Don't Overreact to the Bengals Tie Against the Panthers

I tell you why Bengals fans should still have confidence in their team despite a loss and a tie in the past two weeks. We hear from Mike Nugent, who talked to reporters after the 37-37 tie against the Panthers. You'll also hear the call of the missed kick that would've secured a Bengals victory (courtesy of the Bengals Radio Network).

Player Ratings for Every Team In NBA 2K15

The NBA season is right around the corner and that means 2KSports is coming out with NBA2K15. The game will be in stores on October 7th. LeBron James is the highest rated player in the game. The ratings for every player on an NBA2K15 roster are listed below.

LeBron James returns to Cleveland this season and he is also
the highest rated player in NBA 2K15. 

Atlanta Hawks

85 - Paul Millsap
83 - Al Horford
78 - Jeff Teague
78 - Kyle Korver
75 - DeMarre Carroll
74 - Thabo Sefolosha
74 - Kent Bazemore
72 - Mike Scott
71 - Adreian Payne
71 - Shelvin Mack
70 - Dennis Schroder
69 - Pero Antic
68 - John Jenkins

Boston Celtics

87 - Rajon Rondo
78 - Avery Bradley
78 - Jeff Green
78 - Jared Sullinger
76 - Evan Turner
76 - Marcus Smart
76 - Marcus Thornton
75 - Brandon Bass
74 - Gerald Wallace
74 - Kelly Olynyk
72 - Vitor Faverani
70 - Tyler Zeller
70 - Phil Pressey
68 - James Young
66 - Joel Anthony

Brooklyn Nets

84 - Deron Williams
83 - Brook Lopez
82 - Joe Johnson
77 - Mason Plumlee
77 - Kevin Garnett
74 - Andrei Kirilenko
74 - Bojan Bogdanovic
74 - Jarrett Jack
71 - Mirza Teletovic
71 - Alan Anderson
69 - Marquis Teague
68 - Markel Brown
66 - Sergey Karasev

Charlotte Hornets

87 - Al Jefferson
84 - Lance Stephenson
82 - Kemba Walker
78 - Gerald Henderson
77 - Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
75 - Gary Neal
74 - Brian Roberts
73 - Cody Zeller
73 - Marvin Williams
73 - Bismack Biyombo
72 - Noah Vonleh
72 - Jeff Taylor
71 - P.J. Hairston
67 - Jannero Pargo

Chicago Bulls

88 - Derrick Rose
87 - Joakim Noah
82 - Pau Gasol
80 - Taj Gibson
80 - Jimmy Butler
76 - Kirk Hinrich
75 - Doug McDermott
75 - Nikola Mirotic
74 - Mike Dunleavy
73 - Aaron Brooks
72 - Tony Snell
66 - Cameron Bairstow

Cleveland Cavaliers

98 - LeBron James
89 - Kevin Love
86 - Kyrie Irving
78 - Dion Waiters
77 - Shawn Marion
76 - Tristan Thompson
75 - Anderson Varejao
74 - Mike Miller
72 - Matthew Dellavedova
69 - James Jones
69 - John Lucas
66 - Malcolm Thomas
65 - Brendan Haywood

Dallas Mavericks

88 - Dirk Nowitzki
82 - Monta Ellis
79 - Chandler Parsons
79 - Tyson Chandler
76 - Jameer Nelson
75 - Devin Harris
75 - Brandan Wright
74 - Raymond Felton
74 - Al-Farouq Aminu
72 - Jae Crowder
72 - Richard Jefferson
67 - Gal Mekel
67 - Ricky Ledo
67 - Greg Smith

Denver Nuggets

84 - Ty Lawson
81 - Kenneth Faried
78 - Arron Afflalo
78 - Wilson Chandler
77 - Danilo Gallinari
77 - J.J. Hickson
76 - Nate Robinson
74 - JaVale McGee
74 - Randy Foye
74 - Timofey Mozgov
71 - Gary Harris
69 - Jusuf Nurkic
69 - Darrell Arthur
68 - Quincy Miller

Detroit Pistons

83 - Andre Drummond
80 - Brandon Jennings
80 - Josh Smith
80 - Greg Monroe
76 - Caron Butler
76 - D.J. Augustin
75 - Jodie Meeks
74 - Kyle Singler
72 - Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
71 - Jonas Jerebko
70 - Will Bynum
70 - Cartier Martin
68 - Tony Mitchell
67 - Luigi Datome
67 - Aaron Gray

