2

Home of SJ Magazine: http://sportsjabber.net/sj-magazine/

3

What is SportsJabber? ………………………………………………………………………………. 4 Spotlight On SportsJabber Radio ……………………………………………………………….. 5 Chiefsmom Says ……………………………………………………………………………………… . 6 One On One With Tyson Chartier Interview ……………………………………………….. 7 What Does Veterans Day Mean to Veterans ………………………...……………………… 8 NBA Preview ……………………………………………………………………………………………. 9 SJ Celebrates Its 2 Year Anniversary with Homer & Marge ………….…………….. 10 Tilly’s Ultimate Tailgating Recipes …………………………………………………………… 11 Thanksgiving Game Previews …………………………………………………………………. 14 Desperate Houseboys: Drama Without Romo ………………………………………….. 15 Thanksgiving Game Previews (cont.) ……………………………………………………….16 SJ 2011 Official NFL Mock Draft ……………………………………………………………… 18 Jeff Being Jeff: Interview with Jeff Pearlman ……………………………………………. 20 College Football Poll ………………………………………………………………………………. 20 College Corner ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 21 Recognition …………………………………………………………………………………………… 27

4

SportsJabber.net provides complete coverage of the sporting world. While best-known for its always-active forums, it is much, much more. SJ is a multi-verse of inter-connected sports fan sites.

It's an assembly of contributing blogger-authors providing expert analysis of their chosen sports, leaving no event uncovered or lacking importance. SJ provides a platform and an extensive marketing channel to

promote the authors' original works.

SJ operates multiple interactive sites among the major social networks (Facebook, Myspace, Twitter) & our home platform, providing fun and informative sports exchange among our many thousands of sub-

scribers, "friends" and followers.

The weekly fun, informative, & interactive Sports Jabber Radio Show, "Cheap Seats Community" (think Myspace for sports fans) with its included blogs (yours & others) and "Graphics Showcase"), along with SJ's aforementioned social network sites are directly accessible via the "Sports Community" link on the

home page.

SJ operates one of the largest and most comprehensive NFL mock draft databases on the net. With our own mock draft, created & maintained by our cross-fan team of experts at its foundation, our database,

unlike most, operates and is updated year-round.

Of course, Jabberheads also unite in our highly interactive member forums, 24-7, for discussion of break-ing sports news & daily events, enjoyment of competitive fantasy sports, & participation in fun & com-

petitive prize-awarded contests.

If you kick, throw, hit, or drive it...or enjoy watching it done, it's a jabber world made for you.

Are you a Jabberhead? Do you want to be a Jabberhead? Step inside and join the fun.

Interested in Writing/Reading Articles? Interested in Intelligent Sports Discussion?

Interested in Exploring the Wide World of Sports?

Check out:

WWW.SPORTSJABBER.NET

5

Sports Jabber Radio (or SJ Radio as we call it) was born at the same time as Sportsjabber.net. Hosted by TV and radio veteran Mark Janda and Sportsjabber.net advisor Ben English, it is the

voice for a vibrant cross-section of sports aficionados and addicts. From the field, ice, court, pitch or track, you can count on them to talk the sports you love.

Every Wednesday night at 10:00pm Eastern (9:00 Central), Mark and Ben cover the major sports

stories and the happenings in the SJ community. Often they will have guests who share knowledge, insight and opinion. (Past guests have included best-selling author Jeff Pearlman,

gaming expert Joe Samaurez Smith and US Olympic Gold-Medal winner Billy DeMong.) They also welcome you to join them on-air or in the SJ Radio chat room while the show is live.

This football season, they have been joined every week by fantasy guru and SportsJabber.net

partner KZ from FansFantasyFootball.com. He makes the picks to help your fantasy football team keep on winning.

And then there are the prizes. Over the two years it's been in existence, SJ Radio has awarded

T-shirts, autographed books, DVDs and a host of other swag to our listeners.

In November, you can count on us keeping our ear to the ground for any big sports story, but we'll especially be covering all the Thanksgiving Day football and the World Series, as well as the

beginnings of the NHL and NBA seasons.

It's a great time to be a Jabberhead! Expand your Jabberworld with us as we go seriously multimedia!

Remember, SJ Radio is on every Wednesday at 10:00pm Eastern, 9:00 Central.

Check out SportsJabber Radio at its home:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Sports-Jabber

Written by: Mark

6

As I have not quite decided on what format to use with this column, I decided to play around with a couple of

different ideas until I got it right. This week, I decided to cover a topic that has raised feelings in so very many forms,

from thankfulness to disgust, total agreement to outright anger. You have probably guessed by now that we are going

to be discussing... the NFL's comments that came out Monday, stating that there would be an

announcement by Wednesday that "players will be suspended for devastating hits and head shots."

As stated by Chris Mortensen, the senior NFL analyst for ESPN...The NFL will announce by Wednesday that

effective this weekend, even first-time offenders face suspension for “devastating hits” and “head shots,”

according to Ray Anderson, the league's Executive Vice President of Football Operations.

“We can't and won't tolerate what we saw Sunday,” Anderson said Monday. “We've got to get the message to

players that these devastating hits and head shots will be met with a very necessary higher standard of

accountability. We have to dispel the notion that you get one free pass in these egregious or flagrant shots.”

Anderson was alluding to the normal disciplinary measures in which the league has issued fines for first-time

offenders and, very often, second-time offenders.

“What we saw Sunday was disturbing,” Anderson said. “We're talking about avoiding life-altering impacts.”

OK, let's take this piece by piece....Devastating shots....Can anyone tell me clearly what constitutes a

“devastating shot?” Because if that term has no specified guidelines, someone could get injured w/ a perfectly

legal hit....and while looking it over, the Commissioner is having a bad day...(we all have them, it HAPPENS, folks),

and all of a sudden we have a player being suspended for a "devastating hit", simply because when

someone got hit, they got hurt..Anything that causes an injury could (technically), be a “devastating hit”.

