Thursday, December 31, 2009
The New Year
It being December 31st, I wanted to wish you all a Happy New Year. I will be spending a good chunk of New Years Day figuring out my best of 2009, and maybe even a best of the decade list. I hope you all go out and have a great time tonight.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Grease is the Word
Just some light humor on this day after Christmas, seeing as I will be away all day. Nothing like Mr. and Mrs. Tony Parker starring in a Grease spoof. Enjoy, and Merry Christmas again.
Friday, December 25, 2009
One More Tribute
Here is an excellent tribute to George Michael by the one and only Michael Wilbon. Enjoy
The Nats a .500 Team?
That's right. Someone on ESPN actually said that with the recent additions of Pudge Rodriguez, Jason Marquis, Eddie Guardado, Brian Bruney and now Matt Capps, the Nats might actually be able to compete with everyone else. The last time the Nationals were at .500 was their first year of existence all the way back in 2005. they finished 81-81, which of course meant last in the NL East. This year, with the Mets not doing anything and the Marlins trying to trade their best players not named Hanley, there is a chance that my team could finish as high as 3rd. Will it happen? Probably not. Will it be better to watch than last year? I think so.
RIP George Michael
One of the truly great sports reporters, George Michael, died today after a two-year battle with cancer. I always enjoyed watching him on NBC 4 and even stayed up until 11:30 on Sunday nights in order to watch The Sports Machine. While he has been off the air for a few years, his presence was still felt all over the DC sports scene, including on the Redskins report with Michael Wilbon, Tony Kornheiser and John Riggins. Here are some links to NBC and ESPN's tributes to him:
NBC #1
NBC #2
NBC #3
ESPN
NBC #1
NBC #2
NBC #3
ESPN
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas everyone. There will either be a lot of posts over the next week or none. It depends on where I am and what goes on in the world of sports. I will hopefully have a year in review done by the 31st. But again, Merry Christmas to all of you and your families.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Nats Add a... Marquis Player
My Washington Nationals have agreed to a contract with Jason Marquis. This is an excellent signing. He has wanted to play for us, and we aren't breaking the bank for him. Fantastic move. GO NATS!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
An Honest Column about Tiger
Here is an excellent column by Bill Plaschke of the LA Times about the newest bad boy in town, Tiger Woods. Enjoy here.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Ingram's Heisman and Other NCAA and NFL Thoughts
Mark Ingram won the Heisman. He deserved it. Then again, so did Suh, Gerhart and McCoy. The fact that he did everything in the SEC was the reason why he won. If Gerhart had played more defenses like those in the SEC, or if he had played a game the same day as the SEC Championship, he might have overcome his minuscule 28-point deficit.
Other Thoughts-
- Navy won again. I love that rivalry. Just wish Army losing didn't mean an undeserving 6-6 team like UCLA didn't get to go to a bowl game just because they are the #7 team in the Pac-10.
- Jake Locker is staying in school. Good move football-wise. Terrible move financially. He will probably lose $10-20 million just from staying. If he gets injured it could be a lot more. However, Colt McCoy and Tony Pike are very happy he is gone, cause their stock just went up.
- Suh should go #1, regardless of if its Tampa Bay or St. Louis. It will just be hard to sell a 3rd D-lineman in 4 years to the St. Louis fans.
- Matchup of the week: Kellen Clemens vs. Chris Redman. Not as stunning as Matty Ice vs. the Sanchize. Oh well. Atlanta vs NYJ isn't what we thought it would be either.
- I'm in the Fantasy football playoffs. If I win it all, I'll treat all my loyal readers to a drink. A cheap drink, but a drink.
- Turner Gill to Kansas is a great move. Let's just hope he isn't forgotten being in Kansas. Then again, he wasn't forgotten in Buffalo.
- Still don't like the Brain Kelly move. But it turns out that Dayne Crist will be ready for the season, so at least he has that.
Hope everyone is having a happy holiday season. More later.
Other Thoughts-
- Navy won again. I love that rivalry. Just wish Army losing didn't mean an undeserving 6-6 team like UCLA didn't get to go to a bowl game just because they are the #7 team in the Pac-10.
- Jake Locker is staying in school. Good move football-wise. Terrible move financially. He will probably lose $10-20 million just from staying. If he gets injured it could be a lot more. However, Colt McCoy and Tony Pike are very happy he is gone, cause their stock just went up.
- Suh should go #1, regardless of if its Tampa Bay or St. Louis. It will just be hard to sell a 3rd D-lineman in 4 years to the St. Louis fans.
- Matchup of the week: Kellen Clemens vs. Chris Redman. Not as stunning as Matty Ice vs. the Sanchize. Oh well. Atlanta vs NYJ isn't what we thought it would be either.
- I'm in the Fantasy football playoffs. If I win it all, I'll treat all my loyal readers to a drink. A cheap drink, but a drink.
- Turner Gill to Kansas is a great move. Let's just hope he isn't forgotten being in Kansas. Then again, he wasn't forgotten in Buffalo.
- Still don't like the Brain Kelly move. But it turns out that Dayne Crist will be ready for the season, so at least he has that.
Hope everyone is having a happy holiday season. More later.
Friday, December 11, 2009
You Can't Stop the Cuse!
It is awesome having one team that is actually good. That team, for me, is the Syracuse Orange basketball team. We are currently 9-0, averaging 90 points a game and winning all 9 of our games by over 10 points. We also have beaten 3 top-25 teams: UNC and Cal in Madison Square Garden, and (last night) Florida in Jacksonville. We are currently ranked #6, and I would have to think that with these wins we could move up even if no team ahead of us loses. It looks like the men in Orange will be a contender for the Big East title, and maybe even a #1 or #2 seed in the tournament. GO CUSE!
The Brian Kelly Blunder
How do you lose the respect of 90 people you have come to know and love, an entire school that has relied on you to bring their athletics to prominence and an entire city that latched on to you for being their only success? Take the Notre Dame head football coach job. Brian Kelly is gone, and I still don't understand why he left.
For reasons I listed earlier this week, I said that the Notre Dame job was not a good job to take at this point. His former team is outraged, calling him out on how he walked out on a National Championship contender for his "dream job". The seniors especially are angry. They have all said that it was the players, not the coach, that won those games, and that they will put their program on their back and beat Florida.
Even though I grew up as a Notre Dame fan, and I still am, I cannot be happy about this. The team will not be good next year, and they shouldn't expect to be. Their first winnable game will be their 7th game against Western Michigan. They will not beat their first 6 opponents- Purdue, Michigan, at Michigan State, Stanford, at BC and Pitt. They lose one more after that, they miss the bowl season, and their would still have to play Tulsa, Navy, Utah and at a rejuvenated USC. Get ready for a rough year Irish fans.
For reasons I listed earlier this week, I said that the Notre Dame job was not a good job to take at this point. His former team is outraged, calling him out on how he walked out on a National Championship contender for his "dream job". The seniors especially are angry. They have all said that it was the players, not the coach, that won those games, and that they will put their program on their back and beat Florida.
Even though I grew up as a Notre Dame fan, and I still am, I cannot be happy about this. The team will not be good next year, and they shouldn't expect to be. Their first winnable game will be their 7th game against Western Michigan. They will not beat their first 6 opponents- Purdue, Michigan, at Michigan State, Stanford, at BC and Pitt. They lose one more after that, they miss the bowl season, and their would still have to play Tulsa, Navy, Utah and at a rejuvenated USC. Get ready for a rough year Irish fans.
FHF
In honor of this man leading his team to an undefeated season, winning the Davey O'Brien, Maxwell and Walter Camp Award, and his nomination for the Heisman Trophy (presented tomorrow night on ESPN) this week's winner of Facial Hair Friday is Colt McCoy of the Texas Longhorns. True, he doesn't have this facial hair anymore, but the fact that he had it for a little bit earns him an eternal spot in my heart. So congratulations Colt, good luck in New York tomorrow, and best of luck in the National Championship game.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Pudge to DC
The Nats signed future Hall of Famer catcher Ivan Rodriguez today, pending a physical. He will be brought in to back up and mentor Jesus Flores. Some people (disgraced ex-GM Jim Bowden included) think this was a bad move. I disagree completely. What kind of leadership did this team have? Pudge has won a World Series with a really young team before (2003 Marlins) so he knows how to lead. He will be able to give advice to our young pitchers and help them develop. Finally, his stats last year, his worse year, were still pretty much better than Josh Bard and Wil Nieves combined.
Pudge- .249 AVG, 10 HR, 47 RBI
Nieves- .259 AVG, 1 HR, 26 RBI
Bard- . 230 AVG, 6 HR, 31 RBI
He is a better backup and a better leader. So, once again Jim Bowden, you are wrong.
Pudge- .249 AVG, 10 HR, 47 RBI
Nieves- .259 AVG, 1 HR, 26 RBI
Bard- . 230 AVG, 6 HR, 31 RBI
He is a better backup and a better leader. So, once again Jim Bowden, you are wrong.
Monday, December 7, 2009
What Should Become of Charlie Weis?
Now that he has been fired from Notre Dame, what should this former NFL coordinating dynamo do? Simple- go back to being an NFL coordinating dynamo. He says he wants to stay in the Midwest. Well, there is one place where I know they need help on offense. The St. Louis Rams will probably have the #1 pick, and will be looking for a quarterback. Jimmy Clausen just announced he is going pro. I bet he would love to play for his old coach. After that, there is a chance Golden Tate could last till the first pick in the 2nd round. The Rams need WRs also. The Golden Dome could be coming to St. Louis.
Why Brian Kelly and Jim Harbaugh Should Avoid Notre Dame
Here are the reasons why the top 2 coaches rumored to be heading to Notre Dame should stay at their schools-
Kelly-
1. Jimmy Clausen and Golden Tate just left. The two best players on the team are heading to the NFL. They will not be easy to replace. Couple that with OT Sam Young graduating and the team still having an bad defense, and I don't think you would want to come to the team.
2. Dayne Crist is injured and may not play at all next year. That leave the Irish without a QB.
3. You have Zach Collaros coming back. He played great in Tony Pike's absence. He could be an early Heisman favorite for next season.
4. You are the darling of the Big East, a strong conference (stronger than the ACC, and this year stronger than the Big Ten) with an automatic bid to a BCS game. Notre Dame doesn't have that.
5. At Cincinnati you were a missed Texas field goal away from the National Championship game. You don't have to worry as much about the academic standards and bloodthirsty alumni at Notre Dame, and you can still go to the title game.
6. Call it crazy, but the students, faculty and alumni might actually protest your hiring because you are a Catholic that is openly pro-choice. Cincy doesn't care about your religious views.
Jim Harbaugh
1. See #s 1 and 2 for Kelly. They apply to you too.
2. South Bend is not a nice town. Stanford is California. Why move?
3. You went to Michigan and Rich Rodriguez could be another bad season away from getting fired. Why not wait for that job to open up.
4. You have gotten into Pete Carrol's head. You own him right now. That is invaluable.
5. You have a great recruiting class coming in.
6. At Stanford, a school with amazingly high academic standards, you can graduate all your kids and win 8 games a year and be a hero. At Notre Dame, if you graduate all your players and win 8 games a year, you get fired. They are delusional. You don't want to be a part of that.
7. Toby Gerhart is graduating, but Andrew Luck is only a freshman. Stay at Stanford.
The correct person for the job is probably someone like Jon Gruden. It is someone with nothing to prove. Bob Stoops or Urban Meyer could be huge gets. But Kelly and Harbaugh are young and talented, and it is too soon for them to throw it all away on rebuilding Notre Dame.
Kelly-
1. Jimmy Clausen and Golden Tate just left. The two best players on the team are heading to the NFL. They will not be easy to replace. Couple that with OT Sam Young graduating and the team still having an bad defense, and I don't think you would want to come to the team.
2. Dayne Crist is injured and may not play at all next year. That leave the Irish without a QB.
3. You have Zach Collaros coming back. He played great in Tony Pike's absence. He could be an early Heisman favorite for next season.
4. You are the darling of the Big East, a strong conference (stronger than the ACC, and this year stronger than the Big Ten) with an automatic bid to a BCS game. Notre Dame doesn't have that.
5. At Cincinnati you were a missed Texas field goal away from the National Championship game. You don't have to worry as much about the academic standards and bloodthirsty alumni at Notre Dame, and you can still go to the title game.
6. Call it crazy, but the students, faculty and alumni might actually protest your hiring because you are a Catholic that is openly pro-choice. Cincy doesn't care about your religious views.
Jim Harbaugh
1. See #s 1 and 2 for Kelly. They apply to you too.
2. South Bend is not a nice town. Stanford is California. Why move?
3. You went to Michigan and Rich Rodriguez could be another bad season away from getting fired. Why not wait for that job to open up.
4. You have gotten into Pete Carrol's head. You own him right now. That is invaluable.
5. You have a great recruiting class coming in.
6. At Stanford, a school with amazingly high academic standards, you can graduate all your kids and win 8 games a year and be a hero. At Notre Dame, if you graduate all your players and win 8 games a year, you get fired. They are delusional. You don't want to be a part of that.
