Texas Rangers in six games. That was my prediction for the 2011 World Series. I was confident in that prediction as were a good number of other folks, who also made the same forcast. We were almost right; we should have been right. But the St. Louis Cardinals was not trying to hear that. The Cardinals won this series in 7 games, highlighted by their miraculous and gritty comeback win to stave off elimination in Game 6.
I don't want to disrespect any other outstanding performance in any other game in this series, particularly Albert Pujols' three home run feat in Game 3, but all you need to know about this Fall Classic is Game 6. Game 6 was the turning point for the Cardinals and the backbreaker for the Rangers. The Rangers were within a strike 2 times of winning the World Series in Game 6. The bullpen tallied a total of 3 blown saves in Game 6. And unfortunately, Nelson Cruz, who had a great post season with his bat, did not catch a ball with two outs in the bottom of the ninth he HAD TO catch that would have won Game 6 and the series for Texas. It wasn't a routine fly ball but he misjudged it and didn't lay out for it. If you're ever going to lay out for a fly ball, it should be in the ninth inning of a World Series clinching game. But even after the Cruz misplay that led to the Cardinals tying the game at 7 - 7, the Rangers bolted back out in front in the top of the 10th on a dramatic 2-run homer by Josh Hamilton. That lead was blown in the bottom of the 10th as the Cardiac Cardinals tied it up again with a clutch single by Lance Berkman. The Cardinals went on to win in the bottom of the 11th as the first batter up, World Series MVP David Freese, blasted a homer to centerfield.
The ending of this World Series reminded me a lot of the ending of the 1986 World Series between the New York Mets and the Boston Red Sox. Both World Series had dramatic, unbelievable Game 6 endings that showed resilence by the home team (Mets, Cardinals), which won on amazing rallies while facing elimination. Both the Mets and Cardinals was down to their last strike multiple times. And both the Mets and Cardinals went on to win Game 7 after giving up an early lead. In 1986, after climbing back to tie the game, the Mets went ahead on a solo blast by Ray Knight and never looked back. In 2011, after climbing back to tie the game, the Cardinals went ahead on a solo blast by Allen Craig and never looked back.
One big difference between the 1986 Mets and 2011 Cardinals was their post season expectations. The '86 Mets were MLB's dominate team that year; they ran away with the National League East, winning it by over 20 games, and had the best record in all of baseball. The 2011 Cardinals made it to the post season with the help of a seismic collapse by the Atlanta Braves and cliched the NL Wild Card on the very last day of the regular season. St. Louis had the worst record of all of the teams in post season but their momentum from capturing the NL Wild Card pushed them through the playoffs. They beat the top MLB team, the Philadelphia Phillies, and their division rivals, the Milwaukee Brewers along the way. Their World Series win over the Rangers is a bit of a surprise but is well deserved. I think their 2011 season and their championship will forever be remembered for Game 6, arguably the most thrilling World Series game ever. The Texas Rangers will certainly never forget that game.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
2011 World Series: Texas Rangers vs. St. Louis Cardinals
It is time for the 2011 Fall Classic to begin. This year we have the Texas Rangers returning from last year's World Series and the St. Louis Cardinals, making somewhat of a surprise appearance. The Cardinals, who snagged the National League Wild Card by making a late run and benefiting from the Atlanta Braves collapsing, defeated the heavily favored Philadelphia Phillies and the Milwaukee Brewers to get here. The Rangers, who won the American League West, beat the Tampa Bay Rays and the Detroit Tigers to repeat as AL champions.
The Cardinals will have home field advantage thanks to the NL's victory in the All Star Game this summer. They also have some key veteran players; a few that are held over from their 2006 championship, which includes none other than "all-world" first baseman Albert Pujols. The Rangers roster is mostly made up of players that experienced the World Series last year, even though they suffered a loss. Rangers outfielder and ALCS MVP Nelson Cruz soars into the World Series hoping to continue his clutch power hitting for the next few games. Manager Ron Washington has his Texas team playing loose and confident. And although I expect the Cardinals veteran and saavy manager Tony LaRussa to know what buttons to push, I believe the Rangers will win their first World Series. I think this is the Rangers year and they will be hungry to win after last year's disappointing loss to the San Francisco Giants. The Cardinals, who are truly playing with "house money" if you will, will see their improbably playoff run end. Rangers win in 6 games.
The Cardinals will have home field advantage thanks to the NL's victory in the All Star Game this summer. They also have some key veteran players; a few that are held over from their 2006 championship, which includes none other than "all-world" first baseman Albert Pujols. The Rangers roster is mostly made up of players that experienced the World Series last year, even though they suffered a loss. Rangers outfielder and ALCS MVP Nelson Cruz soars into the World Series hoping to continue his clutch power hitting for the next few games. Manager Ron Washington has his Texas team playing loose and confident. And although I expect the Cardinals veteran and saavy manager Tony LaRussa to know what buttons to push, I believe the Rangers will win their first World Series. I think this is the Rangers year and they will be hungry to win after last year's disappointing loss to the San Francisco Giants. The Cardinals, who are truly playing with "house money" if you will, will see their improbably playoff run end. Rangers win in 6 games.
Friday, September 30, 2011
2011 MLB League Divisional Series
Wow!!! What an exciting ending to the 2011 MLB regular season! The St Louis Cardinals and the Tampa Bay Rays both clinched wild card berths in game 162 with the aid of historic collapses by the Atlanta Braves and the Boston Red Sox (respectively). We all can only hope that the thrilling late inning drama of those games can carry over into the post season which is about to start.
The National League Divisional Series features the Arizona Diamondbacks vs. the Milwaukee Brewers and the Philadelphia Phillies vs. the St Louis Cardinals. The surprise of the year Diamondbacks I think will continue shock with their pitching and move past the Brewers, who may be playing their last set of significant games with Prince Fielder (who they may lose in the off season). The Fielder factor may give the Brewers a sense of urgency and some positive emotion but I think they will fall short to the Dbacks. The Phillies are debatably the best team in the majors and their 102 victories in the regular season back up their argument. But the Phillies are built to win the World Series not the regular season - anything short of a championship would be a huge disappointment. I don't think they will be upset in the NLDS; they will beat the Cardinals. I look forward to seeing their all-world pitching rotation featuring Roy Halladay this post season.
The American League Divisional Series features the New York Yankees vs. the Detroit Tigers and the Texas Rangers vs. the Tampa Bay Rays. The Yankees are not the "Big Bad Wolves" that they used to be but they still have a very talented team. The Tigers boast the best pitcher in the majors in Justin Verlander but he is matched against the Yankees C.C. Sabathia who isn't so shabby himself. I think the Yankees talent and experience will push them to the next round. The defending American League champion Rangers are looking to go all the way this year but the team that they defeated in the ALDS last year is looking for some revenge. The Tampa Bay Rays have lost a lot of their talented players from last year when they were favored to beat the Rangers. But this year I think they will get a little payback and defeat the more talented Texas team.
Let the playoff games begin!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The National League Divisional Series features the Arizona Diamondbacks vs. the Milwaukee Brewers and the Philadelphia Phillies vs. the St Louis Cardinals. The surprise of the year Diamondbacks I think will continue shock with their pitching and move past the Brewers, who may be playing their last set of significant games with Prince Fielder (who they may lose in the off season). The Fielder factor may give the Brewers a sense of urgency and some positive emotion but I think they will fall short to the Dbacks. The Phillies are debatably the best team in the majors and their 102 victories in the regular season back up their argument. But the Phillies are built to win the World Series not the regular season - anything short of a championship would be a huge disappointment. I don't think they will be upset in the NLDS; they will beat the Cardinals. I look forward to seeing their all-world pitching rotation featuring Roy Halladay this post season.
The American League Divisional Series features the New York Yankees vs. the Detroit Tigers and the Texas Rangers vs. the Tampa Bay Rays. The Yankees are not the "Big Bad Wolves" that they used to be but they still have a very talented team. The Tigers boast the best pitcher in the majors in Justin Verlander but he is matched against the Yankees C.C. Sabathia who isn't so shabby himself. I think the Yankees talent and experience will push them to the next round. The defending American League champion Rangers are looking to go all the way this year but the team that they defeated in the ALDS last year is looking for some revenge. The Tampa Bay Rays have lost a lot of their talented players from last year when they were favored to beat the Rangers. But this year I think they will get a little payback and defeat the more talented Texas team.
Let the playoff games begin!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Monday, September 26, 2011
Ladies, Let Your Man Watch Football!!!
Ahhh football. Just saying the word football gives a lot of men a sense of excitement and ironically a sense of relaxation. It is a game that a lot of men played as boys whether it was in school, Pop Warner leagues or just "pick up" games in the street. Things like tossing a football with their father or gathering with family and friends tailgating at football stadiums or having Thanksgiving underscored with this game are all traditions that have a connection with a lot of guys. The love of football usually stays with fellas for a lifetime. IT is a part of them. Now ladies, why would you want to sully something like that?
First, let me clear up a couple of things. Obviously I am NOT talking about ALL ladies. There are plenty of women out there who love football just as much as men do and will watch with or without their partners. There are also some females who are not crazy about football but do not try to obstruct their men from watching. But to my surprise, there are still women who have a problem with their significant other watching football. Over the years I have spoken to a lot of different ladies about this subject and I would say about half (non-scientific of course) are these type of females. I once dated a lady who "threatened" that she was going to get naked and pose in front of the television when a game I wanted to watch was coming on. And according to her, my response had better be the right one! Although that "showdown" didn't come to fruition (empty threat), she was still a bit upset that I wanted to watch this game. She somehow felt that I thought the game was more important to me than she was; she actually felt threatened by the game. I found through my conversations that this wasn't an uncommon (nor was the naked tatic) thought; other women that I have spoken to that were candid with me expressed similiar feelings. Journalist Roland Martin recently shared a tweet he received from a female follower of his that revealed that she desired a husband that didn't like football and she "prayed on it" - God answered her prayers and she now has a husband that was listening to music with her (at the time of her tweet) while Martin was connecting with people through Twitter around the country watching football. Different strokes for different folks but wow, somebody actually prayed to have a husband that didn't like football? I thought women usually prayed for men that were kindhearted, intelligent and assertive. I'm sure she had her reasons and but I hope she didn't lose out in the end on a great guy because he loved football. I also get a kick out a commercial that McDonalds airs on television. In the ad, a couple appears to be getting to know each other on a breakfast date at McDonalds. The woman makes a comment that her sister's boyfriend feels that Sundays are just for football. The statement was made to gauge the guy's feelings about the matter. He feels pressured to come up with the right thing to say, so he calls the sister's boyfriend a jerk which appeases the young lady with him. Really? So because a guy likes to watch football on Sundays he's a jerk? And that's what she wanted to hear? I know it's a fictional commercial but I'm sure thoughts and conversations in that framework has taken place millions of times.
