My Semi-Humble Lesson on Soccer

Well, it appears as though I got robbed. For a little bit, it looked like I was going to enjoy the prominence I deserve. It looked like Argentina was going to win the World Cup.

However, the German's cheated and won 1-0 in extra time. That's okay. I still reigned supreme in the Group Stage, and I was a cheating German away from taking the whole damn thing. Essentially, I had the most dominant team. I think that's undeniable. I'll just take the whole sweep next time.

But, out of the generous nature of my own heart and my own innate desire to compete, I will give you guys some tips to take with you as you ponder how to stack up with me in four years time. So, without further adieu, here are five tips to live by:

1) Be Me: This one is simple. You have to be me. If you aren't me, you're screwed.

2) Pick the Best Teams: This one is also simple. Don't pick bad teams *Cough* Tim and Tim *Cough* The rest of you will struggle with this one unless, of course, the first tip is met.

3) Actually Do Some Research: This one goes out to Tim Transon. You picked the two teams who were clearly going to finish last in their respective brackets in rounds 3 and 4. Don't do that. That was stupid.

4) Don't Make a Retarded Pick Second Overall: Tim Fodor, you still had Argentina and Germany on the board, and you went with Spain. This was as bad as it gets. May God have mercy on your soul.

5) Be Me: If you aren't me, there is really no point. Sorry. You might as well just concede if you're not me. If you're not me, than the rest of these tips are really just moot.

So there you have it. The 5 essential tips to winning the World Cup pool... You know what? Screw it. I'll give you one more BONUS tip:

6) Don't Be STEVE NOFFKE: If you're Steve Noffke, I think we can pretty much all agree you're screwed. So, don't be him. If you are Steve, there may be some hope: Lobotomy.

In four years, I don't want to hear that my tips were for nothing. If you fail to read this, well, then that's on you. Goodluck!

ACSS World Cup Pool

Now that the Group Stage is over, we can focus on the Knockout round and the winner of the second half of our pool. The good news is everyone still has teams left.

Stats

Players with 3 Team(s) Left: 3
Players with 2 Team(s) Left: 2
Players with 1 Team(s) Left:3

We had 2 4th round picks make it through with Nigeria for Colin and Costa Rica for Ryan

We had 2 3rd round pick make it through as well with Algeria for Mark Fodor and Mexico For Ryan

Lastly, only two first round picks didn't make it through. Spain (#2 overall) for Tim Fodor and Portugal (#7 overall) for me

Here is a list of the teams each player has left. Here's a link to the knockout round schedule

• Dave Weir
• Geramany
• Netherlands
• Mark Fodor
• Uraguay
• France
• Algeria
• Tim Fodor
• Greece
• USA!
• Ryan Parrent
• Argentina
• Mexico
• Costa Rica
• Colin O'Shea
• Colombia
• Chile
• Nigeria
• Steve Noffke
• Belgium
• Tim Transon
• Switzerland
• Dan Noffke
• Brazil

ACSS World Cup Pool Standings

Hello Everyone

Congrats to Ryan. He won the group stage by 2 points over Colin.

I think we can already give away the award for biggest flop of the tournament to the #2 overall pick Spain! Congrats Tim Fodor on that one. I am excited because my first round pick Portugal was in the running, but  won't have to take that crown.

Below are the standings.These standings are as the completion of play for all Groups

Team	Points	Goal Dif
Ryan Parrent	24	7
Colin O'Shea	22	9
Dave Weir	20	9
Mark Fodor	17	0
Steve Noffke	17	-5
Dan Noffke	13	-4
Tim Fodor	11	-11
Tim Transon	11	-5

