What rights do we have have as fans of sports? Do we have to show class? Can we cheer when we want? Boo when we want? Can we throw things on the field to show our displeasure of calls made or teams performance? The apparent answer is yes.. but.. The word fan is from the word fanatic. All sports fans have fanatical behavior. Whether it is good behavior or bad, we as fans have a right to be anything we want to be because we spent a ton of money to go to a stadium and arena and watch a game. If we get out of line, which is our right, there are ramifications for our behavior. Someone can point us out to stadium security and have us removed. Someone can have us arrested. Someone can, yes folks, kick the living crap out of us if that is the situation. Someone can also move from their seat. Someone can actually join us in our fanaticism. We are fans and we pay the salaries of the participants on the field, so you cannot tell me how to behave.
Now if you believe that is how i truly feel, I have some swamp land property to sell you in Jersey that has gold, diamonds and oil on it. Eric Winston is 75% right with what he did and said. The only problem that i have with what he said is that he blamed all Chief fans and the city of Kansas City. Every person at the game said he overreacted and generalized when he gave his assessment of the cheering at the stadium. His point is simply no one should be cheering when someone on your team is hurt should be cheering. Matt Cassell has been trying like crazy to get back to the form that enabled him to lead the Chiefs to a division title three years ago. He was injured all season last year and the team fell apart. They have a great running game and he was a perfect compliment to that running attack. What we stupidly do in our society is lump the money he makes into the action on the field and we think that if he or she is a millionaire they are invincible. They can't get hurt because they are being paid 66 million dollars. They are not human. They are my property because I am paying his salary because I am at the the game. Fans are ignorant beyond belief at times. We have a God given right to cheer or boo when we ant to but we need to use common sense and decency. Matt Cassell chose a profession where people get hurt. We should n't boo even when the opposing player gets hurt. What is the point of sportsmanship if being fanatical is accepted behavior at inopportune times.
There is a story about a rugby player in England who this past weekend played in a championship game and ruptured and lost one of his testicles. Would you cheer that? His name is Paul Wood and not only did he rupture his testicle he played with the pain and injury for 20 minutes after he suffered the incident. Fans would cheer people like him because he was willing to lose his testicle in order to try and help his team win a world championship. He was asked today on the Dan Patrick show what was more painful, losing one testicle or losing the game. He said losing the game. My point with this story is that athletes around the world in all sports do whatever it takes to win in most cases for us fans to succeed. They sacrifice there body, minds, life for us to have 3 hours of an escape every time they play. Whether it is Willis Reed limping on the court in the sixties, Jack Youngblood playing a Super Bowl on a broken leg or Isiah Thomas on bad ankle scoring 42 against the Lakers, Micheal playing with 103 temperature in game 5 to help Bulls defeat the Jazz, or Matt Cassell going through rehab to get back on the field to try and help the Chiefs win a football game, fans need to understand the sacrifice and effort these people do for us. They deserve our best behavior and respect. Events of recent weeks indicate that we still that we have a say as to what happens on the field. Brave fans throwing beer bottles on the field because the umpire made a bad judgement call shows that more to me than ever before. I am no saint either, but at least I know when to draw the line.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Alex Rodriguez or Mark Sanchez: who gets it worse?
Earlier this year I blogged about how Tony Romo and Andy Roddick get crushed by the media because of their inability to walk on water. The criticism of Romo has not relented as his Cowboys are a mediocre 2-2 and have had two very bad lossess to Seattle and Chicago. Roddick retired. Nothing left to say about him. Mark Sancez and Alex Rodriguez play in the media capital of the world and every move they make is scrutinized. No matter the excuse or justification surrounding what they have done or not done, the New York media absolutely destroys them. The problem i have with it written or said about both men is that they have been both set up to fail or have put themselves in situations where they have no one to blame for their failures. Let me elaborate...
Alex Rodriguez has been linked to two players his entire career. Derek Jeter and Nomar Garciaparra played the same position that Alex did and they were supposed to revolutionize the position both offensively and defensively. They have done just that. The difference between the three is that Derek Jeter is a 5 time World champ, has 3000 plus hits and generally recognized as this generations greatest leader of men. Nomar's career was interrupted several times because of injuries. He could have been apart of the Red Sox teams that won two world titles. His trade to the Cubs, then Dodgers, marred what could have been a Hall of Fame career. What Alex does not possess that the other two seem to have is likability. He has been critcized from day one because he not as "quiet" as Jeter or Nomar. He was teamed with Ken Griffey Jr. and never seemed to learn the importance of being simply just being seen and not heard will give you longevity in this league. people critcize him because he signed the largest sports contract in American sports. He is getting paid 24 million dollars and is only hitting .179 in his most recent two post seasons. He has not hit homeruns or driven in runs like he was paid to do and people question his commitment and even if his gaudy career number were a by product of steroid use. Last night, the word is that Alex cannot hit a fastball anymore. I can understand a fastball going 97-100 miles an hour, but 89, 90, 91? If the Yankees could trade him he would have been gone years ago. He has had only one stellar post season and that was in 2009. There is nothing the Yankees can do other than move him down in the lineup or flat out buy him out. Alex has brought most of his critcism on himself. He has been quoted in books and magazine articles criticizing Jeter. These next few games will be interestin to say the least.
Mr. Sanchez is a completely different story because he has not come to New York telling the world that he is the greatest thing since butter pecan ice cream. Sanchez's problem is simply the Jets failed him. They give him receivers and then they take them away. He had Braylon Edwards for a season. He had Plaxico Burress for a season. They Jets brass got rid of both of them. His go to guys Dustin Keller is oft injured and Santonio Holmes is the most overrated number 1 receivers in the game. He had a good Super Bowl because the Cardinals were focused on stopping Hines Ward. He made the catch for the ages and hasn't produced since. NOt only do the Jets take away his weapons, they bring in a lockerroom divider in Tim Tebow. Tebow stands there and says all of the politically correct things to say and gains the respect of half the locker room. Last year in Denver he took a mediocre Denver Bronco team to the second round of the playoffs. He is not better than Sanchez, but different. I can complete more passes than Tebow, but Tebow just finds a way to just win. Maybe the defense knows that they have really buckle down and play hard to stay in the game because if there is 2 minutes on the clock and they have a chance Tebow can win the game. Sanchez spoiled Jet fans by leading the Jets to the championship game in his first two years. In both games, the Jets literally were one good half from winning. They dominated the first half against the Colts and dominated the second half against the Steelers. Sanchez last night played as hard and determined a game as i ever seen him play. He did not allow Mr. Foster to run for 152 yards. He did not create the confusion on the sidelines which forced the Jets to burn important timeouts. Give the man a break and give him some talent to throw to. If he does not produce with the talent given him, then by all means bring in Tebow. He is going to need therapy...
Winning will quiet everyone in both Alex's case and Sanchez's..The Yankees must get to the next round. The Jets better beat the Colts this weekend. The world is watching...
Alex Rodriguez has been linked to two players his entire career. Derek Jeter and Nomar Garciaparra played the same position that Alex did and they were supposed to revolutionize the position both offensively and defensively. They have done just that. The difference between the three is that Derek Jeter is a 5 time World champ, has 3000 plus hits and generally recognized as this generations greatest leader of men. Nomar's career was interrupted several times because of injuries. He could have been apart of the Red Sox teams that won two world titles. His trade to the Cubs, then Dodgers, marred what could have been a Hall of Fame career. What Alex does not possess that the other two seem to have is likability. He has been critcized from day one because he not as "quiet" as Jeter or Nomar. He was teamed with Ken Griffey Jr. and never seemed to learn the importance of being simply just being seen and not heard will give you longevity in this league. people critcize him because he signed the largest sports contract in American sports. He is getting paid 24 million dollars and is only hitting .179 in his most recent two post seasons. He has not hit homeruns or driven in runs like he was paid to do and people question his commitment and even if his gaudy career number were a by product of steroid use. Last night, the word is that Alex cannot hit a fastball anymore. I can understand a fastball going 97-100 miles an hour, but 89, 90, 91? If the Yankees could trade him he would have been gone years ago. He has had only one stellar post season and that was in 2009. There is nothing the Yankees can do other than move him down in the lineup or flat out buy him out. Alex has brought most of his critcism on himself. He has been quoted in books and magazine articles criticizing Jeter. These next few games will be interestin to say the least.
Mr. Sanchez is a completely different story because he has not come to New York telling the world that he is the greatest thing since butter pecan ice cream. Sanchez's problem is simply the Jets failed him. They give him receivers and then they take them away. He had Braylon Edwards for a season. He had Plaxico Burress for a season. They Jets brass got rid of both of them. His go to guys Dustin Keller is oft injured and Santonio Holmes is the most overrated number 1 receivers in the game. He had a good Super Bowl because the Cardinals were focused on stopping Hines Ward. He made the catch for the ages and hasn't produced since. NOt only do the Jets take away his weapons, they bring in a lockerroom divider in Tim Tebow. Tebow stands there and says all of the politically correct things to say and gains the respect of half the locker room. Last year in Denver he took a mediocre Denver Bronco team to the second round of the playoffs. He is not better than Sanchez, but different. I can complete more passes than Tebow, but Tebow just finds a way to just win. Maybe the defense knows that they have really buckle down and play hard to stay in the game because if there is 2 minutes on the clock and they have a chance Tebow can win the game. Sanchez spoiled Jet fans by leading the Jets to the championship game in his first two years. In both games, the Jets literally were one good half from winning. They dominated the first half against the Colts and dominated the second half against the Steelers. Sanchez last night played as hard and determined a game as i ever seen him play. He did not allow Mr. Foster to run for 152 yards. He did not create the confusion on the sidelines which forced the Jets to burn important timeouts. Give the man a break and give him some talent to throw to. If he does not produce with the talent given him, then by all means bring in Tebow. He is going to need therapy...
Winning will quiet everyone in both Alex's case and Sanchez's..The Yankees must get to the next round. The Jets better beat the Colts this weekend. The world is watching...
Friday, October 5, 2012
Athlete says what most probaly are thinking
Finally someone says the sad truth..
Today I heard a college athlete at a "prestigiuos" athletic university say something that I am sure that most people in this country think. Cardele Jones, third string quarterback at Ohio St. University is being quoted as saying," why should we have to go to class if we came here to play football, we aint come here to play school, classes are pointless"!!! Now I added the exclamation points for emphasis. Clearly most people will point out the poor word choice and lack of grammatical integrity in his statement as a reason why he needs to go to school. The fact remains though many people around the college athletic profession I am certain have heard that sentiment. Most of these athletes are not going to college to get an education. They are going to school to enhance their ability to play professional sports. The unfortuneate reality is that not everyone gets an opportunity to play professional sports.
Espn aired a documentary called "broke" this week and the timing of the statement could not be better to explain why you need a college degree. Most young athletes think that they are going to be rich forever when they sign that contract and it is not the case. The NBA and NFL have put rules in place that limit the amount of money the rookies can make and have made contract improvements or raises only implemented after 3 or 4 years in each league. Gone are the days when a rookie can come into the league and get a 8 year, 60 million dollar contract. The new collective bargaining agreement has put a crimp into that. What Mr. Jones does not realize that is the average NFL career is 3and 1/2 years and the only money that is guranteed is a signing bonus. There are several sad tales of athletes who got paid under the old system and don't have any money left to live off of because of frivilous and loose spending. Iam not going to name names, but ESPN put out a list of athletes who filed for bankruptcy over the past 15 years and the list is shocking. Not everyone is Shaquille Oneal, Micheal Jordan or Cal Ripken. LLife does not end after your athletic career is over. You need to be able to take care of yourself and you family beyond your twenties and thirties.
Universities are now being punished for not graduating players. The NCAA passed a rule a couple of years ago that if you are below standards, you will not be able to play in the NCAA basketball tournament or benefit financially from the success of that. Some people speculate that Connecticut being placed on that list for this upcoming season is one of the reasons why Jim Calhoun retired. I laugh at the basketball portion of the NCAA because they allow for athletes to leave college when they 19 years old to pursue professional careers. Most athletes that know that they are going to leave school early stop going to class after spring break or the NCAA tournament. Why should they go to class if they know that next year they are not going to be there right?
YOU need to go to class young fella!!! Most adults will tell you the hardest part about life is that nothing last forever and you have to spend a lot of your life re-inventing yourself and finding out ways to earn money. The documentary "broke" showed the after affects of playing football for some of these guys because they were not only financially "broke", but spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically "broke" as well. Enjoy being a young man. Enjoy learning about life instead being forced to live life. I hope someone can reach him and tell him that he is one tackle in practice away from working at a clothing store or McDonalds. There is nothing wrong with those jobs, but I gurantee you he did not go Ohio St. to do that.
Wild card baseball keeps us riveted until the end
The Wild Card in Baseball keeps us Riveted until the end of the season..
One of the biggest critcisms of baseball is that the season is too long. There are 162 games that is spread out over 7 months. Most baseball fans dont have a problem with the amount of games but with the length of them. This year Major League baseball decided to implement another game so that the wild card could be significant and more teams would have a chance to get into the post season. Last year, Boston and Atlanta endured collapses that ransacked the Red Sox organzation and humiliated the Braves. Both teams had sizable leads over Tampa and St.Louis and lost them on the last day. This year in both leagues 4 teams had a chance to get into the postseason with 5 games left to play. The Dodgers, Cards, Braves, and Brewers were chasing down the final spots. In the A.L. the Angels, A's, Rays, and Orioles were doing likewise.
In the N.L. the Braves had clinched one spot with a week to go and they had their sites set on trying to win the division. The Nationals however had other plans and were able to get it done without the services of Steven Strasburg. The Nats decided to rest Strasburg who was coming off of Tommy John surgery and the teams put him on an innings limit. The Cardinals won the other spot after the Dodgers suffered a back breaking loss to the Giants. The previous night the Dodger had rallied in the ninth inning averting elimination and most of us thought that they could use that momentum to forge a one game playoff. It did not happen.
In the American League, the Orioles and A's emerged as the two teams that were trying to upset the divisions that they are in. The Yankees and Rangers had been in first place all year and only the Yankees were able to topple the Orioles. The Athletics defeated Texas three straight head to head, which not only eliminated the Angels and Rays, but ascended them to the top of the A.L. west. This accomplishment is extraordinary if you consider that the A's have the lowest payroll of contending teams and no star pitcher. The A's have 18 players that make less than a million dollars. Only 12 players make over a million on the entire roster. Bob Melvin is the clear cut manager of the year for what his team achieved.
The wild card is significant this year because the winner of the play in game gets to host two games against the top seed which will put extra pressure on that top seed to win one game on the road or sweep all three games at home. The Yankees and Nationals are the top seeds. The two first round games pit the Atlanta Braves against the defending champion St. Louis Cardinals and the second game pits the Baltimore Orioles and Texas Rangers. The Rangers/ Orioles matchup is intriguing because both teams can score runs at any time and in bunches. The Orioles were 30-9 in one run games this year which is off the charts. The Orioles have won 15 straight extra inning games including winning earlier this season in 19 innings in Seattle. Texas's Josh Hamilton is looking for some vindication after he "flubbed" a routine fly ball that allowed two runs to score in the Oakland game that turned out to be the game in which the A's won the division over the Rangers. Hamilton also hit 4 home runs ina game this year against the Orioles in May.
In the N.L. the Braves are playing to allow certain first ballot hall of famer Chipper Jones an opportunity to prolong his career. The Braves this year were 5-1 against the Cards and are throwing Chris Medlin who does not know how to lose. the braves have 23 straight starts of Medlins and clearly he has been the best pitcher in baseball since August. The Cardinals are used to this role of playing spoiler based on last season's heroics. They not only roared through the playoffs with clutch pitching performances but David Frese is a "walkoff" hitting machine. Ask the Rangers in the World Series about his prowess.
