Ray Lewis' Greatest Play of His Career?

Here, as a friend I owe this to you all..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0oUPACk8K8&feature=fvw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0oUPACk8K8&feature=fvw#watch-main-area

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/09000d5d812ca5d9/NFL-GameDay-Ravens-vs-Chargers-highlights

You're welcome. That last video should refresh your memory of Ray Lewis' "greatest play" of his career. Personally I am not a fan of hearing that term from a player or anyone related to football. I mean most recently John Madden was heard calling the "greatest Super Bowl" ever played, obviously two months later he is out. Favre does this every offseason. Two years ago it was his "greatest season," and he was one game away from the Super Bowl. Indecisiveness, patience, mixed signals, comeback demanding for trade, and got traded. Then last season it was the "greatest meltdown" ever of Favre's career. More of the same ensues. I digress, this isn't a story about an old man who can't decide what new fangled TV to get(sorry older folks), this is about Ray Lewis.

Not that I think this is going to be Lewis' last season, so I hope. Somehow if it happens I know my friends will blame me for it (sorry guys). But, Antoine, I can guarantee your argument will be irrelevant. Just makes me a little nervous, that's all.

Also I just don't enjoy this term being thrown around so lightly. Whether its best all around player, play, pass, run, linebacker, third baseman, shortstop, quarterback, running back, shooting guar(almost had me, uh Jordan!), those of you who know me know that 999,999 times out of 1,000,000 I can't just name one player. I will say that Ray Lewis is one of the greatest linebackers of this generation (honestly that is how you have to break it down). So if you don't like to hear/read someone wax poetic about Ray Lewis or the Ravens, turn away from the screen or just head to the comments section where you the mocking can commence.

Now for the rest of you let's just think about this for a second. I mean, that MVP moment was pretty awesome. Yeah you remember, when he owned the Giants in Baltimore's Super Bowl XXXV victory. Or when he owned Hall from the Titans last year? Him obliterating Kellen Winslow, Braylon Edwards and Eddie George (completely taking away his manhood, changed his career FOREVER!)? Well the answer should be yes since some of those hits were in the videos above. There are millions of Ray Lewis "hit lists" and one collaboration with Ed Reed as well.

Now the term future Hall of Famer has been thrown at Ray Lewis, it sticks. Is he one of the greatest middle linebackers in history? Definitely. Was he the base of this defense since he came here in the inaugural season? Oh yeah. Has he assisted several defensive staff members in getting head coaching nods (Marvin Lewis, Mike Nolan, Jack Del Rio and Rex Ryan)? Just answered my own question there huh. Wasn't the BBQ at Full Moon Barbecue (his old restaurant) decent, especially the BBQ meat filled potatoes? I'm drooling right now thinking about it. Have I lost you completely on the constant questioning of Ray Lewis' awesomeness? I sure hope not. Ray Lewis is the player/coach/motivational speaker for the team. So when you hear greatest stop ever (it was awesome I'm not going to lie, in fact my reaction was to leap from the couch with an, "ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh YEAH!") you really have to think about a lot of punishment that this man has delivered in his past 14 seasons.

I can't even call it the greatest Ravens hit ever. That sack Bart Scott put on Roethlisberger a couple years ago is just tops for me. This so far (yeah I know week 2 but bare with me) is the play of the season. A tough win on the other coast has a lot of folks paying attention to us when they wanted to say we couldn't repeat and get into the playoffs. This win has made people second guess that decision. Probably about as much as Norv Turner is second guessing that run up the middle today.

Why Does Merril Hoge Hate Baltimore?

So I'm sitting on my big comfy brown couch engaging in my normal everyday morning ritual of watching Sportscenter when what do I see on the helpful sidebar index of the show? AFC playoff picks with Merril Hoge. In the segment Hoge is going to go over last year's playoff teams and "predict" who will make the playoffs. Of those teams that don't make it he will go over who will make it instead. A light bulb goes off in my head to do the same thing until I actually watched his analysis.

Readers in case you have forgotten who those playoff teams were last year from the AFC here is some help. The division winners were Miami Dolphins (East), Pittsburgh Steelers (North), Tennessee Titans (South) and the San Diego Chargers (West). Wild card teams were the Indianapolis Colts and, a team close to this writer's heart and home, the Baltimore Ravens.

By the title of the article you may have guessed which team Hoge decided would not make the playoffs. Along with the Miami Dolphins, who Hoge said is a good team but would not be able to do what they did last season in their division, he chose Baltimore to be hanging at home come January. This doesn't bother me until he gets to who will replace these teams. New England (duh!) is who he expects to take the East over the Dolphins and to take the other wild card spot, drum roll please, the pride of Ohio (not Ohio State but that team is honestly better then...), the Cincinnati Bengals.

WHAT?!? I mean Hoge has a pair to actually pick them but his analysis as to why the Ravens wouldn't make it was that our defense is getting old (Ray Lewis and Trevor Pryce are but we still have the Suggernaut and someone who can Reed a QB's eyes very well) and how much he likes Joe Flacco. Then he goes and picks the Bungles? Is it because they have their own show on HBO? Vinny Chase and the boys from Entourage are going to take the West? Well Hoge if you watched HBO previously you would know that The Wire is real!

Hoge likes the Bengals because they finished strong after starting the season 1-11-1 winning their final 3 games. I'm quoting Woody Paige when I say, "look at the schedule!" In their final 3 weeks the Bengals (without Palmer) played the Redskins, Browns and Chiefs. By my recollection those teams were awful last year. 8-8, 4-12 and 2-14 (all last place in their divisions) with the best team being beaten in Cincinnati. Their best offensive weapon in the games, ironically enough that was Cedric Benson, was playing against terrible rushing defenses and their best receiving weapon is on another coast in Seattle. I would say that Hoge is bleeding Steelers black and gold but he still went in the division. Whatever, hater in the house!