Someone else, (I believe it was Jon Gruden, but am unable to access it), commented that it was

“any hit that makes you go ohhhhhhhhhhhh.....” If the term “devastating hits” is to remain in the “possibilities

for suspension”, then there needs to be a definition of what it IS...BEFORE one happens.

Head to head shots are illegal, have been...and will continue to be. that is a given....and there ARE reasons for that…

even football helmets are unable to protect people completely if you are knocking your heads against each other

while flying across a football field. So many injuries, including those with serious results…

from a concussion....just look at players such as Troy Aikman, Trent Green, Kurt Warner, David Carr,

Ben Rothleisberger....and there are sooo many more.

Now let's get into some of the other issues created by making rules that promise to suspend players on a first

offense....some say that we are losing the game of Football others have said that it is a PRIVILEGE to play in the

NFL, not a right....and that you can always, if worried about being injured, turn around and walk off the field.

Probably the best argument that I have read for adding rules to suspend players for head shots were found in this

article by Linda Robertson of the Miami Herald: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/10/2...ions-long.html

Rick Reilly ESPN.com, quite vocally states that, whether the play is a legal hit or not, if a player hands OUT a

concussion, he should be suspended, period. Ross Tucker, also from ESPN, and an ex-football player, states "Pro

football is a violent game played by violent men. Blows to the head are an occupational hazard that we can attempt to

avoid, knowing full well that we will never completely accomplish that goal."

We already go out of the way to protect "defenseless" players....kickers, special teams receivers who have

called a "fair catch", quarterbacks to a large degree, but to what degree are we going to go? James Harrison spent

some time considering retirement after being slapped with a $75,000 fine for two plays that were deemed "ugly"....

but, (that's right folks), were not flagged. Legal hits that cost him the better part of 100K.

Is it surprising that people are confused?

I see televised flag football in our future....and am not happy about it.

7

One On One With Mixed Martial Artist, Tyson Chartier

By: Mike

Tyson Chartier is an amateur mixed martial artist. First bursting onto the local

New England MMA scene by winning his first 7 bouts. Now standing with an

amateur record of 7-1, Chartier is looking towards making the leap from a local

amateur fighter to becoming a professional mixed martial artist. He agreed to take

some time to answer some questions regarding his fighting background, training,

career, and his life as an MMA fighter.

Q: When was it that you first became interested in combat sports, and when was it

that you realized that you wanted to be a mixed martial artist?

A: As a freshman entering HS in 1995 my older brother Tommy Chartier was a Jr

and he decided to join the newly established wrestling team.. So I followed in his

footsteps. Than after grad school in 2006 I decided to start doing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

at North Shore BJJ in Salem, MA. While helping a teammate spar for his first fight

I just fell in love with it and decided I wanted to fight too at some point.

Q: When did you first begin training in martial arts, and what aspects of martial

arts do you train in?

A: HS wrestling was how I started out.. then Brazilian Jiu Jitsu after college. I now

train my Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at both Boston BJJ in Newton, MA under Chris Owen

and Roberto Maia.. and North Shore BJJ under Danny Morera.. I train Muay Thai

and Boxing at Sityodtong Somerville and Beverly.. My head trainers / striking

coaches are "Big" John Johnsston and Neil Legallo

Q: Judging by the popularity of promotions such as UFC, Bellator and Strikeforce.

It would seem as though United States fans prefer cage fighting to a ring fight. As a

fighter, do you have a preference as to whether or not you fight inside of a cage or in

a ring?

A: I have had 8 fights now.. and 5 have been in a cage and 3 in a ring. This is a very

hot topic in MMA. Its sort of a catch 22 because the cage is definitely better to keep

the flow of the fight going.. you never have to have any stoppages to move fighters

back to the middle etc etc.. However as a fan it is much easier to see a fight in

person if it is in a ring..

From a fighters standpoint I believe that preference all depends on your style of

fighting. Ground fighters tend to like the cage.. and strikers tend to like the ring. My

last fight for tuff n uff in Vegas was in a ring and it definitely played a role in the

fight. I am not saying I would have won if it was a cage.. but had it been in a cage I

would have had a better chance of finishing the fight in the first round when I had a

deep guillotine in against the ropes.

8

What does Veterans Day mean to Veterans? By Jon M. Tessler (ReveryRoadie)

Veterans Day or Armistice Day was originally proclaimed by President Woodrow Wilson in 1919, "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us

and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations."

In June 1954, Congress changed the name to "Veterans Day" to honor all of America’s Veterans from every conflict. But what does the day mean to a current or former member of the armed services, other than the

free meal that they can get from Applebees and Golden Corral and a day off of work?

To this veteran, it is a solemn day, one that holds as much, if not more meaning than July 4th or Memorial Day. It is a day to remember the sacrifices of those men and woman who came before us

and answered the call of liberty and freedom whenever it rang out.

The day makes me think of my ancestors from my stepfather’s family who fought in every major conflict in the 20th century. The grandfather that I never had the chance to meet who fought in WW1 and

succumbed to the effects of mustard gas. My stepfather who fought in WW2, and is a highly decorated ace, followed his service by becoming a teacher and a track and soccer coach, who touched so many lives that

his students continue to write him and sing his praises long after they left his classroom. I think of my stepsister and her husband who were both highly decorated Marines who served with honor and distinction.

My stepbrother-in-law who lost his life at the hands of Hezbollah terrorists in 1989, and now lives on embodying the spirit of the Destroyer that bears his name, USS HIGGINS(DDG-79).

Of course, I also think of my own service and the places I have seen and the battles that I fought in.

All Veterans share a common bond, a singular thread that runs through each and every one of us. We all answered a higher calling, and decided that fighting for the very freedoms that our ancestors fought for, was a just and worthy thing to do. We believe in the same things that our founding patriots did, that freedom isn't

free, and it is worth sacrificing blood to attain, and maintain.