Golden State Warriors

89 - Stephen Curry
82 - Klay Thompson
82 - Andre Iguodala
82 - David Lee
80 - Andrew Bogut
77 - Draymond Green
76 - Harrison Barnes
74 - Shaun Livingston
72 - Marreese Speights
69 - Brandon Rush
67 - Ognjen Kuzmic
67 - Nemanja Nedovic
67 - Festus Ezeli

Houston Rockets

88 - James Harden
88 - Dwight Howard
78 - Patrick Beverley
78 - Trevor Ariza
77 - Terrence Jones
72 - Isaiah Canaan
71 - Troy Daniels
71 - Jeff Adrien
71 - Nick Johnson
69 - Alonzo Gee
69 - Donatas Motiejunas
69 - Robert Covington
68 - Ish Smith
67 - Josh Powell

Indiana Pacers

89 - Paul George
80 - David West
80 - Roy Hibbert
78 - George Hill
77 - Luis Scola
75 - Rodney Stuckey
75 - Ian Mahinmi
75 - C.J. Watson
73 - C.J. Miles
71 - Chris Copeland
68 - Lavoy Allen
66 - Solomon Hill
65 - Donald Sloan

Los Angeles Clippers

91 - Chris Paul
89 - Blake Griffin
81 - DeAndre Jordan
80 - Jamal Crawford
77 - J.J. Redick
76 - Matt Barnes
76 - Spencer Hawes
74 - Glen Davis
74 - Jared Dudley
72 - Jordan Farmar
69 - Reggie Bullock
67 - C.J. Wilcox

Los Angeles Lakers

89 - Kobe Bryant
78 - Carlos Boozer
78 - Nick Young
77 - Jeremy Lin
76 - Jordan Hill
76 - Steve Nash
76 - Julius Randle
73 - Ed Davis
73 - Wesley Johnson
73 - Xavier Henry
71 - Ryan Kelly
70 - Jordan Clarkson
67 - Robert Sacre

Memphis Grizzlies

85 - Marc Gasol
84 - Zach Randolph
83 - Mike Conley
78 - Tony Allen
76 - Courtney Lee
77 - Vince Carter
75 - Tayshaun Prince
74 - Beno Udrih
72 - Kosta Koufos
72 - Nick Calathes
71 - Jordan Adams
71 - Jarnell Stokes
69 - Jon Leuer
69 - Jamaal Franklin
68 - Quincy Pondexter

Miami Heat

86 - Dwyane Wade
84 - Chris Bosh
79 - Luol Deng
76 - Danny Granger
75 - Mario Chalmers
75 - Chris Andersen
75 - Norris Cole
74 - Josh McRoberts
74 - Shabazz Napier
72 - Udonis Haslem
70 - James Ennis
69 - Justin Hamilton
66 - Reggie Williams

Milwaukee Bucks

79 - Brandon Knight
79 - Larry Sanders
78 - Jabari Parker
77 - O.J. Mayo
75 - Khris Middleton
75 - John Henson
75 - Nate Wolters
74 - Jerryd Bayless
74 - Kendall Marshall
74 - Giannis Antetokounmpo
73 - Ersan Ilyasova
70 - Carlos Delfino
69 - Zaza Pachulia
67 - Miroslav Raduljica
67 - Johnny O'Bryant

Minnesota Timberwolves

81 - Nikola Pekovic
79 - Ricky Rubio
79 - Kevin Martin
78 - Thaddeus Young
77 - Andrew Wiggins
76 - Mo Williams
75 - Corey Brewer
74 - J.J. Barea
72 - Gorgui Dieng
72 - Zach LaVine
70 - Anthony Bennett
70 - Chase Budinger
68 - Robbie Hummel
68 - Ronny Turiaf
67 - Shabazz Muhammad

New Orleans Pelicans

88 - Anthony Davis
82 - Jrue Holiday
79 - Eric Gordon
78 - Tyreke Evans
77 - Ryan Anderson
76 - Omer Asik
73 - John Salmons
72 - Jimmer Fredette
72 - Austin Rivers
69 - Russ Smith
69 - Darius Miller
69 - Jeff Withey
68 - Alexis Ajinca
66 - Luke Babbitt