So I can't really mock the guy if I don't man up and make my own predictions. Like Hoge I wouldn't be surprised if the Steelers do repeat as champs. If they did we would have yet another dynasty for this millennium(3 titles in 4 years). So here goes, New England will win the East(as long as Brady doesn't get hurt again), Baltimore will split the season series with the Steelers and take the division(then probably lose to them in the playoffs), San Diego (will have the best record since they play 3 JV teams in their own division) will win the West and the Titans will take the South. Pittsburgh and Houston will be your wild card teams. Houston can be a playoff team as long as they get consistency, not injury, from Matt Schaub. The team went 8-8 however they finished 5-1 beating a playoff team in Tennessee, not just crappy teams. They have enough young talent, Slaton ran all over the Colts and Jags last season, and Andre Johnson entered beast mode last year leading the league in receiving yards. Excellent compliments in Kevin Walter(WR) and Owen Daniels (TE) assist in Johnson getting a lot of those yards. The team has an up and coming defense with Mario Williams, obviously not a bust, owning offensive tackles on a regular.

So short list for you all, opening playoff weekend expect the Steelers @ Ravens and Texans @ Titans with the Chargers and Patriots with the bye. Think you are better then me? Go ahead and take a guess, man/woman up! Join me in the hate of Hoge Baltimoreans! Or just join me in the confusion of him picking the Bengals to make it to the playoffs. Since hate is such a strong word.

NFL Power Rankings - Week 1

In my first edition of NFL Power Rankings(about as pointless as the preseason AP poll in the NCAA), let's see how I do. In case you have never been fortunate enough to read one of these, odds are frequent ESPN.com addicts have, I will be ranking every team with a couple sentences of attached analysis. Since this is the first week I have also attached an over/under on wins for each team. Challenge me if you want, it could make this interesting. Hopefully all will go as planned and I will never have to change this thing, honestly that never happens. So here is my version of...

NFL Power Rankings

1. Pittsburgh Steelers (over/under 11 wins)

When you are the defending champs and your biggest loss was your third wideout (Nate Washington) odds are you will be atop everyone's list. Plus Big Ben is still their QB, all he does is win. Prediction: under

2. New England Patriots (over/under 12 wins)

I heard analysis that the team might be better then the team which went 18-NYG(New York Giants). Brady seems to be healthy but Brady to Moss 30 times, doubtful. Defense is the big question mark with them. Prediction: over

3. San Diego Chargers (over/under 11 wins)

Rivers, Gates, LT, Merriman, V. Jackson, Phillips, Williams...need I say more? They are going to be the class of the AFC West (that isn't saying much) but how could they not be. San Diego is always classy and they are going to stay that way. Prediction: Over

4. Baltimore Ravens (over/under 10 wins)

Biased you say, yes I say but hear/read me out. The team will go as far as Flacco and the defense will carry them. Yes Bart Scott is gone but we, like the Steelers, are deep at this position. Plus I like our offense with a side of Rice. Add that to the undefeated preseason, haven't done that since the Super Bowl...Festivus Maximus season in 2000. Prediction: over

5. Atlanta Falcons (over/under 11 wins)

Our first NFC team, for good reason. Matt Ryan is a year experienced and now has a perennial Hall of Fame TE in Tony Gonzalez to throw to. Add last year's 2nd ranked rushing attack and a decent defense, the A-T-L have something special. Prediction: Under

6. Minnesota Vikings (over/under 11 wins)

Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Brett Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre...oh and some guy named Adrian Peterson, I hear he's a monster. Add their great D (at least against the run) and they have a lot of people talking Super Bowl. Prediction: Under

7. Indianapolis Colts (over/under 10 wins)

With Peyton Manning at the helm I can't have this team drop too much lower, with a coaching change and the loss of Marvin Harrison, who knows how far they can go. Prediction: under

8. Philadelphia Eagles (over/under 10 wins)

Eagles fans, I spelled that right. I am pretty sure it goes E-A-G-L-E-S Eagles! The D will play with an emotional chip on their shoulder due to the loss of Jim Johnson, their defensive coordinator. McNabb has some weapons but the one thing that concerns me is Westbrook's health. Prediction: over

9. Carolina Panthers (over/under 10 wins)

Great running game, great O line, decent defense but its Delhomme who costs them a higher ranking. Also Julius Peppers hasn't looked so hot in the preseason, no wonder no one wanted him in the offseason. Prediction: under

10. Chicago Bears (over/under 9 wins)

When was the last time Chicago had a decent QB? I'm too young to remember, my grandfather is too young to remember. The team upgraded and got Jay Cutler in the offseason the only problem being no stellar wideouts. However, they do have Matt Forte. The defense needs to be better then they were last season or this team will be in trouble since Cutler will turn the ball over. Prediction: under

11. Tennessee Titans (over/under 10 wins)

Offensively they are the same, White and Johnson(whatever their nicknames) are going to run the ball...a lot. Can the defense replace Haynesworth and stop an upstart Texans team from moving up in their own division? The world may never know, at least not until Thursday night. Prediction: under

12. Arizona Cardinals (over/under 9 wins)

This one is a toss up. Honestly I don't even see them winning their division this season but they are going to pass the ball all day. Run the ball like 9 times a game and possibly make me eat my words later in the year. Besides they just lost the Super Bowl, how has that gone for other teams? Prediction: under

13. Dallas Cowboys (over/under 9 wins)

Their receiving core is a big question to me, can Roy Williams own like he used to 3 years ago? They are deep at RB with Barber and Jones plus their defense, or just Demarcus Ware, is going to punish opposing QBs. Prediction: over

14. Houston Texans (over/under 9 wins)

They finished the season strong the biggest issue is Schaub's health. Especially since their backups are Rex Grossman and Dan "Stepped Out of My Own Endzone" Orlovsky. Slaton and Johnson are beasts plus the defense is turning around. Sports Illustrated has them winning the division. We'll see. Prediction: over