7. Toby Gerhart is graduating, but Andrew Luck is only a freshman. Stay at Stanford.
The correct person for the job is probably someone like Jon Gruden. It is someone with nothing to prove. Bob Stoops or Urban Meyer could be huge gets. But Kelly and Harbaugh are young and talented, and it is too soon for them to throw it all away on rebuilding Notre Dame.
Heisman Finalists
The Heisman finalists were just announced. Gerhart, McCoy, Ingram, Suh and Tebow. 4-5 are correct. Tebow just should be there. McCoy is barely there. Texas is undefeated, which is probably the only reason he was still invited. Look for one of the other three to win the award. Here is how I would vote heading into Bowl Season.
1. Ndamukong Suh- He is unstoppable. Period. He will be a top 3 pick.
2. Toby Gerhart- The best running back. He faced the most top 20 run defenses.
3. Mark Ingram- If he had shown up in the Iron Bowl, he might have won it. And yes, he was amazing in the SEC Title game. But I think Julio Jones and Greg McElroy need more credit. Gerhart is all Stanford has.
4. Colt McCoy- He is undefeated.
5. Tim Tebow- He isn't undefeated.
1. Ndamukong Suh- He is unstoppable. Period. He will be a top 3 pick.
2. Toby Gerhart- The best running back. He faced the most top 20 run defenses.
3. Mark Ingram- If he had shown up in the Iron Bowl, he might have won it. And yes, he was amazing in the SEC Title game. But I think Julio Jones and Greg McElroy need more credit. Gerhart is all Stanford has.
4. Colt McCoy- He is undefeated.
5. Tim Tebow- He isn't undefeated.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
NCAA Football Thoughts
Lots to talk about, so no 3 Up or Down, just thoughts:
- Charlie Weis will be unemployed for maybe a month, then he will be back in the NFL as a coordinator.
- Brian Kelly leaving Cincinnati would be a mistake. As it is now, he can go to a BCS game just by winning the Big East. Also, his young QB has looked great, and Notre Dame doesn't have anyone healthy after Clausen.
- Jimmy Clausen and Golden Tate should go pro. New coach, another year of scrutiny and all the drama that will surround ND is not needed. Clausen is a top 10 pick. Tate's stock will never be higher.
- I wish that Bosie State and TCU would raise their academic standards so that they could fit into the Pac-10 and Big XII, so that we could see them compete against the elite every week.
- My Heisman vote as of now- 1. Colt McCoy, 2. Toby Gerhart, 3. Golden Tate
- Both TCU and Boise State should make BCS games. However, a second Big Ten team shouldn't.
- The same goes for the ACC.
- Chris Peterson shouldn't leave Boise State unless it is for a Pac-10 school. Sorry UVA.
- Jake Locker, Jimmy Clausen and Sam Bradford all should/are coming out. Jevon Snead should stay in.
- Has anyone heard anything from Eric Berry this season?
- Tim Tebow is an amazing player. Top 10 all time college for sure. But I can't give him #1 yet. He wins a second Heisman and a 3rd championship, though, I might have to.
- Notre Dame should not go to a bowl game.
More later.
- Charlie Weis will be unemployed for maybe a month, then he will be back in the NFL as a coordinator.
- Brian Kelly leaving Cincinnati would be a mistake. As it is now, he can go to a BCS game just by winning the Big East. Also, his young QB has looked great, and Notre Dame doesn't have anyone healthy after Clausen.
- Jimmy Clausen and Golden Tate should go pro. New coach, another year of scrutiny and all the drama that will surround ND is not needed. Clausen is a top 10 pick. Tate's stock will never be higher.
- I wish that Bosie State and TCU would raise their academic standards so that they could fit into the Pac-10 and Big XII, so that we could see them compete against the elite every week.
- My Heisman vote as of now- 1. Colt McCoy, 2. Toby Gerhart, 3. Golden Tate
- Both TCU and Boise State should make BCS games. However, a second Big Ten team shouldn't.
- The same goes for the ACC.
- Chris Peterson shouldn't leave Boise State unless it is for a Pac-10 school. Sorry UVA.
- Jake Locker, Jimmy Clausen and Sam Bradford all should/are coming out. Jevon Snead should stay in.
- Has anyone heard anything from Eric Berry this season?
- Tim Tebow is an amazing player. Top 10 all time college for sure. But I can't give him #1 yet. He wins a second Heisman and a 3rd championship, though, I might have to.
- Notre Dame should not go to a bowl game.
More later.
Friday, November 20, 2009
How Wrong Was I? The West
I didn't really have predictions for the West, because I thought neither division was worth talking about. I was (kind of ) wrong.
NFC West
Actual
1. Arizona (6-3)
2. San Francisco (4-5)
3. Seattle (3-6)
4. St. Louis (1-8)
Arizona has overcome early season struggles to regain a stranglehold on the division. SF is still in the mix for a wild card at 4-5, but they need to win this weekend at Green Bay. Crabtree finally signed and is looking mighty fine. Seattle needs to fix its problems all over the field, and St. Louis needs a better defense and more weapons.
AFC West
Actual
1. Denver (6-3)
2. San Diego (6-3)
3. KC (2-7)
4. Oakland (2-7)
Denver surprised everyone and came out 6-0. However, they have lost their last three (including to the Skins) and San Diego is looking like it has hit its mid-season stride. KC and Oakland are both bad. Just plain bad. But hey, at least they are done playing against each other.
NFC West
Actual
1. Arizona (6-3)
2. San Francisco (4-5)
3. Seattle (3-6)
4. St. Louis (1-8)
Arizona has overcome early season struggles to regain a stranglehold on the division. SF is still in the mix for a wild card at 4-5, but they need to win this weekend at Green Bay. Crabtree finally signed and is looking mighty fine. Seattle needs to fix its problems all over the field, and St. Louis needs a better defense and more weapons.
AFC West
Actual
1. Denver (6-3)
2. San Diego (6-3)
3. KC (2-7)
4. Oakland (2-7)
Denver surprised everyone and came out 6-0. However, they have lost their last three (including to the Skins) and San Diego is looking like it has hit its mid-season stride. KC and Oakland are both bad. Just plain bad. But hey, at least they are done playing against each other.
How Wrong Was I? The South
NFC SOUTH
Predictions-
1. New Orleans Saints (11-5)
2. Atlanta Falcons (9-7)
3. Carolina Panthers (7-9)
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-11 or 6-10)
Actual-
1. New Orleans (9-0)
2. Atlanta (5-4)
3. Carolina (4-6)
4. Tampa Bay (1-8)
Again, I did a pretty good job here. New Orleans is going to win this division and possibly have home field throughout the playoffs. They looks great, and can win even when Drew Brees isn't having the best day. Atlanta has looked sluggish, but should still finish around .500. The dagger might have been stuck in Carolina with their loss to Miami last night. In Tampa, Byron's been benched, Josh Johnson did nothing, and the Josh Freeman era has begun. A rebuilding team that should have a nice spot in the draft to get some protection and weapons for their young QB.
AFC SOUTH
Predictions-
1. Indianapolis Colts (13-3)
2. Tennessee Titans (12-4)
3. Houston Texans (10-6)
4. Jacksonville Jaguars (6-10)
Actual-
1. Indianapolis (9-0)
2. Jacksonville (5-4)
3. Houston (5-4)
4. Tennessee (3-6)
Obviously the Titans are the biggest disappointment in the NFL. They were 13-3 last season. Vince Young has managed to get the team back to some relevance by winning the last 3. Indy is still amazing, and Peyton is looking like an MVP again. Houston and Jacksonville are still in the mix for Wild Cards, but need to keep winning.
Predictions-
1. New Orleans Saints (11-5)
2. Atlanta Falcons (9-7)
3. Carolina Panthers (7-9)
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-11 or 6-10)
Actual-
1. New Orleans (9-0)
2. Atlanta (5-4)
3. Carolina (4-6)
4. Tampa Bay (1-8)
Again, I did a pretty good job here. New Orleans is going to win this division and possibly have home field throughout the playoffs. They looks great, and can win even when Drew Brees isn't having the best day. Atlanta has looked sluggish, but should still finish around .500. The dagger might have been stuck in Carolina with their loss to Miami last night. In Tampa, Byron's been benched, Josh Johnson did nothing, and the Josh Freeman era has begun. A rebuilding team that should have a nice spot in the draft to get some protection and weapons for their young QB.
AFC SOUTH
Predictions-
1. Indianapolis Colts (13-3)
2. Tennessee Titans (12-4)
3. Houston Texans (10-6)
4. Jacksonville Jaguars (6-10)
Actual-
1. Indianapolis (9-0)
2. Jacksonville (5-4)
3. Houston (5-4)
4. Tennessee (3-6)
Obviously the Titans are the biggest disappointment in the NFL. They were 13-3 last season. Vince Young has managed to get the team back to some relevance by winning the last 3. Indy is still amazing, and Peyton is looking like an MVP again. Houston and Jacksonville are still in the mix for Wild Cards, but need to keep winning.
How Wrong Was I? The North
NFC NORTH
Predictions-
1. Green Bay Packers (12-4)
2. Minnesota Vikings (10-6)
3. Chicago Bears (7-9)
4. Detroit Lions (4-12)
Actual-
1. Minnesota (8-1)
2. Green Bay (5-4)
3. Chicago (4-5)
4. Detroit (1-8)
I guess Favre has a whole lot more left in his tank than I thought. The Vikings are the second best team in the NFC, and are looking like a team that can go all the way. Green Bay has been in almost every game, but they need to learn how to play defense and protect Aaron Rogers. Chicago is looking good for 7-9, because Cutler throws way too many INTs. Detroit, well, they won one game, so that is already better than last year. They should start looking at left tackles in this year's draft class.
AFC EAST
Predictions-
1. Pittsburgh Steelers (14-2)
2. Baltimore Ravens (12-4)
3. Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals (4-12)
Actual-
1. Cincinnati (7-2)
2. Pittsburgh (6-3)
3. Baltimore (5-4)
4. Cleveland (1-8)
No one thought the Bengals would be this good. Credit to Marvin Lewis for finally making his team tough. Carson Palmer has been healthy and doesn't turn the ball over. Cedric Benson looks like a new man, though he is now injured. Pittsburgh keeps rolling along and should end up with at least a Wild Card spot. The Ravens have let me down a little, but have a chance to make a statement against Peyton Manning and Co. this weekend. Cleveland... I got nothing. They are just horrible, and might be the worst run franchise in the NFL,which is saying a lot when the Bills, Redskins, Rams and Raiders all still exist.
Predictions-
1. Green Bay Packers (12-4)
2. Minnesota Vikings (10-6)
3. Chicago Bears (7-9)
4. Detroit Lions (4-12)
Actual-
1. Minnesota (8-1)
2. Green Bay (5-4)
3. Chicago (4-5)
4. Detroit (1-8)
I guess Favre has a whole lot more left in his tank than I thought. The Vikings are the second best team in the NFC, and are looking like a team that can go all the way. Green Bay has been in almost every game, but they need to learn how to play defense and protect Aaron Rogers. Chicago is looking good for 7-9, because Cutler throws way too many INTs. Detroit, well, they won one game, so that is already better than last year. They should start looking at left tackles in this year's draft class.
AFC EAST
Predictions-
1. Pittsburgh Steelers (14-2)
2. Baltimore Ravens (12-4)
3. Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals (4-12)
Actual-
1. Cincinnati (7-2)
2. Pittsburgh (6-3)
3. Baltimore (5-4)
4. Cleveland (1-8)
No one thought the Bengals would be this good. Credit to Marvin Lewis for finally making his team tough. Carson Palmer has been healthy and doesn't turn the ball over. Cedric Benson looks like a new man, though he is now injured. Pittsburgh keeps rolling along and should end up with at least a Wild Card spot. The Ravens have let me down a little, but have a chance to make a statement against Peyton Manning and Co. this weekend. Cleveland... I got nothing. They are just horrible, and might be the worst run franchise in the NFL,which is saying a lot when the Bills, Redskins, Rams and Raiders all still exist.
The NFL- How Wrong Was I? The East
Just over halfway through the season, it is time to look back and see how wrong I was in my preseason NFL predictions. And, yes, I was quite wrong on numerous occasions. Lets take a look.
NFC EAST
Predictions-
1. New York Giants (11-5)
2. Washington Redskins (10-6)
3. Philadelphia Eagles (8-8)
4. Dallas Cowboys (8-8)
Actual-
1. Dallas (6-3)
2. Philly (5-4)
3. NY (5-4)
4. Washington (3-6)
There is a small, minute chance that all of this could still happen. The Redskins would have to win out, the Giants could only lose one. The Eagles and Cowboys could only win 5 more games between them. Possible, sure. Probable, no chance. This went from one of the strongest divisions in football to one of the weakest in a year.
