I'm having a change of heart in football

By Joe Pantorno

Tuesday night, the Americans punched their tickets to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil with a 2-0 win over
Mexico. In the past, I would've met this news with some pessimistic, insulting remarks, saying they won't make it out of the group.

They still might not, but let me tell you why I always had a bit of a qualm with U.S. It had nothing to do with the team or the federation. It was the fans.

I grew up with a passion for the sport and was always belittled by tons of folks here about the game. Granted, I was raised watching and supporting the Italian National Team. I always supported the U.S, too, but they were an afterthought.

People ask me why I support Italy. Well, I always have and I always will. It's like me asking you why you support your team. You just do. You were born into it. A relative rooted for them. You know the drill.

So come World Cup time, whether it was '98, '06 and '10, some of these guys that spent three and a half years insulting a game I love would put on red, white and blue and act like fools with zero knowledge of the team and the game they watched. They didn't deserve a good team. They lacked imagination. They wouldn't know what to do with all that space that footballers are given.

"There's not enough scoring."

"It's too boring."

"They're a bunch of pansies."

Last World Cup, I was pulling for Ghana in the knockout stage against the Americans. Yeah, I'll say it. They just didn't deserve a good team. There have always been die-hards, but the uneducated far outweighed those that should have experienced some kind of success.

I've finally been seeing a change in the scope of American fans. There's passion. Albeit there are plenty of non-believers that are going to act like they give a darn come World Cup time. It was rocking in Columbus, the fans were vocal and the atmosphere was brilliant.

It's safe to say that those folks finally deserve it. Hell, come World Cup time I might put the Azzurri, as much as it might pain me, in the back seat and put on my Timmy Howard shirt. I never felt like a good American in these situations and it's about time I show these guys some support. They deserve it. They deserve some real support.

But I'll always root for my Italians. If they come head to head at any point in Brazil, well, I'll be in quite the conundrum.

Take the time you need

By Joe Pantorno

I don't like talking about this day too much. I can't really get through it without getting emotional and I don't want to be a burden on anyone.

Twelve years ago everything changed. Twelve years ago we lost our innocence, we grew skeptical. We lost loved ones, we cried, we became jaded, we became angry.

We saw a nation brought to its knees.

We still are recovering.

I always take a bit out of my day and watch as much of the memorial services on television as I can. I cry. I pray for those lost and the families that are still trying to make it through.

I see a wife without her husband, children without parents, brothers without sisters, mothers without sons. It enrages me. Their suffering hurts me. The most I can do is offer words and a shoulder to lean on. And that shoulder will be there until the day I die.

The last few years, I've been seeing articles and pieces from different organizations asking the question, when is this enough? When is it an anniversary too old that we stop the memorials, the front pages of remembrance, the moments of silence and go about living September 11 like it is any other day?

The question is prying and certainly inappropriate. An organization can cover whatever it may like on any given day, including this one, but don't try to speed up a process or downplay a man or woman's suffering.

Take the time you need. Whether it's a couple hours, a day, a week, a month it doesn't matter. A day charred in our minds, forever burned into our banks, take the time you need. Say a prayer, light a candle, cry, remember.

Tell a younger generation about this day. There are kids in junior high school that were not alive or far too small to remember.

Thank goodness they weren't, but they need to know.

Let's take whatever time we need to remember, but most importantly, be there for the ones that need it most. Look up at that  newly constructed New York skyline, the Freedom Tower, and realize what it stands for.

It truly is the Phoenix rising out of the ashes.

God Bless.

Eagles, Redskins bring more than just a rivalry tonight

By Joe Pantorno

It's always a mouth-watering match-up anytime the Eagles and the Redskins play. With these teams
projected to finish on either end of the division, there's an opportunity for big statements to be made.

There is the possibility that the Redskins crush Philly and show us just how powerful of a side they are. Or the Eagles upset Washington and raise some eyebrows, stating that there is much more to this team than paper can hold. But these aren't the repercussions I'm necessarily looking for.

I'm looking at the offenses in Landover tonight. We'll see just how well the read option can make its way in the NFL. We all saw last year how Robert Griffin III lead an offense that demoralized teams with Alfred Morris and some well disguised plays. It was disappointing to see if the option could truly be stopped when Griffin went down. Who knows how deep the 'Skins would have made it into the playoffs had the talisman stayed healthy?

