Confidence was at an all time high heading into Green Bay this week. Throughout the entire first half it was a defensive dominance for both teams as no one was able to score. Coming in we knew we had to game plan for Aaron Rodgers. The game plan never seemed to come together. He was 13/15 for 221 yards and 2 TDs on the day and nearly had a perfect QBR. Ty Montgomery was a bigger factor than we anticipated as averaged 8 yards per carry. We could not contain him which made us respect the Play Action throughout the day. We were outplayed on both sides of the ball as the Green Bay defense had 7 sacks on Russel Wilson. Trent Cole has found the fountain of youth in Green Bay as he began to leaad the charge as he registered 2 quick sacks. Nick Perry said whatever you can do, I can do better. He had 2.5 sacks in the second half and kept our offense from really being able to get anything going. Russel Wilson had 62% completion and threw for 1 TD on a long 81 yard connection with Kearse. Unlike Green Bay, our run game never came into form as Rawls only tallied 42 yards on 9 carries. We may have gotten away from the run too soon and will look to incorporate it more as we head into Week 2 at home against the rival San Francisco 49ers.

We finished the pre season with a bang. The defense had its best performance of the year as the went into Oakland and blanked the Raiders 35-0. Rookie Safety Mike Tyson had 2 pick sixes on the day to lead the defensive charge. This defensive performance was especially impressive due to the absence of MLB Bobby Wagner. The offense wasn't as impressive but they didn't need to be. They were set up in great field position all day long and had a short field most of the day. The team looks primed and ready heaing into the regular season but we know we have a tough start to the year on the road in Green Bay. When you face one of the best QBs in the leageue it will always be a tough game plan. The offense will need to vastly improve if we look to win.

It was a coming out party for the best defense in the league in this weeks matchup against the Chiefs. As a team we had 4 sacks, 3 INTS and we forced 4 fumbles as well. We did take a huge hit as Veteran leader Bobby Wagner did injure his shoulder while delivering one of his many big hits on the day. He will be side lined for 4 weeks and the team will definitely miss his presence. The team thinks we have enough talent and depth to still play at a high level until he is able to return. Cliff Avril stepped up after his injury and sacked the QB two more times this week as his Pre Season total reaches four. Alex Smith did not look comfortable at all today as the legion was flying around the field making plays. Everything seemed to come together today as Russel Wilson was able to find the End Zone twice connecting with Doug Baldwin and Luke Willson for the scores. Jimmy Graham made his presence felt as well catching 4 passes for 75 yards. Didn't matter if a Line Backer or Defensive Back matched up against him he couldn't be slowed down. Eddie LAcy continues his strong running and keeps his pre season average above 4 yards a carry. We will wrap up the Pre Season in Oakland as we will just look to keep the team healty heading into the regular season. Week 1 will be a tough matchup on the road in Lambeau as we face a team with ownership that we know very well. We still have a few injuries that we see returning to the team soon that will boost the team as well. We are struggling with upcoming cuts but we have a pretty good idea of whom we think will help this team win moving into the regular season.

Another week and a different story for this team. Backup QB Austin Davis had a hard time not turning the ball over today. He threw 4 ints and really struggled to read the opposing defense. Rookie Elijah Lee was doing a great job disguising himself in coverage as he came up with 2 of the teams INTs. Minnesota seemed to be all over the field defensively. They got to the QB 5 times on the day as well. The one bright spot was the presence of Cliff Avril who had 2 sacks of his own. He was a huge impact in the run as well. He only finished with 1 additional tackle but was beating his man all day long. We dropped this one and move to 1-1 in the Pre Season but we feel very confident in the teams performance so far. The 1st team defense and offense have been doing their respective parts through the first two games. Eddie Lacy only had 4 carries on the day but was still able to average 4.4 yards per carry and he also added a 22 yard recpetion off of a screen pass. We need to protect the QB better but the O Line has really dominated the run so far. Week 3 we face the Chiefs who have yet to win a game. 