AFC EAST
Predictions-
1. New England Patriots (11-5)
2. Miami Dolphins (7-9)
3. New York Jets (7-9)
4. Buffalo Bills (6-10)
Actual-
1. New England (6-3)
2. Miami (5-5)
3. NYJ (4-5)
4. Buffalo (3-6)
I am doing alright in this division. New England looks on pace to get 10 to 11 wins. Miami just showed last night that it can win without Ronnie Brown and Chad Henne has controlled the ball very well. Furthermore, how about the play of Joey Haynos, Miami tight end and graduate of Gonzaga College High School. The Jets have swooned after a fast start, and look great to finish around .500. Stunningly, I may have given the Bills too much credit. They have only won 3 games and have fired their head coach. 6 is still possible, but I am thinking 4 or 5.
NFC EAST
Predictions-
1. New York Giants (11-5)
2. Washington Redskins (10-6)
3. Philadelphia Eagles (8-8)
4. Dallas Cowboys (8-8)
Actual-
1. Dallas (6-3)
2. Philly (5-4)
3. NY (5-4)
4. Washington (3-6)
There is a small, minute chance that all of this could still happen. The Redskins would have to win out, the Giants could only lose one. The Eagles and Cowboys could only win 5 more games between them. Possible, sure. Probable, no chance. This went from one of the strongest divisions in football to one of the weakest in a year.
AFC EAST
Predictions-
1. New England Patriots (11-5)
2. Miami Dolphins (7-9)
3. New York Jets (7-9)
4. Buffalo Bills (6-10)
Actual-
1. New England (6-3)
2. Miami (5-5)
3. NYJ (4-5)
4. Buffalo (3-6)
I am doing alright in this division. New England looks on pace to get 10 to 11 wins. Miami just showed last night that it can win without Ronnie Brown and Chad Henne has controlled the ball very well. Furthermore, how about the play of Joey Haynos, Miami tight end and graduate of Gonzaga College High School. The Jets have swooned after a fast start, and look great to finish around .500. Stunningly, I may have given the Bills too much credit. They have only won 3 games and have fired their head coach. 6 is still possible, but I am thinking 4 or 5.
FHF
A new FHF winner today. This man has won 3 Super Bowls, one with the Redskins and two with the Denver Broncos. He is now, in my opinion, the best football analyst on ESPN. Mr. Mark Schlereth. Congrats sir. Keep up the good work and the good facial hair.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Nats News and 200th Post
Apparently this is my 200th Post. Woohoo! Thank you to the 10 of you that read this on a somewhat consistent basis. I encourage any/all of you to tell me to write about certain topics or respond to what I say on here. I'll keep writing, I promise.
Some real quick Nats thoughts. Hooray for the offseason-
1. Zimmerman Gold Glove: Booyah!
2. Zimmerman Silver Slugger: Booyah! And my condolences to Kung Fu Panda for losing.
3. Riggleman is our official manager. He did a good job at the end of last year, and earned a shot. Would have loved Bobby V, as long as he wears his disguise.
4. A report came out today that said the Nats were going to go after John Lackey. I would love it if it happened, but I don't expect it to.
More to come, I promise.
Some real quick Nats thoughts. Hooray for the offseason-
1. Zimmerman Gold Glove: Booyah!
2. Zimmerman Silver Slugger: Booyah! And my condolences to Kung Fu Panda for losing.
3. Riggleman is our official manager. He did a good job at the end of last year, and earned a shot. Would have loved Bobby V, as long as he wears his disguise.
4. A report came out today that said the Nats were going to go after John Lackey. I would love it if it happened, but I don't expect it to.
More to come, I promise.
Friday, November 6, 2009
FHF
Well, we will have a non-Facial Hair Friday this week. To honor the Yankees not allowing facial hair, we won't have any winner here either. Next week, though, I promise a really good one.
THEEEEE Yankees Win!
OK, two days ago the Yankees won their 27th World Series, as I predicted they would. I waited until now to talk about it because it seemed all the Yankees fans I know were too busy filling up Facebook with their celebratory statuses. So, not being a Yankees fan, here are the reason why I am happy the Yankees won-
1. The delicious tears of Phillies fans.
2. The delicious tears of Red Soxs (Fake) Nation
3. ESPN can finally talk about something other than the Yankees not winning a World Series. They won it, and maybe (just maybe) they can talk about teams not named the Yankees or Red Soxs.
4. ESPN can finally talk about something other than A-Rod's lack of playoff power and prowess. He was amazing this postseason. He has 18 RBI, 8 of which either tied the game or gave the Yankees a lead. He is great, and now everyone can get off his back.
5. The Founding Four, or whatever they are called. Jeter, Posada, Pettitte and Rivera. They are the stuff that every team wished they had- prospects that have carried their franchise to 5 championships in their time with the team.
6. More on Mariano. How bad ass is he? Virginia Tech can say that their entrance to "Enter Sandman" is the best in sports. I think it is really overrated because they don't finish the song. Mariano? His entrance to the same song is amazing. Its the 9th inning. 50,000 people are hoping the Yankees can hang on to a game. Some pitchers are warming up in the bullpen. Then, you hear those first notes from Hetfield's and Hammet's guitars. One man bringing thousands to his feet, then quickly saying goodnight and goodbye to all the batters he faces. Boom.
7. Face it, the Yankees have been good my entire life. I am used to them winning. They are supposed to win. There isn't anything offensive about it, it is just how the world works. I can deal with it. So congrats Yankees. Maybe one day, before I die, the Nats can win one too.
1. The delicious tears of Phillies fans.
2. The delicious tears of Red Soxs (Fake) Nation
3. ESPN can finally talk about something other than the Yankees not winning a World Series. They won it, and maybe (just maybe) they can talk about teams not named the Yankees or Red Soxs.
4. ESPN can finally talk about something other than A-Rod's lack of playoff power and prowess. He was amazing this postseason. He has 18 RBI, 8 of which either tied the game or gave the Yankees a lead. He is great, and now everyone can get off his back.
5. The Founding Four, or whatever they are called. Jeter, Posada, Pettitte and Rivera. They are the stuff that every team wished they had- prospects that have carried their franchise to 5 championships in their time with the team.
6. More on Mariano. How bad ass is he? Virginia Tech can say that their entrance to "Enter Sandman" is the best in sports. I think it is really overrated because they don't finish the song. Mariano? His entrance to the same song is amazing. Its the 9th inning. 50,000 people are hoping the Yankees can hang on to a game. Some pitchers are warming up in the bullpen. Then, you hear those first notes from Hetfield's and Hammet's guitars. One man bringing thousands to his feet, then quickly saying goodnight and goodbye to all the batters he faces. Boom.
7. Face it, the Yankees have been good my entire life. I am used to them winning. They are supposed to win. There isn't anything offensive about it, it is just how the world works. I can deal with it. So congrats Yankees. Maybe one day, before I die, the Nats can win one too.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
3 Up 3 Down for NCAA and NFL
Happy November. Been really busy at the office, so here is a quick 3 up 3 down for both the NCAA and NFL from this past weekend.
NCAA 3 Up
1. Temple- Bowl-eligible for the first time since 1990
2. Cincinnati- Still undefeated and back in the BCS Top 5
3. Georgia Tech- The ACC is a one-team conference. The Yellow-Jackets are that team.
3 Down
1. Indiana- They had Iowa for 3 quarters, then allowed 27 points in the 4th.
2. Michigan- Lost to Illinois. That was the Juice Williams everyone has been looking for for 2 years.
3. USC- The Trojans got taken to the wood shed by the Ducks.
NFL 3 Up
1. Baltimore- The Ravens will soon become the favorite team of the entire mid-Atlantic if they keep playing like they did against the previously-undefeated Broncos.
2. Indianapolis- The Colts beat a tough 49ers team without a TD pass from Peyton. That's championship-caliber football
3. Brett Favre- He has now beaten the Packers in Green Bay. His soul can move on.
NFL 3 Down
1. Larry Johnson- Not only is he suspended, but now the fans don't want him to play anymore so he can't break the Chiefs all-time rushing record currently held by Priest Holmes.
2. Detroit- They lost to the Rams. Ouch.
3. NY Teams- At least the Jets kept it close. The Giants got blown out. Too busy worrying about the Yankees I guess...
NCAA 3 Up
1. Temple- Bowl-eligible for the first time since 1990
2. Cincinnati- Still undefeated and back in the BCS Top 5
3. Georgia Tech- The ACC is a one-team conference. The Yellow-Jackets are that team.
3 Down
1. Indiana- They had Iowa for 3 quarters, then allowed 27 points in the 4th.
2. Michigan- Lost to Illinois. That was the Juice Williams everyone has been looking for for 2 years.
3. USC- The Trojans got taken to the wood shed by the Ducks.
NFL 3 Up
1. Baltimore- The Ravens will soon become the favorite team of the entire mid-Atlantic if they keep playing like they did against the previously-undefeated Broncos.
2. Indianapolis- The Colts beat a tough 49ers team without a TD pass from Peyton. That's championship-caliber football
3. Brett Favre- He has now beaten the Packers in Green Bay. His soul can move on.
NFL 3 Down
1. Larry Johnson- Not only is he suspended, but now the fans don't want him to play anymore so he can't break the Chiefs all-time rushing record currently held by Priest Holmes.
2. Detroit- They lost to the Rams. Ouch.
3. NY Teams- At least the Jets kept it close. The Giants got blown out. Too busy worrying about the Yankees I guess...
Monday, November 2, 2009
An Early HOF Preview
So J.C Penny is doing some thing where you can vote on who you think is the most deserving nominee to the Pro Football Hall of Fame class. Check it out here. Obviously, Jerry Rice and Emmit Smith lead the list. What intrigues me is the other candidates that are there but are not getting the same attention. Really, it boils down to four players- Russ Grimm, Joe Jacoby, Brian Mitchell and Ray Guy.
Grimm and Jacoby are both members of the Hogs, arguably the greatest offensive line in the history of football, Grimm at guard and Jacoby at tackle. They each won three Super Bowls with the Redskins. They were each selected to 4 straight Pro Bowls. They were elected members of the All-Decade team for the 1980s. It baffles me that there is no representative for the Hogs in the Hall of Fame.
Ray Guy and Brian Mitchell are examples of the bias against special teams players in the NFL. They are, simply put, the greatest players to ever play their position. Guy was such an amazing punter that they named the punting award after him. Mitchell is not only second in total yards in the NFL's history (behind Rice and ahead of Walter Payton), but he is first in both kick-off and punt return yardage, second in punt returns for touchdowns and was easily the most effective special teams player of the 1990s and early 2000s. Again, these two belong in the Hall. Maybe the voters will listen.... but I doubt it.
Grimm and Jacoby are both members of the Hogs, arguably the greatest offensive line in the history of football, Grimm at guard and Jacoby at tackle. They each won three Super Bowls with the Redskins. They were each selected to 4 straight Pro Bowls. They were elected members of the All-Decade team for the 1980s. It baffles me that there is no representative for the Hogs in the Hall of Fame.
Ray Guy and Brian Mitchell are examples of the bias against special teams players in the NFL. They are, simply put, the greatest players to ever play their position. Guy was such an amazing punter that they named the punting award after him. Mitchell is not only second in total yards in the NFL's history (behind Rice and ahead of Walter Payton), but he is first in both kick-off and punt return yardage, second in punt returns for touchdowns and was easily the most effective special teams player of the 1990s and early 2000s. Again, these two belong in the Hall. Maybe the voters will listen.... but I doubt it.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Monday Night Football
Had a chance to go see the Skins/Eagles on MNF yesterday. Let me get this out of the way- The Redskins stink. They are awful. Zorn has to be a little pleased that Sherm didn't do any better than he did. Now, on to my non-awful Skins thoughts for the game:
- Miss America sang the National Anthem. She sang it the way it should be sung. She didn't wander around the notes, putting her own spin on what the Anthem should be. She didn't randomly jump an octave or hold notes too long. She just sang it. And it was beautiful.
- Brian Mitchell was inducted into the Skins' Ring of Honor. He is the greatest return man of all time. He leads in every return category, punts and kickoffs, and is second all time in total yards. He belongs in the Hall of Fame.
- The Eagles fans were surprisingly well-behaved. I guess they may have realized that, until they win a Super Bowl, they shouldn't be so boisterous.
- The Skins fans want to cheer so badly. They love this team. The reason they boo is because they know we could and should be better.
- Apparently, Dan Snyder is having security kick out anyone with "Fire Snyder" signs, or anything having to do with him selling the team. Expect to get sued there, Danny.
- Got to catch up with my good friend Kevin. It was very nice.
- Finally got to see Donovan McNabb play.
- Miss America sang the National Anthem. She sang it the way it should be sung. She didn't wander around the notes, putting her own spin on what the Anthem should be. She didn't randomly jump an octave or hold notes too long. She just sang it. And it was beautiful.
- Brian Mitchell was inducted into the Skins' Ring of Honor. He is the greatest return man of all time. He leads in every return category, punts and kickoffs, and is second all time in total yards. He belongs in the Hall of Fame.
- The Eagles fans were surprisingly well-behaved. I guess they may have realized that, until they win a Super Bowl, they shouldn't be so boisterous.
- The Skins fans want to cheer so badly. They love this team. The reason they boo is because they know we could and should be better.
- Apparently, Dan Snyder is having security kick out anyone with "Fire Snyder" signs, or anything having to do with him selling the team. Expect to get sued there, Danny.