With the Eagles, they have a lot to prove. Michael Vick has to show that he is deserving of the starting role and that he can be even tougher than we imagine. Taking constant punishment is nothing new to him. In this new offense, he might be hit even more.

Bringing in this new offense, Chip Kelly has to prove that his system was not just a one trick pony at the University of Oregon and there can be success at the highest level. Granted, he said that he will not lean on the option this season, with the tandem of Vick and LeSean McCoy, who is one of the most shifty, dynamic runners I've seen, he has the right combination for this to succeed.

So tonight, not only are we seeing two division rivals play, we might be looking at the future of the way the game is played pitted against each other. Both defenses have practiced against the option for a couple of months now and they might just tip other teams on how to stop it.

We get a professional collegiate game tonight and it will be quite exciting. Thank goodness for football.

The G-Men don't mess around

By Joe Pantorno

In what can be explained as one of the worst games of football Giants fans have seen in recent memory, the organization gives its fans a reason to be somewhat optimistic.

In a game with six turnovers, two coming as fumbles from David Wilson, a lot of Giants nation was pitted with the same question churning through their noggins. What the h-e-double hockey sticks do we do at running back?

Wilson can't hold onto the ball, Da'Rel Scott couldn't turn his head around quick enough on an Eli Manning screen pass that cost us the game, though he ran somewhat hard. Let's be honest here though, and Chris Collinsworth, who at times I find more insufferable than Joe Buck and Troy Aikman, hit the nail right on the head: Da'Rel Scott should not be a starting running back on the New York Giants.

I went to bed annoyed last night, but found some solace in Tom Coughlin's post-game press conference. That's how you know he's one of the better coaches in the league. Ninety percent of NFL coaches go into that presser and scream their brains out and threaten everything that moves.

Not Coughlin. Maybe seven years ago he might have, but not this Coughlin. He blamed himself, said the right things and it's onto next week.

But as we wake up on this beautiful Monday morning, we saw that the Giants were busy after the game. They have invited Willis McGahee and former Giant, Brandon Jacobs to try out with the team. Big Blue gave the reins to Wilson, who after his fumbling problem early last season, looked to have made his way back into the good graces of Coughlin and the team.

It's one of the reasons they let Ahmad Bradshaw walk and why the team didn't scramble when Andre Brown went down with another leg injury.

Fool us once, shame on you. Fool us twice, shame on us and the Giants are telling America right now; don't perform and we'll find something better.

McGahee, a nine-year veteran, rushed for 731 yards in 10 games last season in Denver. The year before, he piled up 1,199.

Jacobs played seven years for the Giants from 2005-2011. After signing with the 49ers last year, he only appeared in two games backing up Frank Gore, rushing for seven yards.

He knows the playbook and can provide a seamless transition straight into the backfield, but there were questions about the severity of his running style the past few years in New York. At times, he chose to try and bounce his runs outside instead of keeping things in the middle and using his size to his advantage.

McGahee is the fourth-leading active rushing leader with 8,097 yards. Playing with the Bills, Ravens before his tenure in Denver, he was able to produce wherever he went. Turning 32 in the end of October, McGahee still has some productive years left.

This might just be to light a fire under Wilson's behind, but either way, the Giants are making a statement that the kind of game they played in Week 1 was beyond unacceptable.

And so we say goodbye to the Notre Dame/Michigan rivalry at the Big House

By Joe Pantorno

I would have rather Notre Dame stay independent if I knew it was going to mean this. Now, we heard about
this about a year ago that the Irish were dropping Michigan for at least three years starting in 2014 as a part of this ACC realignment.

I think it's trash. I love the Big House. This was a game I always circled on the calendar. Of course it isn't on the same level as the Ohio State/Michigan, Auburn/Alabama, but Notre Dame Michigan was always a great game. And the venue...what a place and what great fans.

Two historic programs, a bevy of future NFL stars making names for themselves in these games. It's the essence of college football. The underdogs like to win, the games are always close and the fans are crazy. Can't ask for much more.

I'm just going to sit back and enjoy this game as much as I can tonight. Who knows when we'll see these two play regular season again at the Big House again?

