The Football Blog

As many of you have been requesting more of my football writings, I have decided to treat you all to a new Friend of the Abstract. This new friend is my second blog. It focuses strictly on the football. This will include my mock drafts that used to get posted here, as well as some other stuff as well. All of the articles will be football focused. Sometimes pro, sometimes college, and sometime, even high school. I will have frequesnt Mock Drafts, updates on my NFL Power Rankings, my College Football top 25, as well as some other neat features.



Please realize though this blog is still "under construction" there is something there now, but more to come very very soon. For those of you who want my other writings and ramblings, stick with the Abstract. For those who are in a frenzy about football, welcome to our new home Football Frenzy !!!

I am back

So, buy popular request, I am returning to the world of blogging. Seriously, I have been swamped, and although this is no excuse, I have not been keeping you all up on my life's happenings.

Tonight I wanted to share some pretty cool pictures that Jayme and I have had done. I am obviously the dead sexy one, and she is kind nice looking too I must say. If you have a favorite, let me know. If it is the same as mine I'll tell you. If it not, you are wrong and I will tell you. I hope you all enjoy looking at them as much as I enjoyed taking them.

Engagement Pics

PSA #5u

Well folks I am a day late, but I am going to pretend I am not, and I wanted to wish you all a very happy fourth of July. This holiday, dedicated to our country's birth, and its proud spirit, is traditionally spent with family around the BBQ with beers in hand. And if that weren't dangerous enough, then we add firecrackers to the mix and we are almost guaranteed to watch Darwinism in action, as Aunt Ethel's newest "friend", a guy who already has two too many first names, Billy Joe Bob, stumbles his Coors Light drinking (because today is a holiday and we have to have the good stuff) ass out into the middle of the road where he will use his cigarette as a lighter and announce proudly to the group "Hey y'all, check this out."

You see kids, isn't celebrating the nation's birthday fun !!!


And also of note on this patriotic weekend, I too will be celebrating, as I am agreeing to pay even more taxes, for the rest of this year, and the foreseeable future. You see, I just reached an agreement to leave my position as a manager for Kanes Furniture and join the team at Publix, the nations largest privately owned Supermarket chain. For those of you that don't know Pubix, they are a fortune 500 company who each of the last 15 years have been rated as one of the nation's 100 best companies to work for (one of only 9 companies to have a streak as long) by fortune magazine.

Anyhow, I have agreed to join their team, as the newly created Junior Vice President of Training and Managerial Development for the IS Business Unit. This is a great opportunity for me to move to a company where I can really see myself working till retirement, and between the culture there, and the generous benefits package and salary, I know I will be a happy camper. Not only am I going to be reaching new financial heights, but I will also be regaining my nights and weekends, as I am only asked to work from 8:30am - 4:00pm, Monday thru Friday.


So, in conclusion, I wanted to end this fifth Public Service announcement by wishing a happy birthday to our beloved country, and happy new job to myself, and a happy new prosthetic left arm, glass eye, and two skin grafting surgeries to Bill Joe Bob.

Thanks for the Advice, Derrick...

OK, so check this out. As many of you know Miss Jayme and I have been talking more and more about the idea of marriage, and with conversations like that you really start to examine your personal philosophies on life, and partnership. Now I understand that as we grow and experience new things, our philosophies change, and often, depending on the precise nature of our previous interactions with other equally inept, sorry excuses for human beings that we tend to label "friends" or sometime even "family", those philosophical standpoints become quite jaded (how else could we explain the blather that Yankee John tries to pass off as commentary), (sorry John, but it has been a while since I have sent any anthrax laced hate mail your way and I kind of miss the guilty pleasures it brings).

Getting back on topic, the marriage talks with Jayme have forced me to take a look at my own feelings about marriage. Now I have the perspective of a divorcee, so therefore, my current feelings towards the idea of holy matrimony may have taken a bit of a beating over the past two years or so. That is unfair to both myself, and to my lovely other, so therefore, I decided to examine my thoughts of marriage at an earlier stage in my life. Unfortunately for me, I have a hard time these days remembering that my underwear goes on before my pants, so trying to recall a philosophical standpoint I had during the late eighties is quite frustrating. (My mother struggles remembering the late eighties too, but for an entirely different reason... actually come to think of it, the reasoning may not be all that different after all, as I am guessing my mother's lack of recollection also stems from the fact that I was a ten year old terror) (sorry mom, but when the jabs start flying you never can be really sure who will get hit next).