- Got to catch up with my good friend Kevin. It was very nice.
- Finally got to see Donovan McNabb play.
NFL 3 Up 3 Down- 10-27-09
NFL Week 7 stuff.
3 Up
1. The Saints- The best team in the NFC.
2. The Colts- The best team in the AFC.
3. Last year's Super Bowl teams- Huge wins for the Cards (over the G-Men in Jersey on Sunday night) and the Steelers (making Favre look like he should have stayed retired, again).
3 Down
1. Favre- Just didn't look good going against a tough defense.
2. Shaun Hill- Benched for Alex Smith, who is now the starter. Ouch.
3. The Panthers- Getting beat down by Ryan Fitzpatrick and the 3-win Buffalo Bills.
3 Up
1. The Saints- The best team in the NFC.
2. The Colts- The best team in the AFC.
3. Last year's Super Bowl teams- Huge wins for the Cards (over the G-Men in Jersey on Sunday night) and the Steelers (making Favre look like he should have stayed retired, again).
3 Down
1. Favre- Just didn't look good going against a tough defense.
2. Shaun Hill- Benched for Alex Smith, who is now the starter. Ouch.
3. The Panthers- Getting beat down by Ryan Fitzpatrick and the 3-win Buffalo Bills.
NCAA 3 Up 3 Down
3 Up
1. TCU- Jump Boise State in the BCS even though BSU blew out Hawaii. I guess people thought TCU's blowout of BYU was better.
2. Alabama- Avoided a loss by blocking a last second field goal.
3. Syracuse- Hey, I know it was only Akron, but I love winning.
3 Down
1. The ACC, still, again, and for the rest of the season- Georgie Tech is good and hard to stop with that triple option. Other then that, I can't name a team I would consider good. Maybe Duke after they beat Maryland.
2. USF- Pitt destroyed the Bulls. BJ Daniels finally had his freshman moment. The Panthers look like they could spoil the Big East's BCS Championship plans again by beating Cincinnati the last game of the year.
3. Tim Tebow- Just doesn't look like Super Man anymore. I doubt an NFL team will give him snaps as a QB now.
1. TCU- Jump Boise State in the BCS even though BSU blew out Hawaii. I guess people thought TCU's blowout of BYU was better.
2. Alabama- Avoided a loss by blocking a last second field goal.
3. Syracuse- Hey, I know it was only Akron, but I love winning.
3 Down
1. The ACC, still, again, and for the rest of the season- Georgie Tech is good and hard to stop with that triple option. Other then that, I can't name a team I would consider good. Maybe Duke after they beat Maryland.
2. USF- Pitt destroyed the Bulls. BJ Daniels finally had his freshman moment. The Panthers look like they could spoil the Big East's BCS Championship plans again by beating Cincinnati the last game of the year.
3. Tim Tebow- Just doesn't look like Super Man anymore. I doubt an NFL team will give him snaps as a QB now.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
CUSE WIN
A nice 28-14 win over Akron today. Gets us back to 3-4, and keeps hope of a bowl bid alive. Delone Carter looked really good. We ran all over them. We just need to work on that QB-Center exchange.
Friday, October 23, 2009
FHF
Just a quick FHF since I am in New York for the weekend. No picture, just look up Steve Phillips. The former Mets GM and current ESPN MLB analyst is in the news this week for cheating on his wife with a 22 year old girl that he works with. This girl then went crazy a la Fatal Attraction. Its going to be fun to see how this one turns out
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
NFL 3 Up and 3 Down- 10/20/09
Some big statements and big mistakes in the NFL this week.
3 Up
1. New Orleans Saints- Drew Brees is always able to throw at least 3 touchdowns a game. I am convinced he made sure he didn't throw any for two straight games so that teams had to think about their potent running game as well. He is amazing. Oh, and how good is Greg Williams' defense.
2. Tom Brady- 5 touchdowns. In one quarter. In the snow. Booyah.
3. Elvis Dumervil- 10 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 6 games. Sounds like a defensive player of the year to me.
3 Down
1. NYC teams- The Giants secondary was watching Drew Brees in awe like the rest of us. The Jets were watching their Sanchize throw (literally) a game away for them. But the Bills won, so all is not lost in the Empire State.
2. Tennessee Titans- What is going on in Nashville? Could the longest-tenured coach in the NFL be on the way out? And if so, can he come to Washington? Speaking of...
3. Washington's situation, on and off the field- It is getting laughable now. I expect to see Jim Zorn in a lounge chair on the sidelines this Monday against the Eagles, cause he won't have anything else to do now that he doesn't call the plays. Just awful.
3 Up
1. New Orleans Saints- Drew Brees is always able to throw at least 3 touchdowns a game. I am convinced he made sure he didn't throw any for two straight games so that teams had to think about their potent running game as well. He is amazing. Oh, and how good is Greg Williams' defense.
2. Tom Brady- 5 touchdowns. In one quarter. In the snow. Booyah.
3. Elvis Dumervil- 10 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 6 games. Sounds like a defensive player of the year to me.
3 Down
1. NYC teams- The Giants secondary was watching Drew Brees in awe like the rest of us. The Jets were watching their Sanchize throw (literally) a game away for them. But the Bills won, so all is not lost in the Empire State.
2. Tennessee Titans- What is going on in Nashville? Could the longest-tenured coach in the NFL be on the way out? And if so, can he come to Washington? Speaking of...
3. Washington's situation, on and off the field- It is getting laughable now. I expect to see Jim Zorn in a lounge chair on the sidelines this Monday against the Eagles, cause he won't have anything else to do now that he doesn't call the plays. Just awful.
NCAA 3 Up and 3 Down- 10/20/09
Who is moving up and down this week?
3 Up
1. Cincinnati- Tony Pike went down with an injury and they still beat USF. Starting out #5 in the BCS poll is a great thing. I am going to call it now though- Pitt is going to (once again) cost the Big East millions by beating the Bearcats in the last game of the year.
2. Alabama- Why are they not ranked #1? Florida has barely beaten their last two opponents, and Alabama hasn't been challenged all year.
3. BCS Busters- Boise State at #5 with no real tests left. Love their chances of getting a BCS bid. The really interesting one is TCU at #8. They still have to play Byu and at Utah in conference, both ranked. If they go undefeated, could we see a double BCS bust?
3 Down
1. Heisman Hopefuls- Again, none of the favorites looked good. Tebow did just enough to beat an ok Arkansas team. McCoy did just enough to beat an overrated Oklahoma team. Bradford is still injured. Jimmy Clausen didn't do enough to beat a "rebuilding" USC team. Tony Pike is injured. It might clear the way for Mark Ingram of Alabama to become the 2nd sophomore to win the award.
2. Virginia Tech, and the people who insist they are a good team- Paul Johnson says no to all of you that keep insisting the Hokies are the ACC best and a National Title contender. You cannot stop the triple option.
3. Ohio State- Wow. Purdue took the Buckeyes to the woodshed. Pryor has regressed, and Jim Tressel might not be able to pull any more tricks from out of that sweater vest.
3 Up
1. Cincinnati- Tony Pike went down with an injury and they still beat USF. Starting out #5 in the BCS poll is a great thing. I am going to call it now though- Pitt is going to (once again) cost the Big East millions by beating the Bearcats in the last game of the year.
2. Alabama- Why are they not ranked #1? Florida has barely beaten their last two opponents, and Alabama hasn't been challenged all year.
3. BCS Busters- Boise State at #5 with no real tests left. Love their chances of getting a BCS bid. The really interesting one is TCU at #8. They still have to play Byu and at Utah in conference, both ranked. If they go undefeated, could we see a double BCS bust?
3 Down
1. Heisman Hopefuls- Again, none of the favorites looked good. Tebow did just enough to beat an ok Arkansas team. McCoy did just enough to beat an overrated Oklahoma team. Bradford is still injured. Jimmy Clausen didn't do enough to beat a "rebuilding" USC team. Tony Pike is injured. It might clear the way for Mark Ingram of Alabama to become the 2nd sophomore to win the award.
2. Virginia Tech, and the people who insist they are a good team- Paul Johnson says no to all of you that keep insisting the Hokies are the ACC best and a National Title contender. You cannot stop the triple option.
3. Ohio State- Wow. Purdue took the Buckeyes to the woodshed. Pryor has regressed, and Jim Tressel might not be able to pull any more tricks from out of that sweater vest.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Random Musings 10-16
Not a whole lot of stuff to talk about right now, at least not enough for each to warrant its own post. So here are some of my thoughts-
- Tony Pike going down shouldn't concern Bearcats fans. They have Louisville and Syracuse in their next 2. This new kid should be fine in those two games.
- Eric Devendorf is still mulling his options.
- LeBron had a swine flu scare. I guess it can happen to the richest and best of us.
- Why do I already have the feeling that the NLCS is over? I just don't trust these Dodgers to do anything. Joe Torre has gotten the most he can out of this team.
- Caps win 4-1 over the Sharks. First win over San Jose in 11 years, and it ends a 4 game losing streak. Nice one.
- Midnight Madness tonight all over the country. Here comes NCAA basketball.
- Lots of rumors about who might get traded before the NFL deadline on Tuesday. Just a few of the names: Brady Quinn, Julius Peppers, TO, Javon Walker and Josh Cribbs.
- If the Browns trade Quinn and Cribbs, they will not make the playoffs for ten years.
- Dan Snyder needs to either fire Zorn or say he is safe for the rest of the season. It is too much of a distraction, and it will probably cost the Skins another win this Sunday.
- Bye week for Cuse football, which means we can't lose.
Some Picks for this weekend:
1. Yankees go up 2-0 in the ALCS before heading to Anaheim.
2. Redskins lose, Bengals lose, New England almost loses, Saints and Giants isn't as good of a game as people think it will be.
3. Some big college games this weekend. Give me Texas, Florida close, ND close, Georgia Tech and Mizzou to upset, and Alabama to roll over the Gamecocks.
Non-Sports thought- There are few better ways to spend a cold, rainy October afternoon than by sitting at home and watching Scream. A great movie. It is amazing what Wes Craven can do with only semi-talented actors. Its is just a shame that Rose McGowan has to die in it.
- Tony Pike going down shouldn't concern Bearcats fans. They have Louisville and Syracuse in their next 2. This new kid should be fine in those two games.
- Eric Devendorf is still mulling his options.
- LeBron had a swine flu scare. I guess it can happen to the richest and best of us.
- Why do I already have the feeling that the NLCS is over? I just don't trust these Dodgers to do anything. Joe Torre has gotten the most he can out of this team.
- Caps win 4-1 over the Sharks. First win over San Jose in 11 years, and it ends a 4 game losing streak. Nice one.
- Midnight Madness tonight all over the country. Here comes NCAA basketball.
- Lots of rumors about who might get traded before the NFL deadline on Tuesday. Just a few of the names: Brady Quinn, Julius Peppers, TO, Javon Walker and Josh Cribbs.
- If the Browns trade Quinn and Cribbs, they will not make the playoffs for ten years.
- Dan Snyder needs to either fire Zorn or say he is safe for the rest of the season. It is too much of a distraction, and it will probably cost the Skins another win this Sunday.
- Bye week for Cuse football, which means we can't lose.
Some Picks for this weekend:
1. Yankees go up 2-0 in the ALCS before heading to Anaheim.
2. Redskins lose, Bengals lose, New England almost loses, Saints and Giants isn't as good of a game as people think it will be.
3. Some big college games this weekend. Give me Texas, Florida close, ND close, Georgia Tech and Mizzou to upset, and Alabama to roll over the Gamecocks.
Non-Sports thought- There are few better ways to spend a cold, rainy October afternoon than by sitting at home and watching Scream. A great movie. It is amazing what Wes Craven can do with only semi-talented actors. Its is just a shame that Rose McGowan has to die in it.
FHF
While wandering the Internet looking for an unusual Facial Hair Friday winner for today, I stumbled across this gem. That's right, its a young rookie by the name of Greg Maddux. Man, think of how many more wins he would have if he had kept this look. Maybe he will bring it back for his HOF induction.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
A Fan Letter, About Your Buffalo Bills
My dear friend Matt has written a fan letter to JFLANland, seeking answer on how to solve the problems of the Buffalo Bills. Matt writes:
Dear JFlan,
From a die-hard Bills fan and longtime friend of JFlan, I seek your wisdom and that of football fans everywhere:
Commentary:
Good to see Marshawn back in the picture. Bad to see everyone else on the Bills O and D out of the picture. No O line to speak of and we have a secondary? Really? huh. Who thinks Dick will be gone mid-year? About a year too late in my opinion. Injuries happen, but so do recoveries from them and compensations for them. Enough special teams eff-ups, checkdowns and turnovers, it's time to see the Bills play ball, if they have any balls that is. Playoffs this year? HA, don't talk about playoffs!! Playoffs next year? If the front office can make some major changes in how the organization is run, then maybe (you think Jim Kelly would want to coach?).