Here is the team by team breakdown

Dave Weir	Points	Goal Dif		Colin O'Shea	Points	Goal Dif
Germany	7	5		Columbia	9	7
Netherlands	9	7		Chile	6	2
Bosnia & Herz	3	0		Croatia	3	0
South Korea	1	-3		Nigeria	4	0
Total	20	9		Total	22	9
Mark Fodor	Points	Goal Dif		Steve Noffke	Points	Goal Dif
Uruguay	6	0		Portugal	4	-3
France	7	6		Belgium	9	3
Algeria	4	1		Ivory Coast	3	-1
Honduras	0	-7		Japan	1	-4
Total	17	0		Total	17	-5
Tim Fodor	Points	Goal Dif		Tim Transon	Points	Goal Dif
Spain	3	-3		Switzerland	6	1
Greece	4	-2		Italy	3	-1
USA!	4	0		Ghana	1	-2
Australia	0	-6		Iran	1	-3
Total	11	-11		Total	11	-5
Ryan Parrent	Points	Goal Dif		Dan Noffke	Points	Goal Dif
Argentina	9	3		Brazil	7	5
England	1	-2		Russia	2	-1
Mexico	7	3		Ecuador	4	0
Costa Rica	7	3		Cameroon	0	-8
Total	24	7		Total	13	-4

2014 Armchair Superstar World Cup Pool

Hello Everyone

Welcome back 4 years later to the Armchair Superstar world Cup Pool. We have 7 players coming back from last time and have lost Derek Wilson, but we picked up this blog's favorite reader who isn't a write Tim Fodor (Mark's little brother).

Here are the rules

• Buy-In $20
• 8 Players 
• 4 Teams Per Player
• Team Selection: 4 round snake order draft. Rules explained below. I will get Jamie to rig randomly select the draft order posted below. 
•  Ways to win 
•  ½ Pot goes to Player with the World Cup Winning Team 
• ½ Pot goes to Player with most points in Group Stage  
• Tiebreakers for the group stage will be determined the same way as FIFA does (See section 42.5) which basically goes as follows 
•  Goal Difference in all group Matches
• Greatest number of goals scored in all group matches 
• And then more if needed

Draft

Last time we did this, and I think it worked out pretty well, we did a "slow" draft. Basically the draft start as soon as this post goes up. The person with the #1 pick can take as long or as short as they'd like. As long as all picks are in by the first match which is the 12th.

Picks can be submitted via the blog in the comments, article or you can text me and I will update this article with the new picks.

Here's a link with all the available teams.


I will do my best to update the blog as often as I can with Matches being completed. I know I enjoyed this last time so I hope everyone does as well

Alright, now what you've all been waiting for, the draft order.

And Brazil goes too.........................

Round 1

1. Dan Noffke       Brazil
2. Tim Fodor         Spain
3. Ryan Parrent     Argentina
4. Dave Weir         Germany
5. Mark Fodor       Uruguay
6. Colin O'Shea     Columbia
7. Stephen Noffke Portugal
8. Tim Transon      Switzerland

Round 2

1. Tim Transon      Italy
2. Stephen Noffke  Belgium
3. Colin O'Shea      Chile
4. Mark Fodor        France
5. Dave Weir          Netherlands
6. Ryan Parrent      England
7. Tim Fodor          Greece
8. Dan Noffke        Russia

Round 3


1. Dan Noffke             Ecuador
2. Tim Fodor               USA!
3. Ryan Parrent           Mexico
4. Dave Weir               Bosnia and Herzegovina
5. Mark Fodor             Algeria
6. Colin O'Shea           Croatia
7. Stephen Noffke       Ivory Coast
8. Tim Transon            Ghana


Round 4


1. Tim Transon          Iran
2. Stephen Noffke     Japan
3. Colin O'Shea         Nigeria
4. Mark Fodor           Honduras
5. Dave Weir             South Korea
6. Ryan Parrent         Costa Rica
7. Tim Fodor             Australia
8. Dan Noffke           Cameroon



You can pay me via chase quickpay at snoffke@gmail.com. If you don't have chase let me know.

Grading the Bears Draft

I really like how Phil Emery and his crew handled this year's draft.  Let's go through pick by pick and talk about our new rookies.

Rd 1, pick 14: Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech.  I thought this pick was going to be Aaron Donald (went at 13 to the Rams).  But apparently Fuller was the Bears' target all along.  It seems as though a lot of analysts, Mike Mayock included, think he might be the best corner in the entire draft.  I thought his highlights were impressive.  His ideal player comparison in the NFL is Charles Tillman - 'nuff said.  Good fit, good potential.