Focus.... Focus... Oh yeah, ok so back to my philosophical issue. I have been trying to recall my high end philosophies on the topic of marriage at the ripe old age of ten, when I ran into a complete roadblock. Now, never one to be deterred, I decided that the complexities of decade old thought were likely to be as varied as James Dopico's hairstyles of the last decade, and therefore, my thought on marriage at ten years old was quite likely akin to any ten year old's thoughts on marriage. Thusly (and a big fuck you to Mr Conley), to surpass my recollection difficulties, I simply had to tap the minds of current ten year olds, and I would arrive at a likely close approximation of my though process on marriage b.c.j (before the current jading).

So without any further adieu, (there has been more than enough adieu already), here are some thoughts of ten year old on marriage:



HOW YOU DECIDE WHO TO MARRY? (written by kids)

You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff. Like, if you like sports, she should like it that you like sports, and she should keep the chips and dip coming.
-- Alan, age 10

No person really decides before they grow up who they're going to marry. God decides it all way before, and you get to find out later who you're stuck with.
-- Kristen, age 10

WHAT IS THE RIGHT AGE TO GET MARRIED?

Twenty-three is the best age because you know the person FOREVER by then.
-- Camille, age 10

HOW CAN A STRANGER TELL IF TWO PEOPLE ARE MARRIED?

You might have to guess, based on whether they seem to be yelling at the same kids.
-- Derrick, age 8

WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR MOM AND DAD HAVE IN COMMON?

Both don't want any more kids.
-- Lori, age 8

WHAT DO MOST PEOPLE DO ON A DATE?

Dates are for having fun, and people should use them to get to know each other. Even boys have something to say if you listen long enough.
-- Lynnette, age 8 (isn't she a treasure)

On the first date, they just tell each other lies and that usually gets them interested enough to go for a second date.
-- Martin, age 10

WHEN IS IT OKAY TO KISS SOMEONE?

When they're rich.
-- Pam, age 7

The law says you have to be eighteen, so I wouldn't want to mess with that.
- - Curt, age 7

The rule goes like this: If you kiss someone, then you should marry them and have kids with them. It's the right thing to do.
- - Howard, age 8

IS IT BETTER TO BE SINGLE OR MARRIED?

It's better for girls to be single but not for boys. Boys need someone to clean up after them.
-- Anita, age 9 (bless you child )

HOW WOULD THE WORLD BE DIFFERENT IF PEOPLE DIDN'T GET MARRIED?

There sure would be a lot of kids to explain, wouldn't there?
-- Kelvin, age 8

And the #1 Favorite is........

HOW WOULD YOU MAKE A MARRIAGE WORK?

Tell your wife that she looks pretty, even if she looks like a dump truck.
-- Ricky, age 10


Yes folks, the wonderful minds of youth. And after all of this all I know is that when Jayme and I finally do decide to marry, i will always know which kids are mine if I can find the ones she is yelling at. Good tip Derrick...

The Working Man

Just been reminded how much working for a living sucks. For those of you who haven't heard yet, this week I began my second career, albeit hopefully temporarily until SnapDragon and Steinbach consulting really take off. I was hired by Kane's Furniture, a Central Florida based Home Furnishings company to join their corporate team. As a result, my training has begun, and now I am forced to keep a regular schedule. As the office I have been reporting to is located in St Pete, and Tampa traffic sucks, I have been having to wake up every day between 6 and 7 am. Now for many of you that wouldn't seem like such a big deal, but for me, a guy who hasn't had to set an alarm for the last half year, this takes some getting used to.

Not that i am really complaining. It is really nice to be part of a team, and earning a regular salary again. Plus, although I am only 3 days in, the people I work with seem really cool so far. Still, the working stiff routine is going to take some getting adjusted to.

