Welcome to Fantasy Sports Counselor. Sit back on our Fantasy Couch while we provide a therapeutic look at fantasy baseball, fantasy football, and general sports thoughts.
I will man the NFL Draft live thread for CowboysPride.net on Thursday evening. Grab your computer while you watch the Draft and tell me what you think. Historically, the Fantasy Sports Counselor has blogged the first round live. Instead, I will bring my thoughts and commentary to the live thread and give you a chance to response.
It should be fun. I will be live at Buffalo Wild Wings on Battlefield in Springfield, MO. If you are in the area stop by and see me. Watching the Draft, hanging with the guys, eat wings and drinking beverages, while giving my "expert" draft coverage should be a fun challenge.
At 9:00 pm, Doyle and I will take the Air Waves Cowboys Pride Radio on Blog Talk Radio for a two hour NFL Draft Extravaganza. We hope to bring the Cowboys pick to you live and give you our thoughts, cheers and or tears. I will keep the Live Thread section going while juggling everything else.
CowboysPride.NET is coming back. Cowboys Pride merged to with Sports Jabber last July. It has been operating under their site since them.
I am partnering with my buddy Doyle to bring new life to Cowboys Pride. The site will be up and fully running on April 1, 2010. Look for future updates about this.
As most of my readers know, I am the co-host on the Cowboys Pride Weekly Radio show on Blog Talk Radio. This week, Doyle and I will be making a huge announcement. Please tune in for the announcement on Thursday March 4, 2010 at 8:00 PM CST.
Most of my readers know that I have been the regular Co-Host on Cowboys Pride Radio for some time. This Thursday night at 9:30 pm CST, I will get the opportunity to be the full fledge host. I will be setting the agenda and will be leading the discussions for an hour. Yes I will be discussing the Cowboys but I will also discuss Fantasy Baseball, AROD, NBA All Star Game, College Basketball, NFL Free Agency and the Draft, and much more.
I will also be a special guest on tomorrow night's Sports Jabber Radio. Sports Jabber is another great sports site. I will be discussing the in and outs of Fantasy Baseball.
I would like any of my readers that are interested, please come and listen in or call in and discuss the issues with us.
I mentioned a while back about the Cowboys Pride Internet Radio show. I stated that I would be a regular guest. Because of some changes on the program, I am no longer a regular guest. I have moved to regular Co-Host of this program. If you have any interest of hearing the program, we are on Blog Talk Radio. There is a link on this blog where you can listen to a recording or live on Thursday nights from 9:30 pm to 10:30 central time.
I am running for President. No, I am not running for President of these United States of America. I am running President of Cowboys Pride. Cowboys Pride is a wonderful fan site. This site is for everyone and not just Cowboys fans.
Cowboys Pride decided to join in the political season. They have set up a Presidential election with primaries. Monday I won the Primary for the Landry (Coach Landry) Party ticket. I am now on the ballot at Cowboys Pride against a great opponent.
The role of President will be as an advisor to the board at CP. The President will be the face of Cowboys Pride. I am honored to be the candidate. The election will be on next Tuesday, just like another upcoming election.
If any readers have an interest in joining Cowboys Pride, please follow the link and sign up. Once you are signed up, you will be able to Vote for Larry.
I wrote this article for a great series previews with the Cowboys Pride. This is one of four previews of the NFC East. We love to call it the "Beasts of the East".
Beasts of the East- Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles were the only NFC East team to miss the playoffs last year.They want to change that this season.They are hoping that this pass happy offense can lead this team deep into the playoffs. They face the challenge of having 6 games in the toughest division in the NFL.
