General: Miller on sports

As most of you know, I write boxing columns. Of course that doesn't mean I don't know or understand other sports. Read on to find out what I mean.

Anybody know what happened to the Oakland Raiders? Looks like losing center Barrett Robbins was more of a loss than originally thought. I don't care what anyone says, that was huge. He is a better run blocker (notice how the Raiders didn't even attempt to run the ball consistently?) and leader of the offensive line than his replacement, Adam Treu. Treu played as well as he could(first start in like a year), but don't tell me that didn't play an impact of the game.

Remember Stanley Wilson (Bengals) and Eugene Robinson (Falcons)? What do they all have in common? Losers in the big games. And they played. A shame about Stanley, as he got 22 years in prison a few years ago. Tragic.

Again, I don't care what Oakland says, it made a difference. And shame on some of the Raider players for not supporting Barrett, instead of knocking him. Whether they knew about his problems with depression or not, it doesn't matter. If you don't have anything nice to say...

Hey Rich Gannon, great game in the Pro Bowl, but I think you were a week late and a dollar short. Unreal.

Hey Payton Manning? Shut your trap. Manning's comments were out of line. Mike Vanderjagt told the truth. Manning and (Colts' coach Tony) Dungy are the NFL version of David Robinson. Soft. Mike let it loose. Vandy is one of the NFL's best kickers. He did have an off year. But, I agree with him. Manning was a loser in college (couldn't beat Florida) and so far a loser in the pros. I used to like Manning. Not anymore.

Was Tampa Bay the best team in football? Yes and no. I still think the Philadelphia Eagles were the better team, at least in the NFC. I think Philly underestimated the Bucs. They had owned them the last few years, and couple that with Andy Reid's "cautious" play calling, and there's why they lost. The Eagles believed their press clippings, thought they could just show up and win. Big mistake. I think they will learn from their mistake. Re-signing Hugh Douglas is huge, but they also lost Jeremiah Trotter last year. Losing Correll Buckhalter didn't help either. Sure Philly will be older, but I say next year or bust. Now or never for the birds.

As far as Tampa Bay goes, getting back Anthony McFarland will help. But like the Rams, the league will figure out the offense. The defense is strong, but are they motivated? Ask the Baltimore Ravens about that. Coach John "Chucky" Gruden will have his work cut out for him next year more than last year. Repeating is tougher. Denver was the last back-to-back champ.

Steve Mariucci is the new coach in Detroit. No big news there. I think the 49ers were just plain dumb. I don't care who they get, they wont get farther without "Mooch," than with him. Don't be surprised if they don't make the playoffs next year. The Niners are living in the past, with Bill Walsh and Terry Donahue. Dynasties are over. Why don't they just put Walsh back on the field. Everyone knows it has been the Terry and Billy show all along. Let's make it official. The Niners are fools. I don't know how the Lions will do next year, but their future is brighter than the Niners. Hey Barry, c'mon back!

The Raiders, I believe will be back. I think they could put it together, even with all the offseason roster moves. They have good balance on both sides of the ball and were embarrassed this year. They will be back. The AFC is a pretty weak conference. Look for the Raiders to be in Houston next year.

Do you hear the stampede? That's the sound of the people running and jumping on the Lakers' bandwagon. Unreal. I predicted a four-peat, a quad squad before this last month or so. As long as the Lakers can get that eighth spot, they are fine. I wouldn't want to face them. They are playing well.

Leave Lebron James alone. The adults around him are the problem. The kid is being pulled every which way but loose. We all know the kid is going to cash in on his lottery ticket in a few months. Everyone has taken advantage of the situation -- and him. No one is without blame, here. A few jerseys don't seem like a big deal to me. Although I wouldn't pay that much for a Wes Unseld jersey.

I have a funny feeling this won't be MJ's last All-Star game. And Vince Carter should have kept his mouth shut. Classy move by Alan Iverson, but Mike doesn't take any charity. Shame on the fans. Jordan should have been voted to start.

The Yankees are loading up again, but I don't think it will matter. I think the Anaheim Angels are the team to beat. I don't see SF being back in it. The window of opportunity for the New Yorkers has closed though. They had a good run. It is over now.

When will Steve Lavin get run out of town. That is the only question. I also like Kansas to win it all (for now).

Didn't you used to be... Pudge Rodriguez? Hey Ryan! AFC and over, dude! Right?