15. Green Bay Packers (over/under 8 wins)

Aaron Rodgers is going to have an MVP like season. Unfortunately the team is going to finish third in the division. Good news for him though, he can try to show up Brett Favre...twice! Oh yeah! Ryan Grant being healthy (he was a monster for them when he was) will control where they finish in the division. Prediction: over

16. Miami Dolphins (over/under 9 wins)

Underrated you say? I mean they did win the division and help myself and Antoine make fun of our Pats fan buddy Marcel for them not making the playoffs...other than that...I got nothing. They really didn't make any crazy offseason moves. Getting Jason Taylor back will help strengthen the defense a little and throwing rookie Pat White out in the wildcat (draft him in fantasy the week they play the Patriots) will prove to be exciting. Prediction: under

17. New York Giants (over/under 9 wins)

Until I see how the receiving core performs the team will stay low. Great defense that is getting their best pass rusher back in Umenyiora and Brandon Jacobs surely will truck someone this season. Surely I can't be serious? Well I am serious and don't call me Shirley. Prediction: under

18. Seattle Seahawks (over/under 9 wins)

This team will win the dismal NFC West this year. Edgerrin James has a chip on his shoulder and hello this team should go all the way. They picked up T.J. Houshmanzadeh, championship! Prediction: WAY over

19. New Orleans Saints (over/under 8 wins)

They play in the hardest division in football and are kicking themselves for this whole Reggie Bust...I mean Bush not panning out. Without Drew Brees they would be so much lower then this. Saying everyone stays healthy on offense they could make things interesting. Prediction: under

20. Denver Broncos (over/under 7 wins)

Amidst all this drama is a semi decent offense with a supposed offensive mastermind as a head coach. If he is such a mastermind though, why would he upset his best player(s) causing him (Cutler) to be traded? Enjoy the show Broncos fans, I bet the owner misses the Shanahan days already. Prediction: under

21. Jacksonville Jaguars (over/under 7 wins)

Del Rio needs to win this year or he might be out. 64 calories of MJD(Maurice Jones Drew) will help but a struggling offensive line, subpar receiving core(sorry Torry Holt) and aging defense don't. Prediction: over

22. Cleveland Browns (over/under 6 wins)

They have no idea who the starting QB will be but rest assured that Braylon Edwards will drop whatever pass they throw to him. Unless its on Monday Night Football(unfortunately for me that will be against the Ravens). Prediction: under

23. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (over/under 6 wins)

New regime, no Derrick Brooks and a whole lot of new faces in the locker room. About week 10 we might be seeing Josh Freeman. Prove me wrong Bucs. I dare ya, I double dare ya! Prediction: under

24. Kansas City Chiefs (over/under 6 wins)

Matt Cassel is an upgrade, he will have fans screaming for somewhere over the Dwayne Bowe. However the defense is pretty much the same and last year the only thing they were good at was making Matt Cassel a full time starter. It feels like we have come full circle now! Prediction: under

25. Washington Redskins (over/under 7 wins)

You know maybe they are low or maybe they just aren't any good. I have a feeling unless Jason Campbell has a Drew Brees like season he is out as their starter. Dan Snyder will do whatever it takes (including overpay for Albert Haynesworth) to win. In his case its to lose. He should have spent some money on the offensive side of the ball since technically I have scored more this preseason then them. Prediction: over

26. New York Jets (over/under 5 wins)

J-E-T-S suck suck suck. Rookie QB and Rookie coach has a nice ring to it after last year. If Rex Ryan suits up against the Pats he will never be fired. EVER! Bart Scott prediction he, like so many other previous Ravens LBs who have flown the coop, will be subpar at best. Hopefully, since I actually like the guy, he won't injure himself like those before him. Prediction: over

27. Buffalo Bills (over/under 6 wins)

When T.O. realizes he is playing for Buffalo in about week 3 he is going to demand for a trade, mock the city of Buffalo and ask for Trent Edwards head on a stake. What will be a larger number? T.O. TDs or Bills wins? Is Marshawn Lynch arrest warrants a choice? Prediction: Under

28. Cincinnati Bengals (over/under 5 wins)

Carson Palmer is back and says he thinks someone will die in the NFL. If he isn't careful its going to be him. Run Carson! Run for your life! Although Chris Henry and Chad Ochocinco are looking like a decent tandem, the O line is horrible and they're the only team in the AFC North with a horrible defense. Go figure Marvin Lewis. Prediction: under

29. San Francisco 49ers (over/under 6 wins)

My childhood team is not what they used to be. Joe Montana could come out of retirement and be their best option behind center. Actually direct snap to Gore sounds like a good idea. Write that down Mike Singletary, he wants winners! Go get Montana and your set buddy. Prediction: Under

30. Oakland Raiders (over/under 6 wins)

How is this team not last? Kyle Boller has zero chance of starting any games for them, that's how. The defense shows up at times and if Darren McFadden will just stop getting hurt they might get something going this year. My bold prediction is they will have more wins then Heyward-Bey has TDs. Prediction: Over

31. St. Louis Rams (over/under 4 wins)

They picked up Kyle Boller in the offseason and Bulger could miss some time early in the season. Steven Jackson will have two games that make you say wow. Then he will have one game where he says "OW!" Missing the rest of the season. Prediction: Under

32. Detroit Lions (over/under 2 wins)

They have to win at least one game right? The team is still building although they do have a decent amount of young talent on the offensive side of the ball with Calvin "Megatron" Johnson(WR) and Kevin Smith(RB). Last year there were some close games and Smith is predicting playoffs this season. Really, playoffs? Playoffs? You kidding me! Playoffs?!?! Prediction: Over

So there you have it. If you want to compare mine with the guys at ESPN here is their preseason power rankings http://espn.go.com/nfl/powerrankings. Anyone who wants to challenge me in over/under just needs to shoot me an email or hit up the comments. These will be updated each week with new rankings after every game is played (probably Wednesdays). Until next time, thanks for bsing with BS!