Just thought I'd fill you all in.

One Year Older

Just wanted to say thank you to all of you who emailed me to wish me a happy birthday. For those of you who were able to be a part of the festivities, I hope you had as much fun as I did.

For those who were unaware, my lovely girlfriend Jayme organized a wonderful birthday celebration for me at a favorite restaurant called Maggiano's. I had the opportunity to see a lot of friends who I hadn't seen in a while. It was really great.

I am going to include some pictures of the evening's event for you all to peruse. I hope you enjoy seeing them as much as we enjoyed posing for them. Simply click on the picture below and you will be taken to the web album to look over all of the pics.

Eric's 29th Birthday

Should anyone want to drop their abstract on these pics, I look forward to hearing it.

Second to Last

As we continue to get closer to our trek towards the 2007 NFL Draft, I continue to follow all of the news and rumors, and today I will release my second to last mock draft of the first round. Keep in mind, as draft day gets closer, more movement will happen, and could greatly alter my board the big day.

1. Oakland Raiders - JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU
It seems now to be a two horse race between Russell and Ga Tech wideout Calvin Johnson. Unless the Raiders can land a different QB option before the draft however (McCown from Detroit or Green from KC) Russell will be the choice.

2. Detroit Lions - Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame
The Lions are going to trade this pick. It seems now, they are going to send this pick to Tampa, and fall to number 4 on the board, but should they stay at 2, Quinn could get the call.

3. Cleveland Browns - Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma
The Browns will be largely effected by the action above them, but if the board starts off as I predict, Peterson will be the man at 3. A great RB is hard to find, and Jamal Lewis has a 1 year deal.

4. Tampa Bay Bucs - Calvin Johnson, WR, Ga Tech
With all the hype surrounding Johnson, the Bucs are feeling the heat to trade up to #2 to choose Johnson. I think they will get him staying at 4.

5. Arizona Cardinals - Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin
Thomas is the best O-lineman in this draft, and Zona needs o-line help badly. Call this a match made in heaven.

6. Washington Redskins - Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson
Earlier in the draft process, it seemed a tossup as to if Adams or Jamaal Anderson would be the top DE off the board. Now it seems that Adams has moved into a comfortable lead in that category.

7. Minnesota Vikings - Jamaal Anderson, DE, Alabama
Other options here include Michigan DT, Alan Branch, and the safety from LSU, LaRon Landry. The Vikes could go any direction, so Anderson is no guarantee.

8. Atlanta Falcons - LaRon Landry, S, LSU
LaRon could go higher depending on draft day movement. The Falcons however, need a playmaker in the secondary, and Landry is their top choice.

9. Miami Dolphins - Ted Ginn Jr, WR, Ohio St.
Pundits have the Phins choosing a DT or OL here. They are both possibilities, but I see new coach Cameron choosing the best playmaker available. Enter Ginn.

10. Houston Texans - Levi Brown, OL, Penn St.
The lack of top tier talent at the tackle position will result in Levi Brown and Central Michigan's Joe Staley being drafted higher than expected. Brown will likely be a top 10 pick.

11. San Francisco 49ers - Alan Branch, DT, Michigan
Talk about all over the place. Some experts see branch as a top three pick. Others see him falling to the back end of round 1. I still have him as the top DT on the board, and San Fran would be elated to have a talent like him on their d-line.

12. Buffalo Bills - Leon Hall, CB, Michigan
The Bills will also look at Marshawn Lynch if they stay at 12. They could look to trade up for Peterson also. But should they stay, Hall makes the most sense, as they can get their RB with a Michael Bush in Rd 2.

13. St Louis Rams - Amobi Akoye, DT, Louisville
The Rams are going to draft to improve the 31st rated defense in the league. Akoye has the highest upside of any defensive player in this draft as he is only 19 years old.

14. Carolina Panthers - Greg Olsen, TE, Miami
The Panthers will also look hard at linebacker with this pick. In the end however, they will choose Olsen as no player helped his stock at more at the combine than did the next in a long line of quality Miami TE's.