Major Transactions
New Free Agent Addictions
CB - Asante Samuel (NE)
DE - Chris Clemons (Oak)
FB - Dan Klecko (Ind)
LB - Rocky Boiman (Ind)
TE - Kris Wilson (KC)
RB - Lorenzo Booker(Mia)
Draft Class
2 - Trevor Laws, DT, Notre Dame
2 - DeSean Jackson, WR, California
3 - Bryan Smith, LB, McNeese State
4 - Mike McGlynn, T, Pittsburgh
4 - Quintin Demps, DB, Texas-El-Paso
4 - Jake Ikegwuonu, DB, Wisconsin
6 - Mike Gibson, T, California
6 - Joe Mays, LB, North Dakota State
6 - Andy Studebaker, LB, Wheaton
7 - King Dunlap, T, Auburn
Departures
CB William James (Buf)
DE Jevon Kearse (Ten)
DT LaJuan Ramsey
DT Ian Scott (Car)
LB Takeo Spikes
FB Thomas Tapeh (Min)
Previous Season Record:
The Eagles regular season record was 8-8.They missed the playoffs.They lost by eight points or less in five of their losses.They believe that they can win at least two more of these games this season.
The Eagles were 6th in told offensive yards in 2007.They were 10th in passing and 8th in running. But they were only 17th in points scored.
Projected 2008 Record:
I predict the Eagles to have a winning record this year but just barely.I can see the Eagles going 9-7 for the 2008 season.
Offensive Strength/Weaknesses:
Strengths:
QB Donovan McNabb is finally healthy this season.He should be much more efficient this year.He may not be able to run like he could in his youth but he still can move around in the pocket well.
RB Michael Westbrook should continue to be a stud as a slashing and receiving back. He runs with great speed and elusiveness.He has great hands and is one of the best targets for McNabb.He led the league in total yards from scrimmage last year.
The offensive line for the Eagles is very solid.They have maintained the same starting five for three years.They may not have the mammoth line of the Cowboys but the Eagles can protect McNabb and open holes for Westbrook.
Weakness:
McNabb’s top receiver last year was Kevin Curtis.Cutis is injured and expected to miss several games.It is tough to find that go to guy when your favorite target is not available.
Eagles have lacked a top tier wide receiver since McNabb was drafted.They did draft DeShawn Jackson this year that might develop into that top tier guy but probably not for a few years.They were unable to land any top level receivers in free agency again.
The Eagles do not have the bruising running game to run out the clock.Westbrook is not a typical between the tackles runner.They will have to rely on the passing game at the end of a game and that can bite them in a close game.
Defensive Strengths/Weakness:
Strengths:
Defensive Coordinator Jim Johnson is a master at the defensive scheme.He can get into the head of his opponents.He likes to blitz and blitz often.
The addition of CB Asante Samuel should solidify the secondary.Safety Brian Dawkins should have a few more good seasons in him.The pass defense will dominate a lot of teams.
The front four are tough and solid against the run.DE Trent Cole put up 12.5 sacks last season.They should be able to get to the quarter back and stop the run equally well.
Weaknesses:
The Eagles could only force a league low 19 turnovers last year.The addition of Samuels should help but they will have to perform much better this year.
The linebackers are a young group.They have a lot of potential and talent but have yet to put it all together on the field.Their linebackers are sure to struggle at times.In a few years, these men might be monsters, but they are not there yet.
Special Teams:
Special teams were a glaring issue for the Eagles last year.They had issues from field goal kicking, to kickoffs, to kickoff returns.
Last year the Eagles lacked an explosive return guy.They draft Jackson not only to help their receiving corps but also to be a return guy.The addition of Booker should also help in their kick off game.
Coaching:
As much as I dislike the Eagles as a Cowboys fan, I have always liked Andy Reid.I think Andy is a good coach.Often he does not see the need for a good running game when he could pass every down.With that said, Reid is a good coach.
How I see it:
I think that the success of the Eagles rides on the health of McNabb.To some extent, it also rides on the legs of Westbrook but not as much as McNabb.This team loves to air out the ball.McNabb has proven that he can get the ball to his lackluster receiving corps when he is healthy.If McNabb can play 16 games, this team may have double digit wins.Without him, they will likely be sub .500.The most likely scenario has McNabb only playing in 14 games and finishing around 9-7.
If the Eagles miss the playoffs again this year, both Andy Reid and McNabb will be gone form Philly next year.
