NFL Inside Blog

     Let's start off by saying this whole thing is a load of crap. If you have not heard the suspensions here they are: Jonathan Vilma is suspended for entire 2012 season, Will Smith 4 games, Anthony Hargrove suspended 8 games (Now a packer), Scott Fujita 3 games (Now a Brown). All suspensions are also without pay. This is probably one of the biggest scandals in the NFL with Roger Goodell being the judge, the jury, and the prosecutor. From the very start, I was with the players and I still am, but I will admit that I am now a little bit sketched out about Vilma's statement,

Four Players that were suspended

     “I am shocked and extremely disappointed by the NFL’s decision to suspend me for the 2012 season. Commissioner Roger Goodell has refused to share any of the supposed evidence he claims supports this unprecedented punishment. The reason is clear: I never paid, or intended to pay, $10,000, or any amount of money, to any player for knocking Kurt Warner, Brett Favre or any other player out of the 2009 Divisional playoff game, 2010 NFC Championship Game or any other game.
      “I never set out to intentionally hurt any player and  never enticed any teammate to intentionally hurt another player. I also never put any money into a bounty pool or helped to create a bounty pool intended to pay out money for injuring other players. I have always conducted myself in a professional and proud manner.
      “I intend to fight this injustice, to defend my reputation, to stand up for my team and my profession, and to send a clear signal to the commissioner that the process has failed, to the detriment of me, my teammates, the New Orleans Saints and the game.’’
     The way Vilma makes this sound is that he never did a thing wrong. I don't think I can 100% believe in that. Goodell obviously had to have some kind of evidence to give such harsh suspensions, but when someone stands up to Goodell like this there is an issue. I really think Goodell stepped way over his boundaries here. Many times Roger has gone with light suspensions but to go out like this and give these suspensions is a bit ridiculous. I do get it that they broke the rules and the NFL is trying to move towards flag football, but this is way to far. @RealSkipBayless made the point that the players had to listen to their superiors (Coaches) but I don't believe that. To a certain extent, players have the ability to tell their coaches "no." If the players don't want to play, the coaches are screwed. I think Gregg Williams decided to implement the bounty system for a couple games, and Goodell decided to blow all of it out of proportion. Since the players did break the rules, the do deserve suspensions, but definitely not to that extent.
     I really have never been a Goodell fan and this only strengthens my viewpoint on him. He really over stepped his boundaries and I really hope that the suspensions get reduced, but it definitely won't be easy at all. Comment below on what you think of the whole situation.


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I have finally finished the season schedule. I did get a litle behind with this but I had school to take care of. I will post the draft summary of the first round tomorrow if I can. So with that being said, last but not least, the NFC West.

NFC West:
Arizona Cardinals-
Key Game- Week 1 vs Seahawks. If the Cardinals want to win this division, which I think is completely up for grabs this year, they will need to come out strong. The best way to do that is winning against a divisional foe week one. I don't see them winning this game but it will definitely be close.
Overall record for the Cardinals- 5-11

St. Louis Rams-
Key Game- Week 5 vs Arizona. Like I said above, this division will be up for grabs and with the Rams winning this game, it could put them atop the division early. I really like the Rams and I think last year was just a bad year and they will have no problem bouncing back this season and putting up a decent record. I think Sam will be able to take over in prime time and win this game at home versus the Cardinals. If the Rams want to win this division, they are going to have to beat inner division rivals, and what a better place to do it than on Sunday Night Football.
Overall record for the Rams- 6-10

San Francisco 49ers
Key Game- Week 12 at New Orleans. By this time, the Saints will have their entire team back, except coaches of course. The Saints players that will be coming off of suspensions will have a chip on their shoulder and ready to prove to people that they can still contend in the division. It is always tough to go into the Superdome and come out with a W. Alex Smith just won't be able to handle the pressure. I have never been a big fan of him, and I don't see the defense being able to improve anywhere from last year. The 49ers did get better through the draft and they will probably win this division, but it won't be easy. They have a tough schedule this year and will only get by, by the skin of their teeth.
Overall record for the 49ers- 9-7

Seattle Seahawks-
Key Game- Week 16 vs 49ers. If the Seahawks want to win this division, they will have to fight. They have quite the schedule to go up against. The biggest plus side is that they have a week 11 bye so they can make a playoff push from their. Matt Flynn will go in there and do very well for the Seahawks. The biggest problem is that there aren't many offensive play makers on this team. I think the Seajawks can win this division and win this game. This will really help their playoff run.
Overall record for the Seahawks- 7-9

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