I know some guys can get obsessive about football. Some will watch college football all day Saturday and then watch NFL football all day Sunday. That surely over time will make a gal feel neglected if she wants to do other things. And if a guy neglects other important responsibilities in lieu of football that is a problem as well. But if a guy picks a game or two to watch and still goes out with you and do things you want to do, what's wrong with that? A little compromise can go a very long way. I would even recommend learning the game and watching a few them with him. You'd be a surprise how much of a turn on that is to guys (just don't go spouting how "hot" some of the players are in their tight pants). If you have no tolerance for the game, then let him watch in peace. Remember in most cases, he doesn't love football more than you; it's not even close. You can then carry out your threat to "distract" him when he's giving you his undivided attention.
First, let me clear up a couple of things. Obviously I am NOT talking about ALL ladies. There are plenty of women out there who love football just as much as men do and will watch with or without their partners. There are also some females who are not crazy about football but do not try to obstruct their men from watching. But to my surprise, there are still women who have a problem with their significant other watching football. Over the years I have spoken to a lot of different ladies about this subject and I would say about half (non-scientific of course) are these type of females. I once dated a lady who "threatened" that she was going to get naked and pose in front of the television when a game I wanted to watch was coming on. And according to her, my response had better be the right one! Although that "showdown" didn't come to fruition (empty threat), she was still a bit upset that I wanted to watch this game. She somehow felt that I thought the game was more important to me than she was; she actually felt threatened by the game. I found through my conversations that this wasn't an uncommon (nor was the naked tatic) thought; other women that I have spoken to that were candid with me expressed similiar feelings. Journalist Roland Martin recently shared a tweet he received from a female follower of his that revealed that she desired a husband that didn't like football and she "prayed on it" - God answered her prayers and she now has a husband that was listening to music with her (at the time of her tweet) while Martin was connecting with people through Twitter around the country watching football. Different strokes for different folks but wow, somebody actually prayed to have a husband that didn't like football? I thought women usually prayed for men that were kindhearted, intelligent and assertive. I'm sure she had her reasons and but I hope she didn't lose out in the end on a great guy because he loved football. I also get a kick out a commercial that McDonalds airs on television. In the ad, a couple appears to be getting to know each other on a breakfast date at McDonalds. The woman makes a comment that her sister's boyfriend feels that Sundays are just for football. The statement was made to gauge the guy's feelings about the matter. He feels pressured to come up with the right thing to say, so he calls the sister's boyfriend a jerk which appeases the young lady with him. Really? So because a guy likes to watch football on Sundays he's a jerk? And that's what she wanted to hear? I know it's a fictional commercial but I'm sure thoughts and conversations in that framework has taken place millions of times.
I know some guys can get obsessive about football. Some will watch college football all day Saturday and then watch NFL football all day Sunday. That surely over time will make a gal feel neglected if she wants to do other things. And if a guy neglects other important responsibilities in lieu of football that is a problem as well. But if a guy picks a game or two to watch and still goes out with you and do things you want to do, what's wrong with that? A little compromise can go a very long way. I would even recommend learning the game and watching a few them with him. You'd be a surprise how much of a turn on that is to guys (just don't go spouting how "hot" some of the players are in their tight pants). If you have no tolerance for the game, then let him watch in peace. Remember in most cases, he doesn't love football more than you; it's not even close. You can then carry out your threat to "distract" him when he's giving you his undivided attention.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
2011 NFL Preview - NFC Outlook
Here's my outlook on how things will shake out in the NFC:
NFC EAST
1. Philadelphia Eagles
Eagles definitely won the trade and free agent “off-season” in the NFL. Now they have to win games on the field during the “real” season. The Eagles were a talented team before their new acquisitions; with the addition of their newbies, they should repeat as NFC East champs. But chemistry can be a funny thing……
2. Dallas Cowboys
Dallas was not as bad as their 6 – 10 record last season (hush Bill Parcells). After getting off to a bad start, the season snowballed into disaster territory low-lighted by a season ending injury to Tony Romo. The current Cowboy team seems to play better when expectations are not high which bodes well for them this season. Combining all of that with a “weaker” schedule and the Jason Garrett led Cowboys could make a lot of noise this season.
3. New York Giants
The G-Men have been devastated by injuries in the preseason. They also lost two of Eli Manning’s favorite targets (Steve Smith, Kevin Boss) to free agency. The Giants never seem to be on the radar for post season predictions but they have a knack for making themselves relevant. This season I think that mountain may be too high to climb for them. Expect a bit more of a slip for New York.
4. Washington Redskins
Although Washington had a decent preseason, I don’t see them winning a lot in the regular season. The Redskins believe that they can win with John Beck or Rex Grossman at QB; almost everyone outside of their camp doesn’t share their enthusiasm. Mike Shanahan’s club should be competitive against their divisional foes but I don’t expect them to compete for the division title.
NFC NORTH
1. Green Bay Packers
The Super Bowl defending champions are a very tough team to beat. They will win a bunch of games this year and will compete again in the playoffs. But the Pack are beatable; I already heard someone try to compare them to the Patriots of 2007, thinking they may run the table in the regular season. That’s not going to happen; they’ll even have a tough time winning the division.
2. Chicago Bears
Chicago won the NFC North last year and will be in the thick of it to repeat. The Bears have a championship caliber squad. They have a tough as nails defense; if they ever get that running game back in shape again and if Jay Cutler can live up to his potential – look out! The Bears could have a special season.
3. Detroit Lions
I agree with pretty much everything I’ve heard about the Lions this season: this will be an exciting team to watch, they will make more strides forward this year and they’ll probably fall just short of the postseason. Hopefully Matthew Stafford will have a healthy 2011 season.4. Minnesota Vikings
The fact that I’m picking the Vikings to finish last convinces me that the NFC North is probably the best division in the NFL. I think the Vikings have a good team. They debatably have the best running back in football (Adrian Peterson) and have added veteran QB Donovan McNabb. But the defense has lost some of its strut over the last couple of seasons and McNabb finds himself in another situation without a elite receiver. Vikings will win some but not enough to make the playoffs.
NFC SOUTH
1. New Orleans Saints
You figure the Saints have to be hungry this year after their untimely exit in the playoffs last season. New Orleans is still one of the most explosive teams in the NFL. Drew Brees is still a top flight QB and he still has a good amount of weapons. Expect to see the Saints battle to get the Lombardi trophy back.
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Just like the Lions, The Bucs are a young exciting team on the rise. Coming off a season in which they won 10 games but still missed the playoffs, I expect the young Bucs to come close to their unexpected success. Josh Freeman, Legarrette Blount and Mike Williams could be the new “triplets”.3. Atlanta Falcons
I know a lot folks may think I’m crazy, but I think the Falcons will take a step back this season. I don’t see them pulling out the close victories they did last year. I like their new weapon on offense Julio Jones who they drafted in the first round this year. He should help to open up the offense some this year but I don’t think it’ll be enough.
4. Carolina Panthers
The Panthers are coming off of a bad season. They have a brand new coaching staff. They have a brand new rookie starting QB (#1 overall draft pick Cam Newton). Their defense still has some good players and they still have a decent running attack but I think this will be a transition year for Carolina.NFC WEST
1. St. Louis Rams
See Lions. See Bucs. The Rams are similar to those two in being a young up and coming team. But unlike those two, St. Louis will win their division. Sam Bradford is one of the best young QB’s in the game and we should see him make more progress this year. Rams also may have the league’s most unsung defense. The Rams finished under .500 and missed the playoffs by one game last year. This season they make the playoffs and will be over .500.
2 Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals should improve from their disappointing 2010 season. They are counting on newly acquired Kevin Kolb to turn into the QB the Eagles thought he would be last year. Can Beanie Wells carry the load at RB? How will the defense fair after swapping in rookie Patrick Peterson and swapping out Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie? Larry Fitzgerald will help to make them competitive but I don’t expect to see them reach the postseason.
3. Seattle Seahawks
Defending NFC West champion Seahawks drew the ire of many after winning the division last year with a losing record and “earning” a home playoff game. They quickly hushed up their critics by defeating the defending Super Bowl champion Saints in the first round of the playoffs. I don’t expect the Seahawks to turn that magic this season. It could be another losing season for the Seahawks but they won’t make the playoffs this time.
4. San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers have a new head coach (Jim Harbaugh) but will still start their old QB (Alex Smith). Many feel the source of the 49ers problems starts with Smith. Can Harbaugh pull out the talent in Smith? The 49ers still boast some nice pieces on offense (Frank Gore, Vernon Davis) and may have one of the league’s best defenders (Patrick Willis) but I don’t expect to see Joe Montana or Jerry Rice to walk through locker room door for them this season.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
2011 NFL Preview - AFC Outlook
The 2011 NFL season has finally arrived! Here is my outlook for teams in the AFC:
AFC EAST
1. New York Jets
Jets defense keeps the pressure on again this season. Mark Sanchez and the offense take another baby step towards opening up. Rex Ryan finally gets his squad a division title and a home playoff game.2. New England Patriots
Bill Belichick & company have done some retooling and this team still has the potential to reach the mountaintop. But I think this will be the beginning of the Tom Brady “window” closing.3. Miami Dolphins
Great defense + questionable offense = a lot of heartache in South Florida. I see the Dolphins on the losing end of a lot of close battles. If Chad Henne and Reggie Bush step up the Fins could surprise the division.4. Buffalo Bills
The Bills have a few nice pieces here and there but can they “connect those dots”? If Ryan Fitzpatrick can mirror his triumphs from last season and if Shawne Merriman can capture his Chargers glory back, the Bills will compete for a higher position in the division. Chan Gailey needs to find touches for C.J. Spiller.AFC NORTH
1. Pittsburgh Steelers
The defending AFC champions will not miss a beat this season. Expect to see the same Steeler formula of tough defense and timely offense to secure Pittsburgh another division title. One question about Dick LeBeau’s defense though: did the Packers expose a chink in the armor during the Super Bowl?2. Baltimore Ravens
There’s a lot to like about the Ravens; great defense, potential on offense – they are primed to finally get over the Steeler hurdle. We know they will continue to have epic battles with their division rivals but I won’t believe in them going the distance until I see it. Negative whispers about Joe Flacco will grow into screams this season if the young QB doesn’t take it to the next level.3. Cleveland Browns
Browns’ fans must be excited about their young budding team in 2011. Colt McCoy showed he could play on the professional level last season and looks to progress more this year. But with a new coaching staff in place, a lack of a true offseason and young players I don’t expect the Browns to excel this season. They will be an improved team though.4. Cincinnati Bengals
Cincy looks like they are totally in rebuilding mode. The team purged a few veterans, most notably Chad Ochocinco , and is looking to give fresh faces a chance to represent the organization. 2011 draft picks Andy Dalton and A.J. Green should see a ton of playing time. This could possibly be an old 2 – 3 win “Bungal” season.AFC SOUTH
1. Houston Texans
I am not totally confident in picking the Texans to win the division; it is almost a pick by default. The Texans are one of those teams that I don’t believe in their success until I see it. This talented offensive team added Wade Phillips as defensive coordinator to steward one of the league’s most porous defenses. There should be a vast improvement on that side ball. Mix that with Matt Schaub, Andre Johnson & Arian Foster on offense and that should spell many victories for the Texans. Will they live up to their potential?2. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts are a difficult team to read with Peyton Manning’s neck injury; no one knows just how long he will be out of the lineup. I’m one to believe that even with a healthy Manning, the Colts are beginning to decline. His absence will only accelerate the Colts slide. Hopefully, he won’t miss many games.3. Jacksonville Jaguars
I was all ready to pick the Jaguars to win the AFC South and then they cut David Garrard. By no means was Garrard lighting up the league but I think this cost saving move just "cost" the Jags their season. They still have good players on this team particularly Maurice Jones-Drew but I feel that Garrard was the right guy to lead the Jags to a division title. Hopefully rookie Blaine Gabbert will take over the reins soon and give Jacksonville the value they are looking for.4. Tennessee Titans
Although the Titans have some gifted players on offense and defense, I think they have gone through too many changes in key areas (head coach, quarterback) to have a winning season. By no means do I think they will be doormats but I do foresee a bit of a struggle for them. Coming over from Seattle, Matt Hasselbeck looks to give the offense stability along with dynamic running back Chris Johnson. They’ll be competitive just not victorious.AFC WEST
1. San Diego Chargers
Last year the Chargers led the league in offense and defense but failed to make the playoffs. That will not be the case this season. San Diego is the most talented team in the AFC West and this year they will benefit from it. Phillip Rivers is as good as they come at the QB position and he’ll have Vincent Jackson to throw to all season unlike he did last year. The Chargers will miss Darren Sproles (now on the Saints) but I expect them to still make strides this year. They are championship contenders.2. Oakland Raiders
I like the Oakland Raiders and I think they will build on their success from last season. A little stability for Jason Campbell should help him be more consistent on the field. The Raiders certainly are keeping their fingers crossed that Darren McFadden can repeat his on field performance from a season ago. While I don’t expect the Raiders to sweep the division again, I do expect them to battle for a Wild Card spot.3. Kansas City Chiefs
Defending AFC West champion Chiefs snuck up on a few folks last year; that won’t be the case this season. Jamaal Charles should have another outstanding season and like the Raiders, the Chiefs will probably battle for a Wild Card spot. Although I can see a winning season from KC I think they will miss the post season this year.4. Denver Broncos
While I think holding on to Kyle Orton was the right move, I don’t think he will be able to steer the Broncos to a successful season this year. I like that the Broncos hired John Fox as their new head coach and I think he will help make Denver competitive. Fox’s defensive brilliance should lift up an already talented defense that was decimated by injuries last year, particularly Elvis Dumervil who returns after missing the entire 2010 season. Also rookie Von Miller should immediately help this defense. The Broncos will make the division tougher than most anticipate as they should battle and finish near an 8 – 8 record.Wednesday, August 3, 2011
The Philadelphia Eagles Are No Dream Team or Miami Heat
Impressive. What the Philadelphia Eagles front office has done since the lockout was lifted has been simply impressive. Not only did they shock the world by adding top free agent prize CB Nnamdi Asomugha, but they acquired a few more nice pieces; most notably CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (via trade), RB Ronnie Brown and DT Cullen Jenkins. They also upgraded their backup QB position by adding Vince Young (who in my opinion is better than a bunch of QB's around the league who will be starters this year). The Eagles even got a 2012 2nd round pick from the Arizona Cardinals in the Rodgers-Cromartie trade (QB Kevin Kolb was delivered from Eagles). But adding the current bodies to the already talented Eagles team, which boasts such studs as Michael Vick, DeSean Jackson and Trent Cole, is what has some people already calling them the "Dream Team". Some have even started comparing this Eagles team to the 2010 - 2011 Miami Heat of the NBA. Really??? Slow it down folks - these comparisons are way off base.
First of all, you really can't compare football teams to basketball teams; it's a classic apples vs. oranges scenerio. In basketball, one great player has a lot more impact on a team than one great player does in football. It's basic math; basketball teams have only five players that are starters while football teams have twenty-two players that are starters (exluding special teams). As good as the players are that the Eagles acquired, none of them (for the slight except of Asomugha) are considered the best in the league. The "Dream Team" which was the moniker given to the 1992 USA Basketball Olympic team, were not only made up of some of the best players in the league, it was made up of some of the best players in world of all time! Probably never in the history of sports has a nickname fit a team so perfectly. So lets stop that comparison immediately. The Heat - Eagles comparison is a bad one also for very similiar reasons. LeBron James and Chris Bosh joining Dwyane Wade in Miami created a team which boasted three starters which are considered to be the three of the top players in the NBA. Now while Vick and Asomugha may be hailed by some as elite NFL players, I don't see anyone calling Rodgers-Cromartie, Jenkins, Jason Babin or any of the remaining new Philly starters as best in the league. Also the Heat pretty much had to retool their whole team to accommodate their new star players. The Eagles team will still have most of their personnel from last year's campaign.
Now I know that some of this talk was started by some of the new Eagles (Young & Babin) but I think the media and fans have run with their words. The Eagles acquisitions have been great copy for training camp and the "Dream Team" "Miami Heat" chatter has been an excellent complementary piece. But the bottom line is neither title is accurate no matter how Philadelphia's season will play out.
First of all, you really can't compare football teams to basketball teams; it's a classic apples vs. oranges scenerio. In basketball, one great player has a lot more impact on a team than one great player does in football. It's basic math; basketball teams have only five players that are starters while football teams have twenty-two players that are starters (exluding special teams). As good as the players are that the Eagles acquired, none of them (for the slight except of Asomugha) are considered the best in the league. The "Dream Team" which was the moniker given to the 1992 USA Basketball Olympic team, were not only made up of some of the best players in the league, it was made up of some of the best players in world of all time! Probably never in the history of sports has a nickname fit a team so perfectly. So lets stop that comparison immediately. The Heat - Eagles comparison is a bad one also for very similiar reasons. LeBron James and Chris Bosh joining Dwyane Wade in Miami created a team which boasted three starters which are considered to be the three of the top players in the NBA. Now while Vick and Asomugha may be hailed by some as elite NFL players, I don't see anyone calling Rodgers-Cromartie, Jenkins, Jason Babin or any of the remaining new Philly starters as best in the league. Also the Heat pretty much had to retool their whole team to accommodate their new star players. The Eagles team will still have most of their personnel from last year's campaign.
Now I know that some of this talk was started by some of the new Eagles (Young & Babin) but I think the media and fans have run with their words. The Eagles acquisitions have been great copy for training camp and the "Dream Team" "Miami Heat" chatter has been an excellent complementary piece. But the bottom line is neither title is accurate no matter how Philadelphia's season will play out.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
NFL Lockout Is Over!! Oh-No Flag On The Play....
Are you ready for some football??? I know the answer to that question. Everyone is about "done" with the current NFL lockout. The labor dispute was seemingly coming to an end this past Thursday when 31 of the 32 NFL owners agreed on a deal that the media reported would be approved by the players. It didn't happen...yet. I think most of us is confident from what we are hearing that an agreement really is around the corner and the NFL season more than likely will start on time. But the bottom line is most strike/lockout related situations, no matter what the industry, are not resolved until the 11th hour. Also when your talking about BILLIONS of dollars being divided, it is going to take time to work everything out. Even though there may be some posturing going on by the players at this time, you can't blame them for wanting to make sure they understand this complex deal that they will commit to for ten years. Let's face it, this is not like a month to month lease agreement that they will try to take to Judge Greg Mathis for a small claims settlement if an issue arises. Ten years is a long commitment; most of the players in the league today will not see the life of this agreement and scores more will enter and exit the league within that time period. Nothing is more important than getting it right, right now.
The media is doing a great job keeping us up to date on all the breaking labor dispute news. But hearing every detail, in detail, is part of what is making this issue a little anxious for fans. In no way am I knocking sports journalists for doing their job. The reality is, that in an attempt to resolve a dispute, there are going to be peaks and valleys. In a moment it will look like a touchdown is going to be scored, and just as fast, there will be a fumble out of that endzone for a touchback. So some of the developments of the past couple of days should not be a surprise. In a few more days (hopefully) we will all wipe our brows and scream "finally!!" because the dispute will be over. That's when sports journalist can get back to reporting on what they would rather be informing us about: actual football matters on the field. And then we can put most of the legal and labor minutiae behind us.
The media is doing a great job keeping us up to date on all the breaking labor dispute news. But hearing every detail, in detail, is part of what is making this issue a little anxious for fans. In no way am I knocking sports journalists for doing their job. The reality is, that in an attempt to resolve a dispute, there are going to be peaks and valleys. In a moment it will look like a touchdown is going to be scored, and just as fast, there will be a fumble out of that endzone for a touchback. So some of the developments of the past couple of days should not be a surprise. In a few more days (hopefully) we will all wipe our brows and scream "finally!!" because the dispute will be over. That's when sports journalist can get back to reporting on what they would rather be informing us about: actual football matters on the field. And then we can put most of the legal and labor minutiae behind us.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Unruly and Violent Fans at a Stadium Near You?
Nowadays, it is tough to be a true fan in sports. It's harder the stay in love with our favorite teams since they seem to have more turnover on their rosters than McDonald's has with its entry level employees. Ticket prices to games have ballooned to absurd levels; compound that with astronomical concession stand and parking prices and it makes it very difficult for folks to make it to a game as much as they would like. On top of it all we currently have two leagues, the NFL and the NBA, that are in labor disputes which could possibly cost fans the opportunity to see games (NFL dispute is ending soon - hopefully). It is all enough to drive us a little batty. But one thing that really puts a damper on the true fan experience is actually caused by fans themselves. Unruly, violent and out of control fans at sporting venues are a bit out of hand. This subject is not discussed nearly enough and I hope that something is finally done about it - soon.
Some fans are really taking the fun out of going to ballparks, stadiums and arenas. Over the years I have witnessed countless verbal abuse, heated arguments and physical fights at sporting events. A couple of years ago I was at a New York Mets home game against the Florida Marlins. A young female arrived late and sat a few rows ahead of me donning a Boston Red Sox cap. A fool in front of her noticed her and just started berating her with uncalled for, nasty language because of her cap. Now mind you, this was a Mets fan not a Yankees fan (not that it would have made it alright if it was a Yankees fan and he clearly had forgotten that Bill Buckner had made it cool for Red Sox fans to visit Flushing). She could not have been anymore than 16 or 17 years old and this "jerk" decides to unload on her as if she had just killed his family. Thankfully, another male fan in her row got him to hush up. If only he would have just kept his focus on the game in front of him, he would not of had to see the Red Sox hat that drew his ire. Instead he disturbs the whole section, which had a decent amount of kids in it and possibly turned off a young lady from coming to the park ever again. All because he had no self control and no respect for others in this public space. Another verbal abuse incident that I witnessed was a bit in reverse, at an NFL game in Philadelphia. As the Philadelphia Eagles were crushing the Dallas Cowboys on the field, I was walking towards a concourse area and heard a loud voice just scolding a Cowboys fan; all kinds of curse words just flying all over the place. I wasn't really too surprised being it was in Philadelphia but as I approached the piercing voice and the Cowboys fan I was shocked to see the orator of these "fine" words was a kid! This girl had to be about 12 years old! And there was what looked to be her parents, right next to her, grinning with pride. I wonder where she learned that behavior??? Now it may be debatable whether this Cowboys fan should have been dressed in Cowboys gear from head to toe in Philadelphia. But what is not debatable is a grown man being subjected to such language from a kid while her parents condone the action. There is nothing wrong with some friendly, consensual verbal jabbing at a game; that actually makes it a little more fun. But if a fan is not a willing participant in your jousting, leave him/her alone.
What's more fun than witnessing someone getting verbally abused? Well of course, it is two or more people screaming obscenities at each other! Yay! I'm sure you've seen and heard these conflicts before. You know, the ones where folks are standing up shouting at each other to the left and behind you; then you just can't help but look to see what's going on even though the game is to your right and in front of you. You have to watch because hey, who knows what's coming next? Maybe a fight? Seriously, I can truly do without this nonsense as well. And 99.9% of the time its over something really, really stupid. And usually these shouting matches are in an earshot of children. But who cares? I'm going to get my point across anyway right? "Your team sucks $^&**@". "Well you can suck *&*$#" "F*** you A##$4$$" - and a lot of times, a fight follows that exchange. Punches thrown, bodies slammed over rows of seats....yea exactly what I had in mind when I came to see this baseball game. Heck, a fight even broke out in the stands at a tennis match in the US Open last year (and I thought tennis spectators were suppose to be sophisticated and civilized - LOL). Major League Baseball's opening day at Dodgers Stadium this year may have showcased one of the worst fan altercations ever. After the game between the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers, Giants fan Bryan Stow was beaten into a coma in the stadium's parking lot. Stow, was allegedly beaten by some Dodgers fans because he was wearing Giants gear. Nearly four months later, Stow is still hospitalized and suffering from a brain injury. All because of what??? Though not as serious, I certainly have seen my share of physical altercations at sporting events. I even was a victim of a beer shower (more like a nice sprinkle) from a hurled cup that was intended for a guy a couple of rows ahead of me. Silly me; I was actually watching the game and suddenly felt a little wet. Thanks guy - I appreciated the free brew - not! And now, with technology being what is today, a lot of these incidents are being taped and posted online. If you went to YouTube right now and searched "fans fight" and plug your favorite team next to it, I'm pretty sure you will find at least one (if not more) fight that was recorded and posted that involved fans of your favorite team. I don't know about you but I'm not looking for an undercard for the game I actually paid to see. The professionals on the field will do just fine thank you.
And speaking of the professionals on the field, my fellow fans, can we "bring it down a thousand" with them too? As paying fans you have every right to boo and jeer players, and if your smart, you'll strategically help your team gain that all important home field advantage. What you don't have the right to do is be overly abusive with the language, throw stuff at players (and onto the field) and run on the field of play. It is unbelievable how many cowards live out among us. They yell and throw stuff at players behind the shield of anonymity in the crowd and also "the shield" that players will not want to get in trouble for retaliating if they can spot them out. Just because we pay for tickets, it does not give us the right to cross the line; it only gives us the right to be entertained. If you feel like you're not being entertained, boo or after awhile don't spend your hard earned money anymore at the games. The infamous NBA fight that broke out at the Palace at Auburn Hills back in 2004 was a benchmark "event" initiated by fans. While visiting Indiana Pacers' player Ron Artest and some of his teammates had absolutely no right and no business fighting up in the stands with Detroit Pistons fans, the whole melee never would have happened if Artest didn't have a drink thrown on him (from a fan). And for those fans that love running out onto the field, you do it at your own risk. Fifteen minutes of "stupidity" is not worth being tased or tackled and arrested. But I guess the highlights of it broadcasted around the world (and it going viral) is worth it, in your mind.
Last season, the NFL acknowledged that more fans were enjoying the "home" experience of watching games. The general feeling was that more people own large, HD flat screen televisions and with the success of the NFL's own programming (such as NFL Red Zone and NFL Sunday TIcket) fans now have a competing option to attending games in person. Though there is some truth to this, I think a growing number of fans are actually just more comfortable watching the game at home. While the out of pocket expense aspect of attending a game in person in a tough economy may actually be the leading reason for more fans staying home, dealing with crowds and unruly behavior I believe has to be a factor in that decision as well. If you have vile acts occurring at stadiums, like the fan last year at a Philadelphia Phillies game who purposely vomitted on an 11 year old girl and her father, why would you want to come out and "enjoy" a contest? No doubt alcohol plays a part in some of this disruptive behavior but some of it is just straight selfish attitude. The feeling that some fans get is that the "world" revolves around them regardless of the fact that there are 55,000 other fans at the game as well. It is a mere reflection of our society, a lack of comprehension that we should share space and respect others in public venues. I often hear fans criticize athletes for being selfish and arrogant; it's time for some them to look in the mirror. Come out to the games and have a good time; stop spoiling it for others with your selfish, arrogant and immature attitudes. Nowhere on the back of a game ticket does it say other fans should be subjected to it.
Some fans are really taking the fun out of going to ballparks, stadiums and arenas. Over the years I have witnessed countless verbal abuse, heated arguments and physical fights at sporting events. A couple of years ago I was at a New York Mets home game against the Florida Marlins. A young female arrived late and sat a few rows ahead of me donning a Boston Red Sox cap. A fool in front of her noticed her and just started berating her with uncalled for, nasty language because of her cap. Now mind you, this was a Mets fan not a Yankees fan (not that it would have made it alright if it was a Yankees fan and he clearly had forgotten that Bill Buckner had made it cool for Red Sox fans to visit Flushing). She could not have been anymore than 16 or 17 years old and this "jerk" decides to unload on her as if she had just killed his family. Thankfully, another male fan in her row got him to hush up. If only he would have just kept his focus on the game in front of him, he would not of had to see the Red Sox hat that drew his ire. Instead he disturbs the whole section, which had a decent amount of kids in it and possibly turned off a young lady from coming to the park ever again. All because he had no self control and no respect for others in this public space. Another verbal abuse incident that I witnessed was a bit in reverse, at an NFL game in Philadelphia. As the Philadelphia Eagles were crushing the Dallas Cowboys on the field, I was walking towards a concourse area and heard a loud voice just scolding a Cowboys fan; all kinds of curse words just flying all over the place. I wasn't really too surprised being it was in Philadelphia but as I approached the piercing voice and the Cowboys fan I was shocked to see the orator of these "fine" words was a kid! This girl had to be about 12 years old! And there was what looked to be her parents, right next to her, grinning with pride. I wonder where she learned that behavior??? Now it may be debatable whether this Cowboys fan should have been dressed in Cowboys gear from head to toe in Philadelphia. But what is not debatable is a grown man being subjected to such language from a kid while her parents condone the action. There is nothing wrong with some friendly, consensual verbal jabbing at a game; that actually makes it a little more fun. But if a fan is not a willing participant in your jousting, leave him/her alone.
What's more fun than witnessing someone getting verbally abused? Well of course, it is two or more people screaming obscenities at each other! Yay! I'm sure you've seen and heard these conflicts before. You know, the ones where folks are standing up shouting at each other to the left and behind you; then you just can't help but look to see what's going on even though the game is to your right and in front of you. You have to watch because hey, who knows what's coming next? Maybe a fight? Seriously, I can truly do without this nonsense as well. And 99.9% of the time its over something really, really stupid. And usually these shouting matches are in an earshot of children. But who cares? I'm going to get my point across anyway right? "Your team sucks $^&**@". "Well you can suck *&*$#" "F*** you A##$4$$" - and a lot of times, a fight follows that exchange. Punches thrown, bodies slammed over rows of seats....yea exactly what I had in mind when I came to see this baseball game. Heck, a fight even broke out in the stands at a tennis match in the US Open last year (and I thought tennis spectators were suppose to be sophisticated and civilized - LOL). Major League Baseball's opening day at Dodgers Stadium this year may have showcased one of the worst fan altercations ever. After the game between the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers, Giants fan Bryan Stow was beaten into a coma in the stadium's parking lot. Stow, was allegedly beaten by some Dodgers fans because he was wearing Giants gear. Nearly four months later, Stow is still hospitalized and suffering from a brain injury. All because of what??? Though not as serious, I certainly have seen my share of physical altercations at sporting events. I even was a victim of a beer shower (more like a nice sprinkle) from a hurled cup that was intended for a guy a couple of rows ahead of me. Silly me; I was actually watching the game and suddenly felt a little wet. Thanks guy - I appreciated the free brew - not! And now, with technology being what is today, a lot of these incidents are being taped and posted online. If you went to YouTube right now and searched "fans fight" and plug your favorite team next to it, I'm pretty sure you will find at least one (if not more) fight that was recorded and posted that involved fans of your favorite team. I don't know about you but I'm not looking for an undercard for the game I actually paid to see. The professionals on the field will do just fine thank you.
And speaking of the professionals on the field, my fellow fans, can we "bring it down a thousand" with them too? As paying fans you have every right to boo and jeer players, and if your smart, you'll strategically help your team gain that all important home field advantage. What you don't have the right to do is be overly abusive with the language, throw stuff at players (and onto the field) and run on the field of play. It is unbelievable how many cowards live out among us. They yell and throw stuff at players behind the shield of anonymity in the crowd and also "the shield" that players will not want to get in trouble for retaliating if they can spot them out. Just because we pay for tickets, it does not give us the right to cross the line; it only gives us the right to be entertained. If you feel like you're not being entertained, boo or after awhile don't spend your hard earned money anymore at the games. The infamous NBA fight that broke out at the Palace at Auburn Hills back in 2004 was a benchmark "event" initiated by fans. While visiting Indiana Pacers' player Ron Artest and some of his teammates had absolutely no right and no business fighting up in the stands with Detroit Pistons fans, the whole melee never would have happened if Artest didn't have a drink thrown on him (from a fan). And for those fans that love running out onto the field, you do it at your own risk. Fifteen minutes of "stupidity" is not worth being tased or tackled and arrested. But I guess the highlights of it broadcasted around the world (and it going viral) is worth it, in your mind.
Last season, the NFL acknowledged that more fans were enjoying the "home" experience of watching games. The general feeling was that more people own large, HD flat screen televisions and with the success of the NFL's own programming (such as NFL Red Zone and NFL Sunday TIcket) fans now have a competing option to attending games in person. Though there is some truth to this, I think a growing number of fans are actually just more comfortable watching the game at home. While the out of pocket expense aspect of attending a game in person in a tough economy may actually be the leading reason for more fans staying home, dealing with crowds and unruly behavior I believe has to be a factor in that decision as well. If you have vile acts occurring at stadiums, like the fan last year at a Philadelphia Phillies game who purposely vomitted on an 11 year old girl and her father, why would you want to come out and "enjoy" a contest? No doubt alcohol plays a part in some of this disruptive behavior but some of it is just straight selfish attitude. The feeling that some fans get is that the "world" revolves around them regardless of the fact that there are 55,000 other fans at the game as well. It is a mere reflection of our society, a lack of comprehension that we should share space and respect others in public venues. I often hear fans criticize athletes for being selfish and arrogant; it's time for some them to look in the mirror. Come out to the games and have a good time; stop spoiling it for others with your selfish, arrogant and immature attitudes. Nowhere on the back of a game ticket does it say other fans should be subjected to it.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Dallas Mavericks NBA Champions!!! Miami Heat 2nd Best For Now....
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Miami Heat in Game 6 of the NBA Finals 105 - 95 to take the series 4 games to 2 and win their very first championship. A lot of experts and fans didn't give the Mavs a shot to beat the Heat, especially after losing Game 3 at home and going down 2 games to 1 in the series. But Dallas jumped back on their horse after that game and proceeded to win the next 3 games in a row to send Miami packing without rings for the summer. Series MVP Dirk Nowitzki was ice cold from the field for a good portion of Game 6, which was very uncharacteristic of him, particularly since he had good looks at the bucket. But Nowitzki hand turned hot as he drove the steak through the heart of the Heat championship dreams down the stretch in the 4th quarter. The Mavs had some key performances by some of their other players like JJ Barea (penetration & shot selection), DeShawn Stevenson (hit some big 3 pointers) and Brian Cardinal (filled in big minutes while Mavs big men were in foul trouble). But no star shined as brightly as Jason Terry for the Mavs as he lit up Miami from the field making 11 of 16 shots (3 of 7 from downtown). Terry really was huge in this game; he held the Mavs' heads above water as Nowitzki was going through his foul trouble and unusual cold streak. He gave the Heat fits with his perimeter game as well as with his drives to the hoop. Terry finished with a game high 27 points but it seemed like he had 50.
The Miami Heat will be kicking themselves all summer about this series. Even though they were down 3 games to 2 going into Game 6 there was a feeling that the Heat could still pull off winning two straight home games to win the title. If LeBron James and Dwayne Wade could have played to their offensive potential, Miami possibly would have been celebrating their 2nd NBA Championship. Surprisingly, neither player showed up big in Game 6. James started off pretty hot but eventually cooled off. Wade never really seemed to get on track offensively. Chris Bosh played a good game but expressed after the game that he wished he had more opportunities (hmm, future problem?). The Heat as a team also missed a ton of free throws in Game 6. They missed 13 to be exact and obviously that had a big impact on the game. But the bottom line is the Heat biggest flaw is their half court offensive. ANY team that tries to run with them will lose. If a team can force them into becoming jump shooters, they will have a chance to succeed. The Mavs forced the Heat into jump shots. They also did the same thing at the end of Game 2, which really was the critical game of this series. In that game the Heat blew a 15 point lead in the 4th quarter when Nowitzki turned up the offense and the team turned up the defense forcing the Heat into an outside game. If the Heat would have won Game 2, I think they would have won the series. But they didn't, so they "didn't".
I'd like to congratulate the Dallas Mavericks on winning the 2011 NBA Finals. It's great to see veterans like Nowitzki, Terry, Jason Kidd, Shawn Marion and Tyson Chandler finally get their championship. Also it's nice to see Mav's owner Mark Cuban finally win it all. Love him or hate him, he is a player's owner and the kind owner that a fan loves because he does almost anything to make his team a winner. He and his organization has endured some ugly playoff experiences, with one just occurring last season. But today, they are the champs (even swept the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers on their way). The Heat will be taking a lot of "heat" all summer about their failure to win the Larry O'Brien trophy, but the truth is, they had a good season. I thought it was silly for folks to predict them to win more than 72 regular season games and win the title all in their first year of playing together (see http://klassybreeze.blogspot.com/2010/11/hating-heat.html ). For them to make it all the way to the NBA Finals in the first year of playing together as a unit is pretty remarkable. Give this team time to gel a little more and add another piece or two. I fully expect to see them back on this stage again - very soon.
The Miami Heat will be kicking themselves all summer about this series. Even though they were down 3 games to 2 going into Game 6 there was a feeling that the Heat could still pull off winning two straight home games to win the title. If LeBron James and Dwayne Wade could have played to their offensive potential, Miami possibly would have been celebrating their 2nd NBA Championship. Surprisingly, neither player showed up big in Game 6. James started off pretty hot but eventually cooled off. Wade never really seemed to get on track offensively. Chris Bosh played a good game but expressed after the game that he wished he had more opportunities (hmm, future problem?). The Heat as a team also missed a ton of free throws in Game 6. They missed 13 to be exact and obviously that had a big impact on the game. But the bottom line is the Heat biggest flaw is their half court offensive. ANY team that tries to run with them will lose. If a team can force them into becoming jump shooters, they will have a chance to succeed. The Mavs forced the Heat into jump shots. They also did the same thing at the end of Game 2, which really was the critical game of this series. In that game the Heat blew a 15 point lead in the 4th quarter when Nowitzki turned up the offense and the team turned up the defense forcing the Heat into an outside game. If the Heat would have won Game 2, I think they would have won the series. But they didn't, so they "didn't".
I'd like to congratulate the Dallas Mavericks on winning the 2011 NBA Finals. It's great to see veterans like Nowitzki, Terry, Jason Kidd, Shawn Marion and Tyson Chandler finally get their championship. Also it's nice to see Mav's owner Mark Cuban finally win it all. Love him or hate him, he is a player's owner and the kind owner that a fan loves because he does almost anything to make his team a winner. He and his organization has endured some ugly playoff experiences, with one just occurring last season. But today, they are the champs (even swept the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers on their way). The Heat will be taking a lot of "heat" all summer about their failure to win the Larry O'Brien trophy, but the truth is, they had a good season. I thought it was silly for folks to predict them to win more than 72 regular season games and win the title all in their first year of playing together (see http://klassybreeze.blogspot.com/2010/11/hating-heat.html ). For them to make it all the way to the NBA Finals in the first year of playing together as a unit is pretty remarkable. Give this team time to gel a little more and add another piece or two. I fully expect to see them back on this stage again - very soon.
Monday, March 21, 2011
2011 NCAA Tournament - March Madness or March Mediocrity?
The 2011 NCAA Mens Basketball Tournament is down to the Sweet Sixteen. The first weekend of the tournament has given us what we have come to love about March Madness, last second buckets and major upsets (including a #1 seed, Pittsburgh going down). But unfortunately we have also seen a display of some questionable and mediocre play, something that we have not become accustomed to observing.
I don't like bashing college athletes about their play because the reality is, they are young and still learning. Some of these guys are just 18 years old and less than a year out of high school. Then they are suddenly thrusted into the national spotlight and a lot of analyst expect them to handle pressure that grown experienced men would have trouble with. But there are some basketball plays that are just that, basketball plays. No matter what level of basketball an athlete is playing, certain mistakes shouldn't happen. Fouls should not be commited at certain points of the game. There should be a certain amount of urgency when you need a bucket and there are less than 10 seconds on the clock; strolling with the ball like your trying to impress a young lady is going to get you sent home. You must impose your will on lower ranked, inferior teams; not doing so will ultimately get your fellings hurt. Even the referees had some mediocre games. Qustionable foul calls/non-calls and issues with time (clocks & counts) have had folks scratching their heads all weekend.
These are just some of the things that we witnessed this weekend that has made this great pastime of ours slighty less spectacular. Don't get me wrong, the games were still interesting and fun to watch but the errors so far seem to be more pronounced and painfully obvious.
I don't like bashing college athletes about their play because the reality is, they are young and still learning. Some of these guys are just 18 years old and less than a year out of high school. Then they are suddenly thrusted into the national spotlight and a lot of analyst expect them to handle pressure that grown experienced men would have trouble with. But there are some basketball plays that are just that, basketball plays. No matter what level of basketball an athlete is playing, certain mistakes shouldn't happen. Fouls should not be commited at certain points of the game. There should be a certain amount of urgency when you need a bucket and there are less than 10 seconds on the clock; strolling with the ball like your trying to impress a young lady is going to get you sent home. You must impose your will on lower ranked, inferior teams; not doing so will ultimately get your fellings hurt. Even the referees had some mediocre games. Qustionable foul calls/non-calls and issues with time (clocks & counts) have had folks scratching their heads all weekend.
These are just some of the things that we witnessed this weekend that has made this great pastime of ours slighty less spectacular. Don't get me wrong, the games were still interesting and fun to watch but the errors so far seem to be more pronounced and painfully obvious.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Deron Williams Traded To Nets; Buyer Beware?
Caveat emptor! The New Jersey Nets have acquired outstanding point guard Deron Williams from the Utah Jazz for Devin Harris, Derrick Favors and two first round picks. On the surface, this is not a bad trade for New Jersey. The Nets have received arguably the best point guard in the NBA. Williams is a special player and even though I really like Harris, it makes sense to give him up along with Favors and at least one first round pick (maybe a second, as they did, to seal the deal). But Williams has only one year left on his contract after this season and if they don't secure him for more years, this trade could blow up on the Nets.
The Nets will be moving into their brand new digs at the Barclay Center in Brooklyn in the 2012 - 2013 season. Nets' owner Mikhail Prokhorov is intent on making his team formidable by the time they become the Lords of Flatbush (Avenue). Obtaining Williams would be a good first step but if he decides for whatever reason to depart after next season, the Nets will be left empty and of course the chips they gave up to get him will have been wasted. Williams could be a good enough piece to convince other great players to come to Brooklyn if he decides to stay. Though the team will still play second fiddle initially to the New York Knicks in New York City, Brooklyn will still be attractive to Williams and other potential free agents. The Nets will enjoy the benefits of being a New York team and will absolutely be embraced by Brooklynites, especially the younger ones. In addition, Prokhorov's boldness along with partner Jay Z's presence will also help the appeal of the team. I recommend that they hire Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz as their Assistant PR/GM, because there is probably no one else on earth that can sell Brooklyn like he can. The Nets should give Markowitz Williams' phone number right now. He'll have Williams wrapped up and signed by this summer!
This trade could indeed be the start of something special for the Nets. But they clearly took a big risk; they have to hope Williams stays past next season. If he bolts, it would be a black eye for the organization (especially if he goes to the Knicks, which it has been rumored a preferred destination for him) and may set them back further than they would like.
The Nets will be moving into their brand new digs at the Barclay Center in Brooklyn in the 2012 - 2013 season. Nets' owner Mikhail Prokhorov is intent on making his team formidable by the time they become the Lords of Flatbush (Avenue). Obtaining Williams would be a good first step but if he decides for whatever reason to depart after next season, the Nets will be left empty and of course the chips they gave up to get him will have been wasted. Williams could be a good enough piece to convince other great players to come to Brooklyn if he decides to stay. Though the team will still play second fiddle initially to the New York Knicks in New York City, Brooklyn will still be attractive to Williams and other potential free agents. The Nets will enjoy the benefits of being a New York team and will absolutely be embraced by Brooklynites, especially the younger ones. In addition, Prokhorov's boldness along with partner Jay Z's presence will also help the appeal of the team. I recommend that they hire Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz as their Assistant PR/GM, because there is probably no one else on earth that can sell Brooklyn like he can. The Nets should give Markowitz Williams' phone number right now. He'll have Williams wrapped up and signed by this summer!
This trade could indeed be the start of something special for the Nets. But they clearly took a big risk; they have to hope Williams stays past next season. If he bolts, it would be a black eye for the organization (especially if he goes to the Knicks, which it has been rumored a preferred destination for him) and may set them back further than they would like.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Carmelo Anthony Goes To the Knicks
Finally! After a nauseating amount of reports over the last few weeks of where Carmelo Anthony may or may not go, the Denver Nuggets have sent him to the New York Knicks. As you probably already heard a "few" times, it had been speculated that the New Jersey Nets and the Knicks where the top suitors for Anthony. The bottom line is Anthony wanted to become a Knick; he would have been a Net a long time ago if he didn't care about going to New Jersey. Since Anthony was in the last year of his current contract, he held a big bargaining chip in this deal because if he would have been traded to any team like the Nets he could just finish out the season and sign with the Knicks next season. No team in their right mind would have given up true value to the Nuggets unless they could have had Anthony sign a contract extension. With the trade deadline approaching this week, it was in the best interest of the Nuggets to trade Anthony so they would at least get something back in return. Otherwise, they just would have lost him to free agency in the off season.
The one thing that was working against the Nuggets was the apparent want of Anthony to only go to the Knicks. The Knicks of course knew of Anthony's desire to play at the Garden so they were willing to play the cat and mouse game hoping they wouldn't have to give up much or anything to get Anthony. But the Nuggets can thank the Nets for showing a strong interest in obtaining Anthony; the Knicks definitely didn't want to lose Anthony to another team, especially to their neighbors the Nets. So the Knicks themselves wound up parting with more players than I'm sure they would have liked. They reportedly have shipped Raymond Felton, Wilson Chandler, Danilo Gallinari, Timofey Mozgov and some draft picks to the Nuggets for Anthony, Chauncey Billups, Anthony Carter, Shelden Williams, and Renaldo Balkman (who the Knicks originally drafted in 2006). The Minnesota Timberwolves were also part of this deal; they received Eddy Curry and Anthony Randolph from the Knicks in exchange for Cory Brewer. It will be debated whether the Knicks gave up too much. I think that they did, considering they seemed to have leverage against the Nuggets. But getting a player of Anthony's caliber I think ultimately will be worth the price. The Knicks probably won't contend for a title this season but combining Anthony with Amare Stoudemire will make a solid foundation for what could be a championship team with a couple of more added pieces (the Knicks will have to get better on defense over time as well).
Now that the drama of this trade situation is over, I'm sure Anthony, the Knicks, the Nets and the Nuggets are relieved and everyone can get back to playing basketball. But there are still a couple of more days left before the NBA trade deadline. Could there possibly be another blockbuster trade on the horizon?
The one thing that was working against the Nuggets was the apparent want of Anthony to only go to the Knicks. The Knicks of course knew of Anthony's desire to play at the Garden so they were willing to play the cat and mouse game hoping they wouldn't have to give up much or anything to get Anthony. But the Nuggets can thank the Nets for showing a strong interest in obtaining Anthony; the Knicks definitely didn't want to lose Anthony to another team, especially to their neighbors the Nets. So the Knicks themselves wound up parting with more players than I'm sure they would have liked. They reportedly have shipped Raymond Felton, Wilson Chandler, Danilo Gallinari, Timofey Mozgov and some draft picks to the Nuggets for Anthony, Chauncey Billups, Anthony Carter, Shelden Williams, and Renaldo Balkman (who the Knicks originally drafted in 2006). The Minnesota Timberwolves were also part of this deal; they received Eddy Curry and Anthony Randolph from the Knicks in exchange for Cory Brewer. It will be debated whether the Knicks gave up too much. I think that they did, considering they seemed to have leverage against the Nuggets. But getting a player of Anthony's caliber I think ultimately will be worth the price. The Knicks probably won't contend for a title this season but combining Anthony with Amare Stoudemire will make a solid foundation for what could be a championship team with a couple of more added pieces (the Knicks will have to get better on defense over time as well).
Now that the drama of this trade situation is over, I'm sure Anthony, the Knicks, the Nets and the Nuggets are relieved and everyone can get back to playing basketball. But there are still a couple of more days left before the NBA trade deadline. Could there possibly be another blockbuster trade on the horizon?
Monday, February 7, 2011
Green Bay Packers: Super Bowl XLV Champs!!!
Congratulations to the Green Bay Packers! They are now the reigning champions of the NFL after defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers 31 - 25 in Super Bowl XLV. The Packers jumped out to a 14 - 0 lead early and even though they were tested throughout the game, they never gave that lead up. Super Bowl MVP Aaron Rodgers was mostly sharp in this game as he continued his hot streak through the playoffs. Rodgers threw for 304 yards and 3 touchdowns; he also had a bunch of dropped passes from his receivers that might have made this game a blowout. The Packers was able to overcome some key injuries in the game, most notably losing their defensive leader CB Charles Woodson right before halftime. But we should not be surprised that they kept the train moving because that is what the team has done all season. I don't ever recall seeing a team win a Super Bowl after losing as many key personnel as the Packers did this season. Kudos to their front office, coaching staff and backup players for illustrating the meaning of the word "team".
The Steelers have to be kicking themselves and will find it hard to get over this loss. The most obvious reason for them going home without the Lombardi Trophy is turnovers. They had a total of three; two in particular that were killers was QB Ben Roethlisberger's first interception which was a floater returned 36 yards for a touchdown by Packers S Nick Collins and RB Rashard Mendenhall's fumble at the start of the 4th quarter when the Steelers had momentum and was driving to take the lead. What was less obvious but more influential to the final outcome was the inexplicable playcalling by the Steelers. The Packers could NOT stop the Steelers running attack. After the Steelers grabbed the momentum in the game in the 3rd quarter, they were close enough on the scoreboard to go to their smashmouth, running assault. But they didn't; they continued to pass the football. The Steelers averaged nearly 5.5 yards per carry but only rushed 23 times (4 of those were Roethlisberger scrambles). And the "eye test" clearly showed a Packers defense that was incapable of stopping any of the Steelers' ball carriers, particularly Mendenhall. I really think this oversight killed their championship chances.
Fans and spectators have to be happy that they got to see a great Super Bowl game. This came after a week that the Dallas Metroplex area will probably not live down anytime soon. Most of the issues in the hosting city area were weather related (snow & cold temperatures) which was out of everyone's hands, especially this snow riddled winter. But the snafu that occured a couple of hours before the game, where it was reported that 1250 temporary seats were not ready to be occupied by paid fans, may be one of the worst transgressions ever to take place at a Super Bowl. The league announced that about 850 of those folks were relocated to similiar or better seats but the other 400 were left without a seat and they were given the option to stand inside the stadium and watch the game from monitors. The NFL will compensate those folks by paying them triple the face value amount of their tickets. It will be interesting to hear exactly what happened and why were those seats not ready to be used on the day of the Super Bowl.
I am happy that the Packers and the Steelers gave everyone an exciting game to the end. I would like to congratulate the Packers again for winning their fourth Super Bowl in team history. And they should send Michael Vick, DeSean Jackson and the Philadelphia Eagles a playoff/Super Bowl cut as well. You see, if the Eagles had not made the miraculous comeback (28 points in last 7 minutes of the game) against the New York Giants in Week 15, the Packers would not have had the opportunity to play their way into the playoffs by winning their last two games. That NFC sixth seed was the Giants spot; the Pack may want to give a cut to the Giants defense and special teams as well! But that is to take nothing at all away from the Packers themselves. They won their last two regular season games and four playoff games to wrap up the title. Their hard work, perseverance and teamwork is to be commended and emulated. Enjoy your victory Green Bay, it's well deserved!!
The Steelers have to be kicking themselves and will find it hard to get over this loss. The most obvious reason for them going home without the Lombardi Trophy is turnovers. They had a total of three; two in particular that were killers was QB Ben Roethlisberger's first interception which was a floater returned 36 yards for a touchdown by Packers S Nick Collins and RB Rashard Mendenhall's fumble at the start of the 4th quarter when the Steelers had momentum and was driving to take the lead. What was less obvious but more influential to the final outcome was the inexplicable playcalling by the Steelers. The Packers could NOT stop the Steelers running attack. After the Steelers grabbed the momentum in the game in the 3rd quarter, they were close enough on the scoreboard to go to their smashmouth, running assault. But they didn't; they continued to pass the football. The Steelers averaged nearly 5.5 yards per carry but only rushed 23 times (4 of those were Roethlisberger scrambles). And the "eye test" clearly showed a Packers defense that was incapable of stopping any of the Steelers' ball carriers, particularly Mendenhall. I really think this oversight killed their championship chances.
Fans and spectators have to be happy that they got to see a great Super Bowl game. This came after a week that the Dallas Metroplex area will probably not live down anytime soon. Most of the issues in the hosting city area were weather related (snow & cold temperatures) which was out of everyone's hands, especially this snow riddled winter. But the snafu that occured a couple of hours before the game, where it was reported that 1250 temporary seats were not ready to be occupied by paid fans, may be one of the worst transgressions ever to take place at a Super Bowl. The league announced that about 850 of those folks were relocated to similiar or better seats but the other 400 were left without a seat and they were given the option to stand inside the stadium and watch the game from monitors. The NFL will compensate those folks by paying them triple the face value amount of their tickets. It will be interesting to hear exactly what happened and why were those seats not ready to be used on the day of the Super Bowl.
I am happy that the Packers and the Steelers gave everyone an exciting game to the end. I would like to congratulate the Packers again for winning their fourth Super Bowl in team history. And they should send Michael Vick, DeSean Jackson and the Philadelphia Eagles a playoff/Super Bowl cut as well. You see, if the Eagles had not made the miraculous comeback (28 points in last 7 minutes of the game) against the New York Giants in Week 15, the Packers would not have had the opportunity to play their way into the playoffs by winning their last two games. That NFC sixth seed was the Giants spot; the Pack may want to give a cut to the Giants defense and special teams as well! But that is to take nothing at all away from the Packers themselves. They won their last two regular season games and four playoff games to wrap up the title. Their hard work, perseverance and teamwork is to be commended and emulated. Enjoy your victory Green Bay, it's well deserved!!
Friday, February 4, 2011
Steelers vs. Packers: Super Bowl XLV Rodeo In Texas
Alright! The time is upon us. The big game! The one that all NFL players work so hard to try to reach. The one that they think about as they work through two-a-days in the sweltering heat of training camp. The one that they sacrifice their body and mind for. It's Super Bowl time! After having a weekend without a real game, it is time to get it on! And as you are well aware of already from all of the hype, Super Bowl XLV features the Pittsburgh Steelers against the Green Bay Packers (-2.5) at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
I think that we lucked out as fans and spectators with this game because it is a great matchup. I really can see either team winning a close battle. The Packers have charged into the Super Bowl in playoff mode since Week 16 of the regular season. They have won five consecutive games in five weeks. My one concern for them is the extra week off they just experienced. Will that hurt the rhythm on offense at all? Or, are they due for an "off" game? And what about the Steelers? Will the extra week off, their second off week of the playoffs, hurt them at all? Ironically, both teams had similar championship games in that they jumped out to convincing first half leads, only to be shut down in the second half and nearly lose the game. Will the Steelers be able to pick up what the Chicago Bears did to the Packers defensively in the second half of the NFC Championship game? I think that is the key to the game for them. The Steelers do not want to fall prey to what the Bears and the Atlanta Falcons did in the playoffs against the Packers and that is fall behind big. Though the Steelers can move the ball, I think they will be hurt if they have to try to play "catchup" and get into a one dimensional passing mode. They will need their running game to succeed. So the Steelers defensive coordinator Dick Lebeau will have to come up with a combination of schemes to stop the Packers from spreading them out and gaining big chunks of yards in the passing game. Conversely, the Packers will have to find a way to be effective passing the ball since the Steelers are the number one run defense in the league. On defense, I think the Packers can contain the Steelers offense. The one thing the Packers defense should do that the New York Jets defense did not do in the AFC Championship game is capitalize on the Steelers banged up offensive line, especially with C Maurkice Pouncey being a no-go due to a ankle sprain. They will also have to do a better job than the Jets in stopping Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger in key moments. Roethlisberger's overall numbers were not impressive against the Jets but he made clutch plays when his team needed them.
So the Packers will need to execute in their passing game and take advantage of the Steelers offensive line on defense. The Steelers will have to keep the Packers offense in check and not fall behind by a large margin. The Steelers also will have to get their running game going and stay away from going heavy in the passing game (though I do think the Steelers speedy wideouts can cause havoc on the Packers secondary). While I do believe this game could go either way, I think Packers QB Aaron Rodgers will stay hot for one more week and bring the Lombardi Trophy back to Green Bay. Take the Packers and give the -2.5 points.
I think that we lucked out as fans and spectators with this game because it is a great matchup. I really can see either team winning a close battle. The Packers have charged into the Super Bowl in playoff mode since Week 16 of the regular season. They have won five consecutive games in five weeks. My one concern for them is the extra week off they just experienced. Will that hurt the rhythm on offense at all? Or, are they due for an "off" game? And what about the Steelers? Will the extra week off, their second off week of the playoffs, hurt them at all? Ironically, both teams had similar championship games in that they jumped out to convincing first half leads, only to be shut down in the second half and nearly lose the game. Will the Steelers be able to pick up what the Chicago Bears did to the Packers defensively in the second half of the NFC Championship game? I think that is the key to the game for them. The Steelers do not want to fall prey to what the Bears and the Atlanta Falcons did in the playoffs against the Packers and that is fall behind big. Though the Steelers can move the ball, I think they will be hurt if they have to try to play "catchup" and get into a one dimensional passing mode. They will need their running game to succeed. So the Steelers defensive coordinator Dick Lebeau will have to come up with a combination of schemes to stop the Packers from spreading them out and gaining big chunks of yards in the passing game. Conversely, the Packers will have to find a way to be effective passing the ball since the Steelers are the number one run defense in the league. On defense, I think the Packers can contain the Steelers offense. The one thing the Packers defense should do that the New York Jets defense did not do in the AFC Championship game is capitalize on the Steelers banged up offensive line, especially with C Maurkice Pouncey being a no-go due to a ankle sprain. They will also have to do a better job than the Jets in stopping Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger in key moments. Roethlisberger's overall numbers were not impressive against the Jets but he made clutch plays when his team needed them.
So the Packers will need to execute in their passing game and take advantage of the Steelers offensive line on defense. The Steelers will have to keep the Packers offense in check and not fall behind by a large margin. The Steelers also will have to get their running game going and stay away from going heavy in the passing game (though I do think the Steelers speedy wideouts can cause havoc on the Packers secondary). While I do believe this game could go either way, I think Packers QB Aaron Rodgers will stay hot for one more week and bring the Lombardi Trophy back to Green Bay. Take the Packers and give the -2.5 points.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
NFL Flavor of the Week - On To Dallas
Congratulations to the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Green Bay Packers for earning a trip to Super Bowl XLV!
At the end, we have two "NFL Flavor of the Week" teams in the Super Bowl. So the Super Bowl winner will be a team that at one point of the season, was considered to be the best in the league. As much as parity seems to be evident in the NFL, two of the league's strongest teams still made it to Dallas. I'm sure there were a lot of people who picked either the Steelers or the Packers (or both) to make it to the Super Bowl before the season started. The NFL must be happy with this matchup; two powerhouse teams with rich winning histories and incredible fan bases. Dallas is about to be FLOODED with a ton of fans from both sides. It should be an awesome atmosphere down there and a great game. Also, I predict that when it comes to folks making predictions on the Super Bowl, there will be a near even amount of nods for both teams.
At the end, we have two "NFL Flavor of the Week" teams in the Super Bowl. So the Super Bowl winner will be a team that at one point of the season, was considered to be the best in the league. As much as parity seems to be evident in the NFL, two of the league's strongest teams still made it to Dallas. I'm sure there were a lot of people who picked either the Steelers or the Packers (or both) to make it to the Super Bowl before the season started. The NFL must be happy with this matchup; two powerhouse teams with rich winning histories and incredible fan bases. Dallas is about to be FLOODED with a ton of fans from both sides. It should be an awesome atmosphere down there and a great game. Also, I predict that when it comes to folks making predictions on the Super Bowl, there will be a near even amount of nods for both teams.
Friday, January 21, 2011
NFL's Final 4 - Road to Super Bowl XLV - The Conference Championships
So how did you like the games from the NFL Divisional Round? Your answer probably depends on who you were rooting for. Last weekend was not good for the birds of the NFL, as the Baltimore Ravens, Atlanta Falcons and Seattle Seahawks were all shot down. And the biggest "shot" of the weekend, didn't come from the antique barrels of the New England Patriots; instead they were the biggest victims from "missles" fired out of the New York Jets. The elimination of four teams, including the two number 1 seeds, leaves us with the NFL's version of the Final Four. In the NFC Championship, the Green Bay Packers visit the Chicago Bears; in the AFC Championship, the Jets travel to Pittsburgh to play the Steelers. The winners from these two games will meet in Dallas to play for all of the marbles...and oh yea, the Lomardi trophy. Let's take a peek at the NFC and AFC Championship games.
First game up on Sunday is the NFC Championship game. The Packers (-3.5) and the Bears have been rivals for decades and amazingly, have only met in the playoffs once. In 2010, these teams split their matchups, each team winning on their home field. The Packers win came just a couple of weeks ago. It was the regular season finale and the Packers needed to win to make it to the post season. Packers QB Aaron Rodgers has come back from his second concussion of the season on fire. He has led the Pack to four straight victories including a "Hall of Fame" performance last weekend against the Falcons. I'm a big fan of Aaron Rodgers (aside from the fact he has helped me win fantasy football championships) and I think he has the potential of being a really great Super Bowl winning quarterback. But not just yet; his season will end this Sunday. The Packers offense schooled the Falcons defense last week with great quarterback and wide receiver play. The friendly confines of the Georgia Dome helped facilitate that incredible offensive display. But come Sunday, the Packers offense will be slowed by colder weather and what is widely regarded as the "worst turf in the NFL" at Soldier Field. The Bears stout defense will also contribute to the Packers troubles. Lance Briggs, Brian Urlacher, Julius Peppers and company will be looking to get a hold of Rodgers and his receivers. I don't expect to see Rodgers elusiveness against the Monsters of the Midway like we saw last week against the Falcons defense. The Bears are great tacklers which is needed when playing against the Packers. On offense, the Bears must execute and stay away from turnovers (obvious, right?). Everyone knows that Bears QB Jay Cutler has it in him to throw bad picks. He will have to avoid that tendency on Sunday against the Packers opportunistic defense. The Bears need to emphasize their run game and ball control; the least amount of touches for Rodgers, the better for Chicago. That means Bears running backs Matt Forte and Chester Taylor should see plenty of action. But the Bears cannot completely abandon the passing game. It would be a good idea for them to try and stretch Green Bay's defense with their speed (i.e. Johnny Knox) and also get TE Greg Olsen involved. That will help with the run game. I would not be surprised if the Packers won this game (especially if Cutler has a turnover meltdown) but I'm picking the hometown underdog, underappreciated Bears. Take Chicago and the 3.5 points.
The "headliner" game is the Jets against the Steelers (-3.5) for the AFC Championship. The Jets are coming off a big win in New England that Jet fans have to hope was not the pinnacle of their season. There was a lot of emotion poured into that game by New York, but they need two more wins to reach their ultimate goal. A lot has been made of the Jets handling and knocking out Peyton Manning and Tom Brady in consecutive weeks. Next up for them is Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger. Roethlisberger has something in his weaponry that Manning and Brady did not have against the Jets: a legit speedy deep threat (I guess the Patriots actually could have used Randy Moss after all; did Brandon Tate even have a catch?). Steelers wide receivers Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown will be able to stretch the Jets defense. But the Steelers offensive line is banged up and I think that will hurt Pittsburgh big time. I think Roethlisberger will see a lot of pressure and the Jets know that when they get to him, they must bring him down. The Steelers would benefit by establishing the run but I think they will have trouble doing that. The Jets offense should try to establish the run as well but they will be up against the toughest team to run against in the league. The Steelers defense is nasty! They have players on that defense that will knock opposing players into next week. Steelers LB James Harrison may be the best linebacker on a defense that has the best group of linebackers in the NFL. And what can you say about his teammate S Troy Polamalu? He's a beast on the field! Polamalu is nursing some injuries but is expected to play. His effectiveness, or lack thereof, will be key to the success of the Jets offensive attack. Gang Green will have a tougher time running the ball but they can ease that burden if they get their passing game going. Jets QB Mark Sanchez will have to be more accurate than he has been the last two playoff games (though he did connect on some big passes in both games). Jets TE Dustin Keller has been somewhat quiet this post season. I see him having a huge impact on this game. The Jets defeated the Steelers at Heinz Field in Week 15, can they possibly do it again? I say that they can and they will!! Take the Jets and the 3.5 points.
My predictions have the Jets and the Bears meeting in Super Bowl XLV on February 6. These two teams battled each other in Week 16 at Soldier Field, with the Bears winning the close, high scoring game. I'm sure a lot of folks don't envision this matchup. What teams are you picking?
