So, I came across an article today. It was ranking the Top 20 RBs in the NFL on Sporting News. After I got past numbers 1-3, which I agreed with, I found myself puzzled, scratching my head even.... Brandon Jacobs and Felix Jones were Top 10 RBs, while players like Ray Rice and Ryan Grant were snubbed.

While this article confirms that I cannot take a lot analysts and writers seriously anymore (especially those that look like math engineers and insurance salesmen), I decided to come up with my OWN Top 20 RB list.. you know, one that's SENSIBLE and not for shock value.


1. Chris Johnson, Titans- Please, I don't want to start with the CJ/AP debate. There is none to me. Aside from the 2,000 yard season Johnson had, he has BALL CONTROL, something Adrian Peterson does NOT possess. Not sure how this is even debatable, especially when some fumbles may have hurt the outcome of games, but I digress. CJ is my top pick

2. Adrian Peterson, Vikings- I didn't bash AP in my previous post, I simply stated the obvious. But that doesn't mean I don't think he's great. I do. And the smackdown he gave William Gay in the Steelers game warranted a great eulogy from Ed The Sports Fan.

3. Stephen Jackson, Rams- It sucks that he plays on a bad team like the Rams. But let's be honest: He's been the ONLY bright spot on that team for some time. With the addition of Sam Bradford at QB, I fully expect Jackson to carry the load while Bradford gets used to the system.

4. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars- I love this little man. The Jags have a great all purpose back in Jones-Drew. He ranked 2nd league in TDs among RBs last year and has made a staple as a Top 5 RB.

5. Ray Rice, Ravens-

In his 2nd year, Rice was 2nd in total yards, only behind Chris Johnson. Rice was not only the leading RB on his team, but the leading receiver as well. With high hopes for the Ravens, I expect Rice to have a great 2010 season if he remains healthy.

6. Frank Gore, 49ers- I love this guy! He's a great RB that can make a big play and score while doing it. If the 49ers are gonna do big things this season, they need Gore to be a big part of their offense. His 11 runs of 20+ more yards ranked 3rd in the league, only behind Johnson and Peterson.

7. DeAngelo Williams, Panthers- For some, it's hard to give Williams his props, because he shared a lot of playing time with Jonathon Stewart, but it's not hard for me. I like Williams.. a lot. And I was one that wanted the Ravens to draft him when he came out of Memphis. I know Stewart and Williams seem pretty equal, but Williams gets my vote in the Top 10

8. Ryan Grant, Packers- A lot of people have forgotten about Grant. I was on Twitter explaining that the SN article couldn't be taken seriously is Grant wasn't on the Top 20 list, and a person asked me why would he be considered at all. I had to remind him he was Top 10 in yards and TDs. I know this is Rodgers' team, but Grant is a big part of it. He deserves to be here

9. Jonathon Stewart, Panthers- So how can 2 RBs on the same squad make the Top 10, you ask?? Simple. Stewart is the 1/2 half of the, "Frick and Frack" backfield tandem that Carolina has. Stewart and Williams are very similar in style as well as numbers (both rushed for over 1,000 yds). It's amazing they are able to co-exist on the same team, but they have.... and it works.

10. Felix Jones, Dallas-

In my mind, Felix Jones >> Marion Barber. I may be wrong, but I still believe that Jones is that good, until further notice.

11. Thomas Jones, Chiefs- Why the Jets felt the need to let Jones go will always be a mystery to me. I know that Shonn Greene will be a viable option at RB for Gang Green, but what's better than having 2 good RBs? Jones was 3rd in the league in rushing yards last year (1412). He can still be a big-play back in this league. The Chiefs are lucky to have him.

12. Michael Turner, Atlanta- This has always been a Fantasy Football fave. Turner missed some time last year but when he's on full speed he is ON. If healthy, I fully expect Turner to go back to his 2008 form and punish defenders, while racking up the TDs.

13. Cedric Benson, Bengals- Benson had a great comeback year with the Bengals last year. While Benson ended up on the injury list with a hip problem, he still managed to rush for 1251 yds. Benson has done very well in a Bengals uniform.

14. Marshawn Lynch, Bills- Lynch would be higher on my list if the offensive line of the Bills were better. He's a good RB who, I think, has potential to be better than advertised. But his front men won't let him be great. Until they do, he remains in the teen portion of my list.

15. Jerome Harrison, Browns-

Here's a guy that not many folks know about or talk about. Harrison should be the starter for the Browns this year, and I anticipate them to let Harrison pound that rock... often. Expect to hear his name a little more often this season, as the Browns are rebuilding and fully need a guy that can carry the load.

16. Rashard Mendenhall, Steelers- Mendenhall has turned into a quality back for Pittsburgh. I expect him to rise a little on my list as the season goes on, especially with the loss of Santonio Holmes. The Steelers may finally get back to smashmouth football, and Mendenhall fits into the Steelers system very well.