Among other big time match-ups today is Miami/Florida, another regular season match-up we might not see for a while and no. 6 South Carolina taking on an already desperate no. 11 Georgia. The Bulldogs can kiss this season goodbye if they start out 0-2.

I love college football. Now go park yourself in front of the TV for the next two days. It's football time.

NFL '13 Preview: NFC North

By Joe Pantorno

What usually is a division steeped in tradition and excitement has been lacking the past few seasons. Well, in the excitement department that is. This season won't be that different as the Packers remain the class of the NFC North. But watch out, there's a lot of promise here.

1. Green Bay Packers

When you have the third best quarterback in the league playing within a division that probably doesn't have another one in the top-10 (yes, even you Matt Stafford), it's safe to say the Packers have the most lethal offense.

Rodgers is one of those quarterbacks that makes the likes of Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb look as though they're big-time receivers.

The defense has something to prove this year as they have had a tendency of giving up some big time points. Is this a Super Bowl team? Not likely, but the Packers will go 12-4 and coast through this division.

X-Factor: Eddie Lacy

There were talks that the rook was overweight coming into camp, but he seems to have slimmed down and is a dark horse to have a big season.

The Packers have been lacking a consistent running threat since Ahman Green. They might have something here in Eddie Lacy. Running in a pass-heavy offense, he has an opportunity to put up 800-1,000 yards and look very good doing so.




2. Chicago Bears

The post-Brian Urlacher era is about to begin with a new defensive coordinator, Mel Tucker, trying to adapt to the Bears style of defense, the Tampa 2 scheme instituted by Lovie Smith. There's going to be a period of getting used to things so the Bears might have a real slow start, but they'll pick things up.

I'm still not sold on Jay Cutler as he needs to show that the Bears are capable of being a high-power, passing team with Brandon Marshall and Earl Bennett as his targets. Matt Forte is on the fringe of elite running backs bringing a dual threat of solid rushing and very good receiving out of the backfield. He is coming off an ankle injury and will have to show that it is no concern. The Bears might stage a late-season rally, but they'll go 9-7 and fall short of the playoffs.

X-Factor: DJ Williams

The 10-year vet, formerly with Denver, has the honor of replacing Brian Urlacher at middle linebacker.

Williams comes off a 114 tackle season with two sacks. He's going to have to adapt to a new system with a new team with a lot on his shoulders. If he gets out of the gates well, maybe Chicago won't have such a slow start.






3. Detroit Lions

The Lions are the perfect example of doing something too much isn't necessarily a good thing. Matt Stafford threw the ball 727 times last year. That's ridiculous. Calvin Johnson is the best receiver in football, but when everyone knows what's coming, you're easy to beat.

That's why they went 4-12 last year. Well, that and an atrocious defense helped. The defense doesn't look much better this year. Ndamukong Suh is going to have to behave himself this year as he's anchoring a line that highlights this defense. The line look decent on paper. Now they have to show it.

The Lions will go 7-9, as I'm sure to get exasperated text messages from my dear friend Alex every Sunday.


X-Factor: Reggie Bush

We've been waiting for Reggie Bush to arrive. Last year we caught a glimpse of it while he was on Miami, this year he might just go off.

As the Lions are sure to expand on their running game this season, Bush is lethal catching out of the backfield. He's dynamic and can fit into most offenses.

The Lions could be putting up some big time points if Reggie can spark the magic that made him a superstar at USC.






4. Minnesota Vikings

Adrian Peterson said he's going to rush for 2,500 yards this season. If that happens, then Christian Ponder isn't touching the ball, which isn't great.

The Vikings have picked up Greg Jennings where his experience can help in the development of Ponder and a big target like Kyle Rudolph at tight end can always help.

Jared Allen leads a defense that is changing, but not quite Bears-like changes. Sharrif Floyd and Xavier Rhodes headline new defensive additions that will feature a good amount of youngsters.

The Vikings will go 7-9 with a whole lot of promise.




X-Factor: Christian Ponder

Christian Ponder needs the ball and the Vikings need to make sure Adrian Peterson doesn't take it away from him too much.

