Dec. 23, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Reggie Bush (22) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the third quartet against the Buffalo Bills at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Our pal Zac Snyder, the editor over at our Detroit Lions Fansided sister site , sidelionreport, is pulling for Reggie Bush … and for good reason. There has been talk for some time now that the former New Orleans Saints and soon-to-be former Miami Dolphin could be headed to the Motor City.

That was until recently when reports have noted that there are three teams, which might include the Lions, who may be talking serious money (can they do that, NFL?) in an effort to sign Bush.

While Bush would be a good fit in Detroit – a team that has struggled like many others in keeping a healthy running back on the field – there are other teams who are feeling the same way. The 27-year-old seven-year veteran averaged 4.3 yards per carry with the ‘phins last year, while falling just short of 1,000 yards (986) on 227 carries. He scored six times last year.

The Lions ranked twenty-third in rushing as a team in 2012 with 1,613 yards on 391 carries (4.1-yard average). They averaged 100.8 yards per game last year, but are looking to improve those stats to balance their attack and take some of the offensive pressure off quarterback Matthew Stafford and the passing game.

According to Snyder’s report today about the interest in Bush, he noted this from The Miami Herald’s Armando Salguero [who has] been able to get some vague details on Bush’s situation in this early contact period:

A source very close to Bush tells me three teams have been talking to Bush agent Joel Segal and that money involved in those talks is significant. The source would provide no details of the money or name the teams but it is clear the interest in Bush isn’t just of the making-a-call variety.

The source is, however, telling me the Dolphins are not one of those teams.

Snyder went on to say:

The report doesn’t name the Lions but it wouldn’t surprise anyone if they are one of the three. While that will likely excite many Lions fans, the categorization of the money being “significant” likely wont.

As with everything between now and the officially opening of free agency, all we can do is stay tuned.

We all know it comes down to the showing of the money … we’ll be watching closely here at lombardiave.com, too.

The new app for Fansided is awesome!

If you love Lombardiave.com, which is part of the Fansided network of NFL sites, and you want to see what’s up and running on it when you are on the go, there’s an app for that.

And don’t forget that all NFL sites under the Fansided umbrella are available through this app.

Just go to the Apple iTunes store and search for Fansided or better yet, just CLICK HERE.

The all new app will set you up to see what’s new at Lombardiave.com with a simple click on your new iPhone, iPad or just about any other device you might have in your pocket.

But don’t keep it a secret. Tell your friends … and while you’re at it, check out Lombardiave.com on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Thanks!

Interested in writing about this guy and all things Packers? Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Here at Lombardiave, we are always looking for writers.

If you love the Packers and anything about professional football as it relates to Green Bay, we would love to hear from you.

You won’t get rich doing it. In fact, you won’t make a dime, but you get the chance to publish – for the entire world to see – your thoughts and opinions.

We would love for you to join our team as we head into the 2012 season – one that we feel will be one of the best ever.

If interested, go to http://fansided.com/join-fansided/

Aaron Rodgers will be key in the Packers attack against the Lions once again this season. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

In going through the Detroit Lions‘ schedule this year, Sidelion’s Zac Snyder and I exchanged questions and answers about the Packers.

Our Q&A session was recently published on the Fansided.com’s Lions site and is offered up here for your review.

Don’t hesitate to slide on over to Snyder’s excellent site for a plethora of valuable information about the much-improved Lions – or you can take the shortcut and read the Q&A below and then go to Sidelion to see what’s new after you’re done reading.

Detroit Lions 2012 Schedule Preview: Green Bay Packers

Jordy Nelson is just one player who will be looking to take his game one step higher after his breakout season in 2011.

Zachary Thompson of FantasyCPR and I sat down for a Q&A this past week – talking about the Green Bay Packers and what things look like for the coming season.

Geared toward the fantasy fans out there, FantasyCPR has been talking with all 32 NFL Fansided.com blog editors about their teams to get a feel for the best players and how to rank teams and players for the coming season.

The goal of this website is to deliver consistent fantasy analysis to help fantasy players win.

If you have comments or suggestions about the site, contact Fantasy CPR at fantasyCPR@yahoo.com, and follow them on twitter @fantasyCPR.

So, take a trip over to the site for all your fantasy needs and while you’re at it, check out the Packers preview here or scroll down for the full Q&A.