5 Bands Who Deserve Their Own Version of Guitar Hero

No disrespect to Van Halen, who is going to be the next band to get their own Guitar Hero, but this is more about the Smash Hits version of the game. If Red Octane didn't want to dedicate a game to these bands I'm going to select one song that could go in for them. In some cases that was harder than others.

I am sure there will be an outrage for some of these but if you have a problem with the selections...make your own blog! Kidding folks, you know the deal, got something on your mind? Drop it in the comments. Now, in some particular order...

5 Bands Who Deserve Their Own Version of Guitar Hero

Led Zeppelin "Heartbreaker"

As I have begun to research this I am reading that Jimmy Page, the epic guitarist for the above mentioned band, will not sell out (in classic rocker form) to GH. He is strong arming both GH and Rock Band not allowing either to have the rights to their music. It hasn't stopped people from using the music studio to make up their own(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lv43Usi3b_k ) however its not the same. In fact people will make just about anything. Some don't even sound like the real thing. The one above is the actual track but another one I heard just made me yearn for the band to allow the songs to be in GH. In case some of you are completely clueless as to their work, here is a short list for you....

"Immigrant Song", "Dazed and Confused", "Kashmir"(P. Diddy knows how awesome this song is, he ruined it...I mean remixed it...seriously Page you let P. Diddy have it), "Rock and Roll", "Whole Lotta Love" (awesome guitar solo 3 minutes in), "Stairway to Heaven"(no Stairway...denied!), "Black Dog", "Moby Dick"(awesome drum solo), "Ramble On", "Livin Lovin Maid", "Achilles Last Stand", "Trampled Under Foot", "All My Love", "Communication Breakdown", "The Battle of Evermore" (Lord of the Rings geeks UNITE!) and oh god so many more. If you are still completely clueless then Youtube it up and search the band/song titles. Please Mr. Page, let them turn all your music into a game!

Green Day "Longview"

If I told you these guys have been around for nearly 20 years would you believe me? Well people you should because this band has been rocking out ever since their debut album Dookie. Just look at the tracklist on this album alone, nearly the whole thing could be on GH. There is "Longview", "Basket Case", "Burnout", "Welcome To Paradise", "When I Come Around", and "Chump" to name a few. Focusing on the main song out of the bunch, "Longview" has a bass line starting off the song that any fan of the genre knows. There is a problem with some of their songs being edited but we can look past that. An F bomb here and there can easily be dropped out(like it is on the radio). This isn't the only group of hits the band has. Looking at their other albums you can find a lot of other GH worthy songs like...

"American Idiot", "St. Jimmy", "Holiday", "Prosthetic", "Suffocate", "Nice Guys Finish Last", "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)", "Wake Me Up When September Ends", "Boulevard of Broken Dreams, "Know Your Enemy" and many more. Unfortunately I have not heard their new album but I am sure there is more then one worthy song from it(after a recent purchase there is). In addition to their music (like they have with all other band games) Red Octane could have some music from bands who inspired them or who they are fans of. It would be the most punked out GH ever. EVER! Also, for those Simpsons fans out there, get Green Day's version of the show's theme song (from The Simpsons Movie). Hard to mess up those lyrics right Billie Joe (lead singer for the clueless ones out there, its okay I forgive you)

DA DA DA DADA DA DA DADADADADA DA DA DA DA DA DA DA DA DA

Nirvana "School"

As much as my girlfriend who loves hair metal and all that 80's crap hates that this band ended all the fun in her favorite type of music("They killed it," she scoffed as she read this blog), she still appreciates their awesomeness. This is a much harder song than the previous one that was in the game. Now GH 5 is coming out with two songs from Nirvana however that is still not enough. Although they are one of only two bands who got two songs(Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers are the other) so that is pretty sweet. Their choices are some what obvious with "Smells Like Teen Spirit" and "Lithium" however, after an apparent 3 year dispute, the game has Kurt Cobain as a playable character. Anyway back to the point at hand. The band deserves their own game, I mean hello they helped start a new genre and make it popular.

Other than the above mentioned songs, if you peruse through their albums you will most definitely find at least 60 tracks that are dubbed worthy for GH. I will not bore the faithful (or unfaithful readers) with a huge list just a short selection. "Lake of Fire", "Dumb", "Pennyroyal Tea", "Rape Me" (even though the opening riff is similar to "Smells Like Teen Spirit" I digress), "Floyd the Barber" (sit down on my chair, don't be afraid), "Come As You Are", "Polly", "In Bloom", "You Know Your Right", "The Man Who Sold The World"(sorry its better than the Bowie version but hey GH Metallica didn't have the band's version of "Stone Cold Crazy" as opposed to Queen's version, still awesome by the way...moving on), "Imodium", "Scentless Apprentice", "Love Buzz", "Breed"(the opening is awesome), "Downer" (fast and short), "Territorial Pissings" (have you noticed I am into some hard, fast Nirvana), and holy crap so many many more. I do not pride myself on music knowledge so I am sure there are some songs that aren't on here that deserve to be. In no way should they be ignored so put some suggestions in the comments. Of course the drummer from this band formed another very worthy band of their own GH. Care to guess?

Foo Fighters "This is a Call"

Dave Grohl is just awesome, drums/guitar/bass/bongos/harmonica/spoons whatever the instrument he plays it and is great. This is one of the shocks to me that this song hasn't already appeared in a GH tracklist. Its one of their more played songs on the radio and, for lack of a better term, its awesome. All instruments are used well as for most/all of Foo. Mr. T was quoted as saying, "I Pity the foo!" I believe that this has something to do with the snubbing of their own GH. As much of their music that has been in GH we all know that it has to be in the works. They already have one of the more awesome songs with "Everlong" but there are just so many more. GH Metallica also had one that I wasn't familiar with "Stacked Actors"(I don't know everything...unless its fantasy football then I think all is known by me). So there are many that have been used (and if Red Octane can't find all they need then pilfer some Nirvana/grunge bands for some tunes) but here are a few others then the above mentioned that should be used.