New York Knicks

89 - Carmelo Anthony
78 - Jose Calderon
78 - J.R. Smith
77 - Amar'e Stoudemire
77 - Iman Shumpert
77 - Tim Hardaway Jr
76 - Samuel Dalembert
72 - Pablo Prigioni
72 - Jason Smith
72 - Andrea Bargnani
72 - Shane Larkin
70 - Cleanthony Early
69 - Travis Outlaw
67 - Quincy Acy
67 - Cole Aldrich

Oklahoma City Thunder

95 - Kevin Durant
88 - Russell Westbrook
84 - Serge Ibaka
78 - Reggie Jackson
74 - Kendrick Perkins
74 - Nick Collison
74 - Steven Adams
73 - Jeremy Lamb
73 - Anthony Morrow
69 - Perry Jones III
68 - Andre Roberson
68 - Mitch McGary
65 - Josh Huestis
65 - Hasheem Thabeet

Orlando Magic

80 - Nikola Vucevic
78 - Victor Oladipo
76 - Channing Frye
76 - Tobias Harris
74 - Elfrid Payton
74 - Aaron Gordon
74 - Maurice Harkless
72 - Luke Ridnour
72 - Ben Gordon
72 - Evan Fournier
71 - Willie Green
71 - Andrew Nicholson
70 - Kyle O'Quinn
66 - Dewayne Dedmon

Philadelphia 76ers

80 - Michael Carter-Williams
77 - Joel Embiid
76 - Nerlens Noel
74 - Luc Mbah a Moute
74 - Tony Wroten
73 - Jason Richardson
71 - Hollis Thompson
70 - Elliot Williams
70 - Alexey Shved
69 - Henry Sims
68 - Arnett Moultrie
68 - Jerami Grant
67 - Jarvis Varnado
65 - Brandon Davies

Phoenix Suns

84 - Goran Dragic
81 - Eric Bledsoe
80 - Isaiah Thomas
78 - Markieff Morris
78 - Miles Plumlee
78 - Gerald Green
76 - P.J. Tucker
75 - Marcus Morris
73 - Anthony Tolliver
72 - T.J. Warren
71 - Tyler Ennis
69 - Archie Goodwin
67 - Alex Len
64 - Shavlik Randolph

Portland Trail Blazers

88 - LaMarcus Aldridge
87 - Damian Lillard
79 - Nicolas Batum
78 - Wesley Matthews
77 - Robin Lopez
76 - Chris Kaman
75 - Thomas Robinson
72 - Dorell Wright
72 - C.J. McCollum
71 - Steve Blake
70 - Will Barton
68 - Meyers Leonard
68 - Joel Freeland
67 - Allen Crabbe
66 - Victor Claver

Sacramento Kings

86 - DeMarcus Cousins
82 - Rudy Gay
79 - Darren Collison
75 - Jason Thompson
75 - Carl Landry
74 - Nik Stauskas
74 - Ray McCallum
74 - Ben McLemore
74 - Jason Terry
74 - Reggie Evans
71 - Derrick Williams
71 - Wayne Ellington
67 - Jeremy Tyler

San Antonio Spurs

90 - Tim Duncan
88 - Tony Parker
85 - Kawhi Leonard
83 - Manu Ginobili
78 - Danny Green
78 - Boris Diaw
77 - Tiago Splitter
77 - Patrick Mills
75 - Marco Belinelli
73 - Matt Bonner
73 - Cory Joseph
67 - Jeff Ayres
67 - Austin Daye
67 - Kyle Anderson

Toronto Raptors

85 - Kyle Lowry
85 - DeMar DeRozan
78 - Jonas Valanciunas
77 - Amir Johnson
77 - Louis Williams
76 - Terrence Ross
76 - Greivis Vasquez
75 - Patrick Patterson
73 - Tyler Hansbrough
70 - James Johnson
69 - Chuck Hayes
69 - Landry Fields
64 - Bruno Caboclo

Utah Jazz

79 - Gordon Hayward
78 - Derrick Favors
76 - Alec Burks
75 - Trey Burke
75 - Enes Kanter
74 - Dante Exum
74 - Trevor Booker
72 - Steve Novak
71 - Rodney Hood
71 - Rudy Gobert
70 - Jeremy Evans
68 - Carrick Felix
67 - Ian Clark