While we all may not agree with why we are fighting, or our governments decisions each Veteran knows that their service and sacrifice is a part of a greater good, and the bigger picture, which we sometimes do not see

or recognize is always worth it.

To the Veterans who are a part of the SJ Community, I say "Thank You for your service and sacrifices, it has been my honor to stand beside you in times of war and peace"

Remember a Veteran is someone who wrote a blank check payable to the citizens of the United States up to

and including their lives, and we did so willingly, and without hesitation.

9

The 2010-2011 NBA season has the appearance to become one of the best we

have seen in a long, long, time. You have young teams, old teams, defending title winners, and a super team all competing for the same prize. Here are my predic-

tions for the upcoming season.

Eastern Conference 1. Miami Heat- Can the super team live up to the hype?

2. Orlando Magic- Will Vince Carter be more than a role player? 3. Chicago Bulls- When will Boozer heal?

4. Boston Celtics- Can the Celtics stay healthy? 5. Milwaukee Bucks- Which Brandon Jennings will show up this season?

6. Atlanta Hawks- Is Joe Johnson worth his contract? 7. Washington Wizards- How good is John Wall?

8. Cleveland Cavaliers- Can they prove they were more than just LeBron? 9. New York Knicks- How big of a difference will Amare make?

10. New Jersey Nets- Worst to..playoffs? 11. Philadelphia 76ers- Can Evan Turner and Andre Iguodala become a deadly

1-2 punch? 12. Charlotte Bobcats- When will the Bobcats become contenders?

13. Detroit Pistons- Can the young team improve? 14. Indiana Pacers- Will The Lone Granger find help?

15. Toronto Raptors- Can the Raptors survive without Bosh?

Western Conference 1. Los Angeles Lakers- Three-peat?

2. Oklahoma City Thunder- Will the young prevail? 3. Utah Jazz- Can Al Jefferson make a difference?

4. Portland Trailblazers- Will Greg Oden play 50 games? 5. Dallas Mavericks- Will experience overcome youth?

6. San Antonio Spurs- How long will the Spurs stay contenders? 7. Denver Nuggets- How long will Melo stay in Denver?

8. Golden State Warriors- Will Steph Curry fall into the Sophomore Slump? 9. Houston Rockets- Will Aaron Brooks continue to improve?

10. Phoenix Suns- Can Hedo replace Amare? 11. Los Angeles Clippers- Will Blake Griffin live up to the hype? 12. New Orleans Hornets- Is CP3 really happy in New Orleans?

13. Sacramento Kings- Is DeMarcus Cousins a bust? 14. Memphis Grizzlies- When will the young team learn to win? 15. Minnesota Timberwolves- Will Rubio ever play in America?

NBA Preview by Golden_State_of_Mind

PREDICTIONS:

Eastern Conference Finals

Miami over Orlando

Western Conference Finals

LA Lakers over Utah

Finals LA Lakers over Miami

Awards

MVP: Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City

Thunder

Coach of the Year: Jerry Sloan,

Utah Jazz

Rookie of the Year: John Wall,

Washington Wizards

6th Man of the Year: J.J. Reddick,

Orlando Magic

Most Improved Player: Rodney Stuckey, Detroit Pistons

Defensive Player of the

Year: Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic

10

Okay Homer. It's SJ's Anniversary on Nov. 13th. This is big. Almost as big as your beer gut. Any thoughts on it

all?

Well Marjorie Poo...SJ is about to be 2 years-old, the same age as the Spam you served for dinner last night. But yes, this is a big deal. SJ is as strong as your mother's breath.

Tell me Old Blue Hair...How do you see SJ now as compared to our original vision?

We had big dreams then Homer, and we have big dreams now. Some of our dreams have changed to fit SJ and the people here. The first edition of the SJ Magazine is a new dream and may be our biggest dream yet. Not unlike your own dreams Homer of free beer and donuts. How about you? What dreams do you

still have for SJ?

Oh come on, Twinkie Lips...You know I only dream of BEERRRRRRRRRR! Okay...and donuts....heavenly donuts. But I do ponder that the "SJ Galaxy" will one day be recognized as THE top & incomparable

cadre of sports fan sites & offerings on the net.

So, tell me Sugar Britches...Where did you hide my only pair of underwear? Also, talk a bit about how you've seen our great staff develop over the 2 years.

Our Staff is the best staff on the planet. We really have fun together. And everyone works hard. Not as hard as you do working up a sweat, but they are remarkable.

Where do you see us in ten years Homie? And can you believe it's been 2 years already?

In ten years, I see us playing nude shuffleboard in The Springfield Old Farts Home. Oh...you meant

SJ...DOH! I see SJ competing with the "Big Boys" in ten years...in ways that we've only dreamed of thus far. And yes...I believe it's been 2 years since the neighbor lady complained about me mowing the lawn

wearing only one of your thongs.

Give the readers a hint or two on what they could see new at SJ within the NEXT 2 years, Margerooski.

In the next two years I see the forum doubling and the magazine going hard copy. Homer if you'd like to buy

one now, stick twenty bucks in the cookie jar. I see us doing more and more big time interviews. And I see SJ taking the leap off the forum home page. I see...I see...Homer why did you just put a dozen eggs in

the microwave?

A dozen eggs in the microwave is called a fifteen-egg snack. Even that dumbass Krusty the Clown knows that.

Okay Punkin Head...Before I head off to Moe's Tavern...DOH!...I mean work, if you had to pick one thing

(besides my nose), what would you say will be THE key to SJ's continued and growing success?

Gonna say the members. Without them it's just you and me talking. And who wants that? LOL Happy Anniversary Homer!