Rd 2, pick 51: Ego Ferguson, DT, LSU.  He's HUGE (6'3" 315), and absolutely fits a major need on the defensive line.  I gotta admit he wasn't on my radar since he was a borderline top 10 guy, but watching his highlights he looks strong and tough and obviously LSU has a reputation for churning out pros.

Rd 3, pick 82: Will Sutton, DT, Arizona State.  I love guys who had good college careers and Sutton was the Pac-12 DPOY the last TWO years!  He looks slower and a bit less athletic than Ferguson but seems to be more of a hole-stuffer at defensive tackle.  I think this was an extremely smart pick.  These two defensive tackles could complement each other for years, especially learning from all the vets the Bears brought in via free agency on the defensive line.

Rd 4, pick 117: Ka'Deem Carey, RB, Arizona.  Ka'Deem is a BOSS.  He has had some legal issues but c'mon, who hasn't?  This guys is a legit starting quality talent in the NFL.  Offensive POY in the Pac-12 last year (way to go with the trivia picks, Emery), and just pops out at you on tape.  He's going to be an excellent guy learning behind Forte.  Love this pick, excited to see him in a Bears uniform.  If Forte goes down at any point next year, I would pick him up in fantasy without any hesitation.

Rd 4, pick 131: Brock Vereen, S, Minnesota.  Yet another mid round safety.  Eventually, we have to get one right, right?  Jerry Kill, Vereen's coach at Minnesota, had a lot of nice things to say about him.  And his big brother Shane Vereen has done well with the Patriots the last couple years when he's been healthy.  Haven't watched enough of Brock to comment on his NFL future with any kind of authority.  But go Big Ten.

Rd 6, pick 183: David Fales, QB, San Jose St.  He put up great college stats, I've never watched him.  Might be a wasted pick, but can't hurt from a depth perspective.

Rd 6, pick 191: Pat O'Donnell, P, Miami.  Sure, why not?  First punter of the draft I believe.

Rd 7, pick 246: Charles Leno Jr, OT, Boise St.  He's got the size and the pedigree, and Emery struck gold with OT Jordan Mills in the fifth round last year, so I'll give this pick the benefit of the doubt.  Check out ESPN's take on Leno, which points out that the last few Boise State left tackles haven't been half bad!  (Daryn Colledge, Ryan Clady, Nate Potter)

All in all, this looks like a solid B+/A- draft to me.  I feel like all four of the top four picks are going to make important contributions on the field next year, and that all eight guys are going to stick on the roster.  Fales is the only real question mark.  We got guys from strong programs and power conferences, which I dig.  Carey could end up being one of those Lance Briggs-type genius midround picks, and all three of the top guys are studs in my opinion.

One other note.  I was happy to see Michael Sam get drafted.  He deserves huge praise for the way he's gone about this thing and the bravery he has demonstrated in being so open and being a standard bearer for GLBT folks everywhere.  Good on the Rams and Jeff Fisher for going out and drafting him and being so classy - it was really a cherry on top of what was already a good draft for them.

GO BEARS!

Ryan's Mock Draft 2.0

The second mock draft will include potential trades. So here we go:

1 - Texans - Jadeveon Clowney - DE

2 - Rams - Greg Robinson - OT

3 - Jaguars - Khalil Mack - DE/OLB

4 - TRADE! Buccaneers - Sammy Watkins - WR

5 - Raiders - Mike Evans - WR

6 - Falcons - Jake Matthews - OT

7 - Browns - Blake Bortles - QB (From Bucs)

8 - Vikings - Aaron Donald - DT

9 - Bills - Taylor Lewan - OT

10 - TRADE! Jets - Odell Beckham - WR

11 - TRADE! Dolphins - Zach Martin - OT/G

12 - TRADE! Eagles - Brandin Cooks - WR

13 - Rams - Bradley Roby - CB

14 - Bears - Kyle Fuller - CB/S

15 - Steelers - Eric Ebron - TE

16 - Cowboys - Johnny Manziel - QB

17 - TRADE! Titans - Anthony Barr - DE/OLB

18 - Lions - HaHa Clinton-Dix - S

19 - Ravens - Calvin Pryor - S (From Titans who got it from Dolphins)

