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Ronnie Lott: THE WEEK BEFORE THE BIG GAME

Now as we move into next week; next week is a very important week because that is when everything begins to happen. It is the week that you fly into Dallas. It is the week that you feel like when you get off the plane you’re the President of the United States. You walk off the plane and you are greeted by the city and the media. It is when you realize that you are in the biggest show in sport. You will have a chance to perform in front of millions of people worldwide....

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[photo: John Newberry]

 

Playmaker Roundup: Tyson Chandler has no compassion for Yao Ming, Brandon Jennings' return is pushed back, Ray Lewis and Jonathan Vilma prepare for the NFL Pro Bowl and more...

           Louis Ceaser IV, Playmaker Intern

• YAO MING: Star-Telegram recently interviewed Dallas Mavericks center Tyson Chandler who showed no compassion towards Yao Ming and his injured foot. Chandler stated that he'll miss going toe-to-toe with the Rocket's center (who is out for the season) with a stress fracture in his left ankle. Yao has already missed 133 games over the past four seasons. The Rockets (22-25) play the Mavs (29-15), Thursday night.

• STEVE NASH: The Sun's PG recorded 27 points, 5 rebounds, 15 assists, 1 steal and 4 three-pointers in Wednesday's loss to the Bobcats, 114-107. The Suns are a dismal 20-24 overall.

• BRANDON JENNINGS: Young Buck is still recovering from his foot injury. According to team doctors, Jennings is likely to play next Monday; it's been exactly 6 weeks since he went down. Keyon Dooling will continue to play the point. Wednesday, Milwaukee lost a close one falling to the Bulls, 98-90. The Bucks are 17-26 overall.

• RAJON RONDO: Greg Payne of ESPN Boston writes that Rondo is essential to the Celtic's plan for a return to the NBA Championship game. RR currently leads the League in assists, averaging 12.9 per game. The Celtics stand atop of their division with a record of 34-10 for the season.

• GREG ODEN: Oden comes in at #9 for NESN's "Top 10 Injury Prone Big Men in NBA History." 

• OSI UMENYIORA: Chris Snee, Justin Tuck and OU were recently voted as second-team selections for the Associated Press 2010 NFL All-Pro Team.

• DONOVAN MCNABB: Adam Lazarus of Bleacher Report writes an article titled "10 Reasons Retirement Is His Best Option." Click here to read the article. Personally, McNabb is far from done. Hey McNabb, the Niners are looking for a QB...interested?

• RAY LEWIS: RL52 is relaxing in Honolulu, awaiting the NFL Pro Browl. Karen Guregian of The Boston Herald writes an interesting piece about Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo and Ray Lewis. Mayo (who is making his first Pro Bowl appearance) is eager to meet the most dominant MLB in the League in Ray Lewis. Click here to read the article.

• JONATHAN VILMA: Like Ray Lewis, JV is kicking back on the beaches in Hawaii, until the start of the Pro Bowl, which begins this Sunday. Vilma was voted into the Pro Bowl to replace MLB Patrick Willis who is out with injury. 

College Conference Playoff Seed # 1: ACC

Aaron Resnick, Playmaker Intern

Offense

Quarterback: Philip Rivers, Chargers (NC State)

Running back: Frank Gore, 49ers (Miami FL)

Running back: Thomas Jones, Chiefs (Virginia)

Wide Receiver: Andre Johnson, Texans (Miami FL)

Wide Receiver: Calvin Johnson, Lions (Georgia Tech)

Tight End: Vernon Davis, 49ers (Maryland)

Tackle: D’Brickashaw Ferguson, Jets (Virginia)

Guard: Chris Snee, Giants (Boston College)

Center: Jeff Saturday, Colts (North Carolina)

Guard: Branden Albert, Chiefs (Virginia)

Tackle: Bryant McKinnie, Vikings (Miami FL)

Defense

Defensive end: Julius Peppers, Bears (North Carolina)

Defensive tackle: Vince Wilfork, Patriots (Miami FL)

Defensive tackle: Brodrick Bunkley, Eagles (Florida State)

Defensive end: Mario Williams, Texans (NC State)