Green Bay Packers – Fantasy Football Preview 2012

Fantasy football leagues are activating across the country and draft dates are being set and obsessed over. Last season, one offense everybody loved owning and a defense they loved playing against was the Green Bay Packers. The Pack are looking to bring back the offense and overhaul the defense. Ray Rivard of Lombardi Ave. was willing to join us and help us get some insider information on the cheeseheads’ outlook for this season.

Zach Thompson, FantasyCPR: The Packers offense was awesome last year. Aaron Rogers emerged as one of the top QB’s in the league to be sure. Is there any reason to think he won’t reduplicate that statistical performance this year?

Ray Rivard, Lombardi Ave.: If Aaron Rodgers doesn’t match or exceed hisperformance of 2011, it will be a huge disappointment. Rodgers has the same weapons coming back with him in 2012 and there isn’t any reason why this team can’t continue to produce huge numbers on the field. In fact, without injuries, you can be sure to see Greg Jennings and Jordy Nelson continue to put up 1,000 yard-plus seasons. When those two players have backups like James Jones and Donald Driver behind them – players who could be starters on most other teams - this is one high-powered offense. And it’s all led by Rodgers. His skill and uncanny ability to avoid pressure has made Rodgers a step above the best QBs in the league. I can only see him improve in 2012.

Z: Last year, virtually any Green Bay WR was worth owning just because he was on the same field with Aaron Rodgers? Jordy Nelson made the leap to a top 20 WR. Do you see Randall Cobb or any other receiver emerging this year as a every-week go-to guy?

Ray Rivard, Lombardi Ave.: Many, including myself, see this as a breakout year for Randall Cobb. I believe the league has only seen a scratching of the surface with this receiver. His work on special teams is known, but he will bring much more to the field this year. You will see him on the field more often this season and his touches rise significantly. If the Packers can’t get the ball into his hands at least 5-10 time per game, it will be disappointing. And depending on how much Donald Driver contributes, you might see either Diondre Borel or Tori Gurley make the 53-man roster and make contributions. They are young guys with huge upsides. I would also like to say that tight end Jermichael Finley will work to improve his play this year and will continue to stretch the field for a
Packers offense that will be difficult to stop.

Z: While we’re on receivers, was Jordy Nelson’s breakout a fluke or do you think he’ll match or exceed those numbers this year?

Ray Rivard, Lombardi Ave.: Jordy Nelson is no fluke. His teammates like to joke that he’s the white guy on the team who actually has speed and jumping ability. Nelson gets open and his ability to accelerate past defensive backs is fast becoming his biggest strength. Simply put – he’s a stud who can beat anyone matched up against him.

Couple that with the fact that he can catch the ball over the middle when needed and you’ve got the complete package. His only knock is that he drops too many passes. However, his success overshadows that. If you have a chance to take Jordy Nelson in your fantasy draft, don’t pass him up. He will score lots of points for you.

Z: What about the running game? Do you see one back emerging as a feature-back or will it continue to be a time-share? If you think it’sa time-share, what Packer running back would you draft to be on your fantasy team?

Ray Rivard, Lombardi Ave.: The Packers running game is the wild card for any fantasy team. The Packers are a pass-first team, that’s not a secret. However, the Packers have not been totally incompetent on the ground either. Ryan Grant is gone, and the Packers will have two backs, James Starks and Alex Green, coming back from significant knee injuries. That is a concern. However, Starks is being looked to as the featured back heading into his third year. Green had a huge upside before his injury, so how he comes back is a huge question mark. He could be one of those players who comes out of nowhere to make a big mark, but I wouldn’t count on it.

Z: Is there a player on the Packers offense you think will have a breakout year?

Ray Rivard, Lombardi Ave.: Randall Cobb, hands down. I feel the Packers will call his number more this year and give him the opportunity to show his skills. He was limited last year on offense because of the team’s depth, but with an aging Donald Driver still on the team I see Cobb being more of a factor.

Z: Green Bay’s focus this offseason appears to have been on rebuilding and strengthening their defense, specifically pass defense. Do you think they did enough? And who do you think makes the biggest impact among the new additions?

Ray Rivard, Lombardi Ave.: Defense was the focus in both free agency and the draft – and rightly so. Ted Thompson did a great job in bringing in players who should contribute immediately – namely Nick Perry, Jerel Worthy, and Casey Hayward. I see all three of these players fitting in immediately with the defense, but I see Worthy as the player who will bring the most to the team in the early going. The Packers’ biggest hole last season was their defensive front. They couldn’t stop teams because they couldn’t pressure the QB.