I like Ponder, I like his style and I think he's the quarterback of the future. But he NEEDS to throw for 3,000 yards this year. I think everyone in Minnesota will feel a lot better if he can do that. He's pretty efficient and doesn't throw too many interceptions, just 12 last year. He has plenty of options this year, he just needs to throw.

NFL '13 Preview: AFC West

By Joe Pantorno

I had to get this division out of the way as the Broncos are in action tonight against the Ravens. And this might be the easiest of the divisions to pick, but the AFC West really hasn't provided football much over the past decade other than a lot of promise and a fall from grace come the playoffs.

1. Denver Broncos

Peyton Manning to Wes Welker, Demaryius Thomas, Eric Decker and Julius Thomas? Yes please. The Broncos are going to absolutely roll over this division on offensive firepower alone even without a set running game. Ronnie Hillman is listed as the starter with Montee Ball and Knowshon Moreno waiting in the wings.

Von Miller's suspension won't do much to this defense. They'll be fine. Last year, the Broncos had the second ranked defense behind Baltimore. While the Ravens won't be there, Denver will even with the loss of Elvis Dumervil. Plus, this team can outscore anyone they please.

Denver goes 13-3 this season and has this division wrapped up by week 11.

X-Factor: Wesley Woodyard

Last year, Woodyard lead the second best defense in the league in tackles, interceptions and had the fourth-most sacks. Coming from a weakside linebacker, that's pretty impressive.

He'll have to carry the defensive load with Miller gone and he is more than capable of doing so, but he's an Pro Bowler. Do we still use that term? I hate the Pro Bowl.




2. San Diego Chargers

This team had countless chances to not only dominate this division for years, but to win a Super Bowl. They never could. Now, they're simply mediocre.

Ryan Mathews comes off a down season and Antonio Gates has been injury prone. Leading the offense, Phillip Rivers is overrated, just like the rest of his squad.

Manti Te'o could very well the defensive rookie of the year this year and the acquisition of Dwight Freeney adds some pass-rushing ability, but this defense is nothing special. The Chargers go 8-8.

X-Factor: Danny Woodhead

With a receiving corps that is middle of the road, Woodhead can become a vital option out of the backfield for Phillip Rivers.

He's versatile enough to take snaps away from Mathews and could even line up as a receiver. He's the poor man's version of Darren Sproles, someone the Chargers have missed these past few seasons.






3. Kansas City Chiefs

There's something here for Kansas City. Jamaal Charles is going to have a big season and Dwayne Bowe could be a number one receiver on almost any team.

The biggest piece they acquired this off-season was a QB and Alex Smith is just that. A lot of people are on the fence about this guy, but I think he's a winner. He's a smart quarterback, limits his turnovers and his style can fit the Chiefs offense perfectly. He's not an air-it-out kind of quarterback. Smith is methodical and he has the options to make himself comfortable for the most part. I'm also interested to see how no. 1 pick Eric Fisher will fare on a real okay offensive line.

The defense was ranked 20th last year and will be problematic this year. The Chiefs go 7-9 this year and with a good draft next year, can be the second best team outright in this division.

X-Factor: Alex Smith

I put a lot of faith for success in this team with Alex Smith and a lot is indeed on his shoulders. Being shunned from San Francisco, you know he's playing with a chip on his shoulder, but he can't try and do too much.

That's the great thing about Alex Smith. He doesn't try and do too much. Keep your head, throw for anything between 2,800-3,100 yards with 17 TD's and less than nine picks, the Chiefs will be fine.



4. Oakland Raiders

I always think of what could have been if the Tuck Game never happened. Maybe Oakland wouldn't be mired in what will be a decade and a half of awful football.

Matt Flynn has the capability of being a decent starter in the league, but when your number one target is Denarius Moore, it's not going to be easy.

Darren McFadden will be the main source of offense, but with an offensive line like the Raiders, it won't be too much of a problem to stop him. The Raiders go 5-11 with no serious direction. I say after this season, they just start dumping everyone.




X-Factor: Charles Woodson

Charles Woodson has the dubious task of leading a no-name defense after coming from one of the best teams in the league.

I feel bad for him. We all do, but his experience can bring positives to this team. Though they're no-name, they were ranked 18th in the league last year. His acquisition might be able to bump them up a bit.

