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.

There Back...

Ladies and Dudes....
Guess what? They are back. Who you ask? (As if you had to). Seriously though, this Sunday is like the perfect alignment of all things good.

First off, it is Easter Sunday. As many of you know, I am Jewish, but I am a big fan of bunnies, so we have to mention this joyous holiday celebrating the furry rabbits and their odd annual obsession with eggs.

Secondly, Sunday marks the 29th anniversary of my birth. Now usually, anything involving me, especially those events that exist only to honor me, such as my birthday, would get top billing, but the rebirth of Jesus Christ pushed my b-day down to second billing this year. Hey, if you are going to get bumped, the "rebirth" of the messiah (or at the very least a prophet) is not a bad gig to lose out to.

Sunday's third groundbreaking, monumental event is the return of the Family. No, I am not talking about my family coming to Tampa to visit me for my birthday (that's right, mine, not Jesus') (and thank you by the way to Mom, Grandpa, Marshall and Emmy). I am discussing our favorite family from Jersey.

That's right everyone. They are back. On Sunday night, HBO will bring us back in touch with the Sopranos. Tony and crew are back for the second half of season 6, and although this will be the final episodes of the highly acclaimed drama, I cannot wait a minute longer.

Since the first episode of the first season, I have been a loyal follower of the Sopranos. Seriously, to me, it is the best show on television... period. And each year I have had to wait longer and longer between seasons to get my family fix. Now my waits are over. After this season, there will be no more, and I will miss the family, but I cannot wait to see how this all wraps up.

America, let me hear your Sopranos abstract. Tell me of your favorite Sopranos moment, your favorite character, or who you think will be the first major character whacked during this final season.

My New Friend

So as many of you know, one of my new businesses that I am launching right now is a dojo. I will be teaching Martial Arts with a friend of mine at a satellite school of the school I train at. Along with my partner, and my instructor, we hope to start as a training group renting out space in a rec center, and eventually expand into our own building with a full run dojo, like the one we current train at.

To accomplish the launching of this business, my partner and I needed a place where we can being to teach our classes. We have been looking all over, and the most logical place was the rec center in the city we live in. So, as logic would dictate, we approached the staff at the rec center, and asked what it would take for us to be able to teach there.

To make a long story short, the staff lady there has been giving us the runaround, because it seems that there is already someone there teaching Martial Arts. Now I know it is popular opinion that Martial Arts are Martial Arts, but that is simply not the case. There are different styles of martial arts out there, just as there are different styles of dance out there. Now this rec center has no problem having one person who teaches ballet there, and another who teaches tap/jazz, because as she says, she can see the difference. She doesn't however understand what makes the form of martial arts that we teach any different than what is already being taught.

So, I had been tasked with creating a DVD to give to her, which depicts the difference between Shotokan (what is already being taught) and Ninjutsu (what we teach). So I began on the process and I realized again why I hate software sometimes. You would think it should be easy to rip a DVD which I own which shows the practice of Ninjustu and use some of those scenes, and download a few Shotokan videos from Youtube, and then place these video scenes side by side, and burn them to DVD. This should have been simple. Unfortunately, it was not. Youtube stores their videos in one format, and my DVD ripper rips DVD's in another format. What I needed was a software program that converts one format of video into another.

As we become more and more technologically advanced, this seems to be happening more and more. I have a file in this format, but I need it in that format. I have a windows file, I need a OSX file. I have a linux file, I need a windows file. This is getting crazy. So I began my search for a program that could help me.

Long live the open source community. What I found was a program called Media Convert. This neat website can take a file in almost an format, and convert it to almost any other format. in fact, you don't even always need a source file, you can point it to the source URL if the file is embedded on a website, ala Youtube, and it can work from there. This free site is awesome, and as a result is the newest friend of the abstract.

If you are ever in need of file conversion, this is the site to go to http://media-convert.com/convert/. Best of all, it is free !!!

Hiatus

This is going to be a brief post. i am writing to let all of my readers know that I will be on a small hiatus from writing as I take pause to say goodbye to my grandmother, Rachel Ruth Miller Schaeffer, who left us on Thursday March 22, 2007.

I know you will all understand my pause at a time like this, and for those of you who have sent them, my family and I appreciate your condolences and prayers.


RACHAEL RUTH MILLER SCHAEFFER
March 20, 1916 - March 22, 2007

Update Time

An Interesting observation I just made, by reading over some of the email I get as a result of authoring this blog. Many of you out there have commented on my month long hiatus on making posts, and I figured that everyone was missing my witty monologues about nothing in particular, which has become also know as, my life. I was mistaken however. You all don't really care about what is up with my life, instead, my email has been a badgering about "who do you think my team will select in the first round" and "do you see the Jamal Lewis signing impacting the first round?" It seems that I am loved for only my profound football insight, so with only a little more adieu, here is my updated first round mock 2007 draft.