So as much as most people don't like the wild cat format, you cannot dispute how riveted most of has been because of the importance placed on these games in September. Would the right teams have gotten into the playoffs this year? That is up to your interpretation of what the "right " teams are. Chipper getting onelast chance on the big stage is pretty cool and would have happened based on last years format. Baltimore and Texas would have had to have a one game playoff to determine who was in. who would not have been excited to see that. Next year the format will change and they will probably be more games added. If they are exciting like the season has been, I am all for it...
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
I am tired of..
You know what I am tired of in sports is hyperbole Monday or overreaction Tuesday. I listen to sports radio shows or talking hairdo shows on a daily basis and you would swear that the broadcasters are personally invested in each team and player around the leagues. This past 10 months in sports we have heard every comment one can make about Tony Romo, Mark Sanchez, Jay Cutler, Albert Pujols, Lebron James,Tim Tebow, just to name a few. I am so tired hear about these men. I am tired of hearing radio hosts say that they don't buy into the hyperbole Monday or Overreaction syndrome of sports and then they do. Dan Patrick started this kick about Peyton Manning's arm strength is not what it should be. Manning apparently cannot complete passes over 20 yards and that teams should just jam his receivers and dare the Broncos to beat them deep. Even though this season Manning is averaging over 280 yards a game passing, something is still wrong with his arm.. Even though last week against the Raiders he was 30-38 for 338 yards something is still wrong with Mannings arm. The two losses against Atlanta and Houston( who are both unbeaten still) Manning played poorly in the first half but rallied his team back to have a chance to win each game and someone says something is still wrong with his arm.
Then there is Mark Sanchez. Everyone criticized ESPN for all of this extra coverage of the New York Jets. Mark Sanchez is going to need therapy soon if he is not already in therapy. The Jets have played Pittsburgh, San Fransisco, Miami, and Buffalo. The first two teams are defensive machines that beat up every quarterback. San Fransisco has wins against Green Bay and Detroit who have two qb's that threw for a combined 9700 yards last year. The Niners made them look foolish. Sancez is being set up to fail because the most important thing to the Jets is to be "Paper Champions" and get headlines instead of victories. I can say this because they did nothing to improve their team on either side of the ball. they brought in no weapons to help Sanchez. They brought in Tebow to create problems for the team. i am tired of hearing about Tebow and quarterback controversies especially in New York. This is not Denver. There is a quarterback in the division named Tom Brady who knows how to win games. There is no Carson Palmer, Matt Cassell or Phillip Rivers lurking in this division who all under achieve. The controversy is bad for football because it takes away from the good things that happening around the NFL. Matt Ryan has been phenomenal. Arizona is getting a redemptive performance from Kevin Kolb. Rookie quarterbacks are playing at a level that no one has ever seen. Sanchez deserves to be treated with much more respect than he gets. He has no one to throw too. Keller is always hurt. Holmes is a overrated diva. He has no running game. Shon Greene was supposed to inherit the throw and he has disappointed. I am tired of people blaming the wrong person. Watch the games and learn something about them before you pinpoint the problems.
Tony Romo on Monday night was 31-43 which is over 60 percetnt completeion ratio and Joe Theisman and the rest of America blames him for the loss. Yes he threw 5 picks. How many balls did Dez Bryant drop that would have kept drives alive? I am tired of hearing about Romo did not do this or Romo did not do that. How about the balls that Austin dropped? Dallas is 2-2 and tied with the Giants and the Redskins. Mike Vick has 9 turnoversand the Eagles are in first place. The Eagle fans want to get rid of him too. The Cowboys come back from their bye week with a game against the Ravens. The Jets play Houston on Monday. I cant believe that I am defending the Jets and the Cowboys. I must be really tired..
Then there is Mark Sanchez. Everyone criticized ESPN for all of this extra coverage of the New York Jets. Mark Sanchez is going to need therapy soon if he is not already in therapy. The Jets have played Pittsburgh, San Fransisco, Miami, and Buffalo. The first two teams are defensive machines that beat up every quarterback. San Fransisco has wins against Green Bay and Detroit who have two qb's that threw for a combined 9700 yards last year. The Niners made them look foolish. Sancez is being set up to fail because the most important thing to the Jets is to be "Paper Champions" and get headlines instead of victories. I can say this because they did nothing to improve their team on either side of the ball. they brought in no weapons to help Sanchez. They brought in Tebow to create problems for the team. i am tired of hearing about Tebow and quarterback controversies especially in New York. This is not Denver. There is a quarterback in the division named Tom Brady who knows how to win games. There is no Carson Palmer, Matt Cassell or Phillip Rivers lurking in this division who all under achieve. The controversy is bad for football because it takes away from the good things that happening around the NFL. Matt Ryan has been phenomenal. Arizona is getting a redemptive performance from Kevin Kolb. Rookie quarterbacks are playing at a level that no one has ever seen. Sanchez deserves to be treated with much more respect than he gets. He has no one to throw too. Keller is always hurt. Holmes is a overrated diva. He has no running game. Shon Greene was supposed to inherit the throw and he has disappointed. I am tired of people blaming the wrong person. Watch the games and learn something about them before you pinpoint the problems.
Tony Romo on Monday night was 31-43 which is over 60 percetnt completeion ratio and Joe Theisman and the rest of America blames him for the loss. Yes he threw 5 picks. How many balls did Dez Bryant drop that would have kept drives alive? I am tired of hearing about Romo did not do this or Romo did not do that. How about the balls that Austin dropped? Dallas is 2-2 and tied with the Giants and the Redskins. Mike Vick has 9 turnoversand the Eagles are in first place. The Eagle fans want to get rid of him too. The Cowboys come back from their bye week with a game against the Ravens. The Jets play Houston on Monday. I cant believe that I am defending the Jets and the Cowboys. I must be really tired..
Cabrera or Mike Trout
Today is the final act of the epic stories of Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and Miguel Cabrera of the Detroit Tigers. The season for both Detroit and Anaheim have been disappointing in a lot of ways, but at least Detroit is going to the playoffs. The Angels invested a cruiseship of money on their team this season. They gave Albert Pujols the second richest contract in professional sports. He has been very good this season. a slow start in April curtailed his numbers, and he has most people out here chomping at the bit for next season. The person from the Angels that emerged as the "man" on that team this year has been a 20 year old Rookie named Mike Trout. Trout has become the first rookie in baseball history to hit 30 homeruns and steal 40 plus bases. He is second in the league in batting average, has scored over 120 runs and has played the best defensive centerfield that most has seen since Jim Edmonds roamed the outfield for the Angels. Trout did not even make the club in April which makes his number even more extraordinary. He easily could have been a 40-50 guy which is ironic because before the season started Matt Kemp of the Dodgers pledged that he could go 50-50. Injuries of course derailed his quest after an epic start. Trout is drawing comparisons to Micky Mantle because of his look, epic power, speed, and the way he simply plays baseball. He is a gifted young player and the sky is the limit. He is geeting a lot of consideration because of this new stat in baseball called WAR, which is an anacrynom for Wins Above Replacement. Since he has been on the Angel roster the team has a great winning percentage and the turn around of the Angel season literally started when he was implemented into the everyday lineup. Next year the Angels if they stay healthy will be the team to beat undoubtedly.
Miguel Cabrera has been in hell and has found a way to turn it around and become the positive story of the season. He has battled alcoholism and had arrest issues in the last few off seasons. He has been criticized for his weight gain and lack of fitness. The one thing that no could or can take away from him is that the man can flat out hit a baseball. Ever since he was a 20 year old helping Florida win the world series in 2003, he has been a beast. He will probably get 3000 hits and hit 500 plus homeruns, whch would be extraordinary since he plays in a pitcher friendly park. This season he is on the verge of making baseball history by winning the triple crown. No one has won the triple crown in baseball since Carl Yastremski did it in 1967. Only 10 players have ever won the triple crown in baseball history. In the National League no one has done it since 1937. Joe Medwick was the last one to achieve that feat. Cabrera is leading in all of the major categories in baseball. He has the most homeruns, r.b.i's, and has the best batting average. He has over 200 hits and has not been the liability on the defensive side like most people presumed he would be. The kicker is that his team is oing to the post season and to me that carries the most weight.
So in my opinion the M.V.P. will be Cabrera because of the fact that he is about to do something that no one thought could be done again because of the steroid era. Most people feel that since homerun numbers were going up that that stat would hurt anyone's chance of winning the triple crown. Players today don't care about how many times they strike out. Curtis Granderson and Adam Dunn strike out a lot but both this season have hit over 40 home runs and driven in 100 runs but have crappy batting averages. Edwin Encarnacion has 42 homeruns and has carried the Blue Jays this year but he has a lot of solo homers. The point is that you have to be a player who can hit for average and most homerun hitters don do that. Barry Bond had a high batting average because he was walked 200 times a year. He would not be allowed to hit in r.b.i. situations. So what Cabrera is doing is extremely special. He is lucky to have a guy like Prince Fielder hitting behind him so teams have to pick their poison. Unfortuneately they have chosen wrong this season and Miguel Cabrera will be your American League M.V.P..
Miguel Cabrera has been in hell and has found a way to turn it around and become the positive story of the season. He has battled alcoholism and had arrest issues in the last few off seasons. He has been criticized for his weight gain and lack of fitness. The one thing that no could or can take away from him is that the man can flat out hit a baseball. Ever since he was a 20 year old helping Florida win the world series in 2003, he has been a beast. He will probably get 3000 hits and hit 500 plus homeruns, whch would be extraordinary since he plays in a pitcher friendly park. This season he is on the verge of making baseball history by winning the triple crown. No one has won the triple crown in baseball since Carl Yastremski did it in 1967. Only 10 players have ever won the triple crown in baseball history. In the National League no one has done it since 1937. Joe Medwick was the last one to achieve that feat. Cabrera is leading in all of the major categories in baseball. He has the most homeruns, r.b.i's, and has the best batting average. He has over 200 hits and has not been the liability on the defensive side like most people presumed he would be. The kicker is that his team is oing to the post season and to me that carries the most weight.
So in my opinion the M.V.P. will be Cabrera because of the fact that he is about to do something that no one thought could be done again because of the steroid era. Most people feel that since homerun numbers were going up that that stat would hurt anyone's chance of winning the triple crown. Players today don't care about how many times they strike out. Curtis Granderson and Adam Dunn strike out a lot but both this season have hit over 40 home runs and driven in 100 runs but have crappy batting averages. Edwin Encarnacion has 42 homeruns and has carried the Blue Jays this year but he has a lot of solo homers. The point is that you have to be a player who can hit for average and most homerun hitters don do that. Barry Bond had a high batting average because he was walked 200 times a year. He would not be allowed to hit in r.b.i. situations. So what Cabrera is doing is extremely special. He is lucky to have a guy like Prince Fielder hitting behind him so teams have to pick their poison. Unfortuneately they have chosen wrong this season and Miguel Cabrera will be your American League M.V.P..
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Chipper may go out in style
As an avid and disappointed Met fan today I have to say something that makes me sick to my stomach. Last year like most Met fans, I sat in my home and watched the Atlanta Braves choke away a playoff spot and be eliminated on the last day of the season. I laughed and cheered so loudly because of all the Braves have done to my teams over the years. (what also gave me much joy was the Red Sox were collapsing at the same time). I thought Chipper Jones was going to retire because of his knee injuries and the fact that he was not around to give his team that supportive net or timely hit made it a sad end to a career that most deem a hall of fame one. Still in all I was pleased that St. Louis got in and later won the World Series and ths looked like they were in a decline. Finally right?
The Braves have been the National Leagues best regular season team over the last 20 years. They have won 13 division titles i think and played in 5 World Series. They have been on television during the Chipper Jones era as much as much as the Yankees and Red Sox have been. In fact the two consistent names over that period that we have heard most about are Chipper Jones and Derek Jeter. They both have become the symbols of dedication and loyaty in sports. Think about all sports. How many players have started with one team and finished with that team over the last 20 years? Tim Duncan. John Stockton. Kobe Bryant. Peyton Manning, Brett Favre, Leborn James left their teams to chase rings and greener pastures. Chipper Jones has been the face of the Atlanta Braves for 20 years and last night his team got him back to the big stage one last time. He led off the bottom of the ninth inning with a double and the Freddie Freeman hit a monsterous homerun and the Braves won 4-3 and are in the playoffs.
The funny thing is that Chipper has been getting a send off like no one has seen since Kareem left basketball. Every team has given him gifts. Motorcycles here. Free food there. Trips around the world. Merchandise and commemorative items that he will never forget. i always thought that Chipper Jones was Public enemy number one around the league. He was booed as much as any star player can be. He beat up every team in the league. He could have been a candidate for 500 homeruns if he did not suffer injuries late in his career and if he had played the year the Braves wanted to bring him up. Remember he wrecked his knee his first season and did not play. Chipper has really been a thorn in the side of the Mets in the regular season as well as the post. The bigger question that most people have is why did the Baves fail so often in the post season with all of that pitching and annoying timely hitting? How many times did Chipper come up and deliver the big hit to start a rally or win the games for the Braves. How many times did he frustrate your team over the years?
Is he a first ballot hall of famer? Of course he is. He played on great teams, with great players and had an impact on games like few others before him. He will probably be ranked in the top 5 or 6 thrid basemen ever to play the game. Brooks Robinson mayhave been a better defender but I would rather face him over Chipper Jones with the game on the line. He is the George Brett of this generation. Brett haunted the Yankees and Chipper haunted the Mets. Atlanta Brave baseball has been blessed over the last 20 years to have had Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz, and Chipper. they also had Bobby Cox who made sure that this fine machine would function properly on all levels. So I reluctantly wish the Braves well this Post season. i can take comfort that my team will never have to face Chipper again. It is an end of a great era of baseball. Get it done Atlanta. You have the pieces...
The Braves have been the National Leagues best regular season team over the last 20 years. They have won 13 division titles i think and played in 5 World Series. They have been on television during the Chipper Jones era as much as much as the Yankees and Red Sox have been. In fact the two consistent names over that period that we have heard most about are Chipper Jones and Derek Jeter. They both have become the symbols of dedication and loyaty in sports. Think about all sports. How many players have started with one team and finished with that team over the last 20 years? Tim Duncan. John Stockton. Kobe Bryant. Peyton Manning, Brett Favre, Leborn James left their teams to chase rings and greener pastures. Chipper Jones has been the face of the Atlanta Braves for 20 years and last night his team got him back to the big stage one last time. He led off the bottom of the ninth inning with a double and the Freddie Freeman hit a monsterous homerun and the Braves won 4-3 and are in the playoffs.
The funny thing is that Chipper has been getting a send off like no one has seen since Kareem left basketball. Every team has given him gifts. Motorcycles here. Free food there. Trips around the world. Merchandise and commemorative items that he will never forget. i always thought that Chipper Jones was Public enemy number one around the league. He was booed as much as any star player can be. He beat up every team in the league. He could have been a candidate for 500 homeruns if he did not suffer injuries late in his career and if he had played the year the Braves wanted to bring him up. Remember he wrecked his knee his first season and did not play. Chipper has really been a thorn in the side of the Mets in the regular season as well as the post. The bigger question that most people have is why did the Baves fail so often in the post season with all of that pitching and annoying timely hitting? How many times did Chipper come up and deliver the big hit to start a rally or win the games for the Braves. How many times did he frustrate your team over the years?
Is he a first ballot hall of famer? Of course he is. He played on great teams, with great players and had an impact on games like few others before him. He will probably be ranked in the top 5 or 6 thrid basemen ever to play the game. Brooks Robinson mayhave been a better defender but I would rather face him over Chipper Jones with the game on the line. He is the George Brett of this generation. Brett haunted the Yankees and Chipper haunted the Mets. Atlanta Brave baseball has been blessed over the last 20 years to have had Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz, and Chipper. they also had Bobby Cox who made sure that this fine machine would function properly on all levels. So I reluctantly wish the Braves well this Post season. i can take comfort that my team will never have to face Chipper again. It is an end of a great era of baseball. Get it done Atlanta. You have the pieces...
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Is the nfl becoming pro boxing?