Week 1 of the Pre Season is in the books and the team was very impressive. When you look at the Box Score it looks very one sided, for the losing side. We did win the turnover battle as we forced 5 turnovers on the day. Bobby Wagner had an INT and he forced a fumble on the day which Deshawn Shead scooped up and took it to the house for six points. Eddie Lacy was the biggest surprise on the day. He averaged 5.7 yards per carry and just looked like the player of old. If he is able to keep this form, our one-two punch of Lacy and Rawls is going to be a nightmare for opposing defenses. The defense definitely carried us to the win today but you come to expect that from a talented group like this. Continue to watch for uodates on the team as we look to take the league by storm. #12thman

Here is a Link to a video I made for what the roster looks like as we head into the Madden cycle. Stay tuned for more videos as we follow the team moving forward.

https://youtu.be/raK27yr6VgQ

Here are some highlights from Week 2 action in Baltimore as the Steelers come into our house and leave with a win. 

https://youtu.be/UHFQFOx4TcA

Here are some highlights from our Week 1 game vs the Chicago Bears. We were unable to come out with a win but it was a well played game by both teams and the Bears made a few more plays which made the difference. Here is the link to the video:

https://youtu.be/U_H6V6bXZ9c

Here are the highlights from our second pre season game against the Atlanta Falcons where we able to come out on top 41-14. The offense is really clicking so far and the defense has been able to create turnovers.

Check out the highlights on YouTube!

https://youtu.be/KMNScvcgajc

This is a video that goes in deoth by each position on the roster and talks a little bit about our off season additions and where they will play at the beginning of the season. We touch on the goals for the team and what our expectation is from our players.

Check out the video on YouTube!

https://youtu.be/nKHNbBdTdPA

Here is another edition of Bold Predictions. Season 13 will prove to be another good one here in the MBL. I'll jump right into it.

AFC West

1. Raiders 11-5

I know this prediction will get a lot of criticism but we truly believe we have a winning formula here in Oakland. Things began to look up towards the end of the season last year and we improved upon that team. Adding another weapon in TE Casas to help take the pressure off of Cooper and Crabtree especially in the red zone.

2. Broncos 9-7

Another team that struggled last season will turn in a winning record this time around. Moving on from Peyton and passing the baton onto Mike Glennon the Broncos look to take better care of the football on their way to a 9-7 record.

3. Chiefs 7-9

This team on the other end of things. Winning the division last season and failing to improve along with the Raiders and the Broncos they will be chasing and find themeselves having a hard time keeping up. They even lost the best pass rusher Tamba Hali to the rival Raiders.

4. Chargers 5-11

This team will see some improvement as well but they did lose a difference maker on defense in Eric Weddle who decided to pack up and head to Detroit. Team that had issues closing out games doesn't see that change just yet.

AFC South

1. Jaguars 11-5

Jacksonville had a ton of success with their young team but failed to do much in the playoffs. I predict them with the same record and once again making the playoffs even with a possible change at the QB position. Bortles wasn't terrible but he was the reason they didn't make it farther and the front office may be ready to move on.

2. Titans 11-5

This team battles all the way to the end of the season and doesn't allow the Jags to coast. Team made a big splash in free agency by adding the services of Arian Foster and Matt Forte. Talk about a two headed monster, these guys will carry the Titans to the playoffs.

3. Colts 6-10

The Colts switch places with the Titans. The team is not what is was last year. It was old and they lost a lot of players on this team. It is going to take them a while to become relevant again and poor Andrew Luck is along for the ride.

4. Texans 2-14

This team has a lot of holes still. They do have arguably the best player in football in J.J. Watt but he can not do it by himself. Same as the colts. There road is long and windy and it may take this team a couple of early first rounders to find there groove.