The loss of Cullen Jenkins was bigger than most thought. With the addition of Worthy, the Packers will add to a line that already includes BJ Raji and Ryan Pickett. Though suspended for eight games, Anthony Hargrove will also help the team the second half of the season – if he makes the roster.

Z: Last one, give me your realistic expectation for the Packers this season, and then your perfect scenario. What is the one key for them taking home the Lombardi Trophy again this year?

Ray Rivard, Lombardi Ave.: Realistically the team wins at least 12 games -they will need that many wins to take the division. Ideally, they win 14 or 15 again this year and destroy the competition in the Playoffs
en route to another Super Bowl championship.

However, to do that, the team has got to make large improvements on the defensive side of the football. I think management has put the pieces in place for that to happen. Now it’s up to the coaching staff to put these players in the right schemes to make it happen. It’s funny talking about defense being the difference for a team like the
Packers. While the offense will continue to do what it does best, it will be the defense that will be the difference in the fight for a championship. If the defense doesn’t come through, the team will be left watching like they did last year.

May 30, 2012; Renton, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Flynn (15) participates in a passing drill of an OTA practice at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-US PRESSWIRE

They begin the series with a Q&A with Keith Myers of 12th Man Rising, another fine site under the fansided.com umbrella.

Fantasy fans and fans in general will be interested in following this series diligently put together by FantasyCPR’s Zach Thompson.

This particular posting will be of interest to Green Bay Packers fans because of the Seahawks’ newest addition, former Packers QB Matt Flynn. Following this preview will be a look at the Chicago Bears, another posting that will be of interest to Packers fans.

Anyway, you can go directly to the site here or you may just continue reading the posting below.

Seattle Seahawks – Fantasy Football 2012 Preview

As we gear up for another awesome and exciting year of fantasy football, we’re excited at Fantasy Football to be able to feature some previews from our FanSided partners. It’s extremely valuable to get the opinions of some passionate bloggers that spend all their time focused on one particular team.

We’re excited to feature as many as possible leading up to opening kickoff and we start our coverage today by talking to Keith Myers of 12th Man Rising.

Zach Thompson, FantasyCPR: Hey Keith, thanks for helping us out with our Q&A for our season preview. It’s always good to get the opinion of a fan who follows the team on how they’ll be this year. As someone who covers Seattle all year round, I’m sure your insight will help us in our fantasy football draft.

We’ll start with the obvious question… Is Matt Flynn the answer? Seattle was much-improved last year; they just seemed to be missing a QB. Is Matt Flynn the starter this year? And if he is what do you think his ceiling is for his first year as a full-time starter in the league?

Keith Myers, 12th Man Rising: That’s the million dollar question right there. Anyone who tells you definitively that Flynn or anyone else is going to start doesn’t know how Pete Carroll does things. This really is an open competition, and both Tarvaris Jackson and Russell Wilson have a shot on winning the job.

In the end, I do think that Flynn wins the starter’s job over the other 2, but his ceiling isn’t all that high as a fantasy QB. His arm strength would suggest that his ceiling is that of Matt Hasselbeck. The Seahawks can win a lot of games with that caliber of a QB, but he’ll never put up the numbers that Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers do.

Z: Marshawn Lynch dominated last year and emerged as a top fantasy running back. Is there any reason you think he won’t duplicate that kind of statistical year this year?

Keith Myers, 12th Man Rising: I don’t believe there is. The O-line should continue to improve this year, as it did last season. Plus, without a big time QB and passing game feeding the ball to Lynch will be the foundation for the offense. He’s going to get his touches no matter what. I’ve seen people suggest that rookie Robert Turbin might cut into his playing time, but baring injury I don’t see that happening.

Z: What does the depth chart look like behind Lynch and is there any kind of time-share or is Lynch the rare feature-back?

Keith Myers, 12th Man Rising: The only player Lynch has to worry about in terms of playing time is rookie backup Robert Turbin, but as I said above, I don’t think Lynch will lose many touches to him. Lynch really is the feature player in this entire offense.

The one time when Lynch isn’t regularly on the field is third and long. He isn’t much of a receiver when compared to some other backs in the NFL. Last season, FB Michael Robinson was the most likely player in the backfield. That might be something to keep in mind when drafting Lynch. Don’t expect him to get you many receiving yards.

Z: I’ve always though that Golden Tate was about to breakout, but he hasn’t really done that yet at all. Is there a receiver in Seattle that will emerge as Flynn’s top target that we should look for on draft day?