Well...It'd be you, me and that little polka-dot man with six arms & four legs who lives at the bottom of

every case of Duff Beer. Ahhh Yessss...BEERRRRRRRRR...UMMMMMM!...Oh...sorry… Happy Anniversary Marge!

SJ Celebrates Its 2 Year Anniversary with Homer & Marge

11

Nothing says Fall like the sounds and smells of football. The sound the pads make when a hard hit

is made, the roar of the crowd, the band playing in the stands…and the smells coming from the

parking lot as fans gather early to tailgate.

A classic tailgate fare is chili. It’s simple to make, feeds a lot of people, and on those chilly fall

football days, it keeps you warm.

Here are a few of my favorite chili recipes as well as a classic Southwest dessert to go along with

them. Enjoy!

This first recipe comes from ComBoz over at Pigskinaddiction.com. It has quickly become a

favorite in my household.

Bunkhouse Chili

2 lbs Lean stewing beef, cut into ½ inch cubes 2 TBSP vegetable oil

1 medium green pepper, chopped 1 medium onion, chopped

1 C chopped celery 2 gloves garlic, minced

1 can (16 oz) whole peeled tomatoes-cut into bite size pieces 1 ½ Cups (12 oz) good beer (I like Heineken)

1 Cup prepared BBQ sauce (I like KC Masterpiece Honey Brown) 1-2 TBSP chili powder

1 tsp dried oregano leaved, crushed 1 tsp salt

¼ tsp pepper 2 cans (15-17 OZ) red kidney or pinto beans (drained)

Shredded cheddar cheese Sliced green onions

In a Dutch oven or large stockpot brown beef (one layer at a time) in oil. Add green pepper, onion,

celery, and garlic; sauté until tender/crisp. Stir in tomatoes, beer, BBQ sauce, chili powder, oregano, salt and pepper. Cover; simmer for 1 hour stirring occasionally. Add beans; simmer uncovered 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle with cheese and green onions before

serving.

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These next two recipes were featured at a work chili cook off. It was a close contest with only 1 vote

separating first from second place.

Here is the second place finisher:

Christine’s White Chicken Chili 1 lb boneless chicken breasts cut into ½ in cubes

1 medium onion, chopped 1 ½ tsp garlic powder

1 TBS vegetable oil 2 cans (15 ½ oz) Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (14 ½ oz) chicken broth 2 cans (4 oz each) chopped green chilies

1 tsp salt 1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp dried oregano

½ tsp pepper ¼ cayenne pepper 1 cup sour cream

½ whipping (heavy) cream

In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, sauté chicken, onion, and garlic powder with oil until chicken is no longer

pink. Add beans, broth, chilies, and

seasonings. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes. Remove from heat and add sour

cream and whipping cream. Serve

immediately.

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This next recipe won me first place and my very own chef’s jacket with my name embroidered on it. I feel so offi-cial now!

Janna’s Margarita Chili

1 ½ lbs stewing beef 2 tbs. olive oil

1 large onion, chopped 2-3 cloves garlic (or to taste), chopped

1 green bell pepper, chopped 1 red bell pepper, chopped

1 C. tequila (minimum) 2 28 oz. cans diced tomatoes

2 15 oz cans Chili or Kidney beans 2 15 oz cans black beans

¼ tsp. ground black pepper (or to taste) ½ tsp. crushed red pepper (or to taste)

(continued on next page)

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½ tsp. salt

¼ tsp. Thyme

1 tsp. Cumin

1 Tbs. chili powder (or to taste)

3 Tbs. fresh cilantro, chopped

Juice from 1 lime

Coarse salt to rim bowls

Lime slices (garnish)

Cilantro (garnish)

Heat oil in skillet. Lightly flour meat and brown in skillet. Drain on paper towels. Deglaze pan using tequila. Add

more oil if needed and cook onion until slightly soft, then add garlic, and chopped peppers. Cook until onion in

slightly golden. Place this mixture in cooking pot and add tomatoes and beans. Add more tequila.

Place the pot on burner at medium to high heat until mixture is hot. Add spices. Simmer for 1 hour stirring

occasionally. After one hour add chopped cilantro. Cook additional 15 minutes stirring occasionally.

Add lime juice and cook last 5 minutes. To serve, rim bowls with coarse salt. Fill with Margarita Chili and add lime

slices and cilantro as garnish if desired.

**if cooked ahead of time, may add more tequila and cilantro while re-heating. **

A little note on the Margarita Chili…I like the flavor the tequila gives so I tend to add quite a bit (feel free to take a

shot or two while cooking!). You can adjust to your taste level. I also enjoy a bit more of a “kick” to my chili so again I

am a little heavier on the spices than others may be. Adjust the amount to your own taste levels. Add more for a

spicier chili; less if your palate cannot handle the heat.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Now for a classic Southwest dessert those pairs well with any chili:

Sopapillas

4 Cups flour 1 TBSP baking powder

1 tsp salt 3 TBSP butter flavored shortening

1 ¼ C ICE WATER (Must be ice cold for best results) Add baking powder and salt to flour. Stir well. Cut shortening in as if for a pie crust. Add ice water gradually until a soft dough is made. Roll out with a rolling pin until fairly thin. Cut into 3 inch squares. Deep fry until golden brown.

Drain on a brown paper bag, or paper towels. Serve with hot whipped honey butter or butter and honey separately.

14

Every year we all get together with our families on Thanksgiving. It's a time to give thanks for our family, friends, all the

gifts that we have and of course, football. Another thing to be thankful for is some halfway

decent games this year instead of being stuck with Raiders vs. Lions.

New England Patriots vs. Detroit Lions

Even though it may not look good on paper, this should be a good game to kick off the Thanksgiving Day trio. The

Detroit Lions have played almost every one of their games close and for awhile was without their young quarterback Matt

Stafford.

Who has the edge?