Linebacker: Jon Beason, Panthers (Miami FL)

Linebacker: Ray Lewis, Ravens (Miami FL)

Linebacker: Jonathan Vilma, Saints (Miami FL)

Cornerback: Brandon Flowers, Chiefs (Virginia Tech)

Cornerback: DeAngelo Hall, Redskins (Virginia Tech)

Safety: Ed Reed, Ravens (Miami FL)

Safety: Adrian Wilson, Cardinals (NC State)

Special Teams

Kicker: Sebastian Janikowski, Raiders (Florida State)

Punter: Adam Podlesh, Jaguars (Maryland)

Return man: Devin Hester, Bears (Miami FL)

Coach: Ken Whisenhunt, Cardinals (Georgia Tech)

Pros: Wow is all you can say when you look at this team. With both Andre and Calvin Johnson, they have arguably the two best receivers in the league and are even deeper at the position. The offensive line is also very strong as Branden Albert at guard even had experience playing tackle. Julius Peppers and Mario WIlliams are two more physical specimen who rate among the league's best pass rushers. That doesn't even include the great Miami linebackers and the safety tandem of Ed Reed and Adrian Wilson. By the way, they also have Devin Hester returning kicks.

Cons: Compared to some other teams they aren't that strong at running back but should be fine. With his tendency to gamble at times, DeAngelo Hall could make a play that would prove to be costly.

College Conference Playoff Seed # 2: Big 12

Aaron Resnick, Playmaker Intern

Offense

Quarterback: Sam Bradford, Rams (Oklahoma)

Running back: Adrian Peterson, Vikings (Oklahoma)

Running back: Jamaal Charles, Chiefs (Texas)

Wide Receiver: Dez Bryant, Cowboys (Oklahoma State)

Wide Receiver: Jeremy Maclin, Eagles (Missouri)

Tight End: Jermichael Finley, Packers (Texas)

Tackle: Trent Williams, Redskins (Oklahoma)

Guard: Davin Joseph, Buccaneers (Oklahoma)

Center: Andre Gurode, Cowboys (Colorado)

Guard: Justin Blaylock, Falcons (Texas)

Tackle:  Carl Nicks, Saints (Nebraska)

Defense

Defensive end: Brian Orakpo, Redskins (Texas)

Defensive tackle: Ndamukong Suh, Lions (Nebraska)

Defensive tackle: Kevin Williams, Vikings (Oklahoma State)

Defensive end: Justin Smith, 49ers (Missouri)

Linebacker: Derrick Johnson, Chiefs (Texas)       

Linebacker: Curtis Lofton, Falcons (Oklahoma)

Linebacker: Barrett Ruud, Buccaneers (Nebraska)

Cornerback: Aqib Talib, Buccaneers (Kansas)

Cornerback: Quentin Jammer, Chargers (Texas)

Safety: Earl Thomas, Seahawks (Texas)

Safety: Michael Griffin, Titans (Texas)

Special Teams

Kicker: Matt Bryant, Falcons (Baylor)

Punter: Shane Lechler, Raiders (Texas A&M)

Return man: Danny Amendola, Rams (Texas Tech)

Coach: Gary Kubiak, Texans (Texas A&M)

Pros: With Peterson and Charles in the backfield, this team has a great combination of power and speed at the running back position. Bryant, Maclin and Finley are also proven young talents that can score anytime they touch the ball. With Suh and Kevin Williams in the middle, good luck running on this team.

Cons: In the NFL, the coach and quarterback are often tied at the hip and that is the case here. Bradford has a very bright future but doesn't have the big game experience of the others in the playoff. Kubiak's teams also always seem to find a way to lose which makes an early round upset possible.