Washington Wizards

86 - John Wall
81 - Bradley Beal
81 - Paul Pierce
81 - Marcin Gortat
80 - Nene
76 - Andre Miller
74 - Kevin Seraphin
73 - Kris Humphries
73 - Martell Webster
71 - DeJuan Blair
70 - Drew Gooden
69 - Glen Rice Jr
68 - Garrett Temple
68 - Otto Porter

Notable Free Agents

78 - Ray Allen
76 - Ramon Sessions
75 - Andray Blatche
75 - Elton Brand
74 - Jordan Crawford
73 - Rashard Lewis
73 - Emeka Okafor
73 - Jermaine O'Neal
73 - Andrew Bynum
72 - Chauncey Billups
72 - Michael Beasley

Fantasy Football Preview Week One

I give you an injury report and my studs, duds and sleepers for week one. If you have a fantasy football question just tweet me @JamesRapien. For all of the latest fantasy football news go to GetSportsInfo.com. Also, get the most up-to-date fantasy information every Sunday on Fantasy Football Gameday on Cincinnati's Fox Sports 1360.

Chick and James on Fox Sports 1360

Do you have an issue with A.J. Green and
Patrick Peterson swapping jerseys after
they just played against each other?

James joined the Monday Morning Quarterback Quarterback Show on Fox Sports 1360 to discuss Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green swapping jerseys with Patrick Peterson after their head-to-head matchup on Sunday Night Football. 

Clearly Peterson and Green have a mutual respect for one another. Peterson tweeted this after the game:

“@nfl: Jersey swap. #Respect #CINvsAZ pic.twitter.com/tAwGQqAH7Z”<- great battle today @ajgreen_18 #Respect
— Patrick Peterson (@RealPeterson21) August 25, 2014

Green responded shortly after:

@RealPeterson21 @nfl always bro good luck this season..
— Aj Green (@ajgreen_18) August 25, 2014

It's good to see two pro bowl players go at it on the field, yet be good friends off of it. Green's Bengals did win the game 19-13 and he was able to haul in five receptions for 53 yards with Peterson guarding him.

SearsGarageDoors.com Fantasy Football Show on FOXSports 1360

It was another big day of fantasy football talk on the SearsGarageDoors.com Fantasy Football Show on FOXSports 1360 with Dan Clasgens, James Adams,  Stefanie Theobald, and James Rapien. We gave you everything you need to know about the wide receiver position for your draft. Here's a recap of the show:

Nate Burleson: 'Johnny's still the man'

Johnny Manziel might not be the starting quarterback for the Browns,
but that doesn't mean his teammates don't believe in him.

Even though Johnny Manziel might not start for the Cleveland Browns in 2014, he's receiving support from one veteran wide receiver. Nate Burleson backed Manziel even though he lost the starting job to Brian Hoyer, Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

"I'll just say this, Johnny's still the man,'' said Burleson. “He's still a really good quarterback. He's an NFL-quality starting quarterback. Johnny will be successful in this league. ''

However, Burleson doesn't question the Browns decision to start Hoyer over Manziel.

Burleson still believes in Manziel even though
he won't be the starter in Cleveland.

"We've got really two quarterbacks that are good, and I've been saying that since we first got to camp,'' he said. "Regardless of who was named the starter week one, I feel like we were going to be winners. I say that selfishly speaking as a receiver, I get to benefit from that. I caught balls, touchdowns in 1-on-1s, made plays from both quarterbacks. So for me, I was straddling the fence between the two.”

Burleson has praised both players since training camp started.

"They've both got their qualities, their different in ways, but I like the way Brian has commanded the leadership of this team and grabbed ahold of the playbook. But Johnny being the No. 2 as you want to call it, we got arguably the best No. 2 in the NFL. I'm OK with that.''

Burleson might be trying to bolster the confidence of Manziel after he lost out on the starting job. Either way, he has made it clear he thinks Manziel can be successful in the NFL and that should give the rookie confidence moving forward.

James On Fantasy Football Gameday

James was on Fox Sports 1360 today to talk fantasy football with Stefanie Theobald and Chris Heil. They touch on Adrian Peterson, Matt Forte and preview the rest of the running back's that you should know about before your fantasy draft.