These projections include combine performances, and the initial blitz of free agency signings. Things can and will change between and the draft, so stay tuned.


1. Oakland Raiders - JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU
Not all that much has changed for Oakland this offseason. Dominic Rhodes will be a good second to Lamont Jordan, but that doesn't affect first round projections. As long as Al Davis can control himself and not draft the freakish Calvin Johnson, Russell will replace Brooks as the Raiders starter, and the Raiders will again be on the clock.

2. Detroit Lions - Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin
With the acquisition of George Foster in the deal Dre Bly deal, this is no longer a lock pick. Ultimately, the Lions should trade down, but assuming they stay, I still see Thomas as the best pick for Detroit.

3. Cleveland Browns - Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma
Although the Browns did indeed sign Jamal Lewis, they only signed him for a 1-year deal. They will still take Peterson here, and allow him to slowly acclimate himself to the rigors of a full NFL season. This 1-2 HB punch should give signal caller Charlie Frye more time to develop, and could help the Browns back towards the playoffs!!!

4. Tampa Bay Bucs - Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech
Tampa needs a lot of help, and one pick won't get it done. John Gruden is an offensive minded head coach, and although DT Alan Branch will get consideration,
Johnson will be too good to pass on. If Joe Thomas falls, however, things could get interesting.

5. Arizona Cardinals - Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson
Ultimately the Cards want Thomas. So much so, I can see them trying to swap picks with Detroit, giving up a 3rd or 4th rounder in the process. Should the board fall as I predict however, the Cards will select Adams as the highest rated pass rusher in the draft.

6. Washington Redskins - Alan Branch, DT, Michigan
The skins sorely need help in their front seven, and Branch may be the best DT prospect to come out of college since Warren Sapp. Branch can change games with his play, and the Skins really need his presence in the middle.

7. Minnesota Vikings - Jamaal Anderson, DE, Alabama
The Vikes will be tempted by both QB, Brady Quinn, and WR, Ted Ginn here, but in the end they will settle on Anderson, hoping he can add a pass rush element to their defense.

8. Houston Texans - Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame
This pick is dependent upon Houston finding a trading partner for David Carr, but in the end, he will be dealt, and Kubiak and Co will choose Quinn as their QB of the future.

9. Miami Dolphins - Ted Ginn Jr, WR, Ohio St.
Many teams have the Phins looking DT here, but with the signing of Porter, and offensive guru Cam Cameron at the helm, the team will go with the explosive Ginn. Ginn also provideds the team with the replacement they need for the exited Wes Welker in the return game.

10. Atlanta Falcons - LaRon Landry, S, LSU
It is pretty obvious that the Falcons are in need of a top notch safety, since the Malloy/Crocker combination was the worst in football last year. Now, after the combine has been completed, it seems that the question of who the highest rated safety will be has also been answered.

11. San Francisco 49ers - Amobi Okoye, DT, Louisville
The 9ers have already gotten appreciably better defensively with the Clements addition, but now adding the 19yr old Okoye from Louisville will make this defense dangerous. Okoye will have a year alongside Bryant Young to learn, and then watch out.

12. Buffalo Bills - Leon Hall, CB, Michigan
Losing Clements hurt Buffalo and Hall has they ability to make the mourning period much shorter. Unfortunately, this pick is no longer a lock, as after trading away starting HB Willis McGahee to Baltimore, RB, Marshawn Lynch will get a long look too.

13. St Louis Rams - Lawrence Timmons, LB, FSU
Athletic and fast, Timmons will immediately start alongside Will Witherspoon, helping a defense that could not stop the run last year.

14. Carolina Panthers - Patrick Willis, LB, Ole Miss
The primary need of the Panthers is LB, and the resigning of Na'il Diggs is not the answer. Morgan has been injury prone, and the addition of Willis will make such situations much more manageable for this defense.

15. Pittsburgh Steelers - Darrelle Revis, CB, Pitt
After losing Joey Porter, the Steelers will take a long look at tweener Jarvis Moss from the National Champion Gators. However, in the end, the Steelers will remember their porous pass defense and select Revis as the #2 corner on the board.

16. Green Bay Packers - Marshawn Lynch, RB, California
It was anticipated that this would be the selection, as running back Amahn Green was turing 30, a watershed year for running backs. Now it seems this pick is even more important as Amahn has bolted the Bay for Greener (pun intended) pastures in Houston.