Ralph, I know you love football, but I'd love to see someone not afflicted with dementia running this team as opposed to you running it into the ground. No doubt, you should be involved, but get some more knowledgeable people surrounding you to tell you when you're wrong or else we'll be rooting for the Toronto Bills (or worse, Columbus, DesMoines, Vegas, Sacramento, Jersey City...who knows?). This shit will hit the fan especially hard when the salary cap is inevitably lifted and what talent there is on the team heads for greener pastures, as bison are known to do.
As for Edwards, don't his numbers look conspicuously close to Losman's? How's Fitzpatrick looking these days? Better and better...
Here's a thought: Just let Moorman be the interim coach, he seems to be the only real play-maker on the team and his decision-making is unquestioned and successful.
JFlan, Bills and non-Bills fans, what are your thoughts?
Painfully faithful to the Bills,
MJB
The Buffalo Bills are in a tough situation. They are in a small and depressed market, but they have a fiercely loyal fan base that demand results. Here are my suggestions on how they could start winning and avoid being relocated to LA, Toronto or London:
1. Fire Dick Jauron- This seems to be the obvious thing. Trent Edwards has regressed, the offense isn't clicking with or without huddles, and the fans are getting tired of it. Dick is the fall guy, but just the first in a long line of changes that have to be made.
2. Trade TO- ESPN Insider has floated the idea of TO to Chicago. He won't be happy the rest of this year, and the Bills could get at least a 2nd round pick out of a team with serious playoff aspirations and a lack of a #1 receiver.
3. Do not draft a QB in the first round this upcoming draft- In fact, I may say not to draft one at all. The class of 2010 will not be as good in the pros as the class of 2011. Jimmy Clausen could win the Heisman this year, and Jake Locker at Washington is the real deal. Assuming that neither of them will come out this year, wait for them.
4. If they are in the top 3, draft Eric Berry. If they aren't, fix the lines- Their corners are pretty darn good, but safety is an issue. Ashton Youboty is not the answer. The same goes for both of their lines.
5. Spend money- Sorry Ralph, but there are free agents that can really help the team, and throwing money at them may be the only way to get them to play in Buffalo. Both Logan Mankins and Marcus McNeil will be unrestricted free agents in 2010. Getting one (or both?) of them on the Bills line will help protect their QB and open up bigger lanes for Marshawn. Same goes for defense. Will Smith, Richard Seymour and Daryl Tapp will all be UFAs as well. Get one of them and the line is infinitely better.
6. A New Coach, a New Attitude- Bill Cowher is waiting for the Carolina job to open up. Mike Shanahan is flirting with the Cowboys and Redskins. What coach has done the most with the least in his time? Brian Billick. He won a Super Bowl with a strong defense, a running back and a QB that didn't make mistakes. I think he could duplicate most of that success (maybe not the Super Bowl win) and get the Bills back to being contenders. He will bring some swagger back.
7. Name Brian Moorman "Bill For Life"- Never ever ever get rid of this punter. Not only is he a great punter, but he is a threat to go the distance on any fake punt, especially now that Sean Taylor is no longer with us.
Other than those seven suggestions, I got nothing. Prayer might work. I open up the floor to the other readers. How do you think the Bills can improve?
Dear JFlan,
From a die-hard Bills fan and longtime friend of JFlan, I seek your wisdom and that of football fans everywhere:
Commentary:
Good to see Marshawn back in the picture. Bad to see everyone else on the Bills O and D out of the picture. No O line to speak of and we have a secondary? Really? huh. Who thinks Dick will be gone mid-year? About a year too late in my opinion. Injuries happen, but so do recoveries from them and compensations for them. Enough special teams eff-ups, checkdowns and turnovers, it's time to see the Bills play ball, if they have any balls that is. Playoffs this year? HA, don't talk about playoffs!! Playoffs next year? If the front office can make some major changes in how the organization is run, then maybe (you think Jim Kelly would want to coach?).
Ralph, I know you love football, but I'd love to see someone not afflicted with dementia running this team as opposed to you running it into the ground. No doubt, you should be involved, but get some more knowledgeable people surrounding you to tell you when you're wrong or else we'll be rooting for the Toronto Bills (or worse, Columbus, DesMoines, Vegas, Sacramento, Jersey City...who knows?). This shit will hit the fan especially hard when the salary cap is inevitably lifted and what talent there is on the team heads for greener pastures, as bison are known to do.
As for Edwards, don't his numbers look conspicuously close to Losman's? How's Fitzpatrick looking these days? Better and better...
Here's a thought: Just let Moorman be the interim coach, he seems to be the only real play-maker on the team and his decision-making is unquestioned and successful.
JFlan, Bills and non-Bills fans, what are your thoughts?
Painfully faithful to the Bills,
MJB
The Buffalo Bills are in a tough situation. They are in a small and depressed market, but they have a fiercely loyal fan base that demand results. Here are my suggestions on how they could start winning and avoid being relocated to LA, Toronto or London:
1. Fire Dick Jauron- This seems to be the obvious thing. Trent Edwards has regressed, the offense isn't clicking with or without huddles, and the fans are getting tired of it. Dick is the fall guy, but just the first in a long line of changes that have to be made.
2. Trade TO- ESPN Insider has floated the idea of TO to Chicago. He won't be happy the rest of this year, and the Bills could get at least a 2nd round pick out of a team with serious playoff aspirations and a lack of a #1 receiver.
3. Do not draft a QB in the first round this upcoming draft- In fact, I may say not to draft one at all. The class of 2010 will not be as good in the pros as the class of 2011. Jimmy Clausen could win the Heisman this year, and Jake Locker at Washington is the real deal. Assuming that neither of them will come out this year, wait for them.
4. If they are in the top 3, draft Eric Berry. If they aren't, fix the lines- Their corners are pretty darn good, but safety is an issue. Ashton Youboty is not the answer. The same goes for both of their lines.
5. Spend money- Sorry Ralph, but there are free agents that can really help the team, and throwing money at them may be the only way to get them to play in Buffalo. Both Logan Mankins and Marcus McNeil will be unrestricted free agents in 2010. Getting one (or both?) of them on the Bills line will help protect their QB and open up bigger lanes for Marshawn. Same goes for defense. Will Smith, Richard Seymour and Daryl Tapp will all be UFAs as well. Get one of them and the line is infinitely better.
6. A New Coach, a New Attitude- Bill Cowher is waiting for the Carolina job to open up. Mike Shanahan is flirting with the Cowboys and Redskins. What coach has done the most with the least in his time? Brian Billick. He won a Super Bowl with a strong defense, a running back and a QB that didn't make mistakes. I think he could duplicate most of that success (maybe not the Super Bowl win) and get the Bills back to being contenders. He will bring some swagger back.
7. Name Brian Moorman "Bill For Life"- Never ever ever get rid of this punter. Not only is he a great punter, but he is a threat to go the distance on any fake punt, especially now that Sean Taylor is no longer with us.
Other than those seven suggestions, I got nothing. Prayer might work. I open up the floor to the other readers. How do you think the Bills can improve?
NFL 3 Up 3 Down
Quite a weekend in the NFL, though both of my fantasy teams lost. Damn you Roddy White...
3 Up
1. Peyton Manning- I have been lucky to see a bunch of Hall of Fame QBs in my life: Montana, Aikman, Young, Moon, Favre, Kelly, Marino, Elway, Brady... Just my opinion, but Peyton is better than all of them. Its a true pleasure watching him play football.
2. The Atlanta Falcons- I guess the extra week to prepare for the improved 49ers defense helped. What a blow out. If I had only started Roddy White in one fantasy league... and if I hadn't been playing him in the other...
3. Emotion from a coach- Talk about "looking like a kid out there". No, not Favre, Josh McDaniels. I have never seen a coach that happy about a regular season win. It was awesome, and the Broncos are still undefeated. Guess my 5-12 prediction looks as good as my Skins 10-6 one....
Bonus- Donovan McNabb- He is back and looked great. Eat it Philly fans. I cannot wait until they run him out of town, only to have him go to the Vikings and win a Super Bowl. He is the best player in the franchise's history, and they hate him. Go figure.
3 Down
1. The Bills and Browns- I never thought I would see unwatchable football, and then NFL Redzone showed me some of the Bills/Browns game. Good googamoo. 6-3 final, and the winning QB completes 2 passes... total. All game... Wow.
2. The New York Jets- Hmm... I guess all that talk about how amazing the Jets were and how Sanchez is already a top tier signal-caller were a wee bit premature. I wouldn't be so hard on the Jets if I didn't know/work with a whole bunch of them, but as it is, they are only one game better than my sorry,no account Redskins.
3. Questionable Calls against the Ravens- That last drive for Cincinnati was another one for the Palmer legend book. And yeah, Ray Lewis came over the middle too hard on Ochocinco. But those pass interference penalties were bogus. Also, on every single play, there was a hold on the Bengals that went uncalled. I am not going to say there is a conspiracy against Baltimore or anything, but has anyone else noticed how they seem to get hosed by the refs more than any other team?
3 Up
1. Peyton Manning- I have been lucky to see a bunch of Hall of Fame QBs in my life: Montana, Aikman, Young, Moon, Favre, Kelly, Marino, Elway, Brady... Just my opinion, but Peyton is better than all of them. Its a true pleasure watching him play football.
2. The Atlanta Falcons- I guess the extra week to prepare for the improved 49ers defense helped. What a blow out. If I had only started Roddy White in one fantasy league... and if I hadn't been playing him in the other...
3. Emotion from a coach- Talk about "looking like a kid out there". No, not Favre, Josh McDaniels. I have never seen a coach that happy about a regular season win. It was awesome, and the Broncos are still undefeated. Guess my 5-12 prediction looks as good as my Skins 10-6 one....
Bonus- Donovan McNabb- He is back and looked great. Eat it Philly fans. I cannot wait until they run him out of town, only to have him go to the Vikings and win a Super Bowl. He is the best player in the franchise's history, and they hate him. Go figure.
3 Down
1. The Bills and Browns- I never thought I would see unwatchable football, and then NFL Redzone showed me some of the Bills/Browns game. Good googamoo. 6-3 final, and the winning QB completes 2 passes... total. All game... Wow.
2. The New York Jets- Hmm... I guess all that talk about how amazing the Jets were and how Sanchez is already a top tier signal-caller were a wee bit premature. I wouldn't be so hard on the Jets if I didn't know/work with a whole bunch of them, but as it is, they are only one game better than my sorry,no account Redskins.
3. Questionable Calls against the Ravens- That last drive for Cincinnati was another one for the Palmer legend book. And yeah, Ray Lewis came over the middle too hard on Ochocinco. But those pass interference penalties were bogus. Also, on every single play, there was a hold on the Bengals that went uncalled. I am not going to say there is a conspiracy against Baltimore or anything, but has anyone else noticed how they seem to get hosed by the refs more than any other team?
NCAA 3 Up 3 Down
Some great games and big blowouts this weekend. Here are the ups and downs.
3 UP
1. Alabama- They rose to #2 in the AP poll after dismantling Ole Miss. You know what? I'd have them at #1. No one has been close.
2. The legend of Tim Tebow- He comes back from a concussion to end the 32-game Saturday night home winning streak of LSU... Well, really, he had little to do with it. Their D is insane.
3. Sam Bradford- What does a Heisman winner do in his first game back from a serious shoulder injury? He throws for almost 400 yards. Welcome back.
3 Down
1. NC State- Got blown out by Duke... need we say more?
2. Vandy- Was beaten by Army in OT... need we say more?
3. Competitive scheduling, or a lack thereof- Penn State beat on Eastern Illinois. Rutgers beat on Texas Southern. Michigan plays Delaware State this week. New Rule- After September, you are only allowed to play FBS schools.
3 UP
1. Alabama- They rose to #2 in the AP poll after dismantling Ole Miss. You know what? I'd have them at #1. No one has been close.
2. The legend of Tim Tebow- He comes back from a concussion to end the 32-game Saturday night home winning streak of LSU... Well, really, he had little to do with it. Their D is insane.
3. Sam Bradford- What does a Heisman winner do in his first game back from a serious shoulder injury? He throws for almost 400 yards. Welcome back.
3 Down
1. NC State- Got blown out by Duke... need we say more?
2. Vandy- Was beaten by Army in OT... need we say more?
3. Competitive scheduling, or a lack thereof- Penn State beat on Eastern Illinois. Rutgers beat on Texas Southern. Michigan plays Delaware State this week. New Rule- After September, you are only allowed to play FBS schools.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
AROD... The New Mr. October?
Who is this Alex Rodriguez? The ARod we know and love is a regular season monster. He puts up historic numbers. But he always folds in October. That is why we love him. This new ARod... he admitted he took PEDs, he is getting along with his teammates, is dating Kate Hudson and just carried the Yankees to the ALCS on 6 RBI in the 3-game sweep. What is going on? I feel like I am in some weird alternate universe. But it is damn good baseball to watch.
Baseball Update
Say goodbye to the Cardinals. Say so long to the Twins and the Metro Dome. Say good riddance to the Red Soxs. All of them have been sent home. The Dodgers, Angels and Yankees have all advanced to the Championship round of their respective leagues. Now we wait and see if the Phils can defend or if Rocktober will continue. Enjoy the games.