Who wants to be a NFL referee now? One week ago, I blogged about the the NFL being too full of itself. I talked about the bounty scandal involving the Saints. Look what has happened to the Saints. They are 0-3 and the Packers coming this week who are angrier than hell because of what happened last night. ked about the importance of making a deal with the referees. The NFL is a multi billion dollar money making machine. People will pay to watch games anywhere at any time if it was necessary. Most football fans spend an entire week getting ready to watch their favorite team play, then flip around on the satellite feed and watch division rivals play, favorite players play, fantasy football team players play, or watch the marquee matchup of that week. Last nights game should have been the last straw as to why the real officials are needed to monitor these games. One call in a game should not have the impact of winning and losing a game. The Packers to their credit did not use the end of the game as an excuse. They physically got beat up last night in the first half and had a chance to get one first down to end the game. The Packers have not been the same team this year as last year so blaming the refs is probably why they have not said a word. I am glame the refs and there is ample evidence to support my theories..
I had a discussion two weeks ago with a a couple of people and we were talking about what is the problem with the replacement refs. I listened as they spoke and other pundits did as well on espn about the levels of competeition some of these refs have been in. The first thing that we agreed on was that the speed of thegame is way to fast for these guys. The speed of the game is too fast for the real guys too. The difference is that the real refs have figured out ways to position themselves on the field so that they can make as close to the right call as they can. Last night the game winning touchdown call was made by a ref who was behind the play and he was in no position to make that call. The ref that came running in and was waving his arms should have been closer to the play since there was no action in his area and he could have made the correct call. There was a call for pass interference on the defense when clearly the the offensive player created and caused all of the contact. If the referee was in the right position maybe he gets that call right. The NFL should have taken precautions and instructed these guys that being in the right place could help them get calls right. They are not fast enough to keep up with guys so positioning is key.
The second thing that is frustrating is that the refs seem to not know the rules of the game or make poor judgement calls. The roughing the passer penalty when the Packers made an interception in the 4th quarter was horrible. Marking an unsportsmanlike penalty for 27 yards instead of 15 is not acceptable. The pass interference call against Seattle on a crucial third down that eventually lead to a score is hurting the integrity of the game. What has killed Boxing in this country is tthe officials. People tune hoping for a trainwreck and they get chaos and an earthquake instead. Manny Pacquiauo is still wondering how Timothy Bradley has his titles. Ken Norton is wondering how Muhammad Ali has a winning record against him. The NFL does not want turn into a sham. The NBA in recent years has had to deal with a scandal of a referee fixing games utting itself further under a micrscope. There are several examples from the weekend of missed calls, poor judgement, and game mismanagement by these guys. Kyle Shanahan and Jack Del Rio were fined for abuse toward an official. Bill Bellechek tried to chase one down and get an explanation of whether or not the game winning field goal was actually good or not. All you have to do is watch the sideline and read the lips of the coaches to know whether or not a call is correct or not. The Harbaugh brothers are must see tv.
There are estimations that last nights call cost people worldwide over 250 million dollars. The betting line was Packers -31/2 and if the call was reversed the people who took the Packers would have won because they were up by 5. The speculation is that over 70% of the betting population took the Pack last night. We all know that the only reason for injury lists is for the betting population. The NFL does not "care" about wagering on the games, but it most definitely cares about people watching the games. I am 100% certain that they are loving that there millions of bloggers today writing about a football related incident than talking about the pennant races or that Brandt Snedeker won the PGA Fedex Cup. I wonder what would happen if a team told its players to walk off the field because they were a victim of too many bad calls? As long as we the fans watch, the NFL will not care what happens on the field. They talk about safety and integrity. They talk about protecting the shield and the legacy of the game. We are all addicted to the NFL drug and wont abandon the game. They better start to listen reall soon or the rehab centers of sports will be full of football addicts.. This is why HOCKEY you should not lockout your players. The quote of the day goes to BUbba Watson. He said that" football fans watch golf this weekend and support team usa in the ryder cup, we have no refs". Absolutely hilarious..
I had a discussion two weeks ago with a a couple of people and we were talking about what is the problem with the replacement refs. I listened as they spoke and other pundits did as well on espn about the levels of competeition some of these refs have been in. The first thing that we agreed on was that the speed of thegame is way to fast for these guys. The speed of the game is too fast for the real guys too. The difference is that the real refs have figured out ways to position themselves on the field so that they can make as close to the right call as they can. Last night the game winning touchdown call was made by a ref who was behind the play and he was in no position to make that call. The ref that came running in and was waving his arms should have been closer to the play since there was no action in his area and he could have made the correct call. There was a call for pass interference on the defense when clearly the the offensive player created and caused all of the contact. If the referee was in the right position maybe he gets that call right. The NFL should have taken precautions and instructed these guys that being in the right place could help them get calls right. They are not fast enough to keep up with guys so positioning is key.
The second thing that is frustrating is that the refs seem to not know the rules of the game or make poor judgement calls. The roughing the passer penalty when the Packers made an interception in the 4th quarter was horrible. Marking an unsportsmanlike penalty for 27 yards instead of 15 is not acceptable. The pass interference call against Seattle on a crucial third down that eventually lead to a score is hurting the integrity of the game. What has killed Boxing in this country is tthe officials. People tune hoping for a trainwreck and they get chaos and an earthquake instead. Manny Pacquiauo is still wondering how Timothy Bradley has his titles. Ken Norton is wondering how Muhammad Ali has a winning record against him. The NFL does not want turn into a sham. The NBA in recent years has had to deal with a scandal of a referee fixing games utting itself further under a micrscope. There are several examples from the weekend of missed calls, poor judgement, and game mismanagement by these guys. Kyle Shanahan and Jack Del Rio were fined for abuse toward an official. Bill Bellechek tried to chase one down and get an explanation of whether or not the game winning field goal was actually good or not. All you have to do is watch the sideline and read the lips of the coaches to know whether or not a call is correct or not. The Harbaugh brothers are must see tv.
There are estimations that last nights call cost people worldwide over 250 million dollars. The betting line was Packers -31/2 and if the call was reversed the people who took the Packers would have won because they were up by 5. The speculation is that over 70% of the betting population took the Pack last night. We all know that the only reason for injury lists is for the betting population. The NFL does not "care" about wagering on the games, but it most definitely cares about people watching the games. I am 100% certain that they are loving that there millions of bloggers today writing about a football related incident than talking about the pennant races or that Brandt Snedeker won the PGA Fedex Cup. I wonder what would happen if a team told its players to walk off the field because they were a victim of too many bad calls? As long as we the fans watch, the NFL will not care what happens on the field. They talk about safety and integrity. They talk about protecting the shield and the legacy of the game. We are all addicted to the NFL drug and wont abandon the game. They better start to listen reall soon or the rehab centers of sports will be full of football addicts.. This is why HOCKEY you should not lockout your players. The quote of the day goes to BUbba Watson. He said that" football fans watch golf this weekend and support team usa in the ryder cup, we have no refs". Absolutely hilarious..
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Here we go again..
The PGA season is about to come to an end and the people trying to get attention one last time are out with their comments. The player of the year in golf based on winning 4 events inclduing a major is Rory Mcilroy. No one disputes his achievements this year. Yes he had a stretch earlier this year when he missed several cuts and other than the PGA was not impressive at the Masters, U.S. Open or even the British. Yes if Tiger wins this event starting tomorrow he will win the Fedex Cup and tie Mcilroy for most wins and may steal the award from Mcilroy, but lets face it that is a big obstacle to overcome based on how well Mcilroy has been playing. Greg Norman made a comment recently where he feels that Tiger Woods is intimidated by Mcilroy because he is friendly with him and is realizing that the torch is basically being passed down to Mcilroy. I find his statements blog worthy only because of how silly they are. Tiger has several friends on the tour. People for years have been tryingand Phil, Ernie, and Lee Westwood out to be enemies. Tiger goes fishing every year with Darren Clarke and Mark O'meara. He gave Phil a ping pong table for a wedding gift saying that he looks forward to many matches on the table with Phil. He just can't be a normal guy ever can he? He has to be great every second of every day and He has to automatically have perfected his swing changes in haste so he can make you, me, and everyone else care about golf.
He has outplayed McIlroy in 3 of the 4 majors this year. When they have been paired together, Woods has shot a better score more than Rory has. Rory is smart. Out play Tiger when he is not paired with Tiger and then force Tiger to catch him. Tiger has no reason to be intimidated by McIlroy. Remember when Vijay had that magical year a few years back when he beat Tiger head to head jsut about every week and everyone said that Vijay was about to take over golf? What happened the very next year? Who won the most that year? Majors that year? Who was the player of the year that year? Who won the Fedex Cup that year as well? It wasn't me. It wasn't Vijay. I don't think it was Phil either. I know who it was and so does Greg Norman. It was Woods. In my opinion the fact that Woods has reascended to the top 2 in the world in one year is amazing. He was awful to watch last year. He was either always hurt or playing "in the woods" in every tournament. He could hit a fairway if the fairway was a thousand feet wide. He contended a few times but could not finish what he started. He was fixing his life, swing, and mind and he couldn't beat club pro's. This year he has found some success, but the majors have been a weekend calamity. Over the past few weeks, he has played sensational golf for 3 rounds and has been plagued by one bad round. These next two weeks will be indicators as to how far he has come since last year. He had the clinching match victory in the President's cup last September. He was a controversial pick, but he did not let his country down. He will be counted on to lead us in the Ryder Cup next week. He and McIlroy will be paired probably alot over the next two weeks and I am sure they are very familiar with each others games and styles of play.
Lastly, Tiger Woods has 74 wins and 14 major titles. Mcilroy has 2 majors and what 5 PGA wins? At the same age in their careers Tiger has more wins worldwide (13-6). Tiger had 68.19 scoring average at age 23. Mcilroys is 69 and change. Mcilroy has already missed more cuts 5. Woods in 18 years has missed 9 cuts. Woods is approaching the 100 million dollar prize pool for money earned on tour. McIlroy has barely 5 million. Tiger said it best when he said that there are no 255 linebacker going to tackle him in the fairway so he has nothing to be intimidated about. Maybe Greg Norman was intimidated by Nick Faldo when he gagged away a 6 shot lead at the Masters. Remember that Greg? You were the hands down best golfer in the world and the green jacket was yours for the taking. You would have validated as one of the best golfers in the history of the game. You had the record for longest tenure at number 1 until Tiger destroyed that mark by almost 300 weeks!!!! Greg you are still one of my favorites, but lets let this bud into a rivalry. Golf fans are sick of hearing about the next to challenge Tiger and they do it for one year and we never hear from them again. What happened to Vijay? He wins occasionally on the tour. This has been a disappointing year for Phil in terms of wins and losses and missed cuts. Lets see what happens over the next two weeks and into the international season finales.
He has outplayed McIlroy in 3 of the 4 majors this year. When they have been paired together, Woods has shot a better score more than Rory has. Rory is smart. Out play Tiger when he is not paired with Tiger and then force Tiger to catch him. Tiger has no reason to be intimidated by McIlroy. Remember when Vijay had that magical year a few years back when he beat Tiger head to head jsut about every week and everyone said that Vijay was about to take over golf? What happened the very next year? Who won the most that year? Majors that year? Who was the player of the year that year? Who won the Fedex Cup that year as well? It wasn't me. It wasn't Vijay. I don't think it was Phil either. I know who it was and so does Greg Norman. It was Woods. In my opinion the fact that Woods has reascended to the top 2 in the world in one year is amazing. He was awful to watch last year. He was either always hurt or playing "in the woods" in every tournament. He could hit a fairway if the fairway was a thousand feet wide. He contended a few times but could not finish what he started. He was fixing his life, swing, and mind and he couldn't beat club pro's. This year he has found some success, but the majors have been a weekend calamity. Over the past few weeks, he has played sensational golf for 3 rounds and has been plagued by one bad round. These next two weeks will be indicators as to how far he has come since last year. He had the clinching match victory in the President's cup last September. He was a controversial pick, but he did not let his country down. He will be counted on to lead us in the Ryder Cup next week. He and McIlroy will be paired probably alot over the next two weeks and I am sure they are very familiar with each others games and styles of play.
Lastly, Tiger Woods has 74 wins and 14 major titles. Mcilroy has 2 majors and what 5 PGA wins? At the same age in their careers Tiger has more wins worldwide (13-6). Tiger had 68.19 scoring average at age 23. Mcilroys is 69 and change. Mcilroy has already missed more cuts 5. Woods in 18 years has missed 9 cuts. Woods is approaching the 100 million dollar prize pool for money earned on tour. McIlroy has barely 5 million. Tiger said it best when he said that there are no 255 linebacker going to tackle him in the fairway so he has nothing to be intimidated about. Maybe Greg Norman was intimidated by Nick Faldo when he gagged away a 6 shot lead at the Masters. Remember that Greg? You were the hands down best golfer in the world and the green jacket was yours for the taking. You would have validated as one of the best golfers in the history of the game. You had the record for longest tenure at number 1 until Tiger destroyed that mark by almost 300 weeks!!!! Greg you are still one of my favorites, but lets let this bud into a rivalry. Golf fans are sick of hearing about the next to challenge Tiger and they do it for one year and we never hear from them again. What happened to Vijay? He wins occasionally on the tour. This has been a disappointing year for Phil in terms of wins and losses and missed cuts. Lets see what happens over the next two weeks and into the international season finales.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Is the NFL too full of itself?
I am as big a sports fan as they come in this great land that we live in and I have to tell you that I am concerned about the entity that we call the NFL. Over the past four years we have had a commissioner who acts like he is God, we have owners who don't want share money with people who make them the money, players who spend about as much time in the police blotter as they do in the training room, former players suing the league for not being given enough information about concussions and head injuries, and now the integrity of the game is being questioned because of non professional referees. What I just written down is about 30 talk shows worth of topics in five sentences. We all concede that the most popular sport in America is Pro Football. Baseball is no longer America's past time, (over reaction Monday is) Football has replaced it. The NHL and NBA are only relevant in the post season. Golf is only great when Tiger is succeeding and playing. Boxing is often angry water cooler conversation, tennis is non existent and no one will openly admit that they sat and watched 42 cars go around an oval 500 times for three hours. I blogged weeks ago that no one messes with the NFL because everyone has an opinion and knowledge of the sport. People will argue with you till they are blue in the face about their teams and everything about their teams. We have made the NFL what it is and now it has gone way too far.
The NFL is full of itself because we have allowed this nonsense to go this far. As a consumer, we have a choice. We can watch what is on television, go to the game or not get involved at all. Because we buy the Directv packages, the merchandise, the product advertised durning the game, the NFL will act like a dictator in our lives. Everyone who follows football know that not paying the referees a raise is moronic and controlling. 32 teams are dividing a television contract that earned them 9 billion dollars. The players are getting paid more, the price of tickets are not getting cheaper, food at the concessions stands, jerseys, hats, mecrhandise in general are not getting cheaper. Rookies are being paid less money so that veteran players who have earned the money can actually get paid somewhere if not from that team that he is fighting for a contract from.s every where in the NFL!!! So with the price everything rising, why shouldn't referees get a raise as well? The NFL knows that you, me, the martian on venus will watch their product no matter who is calling the game, reffing the game or playing the game. There have been tons of complaints lobbed at the league for missed calls, the length of games, and the misuse of rules in the games. What does integrity mean to the league? Absolutely nothing. The league knows that you are going to watch no matter what. Buffalo plays Cleveland this weekend. The game will sell out in Cleveland and the game will be on televisions everywhere.