This list like the above could go on forever "I'll Stick Around", "All My Life", "Times Like These", "Alone+Easy Target", "Good Grief"(awesome opening, very fast paced), " My Hero", "Weenie Beenie"(how can it lose, its got Beenie in it), "For All the Cows" (starts slow but speeds up in sections), "X-Static", "Generator"(yeah so what for like 3 seconds in the beginning it sounds like its a Bon Jovi song, just deal), "Overdrive", "Learn to Fly" (whatever it was in Rock Band so what), "Wattershed", "Low", "Disenchanted Lullaby" (slow songs are a part of GH, as long as they are still awesome...unless of course its GH Metallica, they didn't make a slow song), "Tired of You", "Breakout", "No Way Back" (from Madden fame, 2006 version), "In Your Honor", "Gimme Stitches", "Aurura", "Best of You", "Last Song", "DOA", "Hell" and many more (not just from the In Your Honor album I swear)

In addition to Nirvana how about some Queens of the Stone Age, their first album...with Grohl on drums and their original bassist (because his, the bassist, solo from "No One Knows" is freaking insane) and Queen could make another appearance since Grohl did help induct them into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (the one and only thing awesome in Cleveland). Hit me with some more suggestions if you think I completely bombed on something. I'm just saying the game makes itself people.

Black Sabbath "Children of the Grave"

This song is from their Sabbath Bloody Sabbath album(the whole album could be on GH) and it just oozes GH worthiness. The song has a great drum/bongo rhythm throughout that can easily get stuck in one's (my) head. As many can guess I am going to suggest that the game use Ozzy tunes as well. The band wasn't the same without Ozzy (Ronnie James Dio replaced him...yeah seriously look it up. Holy dive on that! Went/Go by Heaven & Hell whenever they tour with him at lead vocals, quote Michelle, "Dio sucks!") so why not include some of his more memorable tunes along with some classic Sabbath. The only song to don a GH game is "War Pigs" and rightfully so. The song is well known and, in the words of Peter Griffin, "freakin' sweet." For those who need some OZ-ucation (no not the old prison show from HBO, its a great show but not what we are talking about) here are some suggestions for GH immortality.

"Iron Man" (unleash your inner Beavis and/or Butthead), "Paranoid" (sampled in the great SNES game Rock and Roll Racing), "The Wizard" (anyone for Harmonica Hero), "If I Close My Eyes Forever" (Ozzy doing a duet with Lita Ford, stellar combo), "Hellraiser" (GTA fans UNITE! Oh so many hookers and innocent bystanders perished to that song on the streets of San Andreas), "No More Tears", "Black Sabbath", "Over the Mountain", "Miracle Man", "Flying High Again", "I Don't Know", "Mr. Tinkertrain", "Mama, I'm Coming Home", "Perry Mason", "Bloodpath in Paradise", "Shot in the Dark", "Tattoed Dancer" (then you can be his little tattoed rock and roll dancer to), "Sweet Leaf" and so many more that my little mind can't handle.

So there you have it. 5 bands that deserve their own GH. Some that didn't quite make the cut were Motley Crue (I'm not in love with a stripper so I just couldn't pick them), The Who (they already have their own Rock Band pack) and AC/DC (same reason as The Who). If you want to yell at me for not picking your favorite band (no Antoine Good Charlotte does NOT deserve their own GH) then let me read about it in the comments. Until we read again....

1 Down: 2 To Go

Fantasy football, its FANTASTIC! My first draft was yesterday and I have to say, I'm pretty proud of myself. I got to talk smack in a league where I don't know but one person, spent an hour and a half in my favorite chair, Sports Illustrated at my side and I have to say...I missed the feeling of the draft.



Roster was as follows QB, RB, RB/WR, WR, WR/TE, K, D/ST and 8 bench spots. So now you know what I was dealing with here. "So how was the draft?," you ask. Well...

Excitement rushed through me (sad I know) as I watched the countdown reach zero, unfortunately it was another few minutes before I got to make my pick. I sat at the tenth and final spot in the draft and wanted to report on how I did well because, this is my blog and I can do what I want. I wanted to pat myself on the back...in writing. I was shocked to see not one but two WRs go ahead of my pick (Fitzgerald and Moss). Due to the snakeyness of this draft I got to have back to back picks. With that I was able to solidify my backfield by selecting Deangelo Williams and Frank Gore. The thing that makes me a little nervous is this is a WR heavy league, we have the option of starting 4. So needless to say when the draft came back to me a lot of the elite receivers were chosen. So with my third pick I wanted to guarantee a championship by drafting T.J. Houschmanzadeh. Who will throw TD passes in my fantasy football land? My next pick Philip Rivers.


Unfortunately I wasn't able to get Rivers' prime target (Antonio Gates was chosen 4 picks ahead of me) so I had to get his secondary target. I drafted Vincent and Desean Jackson (no relation). When it came back around to me, while everyone else for some reason was drafting defenses and kickers, I began building up my bench. In case of emergency with Williams I picked up his backup Jonathan Stewart. Since I had enough meat on my team I decided to have a side of Rice...Ray Rice. I wasn't done with my RB platoon. I managed to pick up two more later in the draft (Lesean McCoy, because you know Brian Westbrook WILL get hurt, and Tim Hightower, he was my homeboy last year and with the last pick in this draft I figured why not?). What I lacked was some backups for my receiving core and my QB. I knew the QB I wanted would be available on the way back when I picked McCoy and Percy Harvin. However when it came back around I decided to pull the trigger on Matt Hasselback. He came back healthy after a subpar season where he was injured most of the year. Add to the fact that I had his number one target in Houshmanzadeh and that his receiving core was coming back healthy. Speaking of receiving core, it was lacking when I made my pick of Hasselback so I decided to scoop up a TE. I grabbed Zach Miller from Oakland, he's their best receiver after all.