James Talks Dalton and Manziel on the Monday Morning Quarterback Show

James joined Chick Ludwig on Cincinnati's Fox Sports 1360 to talk about Andy Dalton's contract extension and Johnny Manziel's preseason debut.

Kyle Rudolph To Give Back

Kyle Rudolph is going to get paid, but shows he
isn't afraid to share the wealth.

Cincinnati native Kyle Rudolph plans to give back to his alma mater. Instead of buying a new car or a bigger house after receiving a pay raise from the Minnesota Vikings, Rudolph will have a new weight room built for Elder High School.

On Monday, he finalized a contract extension with the Vikings that could be worth up to $40 million according to reports.

#Vikings TE Kyle Rudolph's plans for his new cash? Same house, same truck. Oh, but this: Buying a new weight room for his high school.
— David McCoy (@DavidMcCoyWCCO) July 28, 2014

Rudolph attended Elder from 2005-2008 where he played football and basketball.

 "I'm extremely excited to get this extension completed and continue my career with the Minnesota Vikings," Rudolph said in a statement. "I've said all along I wanted to stay in Minnesota. I love the fans, the community and, most importantly, I'm excited about where this team is going. I'm looking forward to the 2014 season and helping this organization reach our ultimate goal."

Rudolph, 24, has 109 receptions for 1,055 yards and 15 touchdowns in 39 games over three seasons with Minnesota.  He made the 2012 NFL Pro Bowl.

Reds Lose to Nationals 4-2

James recaps Washington's 4-2 win over Cincinnati and tells you if the Reds should make make a move before the trade deadline.

Sports Talk With James and Mario

James Rapien and Mario DeRamus talk about LeBron James' decision to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers, ask if the Cavaliers should trade Andrew Wiggins and talk about the Cincinnati Bengals chances in 2014.

Chick and James' Bengals Training Camp Preview

Here is a compilation of audio clips from The Monday Morning Quarterback Show previewing Bengals training camp on Fox Sports 1360. The MMQB airs every Monday morning from 6am-9am on Cincinnati's Fox Sports 1360.

Jordan Brand Says Farewell To Derek Jeter

Derek Jeter has been a key member of the Jordan Brand for nearly two decades. Here's 

their farewell to Jeter who is retiring at the end of the 2014 season.

LeBron's Return: Compilation of Newspaper Front Pages

A LeBron James Billboard is Already Up in Cleveland

LeBron James announced his return to Cleveland Friday afternoon. This billboard of "The Chosen One" went up just hours later in downtown Cleveland:

Could Carlos Boozer Land in Miami?

The Chicago Bulls are considering using the amnesty provision on veteran forward Carlos Boozer according to reports.

This could be the break the Miami Heat need. If Boozer is amnestied, he would become a perfect fit in South Beach. He wanted to sign there in 2010 before the Heat opted to sign Chris Bosh. Now, Boozer might be willing to take less money, since the Bulls will still pay him his full $16.8 million salary if they amnesty him.

The Bulls may be hard pressed to find a partner for a potential sign-and-trade according to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun Times.

A source said Wednesday that Boozer’s departure is a “done deal,” adding that Boozer’s camp already has been informed. There haven’t been any takers on a sign-and-trade for Boozer, and the Bulls also want the money to go in a different direction, whether Carmelo Anthony is in the mix or not.

Boozer does own a home in Miami. Could he be the guy that convinces LeBron James to stay in South Beach? There's no reason to expect that, although it would be a step in the right direction.

Boozer averaged 13.7 points per game and 8.3 rebounds per game last season.

James joins the Monday Morning Quarterback Show to Talk Bengals

James Appears on Cincinnati's ESPN 1530

NBA Finals: LeBron needs to raise his game for Heat to three-peat

When the “Big 3” came together in July 2010, the Miami Heat instantly became the favorites to win multiple NBA titles. This season they find themselves trying to win three-straight NBA championships. They’re making a fourth-straight NBA Finals appearance. If the Heat are going to join elite company, they need the best player in the world to play even better.

LeBron James is already one of the greatest players to ever play. Now, he is looking to join Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal with a three-peat of his own. James has the opportunity to show his greatness can cover up a flawed Heat roster against a well-oiled juggernaut like the San Antonio Spurs.