NFL '13 Preview: AFC North

By Joe Pantorno

For the longest time, the AFC North was the perfect example of the haves and the have not's. The haves were always the Ravens and the Steelers. The have not's, the Bengals and Browns. But over the past two seasons, there have been minor tremors that have hinted at a shift in power.

But a Super Bowl for the Ravens but that thought to bed in February, but we're in for plenty of surprises this year. This division is no where near the height of its power it had once been at, but this still will be one of the most fun divisions to watch.

1. Cincinnati Bengals

That's right, the Bengals will win the division for the first time since 2009 and they might be here to stay for a while. 

Andy Dalton is going to turn a lot of heads this season, but that's easy when you have A.J. Green and Mohamed Sanu. The pick up of Jermaine Gresham will not only provide another target, but help rookie Tyler Eifert find his way in the league. 

They have second best defensive lineman in the league in Geno Atkins and their linebacking core might be one of the best in the league in James Harrison, Ray Mauluga and Vontaze Burfict. The Bengals will go 11-5 this year and I guess you can say this is my bold prediction. 

X-Factor: The dual running game of BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Giovani Bernard

This might just be the best running tandem in the entire league. Green-Ellis is coming off a career-high 1,094 yard season and Gio Bernard comes into this rookie season with tons of promise. This kid is scary fast and can cut on a dime. I'm not sure how those ankles just don't explode every time he changes direction. Such power and such a threat coming out of the backfield not only as a runner, but as a receiving option off the screen. Two different styles of running that will compliment each other perfectly in Cincinnati. 

2. Baltimore Ravens

No repeat in the cards for the Ravens this year. I'm not saying they're going to be an under-performing football team, but once you put that Super Bowl champions tag on you, every team that's on the schedule is going to get up and give you their best and then some. 

The losses that the Ravens experienced this off-season will be too great even though the acquisitions of Chris Canty and Elvis Dumervil have helped. Their defense will be solid, but not near the same sort of intimidating stonewall that it used to be. 

When it comes to the offense, I don't think I'll ever be sold on Joe Flacco, but this will be his first true test. He's playing with a defense that will not get him wins if his offense only puts up 13 points per game. Lucky he has Ray Rice and Bernard Pierce to establish a healthy running game. Losing Anquan Boldin hurts and losing Dennis Pitta for the year hurts even more. The Ravens will manage to go 10-6 and gran a Wild Card berth, but they're out early. 

X-Factor: Jacoby Jones

We all saw what this guy could do in the Super Bowl and the Ravens will need that kind of production a lot this season. 

He's a solid number-two receiver that can not only be a deep threat, but acts well in the slot. Add in some special teams magic and this guy can win you  a couple ball games this year. 

3. Pittsburgh Steelers

For the second straight year, Pittsburgh will finish third in the division. They'll go 8-8 again and here in New York, I'll see an even larger decline of Steelers fans (not you Ronnie, you're the most loyal guy I know).

Out of the quarterbacks drafted in the class of 2004, Ben Roethlisberger has taken the most punishment and for me, I see him as an old, hobbled vet on his last legs. He has a decent cast around him, though the loss of Mike Wallace will be felt. Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders will have to do and I feel they'll be just fine.

The running game has some question marks. Mike Tomlin just named Isaac Redman the starter yesterday but I feel like Le'Veon Bell is going to get some serious burn this season once he is allowed to play starting week 2. 

X-Factor: Brett Keisel

Coming into his 12th season, Brett Keisel is the elder statesmen on a defensive line that has a lot of question marks. With Steve McLendon and Ziggy Hood, Keisel will have to not only lead the line in sacks, but he's going to have to have the responsibility of opening up gaps for the linebacking corps. 

Last season he had 4.5 sacks, if he has six or more, the Steelers will have a top-seven defense this year. 

4. Cleveland Browns

And then there was Cleveland, right in the same place they have been for what seems like 25 years. Brandon Weeden goes into his second year at the ripe old age of 29 coming off a 14 TD, 17 INT season. Those numbers are going have to change big time or else the Browns might just choose another QB in next year's draft (I'm being a bit dramatic, but it could happen). 

There's Trent Richardson...and that's just about it when it comes to the offense. Josh Gordon has the potential to become a top receiver.

