Muddled State Contributor Appreciation Post…. per Balls

In the 2nd edition of Balls’ sappy MS Appreciation posts, I want to recognize to more OG’s. Two that were crucial in the process of migrating from ESPN to Facebook, to Shootgap, and finally to MuddledState. They might not be here much anymore, or even at all, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be grateful for them getting us here. They’re Broncos fans, but for a week or two maybe we can look past that.

TheDudeAbides and McNutty… thanks for all your past, present, and future contributions to MuddledState. You are good dudes and without your efforts, we might never made it away from the dreadful AFC West Facebook Fan Page (Yikes!).

Thanks again. FO!

Muddled State Contributor Appreciation Post…. per Balls

“We are in the NFL offseason folks, the dog days of summer. While I do still fully expect the Denver Broncos to be in the news for the Aaron Rodgers trade sweepstakes in the coming weeks, it should be pretty uneventful in NFL news for the next several weeks otherwise.

I haven’t been contributing much, which is good for my personal life, but not so more for my alter ago, Balls from Muddled State. First of all, thank you everyone that keeps this place fun for the time we want to get away from our “normal lives.” This community has been such a good escape, a brotherhood of a bunch of odd ducks from all walks of life here in the US of A. We disagree sometimes, usually respectfully, but we all share many core values including family and football.

I am going to re-dedicate myself as a contributor to this joint for a couple months, not because my football team warrants it, but I think this community warrants it. I intend to post about some/most/maybe all of the folks that make this joint what it is, in appreciation posts.

The first contributor I’d like to thank, is one of the main life bloods that keeps MS going: Sir Robb Fett.

Robb, you might not even see this because your lame ass is never here anymore, but thank you. Without you, this community might have been dead in the water after the ESPN/Facebook era. You helped get us through not only those transitions, but then ShootGap and now MuddledState. That was over 10 years ago. Not a “thanks for getting us through the last 6 months, or a year,” this is a thank you for the last 10+ years of going the extra mile for a couple dozen random schmuck’s from the interwebs.

Your witty, passive aggressive, asshole-ish posts have undoubtedly ruffled many of feathers here, but your overall generosity has not gone unnoticed. Now, put your personal life priorities aside, and come home…. to MuddledState. We need you here, I need you on Fortnite, Lord needs you in the bedroom. Come back to us.

Thank you, Robb.”

-Balls, probably

MS Draft Review

AFCW DRAFT RECAP:

Broncos:

General Paton’s first draft with the team and from the outside looking in, it was a good one. Despite the obvious need at QB, he went BPA at 9 by selecting Patrick Surtain, who looks to be the next great Alabama CB. Did you really think he was going to put his job on the line to draft a QB with Vic Fangio as HC? LOL Hell no. Paton then went on to let his nuts hang a little in the 2nd by moving up for RB Javonte Williams, and rounded out day 2 with a few other solid prospects in Quinn Meinerz and Baron Browning. With 6 more selections on day 3, Paton was able to find good value in the 5th round with two safeties, Caden Sterns and Jamar Johnson. No clue who the fuck the others are, but hard to imagine 10 draft picks make the roster anyway.

Best pick: Patrick Surtain – CB wasn’t a need, but Surtain has all the tools to be a top 5 CB in the league and it sounds like they’ll use him to cover the likes of TE’s Kelce, and Waller.

Worst pick: Javonte Williams – Paton moved up to 35, and I thought for sure it was to steal Tevin Jenkins and solidify both OT spots. Nothing against Williams, but Paton had the opportunity to shore up his OL for the foreseeable future.

Grade: B+

 

Chargers:

Holy shit TT finally drafted a LT in the first round. Rashawn Slater being on the board at 13 was best case scenario for the Chargers. Some think he may be better suited as a G, but either way they get a solid OLman to help protect their golden goose, Herbert. TT hit paydirt again early on day 2 with Asante Samuel Jr and Josh Palmer, but then things went south with the pick of Tre McKitty and pretty much the rest of their draft. Rumph had a productive college career but is drastically undersized for NFL level competition. Maybe after picking Slater, Samuel, and Palmer, TT just said fuck it, and took the rest of the weekend off.