Another example of the NFL is too full of itself is this bounty scandal involving the Saints. The fact the league produced a face saving affadavit this weekend as to why Jonathan Vilma was suspended for a season is evidence that the commissioner probably glared at Greg Williams and said how badly do you want to coach again in this league. Now i am not acusing the commissioner of coercion but they said that they had evidence way back months ago to convict Vilma of putting up 10,000 to anyone who knocked out Brett Favre. So why do they use a letter signed three days ago to further implicate Vilma? Vilma says he has 9 letters that will prove that he didn't say that. Who are we to believe? Drew Brees was outspoken months ago that they saw no proof of the involvement by the players. Dont you think that if that information about Vilma's involvement was available last month or three months ago or five months ago that that would been the nail in the coffin for Vilma and everyone else involved? The fans like that Goodell is trying to clean up the negative image of football players. The fans don't like someone bieing accused or scandal to explain a scandal. We want things to be crystal clear. The Commissioner will probably re-suspend the players because the players foolishly did not in the latest collective bargining agreement address the power of the commissioners office. The biggest mistake they could have ever made.
We will still watch because we are fans of the games... Maybe we are all addicts and need our fix of the NFL drug. Shame on us for that, shame on them for playing to our weakness..
The NFL is full of itself because we have allowed this nonsense to go this far. As a consumer, we have a choice. We can watch what is on television, go to the game or not get involved at all. Because we buy the Directv packages, the merchandise, the product advertised durning the game, the NFL will act like a dictator in our lives. Everyone who follows football know that not paying the referees a raise is moronic and controlling. 32 teams are dividing a television contract that earned them 9 billion dollars. The players are getting paid more, the price of tickets are not getting cheaper, food at the concessions stands, jerseys, hats, mecrhandise in general are not getting cheaper. Rookies are being paid less money so that veteran players who have earned the money can actually get paid somewhere if not from that team that he is fighting for a contract from.s every where in the NFL!!! So with the price everything rising, why shouldn't referees get a raise as well? The NFL knows that you, me, the martian on venus will watch their product no matter who is calling the game, reffing the game or playing the game. There have been tons of complaints lobbed at the league for missed calls, the length of games, and the misuse of rules in the games. What does integrity mean to the league? Absolutely nothing. The league knows that you are going to watch no matter what. Buffalo plays Cleveland this weekend. The game will sell out in Cleveland and the game will be on televisions everywhere.
Another example of the NFL is too full of itself is this bounty scandal involving the Saints. The fact the league produced a face saving affadavit this weekend as to why Jonathan Vilma was suspended for a season is evidence that the commissioner probably glared at Greg Williams and said how badly do you want to coach again in this league. Now i am not acusing the commissioner of coercion but they said that they had evidence way back months ago to convict Vilma of putting up 10,000 to anyone who knocked out Brett Favre. So why do they use a letter signed three days ago to further implicate Vilma? Vilma says he has 9 letters that will prove that he didn't say that. Who are we to believe? Drew Brees was outspoken months ago that they saw no proof of the involvement by the players. Dont you think that if that information about Vilma's involvement was available last month or three months ago or five months ago that that would been the nail in the coffin for Vilma and everyone else involved? The fans like that Goodell is trying to clean up the negative image of football players. The fans don't like someone bieing accused or scandal to explain a scandal. We want things to be crystal clear. The Commissioner will probably re-suspend the players because the players foolishly did not in the latest collective bargining agreement address the power of the commissioners office. The biggest mistake they could have ever made.
We will still watch because we are fans of the games... Maybe we are all addicts and need our fix of the NFL drug. Shame on us for that, shame on them for playing to our weakness..
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Saying goodbye to Jim Calhoun
We should have said goodbye to Jim Calhoun in 2011. He was immersed in scandal that season because of too many phone calls to a recruit and there were articles written about him criticizing how much much he was making. He had a health scare that year and when Kimba Walker led Connecticut to 11 straight victories including the title over Butler, Calhoun should have said "screw you" to the NCAA, the local Connecticut media,and all of his critics. He has done it hs way. Period. He is a no nonsense tough guy from Boston and never cheated his players, coaches, fans, or university. There several coaches in this country who make more money than their mayors, governors, senators, teachers, policemen, firemen, in their cities. No one complains until the coach has a few losing seasons or until the press sees that person as someone who thinks he or she is bigger than the university. The press does not talk about money's these coaches donate to fund necessary projects for the schools. The press does not talk about the fundraising efforts done by coaches to raise money for schools. That apparently is not news. The press also does not talk about because of the success of a particular team the amount of revenue generated because of what they did on the field or court. Notre Dame football makes so much money as an independent team that it refuses to join conferences for football. Bob Stoops, Nick Saban, Coach K., John Calipari, Les Miles, Pat Summit, makes more money than their local and state goverment officials and no one complains abut them. Joe Paterno did as well and the scandal that rocked his school is blamed on the fact that football has too much power and clout.
Coach Calhoun built Connecticut into a nationally respected and destination oriented university. No one ever heard of Connecticut basketball before he arrived. He brought in players fromall over the world and country to play basketball at Uconn. Remember Nadav Henefield? He came from Israel to play for him. He has had Ray Allen, Richard Hamilton, Tate George, Chris Smith, Emeka Okafor, Kimba Walker, Donnie and Donyell Marshall. He has won 3 titles. He has 4 final four appearances. He beat Duke in an epic title tilt. His critics will say that he leaves Connecticut in scandal because of the fact that Uconn will not be allowed to compete in this years tournament. The apr requirement is going to hurt many schools because kids stop going to class after the season especially if they are going pro. His critics say that he was a difficult interview, often surly, and became bigger than the program. I find that notion hilarious because it seems that all the media wants to talk to or about are the coaching stars. We know more about the coaches in college than we do the players unless the players are troublesome. Jim Calhoun's success allowed for Gino Auriema to succeed in the women's game. The amount of money given to the athletic programs because of the success of the men's team open doors for all sports to grow and become division 1 quality. The school is building a cardiac center in his and his wife Pat's honor.
Big east basketball is dying. In the next few years the Big east is going to lose Syracuse, Pittsburgh, Notre Dame and West Virginia. Losing a coaching giant like Calhoun is going to affect the quality of basketball from this conference too. Will recruits want to play in Storrs, Ct? Kevin Ollie is getting rave reviews as a person and as an assisstant coach. Can he be the one to lead UConn into the next decade and beyond? I hope so. Coach Calhoun has left a huge void but the Nutmeg State will move on. Coach Calhoun deserves a court or statue at the school. His achievements and contributions to the University of Connecticut will never be replicated..
Coach Calhoun built Connecticut into a nationally respected and destination oriented university. No one ever heard of Connecticut basketball before he arrived. He brought in players fromall over the world and country to play basketball at Uconn. Remember Nadav Henefield? He came from Israel to play for him. He has had Ray Allen, Richard Hamilton, Tate George, Chris Smith, Emeka Okafor, Kimba Walker, Donnie and Donyell Marshall. He has won 3 titles. He has 4 final four appearances. He beat Duke in an epic title tilt. His critics will say that he leaves Connecticut in scandal because of the fact that Uconn will not be allowed to compete in this years tournament. The apr requirement is going to hurt many schools because kids stop going to class after the season especially if they are going pro. His critics say that he was a difficult interview, often surly, and became bigger than the program. I find that notion hilarious because it seems that all the media wants to talk to or about are the coaching stars. We know more about the coaches in college than we do the players unless the players are troublesome. Jim Calhoun's success allowed for Gino Auriema to succeed in the women's game. The amount of money given to the athletic programs because of the success of the men's team open doors for all sports to grow and become division 1 quality. The school is building a cardiac center in his and his wife Pat's honor.
Big east basketball is dying. In the next few years the Big east is going to lose Syracuse, Pittsburgh, Notre Dame and West Virginia. Losing a coaching giant like Calhoun is going to affect the quality of basketball from this conference too. Will recruits want to play in Storrs, Ct? Kevin Ollie is getting rave reviews as a person and as an assisstant coach. Can he be the one to lead UConn into the next decade and beyond? I hope so. Coach Calhoun has left a huge void but the Nutmeg State will move on. Coach Calhoun deserves a court or statue at the school. His achievements and contributions to the University of Connecticut will never be replicated..
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Here comes the Phillies.. a quick baseball update
Remember about three weeks ago, everyone was talking about how the Phillies ought to think about salary dumping and next year? The Phillies got rid of Shane Victorino and Ricky Blanton to the Dodgers. They traded Hunter Pence to the San Fransisco Giants. They almost traded away Cliff Lee. There are about 20 games left in the season and they Phillies have awaken and no one wants to face them now. Cliff Lee and Roy Halliday have started to be who we thought they were. Jonatan Papelbon is back to being filthy. Jimmy Rollins is playing like an all star. Ryan Howard is hitting homeruns again. They are getting solid games from Kendrick. They are 4 games out of the second wild card position and everyone is taking notice. These veteran players are showing the class and dignity that veterans should when you play professional sports. They are getting paid a ton of money and they are playing like they actually care about the game and their fans. As much as i hate the Phillies, I have to admit that I am impressed. They could have easily thrown in the towel and with all of the injuries and uncertainty that this team has had all season, no one would have criticized them for quitting. They have several significant series left to play in the N.L. east. They could easily supplant the Cardinals who are losing players instead of peaking at this time. Plus the Cardinals have to contend with the fast charging Brewers and red hot Reds. The Pirates have collapsed again. They need to learn from these collapses and bring in players who understand that baseball is a marathon not a sprint or 10k race. I would love the last day of the baseball season to replicate last year when the final two playoff spots were determined on that day. I want to see even extra play in games thus forcing an extra day for the regular season to end. How crazy would that be? An extra playoff game to get into the playoff to one game then play a series against the top seed at home. With Halliday and Lee, the advantage would favor the Phillies. I hope it happens..
The American League is also getting crazy too. The Yankees need one healthy week and they will distance themselves from the Orioles and Rays. Andy Petitte could be back in a week and he gives them toughness that they are going to need. Mark Teixiera in that lineup makes a difference. The Orioles are holding it together with tape and glue. Losing Hammel last night and Markakis recently are huge losses. They can hit homeruns. We know that Mark Reynolds is Dave Kingman. He can have a week where he can hit 9 homeruns but also strike out 30 times. He has been hot lately and with Adam Jones and Matt Wieters this team is scary. The Rays have the best team on paper to complete their comeback attempt like last year. The only problem is that they cannot afford to give away games with poor defensive decisions. They can out pitch anyone. They will have a say in this. The Oakland A's have the second best record in the American League. How they have done it I couldn't tell you. Watching them the last few nights have shown me that they can win ugly, with pitching, or the long ball if necessary. They have buried the Angels with wins the last two nights. Last night was tough to swallow. 1st and 3rd with no one out and not being able to score the tying run is difficult to stomach. Jered Weaver needs to get back on the field. Where was Trumbo last night? Detroit appears to own the White Sox. They have won 5 straight against them and Cabrera's homerun last night might be the blow that gives him the M.V.P. The White Sox must split these next two games or they will be tied for the lead. i guess the only saving grace would be that the White Sox won't have to play the Tigers again. Colud be a wild next two weeks...
The American League is also getting crazy too. The Yankees need one healthy week and they will distance themselves from the Orioles and Rays. Andy Petitte could be back in a week and he gives them toughness that they are going to need. Mark Teixiera in that lineup makes a difference. The Orioles are holding it together with tape and glue. Losing Hammel last night and Markakis recently are huge losses. They can hit homeruns. We know that Mark Reynolds is Dave Kingman. He can have a week where he can hit 9 homeruns but also strike out 30 times. He has been hot lately and with Adam Jones and Matt Wieters this team is scary. The Rays have the best team on paper to complete their comeback attempt like last year. The only problem is that they cannot afford to give away games with poor defensive decisions. They can out pitch anyone. They will have a say in this. The Oakland A's have the second best record in the American League. How they have done it I couldn't tell you. Watching them the last few nights have shown me that they can win ugly, with pitching, or the long ball if necessary. They have buried the Angels with wins the last two nights. Last night was tough to swallow. 1st and 3rd with no one out and not being able to score the tying run is difficult to stomach. Jered Weaver needs to get back on the field. Where was Trumbo last night? Detroit appears to own the White Sox. They have won 5 straight against them and Cabrera's homerun last night might be the blow that gives him the M.V.P. The White Sox must split these next two games or they will be tied for the lead. i guess the only saving grace would be that the White Sox won't have to play the Tigers again. Colud be a wild next two weeks...
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
What a weekend of sports..
Hello sports fans my name is Richard Harris and boy did we have a huge weekend of outstanding sports. Upsets in Tennis, college football, boxing, NFL, and the Nascar sprint cup has its eligible driversfor the cup. When Roger Federer loses before the semi finals of a grand slam tournament something must be in the air. Tomas Berdych can really hit the ball hard and he over powered Federer. Andy Murray had an out of body experience in winning tournament. He outlasted Novak Djokovic in five grinding sets. Serena went from dominating to survival mode in oreder to steal the title from Azarenka. Azarenka had a 5-3 lead in the third set and could not put Serena away. Serena is still the gold standard no matter if she is not ranked number 1 or not.
Some more stories.. Arkansas showed that as great as the SEC conference is, you still need your quarterback to win games. Louisiana Monroe pulled off the first shocker of the season by physically beating up Arkansas' offensive line and then knocking out Tyler Wilson. UCLA, a home underdog, showed Nebraska that the Pac 12 can play physical football as well. The Pac 12 had two other impressive wins. Oregon St. shut down Wisconsin 10-7 and the Arizona schools had good out of conference wins as well. The Pac 12 may have the best conference before the season is over. USC and Stanford Saturday. Savannah St. beat the spread because game was called due to weather. 55-0 would have been 110-0 if they played it out.
The NFL continues to show why they are the kings of sports. A few shocking results as Washington stunned the Saints. Rg3 played like a seasoned pro and guided the Redskin offense to a 40-32 win. He had no turnovers and managed the game like he had done it before. Andrew Luck had to play the Bears defense and found his debut a bit more challenging. All of the rookie qbs except Griffin lost and threw some bad picks. Weeden, Tanneyhill and Luck threw multiple picks that really hurt their team. It is only week one so there will be greater days ahead for all of them.
Peyton Manning looked sharp in his return to the NFL. He few hits but when the Broncos went to a hurry up offense they changed the complexion of the game. Manning got into a groove and they handled the vaunted Steeler defense. The Jets shocked the world by scoring 48 points and looked like a completely different team than we saw in pre-season. Baltimore look stellar getting points from defense and Joe Flacco continuing to show why he is an elite qb. Ugly wins from Philadelphia and Detroit. A win is a win right? The Niners have that look in their eye that they have a special season brewing if they stay healthy. They play amazing defense and have balance on offense. Randy Moss scored a touchdown and they just don't miss field goals. A 63 yard field goal from 85 year old Fred Akers is still jaw dropping. They confused the Packers who have no running game. The game of the year could be New England and San Fransisco later on this year. My super bowl pick the Houston Texans looked sharp in destroying Miami. Cannot wait for week 2..
Chad dawson went down in weight to fight Ward and got slapped around. He was knocked down 3 times and looked sluggish. He is a champion? Not impressed at all by him.
Rory Mcilroy won for the fourth time this year. He held off Tiger, Phil, and Lee Westwood. He is peaking at the right time. The Tour championship and Ryder cup are upon us over the next few weeks. The only reason why I am not gushing about this is that Vijay Singh did the same thing a few years ago and Tiger the next year regained his throne and place in the game. I expect next year he will do the same thing.
Congrats to Jeff Gordon for qualifying for the Sprint cup. Go get em boys..
Some more stories.. Arkansas showed that as great as the SEC conference is, you still need your quarterback to win games. Louisiana Monroe pulled off the first shocker of the season by physically beating up Arkansas' offensive line and then knocking out Tyler Wilson. UCLA, a home underdog, showed Nebraska that the Pac 12 can play physical football as well. The Pac 12 had two other impressive wins. Oregon St. shut down Wisconsin 10-7 and the Arizona schools had good out of conference wins as well. The Pac 12 may have the best conference before the season is over. USC and Stanford Saturday. Savannah St. beat the spread because game was called due to weather. 55-0 would have been 110-0 if they played it out.