17. Jacksonville Jaguars - Jarvis Moss, DE, Florida
The Jags have two pressing needs. They need a safety now that Grant has left for Seattle, but they also need a major pass rusher off the end. although Moss is rated behind Nebraska standout Adam Carriker on my board, he fits the tweener position Jacksonville needs to fill, and therefore he get the call.

18. Cincinnati Bengals - Jon Beason, LB, Miami
The Bengals are a team who needs to find players with no character questions. Where better to look, then Coral Gables FL, a beacon of moral light in college football. Seriously though, Beason is fast and strong and will quickly make the team forget about the loss of David Pollock.

19. Tennessee Titans - Dewayne Jarrett, WR, USC
The addition of Jarrett to the Titans is perfect as Norm Chow knows Jarrett well from their days at USC. Young needs a target will good hands, especially now that Drew Bennett is a Ram, and Jarrett fits the bill.

20. New York Giants - Levi Brown, OT, Penn St
The G-men lost a lot with the retirement of Tiki Barber, but they traded for Ruben Droughns to come in and replace him. It won't matter however if they don't get someone to replace Luke Pettigout who left to sign with Tampa. Enter Brown.

21. Denver Broncos - Adam Carriker, DE, Nebraska
All offseason I had the Broncos looking at corner for help. They addressed that need in trading for Dre Bly. Now they can focus on shoring up the front seven with Carriker. He can play end or tackle, and that will help offset the loss of Trevor Pryce from last offseason.

22. Dallas Cowboys - Reggie Nelson, S, Florida
The Boys have needs on the o-line that could be addressed too, but with Nelson on the board, new coach Wade Phillips will push Jones to address the hole in the secondary first.

23. Kansas City Chiefs - Robert Meacham, WR, Tennessee
KC really needs some help in a few areas, but WR is not the least. They need a guy who can do everything well, and Meacham is that player. He can come in and provide new starter Damon Huard the options he needs to be sucessful.

24. New England Patriots - Aaron Ross, CB, Texas
The Pats have been very active this offseason, and grabbing Adalius Thomas at LB, and Donte Stallworth at WR were good acquisitions. Now adding Ross to the secondary will help this team in the area they need the most.

25. New York Jets - Greg Olsen, TE, Miami
The Jets biggest priority this offseason was to get themselves a good solid back for their running game. Thomas Jones will be that back. Now they can focus on giving Chad Pennington another weapon in Olsen, the best TE on the board.

26. Philadelphia Eagles - Paul Posluzny, LB, Penn St
The Eagles have a need at LB and with Linebacker U's current most progeny still on the board, they will jump to keep him in PA. Paul brings the right type of attitude to the game, and to the locker room as well.

27. New Orleans Saints - Chris Houston, CB, Arkansas
The Saints would love for Posluzny to fall to them, but when he doesn't they will fill their need at corner instead. No DB helped his stock more at the combine than did Chris Houston. His blazing 40-time pushed him into the late first round, and New Orleans will be happy to have that speed working for them next season.

28. New England Patriots - Michael Griffin, S, Texas
How big of a need is secondary in New England. Enough that it will take both of the Patriots first rounders to fill it. After selecting Aaron Ross earlier, the Pats will look to safety with this next pick, and with Landry and Nelson gone, Griffin is the man. The Texas teammates will look great together in New England's now solid secondary.

29. Baltimore Ravens - Anthony Spencer, DE, Perdue
The Ravens biggest loss of the offseason came when Adalius Thomas bolted Baltimore for New England. Ozzie Newsome will not wait long to replace him. Anthony Spencer is the same type of player. Good size and speed, with the ability to play with his hands in the dirt or on his hips.

30. San Diego Chargers - Dewayne Bowe, WR, LSU
San D's resigning of Kris Dielman was huge as it eliminated a need to pick o-line help here. Losing Donnie Edwards hurts, but all of the 1st round linebacker talent will have been sucked up at this point. This leaves replacing Keenan McCardell as the Bolts top priority, and Bowe is almost a McCardell clone, only younger and a step faster.

31. Chicago Bears - Brandon Merriweather, S, Miami
What the Bears really need is a QB to replace Grossman, but choosing Stanton or Smith here would be a reach. Instead, the team will look to replace its depleted secondary, and they will look to the well that brought them standout Devin Hester last year. Merriweather is a similar athlete, and will come into Chi Town and immediately fill a hole in the secondary.

32. Indianapolis Colts - Quentin Moses, DE, Georgia
It is amazing that a team as good as Indy can have a defense with such holes. As of this writing, Cato June has not yet been resigned by Indy, and that leaves another hole on the defense. DT is also a big need, and if Nick Harper stays unsigned, this team is going to have trouble repeating their title dreams. Quentin Moses is a talent who if not for his disappointing senior season could have been competing with Gaines Adams and Jamaal Anderson for first DE chosen. He has the size and speed to play up or down, and Indy will value that flexibility especially now.