AFC North

1. Bengals 12-4

You know I really hate to say it but this team is really good. They added some good depth in free agency and I think they will improve on there league leading sack total from last season. That will result in the extra W in the win column. As for some other teams I have mentioned, this team is bound to good for some time,

2. Steelers 10-6

Rough season for the Steelers last year at 9-7. A team I  believe with the players they have on offense shouldn't struggle as much. They did and they addressed the area of opportunity a bit but aside from that I believe this team will be more potent offensively and make some things happen. Ryan Shazier was the center fielder for the Steelers and they anticipate improvement this season.

3. Browns 9-7

Well what is there to say about the Browns. They gave away all there picks claiming they don't need any help this season. They have what they need. Hello Cleveland!!! Reality is you missed the playoffs and you decided not to address it. You'll continue to be second the Bengals in the state of Ohio until you come to that realization.

4. Ravens 6-10

The Ravens got off to a decent start last season but the truth is they need some help. Mostly at the WR position. They refused to give up on the Ray Rice project. Should have shown that guy to the elevator and out of the building. See what I did there. Instead they bring him back and had a terrible draft to boot and gave Flacco nothing to throw too and he is also aging. Ravens lose two more than last year.

AFC East

1. Bills 13-3

This Bills team fell just shy of the Super Bowl trophy losing to the Falcons. A team that didn't have a clue what the identity was in Buffalo. Well let me tell you, they have a talented QB up in the frozen tundra in Tyrod Taylor. Had an MVP caliber season but also coming just short there as well. Seems to be a trend. None the less, this team is good and they will stay that way as long as they stick to the game plan.

2. Jets 10-6

A team that finished .500 a year a go will be looking to improve on that this year and I think they have a team that can do it and the defense is going to be the key. They made a couple questionable draft picks this year addressing the defense instead of the offense but I think they believe they can do just enough to win if the defense plays the way it should.

3. Dolphins 5-11

They do not see improvement this season and I don't think this will be asurprise to anyone. They signed a couple of CB's that don't show a ton of promise since they will be THE guys in Miami. Oh well, at least Miami has Taut's take to look forward to every week.

4. Patriots 3-13

An owner who made the playoffs for the first time will see himself on the outside looking in once again. It is not an easy division to be in here in the East and they will be the bottom feeders. Hate to use that term but it is what it is. Patriots struggle from now and the foreseeable future.

NFC West

1. 49ers 10-6

The 9ers will see themeselves drop a game this season. I don't think the defense can carry them like it did last season. The offense had a hard time picking up first downs and the defense played lights out. Don't see the ame results though.

2. Seahawks 10-6 

The Hawks get closer to winning the division and will most likely have the best chance this season to win it. I think themeselves as well as the 9ers will begin there downward spiral soon enough. There best off season addition was a Punter. Good luck Hawks.

3. Rams 8-8

The Rams did not play well at all last season but I think they will see good improvement. There record may be a component of there schedule but then again they do have some tough games which is why I think they fall short.

4. Cardinals 5-11

There is a lot of hype around the Cardinals but I personally don't see what it is all about. They about to go through a transition at the QB position and that can make any team struggle. I do think they have a lot of good young talent but they won't be able to win now.

NFC East

1. Eagles 12-4 

A big part of this prediction has to do with the stud QB they just drafted. I know I am putting my own words in my mouth because I just spoke about the Cardinals and the struggles they will face with the new QB but I believe this guy is ready now. The one thing that does scare me a bit is the O-Line. We shall see.

2. Cowboys 9-7

The Cowboys won the biggest game of there seaosn to propel them to the NFC Championship. They defeated the 16-0 Detroit Lions in a game where they simply dominated and controlled the clock all game. Running the ball with ease against one of the best run defenses in the MBL. They did fall short of the ultimate prize and they won't be back to the playoffs this season.

3. Giants 8-8

There was a lot of excitement in New York after the free agency period ended. All i saw was Taut 2.0 and the singing of the retirement community that wanted to get the band back together, Now although it does help them improve, they are still not anywhere close to being able to compete with the Eagles and Cowboys. Plus, Eli Manning called it quits.

4. Redskins 2-14

A team that did nothing to improve on their team. Had a bad draft and couldn't convinve anyone on the open market that the Redskins were headed in the right direction. I wish I could say they made the most out of the RG3 trade but he might have been able to help them win 3.

