Packers have an intense rivalry. The teams split last saeson, with the Packers winning convincingly at Lambeau while the Bears took a close win at Soldier Field. Competition is what makes good rivals and the Packers and Bears have made it their bread and butter. Expect more in the 2009 NFL season.

Tags: sports by edrouant
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 In the NFC East it seems every divisional game will be huge. This division has had the reputation of being the NFC’s toughest, and while I could point out what I thought were some equally tough division, I will say that the NFC East tends to draw more attention than most due to the long standing rivalries you’ll find there.

 In 2009, Redskins vs Giants tickets will be the main attraction opening week in the NFC East. Getting off on the right foot goes a long way and rest assured both teams will ready to play. For the Giants, this is the home opener in Giants Stadium. It’s also the first real game, a game which will give us some indications of what New York has done to replace Plaxico Burress. I anticipate Eli Manning will be handing off to Brandon Jacobs frequently, attempting to establish a running game in the absence of a home run threat not eveident yet on the roster. A subtle shift to a more possesion type passing game, using Steve Smith and rookie Hakeem Nicks. While Domenick Hixon could become a deep threat, he’s still somewhat of a question mark in my mind. Defensively, I think the Giants are in great shape. Their D-line is deep and talented, and they have excellent corners in Webster and Ross.

 From the Washington Redskins point of view there are more doubts. Will the team that went 6-2, beating the Cowboys in Dallas show up, or will it be the 2-6 debacle that lost 4 out of 5 to end the season? The quarterback position is an uneasy truce, with Jason Campbell in his last contract year, and no sign of a confidence building deal on the way. While Todd Collins is listed as the #2, Colt Brennan could see time in mopup or hopeless situations. Much has been made of the signing of Albert Haynesworth, but he may be the only strong point in an otherwise lackluster unit, drawing more attention and minimizing his chance to contribute. Behind a debateable set of linebackers lies a very good secondary. Safeties LaRon Landry and Chris Horton are hard hitting, and corners Fred Smoot and DeAngelo Hall can handle any team’s top WR.

 So, Washington Redskins vs New York Giants in Giants Stadium has all the hallmarks of a classic NFC East game. Lots of intense rivalry, a long history of animosity to draw on, and a Giants Stadium full of fans who know what they’re looking for.  

Tags: sports by edrouant
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 Buffalo Bills vs New England Patriots tickets should be very interesting as an NFL season opener for both teams. I’m not going to just say that, I’m going to give good reasons for saying it. So there.

1) The AFC has become the dominant conference in the NFL. I don’t think this is a disputed fact. So what happens among the AFC leaders, which the Patriots certainly are, affects the NFL in general.

2) This will be the first regular season appearance of Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, Probably no other recovery has been so well documented. Unless you were around for the whole Luke and Laura thing.

3) New England never made it to the playoffs last season, much less a Super Bowl, probably the greatest miscarriage of justice since Ford pardoned Nixon. This means the Patriots will be out for bllod in every game. Big Bill will be running up the score whenever possible.

4) The Buffalo Bills have a new wide receiver, named I think, Terrell Owens. I’ve heard he’s pretty good.

5) It’s going to be interesting to see just how long Bill Belichick can keep cranking out wins when every season he loses assistant coaches, and key people in the Patriots organization. Does that well ever run dry?

6) Buffalo is a team that has been on the cusp for three years. Time is running out for Dick Jauron. Beating the Patriots on the road to start the season would be huge. I look for some twists in the strategy.

7) The AFC East features the Patriots, Bills, Miami Dolphins, and New York Jets. The Patriots are media darlings, the Dolphins are under the gun to prove they’re not a one season wonder, the New York Jets are starting over with a new coach and a high draft pick quarterback, and the Bills feature T.O. It’s an interesting division and one I expect will see fireworks and a very competitive year.

Tags: sports by edrouant
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 I don’t really know why I’ve decided to write about the Minnesota Vikings without knowing whether Brett Favre will sign or not. This is really the biggest story going on right now with the Vikings. I might be convinced Favre could make a difference in the Minnesota quest for a Super Bowl but it would take some big convincing. I don’t see him as anyone’s savior.

 The simple fact is that this team lives on Adrian Peterson and deservedly so. The guy is a beast. He played in every game, carried over 400 times, and got better as the season wore on. If there’s any room for improvement in Petersons game it’s as a receiver. If he ever gets that going big time you might as well reserve his spot in the Hall of Fame.