I feel pretty great about my team. I think Hasselback could have a bounce back season and if he doesn't Rivers should do his thing. Of course I did forget something, my K and D/ST. I grabbed just one of each, Jason Elam (K) and the Titans D/ST. At the time they were the best ones left. I honestly don't care if Albert Haynesworth isn't there, the D line enters beast mode on a regular basis. Speaking of beasts, Keith Bullock is definitely a monster in the MLB slot.

Sports Illustrated gave me a good rating for my draft, I mean by their accounts the second best fantasy RB is on my team along with the best K and the fourth ranked QB. My receiving core is lacking but I am thinking that they will be pretty solid. The problem I have, maybe its irony, is this isn't a SI league. Its ESPN, maybe I should have used their rankings. Oh well, that is 1 down and 2 more drafts to go this upcoming Sunday. So like Aldo the Apache I have to say "Ari va darchi!" (for those Italian speakers out there, I am sure this is spelled wrong, this is how Brad Pitt's character in Inglorious Basterds says it...and yes it is hilarious when he does)

Why Not Us? : 5 Guys That Could Go #1

What is great about a fantasy blog in mid August? Timing! So while it has been forever since I blogged about a passion of mine, I figured with my first draft being next Sunday, it's about time another one was posted by yours truly.

For those who play fantasy football, who enjoy mocking their friends/relatives/frenemies(at least during the season...in some cases) for totally selecting a player too early and who suck so bad you are coming to me for advice (or maybe a laugh), I thought you might want to know surefire people you can take with the first pick in your draft. While I know that this is only a select few who get this honor, it's nice to help the LA Clippers of the fantasy football world. So let's get the old pig skin rolling!

Unlike my previous Guitar Hero posts, these are in order for a reason. Like it says in the title, they are all awesome and I am no expert (although I have one it all once....in CBS...which among my frenemies apparently that doesn't count).

1. Adrian Peterson - RB - Minnesota Vikings

Who is shocked to see A.D. at the top of the list? Not me! Like LT before him All Day can do just that, run all day. No matter what defense it is he can always make something ridiculous happen. He is due for at least two 20+ point games per season and with most people's luck (like me) he will do it in a week when you don't need him. Let's go over the positives of Peterson, he's Adrian freaking Peterson. "What does that mean?," asks Joe Blow. What that means is he is a home run hitter able to break 20 yards or more in a single bound. He faces a normally stingy D at least twice in his own division however Green Bay is switching to the 3-4 which is probably going to take time and Detroit is...Detroit. Until they win a game (not practice, not practice, not practice, a game says Allen Iverson) they get no respect.

With every player however there are negatives that have to be pointed out. He is not running all day when it comes to being inside the 10. Chester "TD Poachapotumus" Taylor seems to get just as many carries (or catches, he is a better receiver out of the backfield) when they are needed most as Peterson. Also during playoff time(fantasy playoff time that is) where is Peterson? He isn't giving the fantasy numbers that other dominating backs seem to get later in the year. At least he hasn't yet, no TDs in weeks 14-16 last season. His fumbles more then doubled from 2007, he had 9 in 2008. Hopefully for any Peterson owners this year that number will drop. Let's also remember that as of the start of the season Brett "Should I Stay Or Should I Fish" Favre isn't their quarterback. The Vikings have a special recipe for an explosive offense, they have added some Sage....Rosenfels...I know I know, lame lame lame. Rosenfels can air it out just do not leave the ball in his hands at the end of the game. We know what happens when you do.

Prediction: 1,682 yards, 13 TDs, 20 Rec, 120 yards, 1 TD, 15 highlight worthy runs

2. Michael Turner - RB - Atlanta Falcons

This is who I compare Peterson to last season when I am talking about showing up in the fantasy playoffs. He scored every week not to mention a spectacular week 15 (152 yds, TD, 30 rec yds) where he owned the Bucs. I am willing to bet the Chargers would part with LT if they knew the Burner was going to produce like this. A lot of people credited Matt Ryan with reviving the Falcons franchise, easy Romeo. Let us not forget that this was one of the top rushing teams last season thanks to a large part of Michael Turner (who, again comparing to Peterson, had more then double the carries inside the 10 [17] as Peterson[7]) and Jerious Norwood. The team itself ranked 2nd in the league behind the Giants. A great positive that was missing last year is something the team couldn't avoid. Matty Ice is a rookie no more. What did the team do for him in the offseason, they got him a young QB's best friend. No not a dog Michael Vick, they got him a surefire Hall of Fame TE in Tony Gonzalez. So prepare for the passing game to open up plenty of opportunity for Turner to burn more people then Jim Rome.

Now when looking for negatives with Turner it is a little more difficult than with Peterson. Or is it? I mean the guy only had 3 fumbles last season. Turner was in his first full season as a full time, ball hawk, goal line work horse back and owned the soul of those who doubted him. He didn't just truck people at the goal line he was seen being the Burner of old as well. The question remains in my head, can he do it again? In my heart I have to say yes. Now I know someone is going to bring up Norwood as a potential carry stealer from Turner. Someone would be right but Norwood is more used in the return game. Usually when he gets a TD it is because he makes one guy miss then explodes down the field for a 50+ yard score. Also the Falcons are going to pass the ball a little bit more, I imagine they have the utmost confidence in their QB of the future now. Especially with all the weapons at his disposal.

Prediction: 1,753 yards, 20 TDs, 6 rec, 45 yds, 2 TDs, 80 burned defenders

3. Drew Brees - QB - New Orleans Saints

This guy can throw for 4,500 yards and 30 TDs in his sleep. Yet another guy who got away from the Chargers (not like Philip Rivers isn't also doing his thing). Brees is the general of a Saints offense that all they do is score touchdowns. When they step onto the field of battle there is an 85% chance that when driving down the field, when they score(and they will score) Brees will have resulted in the touchdown. He has more weapons at his disposal then North Korea and no weird looking glasses. He's like Vince Vaughn in Wedding Crashers, he can make it rain out there if he wanted to. Last season Brees threw for the regular season passing record and fell short however if you owned him in fantasy you thanked your lucky stars since he finished with 5,069 yards and 34 TDs. This was in a surprisingly powerful NFC South division with the Bucs, Falcons and Panthers stouting some tough defenses. Unfortunately the reason his numbers were so blown up was because their own defense was poor which resulted in Brees having to bring the team back from the dead on a regular.