17. Ricky Williams, Dolphins- Williams showed us that he's still had it in 2009. He rushed with a 4.7 avg with 11 TDs. The Dolphins would love to have Ronnie Brown at full speed to compliment Williams. But with his health always an issue, Williams has been a great replacement.

18. Shonn Green, Jets- I was always high on Greene, even coming out of Iowa, and he's done nothing but prove that he has potential to be a very good RB in the league, for years to come. With old man L.T. as the Jets other RB, I think it's safe to say that Greene will emerge as the starter, and rightfully so.

19. Reggie Bush, Saints- While he's no where near elusive as he was during his tenure at USC, Bush is still a playmaker and can be a threat in the backfield.

20. Ronnie Brown, Dolphins-

Mr. Wildcat in the flesh. If this guy can stay healthy, he'd be way higher on this list. But he can't. Hopefully 2010 is a year of good luck for him. The potential for him is through the roof

If you follow the Baltimore Ravens or Ed Reed closely, than you would know that Pro Bowl S Ed Reed has always been known as a quiet guy. A guy who doesn't really speak with reporters much, rarely speaks to them when he has great games and non existent when the Ravens lose. And we've grown to accept and respect Reed's silence.

But now... Reed won't shut up.

Reed has decided to open up lately.... a LOT. And it's gotten to the point where some of his comments are becoming petty. Reed has recently given sound byte after sound byte to the local media, in an uncharacteristic way. Let's take a look at the things Reed has sounded off about in the past week alone:

His Contract

Reed has said publicly that he was looking for a new deal (he's 3 years into a 6-year, $ 40 million deal). When asked by 105.7 the Fan, a Baltimore radio station, Reed said the following, “I’m not making it a big deal. I think it needs to be taken care of”. He then elaborated more about his current contract by saying the following, "There are six, seven players in front of me [financially] at my position that I honestly wouldn't let hold my jock, and I don't even wear one,"



Well alright!!!!!!

Listen, Reed is a smart guy. He knows his value and wants to be treated as such. However I think 3 things about his comments. One, it's hard to ask for a new deal when you are only at 35%, according to your own account. This is and always be a, "What have you done for me" kind of league anyway. Second, at the time he received the contract, he was the highest paid safety in the league, and rightfully so. But now, because someone else is getting more money than you, you fuss? There's a chance that a guy will get a new contract every year and somehow make more than you. Is your contract supposed to be restructured every year??? And lastly, letting us know you don't wear a jock strap is info that I don't think many of us needed.. we got your point without the visuals.


On Marc Bulger


When the subject of newly acquired QB Marc Bulger came up, Reed showed his utmost support for backup Troy Smith while taking a shot at Bulger, all at once. In another interview Reed said, "I honestly think at the quarterback position Troy was the guy and is the guy, and he's more than qualified to lead the team to a championship. And I think that Marc Bulger is just another guy. He's just another guy that has been in the league and been around."


Another guy? Let's see..... Bulger is a 2 time Pro Bowler who is very capable at the backup role. While some of his years on record seem bad on the surface, Bulger has dealt with injuries and an awful offensive line to match. At this point, Bulger has done more than Smith as far as experience. I have no problem with supporting a teammate and a friend. But to make a shot at Bulger was tacky.


On His "Lack Of Support" From The Team

A couple of days after Reed said he wouldn't elaborate in his "minor" rift with the team, he opened his mouth anyway. Reed told the Ravens flagship station WBAL AM that the team wasn't being supportive by ...........................................................wait for it...........................................................................not giving him film to study.

I don't make this up if I could. Reed told reporters, "I had to give an excuse, that's what was told to me. This is the organization that you want me to play for. I got the text message to prove it, so this ain't nothing I'm not lying about."

Reed goes a step further by saying, "I don't have to be playing for them. I could retire. I don't need the money. They could come and get the money if they want. Money don't me. Money didn't put me here."



Uhhhhh......... okay!!!!

Listen, I'm sure this is something that could have been ironed out smoothly. Maybe even a misunderstanding or something. So you go into a , "I don't have to be playing for them" rant to the PUBLIC because you didn't get some game film??? While I know Reed is a guy that loves to study the game, I don't think this was something that should have been brought to the public light. This sounds petty as hell, if you ask me. I'm sure this is something that could have been dealt with accordingly.

My Take: This sounds to me like the classic case of child wanting the toy, not getting it right away, and having a tantrum in the middle of the store. I think we all agree that Reed should be paid for his worth. I'm not mad in the least that he's looking for a new deal. But it's the WAY he conducts his business that is very petty. Being 35% healthy may not be the best time to re-hash the whole contract thing, Ed. maybe once you're back on the field, it can/should be visited. But until then, get healthy... and STFU!

If you haven't followed me on Twitter, or read my blog long, than you may be out of the loop. I'm a HUGE Philip Rivers fan. I catch a lot of flack about it, but I don't care. I love him cause he's good, talks trash and backs it up tenfold. But I think Rivers is a great leader and a good guy, off-the-field, despite what people think about him.