The Spurs have the better head coach, the better point guard, the better frontcourt and have a deeper bench. Can James be good enough in this series to help his Heat overcome it? The Spurs are going to force him to shoot jump shots. James, who is shooting 42 percent on midrange shots in these playoffs, is going to have to make them at a higher percentage. Why would Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich try to limits James’ drives? James is shooting 81 percent at the rim, and scoring on 69 percent of his drives in the playoffs.

Bryant was able to hit outside shots in the playoffs. Jordan’s jumper continued to improve and he embraced the challenge of having to make jump shots under pressure. Now it’s James’ turn. It’s his turn to show that he can take the next step. He is already dominant. He is the best player in the world. But, he does have limitations. If he can make jump shots early in the series it may force the Spurs to play him tight and open up more driving lanes.

James may need to average 30+ points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in this series for the Heat to be victorious. He is going to have to have one of, if not the greatest single NBA Finals performance ever if the Heat are going to get past the Spurs.

James is going to have his hands full with Kawhi Leonard. Leonard, 6’7” has slowed him down before. He held James to his worst shooting performance of the season (6-18).

Can LeBron James play at an historically great level
against the scrappy Kawhi Leonard?

In last year’s NBA Finals James shot 53 percent when Leonard was on the bench. Compare that to the 47 percent he shot with Leonard on the court and it becomes obvious that Leonard could be James’ kryptonite. His long arms and big hands make him a tough matchup for James. Leonard was named to the All-NBA Defensive Second-Team.

The Spurs are the better team. They are more determined than ever to win a championship. Tim Duncan wants to avenge last year’s defeat in the Finals. There’s only one player that can stop the Spurs from winning a fifth NBA championship. If James can pull it off it will be his greatest achievement yet. A series win would give him a three-peat and a legacy that will be solidified among the greatest ever. No one will be able to question who the King of the NBA is. He’ll have defeated the greatest organization in the NBA over the past 15 years in back-to-back Finals. If he loses, he will be 2-3 in Finals appearances. He will be apart of an aging roster with an option to become a free agent. James’ legacy will be affected greatly regardless of the outcome of this series.

People ask a lot of you King James, but it’s time for your game to reach even greater heights.

Darqueze Dennard Highlights

The Cincinnati Bengals picked Darqueze Dennard a cornerback out of Michigan State with the 24th pick it last night's draft. Here are some highlights to get you excited!

Don't Doubt Johnny Football

Johnny Manziel is a rare playmaker that
 doesn't come around very often.

Draft day is finally here and the speculation can end. We will find out who teams really value. The most talked about player in this draft is Johnny Manziel. Some people love him. Some people hate him. Others don't know what to make of him. A lot of people tell me he is going to be a problem. They say he has a big ego and they don't like his ‘smug' attitude.

I don't know him personally. I don't know all of the details behind the ‘Johnny Football' persona. But, please name me one player that is going to be a top pick in the NFL Draft that doesn't have confidence. You can't name one. And if you can, that isn't a player I want on my team.

Manziel has all of the intangibles you look for in your franchise quarterback. He is a hard worker. How do I know that? Because of the respect all of his former Texas A&M teammates give him. They wouldn't respect him if he were lazy. He's a polarizing figure. He will make a team like the Jacksonville Jaguars relevant instantly.

Johnny Football isn't afraid to take a hit. His film shows he will do anything it takes to win. Yet instead of talking about that, the media wants to talk about how he's 5'11" and not 6'1". Most of the doubters act like two inches is the difference between him being a star versus a bust.

Manziel can play football at a high level. His teammates have always had good things to say about him. He's dealt with media scrutiny and still delivered in prime time games, yet most people still doubt his ability to succeed in the NFL. We know he won't crumble under high expectations. That is a big deal in the NFL. It's something quarterbacks struggle to learn throughout their careers. Tony Romo, Andy Dalton, Phillip Rivers are still trying to learn how to perform under pressure. Donovan McNabb never did learn it. This kid has been through it already and he's just 21-years-old. 

What team will select Manziel on draft day?

He is a polarizing player that possesses playmaking magic. A player like this doesn't come around often. The magic he has is Brett Favre-esque. If he has a 20 percent chance to be the second coming of Favre wouldn't you want him on your team?