NFC North

1. Lions 14-2

16-0 last season is the only time it has ever happened in the MBL. The Lions quickly took the first exit out of the playoffs losing to the Cowboys in a heart breaker** The team made some tough calls in regards to some of there players but this team is confident in its MVP and the direction they are headed. They did land a big name in Eric Weddle as well.

2. Vikings 8-8**

Vikings will fall short once again. They can't and won't get out of the shadow of the Lions. A lot of controversy surrounded this team last season whether it be true or not, the team isn't at the level of their counterpart. Could be 2 more seasons until they get there so hold on.

3. Packers 7-9

This team played the Lions tough both times they met last year in the regular season. There is a lot of young talent and the front office has made it very clear they are going to build within. I think they are smart for doing so but they better do something fast. Aaron Rodgers won't be around forever.

4. Bears 4-12

A team that was in the news for a very surprising change at the ownership level. This will be part of there lackluster season. The team tried a lot to improve this team but it is hard to do when the City isn't very appealing to the players. This could be another team in for a long road of irrelevance.

NFC South

1. Falcons 14-2

One N Only is your season 12 Super Bowl champion. I saved the best for last. He again will propel this team to another playoff berth in a division it will be at the top of for a while. The potent offense matched with the equally good defense is a recipe for success. Congrats to the Champs and it is time to try and repeat.

2. Bucs 8-8

WhiteShaft has something brewing in Tampa. Jameis Winston had an ok rookie campaign but turned the ball over way to much. I believe the coaching staff addresses the issue and you see a team that will be competitive in every game and eventually its division with the Falcons.

3. Panthers 7-9

The Panthers had an amazing season last year but I don't see it happening again. Tampa improved but I just don't think the consistency will be there. Cam Newton is a great young QB matched up with Kelvin Benjamin but I just don't know if I see the chemistry. I feel the Panthers fall off a little bit.

4. Saints 1-15

They refuse to go 0-16 again and improve on a terrible season. The team made a questionable pick with the #1 Overall selection in Nick Gordon and unless they can win some games, it will be forever deemed the wrong move. Brees is nearly done himself and then this team will be in even more trouble.

Good Luck to all of the owners this upcoming season. MBL4LIFE!!!

With MBL season 10 right around the corner I decided to take a chance at making some predictions for the upcoming season. I will be going through each division and predicting the wins and losses and who will come out on top of each division. Good luck to all this season.

AFC East

1. Miami Dolphins 10-6

This may seem like a biased opinion but it is. The Dolphins made a statement in the off-season and decided that not only do they want to win but they want to win now. They gave the coaching staff a lot of talent and no excuses as to why they can't win. They added WR Kalem slaughter and CB Darius Slay from the Super Bowl winning Lions. Although the Dolphins have an extremely difficult schedule, they made all the right moves and find the playoffs.

2. N.Y. Jets 8-8

The Jets have won two consecutive division titles. They've done it by winning big games against their division rivals down the stretch. The defense has been much improved but they failed to keep pace with the Dolphins in terms of off-season additions. They will have their third consecutive winning season but will fall one win shy of a three peat.

3. Buffalo Bills 4-10

The Bills are a interesting team to me. They had so much hope last season with what looke like a very troubling secondary. They did play well and forced a ton of turnovers but had issues on offense and turned over the ball just as much. They lost two key guys in free agency this year in Prince Amukamara and Vontae Davis. This will make this season tough unless they can find a way to move the ball.

4. New England Patriots 2-14

A franchise once dominant is no longer so. They've had trouble keeping people in the front office especially ownership. They lost their biggest offensive threat in Kalem Slaughter to the rival Dolphins and just seem to have a difficult road ahead of them. They will get back to dominance at some point but please don't hold your breath.