The signing of Paul Kruger provides the defense with a name, but he can't fix the entire defense's problem. They'll still be pretty porous and the Browns will go 6-10 this season.

X-Factor: Trent Richardson

 If there's any hope to have a successful offense, Trent Richardson will have to be an animal this year. I'm talking like, 1,600 yards and 12 touchdowns beastly. Like Popeye just ate his spinach beastly. 

He has Popeye's forearms, so that's something.

He has the strength, he has the speed, he has the ability, he's just going to need some help from the offensive line and to stay healthy. 

NFL '13 Preview: AFC East

By Joe Pantorno

It's been the most entertaining of divisions for both good and horrifying reasons. Whether it was Aaron Hernandez or the Butt Fumble or a shocking draft pick, we were enthralled. Not much has changed in terms of where the teams are falling this year, but we'll be talking about these teams all season.

1. New England Patriots

So they lose Hernandez, they lose Welker, two of Tom Brady's biggest targets. But fear not Pats fans, Rob Gronkowski is practicing in full pads and they've picked up Danny Amendola.

As long as Tom Brady is throwing the ball, however, you could put me in at tight end and I'd feel pretty confident that we might win a game or two.

The defense is always cause for concern. Last year, they were the 25th ranked defense giving up 373 yards per game. It's not a fantastic Patriots season, but this division is pretty weak, so a they'll still coast with an 11-5 record.

X-Factor: Stevan Ridley

When it comes to the Patriots, I feel like these guys come out of no where and just produce. Maybe it's just the uniform.

If Stevan Ridley can have the sort of fantasy season that he is being projected to have, the Patriots will have a legitimate threat of a running game, something they really haven't had since Corey Dillon.

The Pats could lead the AFC in scoring if he can put up 1,200-1,300 yards on the ground this year.



2. Miami Dolphins

I like this team and there's plenty of talent on offense, except the offensive line. Ryan Tannehill has two big time targets now in Mike Wallace and Brian Hartline which will open up the possibility of a big season from RB Lamar Miller.

But this is Tannehill's year. He has the backing from the organization and if I was Joe Philbin, I tell him to let it fly.

The defense is lacking in the secondary and also at linebacker. The fact that their schedule is ridiculously difficult won't help many feel like they're on the rise. But they are.

Just don't pay attention to their 8-8 record for now.  Even though that'll be more than solid for this team. I'm also a tad partial to this team as I have a very good friend working there this year, and she's also a loyal Dolphins fan, so I'll be pulling for them. (Hi Hayle!)

X-Factor: Dion Jordan

I am most excited to see this guy play over any other draft picks this year. But as one of the biggest names on the Dolphins' defense already without playing a single down, he's going to attract plenty of attention.

If he's able to get 7-9 sacks this season, some big time pressure will be taken off the secondary and linebackers. We've seen teams with good D-lines win games overcoming bad secondaries.




3. Buffalo Bills

I think we've all gotten over the shock of that first round pick in EJ Manuel. Well, good news, we all have the opportunity to see if this pick works out immediately. Announced today that it's his starting job, Manuel is the future of Buffalo, but it's not going to be the best year for them.

C.J. Spiller is one of the best running backs in the league and wide receiver Stevie Johnson has the ability to become a force so there's plenty of potential for this team.

But like the Dolphins, the Bills have a real tough schedule as well. But, like Miami, we're going to see some promise this year and I have a feeling Manuel is going to prove a lot of people wrong. This year, I say Buffalo goes 7-9.

X-Factor: EJ Manuel

He was picked 16th overall and that sent everyone nuts. But he has a fantastic opportunity here. He was able to beat out Kevin Kolb for the starting job even while nursing an injury.

It shows the Bills have faith in him and will be giving him the green light for at least half the season. He'll have to be catastrophically awful to be benched.






4. New York Jets 

They're such a joke. Such a freaking joke and I feel so bad for Jets fans. The organization is so poorly run and I feel they care more about the tabloids then they do about winning football games.

I mean, this whole off-season was just one big, stupid circus. They lose Revis, they have no receivers, no running backs. This season is going to be brutal. But there is a light at the end of the tunnel. And he's our X-Factor. But for now, the Jets are going 5-11.



X-Factor: Geno Smith

There's something here and he will be fun to watch after a season that will be filled with growing pains and little support.