Best pick: Slater is the easy answer, but I’m rolling with Palmer. He’s a big X that should be ready to contribute for Herbert in year 1 and a solid compliment to KA.

Worst pick: Tre McKitty. BuT hE’s A gOoD rUn BlOcKeR. IDGAF. The guy had 6 recs last season for UGA. He had UDFA written all over him.

Grade: B

 

Raiders:

Hate to say I told you so, but… I fucking told you so. Mayock and Gruden definitely have a type with their rd 1 selections, and I saw it coming from a mile away. I think Leatherwood will be a good player, but there were better OT’s on the board, and the value of the pick was horrible. Mayock even admitting as much in a post draft interview. Day 2 was a drastic improvement from day 1 with the trade up to go get Trevon Moehrig (pronounced “Mer-ig” I believe, but MO-rig sounds way fucking cooler), the consensus #1 FS in the draft. Then went on to draft Malcolm Koonce, who I didn’t even know existed until Friday, and Pimp of the Year candidate, Divine Deablo, who they view as a “joker” or WILL prospect. With only 3 picks on Day 3, Mayock used the most of them to move up for Tyree Gillispie, another S prospect, and a few other guys who aren’t even worth mentioning.

Best pick: Trevon MO-rig. I guess there was an issue regarding a back injury during his pro day which made him fall, but is 100% and ready to roll. Landing him in the 2nd was best case scenario for the Raiders.

Worst pick: Malcolm Koonce. I don’t view Leatherwood as a worst pick because he’ll fill a huge hole at RT, so Koonce it is. Mainly because I just don’t know who TF he is.

Grade: C+

 

Chiefs:

Veach and Fat Andy’s best work came the week before the draft with the trade for LT Orlando Brown which left them w/out a first round pick. Still, they were able to find good value in the 2nd round with LB Nick Bolton, and OL Creed Humphrey. Humphrey will be apart of KC’s new look OL and should slot right into C or G and help prevent Mahomes from getting his ass kicked again like he did in that brutal SB loss to the Buccs. Day 3 was a whole lot of meh, with 4 picks in total, most notably Trey Smith, an OL from Tennessee who has battled blood clots in his lungs. Ouch.

Best pick: Creed Humphrey. Good value and will start week 1. Didn’t give up a single sack his entire collegiate career. And with a name like Creed, this guy fucks.

Worst pick: Trey Smith unfortunately. The talent is there, but the medical red flags are significant. For his sake, and not the fucking Chiefs, I wish him the best.

Grade: B-

 

And there you have it folks, another draft in the books. And another draft review that I’m probably wrong on 90% of the time. Regardless, fuck your teams.

 

Your pal,

Nori

AFCW 2 Round Mock Draft

AFC WEST 2 ROUND MOCK DRAFT

 

BRONCOS:

#9: Micah Parsons – Paton doesn’t take the bait to move up and gamble on a QB. Instead stays patient and get the best defensive prospect in the draft.

#40: Liam Eichenberg – Much needed help at OT. Eichenberg should be able to start at RT right away.

CHARGERS:

#13: Jaycee Horn – Staley gets a CB he can deploy similar to what he had with the Rams in Jalen Ramsey.

#47: Jackson Carman – A big, athletic OT prospect. Won’t be ready to protect Herbert’s blindside in year one, but has all the tools to become a starting LT.

RAIDERS:

#17: Christian Darrisaw – After trading some key pieces of an overpaid OL, the Raiders bring in a rookie who can start at RT from day 1.

#48: Rondale Moore – Gruden couldn’t help himself. Despite being undersized, Moore can play any WR position and brings a very much needed competitive edge to the group.

CHIEFS:

#31: Walker Little – Veach gambles on an OT who was once considering the OT1 of the class but has missed 2 seasons due to a knee injury and opting out.

#63: Joe Tryon – Another player who opted out of the 2020 season, Tryon plays with a high motor that will allow him to contribute in passing situations as a rookie.