Shameless Self-Promotion

They say that viral marketing over the internet is now the number one way to drive traffic to your website. Well, since this is the case, I need to take a moment and plug the newest Friend of the Abstract.

Today's new friend is going to be familiar to all of my readers out there. The reason all of you will know this friend, is because the friend is me. Thats right, I am now the newest friend of my own blog.

I know this may sound to many of you like I have finally lost my marbles (what few remaining I had anyway). Give me a second more of your time, and you will understand what i am talking about.

As many of you out there are aware, last October I lost my job. No, I didn't misplace it, I "had my position eliminated". Anyhow, not to dwell, but also, as many of you know, since then, I have been looking for new work.

Over the last few months I have been on many interviews. I have even received a few offers here and there, but unfortunately, none have been to my liking. This created a dilemma of sorts, as my income suddenly stopped, but my expenses did not. Unlike many I know however, I was prepared for my rainy day. I had finally learned to be smart, and I listened to some advice that my grandfather gave me when I was little. "Live on 10% less than what you make, so you will always have some money put away just in case," he used to tell me. Thanks to that advice, and my learning more about budgeting than any human ever wanted to know during my MBA program, I had some money set aside, just in case.

Because I had listened, I was in no hurry to take the first offer that came along, and instead I decided I could wait for the right offer to come about. At the same time however, being the person who I am, I had no desire to dwindle my little nest egg down to nothing while I waited for a year for "the right offer".

In the mean time, I learned that I said some very savvy friends out there. You see, once they found out I was unemployed, and looking for a new job, they approached me to see if I could help them find new jobs too (hey, as long as I was out there looking, right?). So as I reworked my resume, polished my interview and negotiation skills, and began networking in earnest, some of my good buddies figured, why not go along for the ride. To make a boring story short, over the last four months, I have rewritten 5 resumes (plus mine), prepared 4 people for interviews (plus mine), assisted in 2 salary negotiations, and helped 2 pals land new gigs (none for me thank you very much).

Then came a fortuitous dinner with a couple who I am friends with. My better half and I took them out to dinner to celebrate the holidays with them. The lady half of this couple was telling me about her problems at work. She made mention of all of the troubles she was having and how her boss (who also happened to to be the business owner) was trying to help her fix the issues to no avail. I told her my thoughts on the problem, and I suggested that she and her boss contact a business consultant to come in and help them out. She seemed to think this was a great idea, and she asked me if I new of anyone who could do the job.

Here is where another lesson my grandfather (and quite possibly every other adult in my life from age 4 and up) taught me came in. "Kaddish," he used to say, "you need to learn to think before you speak" (I have a habit of saying some of the most profoundly dumb comments sometimes). So just as I was about to tell my friend about this consultant that her husband and I both train with, who could do a great job for her, I took pause and remembered to think first.

I realized that everything she needed, not only could my friend do, but so could I. And since I was not generating any income at all, and had some free time on my hands from being unemployed and all, I could do the job myself. So rather than become Yenta the matchmaker, I insted chose the route of Donald Trump the entrepreneur. I sold her on using me for the consulting work, and thus the birth of Steinbach Consulting.

Since then, I have completed that first job (and according to the client, did a first rate job), and have also landed a few more gigs. In addition, based on my earlier successes with helping my pals with their employment situations, I have added an entire "Employee Services" division to my repertoires.

So now that I have left the land of the unemployed, and entered the world of the self-employed, I must start pushing my wares on anyone who I know in the hopes they can send some business my way. I have my company website up, and therefore, since I know in advance that I am going to provide the type of service to my clients that I love to rave about here on the Abstract, I am preemptively adding Steinbach Consulting to Friends of the Abstract. If any of you, my loyal readers, have a need for my services, or you know anyone who has a need for my services, please let me know. I will pay a referral fee out to anyone who sends me new business of any kind, so it will pay for you to look at my website, www.steinbachconsultinggroup.com, and see what types of services I am offering to businesses, new college graduates, and employees looking for their next step in their careers.

As usual, feedback would be appreciated, so check out the new website, www.steinbachconsultinggroup.com, and let me know your Abstract.

A Nice Change of Pace

Just a quick shout out to a company who has learned to provide excellent customer service. This evening, I went to dinner at the Olive Garden and I ordered my food. When the food came out, I found that the chicken I had ordered had not been cooked correctly. The edge of the chicken breast had been over cooked, and was kind of tough. I complained to the waiter, and he of course went to get the manager. When the manager came to the table, he asked what was wrong. I told him, and he immediately offered to have the cook fix the meal, even though I had already eaten over half of the meal.