Everyone talks about the ‘risk' that comes with Manziel. I don't see the risk. He's never had any major issues with his coaches or teammates. People are worried about his durability, but he never missed a game in two seasons. He's proven he wants to win and he made Texas A&M relevant for the past two seasons.  Remember when the joined the Southeastern Conference? People were worried about the Aggies. Instead, he led them to back-to-back top 20 finishes; two bowl victories and a 20-6 record.

The team that drafts Manziel is going to get a playmaker. I've compared him to Tyrann Mathieu of the Arizona Cardinals. I loved Mathieu last season. People criticized his size. They didn't like his off the field activity. He did have more off the field questions than Manziel. However, he was a playmaker. And once he got to Arizona the coaches raved about him. I have a feeling the team that selects Manziel will feel the same way.

The draft is less than 24 hours away and we will find out where he lands. One team will get better instantly, while others will regret their decision, unless the Houston Texans take him with the first pick.

Manziel will have the biggest impact of any player is this draft, even if the rest of you don't know it yet.

NFL Mock Draft 2014

Most people give their mock draft 'analysis.' Well I'm not going to 

bore you with that. Here's my mock draft. Enjoy!

2014 NFL Draft Preview

Don’t Reach On Mark Ingram

The NFL offseason makes smart fantasy football players stupid.

Last year people were buying into Lamar Miller, David Wilson and Daryl Richardson. They were taking these young running backs as early as the third round. You would think they would learn from their mistakes. Instead, the fantasy football speculation continues to build as we get into the dark days of the NFL offseason.

We’re in the awkward time after the top free agents have signed and yet the draft is still over one month away. Now, Mark Ingram is being mentioned as a potential break out candidate with the New Orleans Saints.

Ingram, 24 was the first running back selected in the 2011 NFL Draft. The Saints traded up to draft him. The Heisman Trophy winner hasn't been the back the Saints expected him to be. In his three seasons he has rushed for 1,462 yards and 11 touchdowns. He has missed 11 games due to injury.

Can Mark Ingram (28) be the lead back in 2014, since
Darren Sproles (43) was traded to
the Philadelphia Eagles?

Now, with Darren Sproles’ departure some believe that this is Ingram’s time to shine. While he remains a solid buy-low candidate, it seems inevitable that he shoots up draft boards as the football season gets closer.
This is your warning. Don’t buy into the hype. If Ingram was ready to lead the Saints’ backfield don’t you think he would've done it by now?

Is the potential there for a big season? They did pick him in the first round. He is heading into a contract year so maybe he will be productive. But, do you really believe he has the talent to do so? The fact that Ingram was unable to overtake Pierre Thomas as the lead back last season speaks volumes.

Ingram is nothing more than a situational running back, who is missing the lateral quickness to be a top starting running back in the NFL.

Don’t believe the offseason hype that Ingram will inevitably bring. He’s an average talent that many could reach on. Just make sure you aren't the one doing the reaching on draft day.  

Why Was DeSean Jackson Released?

Bengals Free Agency: Anthony Collins vs Michael Johnson

Don't Worry LeBron, We Know You're Great

Does anyone really question the greatness of two-time
NBA Finals MVP LeBron James?

LeBron James must think he needs to point out how great he is.

"I'm going to be one of the top four that's ever played this game, for sure," LeBron James said in an interview with NBA TV. "And if they don't want me to have one of those top four spots, they'd better find another spot on that mountain. Somebody's gotta get bumped, but that's not for me to decide. That's for the architects."

Normally, no one has a problem with a great player expressing his greatness in an interview. But, James has a chance to be more than great, to be more than just a Hall-of-Famer. He can be in the top four to ever play the game. In fact, he can be right up there with Michael Jordan.

It is a universal thought in the basketball world that James will be one of the greatest ever. Why does he feel the need to talk about being "top four?"

Could he be jealous of Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Kevin Durant?

Durant, 25, is well on his way to his first Most-Valuable Player award this season. He is averaging a league-leading 31.2 points-per-game, 5.5 assists-per-game and has a player-efficiency-rating (PER) of 31.01.
The Thunder are in first-place in the Western Conference, while James’ Miami Heat are in second place in the Eastern Conference, trailing the Indiana Pacers by 3.5 games.