 Disregarding the chance of Brett Favre, the Minnesota Vikings can choose between Sgae Rosenfels or Tarvaris Jackson. Rosenfels may be more reliable and have more upside. His stats reflect a style of play that fits the system. Completing over 60% of his passes, a quick release, and good footwork probably seperate him from the competition. On the other hand Jackson is a purer athlete and shows flashes of stardom. His headwork seems to be keeping him in check as he doesn’t recognize the chance to run and sometimes forces throws into coverage.

 No matter who’s behind center, Bernatd Berrian should come through in a big way. Exploding on the scene with 48 catches and 7 Td’s, he’s a deep threat that can’t be ignored bu a defense. His presence on the field has helped Peterson exploit the ground game.

 And then there’s the defense. The Minnesota Vikings topped all other NFL teams last season in stopping the run. Is that a fluke? Somewhat. The Vikings weren’t great against the pass, ranking 18th. The strength of this defense is in the line, where Jared Allen and the Williams Wall make everything happen. Unfortunately they’ve lost safety Darren Sharper but expect Tyrell Johnson to step in. Antoine Williams is probably their best corner which means Cedric Griffin will get a lot of balls thrown his way in 2009.

Bottom Line for Vikings Tickets Holders - This could be your year. You”ve got the defense and the best running back in the NFL, a sure Pro Bowl guy. Whether you have a quarterback already on the roster or Brett Favre in your future is a key issue in making the playoffs.  

Tags: sports by edrouant
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 Of all NFL franchises, the excitement surrounding Bears tickets may be the greatest. Chicago has been looking for it’s next great quarterback for almost a decade now and Jay Cutler represents the latest hope. Cutler comes to the Bears after disagreements with Denver Broncos management forced a deal. Maybe not the best of circumstances but I can’t help but feel that this was a good deal for the Bears and a loss for Denver.

 Cutler is only 25 years old and has a Pro Bowl under his belt already. He’s got the arm obviously, having thrown for over 4,500 yards in 2008. More telling is the fact that a good percentage of those yards came on longer passes of 20 yards or more. Is he perfect? No. He has some problems with putting touch on shorter passes, and some question his cool when the heat is on. But he’s got plenty of upside and he’s a definite improvement over a reliable but unspectacular Kyle Orton.

 The Bears found their running back last season as 2nd Round pick Matt Forte exploded on the scene, rushing for over 1,200 yards. Forte is also a factor in the passing game, solid as a blocker, and has enough speed and nimbleness to break the long run. Barring injury his numbers should go up in 2009.

 But who will Cutler be throwing to? There’s the rub. Chicago coaches are talking up Devin Hester. In my mind he’s still an uncertainty. There’s some hope though as Hester’s numbers and performance seemed to get better as the seaon went along. Another potential threat could come from Earl Bennet, who had problems in 2008 but hasn’t been written yet. After that it’s a crapshoot with rookie Johnny Knox, Rashied Davis, and Juaquin Iglesias battling for playing time.

Tags: sports by edrouant
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 For the Dallas Cowboys it was an old broom that swept clean. The grand experiment of bringing in pure talent, regardless of character, has been abandoned. Gone or T.O., Pacman, and Tank. Now Jerry Jones and Wade Philips will try to bring an NFC East Championship and a Super Bowl back to Cowboys Stadium with a Cowboys team that certainly has less flash, but may be a better team by way of better chemistry.

Dallas Cowboys Offense – With wunderkind Jason Garrett at the helm the Cowboys looked somewhat unimaginative at tiomes. It seems as if they’re still trying to decide whether to be a run or pass oriented team. Tony Romo may be great at times but consistency is still lacking and he certainly hasn’t proven himself a pressure quarterback. The thinking is that with T.O. gone, Romo will begin to assert himself as a leader.

 The Cowboys running game seems to have plenty of life. Marion Barber and Felix Jones are both capable running backs. Injuries slowed both of them last season, so backup Tashard Choice will also be a big factor.

 One of the biggest factors will be the emergence (or non-emergence) of wide receiver Roy Williams. He absolutely has to step up and prove he’s worth the trade. Williams can catch the ball in traffic but he’s not a burner. That speed demon role will be taken up by Miles Austin. Tight End Jason Witten is another target for Romo.