Then, when the meal came back out, and it was perfect, the manager did something totally unexpected. he came to the table to check on the recooked food, and then he paid for the meal. Now some of you out there may think that the manager should have done that, however, I am not one of those people.

Yes I am a stickler for customer service, but in no way does that mean I expect a business to go out of business to service the customer. They are in business to make a profit, and I respect that. That is why I would have expected the manager to either have paid for the meal, or made a new one. Instead, the manager did both, and in going above and beyond, he made me a fond customer who will definitely return. Go Olive Garden !!!!

If anyone out there has an awesome customer service experience, let me know. I love to hear great customer service stories.

The Declared

As I am sure many of you realize, Monday was a very big day in the NFL. On Monday we were able to officially find out which underclassmen were going to make the leap from college to pro and which players were going to stay behind for another year of collegiate education. Every year we get surprises, as some players we thought would make the jump don't, while other who could really use another year of development come out too early. This year was no different. Guys who I had as first rounders chose to stay in school like Arizona Cornerback, Antoine Cason and Louisville Quarterback, Brian Brohm. Then there was Colt Brennan declaring. NFL beware, Colt will be a bust. Don't draft him.

Now that the underclassmen have declared, and we can see how all of the players performed in their final bowl games, here is my updated mock draft for 2007.

1. Oakland Raiders - JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU
The Raiders have lots of needs, including QB, and Russell is a talent. Unfortunately he is not the best QB in this draft. That honor goes to Brady Quinn, but expect the Silver and Black to pass on the pocket passer, and choose the more athletic (read: Al Davis likes speed) Russell.

2. Detroit Lions - Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin
Thanks to a win in the final week, combined with the Raiders' general ineptitude, the lions don't have the first overall pick and that is a blessing. At 1, they would have had to pick a QB, which they don't really need. At two, they can go for the best lineman in the draft, a position that will definitely provide help, and Thomas is the class of this class.

3. Cleveland Browns - Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma
Cleveland could very well look to select DT Alan Branch with this pick, but I expect them to try and improve a pathetic running game from last year. The team is committed to Frye, and therefore wont select Quinn, but Peterson provides him an immediate special weapon. Much will depend however on Peterson's med reports from the combine.

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech
Johnson is simply the best player in the draft. He really should go higher. The Bucs will choose him here at four and be very happy for having done so. He will immediately give Sims another top target, and Joey Galloway will no longer have to do it all himself. He is not a spring chicken anymore.

5. Arizona Cardinals - Leon Hall, CB, Michigan
Arizona desperately would love to land Joe Thomas, so don't be surprised to see them look to trade up, but if they stay here, and Thomas is off the board, they will look to improve their secondary. Leon Hall is the best corner in the draft, and will make a nice 1-2 with Antrell Rolle in the desert.

6. Washington Redskins - Jamaal Anderson, DE, Alabama
Washington's defense was plagued all year by an inability to get after the QB. Anderson is one of the fastest rising prospects on the board right now. He has the right mind set for an NFL pass rushing end and has the skills to go along. Clemson's Gaines Adams is also a possibility here and Michigan DT, Alan Branch will get some consideration, but in the end I see Anderson getting the call.

7. Minnesota Vikings - Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson
Like Washington, Minnesota could not get pressure on opposing signal callers this season, so a pass rusher will be the priority. I think the Vikes would be happy to see Adams still available to them at this juncture, and I expect him to be in purple in 07.

8. Houston Texans - Alan Branch, DT, Michigan
What Houston really wants to see happen is for Cleveland to select Branch #3, and then see Peterson fall to them here, and it is becoming a more realistic possibility every day, but if Peterson is off the board, I think the team will look to select Branch as he is too talented to pass on. He is a beast in the middle, and next to Mario Williams and Demeco Ryans, their defense will be set for years to come.

9. Miami Dolphins - Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame
Like Matt Lienart last year, and Ben Rothlisberger the year before, this is too far for a top signal caller to fall. But rest assured, this is what will happen. With the status of Daunte Culpepper still uncertain, the Phins will not let the best QB in the draft pass them by.

10. Atlanta Falcons - Michael Griffin, S, Texas
Bobby Patrino has just been inked as the new HC for the Falcons, and he is an offensive mind, so this may not play as planned, however, the Falcons really need some help in their secondary. Lawyer Milloy is getting long in the tooth, and DeAngelo Hall is the only young playmaker in the secondary. Ted Ginn Jr is also a possibility if Patrino chooses to acquire more weapons for Vick, but right now I just don't see it.