AFC North

1. Cleveland Browns 11-5

The Browns improved by one win a year ago and I see them doing that again. They are just an extremely difficult team to play against. This is a defensive group that knows where the ball is and they are very good at finding it. They had nearly 40 interceptions a year ago which is what helped the struggling QB play last season. I believe they can fix that issue and the defense will again make plays propelling them to the top.

2. Cincinnati Bengals 10-6

This is a team that is scary and consistent year in and year out. They have talent all over the field but just couldn't seem to do enough to make the playoffs last season. They will be 4-2 in the division with both losses coming to the Browns which is what will make the difference.

3. Pittsburgh Steelers 9-7

What an amazing season this team put together a year ago. It seems every year this team gets better and gets scarier. They have a group of fighters who will never give up but they will not be as dominant in the division like they were last season. This is why they lose two more games this year than they did last.

4. Baltimore Ravens 2-14

The Ravens finally addressed an area that needed a lot of help and that is the CB position. They did it the right way and adding young stars in the draft to their defense with opportunity to grow and help this team win. This team has taken a step in the right direction but needs to address the offense still. Baby steps Baltimore.

AFC South

1. Tennessee Titans 10-6

It is said by ownership that this team "Means" business but we have yet to see this. In reference to the top 5 WR Kembrell Means this team does not have many other options on offense. They are lucky enough to play in a division that had an 8-8 team represent them in the playoffs. They improve from a season ago and will take the division but very easily could be one and done.

2. Indianapolis Colts 9-7

Where were the Colts last season? They rounded out the back of the pack but look to have a rebound season. They were very quiet in free agency but added two very much needed positions. The only thing that worries me is Andrew Luck and the passing game but mostly because of the lack of talent at the WR position. T.Y. Hilton hasdefinitely seemed to lose a step and I don't see anyone stepping up just yet but they find a way to finish at 10-6.

3. Houston Texans 7-9

The Texans repeat their season but fall short due to the improvement by some others in the division. The team did make a splash with the signing of Colin Kaepernick during the off-season. The QB wasn't very successful last season but a change of scenery may be good for him. Although they upgraded the QB position, they didn't give him much to throw to or much help in the run game.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars 3-13

The Jags were poised to have a huge off-season with tons of money to spend. They quite a few additions but also made some questionable ones. The team was quoted saying they added some "role" players but I thought that role players were meant for basketball.? Either way the team took a step backwards in my opinion.

AFC West

1. Denver Broncos 11-5

The Broncos had an amazing season last year making it all the way to the Super Bowl. This team could have very easily gone the other direction this season with the departure of WR Demaryius Thomas. Instead they add a much younger receiver in Jewone Hatcher who can easily fill in for him. They added a lot of quality players in free agency and will win the division again.

2. Kansas City Chiefs 10-6

In a season after extreme controversy where the ownership was under the leagues radar for conduct detrimental to the league was discovered. Ownership was suspended without pay and this clearly affected the coaching staff and players. They did not perform to the same level as they did the past two seasons that made the world champions. Now that they've had the off-season to figure it out they will play much better and make the Broncos work.

3. San Diego Chargers 10-6

This Chargers had a season to remember. They played a very good game against the Super Bowl bound Broncos and nearly represented the AFC themeselves. The success will continue again this year but most likely finishing 2-4 inside the division is what will keep this team from coming out of the very competitive AFC West.

4. Oakland Raiders 6-10

The loss of Maxey Simon will prove to be a big one as he led the team last season in sacks. They do have an outstanding playmaker on offense in the form of Kahlbuto Ivory who was rewarded with rookie OPOY last season. The number one downfall is the fact that they are in arguably the best division in football and have a good chance of going 0-6 inside the division compared to 1-5 last season.

NFC East

1. New York Giants 11-5

The Giants got this season started off right by signing the biggest free agent on the market, Shaynon Gresham. He was highly sought after by multiple teams but essiently chose N.Y. to be his home. This automatically makes this team a playoff contender. Yes Gresham can easily help this team win two more games than last year.

2. Washington Redskins 9-7

This was the hottest team in the second half last year. Although I think they will produce another winning season, they did not do anything in free agency or the draft to keep pace with the Giants. They will be chasing them from the start.