The biggest issue I have with Brees is when he's on, look out. When he's off, he throws 4 interceptions and maybe a touchdown. That is if you are lucky. He did finish with 17 int.(consider some of those purple hearts) last season which was partially because of what I said before. Being behind, he took a lot of chances. Also as his owner you aren't really sure which one of his weapons to pick up. The smart money is on Marques Colston or last year's surprise Lance Moore (definitely not Jeremy "Shocked I didn't Score" Shockey). As long as one of them is on a roster with Brees the sky is the limit, but on those off weeks...the limit's the sky.

Prediction: 4,585 yds, 31 TDs, 16 int, 2 rush yds, 0 TDs, 3 purple hearts

4. Larry Fitzgerald - WR - Arizona Cardinals

He makes catches like this one on a regular basis. Now before you say, "A receiver with the first pick?!?," hear me out. Fitz is by far #1 on everyone's fantasy list as far as WR, if your league is heavy on WR or RB like mine you might enjoy having Fitz and scooping up another quality receiver in the third or fourth round. Most leagues use the snake format for drafts meaning you would have your first pick (taking Fitz you would completely upset whoever picks last in your draft) then the second and third pick would be back to back. Imagine lining up on Sunday with Fitz and Brandon Marshall/TJ Who's Your Mama. What if T.O. falls that far? Take a RB and a WR to control your destiny. Backs do fall off trees(if you do your research) but face the truth with later round picks of receivers. They are just filler. Not real point magnets. Back to Fitz, he had a career year last season(with reception yards and TDs) and when Boldin got hurt Fitz stepped up. He had 3 multi TD games not even including the postseason. After that performance, those numbers are going to go up. Why would Warner, Leinart or St. Pierre look to anyone else? Throw it to the man with stick em for hands.

As long as those hands don't fall to the dreaded Madden cover curse...everything should be fine. All players who have graced the cover either get hurt or take a turn for the worse in statistics later in the season. I like Fitz so I am hoping that this doesn't happen. Let us also remember that he is a receiver. He isn't going to get an owner a double digit point total on a weekly basis. In fact there might be a week or two where he scores under 5 points. A lot of running backs break our hearts as well but this will be the beef that a lot of people have with the pick. Take a chance, take Fitz #1!

Prediction: 90 receptions, 1,405 yards, 15 TDs, 45 "omg he caught that" moments

5. Maurice Jones Drew - RB - Jacksonville Jaguars

Pocket Hercules is no joke. In fact I should punch myself for not having him higher on this list. The organization feels he is the real deal, if they didn't they wouldn't have sent the franchise leader in yards packing. So with no Fred Taylor to steal carries, only the opposing D can stop him. In his own division the Colts can't, the Titans can try and the Texans are still young. MoJo is ready to have his first season with over 200 carries (easy, I'm guessing 300 touches). Last season with 197 carries he finished with 824 yards and 12 TDs. All those numbers are going to go up. That doesn't even cover his ability to catch the ball in the flats and juke a guy out of his cleats before gaining 20 yards down the sideline. As long as the team leaves MoJo in during goal line runs (his height would help, "where did he go?!?") he could be a top tier back that could have you kicking yourself at the end of the season when he outperforms Adrian Peterson.

Like Peterson, Mojo loses the ball. Getting the occasional cold, causing him to cough up the football. In split carries last season he had 4 fumbles with 2 of them being lost to the other team. I miss the days of having a back like Barry Sanders who didn't fumble. Period. As an owner, if the positive aspects of his game are going up one would have to guess that so are the negative. Also what if he really isn't ready to carry the load? What if the team still splits time in the backfield? Is the passing game going to improve with Torry Holt causing them not to run the ball as much as before? Does his size really matter? Well, for those who own him, lets hope not.

Prediction: 1,260 yards, 18 TDs, 65 rec, 572 yards, 4 TDs, 30 in game height jokes.

So there you have it. I am no expert, just a man with an opinion. If you have an opinion (there is a saying about everybody having one) let me hear it. Well read it that is.

10 Out of the Ordinary Songs for Guitar Hero

With the recent release of Guitar Hero: Smash Hits I(and the American public) feel like we have been let down. While I am happy that they have released these recycled songs into full band mode, they could have easily done that in the music store. Its like they mailed this one in. So starting today and for the weeks to follow I will be suggesting 10 songs in no particular order that could have been, or could hopefully be a part of a future version of Guitar Hero. Feel free to suggest your own songs in the comment section or completely mock me for my selections. Either or would be appreciated.

So as I was saying, for the next few weeks I will be releasing my lists. Each with its own special title. My thoughts for this one is if "Beat It" can be a GH song then why not these 10. Which is why this one is called...

10 Out of the Ordinary Songs for Guitar Hero

Remember these are in no particular order...

Victor Wooten "Me and My Bass Guitar"

So as to why I have chosen this song, its awesome. Give it a listen sometime(check out Youtube). Sure I know the song is all bass and vocals, I don't care. GH: World Tour had a Joe Satriani song with no lyrics so why not have this as the song that you play after you have gone through the bass career. It would be the bassist's version of "Through the Fire and Flames" as far as difficulty. It would make all those who enjoy "Slappin da bass" on GH(a la Paul Rudd from I Love You Man) elated. My phrase for this song, "So what if it's all bass, it's all awesome."

The Roots "Guns Are Drawn"

Who doesn't love the Roots? This is one of their better songs from The Tipping Point album. This one stands out above some of their others to me because of its good use of all instruments. Not just all bass and drums. Which speaking of those, as if it would be that hard to get ?uestlove to do motion capture for the drums. I mean if the band itself can be on Jimmy Fallon, what won't they do? In addition to the instrument use the lyrics wouldn't be heavily edited as some of their other songs. As those who have played the game know, there are a few words they do not like. Some Roots songs contain a lot of those.