The NFL continues to show why they are the kings of sports. A few shocking results as Washington stunned the Saints. Rg3 played like a seasoned pro and guided the Redskin offense to a 40-32 win. He had no turnovers and managed the game like he had done it before. Andrew Luck had to play the Bears defense and found his debut a bit more challenging. All of the rookie qbs except Griffin lost and threw some bad picks. Weeden, Tanneyhill and Luck threw multiple picks that really hurt their team. It is only week one so there will be greater days ahead for all of them.
Peyton Manning looked sharp in his return to the NFL. He few hits but when the Broncos went to a hurry up offense they changed the complexion of the game. Manning got into a groove and they handled the vaunted Steeler defense. The Jets shocked the world by scoring 48 points and looked like a completely different team than we saw in pre-season. Baltimore look stellar getting points from defense and Joe Flacco continuing to show why he is an elite qb. Ugly wins from Philadelphia and Detroit. A win is a win right? The Niners have that look in their eye that they have a special season brewing if they stay healthy. They play amazing defense and have balance on offense. Randy Moss scored a touchdown and they just don't miss field goals. A 63 yard field goal from 85 year old Fred Akers is still jaw dropping. They confused the Packers who have no running game. The game of the year could be New England and San Fransisco later on this year. My super bowl pick the Houston Texans looked sharp in destroying Miami. Cannot wait for week 2..
Chad dawson went down in weight to fight Ward and got slapped around. He was knocked down 3 times and looked sluggish. He is a champion? Not impressed at all by him.
Rory Mcilroy won for the fourth time this year. He held off Tiger, Phil, and Lee Westwood. He is peaking at the right time. The Tour championship and Ryder cup are upon us over the next few weeks. The only reason why I am not gushing about this is that Vijay Singh did the same thing a few years ago and Tiger the next year regained his throne and place in the game. I expect next year he will do the same thing.
Congrats to Jeff Gordon for qualifying for the Sprint cup. Go get em boys..
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Romo or Roddick? who gets it worse
I watched the Cowboys defeat the Giants last night with some Cowboy fans and you would not know that the Cowboys were winning. The one thing I love about having so much useless sports knowledge is that once in a while it becomes useful. They both were ranting after Romo threw his customary interception that led to the Giants first score. I quickly told them that Romo over the last 3 starts against the Giants has thrown for over 900 yards, 9 touchdowns, and only 1 interception in those games prior to last night. He has averaged 30 plus points a game in the losses and has gone toe to toe with Eli Manning. Yes he threw that horrible pass to Austin that may have led the Cowboys on a run to the Super Bowl and not Eli but,he is not the reason they have failed in recent years. Maybe this is his year for redemption. They shrugged off the knowledge and continued to complain about his performance. They even missed his first two touchdown passes afterwards.
Andy Roddick has been killed over the last decade because of the dominance of Federer. He is Patrick Ewing of the tennis world. Yes he has won one major title. Ewing has a college title. (could easily had 3 titles). Patrick Ewings nemesis was of course Micheal Jordan. Ewing was criticized quite heavily for not winning when Jordan retired and was criticized for several playoff failures. Even though no one critcized Ewing's heart or hunger or effort, He just never won. Andy Roddick played with heart, passion, fire, hunger, but no matter what he did, he could beat Federer when it mattered. He played the greatest match I have ever seen in Wimbeldon a couple of years ago against Federer. He did everything anyone imagined that he could do in a match. He played harder than I have ever seen him play. Both he and Ewing were heavily critcized in the media because of the way they answered the same tired questions about why they could not overcome Jordan or Federer. 3 of Roddicks losses in the finals of grand slams were to Federer. He just came out at the wrong time. Hell even the day he loses his final match, Roddick is upstaged when Federer loses to Berdych.
The reason he and Romo are easy to compare is both men come across as men who dont take their professions seriuosly. Micheal Jordan is an adequate golfer but you knew that basketball was his profession. He practiced hard. He played hard. You never questioned his desire or motivation on the court. Yes they tried to when he went to the casino after a playoff game. What they dont tell you is the game after the casino, he scored 37 points. He was still Micheal Jordan. Romo and Roddick are not known for on the field pursuits. People talk about who they are dating more than their performance on the field. Roddick has had his fair share of Hollywood starlets. Romo too. Most people feel that Roddick is more interested in being a showman than a winner. Even though Roddick has 62 titles. Only Federer has more in his era. Even though he has won the second most matches in his era. He was once the Number 1 player in the world. He cannot do enough to please anyone. When lead America to the Davis title, most people thought he was on the verge of something special in his career. His critics will say that he got satisfied and never did enough to be a great like Agassi or Sampras. What people don't talk enough about is he tried everything to beat Federer and maintain top status. He lost weight, served and volleyed, tried to hit his serve harder and softer. Even superman has kryptonite right? Romo gets the same rips because he has no rings and Eli has two. Romo is blamed for collapses in the regular season and the fact that Dallas has only one playoff win since he became starter. Romo has been beaten up in football toughest division for years and no one cares what the excuses are. He didn't play defensive back last year when they collapsed in the fourth quarter 3 times or messed up the Arizona game when the Cowboys made a field goal and iced their own kicker. I believe Romo's arm was in a sling at that time. I remember the botched field goal in Seattle. He dropped the ball. Cowboy fans seem to have this doom is impending attitude when he has the ball in his hands. Last year he and Drew Brees were the only quarterbacks to carve up the vaunted 49er defense. When the Saints were unbeaten in 2009 he proclaimed that they were going to go to New Orleans and beat the Saints ending their unbeaten season. He did. He has more games of brilliance than most but he has not won. Lebron James did not win either till this year. Lebron and Tony Romo were probably in the same boat until this year.
So who is the correct answer? Roddick had people in tears when he retired. If Romo retired today most Cowboy fans would rejoice. The answer clearly is Romo. No Cowboy fan today is proclaiming the Cowboys are the team to beat. They are all saying the same thing. They are saying we will see what happens in Seattle. Can you imagine if Tebow had gone to the Cowboys? That would be must see tv. America will miss Andy Roddick. He carried our flag well for a decade. He has had a good career. He did not win like Agassi, Courier or Sampras, but he had the same burdens that they had. The only difference is that they had each other to lean on. Roddick had no one. Romo is quarterbacking the Dallas Cowboys who had Troy Aikman and the large shadow of Roger Staubach looming over his every performance. A super ring quiets eveyone. Ask Trent Dilfer.....
Andy Roddick has been killed over the last decade because of the dominance of Federer. He is Patrick Ewing of the tennis world. Yes he has won one major title. Ewing has a college title. (could easily had 3 titles). Patrick Ewings nemesis was of course Micheal Jordan. Ewing was criticized quite heavily for not winning when Jordan retired and was criticized for several playoff failures. Even though no one critcized Ewing's heart or hunger or effort, He just never won. Andy Roddick played with heart, passion, fire, hunger, but no matter what he did, he could beat Federer when it mattered. He played the greatest match I have ever seen in Wimbeldon a couple of years ago against Federer. He did everything anyone imagined that he could do in a match. He played harder than I have ever seen him play. Both he and Ewing were heavily critcized in the media because of the way they answered the same tired questions about why they could not overcome Jordan or Federer. 3 of Roddicks losses in the finals of grand slams were to Federer. He just came out at the wrong time. Hell even the day he loses his final match, Roddick is upstaged when Federer loses to Berdych.
The reason he and Romo are easy to compare is both men come across as men who dont take their professions seriuosly. Micheal Jordan is an adequate golfer but you knew that basketball was his profession. He practiced hard. He played hard. You never questioned his desire or motivation on the court. Yes they tried to when he went to the casino after a playoff game. What they dont tell you is the game after the casino, he scored 37 points. He was still Micheal Jordan. Romo and Roddick are not known for on the field pursuits. People talk about who they are dating more than their performance on the field. Roddick has had his fair share of Hollywood starlets. Romo too. Most people feel that Roddick is more interested in being a showman than a winner. Even though Roddick has 62 titles. Only Federer has more in his era. Even though he has won the second most matches in his era. He was once the Number 1 player in the world. He cannot do enough to please anyone. When lead America to the Davis title, most people thought he was on the verge of something special in his career. His critics will say that he got satisfied and never did enough to be a great like Agassi or Sampras. What people don't talk enough about is he tried everything to beat Federer and maintain top status. He lost weight, served and volleyed, tried to hit his serve harder and softer. Even superman has kryptonite right? Romo gets the same rips because he has no rings and Eli has two. Romo is blamed for collapses in the regular season and the fact that Dallas has only one playoff win since he became starter. Romo has been beaten up in football toughest division for years and no one cares what the excuses are. He didn't play defensive back last year when they collapsed in the fourth quarter 3 times or messed up the Arizona game when the Cowboys made a field goal and iced their own kicker. I believe Romo's arm was in a sling at that time. I remember the botched field goal in Seattle. He dropped the ball. Cowboy fans seem to have this doom is impending attitude when he has the ball in his hands. Last year he and Drew Brees were the only quarterbacks to carve up the vaunted 49er defense. When the Saints were unbeaten in 2009 he proclaimed that they were going to go to New Orleans and beat the Saints ending their unbeaten season. He did. He has more games of brilliance than most but he has not won. Lebron James did not win either till this year. Lebron and Tony Romo were probably in the same boat until this year.
So who is the correct answer? Roddick had people in tears when he retired. If Romo retired today most Cowboy fans would rejoice. The answer clearly is Romo. No Cowboy fan today is proclaiming the Cowboys are the team to beat. They are all saying the same thing. They are saying we will see what happens in Seattle. Can you imagine if Tebow had gone to the Cowboys? That would be must see tv. America will miss Andy Roddick. He carried our flag well for a decade. He has had a good career. He did not win like Agassi, Courier or Sampras, but he had the same burdens that they had. The only difference is that they had each other to lean on. Roddick had no one. Romo is quarterbacking the Dallas Cowboys who had Troy Aikman and the large shadow of Roger Staubach looming over his every performance. A super ring quiets eveyone. Ask Trent Dilfer.....
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Who has the best opening day?
Who has the best opening day in sports? NFL? MLB? NBA? NHL? What about Golf? Nascar opens its season with its biggest race. The Daytona 500 is the Super Bowl of NASCAR. Fox begins promoting that race in December to remind people of how important the race is. In fact the race is a career definer. Dale Earnhardt raced there over 20 times before he got his one and only win and of course that is the place he lost his life. Golf starts the year with a tournament honoring all of the winners of the events from the previous year in Hawaii. There are 35 events or so and the only people invited to play are the winners from last year. There have been some epic battles over there. Tiger and Ernie is still etched in my mind when Tiger was at his best and so was Ernie. Tennis has some warm up tournaments before the Australian Open kicks of their season. Can't beat being in a warm climate to start a season.
College football and College basketball have unique ways of starting their seasons too. In College football some teams play a winner take all game that could either vault them into national prominence or play a cupcake that helps them work on their offense and defense. For example Michigan playing Alabama was a launch pad game for both. Alabama is now the number 1 team in the land because of its dominance. Oklahoma State defeated Savannah St. 84-0. What could they truly learn ina game like that. Savannah St. took the money and ran. They next play Florida St. for another payday. They need the money because money makes the world go round in all sports right? In College basketball some teams play exhibitions to figure out starting lineups but then play in tournaments to get ready for their conference season. Some tournaments are springboards to a great season and some dont have an affect on a season at all. UCONN won the Maui in 2011 and that launched Kimba Walker as a star and eventual national champion later that season. Duke won the Maui last season and even beat national runner up Kansas in the final, but it meant very little for their regular season. Still just hear Dick Vitale getting excited or hearing Brent Musberger say " You are Looking Live" gets the hair standing on my neck.
The Big Four sports try to turn their opening nights into an event. They invite the hottest and most popular acts to perform before the games or after. They have fireworks and make the entire game an event. The NFL and NBA try to put out marquee matchups that will make people want to watch because of the importance of the games. Tonight for example, the Giants and Cowboys game is extremely important for both teams. They are in the same division and any edge to the victor is immense. Baseball and Hockey have long seasons and the opening night matchup is more about seeing who is fresh and new than setting a tone for a season. Baseball has the full pageantry of parades and bunting around the stadium. John Madden used to go nuts over how jealous he was that baseball makes opening day a celebration of the sport. Football has caught on because of the times we live in. They honor true heroes in the military or law enforcement and celebrate America's freedom in being able to play these sports because of the sacrifice made by these men and women. Hockey is Canada's game so i appreciate what they do in the Canadien cities.
So what is the answer? The answer for me is Football. Because baseball, basketball and hockey have so many more games the first game is not as significant as the first game in the NFL. The NFL has lately spared no expense in putting on a show three hours before games to make the fan experience amazing. The games may be so great but it is probably the only time all season a bad team has an actual chance of stealing a game because of pre season football rust. The ring ceremony in the defending champions stadium inspires performance. The ring ceremonies in the other sports are long and tedious. We are know the affect of seeing the trophy being brought on the field. I know the season is 17 weeks long in the NFL but every loss is magnified. Teams are jockeying for playoff positions from the beginning of the year. Think about how last year finished in the AFC. There were 6 teams still vying for a playoff spot on the last day of the season because of random losses that teams suffered to teams with similar records. Three teams from the AFC North made the playoffs last year because they beat up on teams outside of their conference. The NFL is King for a reason!!!
College football and College basketball have unique ways of starting their seasons too. In College football some teams play a winner take all game that could either vault them into national prominence or play a cupcake that helps them work on their offense and defense. For example Michigan playing Alabama was a launch pad game for both. Alabama is now the number 1 team in the land because of its dominance. Oklahoma State defeated Savannah St. 84-0. What could they truly learn ina game like that. Savannah St. took the money and ran. They next play Florida St. for another payday. They need the money because money makes the world go round in all sports right? In College basketball some teams play exhibitions to figure out starting lineups but then play in tournaments to get ready for their conference season. Some tournaments are springboards to a great season and some dont have an affect on a season at all. UCONN won the Maui in 2011 and that launched Kimba Walker as a star and eventual national champion later that season. Duke won the Maui last season and even beat national runner up Kansas in the final, but it meant very little for their regular season. Still just hear Dick Vitale getting excited or hearing Brent Musberger say " You are Looking Live" gets the hair standing on my neck.
The Big Four sports try to turn their opening nights into an event. They invite the hottest and most popular acts to perform before the games or after. They have fireworks and make the entire game an event. The NFL and NBA try to put out marquee matchups that will make people want to watch because of the importance of the games. Tonight for example, the Giants and Cowboys game is extremely important for both teams. They are in the same division and any edge to the victor is immense. Baseball and Hockey have long seasons and the opening night matchup is more about seeing who is fresh and new than setting a tone for a season. Baseball has the full pageantry of parades and bunting around the stadium. John Madden used to go nuts over how jealous he was that baseball makes opening day a celebration of the sport. Football has caught on because of the times we live in. They honor true heroes in the military or law enforcement and celebrate America's freedom in being able to play these sports because of the sacrifice made by these men and women. Hockey is Canada's game so i appreciate what they do in the Canadien cities.
So what is the answer? The answer for me is Football. Because baseball, basketball and hockey have so many more games the first game is not as significant as the first game in the NFL. The NFL has lately spared no expense in putting on a show three hours before games to make the fan experience amazing. The games may be so great but it is probably the only time all season a bad team has an actual chance of stealing a game because of pre season football rust. The ring ceremony in the defending champions stadium inspires performance. The ring ceremonies in the other sports are long and tedious. We are know the affect of seeing the trophy being brought on the field. I know the season is 17 weeks long in the NFL but every loss is magnified. Teams are jockeying for playoff positions from the beginning of the year. Think about how last year finished in the AFC. There were 6 teams still vying for a playoff spot on the last day of the season because of random losses that teams suffered to teams with similar records. Three teams from the AFC North made the playoffs last year because they beat up on teams outside of their conference. The NFL is King for a reason!!!
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
My favorite month of the year is September..