Rivers has been making his rounds in the media this week, being featured on NFL Total Access as well as being on ESPN SportsCenter. Since I LOVE Rivers, I'm opening up a blog space, just for my boo!

Rivers talks to SC about losing LT, Fantasy Football and his lack of cursing. How can you NOT love a trash talking player that doesn't swear????

I woke up this morning with a HUGE smile on my face. Like the first day of spring after a LONG winter (which, actually falls true for me). Or like the smell of fresh bakes cookies right out of the oven, it's a refreshing feeling.. an exciting one.

So what exactly am I blabbing about??? Well, if you must know..... NFL training camps begin this week. That's right, your favorite sport will officially begin on Friday, as the Cleveland Browns are the first team to head to training camp to start off the 2010 NFL season. If you want to see the full list of the dates for the 2010 training camp season, click here.

So what does that mean for the NFL faithful? Everything. Now's the time that you start planning your days off and weekends around training camp. Now's the time to start figuring out which places you'll eat at after the morning session, so that you can stay close and be early for the afternoon practice. Now's the time to find memorabilia to have your favorite player sign for you.

Now is the time to start looking at your team's away games and SERIOUSLY making plans on which ones you plan on attending.

Now is the time you start look at wagers you want to place on your team for the upcoming season. Now you can stop playing Texas hold em online poker and start to look at what NFL bets you want to place.

And now is the time to purchase your new team jerseys, shirts, sneakers, jackets, chairs, car flags, house flags, blankets, door mats, blow up dolls (get your mind out the gutter), and any other item to prove your undying love for your favorite team.


While I must admit, the NBA has done a great job of keeping even the casual basketball fan (like myself) intrigued, with the crazy off season, Bron-A-Palooza and other players. But nothing.. and I mean NOTHING.. can take away the excitement I get when I think of how football will once again, be a part of our Sundays very soon.

Football is on it's way back into our lives, with less than a week's time... and I, for one can feel it!! *cues theme music*

If you haven't heard, the latest edition of, "Kicking Big Ben While He's Down" comes from a golf course. Sources say Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger was allegedly urinating on a private golf course and was spotted by a female, who than called authorities. This has been all over the sports media outlets since yesterday, when the story first broke.


WOW!

For the record, never will you hear me defend Ben Roethlisberger. While I think he is a very good QB, I think dude is a major douche lord when it comes to women. I think his teammates don't care much for him and I even think the fans in Pittsburgh are tired of his shenanigans. But urinating on a golf course is simply NOT newsworthy. Is it nasty? Yes! Is it newsworthy? Not in the least.

With everything going on in the sports world, i.e. George Steinbrenner's passing, The LeBron-to-Miami craze, and even the MLB All Star Game (okay.. maybe not so much the All-Star Game, but I tried........), there are too many other newsworthy stories to be told right now. This one, however, isn't one of them.

I decided to map out Dublin, OH. It's dead smack in the middle of Cleveland and Cincinnati, with Pittsburgh lurking in the wings, east of the city.

Maybe this lady is a huge Browns or Bengals fan and spotted Ben's head a mile away, and decided to start trouble? Maybe there is NOTHING that goes on in Dublin so this is newsworthy in that city. But to make national news? As of right now, no charges or fines have been filed against Roethlisberger. This is a non story at this point.

Media outlets, go sitcho azz down!!!!

Former Browns/Ravens owner Art Modell is 85 years old and just happy to be alive right now. But if he were 10-15 years younger, he'd probably kiss LeBron James' feet at this very moment. Why?? Because LeBron has just taken a heavy load off of Modell's shoulders.

He is no longer the only hated man amongst the Cleveland, OH population.

Last night, during a 1 hour special, LeBron James told the world that he was making his decision on where to sign. And he chose South Beach, to join Dwayne Wade and the newly signed Chris Bosh to play with the Miami Heat. Immediately, fans began to get rowdy and upset at the Akron, OH native, by going in the streets and burning his jersey as ESPN played the video back to LeBron during his special (which I thought was beyond tacky on ESPN's part... but I digress).

If that wasn't bad enough, Cavs owner Dan Gilbert added fuel to the "I Hate Bron Bron" fire, telling the fans they don't deserve this kind of, "cowardly betrayal". Yeah, real nice, Gilbert. Don't be mad when Cavs fans burn your arena down in the process.

Art Modell now can say he isn't alone.. at least not for the time being. LeBron has currently taken the helm of, "Cleveland's Most Wanted" and is on a race to become the new villain in that town. Don't get it twisted, Modell will always be hated by the Browns faithful. But maybe folks can hate him a little less and at least allow him into the Pro Football Hall Of Fame, where he rightfully belongs.

If Art Modell could, he'd probably call LeBron right now and thank him for his decision to go to Miami. He can now say he's no longer the lone Public Enemy in the city of Cleveland, and that says a LOT!

Thanks, Bron Bron..... Signed, Modell Management