He was a Heisman candidate early last year with West Virginia but he showed us why he's capable of being in the big time. I give him three years and he might be on the same level as Cam Newton. He just needs to behave himself.

NFL '13 Preview: NFC East

By Joe Pantorno

Just a few nights away, football will finally return, giving Sportscenter something to ACTUALLY talk about instead of which guy is practicing and who tweeted what.

In this eight-part segment, we'll break down each division and tell you where we think they'll finish and wrap things up with a playoff prediction that will most likely be absolutely wrong. But hey, in five months time, you can look back at this and see how dumb I am.

We'll start with the NFC East because I'm a Giants fan and am as stubborn as anything in thinking that this division is still one of the best in football. It isn't, but I won't hear any of it. It does however, provide some of football's most classic rivalries and exciting finishes. Any week where these teams play each other, fans know what to expect. It'll be hot-blooded, physical and a whole lot of fun.

Is this the Redskins division again? Or will we have another dramatic clincher in week 17? Here's what we think.


1. Washington Redskins

Yes, it is Washington's division again and there are two reasons why. One, is because of their running game. Alfred Morris is a physical back with feet like a dancer while even a 'hobbled' RGIII will do damage with that option that drives defenses, and me nuts.

The other thing I'm looking at is consistency. Of all the teams in the division right now, the Redskins seems to know what they're getting from top to bottom. Griffin will have options throwing the ball to some reliable receivers like Pierre Garcon and Fred Davis.

They don't have the best defense in the division, so there might be days where they have to win a couple shootouts, but they're capable of it. Put this all with a schedule that isn't too tough, and the Redskins will go 11-5.

X-Factor: The Offensive Line

For the Skins, it's simple, keep Robert Griffin III healthy and the division is theirs. Force him to start scrambling around while making himself vulnerable, you'll have to try and win the division with Kirk Cousins who is more than a capable QB, but no RGIII.




2. New York Giants

I'm not saying Washington is going to run away with the NFC East. It's never that easy and this choice wasn't that easy either. The Giants are the class of the division. Not always in playing ability, but in the way the organization is run.

Tom Coughlin won't let last year's late season slump and giveaway to the Skins happen again. The Giants will go 10-6 and nab a Wild Card spot.

Eli Manning will be determined to show off that he is still a top-5 quarterback in the league. With Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks back and healthy, plus the addition of a big tight end target in Brandon Myers, Eli will have plenty of targets. The offensive line has been solid for the past decade and though there were signs of aging, drafting Justin Pugh helped address those problems.

It's the defense that worries me the most. The secondary was burnt time and time again last year with little changes being made. There's a more than likely chance that this team really struggles against the passing game this year. That adds plenty of pressure to a defensive line that picked up Cullen Jenkins but has plenty of question marks at linebacker with Keith Rivers, Mark Herzlich and Spencer Paysinger set to start.

X-Factor: David Wilson

The G-Men have always been a running team. Since the beginning of time, they've been a running team. So the past few years have been quite odd seeing platoons of a sissy Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw struggle. When Bradshaw took over, injury woes kept him sidelined and the rookie David Wilson showed glimpses of just how good he might be, if he can hold onto the ball.

He has devastating speed and what seems to be a pretty high football IQ, he just needs to limit turnovers and not try and do too much.



3. Dallas Cowboys

I don't want to think that Dallas is going to have a good season, but part of me says they will. Dez Bryant is due for even more of a breakout season where he might make a case as one of the top-five receivers in the league and there is iron man that is the ever reliable Jason Witten.

There's just one problem: the guy throwing the passes.

Tony Romo's been here long enough where he has to win a big game. He NEEDS to. But he won't. He never does. And it'll be the difference of the Cowboys going 10-6 and maybe snatching a Wild Card, to going 9-7. 

Demarco Murray needs to show us that he can stay healthy for a season, but I can see him and Shady McCoy battling it out for years to come. Both pretty similar runners, both sure to be headaches to opposing defenses.

X-Factor: Morris Claiborne

He hasn't played this preseason and said he just has to catch his body up with his mind. The truth is, he needs to be the kind of guy the Cowboys thought they drafted.