Keith Myers, 12th Man Rising: Keep an eye on Doug Baldwin. He was the Seahawks’ leading receiver last season while playing in the slot, and should be even better this season even though he plays out of the slot. I’d advise people to avoid drafting Tate. He might not even make the 53 man roster at this point. He still has a lot to prove before he gets consistent playing time.

Z: Is there a player on the Seahawks offense you think will have a breakout year?

Keith Myers, 12th Man Rising: Not really. I expect Doug Balwdin and Sydney Rice to put up better numbers than last season, but both had their “breakout year” in the past. It really depends on who wins the job as the starting split end. If Kris Durham or Richardo Lockette do, then I’d expect that player who have a breakout year. If not, then I don’t think anyone will qualify for that title.

Z: I love the Seahawks as a sleeper defense/special teams unit. Am I crazy to think they’ll be a top 10 defense this year? I actually like their draft pick even though many scoffed at it…

Keith Myers, 12th Man Rising: The Seahawks were the #9 defense last season statistically (not sure how that scored in fantasy points, but I’ve heard they were good in that regard too) And that was without much of a pass rush. The Seahawks then added a great inside pass rusher in free agency (Jason Jones) and drafted the draft’s best pure pass rusher in Bruce Irvin. The increased pass rush will only make this defense better overall, and it should also lead to more turnovers. I’m surprised that people think of them as a sleeper pick. From where I’m standing, they should be one of the best fantasy defenses in 2012.

Z: Last one, give me your realistic expectation for the Seahawks this season, and then your perfect scenario. What is the one key for them getting back into the playoffs this year?

Keith Myers, 12th Man Rising: Realistically, this team should be improved with a better pass rush, more consistent play from the offensive line, and hopefully better play from the QB position. 9 to 10 wins and a chance at a wild card spot in the playoffs is about what we’re expecting.

In a perfect situation, whoever wins the starting QB job steps in and provides a passing game to go along with the running game and defense. If this happens, the Seahawks will be tough to beat, as they’ll be one of the most complete teams in the NFL, similar to the Texans of 2011 before Matt Shaub got hurt. If that happens, 12 wins is certainly a possibility. Unfortunately, I just don’t see that passer on the roster right now.

Z: Thanks again to Keith Myers for joining us for our Seahawks preview. Make sure to check out his team’s excellent coverage of the Seahawks throughout this upcoming season on 12th Man Rising.

Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy will lead the team into the regular season. Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

Update: There are many claiming that this leaked schedule is likely a fake - even the league has come out saying it’s “bogus.”

That’s why we add this Disclaimer: We at Lombardiave do not know if this is an official copy of the NFL’s 2012 schedule, or if the 2012 schedule has been completed. What we do know is that it is an interesting topic for the start of discussion and post this “leaked” copy for entertainment purposes only. The Preseason schedule was released earlier this week and it was expected the full regular season schedule wasn’t to be released until the end of this month.

Last night a “leaked” version of the 2012 NFL schedule found it’s way onto the Web through a website named  EagleStats2012.com and has been posted during the early morning hours on a number of sites, including our partners across the fansided.com nation. Lombardiave was notified of the leaked schedule from an email sent to all fansided NFL sites by Kevin Mawyer II of the Washington Redskins’ fansided site, Riggo’s Rag.

If this schedule is indeed the official version, it shows the Green Bay Packers opening the 2012 season on the road on Monday Night, Sept. 10, at the Detroit Lions. Talk about going right into the Lions den – pardon the pun. The game would be the first of two played that first Monday night, with the second game of the traditional doubleheader being Tampa Bay at Oakland.

In all, the Packers will get extensive national exposure, according to this schedule. They would play several times at 3 p.m. (CST) with the first on Sept. 13 at the Texans, the second Oct. 7 versus the Cardinals; another at home versus the Bears Nov. 22; at the Giants Dec. 2; and at home versus the 49ers Dec. 9.

In addition to the Monday Night opener, the Packers would also play the Saints at home on Sunday Night, Oct. 14, and follow that up with a Thursday Night, Oct. 18, game versus the Vikings. Then on Nov. 19, the Packers would play again on Monday night versus the Rams.

That’s a pretty brutal lineup of games, but that’s what happens when you’re the best of the best.

The Packers would have their bye Oct. 28.