September 1st is New Years day to me. I feel like the fall months of the calendar year is a time for rejuvenation and rebirth. Enough of that nonsense, the reason why I love September is that College football and pro football commence, MLB pennant races heat up, U.S. Open tennis, and usually there is a great fight to watch. The Nascar season winds down as the NHL gets started. I cannot get enough of sports as you all know and if I had multiple televisons where i stay I would have a game on every channel. This September is no exception. The college football season got off to a crazy start with blowouts, shocking results and Alabama showing us what a defending champ is supposed to do ona neutral field. USC won as well and they really need to get to the title game and save college football. We cannot have a seventh year in a row with a champion coming from the same conference.. It hurts college football because there is no growth in the game. USC plays a completely different style of football than most of the SEC teams and their style of football translates better at the professional level. Every year we keep hearing about pro teams wanting quarterbacks who can run and throw but at the end of each season, the Super bowl champ has quarterback that is pocket passer who can read coverages and pick defenses apart. In fact only Steve Young and Aaron Rodgers who could also pocket pass well, have won super bowls. Both of those qb's run well and could move out of the pocket. Big Ben moves well in the pocket but he is not considered a running quarterback. If you look at SEC football most of the teams run a a form of the Florida Gator offense from the shotgun and depend on their quarterbacks to either run or pass. Geogia and Alabama this year have gone back to a little more traditional offense so they may be the exception. Most of the nation runs that Florida offense. The big difference between the SEC and the rest of the nation is the physical play on the defensive line. When you dont have a fullback to help you block because you are in the shotgun single back set, your plays get blown up in the backfield. Michigan could not get out of the backfield. Alabama and LSU make you play physical football and most schools do not have the schemes to handle these behemoths one on one. So I am rooting harder than i ever to try to get a USC vs. SEC champ title game. Oklahoma showed me nothing on Saturday against UTEP.
The NFL starts with the Cowboys and Giants on Wedsnesday and the Cowboys are banged up and really don't know what to expect. This season will either be a coming out party for new eleite teams or the same stuff different day. I like Houston alot. They have a soft schedule and a team that has a lot build on. Foster, Johnson, Schaub,Daniels have to stay healthy on offense. Wade Phillips has a fast defense who are hungry for a title. The Patriots have the easiest schedule and would crave another shot at the Giants to give Brady his 4th ring. The NFC is loaded. At least 6 teams have the ability to win the title. Packers, Giants, Niners, Saints, Eagles, Falcons, Bears, Lions, Cowboys can win in anyone's stadiums at any time if healthy. Should a wacky season.
The pennant chase in baseball has just gotten interesting. The Yankees are bailing water off of their ship. They are so beat up and hope that returning star players like Arod and Andy Pettite will give them the boost to rejuvenate their season. The Orioles are for real and the Rays have the best pitching. The Angels spent alot of money to get to the post season and succeed. This series with Oakland will is important because they must take care of head to head games in order to gain ground. The Tigers and White Sox just played an epic series where the Tigers earned a sweep. Detroit has the veteran players to get this done based on pitching. The White sox can hit homeruns but can they play to outscore their opponents or out pitch them? The National League the intrigue is just as high. The Dodgers created a Yankee style payroll to win now. They lose to too many bad teams though and I dont think they can get it done. Billingsley was their hottest pitcher and he may be shelved for the season if shot in the arm does not work. Kemp needs to find April's magic and lead this team to the promise land. Nationals are shutting down Strasburg and seemed poised to stay at top of N.L. east. Chipper Jones final month as a Brave will make it interesting as the Braves don't want him to go out a loser. After what happened last year, the Braves are going to make every team earn 27 outs. The Reds are the real deal and if the game goes to bullpen, the game is over. Chapman is a beast. Can you imagine facing a guy who throws 105 miles an hour in cold weather? Ouch babe..
U.S. open tennis is in its final week and Serena and Maria are on a collision course. So are Federer and Djokovic. Andy Roddicks surprise retirement announcement has buoyed ratings but tonight could be his demise. DelPotro hits a big ball and can overpower most opponents. Andy must serve well and steal a few concentration lapse games from Del Potro in order to advance. I will blog about Roddick later this week. Tennis lost Kim Clijsters last week as the young Brit robson showed some flashes of brilliance. Robson also defeated Li Na. Also there are two italian women playing in the quarters for the first time at the U.S. open. Serena is lurking in their quarter if she beat Ivanovic and after winnin 6-0 6-0, in her last match she is driven to reclaim America's prize.
Chad Dawson wants to be a star in boxing, but his fights leave you not wanting to see him fight anymore. He beat Hopkins in an unspired performance but Hopkins is like 50. Sergio Martinez and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. are about to get it on soon as well and we shall see who is the pound for pound best middleweight is. Martinez is the gold standard but Chavez, Jr. is unbeaten and has grown up right in front of out eyes. Also Jones and Machida will be explosive in MMA. I know everyone wanted Jones to fight Sonnen but this fight will have some great moments.
Denny Hamlins win last week gave him four for the season and he wants this title real bad. The story is whether or not Jeff Gordon or Kyle Busch qualify for the playoffs. This weekend in Texas will be exciting. Gordon had the car last week to win but could not catch Hamlin on the last lap after the restart. Busch has had a quiet season. Normally right now he has had a few wins and has ticked off some other drivers.
Did I mention Golf? The Ryder Cup is in America this time around and Hunter Nahan wants revenge. Mcilroy is number 1 in the world but Tiger is starting to re discover his form on the weekends. Yesterdays perfomance on the final will give him a ton to build on as the season ends. Both are now vying for player of the year honors. Two events left for the Fedex cup.
I COULD TALK ABOUT MORE..
HOCKEY WILL DIE if THEY LOCKOUT THE PLAYERS...
NOW YOU KNOW WHY I lOVE September?
The NFL starts with the Cowboys and Giants on Wedsnesday and the Cowboys are banged up and really don't know what to expect. This season will either be a coming out party for new eleite teams or the same stuff different day. I like Houston alot. They have a soft schedule and a team that has a lot build on. Foster, Johnson, Schaub,Daniels have to stay healthy on offense. Wade Phillips has a fast defense who are hungry for a title. The Patriots have the easiest schedule and would crave another shot at the Giants to give Brady his 4th ring. The NFC is loaded. At least 6 teams have the ability to win the title. Packers, Giants, Niners, Saints, Eagles, Falcons, Bears, Lions, Cowboys can win in anyone's stadiums at any time if healthy. Should a wacky season.
The pennant chase in baseball has just gotten interesting. The Yankees are bailing water off of their ship. They are so beat up and hope that returning star players like Arod and Andy Pettite will give them the boost to rejuvenate their season. The Orioles are for real and the Rays have the best pitching. The Angels spent alot of money to get to the post season and succeed. This series with Oakland will is important because they must take care of head to head games in order to gain ground. The Tigers and White Sox just played an epic series where the Tigers earned a sweep. Detroit has the veteran players to get this done based on pitching. The White sox can hit homeruns but can they play to outscore their opponents or out pitch them? The National League the intrigue is just as high. The Dodgers created a Yankee style payroll to win now. They lose to too many bad teams though and I dont think they can get it done. Billingsley was their hottest pitcher and he may be shelved for the season if shot in the arm does not work. Kemp needs to find April's magic and lead this team to the promise land. Nationals are shutting down Strasburg and seemed poised to stay at top of N.L. east. Chipper Jones final month as a Brave will make it interesting as the Braves don't want him to go out a loser. After what happened last year, the Braves are going to make every team earn 27 outs. The Reds are the real deal and if the game goes to bullpen, the game is over. Chapman is a beast. Can you imagine facing a guy who throws 105 miles an hour in cold weather? Ouch babe..
U.S. open tennis is in its final week and Serena and Maria are on a collision course. So are Federer and Djokovic. Andy Roddicks surprise retirement announcement has buoyed ratings but tonight could be his demise. DelPotro hits a big ball and can overpower most opponents. Andy must serve well and steal a few concentration lapse games from Del Potro in order to advance. I will blog about Roddick later this week. Tennis lost Kim Clijsters last week as the young Brit robson showed some flashes of brilliance. Robson also defeated Li Na. Also there are two italian women playing in the quarters for the first time at the U.S. open. Serena is lurking in their quarter if she beat Ivanovic and after winnin 6-0 6-0, in her last match she is driven to reclaim America's prize.
Chad Dawson wants to be a star in boxing, but his fights leave you not wanting to see him fight anymore. He beat Hopkins in an unspired performance but Hopkins is like 50. Sergio Martinez and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. are about to get it on soon as well and we shall see who is the pound for pound best middleweight is. Martinez is the gold standard but Chavez, Jr. is unbeaten and has grown up right in front of out eyes. Also Jones and Machida will be explosive in MMA. I know everyone wanted Jones to fight Sonnen but this fight will have some great moments.
Denny Hamlins win last week gave him four for the season and he wants this title real bad. The story is whether or not Jeff Gordon or Kyle Busch qualify for the playoffs. This weekend in Texas will be exciting. Gordon had the car last week to win but could not catch Hamlin on the last lap after the restart. Busch has had a quiet season. Normally right now he has had a few wins and has ticked off some other drivers.
Did I mention Golf? The Ryder Cup is in America this time around and Hunter Nahan wants revenge. Mcilroy is number 1 in the world but Tiger is starting to re discover his form on the weekends. Yesterdays perfomance on the final will give him a ton to build on as the season ends. Both are now vying for player of the year honors. Two events left for the Fedex cup.
I COULD TALK ABOUT MORE..
HOCKEY WILL DIE if THEY LOCKOUT THE PLAYERS...
NOW YOU KNOW WHY I lOVE September?
Thursday, August 30, 2012
My final football post of the pre season..
So lets finish the discussion about football before thegames begin in both College and the NFL. They stories in College are extremely intriguing. What kind of season will Penn St. have? They will be the most scrutinized team this year and now the story wont go away. I blogged how disappointed I was that the school did not fight for their rights, and now the members of the trustees are finally stepping up and in. It is bad for the school because everyone just wants to sweep the situation under the "football rug". The school is uniting in all sports to show that Penn St. has moved forward and cannot control what happens off the field. The students make the University and hopefull this fall they will represent their families, friends, and themselves with class and dignity. I feel for the victims, but no one can fix what happened. Good Luck Penn St.
Another story is several college athletes came back to college for one more year for a chance at a title. Matt Barkeley would have been a first round pick. Montee Ball and Landry Jones too. They have the world on their shoulders this season and relish the opportunity to get it done this fall. Expectations are extremely high at those Universities this fall. Tyrann Matthieu came back as well but addiction has ruined his college career. It is tragic and hopefully he will get the help he needs.
Speaking of the SEC will they win another BCS title? Georgia, is joining the fray this year as they have the quarterback in Murray to compete with the big boys. If South Carolina can control their turnover problems of years past they will be their as well. USC, Clemson, Michigan, Oklahoma, Oregon feel like they have enough to end the run of the SEC. Florida St. and Virginia Tech always possess potent defenses and good enough players to play with the SEC schools. I think the reign comes to an end this year.
I think the title game will be USC and Oklahoma. Bama and LSU have a lot of unanswered questions on both sides of the ball. They are both giving way too many new players an opportunity to be great this year. Look out next year though..
Denard Robinson will win the Heisman. He will combine for more than 50 touchdowns this year. Geno Smith in West Virginia may as well. West Virginia is a sleep team to win the title as well. they have a sick offense coming back. They scored 70 points in a bowl game last year and were just in year 1 of learning the offense of the new coaching staff. I cannot wait to see how it unfolds..
How about teams changing leagues just to make more money and a chance toplay for a title. Texas A&M in the SEC. Boise St. to the Big East. Missouri in the SEC. Just to name a few. Doesn't Pittsburgh, Syracuse move to the ACC soon? How about new coaches at schools? Charlie Weiss in Kansas? Kevin Sumlin in Texas A&M. Mike Leach at WSU? Bill Obrien at Penn St.? Urban Meyer at Ohio St.? Who will win more games? Ohio St. has sanctions coming. Can Texas rebound from last years meltdown? Notre Dame is playing the most brutal schedule I have ever seen. No cupcakes anywhere. They start the year in Ireland against Navy and then all breaks loose with their schedule.
In the NFL.. I gave you my predictions of who will win the divisions. I think New England, Baltimore, Houston, and Denver should prevail in AFC with Pittsburgh and San Diego making the playoffs. I think that Houston and New England will play for AFC title and Houston will emerge as champion. Houston has the defense and schedule to be really good this year. Home field advantage will be their launching pad to the Super Bowl.
I think Andrew Luck will be AFC rookie of the year and will not disappoint.
The NFC I think that the Niners, Giants, Packers, Saints win divisions. I think Philly and Chicago get wild cards. I am wavering on the wild card picks because Atlanta is very good. Detroit is as well. I just think Atlanta has the wrong success model. They keep bringing in the wrong veteran players. Asante Samuel has been on three teams now in the last five years because he cannot cover like he believes he can. The Falcons can score with anyone. can they stop anyone? Detroit needs a running game to gurantee that Stafford will be on the field this year for 16 games. He showed last year that if healthy he can put up huge numbers and be a superstar. I think that their defense is one year away from greatness but off the field matters will haunt this team. This team will be great in 2013 mark my word. Maturity wins titles. They will be forced to grow up pretty quickly. The NFC is much better than the AFC this year. There are more teams that have playoff ability in that conference. Dallas is better than most AFC teams and will be at home watching the post season. I already mentioned Atlanta and Detroit. Carolina is up and coming and Seattle will be a pleasant surprise. The final two in the NFC will be Green Bay v New Orleans. New Orleans will become the first team to host the super bowl.
The referee lockout is a disgrace to the league. The NFL make 9 billion dollars a year and they do not want give a raise to the men who give the games its integrity? The replacement refs will do a good enough job that wont cause a calamity, but why risk it? Yes every week we hear the pundits criticzie the refs for blown calls and it repercussions for teams, coaches and players. I understand that noone is perfect but at least we kindof understand when a ref misses a call. We dont understand when a ref misses a basic rule. the replacement refs had a game this preseason where they thought the 4 yard line was the end zone line. They marked a penalty 11 yards that was to be 15 or cannot explain why a call was made to the audience. They have even faced the wrong way talking to the camera. I wonder what is going to happen if in week 1 the Niners play Green Bay and blown call gives the game to one team and they lose out on homefield advantage 15 weeks down the road. A hefty price to pay when the refs are only asking to be compensated because everyone else involved in football is getting raises. We hope the best even though we know this is going to be ugly..
My super bowl of Houston and New Orleans will be fun to bet on and attend. The Saints will win and tell the league to kiss their *** when they are praising Sean Payton for organizing such a fine team. Brees is your M.V.P. .. Let the games begin
Another story is several college athletes came back to college for one more year for a chance at a title. Matt Barkeley would have been a first round pick. Montee Ball and Landry Jones too. They have the world on their shoulders this season and relish the opportunity to get it done this fall. Expectations are extremely high at those Universities this fall. Tyrann Matthieu came back as well but addiction has ruined his college career. It is tragic and hopefully he will get the help he needs.
Speaking of the SEC will they win another BCS title? Georgia, is joining the fray this year as they have the quarterback in Murray to compete with the big boys. If South Carolina can control their turnover problems of years past they will be their as well. USC, Clemson, Michigan, Oklahoma, Oregon feel like they have enough to end the run of the SEC. Florida St. and Virginia Tech always possess potent defenses and good enough players to play with the SEC schools. I think the reign comes to an end this year.
I think the title game will be USC and Oklahoma. Bama and LSU have a lot of unanswered questions on both sides of the ball. They are both giving way too many new players an opportunity to be great this year. Look out next year though..
Denard Robinson will win the Heisman. He will combine for more than 50 touchdowns this year. Geno Smith in West Virginia may as well. West Virginia is a sleep team to win the title as well. they have a sick offense coming back. They scored 70 points in a bowl game last year and were just in year 1 of learning the offense of the new coaching staff. I cannot wait to see how it unfolds..