3. Dallas Cowboys 8-8

The Cowboys were determined to improve this team and I believe they accomplished that. Adding Cushing and Lee to their LB core as well as Melton on the defensive line mixed with a solid draft as well. They moved in the right direction and will make it more difficult on the division this year. Just not the season to take it them to the division championship.

4. Philadelphia Eagles 5-11

Another team under new ownership this year and in for a losing campaign. The team is beginning to age and I don't think they will be able to keep up with the rest of the division. It isn't a complete loss of a season as they will not be an easy win.

NFC North

1. Chicago Bears 13-3

It's difficult to deny the two time MVP of the league yet another division title. Unless teams can begin to slow him down, the Bears can be on top for a while. This is going to be the closest division in the league this year but the Bears will looking down on the rest of the field.

2. Green Bay Packers 12-4

Yet another great draft in the books for the Packers front office. This team looks to rebound from an 8-8 season a year ago. This difference in the division will be the two losses suffered to the Chicago Bears as well as the traveling the team will be doing after the bye week. The team does not have consecutive home games after the bye which make things difficult down the stretch.

3. Detroit Lions 9-7

The defending Super Bowl champs and very well deserving of the trophy. I think the biggest struggle for the team this season is in the division where I believe they will be 1-5 on the year. A record like that in the division makes it hard to win it. They were 3-3 last year with two of those wins coming against the winless Vikings.

4. Minnesota Vikings 7-9

This will be the most improved team in the MBL this year. Not saying much as one win is much improved but I believe this team wants more than that. Although he was a great player, the distraction that was Shaynon Gresham has moved to the big apple where his antics might be more accepted. This is a big difference for this team and the rebound season I expect them to have. They still finish at the bottom.

NFC South

1. New Orleans Saints 10-6

This team has done nothing but improve every year, until now. Not that this team has gotten any worse but the teams in the conference have gotten better. They lead the league in sacks last season but I see that number dropping drastically. They will still finish at the top of the division but with a little more drama.

2. Carolina Panthers 8-8

The Panthers are coming off a dissapointing season where they finished 6-10. This team made some changes with the biggest one being the addition of RG3 in the off-season. This guy is a playmaker and if he is protected by his line, they could make this more interesting than some might think.

3. Atlanta Falcons 3-13

This team has potential to be great but now is not their time. I think Charlie Boren will have some struggles again this season and they will eventually turn the ball over to the rookie QB that they took with the 14th pick in this years draft. He has the makings of a star but it will be a couple of years down the road.

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2-14

Hard to see this team improving from a year ago. Although very active in free agency, there wasn't a big splash addition. They added some aging veterans that don't have the same play making ability they once did. They will improve soon, just not now.

NFC West

1. San Francisco 49ers 13-3

This is the 49ers division to lose. They have showed their dominance year in and year out within this division and nothing makes me think that will change any time soon. With a couple of tough road games on the schedule that is where I see the losses coming from. Week 9 they travel to Detroit to play against the super bowl champs and I believe they have a tough time coming out with the victory as well as Week 17 against the Giants.

2. St. Louis Rams 8-8

New ownership has the fans and players excited for the upcoming season. I think the excitement and intensity and hunger to win that the ownership brings will relay to the players and coaching staff. They don't have an easy road to 10-6 but I do think they can win some close games. The difference between the Rams and the Cardinals, a win against the 49ers on the road in primetime.

3. Arizona Cardinals 9-7

The Cardinals had a good 2019 finishing the season at 10-6. They stayed fairly quiet in free agency as they had their core in tact. I don't see this team repeating the success they had last year and they struggle to stay above .500.

4. Seattle Seahawks 5-11

The Seahawks have a a decent schedule this season. They obviously have to play the always tough 49ers team twice and I don't see them winning either one of those games. They had a busy off season and made some huge additions to the team impacting the secondary the most. They will never be an easy win but I don't see them closing out many close games.