Offense

Obviously, the biggest part of the Patriots success so the edge needs to go to them here. Even though Randy Moss is gone,

this offense is still very good. Tom Brady and Wes Welker, who's immediate bounce back from an MCL and ACL tear has

been amazing. They also have two young TE's in Aaron Hernandez and Rob

Gronkowski who have looked good so far this season.

The Lions offense has functioned pretty well without Stafford though and have a lot of young weapons too. Calvin

Johnson, who's one of the best young receivers in the league and rookie phenom Jahvid Best.

Edge: Pats

Defense: Yards wise, these are two of the worst defenses in the NFL, giving up 379 and 362 yards per game

respectively. Once again though, the Pats have the edge on defense.

The Patriots offense has been a main reason for their great start, but the defense has some good young players. Second year

linebacker Jerod Mayo already has 70 tackles and is on pace for around 200. Still, there's not a lot about this New England

defense to be happy about.

Edge: Pats

Special Teams

In terms of returning yards, the Patriots rank third and the Lions fourth. The Patriots have young WR Brandon Tate and the

Lions have a young runningback named Stefan Logan. The teams are pretty even when it comes to returners.

Kickers are also close, with Stephen Gostkowski of the Patriots making 10/13 with a long of 43 and Jason Hanson is 11/13

with a long of 52.

Edge: Lions

Coaching

Nothing against Jim Swartz, who has done a pretty good job so far in turning the Lions into a competitive team, but Bill Be-

lichick is still one of the best coaches in the NFL. The Patriots genius coach will have them ready and like always will give

them the best chance to win.

Edge: Pats

Prediction: In a high scoring game, I have to take the Patriots. The Pats are red hot and just have more weapons on their

team then the Patriots do. Expect a big game from Tom Brady to kick off our day of Thanksgiving.

Patriots-38

Lions-28

Written by: Stephen ―G-men‖ Chott

15

Love'em or hate'em, they're the most popular team in the NFL and one of the most popular teams in all of sports. They have the most well-known (or infamous, depending on your perspective) owner

in the NFL. They field almost as many stars as players as stars on their helmets. They play in what is inarguably the most glamorous & spectacular "house" in sports.

Yet, they are 1-5 (as of this writing, pre-week-8), just lost their star QB for 6-8 weeks (aka the sea-

son) and barring a miracle, not only will not become the first team to play a home Super Bowl game, but will miss the playoffs.

The Dallas Cowboys, prior to their game against the NY Giants, were already standing on the treach-erous precipice of disaster. Then, one devastating clean hit by Michael Boley "inserted a banana peel under one of their feet". A long, agonizing fall into the grave for the team and its fans is virtually as-

sured to follow.

John Kitna now replaces Tony Romo at quarterback. Even if the team had been playing well, this would

represent a harbinger of doom. Kitna hasn't played in two years and the last season that he played, his

then-Lions were so fed up with his incompetence that they were preparing to cut him. Then, in stepped Jerry "I know Talent" Jones to save Kitna's career via trade.

Now the Cowboys have a rag-armed, inaccurate, cement-legged QB to go along with a knuckle-

headed, pansy head coach, broken-record play-calling offensive coordinator and players who have the discipline & focus of 3-year-olds.

Ironically, many Cowboys fans had been calling for Romo's head. Be careful what you ask for...You

just got it...well...his clavicle anyway.

There is, however, some light at the end of the train wreck...I mean...tunnel...no...train wreck. At the end of this season, Wade "Cupcake" Phillips will surely be fired, opening the door for the possibility of acquiring a head coach with a brain and "a pair". Who knows...Jerry may also even fire Jason "The

Red-Headed Genius" Garrett as OC. Also, the Cowboys should find themselves drafting early if not often...providing high-quality young talent...no wait...Jerry Jones does the drafting, so...as I was say-

ing, the team will get a new head coach.

GO COWBOYS...in 2012 (since there will be no 2011 NFL season).

Written by: Reg

16

New Orleans vs. Dallas

At the beginning of the year, this game could have looked like a potential NFC Championship preview. Both teams have started slow, the Cowboys at a snails pace, and the Cowboys find themselves without starting

quarterback Tony Romo, who broke his clavicle.

Offense

With Tony Romo, I'd give the edge to the Cowboys. They have talent across the board with Miles Austin, Roy Williams, who's surprised many (even Cowboys fans) with how he's played, and rookie sensation Dez Bryant.

Without Romo though, it's gotta be the Saints. With Drew Brees, Marques Colston and Reggie Bush back this

is a very explosive offense who should be scoring a lot of points.

Edge: Saints

Defense

When they are playing at full force and not making dumb penalties, the Cowboys are a very good defense. Demarcus Ware and Jay Ratliff are monsters on the defense and will cause pressure for Drew Brees all day.

Edge: Cowboys

Special Teams

One man makes the difference in this category, and that's Dez Bryant. Even though Dez is only a rookie, he's

already returned a couple punts for touchdowns, including an 88 yard return on Monday Night Football against the Giants. Dez is a game changer and may already be the most talented person on the Cowboys.

Edge: Cowboys

Coaching

On one sideline, you have a coach who has a Super Bowl ring and made one of the gutsiest calls in Super Bowl

history. On the other one, you have a “marshmallow with a headset” as ESPN's Collin Cowherd has put it on his radio show. A coach who probably won't have a job at seasons end. I'll take Sean Payton any day over

Wade Phillips.

Edge: Saints

Prediction: From what I've seen, there's no reason to think John Kitna is going to put up enough points to be able to beat this Saints team. I'll take the Saints

Saints: 31

Cowboys: 17

Written by: Stephen ―G-men‖ Chott

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Jets vs. Bengals This should be truly a Thanksgiving feast. On one side, there's Rex Ryan & his merry band of trash talkers (who can

back it up). On the other side, there's the defending AFC North champions that are looking to recapture the magic and that features two of the great trash talkers of all time...Ochocinco & T.O.