The Fantasy Sports Counselor is a reoccurring guest on Cowboys Pride Radio. This internet radio show discusses not only the Cowboys but also football in general. They are moving the show to Thursday nights. Below is last week's episode. Join me on Thursday for another great show. It will worth your time.
The NFL mock draft at Cowboys Pride has been updated. Check out who your favorite team might be selecting. Also check out their on going GM NFL Mock Draft where regular members are drafting for teams.
The GM NFL Mock Draft is underway at Cowboys Pride. It is an interesting approach to a mock draft. They let members volunteer to be the GM of a team and draft for them.
They have completed the first five picks of this draft. They are listed below.
1.Miami Dolphins - Gage - Chris Long, DE/OLB, Virginia 2.St Louis Rams - Larry Bud - Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU 3.Kansas City Chiefs (f/ATL)*- Larry Bud - Jake Long, OT, Michigan 4.Oakland Raiders - Mike - Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas 5.Atlanta Falcons (f/KC)*- smashmouth - Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
I am known as Larry Bud on CP and I did draft for both the Chiefs and the Rams. I was able to swing a trade for Jake Long with the Chiefs. I did a post pick trade of Matt Ryan and the Chiefs first 4th round pick and their 5th round pick for Jake Long.
Anyway, check out the GM Draft at Cowboys Pride. You never know how those crazy fans will draft for your favorite team.
Cowboys Pride is turning 1 year old on March 23, 2008. The fine folks (Deb and Reg) at CP are throwing a party. Check them out. Happy Birthday CP. Love your site.
The fine folks at Cowboys Pride are having an unique kind of mock draft. They have the mega draft experts with the official CP mock NFL draft of the first and second rounds. But that is not what I am talking about. I am discussing the Mock Draft GM Contest.
You can be the GM of one (or more) of the NFL's team for the first two rounds. This is will start in a few weeks. Get in now and you will be able to draft for a team or you can trade your picks for other picks. Below is a list of teams that are left to GM.
Here is a list of the teams that are still available:
San Francisco 49ers Baltimore Ravens Cincinnati Bengals Buffalo Bills Denver Broncos Carolina Panthers Chicago Bears Arizona Cardinals Philadelphia Eagles Tampa Bay Buccaneers Washington Redskins Pittsburgh Steelers Tennessee Titans Seattle Seahawks Indianapolis Colts Green Bay Packers
The fine folks at Cowboys Pride have put up the latest mock draft. This includes round one and two. They have made updates since the Combine. Redadmin is leading the charge at CP with many other fine draft experts.
If you sign up at for membership at Cowboys Pride, then you can join the Mock Draft GM Contest. This allows you to draft for one of the 32 teams.
The Counselor is IN: I have loved writing since my high school English teacher (Ms. Burns- Thank you again) encouraged me to creatively write. Suffering from dyslexia, I have always struggled with the proper spelling and grammar. I am not a details person but rather a big picture guy. But through these struggles and the wonderful invention of grammar and spell check, I have continued my love of writing. With my blogs, I get the opportunity to write about subjects that interest me.
One of the things that I love is my Dallas Cowboys. I have loved them since I was a young boy, to my father's chagrin. I have found a great website, Cowboys Pride, where others share my love for the Cowboys. Yesterday, I officially accepted the offer from the fine folks, Deb and Reg in particular, at Cowboys Pride to become a Staff Writer for them. I am extremely excited about the opportunity to be on staff at the wonderful website.
This is really an honor because Cowboys Pride already has a host of wonderful writers. It is a true privilege and honor for me to join this staff. The site administration is extremely encouraging and supportive. They even have an editor to catch all my grammatical errors, which I definitely need.
One of my favorite things about Cowboys Pride is our acceptance of non-Cowboy fans. We invite fans of other teams to join in and express their opinions. Each week, we highlight and invite members of a fan site for that week's opponent. This week we have joined forces with the fine folks at The Viking Board to discuss the game. There is always a fun but competitive discussion.
When you get a chance, please stop by the Cowboys Pride website and see their newest staff writer.