Friday, October 9, 2009
FHF
Its been a while since a good Facial Hair Friday. More athletes need to grow facial hair. Thankfully, Cardinals shortstop Brendan Ryan is carrying the torch for now. Thank you sir.
Rush's Rams- The First All-White Team?
So super-conservative and controversial radio personality (blowhard?) Rush Limbaugh has teamed with the owner of the St. Louis Blues to put in a bid to buy the St. Louis Rams. Though it hasn't been approved, or probably even looked at yet, two prominent players are already saying that they would not play for Limbaugh's team. Maybe Rush should think twice about calling out black players and then attempting to sign them. But don't worry Rush, I am sure there are a bunch of white skill position players at major universities that agree with your views, would have no problem playing for you, and will be amazingly successful in the NFL. How old are John Riggans and Fred Biletnikoff again? They feel like coming back?
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Minnesota, Sports Capital of the World
The Twins won in thrilling fashion. The Vikings dominated their big rival. One team in the playoffs, one team looking like a lock for the playoffs. They must be selling some special water in the Mall of America, because Minnesota is on fire. True, the Twins are going to have a hell of a time with the Yankees, and true, Bret Favre's arm can't hold on forever. But for now, let those great midwesterners go wild with their Brats and beer.
A Crabtree Grows in Frisco
Finally. He finally signed. Or at least agreed. Or came to his senses. Whatever the case may be, Michael Crabtree has agreed to a contract with the San Fransisco 49ers, just a mere 6 months after being drafted by them. Maybe he realized how much money he would lose if he re-entered the draft, especially since the Jets either wouldn't sing him due to the tampering charges or don't need him since they traded for Braylon Edwards. Maybe he got scared at the how bad he has been looking in the media.
Or maybe, as he should have the whole time, he saw a team with a lot of promise, a great coach, an amazing D, a new attitude and a stranglehold on first in the NFC West. That's reason enough for me to sign. Welcome to the NFL Mr. Crabtree. Oh, and watch out going over the middle in practice. I have a feeling Patrick Willis and Takeo Spikes have a little message they like to send diva wide receiver hold outs.
Or maybe, as he should have the whole time, he saw a team with a lot of promise, a great coach, an amazing D, a new attitude and a stranglehold on first in the NFC West. That's reason enough for me to sign. Welcome to the NFL Mr. Crabtree. Oh, and watch out going over the middle in practice. I have a feeling Patrick Willis and Takeo Spikes have a little message they like to send diva wide receiver hold outs.
B-B-B-Braylon and the Jets
Braylon Edwards just went from outhouse to penthouse. He was traded to the Jets this morning. He must be thrilled that he doesn't have to deal with the situation in Cleveland, or possibly suffer the wrath of LeBron if the alleged beatdown of one of his crew by Edwards is true. Now, he goes to a team that has actually won a few games, and is in need of a solid compliment to the underrated Jericho Cotcherry. Furthermore, Rex Ryan may be able to squeeze all the diva out of Braylon, and leave only one of the most gifted receivers in the NFL.
NFL 3 Up 3 Down
A quarter of the way through the regular season with some interesting up and downs:
3 UP
1. Surprise teams: The Bengals and the Broncos are a combined 7-1. Did not see that happening.
2. New Orleans: The Saints might be the best team in football. They man-handled the Jets. I just hope they take the bye week to get Brees back to throwing touchdowns, cause my fantasy team is hurting.
3. Bret Favre: He can clearly still play. Why does he put us through this every year?
3 Down
1. Cleveland: They are just awful. That OT game at home may have been their best chance to win all season. Now, without Braylon, can they beat the dismal...
2. Buffalo Bills: Miami is not that good, but the Bills made them look like world-beaters on Sunday. Someone is going to have to take the fall if things continue, and don't look for TO to re-sign.
3. Dallas Cowboys: How bout them Cowboys? Is it really that hard to catch and tackle a guy that is running horizontally across the field? Is it really that hard not to throw at a Hall of Fame corner in the end zone... two times in a row? Their fans may be loud, but their record is the same as the Redskins, which is saying something.
3 UP
1. Surprise teams: The Bengals and the Broncos are a combined 7-1. Did not see that happening.
2. New Orleans: The Saints might be the best team in football. They man-handled the Jets. I just hope they take the bye week to get Brees back to throwing touchdowns, cause my fantasy team is hurting.
3. Bret Favre: He can clearly still play. Why does he put us through this every year?
3 Down
1. Cleveland: They are just awful. That OT game at home may have been their best chance to win all season. Now, without Braylon, can they beat the dismal...
2. Buffalo Bills: Miami is not that good, but the Bills made them look like world-beaters on Sunday. Someone is going to have to take the fall if things continue, and don't look for TO to re-sign.
3. Dallas Cowboys: How bout them Cowboys? Is it really that hard to catch and tackle a guy that is running horizontally across the field? Is it really that hard not to throw at a Hall of Fame corner in the end zone... two times in a row? Their fans may be loud, but their record is the same as the Redskins, which is saying something.
NCAA 3 Up 3 Down
Didn't watch as much NCAA football this weekend as I normally do, but here are your ups and downs:
3 Up
1. USF: The undefeated Bulls made Greg Paulus look like a guy who hasn't played football in 5 years, and are back in the top 25 for it.
2. Heisman Hopefuls: Tony Pike and Jimmy Clausen continue to impress. If Tebow lays an egg against LSU, we may have two new favorites.
3. Auburn: Remember when Charles Barkley got really mad that Buffalo's coach (Turner Gill) was not hired at his alma mater and someone with a losing coaching record was? Buffalo isn't doing anything this year, and Auburn is back in the Top 25.
3 Down
1. Michigan: Chalk it up to playing your big rivals, I guess. But Blue should have beaten Sparty on Saturday.
2. Oklahoma: I know Bradford is injured, but come on. You are supposed to be better than that.
3. Florida State, UNC and Clemson: All three lost, two of them to terrible teams. While FSU's loss to BC isn't awful, it has started the talk of regime change at head coach.
3 Up
1. USF: The undefeated Bulls made Greg Paulus look like a guy who hasn't played football in 5 years, and are back in the top 25 for it.
2. Heisman Hopefuls: Tony Pike and Jimmy Clausen continue to impress. If Tebow lays an egg against LSU, we may have two new favorites.
3. Auburn: Remember when Charles Barkley got really mad that Buffalo's coach (Turner Gill) was not hired at his alma mater and someone with a losing coaching record was? Buffalo isn't doing anything this year, and Auburn is back in the Top 25.
3 Down
1. Michigan: Chalk it up to playing your big rivals, I guess. But Blue should have beaten Sparty on Saturday.
2. Oklahoma: I know Bradford is injured, but come on. You are supposed to be better than that.
3. Florida State, UNC and Clemson: All three lost, two of them to terrible teams. While FSU's loss to BC isn't awful, it has started the talk of regime change at head coach.
Monday, October 5, 2009
MLB Playoff Predictions
Here are my MLB Playoff predictions, including tomorrow's 1-game playoff for the AL Central-
- AL Central Playoff: Twins 4- Tigers 3.
- ALDS: Yankees in 4, Angels in 5.
- ALCS: Yankees in 6
- NLDS: Phillies in 4, Cardinals in 3
- NLCS: Cardinals in 5
- World Series: Yankees in 7
- MVP: CC Sabathia
- AL Central Playoff: Twins 4- Tigers 3.
- ALDS: Yankees in 4, Angels in 5.
- ALCS: Yankees in 6
- NLDS: Phillies in 4, Cardinals in 3
- NLCS: Cardinals in 5
- World Series: Yankees in 7
- MVP: CC Sabathia
End of Nats Baseball
Well, the Nationals season is over. 59-103. Obviously, very disappointing. However, there were bright spots, most noticeably Ryan Zimmerman, who should win his first Gold Glove and get a few 3rd or 4th place MVP votes. If the Nats can add some talent in free agency, I could see them winning between 75 and 85 games next year. Here's hoping.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Calling the Shot
This is one of the coolest things ever. Listen to Mariners' broadcaster Mike Blowers call a player's first career home run in the pregame show. Amazing.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
NFL 3 Up, 3 Down
Some pretty obvious ones for this week:
3 Up
1. The Jets, again- Can Mark "Sex on a Stick" Sanchez do any wrong? Lets see if that D can contain the Saints offense.
2. The Ravens, again- Flacco and Co look like the best team in football. And thank God that Ray Rice finally got his first career touchdown. Let the boy get the ball more in the Red Zone.
3. The Bengals- Wins over the Packers and the Steelers. Can either of those be flukes when the other exists?
Bonus- The Lions- They won their first game in their last 20 tries. It had to come some time. And that means...
3 Down
1. THE REDSKINS!!!!!!
2. The Steelers- I know it is early, but 1-2?
3. Tampa Bay- They only had 80 total yards against the G-men. Byron is benched, and now the world gets to see Josh Johnson come in and beat THE REDSKINS!!!!
3 Up
1. The Jets, again- Can Mark "Sex on a Stick" Sanchez do any wrong? Lets see if that D can contain the Saints offense.
2. The Ravens, again- Flacco and Co look like the best team in football. And thank God that Ray Rice finally got his first career touchdown. Let the boy get the ball more in the Red Zone.
3. The Bengals- Wins over the Packers and the Steelers. Can either of those be flukes when the other exists?
Bonus- The Lions- They won their first game in their last 20 tries. It had to come some time. And that means...
3 Down
1. THE REDSKINS!!!!!!
2. The Steelers- I know it is early, but 1-2?
3. Tampa Bay- They only had 80 total yards against the G-men. Byron is benched, and now the world gets to see Josh Johnson come in and beat THE REDSKINS!!!!
NCAA 3 Up, 3 Down
Here are you risers and fallers:
3 UP
1. Boise State- Another win means that they are in the top 5. Could they be smelling a BCS championship bid?
2. Alabama- They may be the best team in the country. They shut down Ryan Mallet and the Razorbacks
3. Syracuse- True, it was only Maine, but the Orange are at .500 for the first time since 2006.
Bonus- The Big East- Rutgers beats Maryland, Cinncy beats Fresno St., and USF goes into Tallahassee and beats Florida State. A great weekend for the Big East. Which conference doesn't deserve an autobid?
3 Down
1. Top 10 teams- Penn State, Ole Miss and Cal all gave a great argument for why preseason polls should not exist. 3 collective eggs there. Speaking of laying an egg...
2. The U- Miami was actually favored heading into Blacksburg. So much for that. Let's hope now that everyone doesn't over-react to VaTech beating an overrated team and rocket them back up to #6 or so... wait, that happened already.
3. Tim Tebow's head- That looked like a painful play. A completely clean hit, mind you. Tebow needs to blame his teammate's knee if he does not deliver in the Bayou on October 10th.
3 UP
1. Boise State- Another win means that they are in the top 5. Could they be smelling a BCS championship bid?
2. Alabama- They may be the best team in the country. They shut down Ryan Mallet and the Razorbacks
3. Syracuse- True, it was only Maine, but the Orange are at .500 for the first time since 2006.
Bonus- The Big East- Rutgers beats Maryland, Cinncy beats Fresno St., and USF goes into Tallahassee and beats Florida State. A great weekend for the Big East. Which conference doesn't deserve an autobid?
3 Down
1. Top 10 teams- Penn State, Ole Miss and Cal all gave a great argument for why preseason polls should not exist. 3 collective eggs there. Speaking of laying an egg...
2. The U- Miami was actually favored heading into Blacksburg. So much for that. Let's hope now that everyone doesn't over-react to VaTech beating an overrated team and rocket them back up to #6 or so... wait, that happened already.
3. Tim Tebow's head- That looked like a painful play. A completely clean hit, mind you. Tebow needs to blame his teammate's knee if he does not deliver in the Bayou on October 10th.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Olie
My second favorite hockey player ever, Olaf Kolzig, retired today. Olaf will always be loved here in Washington for everything he did for the community and the Capitals. Lets hope the Caps don't wait too long to bring him in to the organization again and retire his jersey. Thank you, Olie the Goalie!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
More NFL Musings
Some more thoughts on this weekend-
- I know McNabb is injured, but Andy Reid just proved my argument as to why he is the worst coach in the NFL. He let Kevin Kolb pass 51 times in his first career start. Bryan Westbrook and LeSean McCoy are good running backs. Use them.
- Injured ribs must hurt a lot. Just ask McNabb and Matt Hasselbeck.
- What the hell happened to the Patriots? Maybe Tom isn't 100% yet.
- Drew Brees = MVP. Is there a chance he could already be considered a Hall of Famer?
- Kurt Warner did exactly what he needs to do to bring the Cards back to the playoffs: Complete 93% of his passes. Don't turn it over and let the amazing receivers do the work.
- Chad Ochocinco's Bengal Bounce > The Lambeau Leap
- Really... 9 points against the Rams? GAH!
- I know McNabb is injured, but Andy Reid just proved my argument as to why he is the worst coach in the NFL. He let Kevin Kolb pass 51 times in his first career start. Bryan Westbrook and LeSean McCoy are good running backs. Use them.
- Injured ribs must hurt a lot. Just ask McNabb and Matt Hasselbeck.
- What the hell happened to the Patriots? Maybe Tom isn't 100% yet.