Here is the Packers unofficial schedule as leaked:

Week 1 Monday 9/10/2012 Packers @ Lions ESPN 7:00 PM

Week 2 Sunday 9/16/2012 Packers @ Texans FOX 4:05 PM

Week 3 Sunday 9/23/2012 Jaguars @ Packers CBS 1:00 PM

Week 4 Sunday 9/30/2012 Packers @ Colts FOX 1:00 PM

Week 5 Sunday 10/7/2012 Cardinals @ Packers FOX 4:05 PM

Week 6 Sunday 10/14/2012 Saints @ Packers NBC 8:20 PM

Week 7 Thursday 10/18/2012 Vikings @ Packers NFLN 8:20 PM

Week 8 Bye

Week 9 Sunday 11/4/2012 Titans @ Packers CBS 1:00 PM

Week 10 Sunday 11/11/2012 Packers @ Seahawks NBC 8:20 PM

Week 11 Monday 11/19/2012 Packers @ Rams ESPN 8:30 PM

That’s what happened yesterday when I received an email from a fellow by the name of Jay Platt, a writer for a website called The Sports Riot! .

This past week, Jay had been writing some incredibly fun and well-written articles about Green Bay, Wisconsin, and focusing on the Packers. The final blog in the series was posted yesterday and listed some of his favorite blog sites – this one included.

I’m honored and really give much of the credit to the talents behind the scenes – all the folks over at fansided.com. They have provided the tools and the opportunity to be a part of their team. Since April of last year it’s been quite a run to get this site up and running – thanks to all of you who have clicked on our link and come here on a regular basis.

As one of the five sites he cited in his blog, “Packers Fans Speak (and they do it well),” Lombardiave.com joins an elite group that includes Acme Packing Company, Cheesehead TV, Packers Gab, and Total Packers.

I suggest you bookmark those sites, too, as they are some of my favorites. We all have one thing in common: Our love for the Packers franchise and a love of writing about the team – good and bad.

Jay’s description of our site is as follows:

Lombardi Ave – This site serves one purpose and that’s to get Packers news out to Packers fans.  The articles are well written and give the reader all the information they will need regardless of the topic.  They also feature writers from other teams giving their point of view, in a non-antagonist way (something I’m not used to).  This gives the reader a different opinion you normally wouldn’t hear.  There are numerous links for fans to find other sites, and the site isn’t visually busy like so many others.  I get the idea that Lombardi Ave doesn’t care about frills, they just want to get to the point.

Check out The Sports Riot, and especially his series on Green Bay, you’ll love it. I know I’ve got the site bookmarked now.

And while you’re at it, Like Lombardiave.com on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Could Mike Sherman be headed to Tampa Bay?

Josh Hill over at The Pewter Plank today blogged about the possible coaching candidates to consider for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ head coaching position – placing current Texas A&M and former Green Bay Packers head coach Mike Sherman at the top of his list.

Interesting.

I was never a Mike Sherman fan, especially after the Packers debacle in the Sunday, Jan. 11 , 2004, playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles … can you say 4th and 26?

Though Sherman did have a successful run in Green Bay up until his draft decisions finally caught up with him, he hasn’t been considered for another NFL head coaching gig for a reason.

But what do I know. Maybe The Pewter Plank’s bloggers knows what the Bucs need more than I do.

To read the post, check it out here.

And while you’re at it, Like Lombardiave.com on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

If you dare relive one of the worst memories in Packers history:

This upgrade and a few other additions coming will allow the network, including Lombardiave.com, to continue our rapid growth. During those three hours the network will be offline.

So understand this is a short-term inconvenience should you be up that early playing with your new Christmas gifts and attempting to log onto our site.

Thanks for your patience and let’s look forward to a great 2012.

But we here in Packers Nation certainly won’t stand for the trash talkin’ Niners fans putting down the best team in the NFL and a team that is headed toward history.

That’s why Hamm and I have agreed to start sharing our thoughts about the possibility of a 49ers vs. Packers playoff and some of the things that will have to happen to bring that to fruition.

Today we start with a look at each team’s final four games. While cautious about how things will turn out for the Packers, I feel that Hamm is taking it a bit too far in claiming the 49ers will have the home field advantage. The Packers have ways to go yet, but they are WELL on their way to proving not only to 49ers fans, but the entie NFL that they will be the team to beat.

So, after the jump you will find my column followed by Hamm’s. Enjoy them both.

Also, don’t forget to Like Lombardiave.com on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

(more…)

One would think that Vince Lombardi would be proud of the Green Bay Packers today.

However, if you don’t know already, should you plunk down the $250 required for the stock certificate, don’t expect more than that. There will be no dividends, no profit … nada … for buying into the plan.

You will get only bragging rights and the piece of paper that you might want to hang on your den or office wall next to your high school and college diplomas.

That’s it.

