Preview of a Football Preview

Nate’s 9: Preview of a Football Preview

            I pretty much need either football or soccer in my life. So without further ado, here’s a little something for everyone that feels the same way I do.

Nate’s 9: NFL Teams Challenging for a Ring

#9. Minnesota Vikings. Much to my chagrin, Mike Zimmer is building something nice here in Minnesota. Most of the key pieces are already in place: balanced offense, good pass rush, depth in the secondary. Until the final 30 seconds of their playoff game, I thought their special teams were one of the best in the league (And if Blair bounces back from his miss, they still will be). If Teddy Bridgewater becomes a quarterback they can count on for 30+ TD’s and if Mackensie Alexander locks down that 2^nd CB spot sooner rather than later, they could push for a ring this season.

#8. Oakland Raiders. Laugh. Go ahead, I'll wait. I did too. But after looking over all 32 rosters, and figuring out when teams play whom, etc, the Raiders are pushing upward rather quickly. For the first time since I've been allowed to have a legal alcoholic beverage in the United States, the Raiders could make the playoffs. Bruce Irvin was my favorite free agent signing. Sean Smith was right outside my top 5, and Kelechi Osemele was right outside my top 10. With staples Derek Carr, Amari Cooper and Khalil Mack a crucial part of the team too, I might be the first person to predict this team to win their division. It'll be decided in weeks 14, 15, 16 and 17 (at KC, at SD, Indy, at Den).

#7. Kansas City Chiefs. Probably a more realistic shot at the Super Bowl than Oakland this year, but this team can never stay completely healthy, and they have some must have guys if they are going to push for an NFL title. I disliked their draft so I don't think they'll improve off of their 11-5 season last year, but with a healthy Jamaal Charles, Travis Kelce, Tamba Hali and Marcus Peters, they have the talent to match up against the NFL's best on a week-by-week basis.

#6. Green Bay Packers. Aaron Rodgers probably makes this list by himself. But for the last 5 years, they always seem to wilt at the biggest moments. Why will this year be any different? Well, Jordy is back and I think people now realize how important he is to their roster. Everything else is a mis-match when he is at his sparkling best. Randall Cobb can hide in the slot, Davante Adams can run down the sideline, and Richard Rodgers will be covered by linebackers. They need Eddie Lacy to dominate the strong NFC defenses they'll going to face frequently, and if the young secondary make strides, Aaron could be chasing a second ring.

#5. Seattle Seahawks. When I started this process, I thought that this was kind of low. I mean, they have one of the best defenses in the league, a very confident QB that really took off last year, and a receiving core that's turning into a weapon. They had to reload on both lines and at the running back position, and it appears that they've done enough to do so. Plus if we take off our hater glasses, they have one of the best coaches in the league in Pete Carroll. K.J. Wright and Bobby Wagner are two of the league's best LB's, and I think that alone is enough to make the playoffs possibly go through the Northwest again. I think we will know everything when they take a trip on a Sunday night to play Tom Brady up in Foxboro.

#4. Carolina Panthers. Did the window shut on this franchise when Von sacked Cam? No, I don't think so. I will say that the most surprising move of the off-season was when they let big, bad Josh Norman leave for free to the Washington Redskins, but upon further review, I think they got it right. You're going to have to pay Luke. You're going to have to continue paying Cam. You're going to have to pay Star. That's what happens when a team goes 15-1. Chances are it means they are good, and decisions are going to have to be made. It goes without saying that a Super Bowl appearance without a probowl CB means this window stays open for awhile.

#3. Arizona Cardinals. This is probably my favorite roster on this list, but whoo! This is a nasty schedule that sees 5 games against teams that made this list. They have a couple of gaping holes that are going to be filled by... players with questionable characteristics to say the least (Robert Nkemdiche, anyone?) I like the pairing of Calais Campbell and Chandler Jones on the edges, and their hybrid 3-3-5 defense is exciting to watch and tough to beat, when everyone is healthy and on the field. Their offense has just enough depth around to make keying in on any one aspect very difficult to do, and leaves your own defense exposed if you over commit. David Johnson appears to be the real deal in every way (run, pass, block). Carson Palmer still has a little left. Their receiving core is four deep. If 2nd round draft pick Brandon Williams can do anything close to what Patrick Peterson does every week, this really could be our Super Bowl Champion.

#2. New England Patriots. I don't think they're going to be 0-4 when the great "Messiah" comes back from being wrongly condemned by the fans, media, and rest of the NFL. #Sarcasm. They cheated, they got caught, and they'll get on with it. I honestly think they go 3-1, unless JJ Watt and Jadeveon Clowney rattle Jimmy Garappolo a little bit. And that's to my point, because I think Garappolo is a Tony Romo in waiting. Not to say that he'll be the best around, but he can make a lot of throws, has a ton of confidence, and won't screw things up because he'll know how good the players around him are. Then when Tom comes back they have Cleveland. So the ship gets fixed (if it was ever broken), they go on a run, and ride the most ridiculous TE pair I've ever seen of Rob Gronkowski and Martellus Bennett to the AFC Championship game. Keep the balls full of air, okay Tom?

#1. Pittsburgh Steelers. I think. I keep looking at New England thinking holy... But this Steelers squad is no joke, they get the NFC East (4-0?), the AFC East (3-1?) and 2 games against the Cleveland Browns (2-0). That's 9 wins already. All jokes aside, they are blessed all the way around the field as long as the players stop smoking weed, and the kickers stop tearing their ACL's. Ben has really become one of the best quarterbacks in the game, and he makes weapons out of all his receivers (From Plaxico to Hines, Wallace to Sanders and now the Beast). You all know how I feel about AB and if you don't - ask Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb (The two players I would give away, so Aaron Rodgers could throw to one Antonio Brown). Coupled with a bunch of LB's with a lot to prove and a young, but optimistic secondary, this team is starting to take on the identity of their coach once again. I think that's scary enough to win the damn thing.

9 Exciting Players

#9. Andrew Luck. Maybe the Colts will actually protect the NFL's biggest asset as we get near his prime years. With time, the man can do it all.

#8. Todd Gurley. In 2004, I fell in love with Adrian Peterson. Here comes the new answer to the same old question.

#7. JJ Watt. Always seems to be in the opponent's backfield. And I don't really get excited about line play.

#6. DeAndre Hopkins. Catches everything. Seriously, everything.

#5. Dez Bryant. When healthy, he is exciting. For a number of reasons. 

#4. Patrick Peterson. So dominant, it's crazy. I saw him make Calvin Johnson swear once.

#3. Adrian Peterson. He's been on the wrong team for almost 10 years now, but I just can't get enough. I've never seen another athlete use violence so successfully.

#2. Cam Newton. Really moved into that next level of QB. If he can raise his completion levels to the top group of quarterbacks, he could have a legendary season.

#1. Russell Wilson. I can't stand him, or his dang team. But I can't not watch him either. Simply incredible.

9 Teams that could make the NCAA Playoffs

#9. North Dakota State. You think I'm kidding. I wouldn't put it past them. (Michigan State probably gets the play here, really, but that schedule!)

#8. Ole Miss. I was big on them last year, but they graduated some studs. They kept my 2nd favorite QB in the game around though, and Chad Kelly could be enough to get through the treacherous SEC West. 

#7. LSU. They have a beautiful, and I mean beautiful roster of talent. Except for the QB. Brandon Harris is one of my least favorites around, but with Leonard Fournette, Derrius Guice, and Malachi Dupre, it might not even matter.

#6. Notre Dame. They lost a ton of starters off of a really good team, but Brian Kelly has been a sensational recruiter as of late. I'd almost put him on par with the Les Miles and Nick Saban duopoly of the SEC. It really comes down to which QB he picks, and how well that player leads the team. Signs point to Deshone Kizer, but I'd put my money on Malik Zaire by the end of the season.

#5. Ohio State. We laugh. What team could possibly lose 16 starters, led by the likes of Ezekiel Elliott, Michael Thomas, Joey Bosa and Braxton Miller and still be in consideration of a National Championship. This team. Mike Weber will be Maurice Clarett reincarnated (hopefully without the guns and stuff). Noah Brown might be better than Michael Thomas. Nick Bosa is Joey Bosa's little brother (I think that says it all - Nation's #1 overall recruit). Gareon Conley could be the best CB in the country by the end of the year. I'm sure Urban Meyer believes that things will be just fine.

#4. Alabama. They're usually always either #1 or #2 with me. The only reason, and I mean the ONLY reason that they start at 4 this year, is because of "who is Cooper Bateman"? If their new QB can answer that question by say the 17th of September when they have to go over to Oxford, Mississippi and play the Rebels, then I think they go back to their rightful position near/at the top. If we're still left wondering, and if a brand new group of running backs that don't have the power and speed of Derrick Henry and Kenyon Drake start to crumble, they could crash out of this entire list completely. Calvin Ridley is my favorite player in the country, but even he will have a tough time going on the road to Ole Miss, Tennessee, and LSU and coming out with 3 wins.

#3. Michigan. What's sad is they might be here for awhile. These aren't even Jim Harbaugh's players!!! He returns 14 starters, some of who are very good, and brings in a National Top 5 recruiting class as well to boot. They have 2 of the nation's best defensive players in Jabrill Peppers and Jourdan Lewis, and either one could be a top 15 pick in next year's NFL draft. Harbaugh made magic with Jake Rudock at QB, and got him all the way up to the NFL. They brought in a good transfer in John O'Korn, but Michigan's path to the NCAA Playoff is laid out pretty simply. Win in East Lansing and Columbus, plus the Big Ten Championship game, and they'll probably have the #1 seed going into the CFP matches.

#2. Florida State. I'm having this sense of Deja vu... Freshman QB, star-studded roster, game against Clemson to determine fate... Ah, yes Jameis Winston winning his National Championship back in 2013. And here we are. If Malik Henry (who is amazing) can take over the QB position from Deondre Francois and make it his, and if Dalvin Cook gears up towards winning a Heisman, then the only think that should be stopping Florida State from doing this all over again is...

#1. Clemson. October 29th, 2016, a battle will be forged in a beautiful southern city where two of the greatest teams in the land, led by two of college football's best players went head to head to determine which one of them will be winning a National Championship. Here's the kicker. We all know Deshaun Watson and how he'll be next year's #1 pick. We all know WR Artavis Scott and that he'll probably go in the first round as well. What we don't know is that Florida State and Clemson don't have any other games in which they won't be favored, and so we could very well see two ACC teams (even with 1 sitting out the ACC Championship) getting together again next Jan 9th, 2017 and play with two fully loaded rosters to do battle in a beautiful southern city. 

Hot Celebs '16

Nate’s 9: Best Looking Celebrities

            For reasons that I believe many will understand, this is always one of my favorite blogs to write. It’s evolved quite a bit over the years; from being a basic 20, to that audacious Hot 101, and into its current feature, as a Nate’s 9. I think most people are repeat readers now, which is fantastic and thank you very much, but I will share the terms with those that haven’t become familiar with this blog before we get started.

            Very simple. 3 rules. 1^st rule: Look good. 2^nd rule: Be Relevant. 3^rd rule. 18-40. (Although a Mr. Moore continues to defy the odds of good looks, so I break the rules periodically for him.) If you fit into 2 of the 3 categories, you still miss out (Kim Kardashian, Lindsay Lohan, etc). The blog is split into 3 parts: what I believe to be America’s favorite 9 (those already picked not included), my favorite 9, and something small and meaningless for the ladies (them boys).

            Lots of hard work and extensive research go into this product, and needless to say, I can’t do it alone. I would like to thank those people that work behind the scenes, offering suggestions, checking for clerical errors (like age), and overall adding to the enthusiasm of the project. Your help is not lost on me.

            Finally, a shout out to the missus. While I do take this work very seriously, and leave no stone left unturned, at the end of the day, there’s no one else I’d rather spend my life with, and your support and love is something that I cherish on a daily basis. Thank you, wife!

            So without further ado, let’s get introduced to some of the most beautiful people in the world!

2016’s Choices:

Honorable Mentions: Jessica Alba, Mila Kunis and Emma Roberts. Two ladies that lasted a decade in consideration (and a former America winner in Alba), and an up and coming star. Just lost a little bit of relevancy, but a talented trio in any case.

 

#9 – Pia Wurtzbach. I don’t usually pick a Miss Universe to make this list, only because I think it’s unfair. They’ve been groomed for these types of roles for years, and it’s not hard for them to qualify for the 3 rules, when it’s all they’ve ever known. I will make an exception for this woman; she is funny, beautiful, intelligent and well-spoken. She’ll be the girl that moves directly into Forbes’ magazine’s most influential women as soon as her Miss Universe reign is complete.

#8 – Kate Mara. She’s not really for me, but she’s really taken her game to another level. The Esquire photo shoot left people wanting for more, and her appearances in The Martian and Fantastic Four put her in the front of the news pages. Another 12 months as good as these and she could be at the top of her own House of Cards.

#7 – Emilia Clarke. Khalessi. That should be enough.

#6 – Beyonce. Kind of getting close to the end of her powers, but it’s been a great run. Relevance since the early 2000’s. Top of my list back in 2002 (when it wasn’t really a list, but only a conversation among friends), and she’s done a great job considering her relationship and becoming a mother. A true dynastic power in the world of beauty.

#5 - Alexandra Daddario. Probably should’ve made the Nate’s 9, but America loves her more. Really had quite the year, for someone that could be considered a rookie to this list. Percy Jackson films raised her to the higher levels, but San Andreas and the potential of Baywatch could have her gunning for the top. A classic beauty.

#4 - Emily Ratajkowski. I think this is low for her, but America won’t let me take her higher. She’s cute; always snapping photos in this age of photo relevancy, has a bit of talent as well, and looks to be growing into the spokesperson role as well. She’s like a laid-back Chrissy Teigen, which I believe is a compliment. Could challenge Daddario for next year’s title.

#3 - Margot Robbie. Simply stunning. At times I believe she should be on my list, but I don’t want to take her away from America’s vote. At least not yet.

#2 – Hannah Davis. Derek Jeter is just winning at life. I think she’s the most talented player on this list, as she can come away with beauty from multiple disciplines. Sports Illustrated has already proven the swimsuit genre, Victoria Secret and American Eagle from the world of modeling. If she gets into film, America might have a bone to pick with the Yankees #2.

#1 – Taylor Swift. This is hard for me, because I want to keep knocking her down. She’s just a country star. Then she diversifies into pop music. She’s too skinny. Gains hips like 12 months later. Just a cute little blonde, with cute little lyrics. Evolves to pull off multiple looks, hairstyles while also writing music that came straight from the diary. (It’s hard to share the most intimate details of one’s life, and she does it without fear and shame). I finally think I have it when I criticized her for being “made from the cultural machine”, and then Kanye does a Kanye thing, and makes her look even more impressive. My apology is in this ranking.

Nate’s 9

Honorable Mentions: Fun story these. Jasmine Sanders and Lauren Hanley were relative unknowns when I started the process for this year’s list, and then Chris Brown and Johnny Manziel happened. Sanders is the girl Brown snagged for awhile after Rihanna got knocked around, and Hanley is the girl who could keep up with Johnny’s partying (although maybe not anymore). Treats, the both of them.

#9 – Zendaya Coleman. I still remember watching DWTS for the first time, when my eye was turned. She was gorgeous. She could dance. She was confident. Alas, she was also only 17 (A few co-workers enjoyed mentioning that, when I told them about this new beauty). I resigned her to the minor leagues, but always assuming it would just be a matter of time (and success) before she got reconsidered. Here we are, my Rookie of the Year. I run into her from time to time on the Disney channel when my boys are flipping through, and I’m very familiar with the song that she put together with Chris Brown (Please tell me how this guy continues to do it!) that got Zendaya into the mainstream. Lots of time left for Ms. Coleman to chase the top of this list.

#8 – Victoria Justice. I just want to give a small shout-out to Disney and Nickelodeon for generating about 30% of the options during the preliminary rounds of this list. They sure do know what sells, and they understand that it starts earlier than it probably should. I think the reason that these ladies (Justice included) do so well in the eyes of the public is that while they might not be as pretty as the SI Models or Victoria Secret Angels that usually adorn this list, they have a sense of everyday about them that we all can relate to. I don’t think Justice ever gets to the level of wearing an “Angel’s wings”, but she’s certainly as beautiful and successful as those that do.

#7 – Erin Heatherton. Speaking of angels... There are probably more beautiful ones. There are probably a few that resonate with the public a little better. There are those that are well-spoken, and do public events, and get their own underwear named after them. But give me Heatherton over them any day. She listens to rap music, appears in great television programming such as “The League”, and is experienced in all genres of modeling. I also want to mention the Jewish heritage, but I think this is a place where I don’t make any jokes. Let’s just leave it at my favorite angel.

#6 – Emma Watson. Always hanging around. She’s like the St. Louis Cardinals of hot celebrities. You’re not sure how they continue to do well; you’re not sure why everyone likes them as their second favorite team. They don’t do anything flashy, they’re not over-the-top exciting, and they’re not major news players. But imagining a playoffs (or in this case: 9) without them is unfathomable, and you just couldn’t stand it otherwise. You’re just comforted in knowing that they’re always going to be there.

#5 – Keira Knightley. The lowest I’ve had her since the inaugural list back in 2003. No fault to Keira, she’s a mom now. I’m also a dad, so I can relate (Usually, I had these beauties done by the end of May). If you’re truly and deeply committed to raising your children, then you just don’t have the time you did in the life before them. She cranked out movies like Santa’s little workshop cranks out gifts, and she rocked some Chanel advertising and just really put herself out there. She said she desired a more private lifestyle since her family began, and it’s what she’s done. Another delightful little trait among many and that’s why she’ll always be relevant to my expectations.

#4 – Scarlett Johansson. From the very first time I saw Lost in Translation, I knew there was something special here. Even beyond the curves that we’re all familiar with, I believe that stardom was always something that Scar Jo was destined for. Even in years of relative obscurity, she’s still mentioned by many as one of the best looking girls around. Time has done nothing to harm her beauty, and we all might agree it’s even made her more so.  

#3 – Ariana Grande. I had a feeling that once I realized the talents of Ari, she was destined to reach the top of this list. She’s got the voice of a Whitney, the musical motivation that Michael Jackson was blessed with, and the beauty of a Jennifer Lopez. She’s hilarious on social media, doesn’t take herself too seriously, and knows what the pulse is on what America (maybe even the world) needs. Her appearance on SNL last season was my favorite of the year; Chloe will never be beat. There’s a really talented generation of people coming through, so the top spot will be daunting, but if she can do Christina Aguilera singing “The Wheels on the Bus”, she can play with the big girls.

#2 – Kate Upton. Breaks my heart, really. It’s kind of like going 73-9, crushing enemies out of the way like Knightley and Johansson, and then holding onto the top spot just long enough for a former Nate’s 9 rival to take it away. Wait, that’s been done before? She’s still the Steph Curry in the world of modeling for me, and I see no reason why things can’t be restored next year, but this year, the new #1 had a campaign for the ages. Hottest #2 ever, though.

#1 – Selena Gomez. I won’t be so bold as to say I saw this day coming from the TV Studio of Barney and Friends, but Selena has always been a threat, and this year it’s well deserved. The album was top notch, her life choices were smart and rewarding (essentially no Beebs), and that transition from youth to adult star was as seamless as any that I’ve ever seen. No one mentions the Disney anymore, but she’s kept it cleaner than her rivals, and it’s that class that I believe catapults her into my top spot for the first time and likely long reign in this position.

Ladies Dreams:

#9 – Mats Hummels. My favorite Dortmund player leaves for Bayern again. Munich just got a little prettier this time around.

#8 – Chris Pine. I always use to think it was Tom Hardy between these rivals. Guess I was wrong.

 

#7 – Enrique Iglesias. It’s ridiculous. Has anyone ever aged better?  

#6 – Shemar Moore. He’s never not made it.  

#5 – Dave Franco. Rookie of the Year. I think he breaks out in Hollywood too. 

#4 – Zac Efron. The other half. It’s too bad Adam Devine isn’t good looking and it could be a friendly trio for you all.

#3 – Chris Hemsworth. Those arms are good enough to make this list every year.

#2 – Cristiano Ronaldo. While my #1 fell out of the list completely, this guy just keeps on chucking off shirts and staying relevant. Can’t be mad at him.

#1 – Liam Hemsworth. Correcting another wrong. Took him off the list last year, but this kid has some chops. I think I was mad about Miley, but now it’s nothing but respect.