Offense

The Jets are loaded. With Holmes, Edwards, Sanchez, Greene, Tomlinson et al at the skill positions and an OL that will hurt your feelings, the Jets are...well...loaded. Sanchez is growing from "bus driver" to playmaker. This offense can

now make the big plays, the key plays and/or grind it out.

The Bengals are no slouches offensively. Palmer is struggling, but can be one of the better QBs in the league. Ochocinco is steady. T.O. is old but can still burn you deep if you blink, and few DBs can catch him from behind. Ben-

son is a very solid RB.

Edge: Jets

Defense The Jets have Revis...I could stop right there...Cromartie, Scott, Pace et al. They can afford to have a great sacker in Jason Taylor coming off the bench and playing only in obvious passing situations. Rex Ryan directs his Defense the

way his daddy directed his...complex looks, blitzes out the butt, and smashmouth tackling.

The Bengals don't have many stars on Defense. They feature Cowboys' castoffs (uh oh), Tank Johnson, Roy Williams and Pacman...with Pacman already out for the season and Williams on the gimp. Dhani Jones is solid at MLB, but this

Defense can be manhandled.

Edge: Jets

Special Teams Neither of these two special teams are really special. Nick Folk...another Cowboys' castoff (What are the Ben-

gals?..."Cowboys North"?) has been surprisingly consistent, but not quite as strong as the Jets kicker. Bryant is "okay" kicking for the Jets. Both teams' coverage and kick-off/punt teams are middle of the pack.

Edge: Bengals (by coin flip)

Coaching The way Rex Ryan flaps his gums, you'd think he'd won several rings as a head coach. Reality is that he and Bengals' "on the hot seat" head coach Marvin Lewis have the same number of rings...ZERO. Ryan, though, does seem to have

better command of his troops.

Edge: Jets

Prediction: On paper, this is not a blowout, but certainly a big-margin win for the Jets. However, any time you get those "85" and "Original 81" dudes for the Bengals in front of a national TV audience, anything can happen....even if

it's just fines for excessive, but fun end-zone celebrations & sideline antics (Those two will surely Tweet during the game and hopefully wear some funny hats. LOL).

Jets: 27

Bengals: 21

Written by: Reg

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The Sports Jabber Mock Draft Database is one of the largest and most comprehensive mock draft databases on the net.

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1. Carolina Panthers (0-5) - AJ Green, WR, Georgia 2. Buffalo Bills (0-5) - Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

3. San Francisco 49ers (0-5) - Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas 4. Detroit Lions (1-4) - Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU

5. Cleveland Browns (1-4) - Marcell Dareus, DE/DT, Alabama 6. Dallas Cowboys (1-3) - Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State

7. Minnesota Vikings (1-3) - Jake Locker, QB, Washington 8. New England Patriots (2-3) - Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama

9. Denver Broncos (2-3) - Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson 10. St. Louis Rams (2-3) - Julio Jones, WR, Alabama

11. Cincinnati Bengals (2-3) - Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa 12. San Diego Chargers (2-3) - Allen Bailey, DE, Miami

13. Miami Dolphins (2-2) - DeAndre McDaniel, DB, Clemson 14. Seattle Seahawks (2-2) - Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska

15. Philadelphia Eagles (3-2) - Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State 16. Tennessee Titans (3-2) - Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh

17. Arizona Cardinals (3-2) - Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA 18. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-2) - Marcus Cannon, OT, TCU

19. Indianapolis Colts (3-2) - Jurrell Casey, DT, USC 20. Washington Redskins (3-2) - Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

21. New York Giants (3-2) - Travis Lewis, OLB, Oklahoma 22. New Orleans Saints (3-2) - Robert Quinn, DE/OLB, North Carolina

23. Houston Texans (3-2) - Duenta Williams, DB, North Carolina 24. Green Bay Packers (3-2) - Ryan Williams, RB, Virginia Tech

25. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1) - Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College 26. New England Patriots (3-1) - Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M

27. Tampa Bay Bucs (3-1) - Jared Crick, DE/DT, Nebraska 28. Kansas City Chiefs (3-1) - Brandon Harris, DB, Miami

29. New York Jets (4-1) - Jeremy Beal, OLB, Oklahoma 30. Atlanta Falcons (4-1) - Rahim Moore, DB, UCLA

31. Chicago Bears (4-1) - Demarcus Love, OT, Arkansas 32. Baltimore Ravens (4-1) - Brandon Burton, CB, Utah

SportsJabber.net 2011 Official NFL Mock Draft

20

Most of the world knows Jeff Pearlman as a best-selling author, nationally syndicated writer at Sports Illustrated, and blogger. I know him

as a guy that always has time for everyone. Someone that likes to be read,

likes to talk, and also likes to listen.

The first time I met him was a few years ago. He was in the beginning stages of "Boys Will be Boys" and we had exchanged a few

emails on doing some promotions, with Reg and I having a Cowboys site. We did some marketing for him and he did radio shows

and signed books for us .

But it's even more than that. I am by most worldly standards, no one. I am not famous. I haven't done anything worth remembering.

Yet Jeff always remembers me. Today I asked him for a favor, explained to him we needed a headline article for our first SJ maga-zine, and I had an interview an hour later.

That is the other thing I love about that guy. He's not fussy about his content or where his words find themselves. He just loves to

write, and loves people to read what he wrote.

Jeff's new book is about Walter Payton. I asked him a little about his new book, and at the end I will post the links for his blog, his

books, if you haven't checked them out yet. So here is Jeff…

I see you have been counting words. What is your new book about and how many words do you have to go? It's a biography of the great Walter Payton. About 30,000 words—and two months of hell—to go.

How much time goes into researching your books, subjects as opposed to writing? The bulk of the time is research. If I have two years to work on a project, 1 1/2 years is all reporting. Digging through clips, track-

ing down interviewees, finding media guides, etc ... etc. It's hellish, but it's my kind of hell.