College Conference Playoff Seed #3: SEC

Aaron Resnick, Playmaker Intern

Offense

Quarterback: Peyton Manning, Colts (Tennessee)

Running back: Darren McFadden, Raiders (Arkansas)

Running back: Arian Foster, Texans (Tennessee)

Wide Receiver: Dwayne Bowe, Chiefs (LSU)

Wide Receiver: Mike Wallace, Steelers (Mississippi)

Tight End: Jason Witten, Cowboys (Tennessee)

Tackle: Marcus McNeill, Chargers (Auburn)

Guard: Ben Grubbs, Ravens (Auburn)

Center: Maurkice Pouncey, Steelers (Florida)

Guard: Shawn Andrews, Giants (Arkansas)

Tackle: Michael Oher, Ravens (Mississippi)

Defense

Defensive end: John Abraham, Falcons (South Carolina)

Defensive tackle: Richard Seymour, Raiders (Georgia)

Defensive tackle: Jay Ratliff, Cowboys (Auburn)

Defensive end: Charles Johnson, Panthers (Georgia)

Linebacker: DeMeco Ryans, Texans (Alabama)

Linebacker: Patrick Willis, 49ers (Mississippi)

Linebacker: Jerod Mayo, Patriots (Tennessee)

Cornerback: Champ Bailey, Broncos (Georgia)

Cornerback: Johnathan Joseph, Bengals (South Carolina)

Safety: LaRon Landry, Redskins (LSU)

Safety: Roman Harper, Saints (Alabama)

Special Teams

Kicker: Ryan Succop, Chiefs (South Carolina)

Punter: Dustin Colquitt, Chiefs (Tennessee)

Return man: Percy Harvin, Vikings (Florida)

Coach: Chan Gailey, Bills (Florida)

Pros: This team has playmakers and speed on both sides of the ball.

Cons: Their head coach doesn't stack up to the other teams in the playoff, but it will be hard to beat their talent.

College Conference Playoff Seed # 4: Big Ten

Aaron Resnick, Playmaker Intern

Offense

Quarterback: Tom Brady, Patriots (Michigan)

Running back: Rashard Mendenhall, Steelers (Illinois)

Running back: Pierre Thomas, Saints (Illinois)

Wide Receiver: Santonio Holmes, Jets (Ohio State)

Wide Receiver: Brandon Lloyd, Broncos (Illinois)

Tight End: Dallas Clark, Colts (Iowa)

Tackle: Joe Thomas, Browns (Wisconsin)

Guard: Eric Steinbach, Browns (Iowa)

Center: Nick Mangold, Jets (Ohio State)               

Guard: Chris Dielman, Chargers (Indiana)

Tackle: Jake Long, Dolphins (Michigan)

Defense

Defensive end: Will Smith, Saints (Ohio State)

Defensive tackle: Domata Peko, Bengals (Michigan State)

Defensive tackle:  Barry Cofield, Giants (Northwestern)

Defensive end: Tamba Hali, Chiefs (Penn State)

Linebacker:  LaMarr Woodley, Steelers (Michigan)

Linebacker: Paul Posluszny, Bills (Penn State)

Linebacker: Cameron Wake, Dolphins (Penn State)

Cornerback: Leon Hall, Bengals (Michigan)

Cornerback: Charles Woodson, Packers (Michigan)

Safety: Bob Sanders, Colts (Iowa)

Safety: Donte Whitner, Bills (Ohio State)

Special Teams

Kicker: Nate Kaeding, Chargers (Iowa)

Punter: Zoltan Mesko, Patriots (Michigan)

Return man: Ted Ginn Jr, 49ers (Ohio State)

Coach: Jim Caldwell, Colts (Iowa)

Pros: The Big Ten has the best quarterback in the game right now along with a very stong offensive line. With a front seven that includes pass rushers such as Tamba Hali, LaMarr Woodley and Cameron Wake, they should have no problems rushing the passer either.

Cons: While Tom Brady has shown it doesn't matter who he is throwing the ball to, his receiving corps isn't very strong here. The Safety position could be hit or miss as well due to the injury history of Bob Sanders.

College Conference Tournament Seed #5: At Large 1

Aaron Resnick, Playmaker Intern

This team is composed of players from Conference USA, the MAC and the Sun Belt Conference.