11. San Francisco 49ers - Ted Ginn Jr, WR, Ohio St
This year we saw Frank Gore erase all doubts of his ability to be a play making back. Now add Ginn to the mix, and the Niners offense could be scary. With former 1st overall selection, Alex Smith at QB, Frank Gore at RB, Vernon Davis a freaky TE, and then Ginn. Good luck NFC west defenses.

12. Buffalo Bills - Darrelle Revis, CB, Pitt
Revis is a bit of a stretch pick here for Buffalo, however, the Bills proved last year they are not afraid of reaching as they selected Whitner about 10-15 picks too early, and McCargo about 2-3 rounds too early. I expect to see superstar corner, Nate Clements, bolt Buffalo this offseason, weakening an already needy secondary. Enter Revis.

13. St Louis Rams - Lemarr Woodley, DE/LB, Michigan
Lemarr Woodley reminds me a lot of Chargers all-pro linebacker, Shawne Merriman. If this proves to be true, I don't think the Rams defense will be a league laughing stock for much longer.

14. Carolina Panthers - Dwayne Jarrett, WR, USC
During the offseason, I believe that both Keyshawn Johnson and Keary Colbert will be gone from Carolina. This will make the biggest priority a big, possession type receiver the priority. Jarrett is big and has great hands. He will go across the middle, and can quickly provide the second option to Steve Smith that the Panthers will need without Keyshawn.

15. Pittsburgh Steelers - LaRon Landry, S, LSU
Despite the rather pedestrian 2006 campaign, the Steelers really don't have many needs. As a result they will be in a good spot to fill based on talent upgrades. If Jarrett was to fall to them he may be a consideration to replace the size at WR lost when Burress left the steel city for NYC, however, I dont think he will still be on the board when Pitt picks. This means Landry, a top rated safety on many boards will be available to place opposite Troy Polomalu, really giving the Steelers a young, talented defensive safety corps.

16. Green Bay Packers - Marshawn Lynch, RB, California
The Pack, despite their record, are one of the least talented teams in the NFL right now. If Favre retires, that will reduce their talent even more. The talent that Green Bay does have is getting old, and replacing an aging injury prone Amahn Green with Marshawn Lynch will only bring good to the cheesehead nation.

17. Jacksonville Jaguars - Levi Brown, OT, Penn St
Jacksonville was very inconsistent last season, at times looking like the NFL elite, and at times looking like a top 10 pick. With it being bye-bye Byron in Jacksonville, the new QB will need some protection, and although Jacksonville was good last year, they were not great. Levi Brown comes in to make a good line great and provide time for either Garrard or Gray to make the throws to lead the offense.

18. Cincinnati Bengals - Amobi Okoye, DT, Louisville
The Bengals need to get better with their interior defense. John Thornton is simply not the man to get the job done. Okoye is a super young phenom (20 yr old who was a 4 year starter at Louisville) with a tremendous upside, who is vaulting up draft boards all over. If he has impressive workouts in Indy, Okoye could go even higher.

19. Tennessee Titans - Quentin Moses, DE, Georgia
Few players are falling down the board as fast as Moses. After the 2005 season, Moses was projected to be the top DE available for this draft. Now after a truly subpar senior campaign, Moses, finds himself falling. If he can regain his 05 abilities, the Titans will have gotten a steal in the draft at this point.

20. New York Giants - Jeff Smardzija, WR, Notre Dame
The G-men have a few needs if they are going to compete for a division title next year, the least of which is not replacing Tiki Barber. Unfortunately for them, Peterson and Lynch will both be gone by this point, and they will have to look elsewhere to provide stability to young Manning. Smardzija is a big and fast target, and showed great hands as Brady Quinn's favorite option at Notre Dame. Across from Burress and along with Shockey, Manning will have options . The question is, what will he do with them.

21. Denver Broncos - Marcus McCauley, CB, Fresno St
With the tragic death of starting cornerback Darrent Williams, the Broncos are going to need to look for a replacement. Thankfully, they are deep in the secondary. Still McCauley gives them options, and will allow for someone to push Foxworth for the starting job opposite Bailey.

22. Dallas Cowboys - Justin Blalock, OL, Texas
The Boys could very well choose a safety like Reggie Nelson from Florida with this pick, but i think their needs on the o-line will outweight those in the secondary. Blalock is big mauler who can play multiple positions on the line. He could be the replacement for Larry Allen that America's team so sorely needs.