Electric "Life is a Struggle (Remix)"

This is a little known hip hop group that I started listening to back in Salisbury. The best way to describe them or a group you could compare them to is the Roots. The regular version is pretty tight as well however its a drum machine and a lot of other things going on, nothing to do with a band. The remix edition does use a full band however is full on the bass and drums. So what it lacks in guitar it makes up there. Another positive is the lack of a whole lot of profanity, as in there is none. Thank god since my daughter Caylie loves to join in on the rocking. I have GH to thank for a lot of her vocabulary. So while the song starts out with a good balance of all instruments it definitely would be best on bass/drums.

Genesis "Sussidio"

Okay before you mock me and use a Family Guy or South Park reference hear me out. Obviously the vocals are good due to Phil Collins (insert South Park joke here) but that isn't all. The drums are awesome throughout the entire song with bass being a close second. Guitar is also well used in this but not as thoroughly as bass/drums. The guitar is used a whole lot more in this song then the previous, no real heavy solos though.

Prince and the Revolution "Computer Blue"

Now if you want guitar solos, Prince is your man. "Computer Blue" is not just a basketball play that owns Charlie Murphy and his group of flunkies. The guitar solo in the middle will completely own your soul if you attempt it on expert. I can't believe that a Prince song has not been on any GH games, completely ridiculous. As far as other memorable songs like "Darling Nikki" or "Little Red Corvette" I gave them a listen as well. "Darling Nikki" wouldn't make it past Red Octane censors since the song is about...a chick masturbating. Way to go Prince, when interviewed regarding this he was quoted as saying, "Owwww!" There is also more of a full use of a band in this song but what honestly sold it for me is the guitar solo from about the middle of the song that just goes on forever. It will also have you saying, "Owwww" when you try to play it. I can only imagine. Drums would also be pretty sweet on this however what I can't make out is much of a bass line but I'm sure its there. Either instrument you play will have you heading for the waters of Lake Minnetonka for purification.

Blackalicious "Green Light : Now Begin"

Now what this lacks in solos it makes up for in other instruments. This is one of the group's better songs off their Blazing Arrow album. There is a decent guitar section in the opening and in the end (around the 3 minute mark) but it doesn't really appear too much in between. Small sections here and there have guitar. The song itself is heavy on the drums and the bass. The interesting part would be getting all of the lyrics even close to right(that doesn't matter though, only pitch matters). Chief Xcel and the Gift of Gab are true artists in the form of hip hop so good luck to those of you vocalists out there. I think this is one song I could actually get the pitch on. All in all its a great song to chill to and something different for GH to try out.

Non Phixion w/ Steph (Deftones) & Christian and Ray (Fear Factory)

"The CIA is Still Trying to Kill Me"

If you are racking your brain as to whether or not the name Non Phixion sounds familiar, it doesn't. Although one of their songs was sampled in the Transporter during a fight scene. Not this song so I will move on. Now this is a remix version of "The CIA is Trying to Kill Me" but this one is far more superior when it comes to rocking. Heavy guitar riffs throughout, they are their hardest in the chorus, make this song a rap/hip hop song that truly rocks. The biggest issue with the song is how much it would have to be edited or cut up since it has more F-bombs then a B-52 bomber. The song is still awesome and deserves to be in GH and has the best chance of any other song from this genre.

Mos Def "Rock & Roll"

Let's stay in the same genre with another pretty good combo of hip hop and rock. With the tightly wound lyrics of Mos Def and the excellent use of a full band to back them up this one is can't miss. The song itself does start out slow, most songs are from his Black on Both Sides album, but the last minute of the song is insane. There is a minute long riff at the end that would make any pure rocker proud. It's not like this is the only section where the guitar is used however the beginning is very repetitive. Any one who plays the song if it were on GH would get sucked into the easy start and get owned in the end. Until of course they played it 30 million times.

James Brown "The Payback"

Get ready you mothers, for the big payback! Anyone who knows me is probably surprised that this isn't "Super Bad, pts. 1-2" due to my love of the movie White Men Can't Jump. I mean people called me Billy Ho when we used to play basketball in gym class back in the day. This isn't about me, its about the man who loves to jump back and kiss himself, hey! Part of me would love to be a fly on the wall, when anyone who thinks they know all of Brown's lyrics for the song, to see them fall on their face or completely screw up the pitch of one of his classic screams. As Eddie Murphy has pointed out before, that is a James Brown lyric. The reason for this song is due to its length and great opening that has probably been sampled, used in many hip hop/rap songs today. Also if anyone makes fun of you for screwing up the song you can drop this gem on them. "I don't know karate, but I know kaRAzy(spelled as pronounced)." So with the heavy amount of bass and guitar in this song, classic James Brown lyrics and it being sampled everywhere, how could this song not be in GH. It couldn't be any of the better knowns, some don't use all the instruments as much as this one. Now come on fellas, hit it and quit it!

George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic "We Want the Funk"

Well funk you very much, now with this song you have to know about its heavy bass line. You also have to know why, Bootsy Collins make it do what it do baby. Make him or George an unlockable and Bootsy's bass, the infamous star design, as well. The best two instruments would have to be bass, duh, and the drums. There could be another song that I just might not know out there that would be better however the ones I have heard this one would be best. Better known then others like "Stomp" that use full band. Plus we need the funk and we gotta have that funk, la da da da da, do do do do do do do owwwwwwwww.

So there you have it. 10 songs that are stuff you have never heard or would ever associate with GH. Other songs that were considered were Busta Rhymes & Lenny Kravitz "Make Noise" (denied because of the amount of profanity, there would be no lyrics if edited) along with "Anxiety" by the Black Eyed Peas. The song itself was just full of guitar riffs around the chorus and in the opening but otherwise it was little used. I could only choose 10 after all, do you know of any you would like to have? Let me hear your thoughts people!