20 - Cardinals - Ryan Shazier - ILB

21 - Packers - Darqueze Dennard - CB

22 - Giants - Xavier Su'a-Filo - G

23 - TRADE! Browns - Teddy Bridgewater - QB

24 - Bengals - Justin Gilbert - CB

25 - Chargers - Jeremiah Attachou - DE/OLB

26 - TRADE! 49ers - Cody Lattimer - WR

27 - Saints - Louis Nix III - NT

28 - Panthers - Marqise Lee - WR

29 - Patriots - DaQuan Jones - DT

30 - TRADE! Vikings - Derek Carr - QB

31 - Broncos - Jimmy Garrappolo - QB

32 - Seahawks - Keith McGill - CB

2014 NFL Mock Draft 1.0

Alright, well, I have no idea how this draft is going to go, but I am going to attempt a mock draft. I'll do one thursday as well, and that one may have trades. This one will be trade free. This one is only going to be a 1 round mock draft. Without further adieu, here it is:

1 - Texans - Jadeveon Clowney DE

Big athletic pass rusher. I don't think QB is a good pick here, so unless they move down this has to be it, or Khalil Mack. They can still get good value in the second round though at QB.

2 -  Rams - Greg Robinson OT

Jake Long spent time injured, and they need to keep Sam Bradford upright and healthy if they ever want a chance to compete.

3 - Jaguars - Blake Bortles - QB

I would have them taking Khalil Mack but they play a cover 2 defense. I cannot see them taking a LB at that spot. I considered WR, but really, it only makes sense if they land a QB.

4 - Browns - Khalil Mack - OLB/DE

The Browns are shocked when Mack falls to them and they do not pass up the opportunity to add another elite defender. Although, if Mack is still there at this point, I would fully expect Atlanta to blow their load to move up to take him.

5 - Raiders - Johnny Manziel - QB

The Raiders are desperate for nearly every offensive and defensive position. However, they go ahead and roll the dice on Manziel, hoping he can save this franchise from death.

6 - Falcons - Jake Matthews - OT

The Falcons had a terrible offensive line last year. They take the offensive tackle that I believe ends up being the best tackle to help protect Matt Ryan.

7 - Buccaneers - Sammy Watkins - WR

The Bucs are ecstatic to grab Watkins this late in the draft. If Watkins is still there I do fully expect the Bucs to move out of their spot though, and snag some more picks.

8 - Vikings - Jimmy Garropolo - QB

SURPRISE!!!! The Vikings snag Garropolo long before anyone believes he's going to be taken. The draft pundits go crazy and the Vikings get their guy.

9 - Bills - Mike Evans - WR

The Bills desperately want another receiver to help EJ Manual improve alongside Stevie Johnson. Mike Evans is a HUGE target.

10 - Lions - Eric Ebron - TE

The Lions want to be able to out gun everyone so they add Eric Ebron hoping he becomes the next Jimmy Graham. It's a bit of shocker considering they need help in their secondary and linebacking corp, but this was the best value at a position of need.

11 - Titans - Odell Beckham - WR

The Titans need some receivers. They are going to give Jake Locker this one last year to prove his worth, and they are going to give him the players he needs to succeed.

12 - Giants - Taylor Lewan - OT

The Giants couldn't block anyone last year and Eli Manning showed he was worthless. While he didn't catch nearly as much flack as Jay Cutler did for his offensive line's play, despite Cutler playing incredibly well and Manning playing like poo, the Giants do need to protect him if they want to do anything in the near future.

13 - Rams - Bradley Roby - CB

It's looking like the Rams are in love with Roby. Shocking as it may be, the Rams select Roby this early (or trade down).