23. Kansas City Chiefs - Robert Mecham, WR, Tennessee
The offense in KC needs an additional target to Eddie Kennison in the worst way. Dante Hall is better as a return man, and Samie Parker, doe not scare anyone. Mecham was the Vols leading reciever, and led the nation in yards per catch. He has good hands, and a good size/speed combination. He may be the missing piece in KC's quest, which is also likely to bee QB Trent Green's swan song.

24. New England Patriots (from Sea) - Reggie Nelson, S, Florida
It is no secrete that the Pats need depth in their secondary and at WR. Nelson is the best player from either position still on the board. He is playmaker, and his ability to play either safety or corner will be used extensively by Super Coach Bill.

25. New York Jets - Michael Bush, RB, Louisville
Despite their impressive 2006 campaign, don't be folled, the Jets still have some holes to fill. They are weak at corner, and on the d-line. Their linebackers are step slow (except for Vilma), and they need to get a consistent running game. Who knows what the deal is with Curtis Martin, and although Leon Washington did an admirable job this past year, the Jets need an everydown back like Bush who can take pressure off Pennington.

26. Philadelphia Eagles - Lawrence Timmons, LB, Florida St
Ultimate, the Eagles would like to see one of the three top safeties fall to them, but when that doesn't happen, they will select the fastest rising linebacker in Timmons. Timmons had a great year, and combine that with freakish combine workouts like I expect, and Timmons will continue his vault up the board.

27. New Orleans Saints - Paul Posluzny, LB, Penn St
For the Saints to get a guy like Paul Posluzny here is a match made in heaven. The Saints need more from their linebacking corps. Paul is simply a football player. His measurables at the combine will not impress as compared to Timmons or Woodley, but he simply gets the job done. Payton would be drooling to add a charater guy like this to his locker room.

28. New England Patriots - Dwayne Bowe, WR, LSU
Since they addressed their secondary with the first of their two picks, look to the Pats to go after Bowe with the second. Last years selection of Chad Jackson has not yet panned out, although are notoriously slow to make the transformation, and Bowe gives them a big presence at WR.

29. Baltimore Ravens - Aaron Sears, OL, Tennessee
The Ravens are in excellent position comming into this draft with very few needs. If Thomas bolts for greener pastures, they may look to OLB HB Blades from Pitt at this pick, otherwise Sears helps solidify an already good line. To pick for filler is really a great place to be on draft day.

30. San Diego Chargers - Steve Smith, WR, USC
With their early exit from the playoffs this year, the Chargers were exposed to have a weakness. Against the Pats, the Chargers wide outs looked more like the Dolphnins crew that led the league in drops than the high powered offense they were. Truth is, McCardell is starting to show his age, and the other guys on the receiving corps are not marque players like Vinny Jackson or Eric Parker. Steve Smith is a SoCal local, and will also give Rivers another top weapon to throw to.

31. Indianapolis Colts - Demarcus Tyler, DT, NC State
Regardless of their recent resurgence, Tony Dungy knows his defense has got to get better. With the career of Corey Simon in doubt and Booger McFarland so far having little impact, Tyler both fills a need and provides value. Considering this past year Tyler posted his best numbers, while not having the protection of first rounders Mario Williams, and Manny Lawson on his team, states oogles for his skills.

32. Chicago Bears - Troy Smith, QB, Ohio State
After laying an egg in the national title game, Troy Smith has begun to fall down many draft boards. I think this is where the Hiesman winners fall will end. The Bears have question Grossman all year, and Griese is definitely a backup. Smith could step in and give the Bears an athletic signal caller who knows how to win.



Stay tuned for future mocks as the combine changes everything.

2 Minute Warning

This is a 2 minute warning being sent out to all of you. The last chance for you all to get your nominations in for the Raised Thumbs (Best Of's) and Raised Middle Fingers (Worst Of's) for 2006. Just in case you were not sure of the categories, please send me nominations for the following categories:

Best Movie of the Year
Worst Movie of the Year
Best Song of the Year
Worst Song of the Year (A.K.A. "Please turn this fuckin' song off before I shoot myself)
Best Gift I received this Year
Worst Gift I received this Year (A.K.A "The Gravy Boat Gift" in honor of a friend)
Best Surprise of the Year
Worst Surprise of the Year
Person of the Year (famous or not, doesn't matter)
Dunce of the Year (infamous or not, doesn't matter)

I have some nominations for every category, but I want to have more to see if we can get some consensus on results, so if you haven't already emailed me, or posted a comment with your nominations, do so now, before time runs out.

I want to hear your abstract.

PSA #4

Attention. We are currently interrupting your regularly scheduled blog post with this Public Service Announcement. Today we observe Dr. Martin Luther King's birthday. As you all know, Dr King did a huge amount to alter the landscape of our nation, and I ask that each of you just stop for a second today to think about what a wonderful contribution Dr King made.