In a division with solid arms, and I'm even talking about Michael Vick, he has a cannon, Claiborne needs to lead that secondary ON the field. There's veteran presence for the locker room, but he has to be explosive if the D wants to be considered top-10.


4. Philadelphia Eagles

Things are somewhat looking up for Philly. Chip Kelly is going to bring in a super high powered offense with a collegiate mindset that might spark the Eagle's defense. LeSean McCoy is shifty as ever and if Michael Vick can stay on his feet, they might be able to run an option almost as effectively as Griffin and Morris in Washington.

Just one problem, Vick doesn't have a whole lot of protection. He was constantly on the turf last year and beyond banged up.

What also doesn't help is the fact that his targets are limited. Jeremy Maclin is out for the year, meaning all eyes and coverage will be on DeSean Jackson. I don't know about you, but I don't trust Riley Cooper as far as I can throw him.

The defense looks decent. Maybe could be ranked in the top half of the league, but nothing special. Trent Cole and Isaac Sopoaga are underrated in my book. Look for them to have big years.

X-Factor: Brent Celek

If there is to be some passing success for Philadelphia, Celek is going to have to shift into another gear. It will have to be a Romo/Witten type of connection at times, but it will be another thing to have defenses thinking about.

Last season he had 57 receptions for 684 yards. The year before that he had 62 for 811. He might need even better than those 2011 stats to help the Eagles.

Gareth Bale is rich and Real Madrid has just gotten a lot scarier

By Joe Pantorno

If you follow football, I feel like we've been talking about this for about six months, but it's finally happened. Tottenham's crown jewel, Welsh midfielder Gareth Bale has officially completed his move to Real Madrid.

And it was worth quite the shiny nickel. Six years, 100 million euros, which comes out to $132 million. It's a world record deal, breaking the one set by none other than Madrid when they bought Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United in 2009. That deal was worth 93 million euros.

Bale scored 21 goals last season, third best in the Premiership with a Tottenham side that finished fifth in the league, good enough for the Europa League. But Spurs hasn't been in the Champions League for the last two seasons, and the promise of that, plus the boat-load of cash was more than enough to lure Bale to Real Madrid, nine times Champions League winners.

So let's think this through and take a look at what Real Madrid's starting 11 could look like.

                 
Forward:                                                        
                                                                       Karim Benzema

Wingers: 

Cristiano Ronaldo                                                                                                    Gareth Bale

Midfield:
                                                                                                                                                                     Xabi Alonso                        Mesut Ozil                                        Isco                                         

                                                                                         
Defenders:

Marcelo                                                     Pepe                                            Sergio Ramos

Daniel Carvajal

                                                                         




Goalkeeper: 
                                                                           Iker Casillas

This team is scary on paper. Not always the case, but I can't wait to watch El Clasico with this team against what looks to be the back to normal Barcelona. While it will be a two horse race for La Liga like it always is, the Champions League group stage at least should be a breeze for Los Blancos:

Group A                                                      Group B                            Group C
Manchester United                                       Real Madrid                      PSG
Shakhtar Donetsk (Ukraine)                         Juventus                               Benfica
Bayer Leverkusen                                        Galatasaray (Turkey)            Olympiakos
Real Sociedad                                             Copenhagen                          Anderlecht

Group D                                                     Group E                              Group F (Group of Death)
Bayern Munich                                             Chelsea                                Arsenal
CSKA Moscow                                           Schalke                                Marseille
Manchester City                                           Basel                                    Borussia Dortmund
Viktoria Plzen                                               Steau Bucharest                    Napoli

Group G                                                     Group H
Porto                                                            Barcelona
Atletico Madrid                                             Milan
Zenit St. Petersburg                                       Ajax
Austria Vienna                                               Celtic


There is Italian champions Juventus waiting in Real Madrid's group which might pose as its largest challenge, but Galatasaray, even with Didier Drogba and Wesley Sneijder won't be enough. Copenhagen looks to be the squad everyone beats up on this year.

Gareth Bale has a knack for the big stage, too. Imagine how he'll perform when all eyes are on him all the time. Say what you want and how he was always a hot ticket at Tottenham, but there's pressure in Madrid with a tradition of winning. He's going to have to deliver. Whatever might happen, it will be fun to watch, I can tell you that much.