15. Pittsburgh Steelers - Aaron Ross, CB, Texas
Aaron Ross has moved up to the number 2 CB spot on my board, and the Steelers could use a top corner. Of course they could also look linebacker/d-end here too.

16. Green Bay Packers - Marshawn Lynch, RB, California
Although Lynch's character will call some questions, he is still going to be chosen by the Packers here because of need. No other RB is worth the choice here, and the Pack really needs a top ball carrier now that Green has left town.

17. Jacksonville Jaguars - Jarvis Moss, DE, Florida
Moss could here his name called when the Steelers pick at 15, but if he doesn't Jacksonville could be a great fit for the national champion pass rusher.

18. Cincinnati Bengals - Patrick Willis, LB, Ole Miss
Willis has the talent to go a lot higher in this draft, and should someone fall it could be Willis taking their place. However, should he still be on the board when Marvin Lewis and Co start their pick, expect to see him a Bengal.

19. Tennessee Titans - Dewayne Jarrett, WR, USC
I do not like Jarrett as a pro. I think, like former USC wide-out Mike Williams, he will be a pro bust. However, if any team can make this kid a star, it is Norm Chow and Tennessee.

20. New York Giants - Lawrence Timmons, LB, Florida St.
The G-men have a bunch of needs, including OT, LB, CB, and S. Having said this, Timmons will be the highest rated player at any of these positions on the board at this point, and thus he will be playing next season in NY.

21. Denver Broncos - Adam Carriker, DE, Nebraska
I see the Broncos selecting Carriker with the idea that he can replace what was lost when the team let Trevor Price go to Baltimore.

22. Dallas Cowboys - Chris Houston, CB, Arkansas
America's team could also look at OL or WR here, but I see the speed of Houston being too much for Wade Phillips defense not to acquire.

23. Kansas City Chiefs - Robert Meacham, WR, Tennessee
The Chiefs would be elated to see Meacham fall to them here. Giving the team a true number 1 wide out for the first time in years.

24. New England Patriots - Jon Beason, LB, Miami
The Pats will look to fill holes in the back seven with both first round picks. Beason is a monster athlete who will be able to be used in many of Master Bill's schemes.

25. New York Jets - Anthony Spencer, DE, Perdue
Ultimately, the Jets want to see Greg Olsen fall to them. Since I don't see that happen, they will then select the best pass rusher on the board. Ask any o-lineman in the big ten who the best pass rusher in the nation was and they will all say the same thing, the former Boilermaker.

26. Philadelphia Eagles - Reggie Nelson, S, Florida
The signing of Takeo Spikes changes the draft strategy for the Eagles, and allows them to address the secondary. Nelson alongside Dawkins keeps this defense playoff ready.

27. New Orleans Saints - Paul Posluzny, LB, Penn State
The Saints improved their offense tremendously last year. Now they will look defense. The former Penn Stater will not only give the Saints a great ball player, but the linebacker U grad will also be a great locker room influence too.

28. New England Patriots - Michael Griffin, S, Texas
After choosing LB with their last pick, the Pats will address the secondary with this choice. Griffin is another great athlete, and will be a great fit as he learns from the vet Rodney Harrison.

29. Baltimore Ravens - Joe Staley, OT, Central Michigan
Any other year, Staley is a second round pick. Like I said earlier, because of the dearth of top tackles though, he will go early. The Ravens will also look at cornerbacks, but in the end Staley will get the call.

30. San Diego Chargers - Dewayne Bowe, WR, LSU
The Chargers are the most talented team in the league. Adding the sure handed Bowe to their already dangerous offense will simply further this cause.

31. Chicago Bears - Brandon Merriweather, S, Miami
Look to the Bears to go back to the well where they found Devin Hester last year. Merriweather is a talent, although he could be skipped as a result of his behavioral issues.

32. Indianapolis Colts - Quentin Moses, DE, Georgia
The world champs need lots of help on defense, and Moses could fit the bill if he returns to his 05 form. Had the former Bulldog come out last year he would have gone much higher.