Historically, James has been the only player than can score, rebound and pass at such a high efficiency. Durant was labeled as a scorer who couldn't rebound or pass like James. This season Durant is outscoring James by nearly 5 points-per-game (31.2-26.3), out-rebounding him (7.7-6.9) and is 2.16 points ahead of James in PER (31.2-28.85).

Naturally, James may feel the need to let people know that he is still the best player in the world. But, there is no reason to. He needs to look back at history to understand what is happening this season.

Should Lebron James worry about the great
season Kevin Durant is having?

In 1992-1993 Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls were two-time defending champions. However, they finished second in the Eastern Conference standings behind the New York Knicks. Most believed the Bulls reign would end.

Jordan led the league in scoring that season and yet Charles Barkley of the Phoenix Suns was named League MVP. The Suns finished with the best record in the Western Conference.

Despite the doubters who believed the Bulls run would end, they knocked off the Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals after being down 2-0 in the series. The Bulls then rolled over the Barkley and the rest of the Suns in the NBA Finals to win their third-straight championship.

James shouldn't care about the attention Durant is getting. Durant deserves it. But, we won't remember who won MVP if his team doesn't win a championship. We won't remember the Pacers being the top-seed in the East if they don't win a championship. We remember champions. History tells us we don’t care about the regular season. We only care about who wins the Finals.

Before James talks about the all-time greats, someone should tell him the architects of basketball’s Mount Rushmore look for championship rings, not MVP trophies.

James' Manning Rant

Is Peyton Manning one of the best ever after losing 43-8 in the Super Bowl? I answer that and you hear from Manning himself right here:

Super Bowl XLVIII Prediction: The Seahawks Fly High over Manning and the Broncos

I refused to buy into the Seattle Seahawks this season. I picked the New Orleans Saints to upset them in the divisional round of the playoffs. I also doubted this young team could make a Super Bowl run. Now, they face one of the best offensive teams in the history of football led by future hall-of-fame quarterback Peyton Manning. But, instead of picking against the Seahawks again, I've decided they will win Super Bowl XLVIII for a few reasons.

The Seahawks have the best defense in the NFL. They are confident and they back up their trash talk with stellar play. Some of Manning's throws in the AFC Championship Game were wobbly. He won't be able to make those same throws in this game. If he does, the Seahawks will make him pay for it. This Seahawks defense is going to make the 37-year-old Manning look ordinary at some point during this game, which is something no defense has been able to do all season.

The Seahawks defense gets all of the attention, but their offense deserves some credit. They are led by second-year quarterback Russell Wilson, who had a quarterback rating of 101.2 in 2013. He doesn't turn the ball over often. He only has 11 turnovers on the season (9 interceptions, 2 fumbles). To put that in perspective, Manning turned it over 13 times in the 2013 regular season.

The Seahawks also have one of the most physical running backs in the league with Marshawn Lynch. Lynch has rushed for over 1,000 yards five times in his career, including three times with the Seahawks. He seems to rise to the occasion in the playoffs and this year is no different. He is averaging five yards per carry, which is up from his 4.2 average in the regular season.

Wide Receiver Percy Harvin will also return to the Seahawks starting lineup after suffering a concussion in the NFC Championship game. He is a dark horse MVP candidate. He hasn't been in the lineup much this season, but he has the talent to explode at a moments notice. There isn't much film on him so the Broncos may have a hard time preparing for Harvin’s return. Look for him to make a few big plays whether it is receiving, rushing or kick returning.

 The Broncos defense has played well against the run, but Wilson will throw it if he has to. I think this game will come down to the Broncos offense versus the Seahawks defense. Can the Seahawks get a stop? If they don’t, Manning will win his second Super Bowl Championship. But, if Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas and the defense can force Manning into making a few mistakes, they will be victorious.

Bottom Line: This game is going to come down to the last possession. Manning is going to have the ball and he will have to take the Broncos down the field to win the game. Sherman and the Seahawks defense will rise to the occasion and get the stop when it matters most. I’m taking the Seahawks.







Final Score: Seattle Seahawks: 24 Denver Broncos: 20

Richard Sherman and the Seahawks will be
victorious in Super Bowl XLVIII.

Wes Welker Gets Videobombed... And It Is Pretty Funny

Wes Welker attended a Knicks game... I don't think anyone saw this coming: