This weeks’ matchup should be a good one with the Steelers and Ravens meeting in what can be categorized as a backyard brawl.  There’s been plenty of smack talk flying both ways and we’re going to capitalize on it.  So join us!  Kickoff at 5:30 pm PST.

In this episode we take a look at the AFC North, one of the more interesting divisions in the NFL.  We discuss the oft-arrested and troubled Cincinnati Bengals and of course make fun of them.  We predict good things for both the Browns and the Steelers, and decide the Ravens really don’t have a place in the conversation.

Hosts: Kevin, Rich, Ryan

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I thought about writing about last night’s comeback win by the Patriots on Monday Night Football. But really, haven’t you already read about it? I could also talk about Tony Kornheiser’s weekly evolution from “entertaining co-host of PTI” to “bald, annoying football announcer.” But really, hasn’t that been taking place since week one of last year’s season?

Instead, I’d like to focus on Brian Billick, the offensive genius douchebag himself. Somewhere before Bart Scott shotputted the referee’s penalty flag, Billick was seen on camera blowing a couple kisses to Patriots safety Rodney Harrison.

I’ve never liked Brian Billick, partly because he’s still clinging to the title of “offensive genius,” something that he hasn’t exhibited since creating a genius gameplan during the Vikings’ 1998 season: Lob the ball to Randy Moss. It’s good to see him fail and it’s also good that this embarrassing moment got caught by the ESPN cameras.

Hosts: Sonny, Ryan, Kevin and Rich.In this episode, the entire Sportable staff discusses the AFC North. With this division featuring three legitimate playoff contenders, where’s that leave the Cleveland Browns and why the hell is Rich expecting such big things out of them? Can the Pittsburgh Steelers get back into the playoffs? Or will the Baltimore Ravens, lead by the best defense in the NFL, reign supreme again? All that and more in the latest episode of the Sportable Spot.

You can find Episode 33 here. (Download mp3)

For the entire month of August, the Sportable Staff will look at one National Football League team a day. We?ll look at their offense, defense and in the end, assess their playoff chances. Previews will be done by division, starting with the NFC East. Each new division will also feature a new podcast devoted entirely to that division.

Birds of Prey Return For Another Fly Under the Radar. Not a whole lot of people realize that Baltimore was 13-3 last season. While most of the media was consumed with the battle between the Patriots, Colts, and Chargers for the top seed in the AFC, it was the Ravens who were punking teams with gritty defense and Air McNair. The task for this team in 2007 will be not only to repeat the success that they had a year ago, but to do it in the same quiet fashion that they did in 2006.

Offense. Despite having broken pretty much every bone in his body during his playing career, Steve McNair returns to the helm of the Ravens offense in 2007. McNair is the type of guy you hate to play against because he’s a freaking warrior. Unlike other soldiers in the division, McNair plays through pain and shows up every Sunday. I don’t think he practiced once in the last three years he was with Tennessee because he was always banged up yet he still played. The new feature in the Ravens backfield is former Hurricane and import from Buffalo, running back whatchu talkin bout Willis McGahee. McGahee’s question since having his knee implode versus the Buckeyes has been durability. He had a nagging injury that bothered him for most of last year and kept him from reaching the 1,000 yard plateau. Now, McGahee is behind a Ravens offensive line that includes Hall of Famer Johnathan Ogden. Time for whatchu talkin bout Willis to cut the crap and have a monster year for the Ravens, a team that runs the ball a lot and likes to eat up clock (See: Coke Dealer Jamal Lewis). McGahee also needs to keep his mouth shut. After a couple nice games in 2005 against the Patriots and Jets, McGahee proclaimed himself to be the best running back in football. He followed that up by getting curb stomped in his next five games, rushing for totals of 39, 53, 81, 3, and 36. Bottom line? Keep your trap shut and do your job. Read the rest of this entry »

We all remember the hit that was laid by Sean Taylor on Bills punter Brian Moorman during the Pro Bowl. That hit, as expected, was greeted with plenty of anger towards Taylor. However, I found it hilarious. And I also find this clip funny. The 700Level has posted a clip of Eagles punter Sav Rocca getting absolutely murdered by Ray Lewis Antwan Barnes. The only thing disappointing here is Gus Johnson, who should have went nuts over the hit. Come on Gus, cut loose for once!