You've written about some really dynamic people. Who has been your favorite so far and why? I'd say the '90s Cowboys—and not just because you're the one asking. They were so fun and dynamic and mysterious and cool. Characters like Michael Irvin come along for a writer once every decade or so. I could write about him forever—the highs and

lows, good and bad. Then you throw in the Emmitts, the Aikmans,. Just great, never-ending storylines.

I love everything you write. I especially love to read about your everyday life, your kids. How do you keep that balance? That's insanely kind of you. I don't know if it's balance. I'd just say the wife and I made a commitment when our daughter was born

seven years ago to be as involved and active and present as possible. For me, books is the golden ticket in that realm. Do I make as

much annually as I did during my SI magazine days? Probably not. But I'm able to watch my kids grow up every day. I take my daughter to ballet, drop my son off at school, etc ... etc. It's an enormous payoff.

Do you remember the first story you ever wrote? Oddly, I do. It was in 1988, for the Mahopac High School student newspaper, The Chieftain. It was a profile of the boys cross

country team–which I was a member of. Quite a conflict of interest, but I was just 16.

When can we expect to see your new book? August 2011. Wish it were sooner.

Any advice to anyone that loves to write and is starting out? Yeah, more than anything, read, read, read. Read great writing and pay attention. Close attention. To transitions and phrasing and

paragraphing and tone and texture. That's what I used to do ... still do. Pick up an SI or ESPN the Mag or New York Times or Dal-

las Morning News or whatever and study. That's a great first step.

Giants or Rangers? Rangers in 7.

Check out Jeff's Site. You can read his blog, order books, or generally just see what is on his mind. Feel free to drop him a line and

say hi. He always answers his mail. http://jeffpearlman.com/

JEFF WILL BE JEFF

Written by: Deb

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1.Oregon 144 (5)

2. Auburn 134 (1)

3. Boise State 132 (4)

4. TCU 117

5. Alabama 110

6. Utah 85

7. Wisconsin 84

8. Ohio State 80

9. Oklahoma 73

10. Nebraska 69

SJ College Football Poll As of: November 1, 2010

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This edition of college corner, I'll be giving you an early insight on the NFL Draft of 2011. I'll give you players who are rising, players who are falling, the top players from non-AQ schools, my personal top 30 big board, and of course an early mock draft. It's never too early to scout players for the NFL draft. Hopefully after reading this,

you will be able to watch college football every weekend with a lookout of these players.

Other than the NFL draft, I will be answering questions from our very own SportsJabber members! They will be asking any question they want about college football.

If you would like to send in a question into the next magazine edition, pm myself (NYSportsRule) on the

SportsJabber forums.

* Represents Junior ** Represents Redshirt Sophomore

Draft Risers:

1) *Cam Newton - QB - Auburn 2) **LaMichael James - RB - Oregon

3) Jurrel Jernigan - WR - Troy 4) Jaiquawn Jarrett - FS - Temple

5) Marcus Cannon - OT - TCU 6) DaQuan Bowers - DE - Clemson

7) Chris Carter - OLB - Fresno State 8) *Nick Fairley - DT - Auburn

9)*Jeff Fuller - WR - Texas A&M 10) Junior Cornerbacks. This includes:

Brandon Harris - Miami, Brandon Burton - Utah, Chase Minnifield -Virginia, and Patrick Peterson - LSU

Honorable Mentions:

*Blaine Gabbert - QB - Missouri Martez Wilson - OLB - Illinois

Zach Brown - OLB - North Carolina Nate Irving - ILB - North Carolina State

Draft Fallers: 1) Marvin Austin - DT - North Carolina

2) Jerrod Johnson - QB - Texas A&M 3) Evan Royster - RB - Penn State

4) Greg Little - WR - North Carolina 5) Jake Locker - QB - Washington

6) Ryan Williams - RB - Virginia Tech 7) Jon Baldwin - WR - Pittsburgh 8) Von Miller - OLB - Texas A&M 9) Gabe Carimi - OT - Wisconsin

10) Senior Cornerbacks. This includes: Prince Amukamara - Nebraska, Curtis Brown - Texas,

and Ras-I Dowling - Virginia

Honorable Mentions: Cameron Heyward - DE - Ohio State

Jared Crick - DT - Nebraska Mike Pouncey - OG - Florida

Written by: NYSportsRule

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***The number is the round that they are projected to be drafted***

Top 20 Non-AQ Prospects: 1) Marcus Cannon - OT - TCU - 1/2

2) Pat Delvin - QB - Delaware - 1/2 (Joe Flacco) 3) Brandon Burton - CB - Utah - 2

4) Jurrel Jernigan - WR - Troy - 2 (Lightning fast) 5) Dwayne Harris - WR - ECU - 2/3 (Hester type)

6) Chris Carter - OLB - Fresno State - 2/3 7) Kendrick Ellis - NT - Hampton - 2/3 (Transfer from South Carolina)

8) Dontay Moch - OLB - Nevada - 2/3 9) Jaiquawn Jarrett - FS - Temple - 2/3

10) Davon House - CB - New Mexico State - 2/3 11) Benjamin Ijalana - OG - Villanova - 3 12) Austin Pettis - WR - Boise State - 3/4 13) Titus Young - WR - Boise State - 3/4

14) Teejay Johnson - FS - TCU - 4 15) Jeremey Kerley - WR - TCU - 4

16) Rob Housler - TE - Florida Atlantic - 4/5 17) Cedric Thornton - DT - Southern Arkanss - 4/5

18) Shiloh Keo - SS - Idaho - 4/5 19) Vincent Brown - WR - San Diego State - 4/5

20) Cecil Shorts III - WR - Mount Union - 4/5

Honorable Mentions:

Cortez Allen - CB - Citadel - 4/5 (Dropping) Matt Szczur - WR - Villanova - 4/5 Colin Kaepernick - QB - Nevada - 5