The Weekly Bender

Most of the time when you here the words March Madness, you immediately think about the NCAA Basketball Tournament. This year, you will also think about the NFL, the salary cap and the number of teams that will be restructuring contracts, cutting seasoned vets and looking for every way they can get their team under the cap. Let the blood letting begin!!!

Today will mark the start of Free Agency (Legal Tampering) and there are some really interesting stories out there. Thursday, team will actually be able to have new players put pen to paper and make it official.
Lets look at a few hot stories within the division and Mock Draft 2.0. Each Article will feature a new Mock Draft until we get to the actual draft. Let’s get it.

NEWS
Broncos new GM attends QB Trey Lance Pro day

Trey Lance Pro Day draws several GMs, head coaches

After 2020, where do the Broncos need help the most
https://www.espn.com/blog/denver-broncos/post/_/id/37978/rewatching-broncos-2020-season-shows-where-help-is-needed-most

Patrick Mahomes restructures his contract to help the Chiefs cap space

Patrick Mahomes restructure will free up $17 million of cap room for Chiefs

Chiefs GM has work to do to protect QB Mahomes
https://www.espn.com/blog/kansas-city-chiefs/post/_/id/29766/chiefs-will-need-all-of-gm-brett-veachs-creativity-to-protect-patrick-mahomes

OG Kyle Long coming out of retirement and his first visit is to the Raiders

Kyle Long has visits lined up with Raiders, Chiefs

What’s next for the Raiders Offensive Line
https://www.espn.com/blog/las-vegas-raiders/post/_/id/25478/whats-next-for-the-las-vegas-raiders-offensive-line

TE Hunter Henry won’t rule out a return to the Chargers

Hunter Henry won’t rule out a return to the Chargers

Chargers release CB Casey Hayward
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/31058782/los-angeles-chargers-release-cornerback-casey-hayward-jr-5-years

It is noteworthy to say that with the salary cap being cut and not increased (FUCK COVID), we have seen some interesting and head scratching cuts and trades on the offensive line within the division. Here is a list of guys that have been cut or traded:
OG Trai Turner – Released (Chargers)
OG Cole Toner – Not Tendered (Chargers)
OT Trent Brown – Traded (Raiders)
OG Richie Incognito – Released (Raiders)
OG Gabe Jackson – Released (Not Official as of yet) (Raiders
OT Eric Fisher – Released (Chiefs)
OT Mitchell Schwartz – Released (Chiefs)
OC Austin Reiter – Free Agent (Chiefs)

WTF! The weird part about this is the Broncos are the only team that will return its entire Offensive Line. That is completely WRONG!

 

MOCK DRAFT 2.0 – 1ST ROUND
Denver – (9th Overall) Caleb Farley CB, Virginia Tech
Nothing changes here. This guy is a great fit for this team and has the skill set to be a pro bowler.

Chargers – (13th Overall) Rashawn Slater OT, Northwestern
Again, nothing changes here. After his pro day, the only thing that change this pick is him going higher. This guy is a flat out MONSTER!!!

Raiders – (17th Overall) Zaven Collins LB, Tulsa
First Change. The Raiders need a “Sam” backer that can rush the quarterback and also drop into coverage. At 6’4″ and 260 pounds, this guy is the chess piece that DC Bradley covets.

Chiefs – (31st Overall) Alijah Vera-Tucker OG, USC
Nothing changing here either. This guy is a stud and addressing the offensive line has become a flat out necessity for this team.

The next week will be flat out nuts so enjoy the mayhem. Follow ups to come…….

The Weekly Bender

Well the season is over and the Chiefs were flat out smashed in the Super Bowl. It is that time of the year where we turn our attention to the Combine, Free Agency and the Draft. This article will focus on a few news update but mainly on the each team’s top needs, top target in free agency, and a mock pick. Let’s get this going

NEWS
Broncos promote Chris Beake to defensive pass-game specialist

Broncos promote Chris Beake to defensive pass-game specialist

Five-year-old girl injured in Britt Reid crash emerges from coma

Five-year-old girl injured in Britt Reid crash emerges from coma

Raiders resign DT/DE David Irving

Raiders re-sign David Irving

Hunter Henry set money, good QB as free agency priorities

Hunter Henry sets money, good QB as free agency priorities

 

TEAM NEEDS
Denver – CB, EDGE, LB, QB (Draft Network) QB, CB, IOL (PFF) QB, CB, OL (NFL.COM)
One thing is for sure, Drew Lock is not getting any respect. I think with a new GM, he will want to bring in his guy. I think they will end up giving him one last year if they don’t get mortgage the future for Watson.