How about teams changing leagues just to make more money and a chance toplay for a title. Texas A&M in the SEC. Boise St. to the Big East. Missouri in the SEC. Just to name a few. Doesn't Pittsburgh, Syracuse move to the ACC soon? How about new coaches at schools? Charlie Weiss in Kansas? Kevin Sumlin in Texas A&M. Mike Leach at WSU? Bill Obrien at Penn St.? Urban Meyer at Ohio St.? Who will win more games? Ohio St. has sanctions coming. Can Texas rebound from last years meltdown? Notre Dame is playing the most brutal schedule I have ever seen. No cupcakes anywhere. They start the year in Ireland against Navy and then all breaks loose with their schedule.
In the NFL.. I gave you my predictions of who will win the divisions. I think New England, Baltimore, Houston, and Denver should prevail in AFC with Pittsburgh and San Diego making the playoffs. I think that Houston and New England will play for AFC title and Houston will emerge as champion. Houston has the defense and schedule to be really good this year. Home field advantage will be their launching pad to the Super Bowl.
I think Andrew Luck will be AFC rookie of the year and will not disappoint.
The NFC I think that the Niners, Giants, Packers, Saints win divisions. I think Philly and Chicago get wild cards. I am wavering on the wild card picks because Atlanta is very good. Detroit is as well. I just think Atlanta has the wrong success model. They keep bringing in the wrong veteran players. Asante Samuel has been on three teams now in the last five years because he cannot cover like he believes he can. The Falcons can score with anyone. can they stop anyone? Detroit needs a running game to gurantee that Stafford will be on the field this year for 16 games. He showed last year that if healthy he can put up huge numbers and be a superstar. I think that their defense is one year away from greatness but off the field matters will haunt this team. This team will be great in 2013 mark my word. Maturity wins titles. They will be forced to grow up pretty quickly. The NFC is much better than the AFC this year. There are more teams that have playoff ability in that conference. Dallas is better than most AFC teams and will be at home watching the post season. I already mentioned Atlanta and Detroit. Carolina is up and coming and Seattle will be a pleasant surprise. The final two in the NFC will be Green Bay v New Orleans. New Orleans will become the first team to host the super bowl.
The referee lockout is a disgrace to the league. The NFL make 9 billion dollars a year and they do not want give a raise to the men who give the games its integrity? The replacement refs will do a good enough job that wont cause a calamity, but why risk it? Yes every week we hear the pundits criticzie the refs for blown calls and it repercussions for teams, coaches and players. I understand that noone is perfect but at least we kindof understand when a ref misses a call. We dont understand when a ref misses a basic rule. the replacement refs had a game this preseason where they thought the 4 yard line was the end zone line. They marked a penalty 11 yards that was to be 15 or cannot explain why a call was made to the audience. They have even faced the wrong way talking to the camera. I wonder what is going to happen if in week 1 the Niners play Green Bay and blown call gives the game to one team and they lose out on homefield advantage 15 weeks down the road. A hefty price to pay when the refs are only asking to be compensated because everyone else involved in football is getting raises. We hope the best even though we know this is going to be ugly..
My super bowl of Houston and New Orleans will be fun to bet on and attend. The Saints will win and tell the league to kiss their *** when they are praising Sean Payton for organizing such a fine team. Brees is your M.V.P. .. Let the games begin
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
The final two divisions are..Afc North and NFC East
I am sorry that is has been a while since my last post. Life truly is a blessing, but extremely difficult to maintain. I realize that most people will disagree that the two best divisions in football are the NFC East and the AFC north. I think that the NFC north is quite good. The Packers, Bears, and Lions have a shot to go to the big game and really make noise in the NFC. The AFC West could be good as well, but we don't know what we are going to get from those teams. The Chiefs have a lot of people coming back, the Chargers are trying to build new chemistry, the Raiders have a new coach and Carson Palmer throws way too many interceptions, and then there is Peyton Manning. He looked brilliant in his last pre- season game. Too many questions and not enough answers. The NFC east is loaded (when healthy). The Giants are the defending Super Bowl Champs and they look to prove that last year was not a case of catching lightning in a bottle. The Eagles have stars everywhere. So do the Cowboys. The Redskins are looking forward to a fresh start. The AFC north is solid with the Steelers, Ravens, and Bengals who all played in the post season last year. The Browns. like the Redskins are starting a new quarterback, and have high hopes for an improved season. lets analyze shall we.
The AFC North could have had the SuperBowl representative last year if it had not been for a dropped pass and a missed chip shot field goal. Joe Flacco says he is an elite qb, and it is hard to to disagree since he has been in the post season every year of his career. He may not be flashy as Brady or Brees and yes he has had brain cramps with horrid performances( see Jacksonville game last year). He does not have to do much. He has a quality running game with Ray Rice. He has quality receivers to throw to. Anquan Boldin is a matchup nightmare. The defense is getting a bit older and that may be the liability this season. Terrell Suggs is out for a while with an injury and he is not someone easily to replace. Ed Reed is unhappy with contract situation but he will perform. This teams' only weakness may be covering receivers in this new pass happy league. Could be a big year for this team if Flacco lives up to his own hype. Eli said the same thing last year and won his second ring..
The Pittsburgh Steelers too are dealing with injuries and angry players. Mike Wallace returned to the team finally. The Steelers have a new offensive coordnator so Wallace is going to need some time to get in to football shape and learn the new plays. The Steelers like the Ravens are smarting from a post season loss that no one still can believe happen. The Steelers always seem to find a new defensive stud and discover a running back to replace one from the previous year who is hurt or traded away. This team will start the year without a couple of key cogs in Harrison and Mendenhall. What I love about the Steelers is that they make no excuses and just play. I expect no less this season. I don't see glory this year but they will be heard from from every corner of the planet.
The Bengals shocked the world last year and made the post season with a rookie qb. They can really play some defense and coach Zimmer can really inspire. Adding Terrence Newman may not be wise but maybe he can reinvent Newman he could be the piece that pushes them ahead of the Steelers. NOT!!!! They let Cedric Benson go. Why? He was an off field catastrophe we all no that but on the field he was a security blanket for Dalton. Who does he turn to now? A.J. Green is quite good but still raw. This team will be in every game they play this year. You are going to have to play 4 physical quarters of football to beat them. Without a running game though, they may take a step backwards.They do every other year. Check out their recent history..
The Browns have a lot to look forward to. They have two young quarterbacks who can play and are tough. They drafted Richardson who is really tough. They need help everywhere else. They have young raw players all over the field. They have no receivers worth a darn. They have a rugged tough linebacking core but their secondary couldnt cover me. They have a new owner. thats a bout it.. Cleveland Brown football this year will be a year of wait and see. Josh Cribbs may be enough for me to watch.
The NFC East will be scrutinzed and watch as ever. The Philadelphia Eagles seem to be the trendy pick. Why? Yes on offense they have a dynamic duo at receiver, a running game that gashes you at least once a game. They have a tight end who can it all. The defense is out to prove that last year was a fluke and that the last four games last year are who they really are. They had a guy almost break the sack record and I am sure NNamdi wants to prove he is worth all of the money spent on him. The key for the Eagles this and every year is the quarterback. Mike Vick has to stay healthy for 16 games. If he does the Eagles go to the big game. If he doesn't Andy Reid will be fired..
The Dallas Cowboys are another trendy pick. They have a solid running game. A game breaking receiver and tight end. A super stud defensive end who wreaks havoc everywhere. They backup players who are as talented as most starters. The word that has to describe the Cowboys is Soft. They are the most injured talent laden team I have ever seen. Felix Jones always hurt, Miles Austin always hurt, Tony Romo always hurt, Dez Bryant hurt or in trouble with the law. They have no secondary whatsoever. They got torched by every team in the league last year. This year, the drafted Claiborne to replace Newman and he is raw. Mike Jenkins is too small. I don't know why we talk about this team so much. They really are all fluff no substance..
The Redskins drafted Robert Griffin III and veryone is all excited that they may have found their qb of the future. He had a prolific college career but never really won any significant games. Yes he can run and he is wicked fast. He is truly going to have to be because he is going ot be running for his life in this league and division. The Giants, Eagles, and Cowboys are licking their chops at the opportunity to smash mr. Griffin. The Redskins have a good line but need a running game to help Griffin. They 4 backs but none of them are anything special. Helu and Hightower can go the distance against anyone, Torrain is tough. When you have 4 backs that means you have none right? Defensively they will be great one week, but can't stop anyone the next. The swept the Giants last year quite easily. No one know what to expect. The redskins hope for improvement.
The Giants are my team and I am disgusted with how the world has thrown them under a bridge as a lucky team. I have never heard of a team that gets no credit for winning a title. they literlly had to win 6 games in a row against playoff quality teams and palyoff teams to get the big prize and they did. Eli Manning is crafting a Hall of Fame career and the Giants are out to prove that last year was no fluke. Defensively they will be better. They have several d-linemen who fill the roles needed to make them a title contender again. Yes they lost Manningham and Jacobs on offense but they believe in Barden and Ware to replace those pieces, The Giants are hungry to knock the Jets off the back page. I expect great things this year.
AFC North: Ravens 12-4, Steelers 10-6, Bengals 7-9, Browns 4-12
NFC East: Giants: 11-5, Eagles 10-6, Cowboys 9-7, Redskins 6-10
Player To watch AFC North: Joe Flacco.. It is your time to shine
Player to watch NFC East: Mike VIck: If you are Haelthy for regular season, could be special year.
The AFC North could have had the SuperBowl representative last year if it had not been for a dropped pass and a missed chip shot field goal. Joe Flacco says he is an elite qb, and it is hard to to disagree since he has been in the post season every year of his career. He may not be flashy as Brady or Brees and yes he has had brain cramps with horrid performances( see Jacksonville game last year). He does not have to do much. He has a quality running game with Ray Rice. He has quality receivers to throw to. Anquan Boldin is a matchup nightmare. The defense is getting a bit older and that may be the liability this season. Terrell Suggs is out for a while with an injury and he is not someone easily to replace. Ed Reed is unhappy with contract situation but he will perform. This teams' only weakness may be covering receivers in this new pass happy league. Could be a big year for this team if Flacco lives up to his own hype. Eli said the same thing last year and won his second ring..
The Pittsburgh Steelers too are dealing with injuries and angry players. Mike Wallace returned to the team finally. The Steelers have a new offensive coordnator so Wallace is going to need some time to get in to football shape and learn the new plays. The Steelers like the Ravens are smarting from a post season loss that no one still can believe happen. The Steelers always seem to find a new defensive stud and discover a running back to replace one from the previous year who is hurt or traded away. This team will start the year without a couple of key cogs in Harrison and Mendenhall. What I love about the Steelers is that they make no excuses and just play. I expect no less this season. I don't see glory this year but they will be heard from from every corner of the planet.
The Bengals shocked the world last year and made the post season with a rookie qb. They can really play some defense and coach Zimmer can really inspire. Adding Terrence Newman may not be wise but maybe he can reinvent Newman he could be the piece that pushes them ahead of the Steelers. NOT!!!! They let Cedric Benson go. Why? He was an off field catastrophe we all no that but on the field he was a security blanket for Dalton. Who does he turn to now? A.J. Green is quite good but still raw. This team will be in every game they play this year. You are going to have to play 4 physical quarters of football to beat them. Without a running game though, they may take a step backwards.They do every other year. Check out their recent history..
The Browns have a lot to look forward to. They have two young quarterbacks who can play and are tough. They drafted Richardson who is really tough. They need help everywhere else. They have young raw players all over the field. They have no receivers worth a darn. They have a rugged tough linebacking core but their secondary couldnt cover me. They have a new owner. thats a bout it.. Cleveland Brown football this year will be a year of wait and see. Josh Cribbs may be enough for me to watch.
The NFC East will be scrutinzed and watch as ever. The Philadelphia Eagles seem to be the trendy pick. Why? Yes on offense they have a dynamic duo at receiver, a running game that gashes you at least once a game. They have a tight end who can it all. The defense is out to prove that last year was a fluke and that the last four games last year are who they really are. They had a guy almost break the sack record and I am sure NNamdi wants to prove he is worth all of the money spent on him. The key for the Eagles this and every year is the quarterback. Mike Vick has to stay healthy for 16 games. If he does the Eagles go to the big game. If he doesn't Andy Reid will be fired..
The Dallas Cowboys are another trendy pick. They have a solid running game. A game breaking receiver and tight end. A super stud defensive end who wreaks havoc everywhere. They backup players who are as talented as most starters. The word that has to describe the Cowboys is Soft. They are the most injured talent laden team I have ever seen. Felix Jones always hurt, Miles Austin always hurt, Tony Romo always hurt, Dez Bryant hurt or in trouble with the law. They have no secondary whatsoever. They got torched by every team in the league last year. This year, the drafted Claiborne to replace Newman and he is raw. Mike Jenkins is too small. I don't know why we talk about this team so much. They really are all fluff no substance..
The Redskins drafted Robert Griffin III and veryone is all excited that they may have found their qb of the future. He had a prolific college career but never really won any significant games. Yes he can run and he is wicked fast. He is truly going to have to be because he is going ot be running for his life in this league and division. The Giants, Eagles, and Cowboys are licking their chops at the opportunity to smash mr. Griffin. The Redskins have a good line but need a running game to help Griffin. They 4 backs but none of them are anything special. Helu and Hightower can go the distance against anyone, Torrain is tough. When you have 4 backs that means you have none right? Defensively they will be great one week, but can't stop anyone the next. The swept the Giants last year quite easily. No one know what to expect. The redskins hope for improvement.
The Giants are my team and I am disgusted with how the world has thrown them under a bridge as a lucky team. I have never heard of a team that gets no credit for winning a title. they literlly had to win 6 games in a row against playoff quality teams and palyoff teams to get the big prize and they did. Eli Manning is crafting a Hall of Fame career and the Giants are out to prove that last year was no fluke. Defensively they will be better. They have several d-linemen who fill the roles needed to make them a title contender again. Yes they lost Manningham and Jacobs on offense but they believe in Barden and Ware to replace those pieces, The Giants are hungry to knock the Jets off the back page. I expect great things this year.
AFC North: Ravens 12-4, Steelers 10-6, Bengals 7-9, Browns 4-12
NFC East: Giants: 11-5, Eagles 10-6, Cowboys 9-7, Redskins 6-10
Player To watch AFC North: Joe Flacco.. It is your time to shine
Player to watch NFC East: Mike VIck: If you are Haelthy for regular season, could be special year.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
The next set of divisions are the Nfc North and afc west
I usually save the NFC east for last because my favorite team plays there so I will preview the North in NFC and West of the AFC. These two divisions have the most uncertainty of allof the divisions and they have probably the most talent. The North in NFC has the reigning M.V.P. in Rodgers, 5000 yard passer in Stafford, Cutler and Marshall back as a tandem. The AFC west has Peyton Manning, Phillip Rivers, Carson Palmer and Matt Cassell back from injury. How do you pick a favorite in the AFC west and how do you keep the Bears and Lions out of the playoffs? Lets dive in..
The NFC north is loaded on both sides of the ball. The defending divisional champs the Packers are angry because of last years collapse. They go 15-1 during the regular season and was poised to repeat as champs until they ran into the New York Football Giants. Aaron Rodgers could have easily passed for 5000 yards. They still dont have a running game but who cares if they are scoring at will. The Packers weakness is their defense cannot get off the field. Several quarterbacks last year torched their secondary because they had no pass rush. they think they have rectified that with the draft of Nick perry but he is one man and Rome was not byuilt in one day. They should be great again but still need a running game that could help their defense. Cedric Benson could bethe answer.
The Detroit Lions are the team that everyone will be watching this year. After an off season arrests, this team needs to grow up and save all of their off field shannigans for the field. They have sick talent on the defense. They have the best receiver in the game who wants to set records this season. Stafford threw for 5g's last year and when healthy he is a top 5 quarterback. They have problems in their secondary but their pass rush could overcome it. They need a consistent running back. I look forward to seeing the growth. If they don't grow up soon this could be a disaster..