Offense

Quarterback: Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers (Miami Ohio)

Running back: Chris Johnson, Titans (East Carolina)

Running back: Michael Turner, Falcons (Northern Illinois)

Wide Receiver: Roddy White, Falcons (UAB)

Wide Receiver: Brandon Marshall, Dolphins (UCF)

Tight End: Antonio Gates, Chargers (Kent State)

Tackle: Sebastian Vollmer, Patriots (Houston)

Guard: Brian Waters, Chiefs (North Texas)

Center: Eric Ghiaciuc, Dolphins (Central Michigan)

Guard: Josh Sitton, Packers (UCF)

Tackle:  Ryan Diem, Colts (Northern Illinois)

Defense

Defensive end: Osi Umenyiora, Giants (Troy)

Defensive tackle: Terrance Knighton, Jaguars (Temple)

Defensive tackle:  Corey Williams, Lions (Arkansas State)

Defensive end: Jason Babin, Titans (Western Michigan)

Linebacker:  James Harrison, Steelers (Kent State)

Linebacker: DeMarcus Ware, Cowboys (Troy)

Linebacker: Thomas Howard, Raiders (UTEP)

Cornerback: Asante Samuel, Eagles (UCF)

Cornerback: Charles Tillman, Bears (Louisiana Lafayette)

Safety: Louis Delmas, Lions (Western Michigan)

Safety: Atari Bigby, Packers (UCF)

Special Teams

Kicker: Stephen Gostkowski, Patriots (Memphis)

Punter: Thomas Morstead, Saints (Southern Methodist)

Return man:  Josh Cribbs, Browns (Kent State)

Coach: Bill Belichick, Patriots (Wesleyan)

Pros: This team would be a big hit as far as fantasy football goes with the running back tandem of Johnson and Turner along with Roethlisberger throwing to Roddy White, Brandon Marshall and Antonio Gates. The team also will have an excellent pass rush with Umenyiora, James Harrison and DeMarcus Ware.

Cons: There is some inexperience on the offensive line which could hurt this team along with a secondary that doesn't grade out very high even when compared to lower seeds.

College Conference Playoff Seed #6: Pac 10

Aaron Resnick, Playmaker Intern

Offense

Quarterback: Aaron Rodgers, Packers (California)

Running back: Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars (UCLA)

Running back: Steven Jackson, Rams (Oregon State)

Wide Receiver: DeSean Jackson, Eagles (California)

Wide Receiver: Steve Smith, Giants (USC)

Tight End: Tony Gonzalez, Falcons (California)

Tackle: Sam Baker, Falcons (USC)

Guard: Deuce Lutui, Cardinals (USC)

Center: Alex Mack, Browns (California)

Guard: Chilo Rachal, 49ers (USC)

Tackle: Eben Britton, Jaguars (Arizona)

Defense

Defensive end: Igor Olshansky, Cowboys (Oregon)

Defensive tackle: Haloti Ngata, Ravens (Oregon)

Defensive tackle: Tyson Alualu, Jaguars (California)

Defensive end: Terrell Suggs, Ravens (Arizona State)

Linebacker:  Lance Briggs, Bears (Arizona)

Linebacker: Brian Cushing, Texans (USC)

Linebacker: Clay Matthews, Packers (USC)

Cornerback: Nnamdi Asomugha, Raiders (California)

Cornerback: Terrell Thomas, Giants (USC)

Safety: Troy Polamalu, Steelers (USC)

Safety: OJ Atogwe, Rams (Stanford)

Special Teams

Kicker: Rian Lindell, Bills (Washington State)

Punter: Chris Kluwe, Vikings (UCLA)

Return man: DeSean Jackson, Eagles (California)

Coach: Norv Turner, Chargers (Oregon)

Pros: This team has two running backs that are very good out of the backfield and the DeSean Jackson/Steve Smith tandem at receiver is a very good one. Teams will have a hard time passing on the Pac 10 with Nnamdi Asomugha, Terrell Thomas at corner and the ballhawking Troy Polamalu at safety.

Cons: The main thing that really knocked this team down in the rankings was the offensive line. It is a very young unit and with Aaron Rodgers' concussion history will have a huge outcome in how far the Pac 10 can go.

College Conference Playoff Seed #7: At Large 2

Aaron Resnick, Playmaker Intern

(This team is made up of players from Mountain West, MAC and other schools not in division one).