Chiefs – IOL, WR, OT, LB (Draft Network) OG, EDGE, LB (PFF) OL, EDGE, WR (NFL.COM)
After seeing their offensive line get destroyed it is their top priority. The second level also has to be addressed as it is biggest need on defense.

Raiders -EDGE, IDL, IOL, LB (Draft Network) EDGE, IDL, S (PFF) DT, EDGE, S (NFL.COM)
The defense needs help at every level. Finding a Free Safety that can play cover 3 in Gus Bradley’s scheme is imperative. The defensive tackle position must be addressed as well. Finding a “Sam” linebacker that can rush the passer and also cover is also paramount.

Chargers – OT, IOL, CB, EDGE (Draft Network) IDL, TE, IOL (PFF) OL, TE, CB (NFL.COM)
Fixing the offensive line is a flat out must to protect franchise QB Herbert. If Hunter Henry departs via free agency, finding a starting Tight End will be a top priority. Secondary help and depth is also a priority.

 

TOP FREE AGENCY TARGET
Denver – QB Deshaun Watson
Right now Houston is standing their ground saying Watson is NOT available. Somehow, this is going to change. Denver will be one of the teams that will go all in to get him. The price will be crazy high but teams will be willing to pay it and the Broncos are one of them.

Chiefs – OG Brandon Scherff
This guy has been a stalwart at guard for sometime in the NFL. Adding this monster to the offensive line would be a great addition although a costly one. If OT Mitchel Schwartz decides to retire this off season, tackle will become the number one priority.

Raiders – FS Malik Hooker
When healthy, this guy is one of the best true center fielders in the game. He is the perfect cover 3 safety, something the Raiders do not have on the roster. He will also be available at a reasonable price. Even if the position is addressed in the draft, signing Hooker is a no-brainer.

Chargers – OT Taylor Moton
This guy will be very expensive but he is well worth it. Protecting Herbert is priority one and adding Moton would be a HUGE upgrade. No quarterback in the NFL was pressured more than Herbert last year. Its time to give up on Sam Tevi and Trey Pipkins and get Herbert some real help.

 

MOCK DRAFT – 1ST ROUND
Denver – (9th overall) Caleb Farley CB, Virginia Tech
Denver recently released A.J. Bouye. In a division with Patrick Mahomes, adding cornerbacks who can cover will greatly benefit your team.

Chargers – (13th Overall) Rashawn Slater OT, Northwestern
Protecting Herbert has to be priority one for this team and drafting a offensive tackle of this caliber has to happen.

Raiders – (17th Overall) Jayson Oweh LB/DE, Penn State
This guy is a bit raw but athletes that play the way he does do not come along often. According to Penn State coaches, he run a jaw-dropping 4.33 40, vertical jumped 36 inches and broad jumped 10-7 all at 6’5″, 255 LBS.

Chiefs – (31st Overall) Alijah Vera-Tucker
The Super Bowl exposed the Chiefs’ interior offensive line. They have to protect their $500 million quarterback. This kid has the makings of an all-pro.

 

It is going to de an interesting off season with no combine, salary cap numbers and massive trades. Stay tuned for all the fun.

Have a great day!

The Weekly Bender

As the Chiefs prepare to play in Superbowl for the second year in a row (that thought makes me sick to my stomach), the rest of the division prepares for free agency and the draft. Here are some of the latest news on division and the the prediction of the season.