Dallas Cowboys Defense – This is a gamble for Wade Philips because he is taking the defense on his shoulders. The unit remains basically the same unit that finished 20th in points given up in 2008 so there’s plenty of room for improvement.

Bottom Line – The Dallas Cowboys are a talented team. With expectations high for a Super Bowl last season, and the horrible ending, Wade Philips is on the hot seat. He can erase the board with a trip deep into the playoffs but his only vindication is to win a Super Bowl. Anything short of that means his job is in jeapordy.

Tags: Uncategorized, sports by edrouant
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 As always, New York Giants tickets will once again carry the hopes of Giants fans into the 2009 season. These Giants have proven they can compete in the tough NFC East, but will once again have to beat out a trio of teams with their own plans. Follwing their Super Bowl win, the Giants failed to repeat, but still put out a superior product on the field. Afterputting together a deep and strong team, Tom Coughlin still faced the offseason challenges of the NFL. The most newsworthy has been the release of Plaxoco Burress. Throw in the departure of Amani Toomer and there are major questions about the Giants passing game.

 Eli Manning relied heavily on the talents of Burress. His effectiveness without Plaxico on the field has tended to drop off considerably. New York Giants fans have to be encouraged though, as Manning has continued to get better every year and shows no signs of having reached his potential yet.

 The Giants running game was the healthiest in the NFL in 2008 and no dropoff is incicated for 2009. Brandon Jacob, Ahmad Bradshaw, and rookie running backs Andre Brown and Danny Ware should maintain the load. Now for the questionable passing game. How do you replace Burress? Well, you probably don’t. But New York can look to improvement from Steve Smith, but frankly, Smith performs best as a slot receiver and isn’t a dangerous deep threat. Hixon will probably take that role. He’s impressed some people in camp but thre are still questions about his ability to produce in games.

 The New York Giants have thrived on defense in the past two years. The architect of that defense is gone and former linebacker coach Bill Sheridan steps into the defensive coordinator role. Sheridan inherits one of the best defensive line groups in the NFL with Justin Tuck, Fred Robbins, and Mathias Kiwanuka, and the return of Osi Umenyiora. At linebacker, Clark, Pierce, and Boley will be pushed by some newcomers. Strong on the corners with Corey Webster and Aaron Ross, the Giants defense should be as formidable as it ever has been in 2009.

 Giants ticket holders can be optimistic. They can also look forward to big divisional games with the Dallas Cowboys, Washington Redskins, and Philadelphia Eagles, an annual treat. New York has as much chance as anyone in the NFC East to find themselves challenging for a Super Bowl but it will only come after a long tough season.

Tags: sports by edrouant
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 It’s always a gamble. Somewhere out there is an NFL team that will exceed all expectations and deliver a blockbuster season. Still, it’s always fun to speculate so let’s take a look at which NFL tickets we believe will deliver a winning season and have a shot at carrying fans to the Super Bowl.

New England Patriots Tickets – This is a gimme. How can anyone not anticipate the New England Patriots to compete for another Lombardi Trophy. 2008 was a fluke, yopu hear me? The Pats will be there.  Downside note to the Patriots – Tom Brady will either thrill or dismay Patriots ticket holders. Everyone is banking on a return of the old Brady. Still a ?

Pittsburgh Steelers Tickets - Odds are high that the Pittsburgh Steelers will make it a race. A young team with good quarterbacking, solid and deep at every position with no glaring weaknesses. Downside – The curse of the Super Bowl.

New York Giants Tickets - Defensively the New York Giants have a top notch squad. My question is offense and if they can replace the threat of Plaxico.  Stranger things have happened.

Indianapolis Colts Tickets - Everywhere I look I see the Colts atop the power rankings. I think this is a tribute to Payton. There’s too much uncertainty over coaching changes and fundamental franchise adjustments for me to feel confident here.

Tennessee Titans Tickets – You have to like the Titans basic approach to football in the NFL. Play tough defense and build on a power running game. I’d almost welcome a Titans Super Bowl to keep some people’s heads screwed on straight.

Carolina Panthers Tickets – The Song Remains the Same. Fox has made barely discernible changes to a team that lost to the Arizona Cardinals 33-13 in the first round of the playoffs. What makes me hesitant about Carolina is the up and down syndrome they’ve shown over the years.

Tags: sports by edrouant
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