For fans, it’s a great thing. They can claim ownership in the National Football League’s only publicly-owned team. But that’s it.

While Packers fans will relish in the opportunity to buy their stock and watch their dollars used to help toward the cost of renovating the south end zone of Lambeau Field – a project that will enclose that end of the stadium with about 7,000 more seats and allow for improvement to the video and sound, as well as many other amenities – there are some out there who have gone on record saying the sale is ridiculous.

One such posting came from Fansided’s San Francisco 49ers blogger, Matt Hamm, whose blog about the issue can be accessed here.

His column has raised many eyebrows, including my own. Judge for yourself.

And in the meantime, see the official press release by the Packers after the jump. The release includes all information you will need to participate … check it out after the jump and don’t forget to Like Lombardiave.com on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

(more…)

Kookerkids.com image

The Green Bay Packers sit at 7-0, they head into the bye as the top-rated team in league power rankings, they’ve got the most consistent quarterback in franchise history since Bart Starr and they are fast becoming America’s most loved professional sports team.

And I love writing, Facebooking and Tweeting about the team … I just wish there were others … several others … who might like it as much as I do.

That’s why I’m reaching out to all you Packers fans out there midway through this bye week to see if there’s anyone out there who who like to join me here at lombardiave.com in posting your thoughts.

What better way to get out your frustrations about the big plays the Packers are giving up on defense and to offer up your solutions? What better way to take a look at the upcoming opponent and tell all our readers why and how the Packers will beat them? What better way to show your respect for the Packers than to write about them?

Here’s your chance. We’re looking for those who are willing to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) and be a blogger for this lombardiave.com.

You won’t make much (nothing), but you’ll have the time of your life seeing your name in print and spread across the globe via the Web.

All you need to do is contact me at rayr13000@gmail.com to let me know and we’ll get you started.

I hope to hear from you today.

And don’t forget to Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

NFL News and Rumors is the newest NFL blog to join FanSided.com. Chris Kolb runs the site and gets us all the low down on the newest news and rumors in the NFL.

Tim Redinger, lead blogger over at BuffaLowdown, has taken over the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres blog, Sabre Noise.

Lead blogger of The Pewter Plank, Dustin Staggers, now also writes for Bolts by the Bay, a Tampa Bay Lightning blog.

Rounding out the NHL blogs is Capitals Outsider, headed by some guys from Gunaxin.com.

Heading over to the hardwood, we now have Hardwood Houdini, a Boston Celtics blog, Pippen Ain’t Easy, a Chicago Bulls blog, King James Gospel, a Cleveland Cavaliers blog, Lake Show Life, an L.A. Lakers blog, Buckets Over Broadway, a New York Knicks blog, Howard The Dunk, an Orlando Magic blog, Rip City Project, a Portland Trail Blazers blog, and Air Alamo, a San Antonio Spurs blog.

Shifting gears over to the National League of Major League Baseball, Venom Strikes covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Tomahawk Take tackles the Atlanta Braves, Cubbies Crib covers the Chicago Cubs, Rum Bunter is the Pittsburgh Pirates blog, Redbird Rants is where it’s at for the St. Louis Cardinals, and Frisco Fastball is for the San Francisco Giants.

In the American League, the Evil Empire itself, the New York Yankees are covered by Yanks Go Yard, the Baltimore Orioles get Birds Watcher, New England’s own Boston Red Sox are covered by BoSox Injection, the Cleveland Indians are at Deep Left Field, the Kansas City Royals have the most cleverly titled site Royales With Cheese, the Twins of the Twin Cities have Twinkie Talk, the Tampa Bay Rays have RayHawk Review, and the Toronto Blue Jays can be found at Jays Journal.

Check out all these sites and slip them into your bookmarks!

But here at the FanSided.com network, we have a different kind of March Madness.  This one involves WMD.  No, it’s not the madness that happened six years ago when the United States invaded Iraq looking for WMD, it’s a whole new kind of WMD: the Worst Man Drafted.

That’s right, over NFL Mocks, we are hosting a 64-man tournament featuring the top two draft busts in the history of each team.

It’s easy.  Go there.  Take a peek at the bracket.  Then go and vote in each region.  It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity basically.  Bored?  Go vote.

As Packers fans, we have a prime opportunity to go for the most dubious distinction in football, with Tony “The Incredible Bust” Mandarich the No. 1 seed in his region with Jamal Reynolds as either a No. 7 or No. 10 seed.  Let’s go load the polls and push Mandarich through.  After all he’s done, he deserves to be the WMD.