Denver Broncos
Sutton ready to prove it in his return from ACL Injury

Courtland Sutton ready to prove it in his return from ACL injury

Questions abound about the running game
https://www.espn.com/blog/denver-broncos/post/_/id/37754/denver-broncos-at-their-best-behind-a-strong-running-game-but-questions-linger

Broncos linked to quarterbacks
https://www.si.com/nfl/broncos/news/broncos-jameis-winston-tyrod-taylor-free-agency-interest-rumor

Los Angeles Chargers
Chargers hire Shane Day as Quarterback Coach

Report: Chargers hiring Shane Day as quarterbacks coach

Fixing Special Teams a priority
https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles-chargers/post/_/id/28030/fixing-broken-special-teams-top-priority-for-new-los-angeles-chargers-coaching-staff

Joe Lombardi hired as new Offensive Coordinator
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/chargers-tab-longtime-saints-assistant-joe-lombardi-as-new-offensive-coordinator-per-report/

Las Vegas Raiders
Quarterback rumors concerning Derek Carr and Deshaun Watson

Are Raiders plotting to trade Derek Carr, pursue Deshaun Watson?

Jason Witten retires and becomes a High School Head Coach
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30816423/retired-nfl-star-jason-witten-named-head-coach-texas-hs

The Safford trade could be big for the Raiders
https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2021/2/1/22260976/raiders-derek-carr-matthew-stafford-trade-rams

Kansas City Chiefs
GM says if he can make a deal work with Watkins he’ll try

Brett Veach on Sammy Watkins: If there’s a way to make it work, we’ll try

Bieniemy won’t dwell in pity
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30821716/chiefs-oc-eric-bieniemy-dwell-pity-not-getting-head-coaching-job

Chiefs have injury concerns prior to Superbowl

KC Chiefs have serious injury concerns for Super Bowl LV

PREDICTIONS
Kansas City Chiefs vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Old lion vs young lion. This game is truly a toss-up. The Chiefs great offense against a top 5 defense. The Bucs are the more complete team and the Chiefs are without their two starting offensive tackles. With that said, it is hard to pick against either team or quarterback.
Bucs 31 Chiefs 27
Spread: -3 Chiefs
Over/Under: 56
Season: 36-17

Chiefs win, Bucs win, either way it sucks.

The Weekly Bender

The post-season is upon us and only the Chiefs are preparing to play. The rest of the teams in the division have started their off-seasons and have made some moves. We will be taking a look at that and more. Without further ado…….

Kansas City Chiefs
Eric Bieniemy sees head coaching interviews “as a honor and a priviledge”

Eric Bieniemy sees head coaching interviews “as an honor and a privilege”

Clyde Edwards-Halaire returns to practice ahead of playoff game:
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30706542/kansas-city-chiefs-rb-clyde-edwards-helaire-returns-practice-ahead-playoff-game

The Chiefs host the Browns in the Divisional playoffs on Sunday:
https://www.espn.com/nfl/game/_/gameId/401220400

Denver Broncos
Melvin Gordon pleads not guilty in DUI case:
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30712072/denver-broncos-rb-melvin-gordon-pleads-not-guilty-dui-case

Broncos hire George Paton as their new General Manager:
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30705220/denver-broncos-george-paton-finalizing-deal-gm-job-source-says

George Paton gets protection against ownership turmoil:

George Paton gets protection against ownership turmoil

Las Vegas Raiders
Josh Jacobs won’t face DUI charges after all:
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30693732/lawyers-las-vegas-raiders-rb-josh-jacobs-say-face-dui-charges

Gus Bradley hired as the new Defensive Coordinator:
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30699099/gus-bradley-tabbed-las-vegas-raiders-team-dc

Mark Davis buys Las Vegas WNBA team

Mark Davis buys Las Vegas WNBA team

Los Angeles Chargers
Chargers fire Anthony Lynn after 4 seasons:
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30650606/los-angeles-chargers-fire-anthony-lynn-four-seasons-coach

Ten potential candidates for open head coaching job:
https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles-chargers/post/_/id/27983/looking-at-10-potential-head-coaching-candidates-for-open-los-angeles-chargers-job

Washington to interview JoJo Wooden for General Manager position:

Washington adds Nick Polk, JoJo Wooden to G.M. candidate list

PREDICTIONS
Cleveland Browns at Kansas City Chiefs
This game will be all about who can run the ball effectively in cold weather.

