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.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
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.
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