- Drew Brees = MVP. Is there a chance he could already be considered a Hall of Famer?
- Kurt Warner did exactly what he needs to do to bring the Cards back to the playoffs: Complete 93% of his passes. Don't turn it over and let the amazing receivers do the work.
- Chad Ochocinco's Bengal Bounce > The Lambeau Leap
- Really... 9 points against the Rams? GAH!
Monday, September 21, 2009
NFL 3 Up, 3 Down
Monday Night football just ended, so here are the Week 2 Ups and Downs
3 UP
1. The Ravens- Another huge win, this time traveling across the country to beat the Chargers. How awesome was that last hit by Ray Lewis? Just wish they would give Ray Rice the ball more in the Red Zone.
2. Unexpected Undefeated- The 49ers, Jets, Ravens, Broncos, Saints and Falcons all started out 2-0. Could these teams stay near the top all season?
3. Anyone with "Manning" in their name- Peyton Manning just beat the Miami Dolphins on MNF. he ran 13 plays in the entire second half. The man is magic. Add Eli Manning finding a new favorite target in Mario Manning...ham, and you have a good weekend for the extended family.
3 DOWN
1. The New Cowboys Stadium- A dominant rushing attack, but a loss is still a loss. They did not defend that huge new house.
2. Tennessee Titans- Allowing 34 points to the Houston Texans, almost all through the air. What is going on?
3. Redskins Red Zone- I blame Jim Zorn entirely on this one. Malcolm Kelly is 6'4. Fred Davis is 6'4. Chris Cooley is 6'3. Devin Thomas is 6'2. Throw at least one fade pass, and that game would have been over at halftime.
3 UP
1. The Ravens- Another huge win, this time traveling across the country to beat the Chargers. How awesome was that last hit by Ray Lewis? Just wish they would give Ray Rice the ball more in the Red Zone.
2. Unexpected Undefeated- The 49ers, Jets, Ravens, Broncos, Saints and Falcons all started out 2-0. Could these teams stay near the top all season?
3. Anyone with "Manning" in their name- Peyton Manning just beat the Miami Dolphins on MNF. he ran 13 plays in the entire second half. The man is magic. Add Eli Manning finding a new favorite target in Mario Manning...ham, and you have a good weekend for the extended family.
3 DOWN
1. The New Cowboys Stadium- A dominant rushing attack, but a loss is still a loss. They did not defend that huge new house.
2. Tennessee Titans- Allowing 34 points to the Houston Texans, almost all through the air. What is going on?
3. Redskins Red Zone- I blame Jim Zorn entirely on this one. Malcolm Kelly is 6'4. Fred Davis is 6'4. Chris Cooley is 6'3. Devin Thomas is 6'2. Throw at least one fade pass, and that game would have been over at halftime.
NCAA 3 Up, 3 Down
Another exciting weekend in college football. Here are your ups and downs
3 UP:
1. Syracuse University- Greg Paulus throws for over 300 yards and the Orange get Coach Marrone his first win.
2. Washington Huskies- A huge upset of USC. Locker looks like the real deal.
3. Jacory Harris- The one man wrecking crew that is bringing the U back to prominence in the ACC.
3 DOWN
1. USC- National Championship hopes turn into a rebuilding year with a loss in Seattle.
2. Injured Stars- USF stud QB Matt Grothe goes down with a torn ACL. Notre Dame's unguardable wide out Michael Floyd goes down with a broken collar bone. Floyd has a few more years left. Lets hope Grothe can get a medical redshirt.
3. The Entire State of Utah- The Utes have their nation-leading winning streak snapped. BYU gets destroyed by FSU. Even Utah State lost to Texas A&M. There's no joy in Mormon-ville.
3 UP:
1. Syracuse University- Greg Paulus throws for over 300 yards and the Orange get Coach Marrone his first win.
2. Washington Huskies- A huge upset of USC. Locker looks like the real deal.
3. Jacory Harris- The one man wrecking crew that is bringing the U back to prominence in the ACC.
3 DOWN
1. USC- National Championship hopes turn into a rebuilding year with a loss in Seattle.
2. Injured Stars- USF stud QB Matt Grothe goes down with a torn ACL. Notre Dame's unguardable wide out Michael Floyd goes down with a broken collar bone. Floyd has a few more years left. Lets hope Grothe can get a medical redshirt.
3. The Entire State of Utah- The Utes have their nation-leading winning streak snapped. BYU gets destroyed by FSU. Even Utah State lost to Texas A&M. There's no joy in Mormon-ville.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Cuse Win
This one pretty much says it all. Thanks Bud-
Syracuse football team gives fans reason to believe
By Bud Poliquin
September 20, 2009, 1:30AM
Well, do you believe now? Do you believe things have changed around here? Do you believe that this new sheriff in town, this Orange son named Doug Marrone, has breathed life into what had been a carcass lying on the side of the college football road?
There had been that promising effort on Opening Day against Minnesota, even if it had produced a loss. Then, there was that commendable show the following week on the road at Penn State, albeit one that resulted in another defeat. And then ... there was Saturday night. There was Saturday’s magnificent night in the Carrier Dome.
It might be a tad early, sure, to suggest that Syracuse has arrived at anything other than 1-2 in this, the maiden coaching season of Marrone, the old offensive lineman who left the NFL in December to resurrect his beloved program.
But, importantly, the Orange has won. And it has done so in the most exhilarating of fashions, upsetting the favored Northwestern Wildcats 37-34 on Ryan Lichtenstein’s 41-yard field goal at the final horn before 40,251 crazies, almost none of whom dared to prematurely leave the building as had become the sad custom in these parts.
Yes, folks, it’s true. Having lost 40 of its previous 50 games stretching back to Paul Pasqualoni’s final stand on the SU sideline at the Champs Sports Bowl, Syracuse has won. It beat the Wildcats in front of all those roarers. Beat them in a wild affair that looked like something out of the WAC. Beat them to thus give this town a reason to gaze at the rest of the autumn without quivering.
Beat them. Yeah, really.
“We talked to the players quite a bit about the mentality of going out there and making plays,” said Marrone, “and kind of getting this monkey off our back of, ‘Hey, here we go. Something (bad) might happen.’ To go out there and go down, and then come back ... it’s tremendous.”
The Orange did that, you know. It jumped out to a stunning 17-0 lead after some 14 minutes and then went dormant on defense falling behind by scores of 21-17, 28-27 and 34-27. And yet it kept playing, kept clawing, kept doing enough to stick around and stick around and stick around. Until Lichtenstein, the freshman and former walk-on, swung his right leg to set the joint on fire.
Now, given time, place and circumstance, you would err if you underestimated the grandeur of the evening. You would err greatly.
At the end of the first quarter, the SU men’s lacrosse team was honored for having won the 2009 NCAA title, and its championship banner (the school’s 10th) was unveiled. At halftime, Dick MacPherson, the dapper patriarch surrounded by a fleet of his former athletes, was saluted for having been elected to the College Football Hall of Fame. And, of course — and most importantly — there was the crafting of Marrone’s first triumph on the Orange bridge.
The latter didn’t come easily, of course. But then, who in the house would have expected that? And who really would have wanted it that way? Where would have been the theater? The memories? The stories to tell those neighbors who’d foolishly stayed home?
Turns out, there were many authors. Delone Carter ran long and hard all night, finishing with 84 yards on 18 carries. Mike Williams caught every pass tossed his way but one, completing his duties with 11 receptions for 209 yards and two scores. Arthur Jones pounded on that Northwestern wall throughout the evening. The offensive line, heretofore much maligned (and for a reason), made a stand against those beefy Wildcats. The defenders sacked the wondrous Mike Kafka, the Northwestern quarterback who completed, gulp, 35 of 42 passes for 390 yards, on five occasions.
And then, obviously, there was Greg Paulus, the kid out of Manlius who was fairly marvelous. There was Paulus, who completed 24 of his 35 tosses — some of them near magically ... like after bumping into a teammate in the backfield, righting himself and, while getting chased, finding an open receiver down field — for 346 yards and two touchdowns. There was Paulus being a star.
“I think the people who doubted Greg never met Greg,” Marrone said of the young man who was a Duke basketball player once upon a time. “It’s amazing to me. I think we take it for granted because he was such a tremendous high school player and a tremendous basketball player.
“Here’s a player who’s only been playing football for seven or eight weeks now ... and to go out in a Division I football game against a team that returned eight out of 11 starters and won nine games last year, and throw for over 300 yards is really tremendous.”
Greg’s take? Late Saturday night after he and his teammates had done the alma mater thing with the school band and then dove into the student section for hugs and hand slaps, he all but dug his toe into the ground and muttered, “Ah, shucks.”
“We won, so that’s how I judge myself,” he said. “I know that’s how quarterbacks are judged. I’ll go back to the film. I know I made a bunch of mistakes. I’ll correct that just like I’ve been correcting them each week and I’ll keep getting better, hopefully.
“It was fun. I know I tell you guys that every week. I’m having a blast. It’s good to be able to finish the deal and to close it out. Now, we’ve got to keep building, use this as momentum and not get complacent. We’ve got to get back, watch the film tomorrow. We’ll be running and lifting to get better. We’ve got to keep moving forward.”
The believers, and the line is growing, will follow.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
NFL 3 Up 3 Down
3 Up
1. Joe Flacco- The Ravens and passing attack aren't terms you would put together. Yet Joe Cool led his team to a win over KC by throwing the ball 49 times, a career high, and getting over 300 yards.
2. Fantasy Studs- Drew Brees and Adrian Peterson... need I say more?
3. JaMarcus Russell- He definitely showed me something in his teams Monday night loss. A big TD late on a 4th and 15. He may be nipping that bust bug before it can bite him.
3 Down
1. Carolina Panthers QBs- At one point, NFL Redzone showed the QB stats for that game. It hurt my eyes. Too many turnovers, and no one could establish an offense. And they let Jeff Garcia sign with the Eagles to be a 3rd string QB... Speaking of...
2. Philadelphia Eagles- McNabb got hurt, sure. He will probably miss a week, then play the rest of the season in pain. But he will still be effective. Bringing in Garcia, a backup that does not accept the fact that he is a backup, will just start more controversy. This is why Andy Reid will forever be my pick for worst coach/GM.
3. BILLS SPECIAL TEAMS- Take a knee, Leodis! Take a knee!
1. Joe Flacco- The Ravens and passing attack aren't terms you would put together. Yet Joe Cool led his team to a win over KC by throwing the ball 49 times, a career high, and getting over 300 yards.
2. Fantasy Studs- Drew Brees and Adrian Peterson... need I say more?
3. JaMarcus Russell- He definitely showed me something in his teams Monday night loss. A big TD late on a 4th and 15. He may be nipping that bust bug before it can bite him.
3 Down
1. Carolina Panthers QBs- At one point, NFL Redzone showed the QB stats for that game. It hurt my eyes. Too many turnovers, and no one could establish an offense. And they let Jeff Garcia sign with the Eagles to be a 3rd string QB... Speaking of...
2. Philadelphia Eagles- McNabb got hurt, sure. He will probably miss a week, then play the rest of the season in pain. But he will still be effective. Bringing in Garcia, a backup that does not accept the fact that he is a backup, will just start more controversy. This is why Andy Reid will forever be my pick for worst coach/GM.
3. BILLS SPECIAL TEAMS- Take a knee, Leodis! Take a knee!
3 Up, 3 Down
Trying a new thing on here for the football season. After every weekend of football, I will give 3 people/teams/trends on the rise, and 3 on the decline for both the NFL and NCAA. Here it goes:
NCAA- 3 UP
1. Matt Barkley- USC's freshman QB went into the Horseshoe and took down Ohio State. That truly impressive for a QB of any age, much less a true frosh.
2. Tate Forcier- Another great performance by a true freshman. This kid had his coming out party at the expense of Notre Dame.
3. UCLA- USC may now be alone in the Pac 10. UCLA went all the way to Rocky Top and took down the Vols. It wasn't a pretty game, but that doesn't matter. All that matters is the W.
3 Down
1. The ACC- UVA got destroyed by TCU. Even their mascot "Cav Man" got in on the failure. Add that to Maryland needing a comeback and OT to beat the Dukes of JMU, a 1-AA school, and something smells rotten in the mid-Atlantic.
2. Ohio State- They just can't seem to win the big one anymore. When you think about it, the only big ones they will are over Michigan, and over Miami when the Canes' star running back tears his ACL and an official makes a terrible call.
3. First half Heisman candidate struggles- Tim Tebow and Colt McCoy both struggled in the first half of their respective games. However, they went straight up in the second, and are still on pace to meet again in NYC, if not the BCS Championship game.
NCAA- 3 UP
1. Matt Barkley- USC's freshman QB went into the Horseshoe and took down Ohio State. That truly impressive for a QB of any age, much less a true frosh.
2. Tate Forcier- Another great performance by a true freshman. This kid had his coming out party at the expense of Notre Dame.
3. UCLA- USC may now be alone in the Pac 10. UCLA went all the way to Rocky Top and took down the Vols. It wasn't a pretty game, but that doesn't matter. All that matters is the W.