Chiefs 34 Browns 24
Spread: -10 Chiefs
Over/Under: 57
Season 35-17

Good luck to the Chiefs in the playoffs (Not really).

Weekly Grade and Predictions

Congrats to the Kansas City Chiefs on not only winning the Division but also getting the first round bye for the number one seed. They will be the only team going to the playoffs from the division as the rest of the division sucked the big one. Let’s go.

GRADES

Raiders
Talk about horrible play calling and defense, the Raiders sucked on a whole new level in this game. You cannot get inside the 5 yards line of the opponent 4 times and score only 1 touchdown. Derek Carr returned and was 21 of 34 (61.7%) for 326 and a touchdown with 2 carries for 2 yards and a touchdown. Josh Jacobs has 13 carries for 69 yards. Nelson Agholor had 5 receptions for 155 yards and a touchdown while Darren Waller had 5 receptions for 112 yards. The defense had 3 sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss. Daniel Carlson was 4 for 4 on fieldgaols and 1 for 2 on extra points. You can’t be up by 2 point with 19 seconds left in the game with your opponent at their 25 yards line and lose unless you are the Raiders. This is beyond embarrassing.

Grade: D-

Chiefs
Talk about pulling one out at the last minute. This game was more of a Falcons loss than a Chiefs win. The Falcons made two huge mistakes with a fumble inside the Chiefs 20 yard line and the missed fieldgoal that would have tied the game with 14 seconds on the clock. Patrick Mahomes was 24 of 44 (54.5%) for 278 yards and 2 touchdowns and a interception with 3 carries for 21 yards. Sammy Watkins had a pass on a trick play that was intercepted. Darrell Williams has 10 carries for 46 yards and 4 receptions for 27 yards. Travis Kelce had 7 receptions for 98 yards and a touchdown. The defense had 4 sacks and 6 tackles for loss with a fumble recovery. Harrison Butker was 1 for 1 on fieldgoals and 2 for 2 on extra points. This is one of those game you take the win and run away as quick as you can.

Grade: C

Broncos
Drew Lock is doing all he can to force Elway to take another quarterback with his play of late. Can’t drive the ball all the way down the field and throw a interception on the 16 yard line. Drew Lock was 24 of 47 (51%) for 264 yards and 2 interceptions with 5 carries for 15 yards and a touchdown. Melvin Gordon had 16 carries for 79 yards. DaeSean Hamilton had 5 receptions for 77 yards. The defense had 2 sacks and 5 tackles for loss. Brandon McManus was 3 for 4 on fieldgoals and 1 for 1 on extra points. The defense played well enough to win this game, the offense not so much.

Grade: C-

Chargers
This was a slugfest. The Chargers won this one because of the kicking game and the defense. The offense struggled and scored only 1 touchdown on 4 trips inside the Broncos 20 yards line. Justin Herbert was 21 of 33 (63.6%) for 253 yards and a touchdown with 4 carries for 26 yards. Austin Ekeler had 10 carries for 45 yards with 3 receptions for 27 yards and a touchdown. Mike Williams had 4 receptions for 54 yards. The defense had 2 sacks and 2 tackles for loss with 2 interceptions. Michael Badgley was 4 for 4 on fieldgoals and 1 for 1 on extra points. Good division win.

Grade: C

PREDICTIONS

Las Vegas Raiders at Denver Broncos
This game will be all about draft position and who can tank the best. I just have this feeling that this one will come down to the last possession.

Broncos 27 Raiders 24
Spread: Raiders -2.5
Over/Under: 51

Los Angeles Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs will be resting a lot of starters getting ready for the playoffs. They will still be very competitive in this game.

Chiefs 24 Chargers 20
Spread: Chiefs -3.5
Over/Under: 44
Week 16: 3-0 Season: 35-15

Have a safe and very Happy Hew Year my MS Family! Here is to a much better year for you all and for your families.