The Bears have Forte back in tow and added Marshall. they have a great tight end and if Cutler is not on his butt a lot this year they could be a playoff team. The defense get Briggs, Urlacher and Peppers back. They have a good secondary. They need the weather to help them use their advantages over the Packers and Lions. they have a consistent back. They just haveto stay healthy. If the Bears stay healthy, they will make the playoffs and go very deep. Cutler is due for a huge year. They have Hester as well and Johnny Knox. i like this team to challenge for a large prize this year..
The Vikings will be rebuilding. They have individual players who can start and star on any team. Percy Harvin, Jared Allen are superstars. Adrian Peterson is a wait and see. Christian Pounder has a lot to work with, but is he really ready? Leslie Frazier will be the first coach fired this year. It is not his fault, but this team is going to struggle.
The Afc west is a quarterback driven division. I believe the Peyton Manning got the shaft from Indy and is on a mission to prove that they failed him. He will learn how hard it is to play in inclimate weather and how badly you need a running game. He has a lot of no name receivers, but they can run the ball. They have a good tough defense, but they need to grow up quickly. They can rush the passer with both of their ends who are special. Champ Bailey is aging but he can still play. This team will go as far as Peyton takes them. He will bethe most watched player in the league this year.
The Chiefs had a weird last year. They were the only team to defeat the Packers, a coaching change during the season, injuries to every key position , and Dwayne Bowe is still unhappy. They Get Jamaal charles back in the backfield as well as Matt Cassel. They get better on defense which was pretty darn good last year. They have the right recipe to win with a balance running attack and a head coach who can really coach defense. Dont sleep on the Chiefs this year. I may pick them to win the division.
The San Diego Chargers are the enigma team of the AFC. They have a solid defense and an explosive offense. Phillip Rivers is as good as anyone but he admits last year he forced way too many balls. He does not have an Elway arm but he has the best deep ball in football. They did lose Vincent Jackson so this team needs to find a deep threat. They need a running back who will play tough. Matthews is always hurt. Their defense has to also show up. Lovetheir first round pick in Melvin Ingram. He is a beast. Norv Turneris on his last legs. No win this year and he is done..
The Raiders have more talent than all three teams in this division. They have the best running back. They have unreal speed at receiver. Theyhave a sick D-line and linebacker McClain is awesome. Carson Palmer has to stop throwing interceptions. It is simple as that. If the Raiders have a turnover ratio that favors them this year they will be in the playoffs and can challenge for the super bowl.. They need McFadden to stay healthy and play like the star that he is. Period.
The records will be: NFC North: Packers: 13-3, Bears: 11-5, Lions:10-6, Vikings 2-14
The records will be: AFC West: Oakland: 10-6, Broncos: 10-6, Chiefs 9-7, Chargers 9-7
The player to watch in NFC North: Jay Cutler.. Put up or shut up..
The player to watch in AFC West: Peyton Manning.. is he enough to get it done?
The NFC north is loaded on both sides of the ball. The defending divisional champs the Packers are angry because of last years collapse. They go 15-1 during the regular season and was poised to repeat as champs until they ran into the New York Football Giants. Aaron Rodgers could have easily passed for 5000 yards. They still dont have a running game but who cares if they are scoring at will. The Packers weakness is their defense cannot get off the field. Several quarterbacks last year torched their secondary because they had no pass rush. they think they have rectified that with the draft of Nick perry but he is one man and Rome was not byuilt in one day. They should be great again but still need a running game that could help their defense. Cedric Benson could bethe answer.
The Detroit Lions are the team that everyone will be watching this year. After an off season arrests, this team needs to grow up and save all of their off field shannigans for the field. They have sick talent on the defense. They have the best receiver in the game who wants to set records this season. Stafford threw for 5g's last year and when healthy he is a top 5 quarterback. They have problems in their secondary but their pass rush could overcome it. They need a consistent running back. I look forward to seeing the growth. If they don't grow up soon this could be a disaster..
The Bears have Forte back in tow and added Marshall. they have a great tight end and if Cutler is not on his butt a lot this year they could be a playoff team. The defense get Briggs, Urlacher and Peppers back. They have a good secondary. They need the weather to help them use their advantages over the Packers and Lions. they have a consistent back. They just haveto stay healthy. If the Bears stay healthy, they will make the playoffs and go very deep. Cutler is due for a huge year. They have Hester as well and Johnny Knox. i like this team to challenge for a large prize this year..
The Vikings will be rebuilding. They have individual players who can start and star on any team. Percy Harvin, Jared Allen are superstars. Adrian Peterson is a wait and see. Christian Pounder has a lot to work with, but is he really ready? Leslie Frazier will be the first coach fired this year. It is not his fault, but this team is going to struggle.
The Afc west is a quarterback driven division. I believe the Peyton Manning got the shaft from Indy and is on a mission to prove that they failed him. He will learn how hard it is to play in inclimate weather and how badly you need a running game. He has a lot of no name receivers, but they can run the ball. They have a good tough defense, but they need to grow up quickly. They can rush the passer with both of their ends who are special. Champ Bailey is aging but he can still play. This team will go as far as Peyton takes them. He will bethe most watched player in the league this year.
The Chiefs had a weird last year. They were the only team to defeat the Packers, a coaching change during the season, injuries to every key position , and Dwayne Bowe is still unhappy. They Get Jamaal charles back in the backfield as well as Matt Cassel. They get better on defense which was pretty darn good last year. They have the right recipe to win with a balance running attack and a head coach who can really coach defense. Dont sleep on the Chiefs this year. I may pick them to win the division.
The San Diego Chargers are the enigma team of the AFC. They have a solid defense and an explosive offense. Phillip Rivers is as good as anyone but he admits last year he forced way too many balls. He does not have an Elway arm but he has the best deep ball in football. They did lose Vincent Jackson so this team needs to find a deep threat. They need a running back who will play tough. Matthews is always hurt. Their defense has to also show up. Lovetheir first round pick in Melvin Ingram. He is a beast. Norv Turneris on his last legs. No win this year and he is done..
The Raiders have more talent than all three teams in this division. They have the best running back. They have unreal speed at receiver. Theyhave a sick D-line and linebacker McClain is awesome. Carson Palmer has to stop throwing interceptions. It is simple as that. If the Raiders have a turnover ratio that favors them this year they will be in the playoffs and can challenge for the super bowl.. They need McFadden to stay healthy and play like the star that he is. Period.
The records will be: NFC North: Packers: 13-3, Bears: 11-5, Lions:10-6, Vikings 2-14
The records will be: AFC West: Oakland: 10-6, Broncos: 10-6, Chiefs 9-7, Chargers 9-7
The player to watch in NFC North: Jay Cutler.. Put up or shut up..
The player to watch in AFC West: Peyton Manning.. is he enough to get it done?
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
The next two weakest divisions are...
So i guess the next two "weakest divisions" by default are the NFC South and AFC east. Both divisions are extremely top heavy and extremely weak at the bottom. In the NFC South, the Saints and Falcons are coming off of playoff seasons that ended in shocking performances. The Falcons got smacked around by the Giants. They scored 2 points and looked quite intimidated in Giant stadium. The Saints went into San Francisco and played the way the normally play but could not stop the anemic offense of the Niners and allowed Alex Smith to drive 80 yards for a victory. No one could have ever predicted that the niners would score 39 points in a game. The AFC east is headlined by the Patriots. They represented the AFC in the Super Bowl and fell shortto the New York Giants. They have a loaded offense but defense failed them last year. I think they ran into a team that simply has their number. The Giants defeated the Patriots during the season and ended their 20 game home winning streak on a fourth quarter drive. The Patriots need to just simply avoid the Giants and they would have several more championships. Lets analyze both divisions..
The AFC east has three quarterbacks trying to find themselves and Tom Brady. The New York Jets play solid defense but cannot get a pass rush. They try blitzing everyone but once the blitz gets picked up they are vulnerable except of course on Revis island. On offense the Jets need to get back to running the ball and with the departure of L.T. they brought in Tim Tebow to bolster that attack. He can run and he needs to work on his throwing. The Jets have no receivers. They have Dustin Keller who can play but he cannot be affective if the Jets core of receivers cannot get open. The Jets talk alot and are media darlings for not doing anything. They are the Kardashians of sports and it is time to show up, put up or quietly shut up...
The Buffalo Bills got off to a great start last year. Then Ryan Fitzpatrick got a huge contract extension and then the Bills fell off a cliff. They couldn't beat Alabama after week 5. They have seriuos weapons on offense. They can run the ball with jackson and Spiller. Johnson is a star in the making. They play probably in the worse play to play for a team that can pass the ball as well as they do. Their defense thinks that this year their line is the best in football. The signed Mario Williams to give them the pass rush they need to cover up their weaknesses at linebacker and cornerback. If they can stay healthy and confident,they have enough to compete for a wild card spot.
The Miami Dolphins just named Ryan Tannehill their starter for the season. He has serious upside, but he has only play 19 games as a starting qb in college and he needs more class room time. Reggie Bush had his first season as a 1000 yard rusher. He is poised to prove that last year was not a fluke. They just released Chad Johnson and traded away Brandon Marshall. So who is Tanneyhill going to throw the ball to? They have a solid tight end in Fasano but who else? Defensively the Dolphins have a pulse. They can rush the passer quite well. Cameron Wembley was a sweet surprise last year. They are starting a new with a new coach and coordinator. They are a work in progress. They will struggle this year some.
The Patriots needed defensive help and drafted 6 new defensive players. they realize that they cannot win the big game with offense only. If their offense does not get on the field then they are being wasted. They still need a running game. Brady is Brady and he has made stars of both tight ends and Welker is in his final year with the Pats. They have not given him a longterm deal which is a joke. The Patriots improve on defense they could unbeaten in the regular season...
The NFC south has star potential all over the place. The Tampa Bay Bucs flopped last year. They have to regroup with a new coach in Schiano and get Freeman his confidence back. Theyhave weapons on both sides of the ball and last year clearly the coach lost that team. They have running backs and young talented receivers who can stretch the field. The defense is fast and opportunistic. They just don't know how to play yet. This year they will improve some but Freeman has to healthy and play with the confidence of two years ago.
The Carolina Panthers has no where to go but up. Cam Newton re-wrote the rookie record books with his play last year. Steve Smith found the fountain of youth. They ran the ball well and really are a couple of defenders away from being ready to compete for the division. Newton still has a lot to learn and he must take care of his body this season because teams will be gunning for him. Football cannot be this easy. If they can run it better than they did last they could contend for a wild card. Their defense has a lot of promise. They just play in the division that youhave to be able to score points or you cannot compete.
The Atlanta Falcons need a defense to match their offense. They can score with anyone. They have great running backs and receivers and tight ends. The Qb play is all pro level. They need someone on the defense to make a play and get off the field on 3rd down. They need better play calling and smart play calling. They should be ashamed of themselves for what they did last year. They think that winning comes in the form of outscoring people. They need to understandthat you have to make a stop once in a whlie or ball control to keep Brees or Rodgers off the field. If the Falcons can figure that out, they could have a super season...
The Saints have the pressure of hosting the super bowl this year, a scandal that has rocked the league, and no head coach to guide them through. Drew Brees set the NFL record for yards in a season last year and just got paid a beaucoup dollar contract. They have the offense of the present but dont have a defense at all. They bend but dont break. They can intercept any pass, cause thousands of fumbles, but always have at least 2 or 3 games that defy logic.. This season they have to prove that they are even more special than ever because they are being asked to coach themselves.. It should be wild..
The outlook this season.. New England:14-2, Buffalo:9-7, New York Jets 9-7, Miami 3-13
The outlook this season.. New Orleans: 13-3, Atlanta: 11-5, Carolina: 7-9, Tampa bay 5-11
The player to watch in the AFC east: Mark Sanchez. the jets go as far as he takes them
The player to watch in NFC south: Drew Brees The pressure is squarely on his shoulders.
The AFC east has three quarterbacks trying to find themselves and Tom Brady. The New York Jets play solid defense but cannot get a pass rush. They try blitzing everyone but once the blitz gets picked up they are vulnerable except of course on Revis island. On offense the Jets need to get back to running the ball and with the departure of L.T. they brought in Tim Tebow to bolster that attack. He can run and he needs to work on his throwing. The Jets have no receivers. They have Dustin Keller who can play but he cannot be affective if the Jets core of receivers cannot get open. The Jets talk alot and are media darlings for not doing anything. They are the Kardashians of sports and it is time to show up, put up or quietly shut up...
The Buffalo Bills got off to a great start last year. Then Ryan Fitzpatrick got a huge contract extension and then the Bills fell off a cliff. They couldn't beat Alabama after week 5. They have seriuos weapons on offense. They can run the ball with jackson and Spiller. Johnson is a star in the making. They play probably in the worse play to play for a team that can pass the ball as well as they do. Their defense thinks that this year their line is the best in football. The signed Mario Williams to give them the pass rush they need to cover up their weaknesses at linebacker and cornerback. If they can stay healthy and confident,they have enough to compete for a wild card spot.
The Miami Dolphins just named Ryan Tannehill their starter for the season. He has serious upside, but he has only play 19 games as a starting qb in college and he needs more class room time. Reggie Bush had his first season as a 1000 yard rusher. He is poised to prove that last year was not a fluke. They just released Chad Johnson and traded away Brandon Marshall. So who is Tanneyhill going to throw the ball to? They have a solid tight end in Fasano but who else? Defensively the Dolphins have a pulse. They can rush the passer quite well. Cameron Wembley was a sweet surprise last year. They are starting a new with a new coach and coordinator. They are a work in progress. They will struggle this year some.
The Patriots needed defensive help and drafted 6 new defensive players. they realize that they cannot win the big game with offense only. If their offense does not get on the field then they are being wasted. They still need a running game. Brady is Brady and he has made stars of both tight ends and Welker is in his final year with the Pats. They have not given him a longterm deal which is a joke. The Patriots improve on defense they could unbeaten in the regular season...
The NFC south has star potential all over the place. The Tampa Bay Bucs flopped last year. They have to regroup with a new coach in Schiano and get Freeman his confidence back. Theyhave weapons on both sides of the ball and last year clearly the coach lost that team. They have running backs and young talented receivers who can stretch the field. The defense is fast and opportunistic. They just don't know how to play yet. This year they will improve some but Freeman has to healthy and play with the confidence of two years ago.
The Carolina Panthers has no where to go but up. Cam Newton re-wrote the rookie record books with his play last year. Steve Smith found the fountain of youth. They ran the ball well and really are a couple of defenders away from being ready to compete for the division. Newton still has a lot to learn and he must take care of his body this season because teams will be gunning for him. Football cannot be this easy. If they can run it better than they did last they could contend for a wild card. Their defense has a lot of promise. They just play in the division that youhave to be able to score points or you cannot compete.
The Atlanta Falcons need a defense to match their offense. They can score with anyone. They have great running backs and receivers and tight ends. The Qb play is all pro level. They need someone on the defense to make a play and get off the field on 3rd down. They need better play calling and smart play calling. They should be ashamed of themselves for what they did last year. They think that winning comes in the form of outscoring people. They need to understandthat you have to make a stop once in a whlie or ball control to keep Brees or Rodgers off the field. If the Falcons can figure that out, they could have a super season...
The Saints have the pressure of hosting the super bowl this year, a scandal that has rocked the league, and no head coach to guide them through. Drew Brees set the NFL record for yards in a season last year and just got paid a beaucoup dollar contract. They have the offense of the present but dont have a defense at all. They bend but dont break. They can intercept any pass, cause thousands of fumbles, but always have at least 2 or 3 games that defy logic.. This season they have to prove that they are even more special than ever because they are being asked to coach themselves.. It should be wild..
The outlook this season.. New England:14-2, Buffalo:9-7, New York Jets 9-7, Miami 3-13
The outlook this season.. New Orleans: 13-3, Atlanta: 11-5, Carolina: 7-9, Tampa bay 5-11
The player to watch in the AFC east: Mark Sanchez. the jets go as far as he takes them
The player to watch in NFC south: Drew Brees The pressure is squarely on his shoulders.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)