Eugene Clifford - SS - Tennessee State - 5/6 Jake Kirkpatrick - C - TCU - 5/6

Brian Lainhark - FS - Kent State - 5/6

Top Underclass Non-AQ Players: 1) *Tank Carder - ILB - TCU - 1

2) *Matt Reynolds - OT - BYU - 1 3) *Nate Potter - OG/OT - Boise State - 2

4) *Ryan Lindley - QB - San Diego State - 2/3 5) *Muhammad Wilkerson - DT - Temple - 2/3 6) *David Pickard - OT - Southern Illinois - 2/3

7) *Kelechi Osemele - OG - Iowa State - 3 8) *Vinny Curry - DE - Marshall - 4

9) *Taiwan Jones - RB - Eastern Michigan - 4/5 10) *Chandler Harnish - QB - Northern Illinois - 5

(Sleeper) *DeAndre Brown - WR - Southern Miss - 6

continued...

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Big Board: 1) **Andrew Luck - QB - Stanford

2) *Patrick Peterson - CB/PR - LSU 3) *AJ Green - WR - Georgia

4) **LaMicahel James - RB - Oregon 5) *Julio Jones - WR - Alabama

6) *Marcell Dareus - DT - Alabama 7) Adrian Clayborn - DE - Iowa

8) *Mark Ingram - RB - Alabama 9) Allen Bailey - DT - Miami

10) *Ryan Mallett - QB - Arkansas 11) DeAndre McDaniel - Safety - Clemson

12) *Brandon Burton - CB - Utah 13) *Nick Fairley - DT - Auburn

14) Derek Sherrod - OT - Mississippi State 15) *Robert Quinn - DE - North Carolina

16) *Jeremy Beal - OLB - Oklahoma 17) Marcus Cannon - OT - TCU

18) Cameron Heyward - DE - Ohio State 19) Anthony Castanzo - OT - Boston College

20) Prince Amukamara - CB - Nebraska 21) *Brandon Harris - CB - Miami

22) Demarco Murray - RB - Oklahoma 23) *Daquan Bowers - DE - Clemson

24) *Jeff Fuller - WR - Texas A&M 25) *Rahim Moore - Safety - UCLA

26) *Cameron Jordan - DE - Cal 27) *Malcom Floyd - WR - Notre Dame

28) *Akeem Ayers - OLB - UCLA 29) Stephen Paea - DT - Oregon State

30) *Chase Minnifield - CB - UVA

Honorable Mentions:

Bruce Carter - OLB - North Carolina *Ryan Broyles - WR - Oklahoma *Jon Baldwin - WR - Pittsburgh

*Mark Barron - Safety - Alabama *Ryan Kerrigan - DE - Purdue

*Blaine Gabbert - QB - Missouri Shane Vareen - RB - Cal

*Zach Brown - OLB - North Carolina *Travis Lewis - OLB - Oklahoma Greg Jones - ILB - Michigan State

continued...

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Early Mock Draft: 1) Bills (0-6) - *Marcell Dareus - DT/DE - Alabama

2) 49ers (1-6) - **Andrew Luck - QB - Stanford 3) Panthers (1-5) - Adrian Clayborn - DE - Iowa

4) Lions (1-5) - *Patrick Peterson - CB - LSU 5) Cowboys (1-5) - *Ryan Mallett - QB - Arkansas

6) Browns (2-5) - *AJ Green - WR - Georgia 7) Broncos (2-5) - *Mark Ingram - RB - Alabama 8) Chargers (2-5) - Allen Bailey - DE/DT - Miami

9) Bengals (2-4) - *Nick Fairley - DT - Auburn 10) Vikings (2-4) - Jake Locker - QB - Washington

11) Rams (3-4) - *Julio Jones - WR - Alabama 12) Jaguars (3-4) - Prince Amukamara - CB - Nebraska

13) Patriots (from Raiders) (3-4) - Derek Sherrod - OT - Mississippi State 14) Cardinals (3-3) - *Jeremy Beal - OLB - Oklahoma 15) Dolphins (3-3) - **LaMichael James - RB - Oregon

16) Bears (4-3) - Anthony Castanzo - OT - Boston College 17) Redskins (4-3) - Cameron Heyward - DE - Ohio State 18) Eagles (4-3) - DeAndre McDaniel - Safety - Clemson 19) Packers (4-3) - Demarco Murray - RB - Oklahoma 20) Saints (4-3) - *Robert Quinn - DE - North Carolina

21) Bucs (4-2) - *Daquan Bowers - DE - Clemson 22) Seahawks (4-2) - *Malcom Floyd - WR - Notre Dame 23) Texans (4-2) - Bruce Carter - OLB - North Carolina

24) Chiefs (4-2) - *Ryan Broyles - WR - Oklahoma 25) Colts (4-2) - Stephen Paea - DT - Oregon State 26) Falcons (5-2) - *Jeff Fuller - WR - Texas A&M

27) Giants (5-2) - *Akeem Ayers - OLB - UCLA 28) Ravens (5-2) - *Brandon Burton - CB - Utah

29) Titans (5-2) - Marcus Cannon - OG/OT - TCU 30) Patriots (5-1) - Von Miller - OLB - Texas A&M 31) Jets (5-1) - Cameron Jordan - DE - California

32) Steelers (5-1) - *Brandon Harris - CB - Miami

SJ Member Corner:

From Dalton - Who is your Heisman front runner?

My Heisman front runner right now is clearly Cam Newton, the QB from Auburn. He not only has been outstanding statistically, but he's also lead his team to many key wins. I think he is a far and away leader.

The only other two candidates with any chance at all are LaMichael James and Kellen Moore. They will need

a lot of help from Newton though. They will need at least two losses from Auburn and/or Newton to get injured and miss the last four games of the season. This is the first year in a very long time that there is a

clear cut Heisman leader.

continued...

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