From all of us to you, Happy Birthday Dr King.

I Want to Work For Bill Ford Too

Now that I am an elite business free agent (like my new term for unemployed bum?), I have many options to consider before joining a new organization. Really, if you were to remove the no income factor, this really is an ideal situation. I can examine what I really want to do with my next career move (Human Resources), and I can choose the type of organization I want to work for (bigger business). I can weigh all of the factors together including pay (I want lots), time off (I want lots), and benefits (I want lots).

In addition to this, I can hope to get a great boss. Now this is where things get tricky. In most situations, I will simply have one or two meeting with my new boss (sometimes fewer) before starting to work for them. In this brief period of time, I am going to hve to size up my new leader, and all I can hope for is that he as good a boss to me as Bill Ford has been to Matt Millen.



When you look at the qualities of a good boss, words like understanding, patient, and loyal come to mind. Honestly, Bill Ford has shows all of these qualities in dealing with employee Millen. Lets quickly look at all three.

Understanding - When you hear the word understanding, you think of a boss who allows for an employee to make mistakes, and treats him with a soft hand even still. Well, Mr Ford has show this excess with Matt Millen. Since taking over as President and CEO of the Detroit Lions in 2002, Matt Millen has made a plethora of mistakes. He has drafted player who don't play very well (Charles Rogers, Joey Harrington, Mike Williams). He has fired one of the most respected coaches in the NFL (Steve Mariucci), and he has signed high priced free agents who have not panned out (Kenoy Kennedy, Dan Wilkinson, Damien Woody). Now most bosses would expect the GM of a pro-football team to draft good players, keep good coaches, and not sign high priced busts, but hindsight is 20-20, and Mr Ford has showed Matt Millen understanding.

Patients - In today's NFL, there is an exceptional amount of pressure on coaches and front office leaders to put a winner on the field and to do so now. Just look at the state of the league. In Arizona, the Cards fired Denny Green after only three seasons. Why? He has too much talent to not be pushing for the playoffs. In Atlanta, the Falcons are searching for Jim Mora Jr's replacement. Why? Their trip to the NFC Championship game 2 years ago, was exactly that, 2 years ago. In Miami, Nick Saban just resigned. Why? 'Bama flashed security and the pressure in Miami was building after being two games under .500 during his first two seasons. Coaching and GM tenures in the NFL are starting to resemble the length of a Pamela Anderson marriage. Except of course, in Detroit. Matt Millen has been shown more patients in Detroit than any other league executive. In a league where winning is everything, Bill Ford has shown an amazing stomach for losing. Each year it seems, the Detroit Lions are amongst one of the league's 10 worst teams. This year, they have fallen to the second worst team in the game. Is Bill Ford fretting? Absolutely not. He knows, like all good bosses, you have to show patients with your personnel. You just know, that if you show enough patients, those employees will turn into the superstars you always knew they would be, and you will be vindicated. In a league with a short fuse, W.C. Ford has shown Matt Millen more patients than a Gray shows to a team of strung out managers in a college bookstore.

Loyalty - This trait is probably the most rare in business today. It is even more pronounced in the NFL. Today we see player jumping from team to team, just to make a few extra bucks. We watch GM's deal franchise players to "cut payroll". We watch player cut the throats of coaches, and coaches back stab each other, all to keep their own hides in tact. Well, that may be how it is most places, but Detroit is not most places. Bill Ford will have none of that low class, fan pandering that seems to go on in most franchises. He made a decision back in 2002 to hire Matt Millen, and by gosh, he is going to stand by his man. Through thick and thin, fan abandonment and media joke, Bill Ford has shown a loyalty to Matt Millen only rivaled by the Bookguy's dedication to a whiney, ass kissing, two-faced, lying, Director of Operations, who only has time to be the Director of Retail Selling that no one outside of Louisville will follow anyway. (Sorry for the Rant). Seriously, when Bill Ford told Matt Millen he had his back, he really meant it.

So, in my search for a new career, I have to find a boss like William Clay Ford. I need a guy who will stay in my corner, and show me understanding and patients. I want to join an organization that is lead by a man who in the face of all evidence, will stand by his decisions, and his right hand man. I need a boss like William Clay Ford. Then again, I am having this "been there before" kind of feeling. Of course !!! Now I know why. It seems that I just got finished working for a William Clay Ford type of personnel retard. Maybe one time around, following a blind man who justifies blatantly piss poor leadership, by claiming to be a "man of character" was enough for me. Fuck William Clay Ford. Does anyone know if Genghis Khan is hiring?