14 - Bears - Aaron Donald - DT

If the Bears have the draft fall this way and way Aaron Donald, Kyle Fuller, Haha Clinton-Dix, Calvin Pryor, and Justin Gilbert are all still available, I think they will be trading down. Either way, the Bears select Aaron Donald and have a nasty pass rush.

15 - Steelers - Justin Gilbert - CB

The Steelers snag Justin Gilbert as he tumbles down the draft board. He's got all the intangibles you'd want in a corner, but his raw talent is what causes him to drop this far.

16 - Dallas - Zack Martin - OT/G

The Cowboys need to continue to improve their offensive line. Zack Martin can play either tackle or guard, and since they don't need a left tackle, I would guess Martin would slide inside.

17 - Ravens - HaHa Clinton-Dix - S

The Ravens are looking to replace Ed Reed after his departure. HaHa Clinton-Dix is there for them to take and they are ecstatic by it.

18 - Jets - Darqueze Denard - CB

The Jets take the corner who is great in coverage and can help their defense improve instantaneously. Rex Ryan hopes he can get a playmaker that can help save his job this year.

19 - Dolphins - Xavier Su'a-Filo - OG

The Dolphins are desperate for offensive line help. Like many other offensive line prospects in years past, it looks like a giant reach to draft Su'a-Filo. However, the Dolphins are ecstatic to have him.

20 - Cardinals - Anthony Barr - OLB

The Cardinals are shocked that Anthony Barr falls this deep. As a result, they snag him up as quickly as possible.

21 - Packers - Calvin Pryor - S

The Packers select Calvin Pryor hoping to improve the horrid defense that they have. They lost MD Jennings in the offseason, so this pick makes a lot of sense.

22 - Eagles - Kyle Fuller - CB/S

Kyle Fuller ends his tumble down the draft board. Being the most complete option, as he can play nearly every defensive back position on the field, and being a big defensive back, the Eagles have no choice but to land him.

23 - Chiefs - Brandin Cooks - WR

The Chiefs are desperate for some offensive help. Rumors are that Andy Reid loves Cooks, so, if he's still there, I cannot see them passing him up.

24 - Bengals - Jason Verrett - CB

The Bengals are desperate for some secondary help. Their corners are incredibly old and they are looking to get younger. This pick makes a lot of sense.

25 - Chargers - Louis Nix III - NT

If the run on defensive backs goes as I'm prognosticating the Chargers are going to be forced to trade up. However, for the sake of this mock, they go with the big nose tackle out of Notre Dame.

26 - Browns - Derek Carr - QB

Shocked that he's still available, the Browns select the QB they wanted from the start. Derek Carr can come in and help this offense move the ball, and if he hits, the Browns will be one of the best teams in the AFC.

27 - Saints - Ryan Shazier - ILB

The Saints get the best ILB in the draft, in my opinion, and he's a giant steal. Ryan Shaizer is going to be a monster, and if he drops to 27 I wouldn't be mad if the Bears traded into the second round to get him.

28 - Panthers - Marqise Lee - WR

The Panthers lost Steve Smith and are looking to upgrade at the position. Marqise Lee is a solid choice here, and the hope is he and Cam Newton can form a great combo for the years to come.

29 - Patriots - Cody Latimer - WR

Tom Brady really suffered because the Patriots refused to keep the reliable Wes Welker. Now, they look to improve that position, as Gronk has suffered season ending injuries in back to back years.

30 - 49ers - Kelvin Benjamin - WR

This concludes the wide receiver run with seven taken in the first thirty two picks. The 49ers are desperate for help in the passing game and Benjamin is their guy. He's six foot five and can be a huge red zone target.

31 - Broncos - Teddy Bridgewater - QB

The Broncos will likely lose Peyton Manning to retirement this season, or the next. As a result, they grab the QB that is falling down everyone's board, and hope they can turn him into the next Aaron Rodgers.

32 - Seahawks - Keith McGill - CB

McGill was tested out as an athletic freak. The Seahawks lost Brandon Browner. The Seahawks go for the long and fast McGill to be the replacement, and hope they can continue to dominate with big corners. This totals 8 defensive backs taken in the first 32 picks.