3 Down
1. The ACC- UVA got destroyed by TCU. Even their mascot "Cav Man" got in on the failure. Add that to Maryland needing a comeback and OT to beat the Dukes of JMU, a 1-AA school, and something smells rotten in the mid-Atlantic.
2. Ohio State- They just can't seem to win the big one anymore. When you think about it, the only big ones they will are over Michigan, and over Miami when the Canes' star running back tears his ACL and an official makes a terrible call.
3. First half Heisman candidate struggles- Tim Tebow and Colt McCoy both struggled in the first half of their respective games. However, they went straight up in the second, and are still on pace to meet again in NYC, if not the BCS Championship game.
Monday, September 14, 2009
NFL Preview: AFC and NFC West
Honestly, I don't know how much to say about the West divisions. In the AFC, I think the Chargers are the only team worth talking about, though the Broncos did get a miracle win today at Cincinnati. In the NFC, the Rams will be historically bad, the Seahawks could regain dominance, and the 49ers beat the Cards in Arizona. Its a toss up. But it should be fun to watch.
Friday, September 11, 2009
FHF
A big win for the Steelers last night in OT over the Titans, and another win for their coach today. Mike Tomlin takes the FHF award this week. Congrats.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
NFL Preview: AFC SOUTH
Peyton doesn't have Marvin anymore, and fat Albert is in DC. Who can take the South?
1. Indianapolis Colts (13-3): Losing Tony Dungy would be a huge loss for any team that didn't have Peyton Manning. As it is, Peyton is the true head coach of that team. They keep cruising and land the #2 seed in the AFC Playoffs.
2. Tennessee Titans (12-4): They play tonight against the defending champs, so we will get to see how they work without Albert. I think Nate Washington will have a big year as Kerry Collins' only true game-breaking target. Teams will play hard against the other Smash and Dash, but Johnson and White will find a way to get their yards. Its the Wild Card for Fisher and his men.
3. Houston Texans (10-6): This all depends on Matt Schaub. If he is healthy, the Texans have a breakout year. If not, then they will end up hovering under 8-8. Even if they do have a great year, they suffer from playing in the same division as the Titans and Colts, and will miss out on the playoffs. Still, big strides for a young franchise.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars (6-10): Tory Holt is a great addition, and Mo-Jo-Drew is a fantasy stud. But Gerrard and the boys don't have the killer defense that they once did, and with Houston o the rise, The Jags will take a few lumps in their division. It really doesn't matter though, because no one will be watching the games anyway...
1. Indianapolis Colts (13-3): Losing Tony Dungy would be a huge loss for any team that didn't have Peyton Manning. As it is, Peyton is the true head coach of that team. They keep cruising and land the #2 seed in the AFC Playoffs.
2. Tennessee Titans (12-4): They play tonight against the defending champs, so we will get to see how they work without Albert. I think Nate Washington will have a big year as Kerry Collins' only true game-breaking target. Teams will play hard against the other Smash and Dash, but Johnson and White will find a way to get their yards. Its the Wild Card for Fisher and his men.
3. Houston Texans (10-6): This all depends on Matt Schaub. If he is healthy, the Texans have a breakout year. If not, then they will end up hovering under 8-8. Even if they do have a great year, they suffer from playing in the same division as the Titans and Colts, and will miss out on the playoffs. Still, big strides for a young franchise.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars (6-10): Tory Holt is a great addition, and Mo-Jo-Drew is a fantasy stud. But Gerrard and the boys don't have the killer defense that they once did, and with Houston o the rise, The Jags will take a few lumps in their division. It really doesn't matter though, because no one will be watching the games anyway...
NFL Preview: NFC SOUTH
Drew Brees and the Saints look to rise from last place and take the division, as has been the case for all the last place teams the past few years. Will it work?
1. New Orleans Saints (11-5): The passing attack is too good, and the team finally learned not to rely on Reggie Bush to take them to the promised land. Look for another huge year from Brees, especially since Shockey and Colston are completely healthy. Also, their defense should actually be able to stop some teams this season. They keep the trend going and take the South.
2. Atlanta Falcons (9-7): I won't call it a sophomore slump for Matty Ice and his boys. The edition of Tony Gonzalez will help a whole lot in the passing game, but the team doesn't have a whole lot of gimme wins on the schedule. I think 9-7 is a safe bet, and they would be outside of Washington and Minnesota for those wild card spots.
3. Carolina Panthers (7-9): No one is going to be surprised by smash and dash this year. Everyone knows what the Panthers running game can do when healthy, and Johnathan Stewart has an Achilles injury that should nag at him all season. I don't have the faith in Delhomme to get the job done by himself anymore, so the Cardiac Cats go under .500 and start glancing at Bill Cowher.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-11 or 6-10): Tampa is in a rebuilding year. They got rid of their head coach, their QB and half their defense, drafted a young signal caller who won't be ready till at least Week 15 and are still trying to ride the Cadillac (Williams) to the promised land. It looks like a lean year for the Bucs.
1. New Orleans Saints (11-5): The passing attack is too good, and the team finally learned not to rely on Reggie Bush to take them to the promised land. Look for another huge year from Brees, especially since Shockey and Colston are completely healthy. Also, their defense should actually be able to stop some teams this season. They keep the trend going and take the South.
2. Atlanta Falcons (9-7): I won't call it a sophomore slump for Matty Ice and his boys. The edition of Tony Gonzalez will help a whole lot in the passing game, but the team doesn't have a whole lot of gimme wins on the schedule. I think 9-7 is a safe bet, and they would be outside of Washington and Minnesota for those wild card spots.
3. Carolina Panthers (7-9): No one is going to be surprised by smash and dash this year. Everyone knows what the Panthers running game can do when healthy, and Johnathan Stewart has an Achilles injury that should nag at him all season. I don't have the faith in Delhomme to get the job done by himself anymore, so the Cardiac Cats go under .500 and start glancing at Bill Cowher.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-11 or 6-10): Tampa is in a rebuilding year. They got rid of their head coach, their QB and half their defense, drafted a young signal caller who won't be ready till at least Week 15 and are still trying to ride the Cadillac (Williams) to the promised land. It looks like a lean year for the Bucs.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
NFL Preview: AFC NORTH
The defending champs and the hard-hitting Ravens will dominate again. The only question is, who will finish in first?
1. Pittsburgh Steelers (14-2): The champs open the season tomorrow night against the Titans. They will win and cruise most of the season through their schedule, splitting with the Ravens and losing to the Chargers, even though SD will have to travel to Pittsburgh. This will get them the #1 seed, a bye and a nice shot at a repeat.
2. Baltimore Ravens (12-4): The Ravens suffer from one problem- they play in the same division as the Steelers. Other than that, they are golden. I think their defense will continue to dominate despite losing Rex Ryan and Bart Scott. Jameel McClain can fill his void, and Haloti Ngata will be a household name by December. Breakout years for Flacco and Rice too.
3. Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals (4-12): Honestly, I couldn't find 4 wins for both of these team, and wanted to put 3-13 for both. But that futility is only reserved for special occasions (like the Rams and Chiefs). Either way, there will be no joy in Ohio.
1. Pittsburgh Steelers (14-2): The champs open the season tomorrow night against the Titans. They will win and cruise most of the season through their schedule, splitting with the Ravens and losing to the Chargers, even though SD will have to travel to Pittsburgh. This will get them the #1 seed, a bye and a nice shot at a repeat.
2. Baltimore Ravens (12-4): The Ravens suffer from one problem- they play in the same division as the Steelers. Other than that, they are golden. I think their defense will continue to dominate despite losing Rex Ryan and Bart Scott. Jameel McClain can fill his void, and Haloti Ngata will be a household name by December. Breakout years for Flacco and Rice too.
3. Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals (4-12): Honestly, I couldn't find 4 wins for both of these team, and wanted to put 3-13 for both. But that futility is only reserved for special occasions (like the Rams and Chiefs). Either way, there will be no joy in Ohio.
NFL Preview: NFC NORTH
The NFC North has Favre again, Jay Cutler, Rogers making his claim and those fun-loving Lions. How will it end up?
1. Green Bay Packers (12-4): Aaron Rogers is the real deal. This may be the season he tries to win an MVP award. At the very least, he will be good enough that the Pack can start forgetting about old whats-his-name on the Vikings. The only question is the Defense, but I think it will be much improved over last years.
2. Minnesota Vikings (10-6): A wild-card awaits the Vikings and the new captain of their longboats, Mr. Favre. I think his arm should last long enough, mainly because all he has to do is throw screens and hand the ball off to his amazing running backs, Chester Taylor and the explosive Adrian Peterson. The Williams Wall up front will help them take down other opponents, and a split with the Pack will take them to the playoffs. This all assumes, however, that Favre doesn't swashbuckle his way to a late season collapse.
3. Chicago Bears (7-9): Jay Cutler has a rocket arm, but he doesn't have anyone to throw too. Their offensive line is only average at best, so he won't have that much time and Matt Forte won't have huge holes to run through. The defense is also getting older, and Tommie Harris is still injured. I think that it will take a few more pieces to get the Bears into true contenders.
4. Detroit Lions (4-12): They are the Lions. They won't win a division game. But they can beat the Rams, Seahawks, Bengals and Browns. and four wins is a lot more than zero, right?
1. Green Bay Packers (12-4): Aaron Rogers is the real deal. This may be the season he tries to win an MVP award. At the very least, he will be good enough that the Pack can start forgetting about old whats-his-name on the Vikings. The only question is the Defense, but I think it will be much improved over last years.
2. Minnesota Vikings (10-6): A wild-card awaits the Vikings and the new captain of their longboats, Mr. Favre. I think his arm should last long enough, mainly because all he has to do is throw screens and hand the ball off to his amazing running backs, Chester Taylor and the explosive Adrian Peterson. The Williams Wall up front will help them take down other opponents, and a split with the Pack will take them to the playoffs. This all assumes, however, that Favre doesn't swashbuckle his way to a late season collapse.
3. Chicago Bears (7-9): Jay Cutler has a rocket arm, but he doesn't have anyone to throw too. Their offensive line is only average at best, so he won't have that much time and Matt Forte won't have huge holes to run through. The defense is also getting older, and Tommie Harris is still injured. I think that it will take a few more pieces to get the Bears into true contenders.
4. Detroit Lions (4-12): They are the Lions. They won't win a division game. But they can beat the Rams, Seahawks, Bengals and Browns. and four wins is a lot more than zero, right?
NFL Preview: AFC EAST
Part 2 is the AFC East. Brady's back, Sanchez has taken Manhattan, TO's in Buffalo and the Dolphins will try to hold defend Land Shark. Who will come out on top?
1. New England Patriots (11-5): This is all on Tom Brady. He has the same weapons as a team that just two season ago went 16-0. His arm is fine, his legs look good and he wants to replant himself as the league's best QB. I predict the Pats ride the super-powered offense to the AFC East title, sweeping the Bills and Jets along the way.
2. Miami Dolphins (7-9): I really wanted to give the Dolphins more wins than this, but their schedule just looks too difficult. While I still think they could be a pleasant surprise like last year, I don't see year two of the Pennington Regime going as well as year one did. Don't be surprised if that other Chad, Mr. Henne, is getting starts in late November.
3. New York Jets (7-9): A rule of thumb is usually to bet against rookie QBs. Last year Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco both made the playoffs. They were, however, surrounded by excellent teams. The Jets are a good team, but suspensions and a lack of game-breaking WRs will cause them to come up just short. Still, 7-9 for a rookie QB and rookie Coach is not bad at all. Watch out AFC in 2010.
4. Buffalo Bills (6-10): TO is great. The receivers are great. Trent Edwards is really good. The defense is even better than average. But then there is a suspended Marshawn Lynch and a non-existent offensive line. The schedule isn't as bad as it could be, but there are only a few gimme wins (Tampa, KC and Cleveland). Looks like another long year in the frozen north.
1. New England Patriots (11-5): This is all on Tom Brady. He has the same weapons as a team that just two season ago went 16-0. His arm is fine, his legs look good and he wants to replant himself as the league's best QB. I predict the Pats ride the super-powered offense to the AFC East title, sweeping the Bills and Jets along the way.
2. Miami Dolphins (7-9): I really wanted to give the Dolphins more wins than this, but their schedule just looks too difficult. While I still think they could be a pleasant surprise like last year, I don't see year two of the Pennington Regime going as well as year one did. Don't be surprised if that other Chad, Mr. Henne, is getting starts in late November.
3. New York Jets (7-9): A rule of thumb is usually to bet against rookie QBs. Last year Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco both made the playoffs. They were, however, surrounded by excellent teams. The Jets are a good team, but suspensions and a lack of game-breaking WRs will cause them to come up just short. Still, 7-9 for a rookie QB and rookie Coach is not bad at all. Watch out AFC in 2010.
4. Buffalo Bills (6-10): TO is great. The receivers are great. Trent Edwards is really good. The defense is even better than average. But then there is a suspended Marshawn Lynch and a non-existent offensive line. The schedule isn't as bad as it could be, but there are only a few gimme wins (Tampa, KC and Cleveland). Looks like another long year in the frozen north.
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