Offense

Quarterback: Joe Flacco, Ravens (Delaware)

Running back: LaDainian Tomlinson, Jets (TCU)

Running back: Fred Jackson, Bills (Coe)

Wide Receiver: Marques Colston, Saints (Hofstra)

Wide Receiver: Miles Austin, Cowboys (Monmouth)

Tight End: Chris Cooley, Redskins (Utah State)

Tackle: Jordan Gross, Panthers (Utah)

Guard: Logan Mankins, Patriots (Fresno State)

Center: Jeff Faine, Buccaneers (Notre Dame)

Guard: Jahari Evans, Saints (Bloomsburg)

Tackle: Ryan Clady, Broncos (Boise State)

Defense

Defensive end: Justin Tuck, Giants (Notre Dame)

Defensive tackle: Trevor Laws, Eagles (Notre Dame)

Defensive tackle: Sione Pouha, Jets (Utah)

Defensive end: Robert Mathis, Colts (Alabama A&M)

Linebacker: Kirk Morrison, Jaguars (San Diego State)

Linebacker: Brian Urlacher, Bears (New Mexico)

Linebacker: London Fletcher, Redskins (John Carroll)

Cornerback: Brent Grimes, Falcons (Shippensburg)

Cornerback: Tramon Williams, Packers (Louisiana Tech)

Safety: Quentin Mikell, Eagles (Boise State)

Safety: Nick Collins, Packers (Bethune Cookman)

Special Teams

Kicker: Josh Scobee, Jaguars (Louisiana Tech)

Punter: Mat McBriar, Cowboys (Hawaii)

Return man: Johnny Knox, Bears (Abilene Christian)

Coach: Sean Payton, Saints (Eastern Illinois)

Pros: The offensive line is filled with Pro Bowlers and should compete against any conference. Should have very good production off the edge with Mathis and Tuck bringing constant pressure. This team also has two very underrated corners in Williams and Grimes.

Cons: They aren't very strong at defensive tackle and could have some big issues against the running game. While Flacco has played in big games, he is far from being the best quarterback in the tournament.

College Football Conference Tournament Seed #8: Big East

Aaron Resnick, Playmaker Intern

Offense

Quarterback: Donovan McNabb, Redskins (Syracuse)

Running back: LeSean McCoy, Eagles (Pittsburgh)

Running back: Ray Rice, Ravens (Rutgers)

Wide receiver: Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals (Pittsburgh)

Wide receiver: Mike Williams, Buccaneers (Syracuse)

Tight end: Brent Celek, Eagles (Cincinnati)

Tackle: Jeff Otah, Panthers (Pittsburgh)

Guard: Jeremy Zuttah, Buccaneers (Rutgers)

Center: Shaun O’Hara, Giants (Rutgers)

Guard: Eric Wood, Bills (Louisville)

Tackle: Anthony Davis, 49ers (Rutgers)

Defense

Defensive end: Trent Cole, Eagles (Cincinnati)

Defensive tackle: Amobi Okoye, Texans (Louisville)

Defensive tackle: Mike Wright, Patriots (Cincinnati)

Defensive end: Dwight Freeney, Colts (Syracuse)

Linebacker: Clint Session, Colts (Pittsburgh)

Linebacker: Gary Brackett, Colts (Rutgers)

Linebacker: Elvis Dumervil, Broncos (Louisville)

Cornerback: Darrelle Revis, Jets (Pittsburgh)

Cornerback: Devin McCourty, Patriots (Rutgers)

Safety: Tyvon Branch, Raiders (Connecticut)

Safety: Kerry Rhodes, Cardinals (Louisville)

Special teams

Kicker: David Akers, Eagles (Louisville)

Punter: Andy Lee, 49ers (Pittsburgh)

Return man: LaRod Stephens-Howling, Cardinals (Pittsburgh)

Coach: Tom Coughlin, Giants (Syracuse)

Pros: Have two very good receiving backs along with two receivers that can go over the middle or deep. The team also has a strong pass rush in Cole, Freeney and Dumervil at linebacker along with a strong secondary.

Cons: Neither the offensive or defensive lines or that strong for this team. They could have trouble stopping the run as Okoye is inconsistent and Wright is normally an end which is huge when nearly every team has at least one star running back.