First game up on Sunday is the NFC Championship game. The Packers (-3.5) and the Bears have been rivals for decades and amazingly, have only met in the playoffs once. In 2010, these teams split their matchups, each team winning on their home field. The Packers win came just a couple of weeks ago. It was the regular season finale and the Packers needed to win to make it to the post season. Packers QB Aaron Rodgers has come back from his second concussion of the season on fire. He has led the Pack to four straight victories including a "Hall of Fame" performance last weekend against the Falcons. I'm a big fan of Aaron Rodgers (aside from the fact he has helped me win fantasy football championships) and I think he has the potential of being a really great Super Bowl winning quarterback. But not just yet; his season will end this Sunday. The Packers offense schooled the Falcons defense last week with great quarterback and wide receiver play. The friendly confines of the Georgia Dome helped facilitate that incredible offensive display. But come Sunday, the Packers offense will be slowed by colder weather and what is widely regarded as the "worst turf in the NFL" at Soldier Field. The Bears stout defense will also contribute to the Packers troubles. Lance Briggs, Brian Urlacher, Julius Peppers and company will be looking to get a hold of Rodgers and his receivers. I don't expect to see Rodgers elusiveness against the Monsters of the Midway like we saw last week against the Falcons defense. The Bears are great tacklers which is needed when playing against the Packers. On offense, the Bears must execute and stay away from turnovers (obvious, right?). Everyone knows that Bears QB Jay Cutler has it in him to throw bad picks. He will have to avoid that tendency on Sunday against the Packers opportunistic defense. The Bears need to emphasize their run game and ball control; the least amount of touches for Rodgers, the better for Chicago. That means Bears running backs Matt Forte and Chester Taylor should see plenty of action. But the Bears cannot completely abandon the passing game. It would be a good idea for them to try and stretch Green Bay's defense with their speed (i.e. Johnny Knox) and also get TE Greg Olsen involved. That will help with the run game. I would not be surprised if the Packers won this game (especially if Cutler has a turnover meltdown) but I'm picking the hometown underdog, underappreciated Bears. Take Chicago and the 3.5 points.
The "headliner" game is the Jets against the Steelers (-3.5) for the AFC Championship. The Jets are coming off a big win in New England that Jet fans have to hope was not the pinnacle of their season. There was a lot of emotion poured into that game by New York, but they need two more wins to reach their ultimate goal. A lot has been made of the Jets handling and knocking out Peyton Manning and Tom Brady in consecutive weeks. Next up for them is Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger. Roethlisberger has something in his weaponry that Manning and Brady did not have against the Jets: a legit speedy deep threat (I guess the Patriots actually could have used Randy Moss after all; did Brandon Tate even have a catch?). Steelers wide receivers Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown will be able to stretch the Jets defense. But the Steelers offensive line is banged up and I think that will hurt Pittsburgh big time. I think Roethlisberger will see a lot of pressure and the Jets know that when they get to him, they must bring him down. The Steelers would benefit by establishing the run but I think they will have trouble doing that. The Jets offense should try to establish the run as well but they will be up against the toughest team to run against in the league. The Steelers defense is nasty! They have players on that defense that will knock opposing players into next week. Steelers LB James Harrison may be the best linebacker on a defense that has the best group of linebackers in the NFL. And what can you say about his teammate S Troy Polamalu? He's a beast on the field! Polamalu is nursing some injuries but is expected to play. His effectiveness, or lack thereof, will be key to the success of the Jets offensive attack. Gang Green will have a tougher time running the ball but they can ease that burden if they get their passing game going. Jets QB Mark Sanchez will have to be more accurate than he has been the last two playoff games (though he did connect on some big passes in both games). Jets TE Dustin Keller has been somewhat quiet this post season. I see him having a huge impact on this game. The Jets defeated the Steelers at Heinz Field in Week 15, can they possibly do it again? I say that they can and they will!! Take the Jets and the 3.5 points.
My predictions have the Jets and the Bears meeting in Super Bowl XLV on February 6. These two teams battled each other in Week 16 at Soldier Field, with the Bears winning the close, high scoring game. I'm sure a lot of folks don't envision this matchup. What teams are you picking?
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Conference Championships - NFL Flavor of the Week Update
We are down to four teams now in the NFL 2010 season and as anticipated, some of the "NFL Flavor of the Week" (see http://klassybreeze.blogspot.com/2011/01/nfl-flavor-of-week-end-of-regular.html) teams have been eliminated. First and foremost, gone is the biggest and most celebrated "Flavor", the New England Patriots. The Patriots were favored by most to win the whole thing, especially after handily beating the Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Jets and Chicago Bears in the second half of the season (they beat the Green Bay Packers in the second half as well but it was a close game with Aaron Rodgers sidelined with a concussion). Ironically, all of those teams have moved on to the conference championship games, while the 14 - 2 Patriots season was abruptly ended (by the Jets). Two other former "Flavors" were sent packing this past weekend. The Baltimore Ravens, an early season "Flavor" was dumped by the Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, "Flavorites" because of their #1 seed in the NFC and dominance at home, was incinerated by the Packers. There were also two "Flavors" left behind on Wild Card Weekend: the Philadelphia Eagles and the New Orleans Saints.
There are three "Flavor" teams left in the final four. The Packers, Jets and Steelers still have a chance to make some Super Bowl predictors look like geniuses. After their performance against the Falcons, the Packers seem to be the up to the minute "Flavor". But beware of the Bears; overlooked and underappreciated most of the season (see http://klassybreeze.blogspot.com/2011/01/theyre-not-who-we-thought-they-were.html), they still have a solid chance of making everyone look silly.
There are three "Flavor" teams left in the final four. The Packers, Jets and Steelers still have a chance to make some Super Bowl predictors look like geniuses. After their performance against the Falcons, the Packers seem to be the up to the minute "Flavor". But beware of the Bears; overlooked and underappreciated most of the season (see http://klassybreeze.blogspot.com/2011/01/theyre-not-who-we-thought-they-were.html), they still have a solid chance of making everyone look silly.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Road to Super Bowl XLV - The Elite Eight: NFL Divisional Playoffs
Alright!!! Did you enjoy Wild Card Weekend? Three wild card teams advanced and the only division winner to move on was the 7 - 9 Seattle Seahawks. Yep, that's the same team who a lot of folks thought had no business in the post season. And what do you know? They beat the defending Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints! The Saints loss, coupled with the Indianapolis Colts losing to the New York Jets, will guarantee that two new teams will be represented in Super Bowl XLV. Wild Card Weekend also saw the Green Bay Packers defeat the Philadelphia Eagles to end Michael Vick's magical season and the Baltimore Ravens club the Kansas City Chiefs. Now let's look at this weekend's NFL Divisional Playoff matchups!
The first game up will be the hardest to predict. This game could truly go either way. The Baltimore Ravens travel to Heinz Field to play the Pittsburgh Steelers (-3). There is nothing about this matchup that probably hasn't already been expressed. These old AFC North rivals know each other very well. I like to think of them as twin brothers because they are (and look) so much alike. If someone mentions a team from a cold blue-collar city, that plays strong defense, relies on their running game and is tough as nails, they could very well be talking about either the Steelers or the Ravens. They both won a game against each other by 3 points in the regular season. I think the difference in this game will be the quarterbacks. I have to give the edge to Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger. Ravens QB Joe Flacco has been impressive in his short career in the playoffs but I trust Roethlisberger to make more plays in this game. It will be the first time the home team wins in this matchup this year. Steelers win and give the three points - it will probably be a push!
The late game on Saturday features the Green Bay Packers vs. the Atlanta Falcons (-2.5) at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons will be coming off the bye that they earned by being the #1 seed in the NFC. They have gained the reputation of being (somewhat) unbeatable at home. The "Dirty Birds" were 7 - 1 in the Dome this season; one of those 7 wins was against the Packers. The Packers almost came out of Atlanta with a win, losing in the last seconds on a field goal. This game will probably be close again. The Falcons will rely on their solid running game and play action passing on offense. The Packers defense, who must feel relieved that Falcons QB Matt Ryan doesn't have Michael Vick's elusiveness,should be up to challenge. On offense, the Packers passing game has been slightly off the last couple of weeks, but last week they rediscovered their running game. RB James Starks was carrying the rock against the Eagles like he was Ryan Grant. If the Pack can get their running game going like that again, they should win. If they become too one dimensional and have to pass all game, that will open the door for the Falcons. The Falcons defense can get after the quarterback and if there is no run threat, Packers QB Aaron Rodgers could be forced into making a lot of mistakes. On the other hand, the Pack's passing game can be lethal and I'm not sure if the Falcons secondary will be able to keep up all of their wide outs. I expect to see a lot of points scored in this game and I think Green Bay will prevail. Take the Packers and the 2.5 points.
Sunday kicks off with the Seahawks visiting the Chicago Bears (-10). Here we go again with the Seahawks; they are a double digit underdog again but I think they have a little more respect this week. Again, they are in a position of having nothing to lose, so their level of pressure should not be through the roof. They come into Chicago with a lot of confidence after their big win last week and their three point defeat of the Bears at Soldier Field in Week 6. The Bears are coming off of a bye and are not getting a lot love from the experts as a possible Super Bowl contender (see http://klassybreeze.blogspot.com/2011/01/theyre-not-who-we-thought-they-were.html ). The Bears defense will not allow all of the yardage and points that the Saints did last week. If their offensive line allow their skilled players to make plays, this could be a long afternoon for the Seahawks. If the Bears offensive line crumbles, that will be Seattle's window of opportunity (sacks & turnovers). I think the Bears will win but I don't feel comfortable giving 10 points.
Last matchup of the weekend is the New York Jets returning to Foxboro, the scene of their worst beat down of the year, to face the New England Patriots (-9). The #1 AFC seed Patriots have looked fantastic for most of the season. Head coach Bill Belichick is the master of the game plan and he has had two weeks to prepare for his division rival. The last time these two teams met, the Jets were thoroughly embarrassed 45 - 3. Patriots QB Tom Brady picked their defense apart and conversely, Jets QB Mark Sanchez couldn't get any type of rhythm on offense. There are a lot of justifiable reasons why most people are picking the Patriots to win this game. It looks like a slam dunk on paper. But my gut tells me Gang Green is going to go into Gillette Stadium and shock the world. Their defense will play better and their offense will be more consistent. They will knock out Peyton Manning and Brady in consecutive weeks. Rex Ryan gets to brag for another week. I'm taking the Jets in a big upset and the 9 points.
So if my predictions are right, we will see the Packers travel to Chicago to play the Bears in the NFC Championship and the Steelers host the Jets in the AFC Championship. Who are your picks to move on to the conference championships?
The first game up will be the hardest to predict. This game could truly go either way. The Baltimore Ravens travel to Heinz Field to play the Pittsburgh Steelers (-3). There is nothing about this matchup that probably hasn't already been expressed. These old AFC North rivals know each other very well. I like to think of them as twin brothers because they are (and look) so much alike. If someone mentions a team from a cold blue-collar city, that plays strong defense, relies on their running game and is tough as nails, they could very well be talking about either the Steelers or the Ravens. They both won a game against each other by 3 points in the regular season. I think the difference in this game will be the quarterbacks. I have to give the edge to Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger. Ravens QB Joe Flacco has been impressive in his short career in the playoffs but I trust Roethlisberger to make more plays in this game. It will be the first time the home team wins in this matchup this year. Steelers win and give the three points - it will probably be a push!
The late game on Saturday features the Green Bay Packers vs. the Atlanta Falcons (-2.5) at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons will be coming off the bye that they earned by being the #1 seed in the NFC. They have gained the reputation of being (somewhat) unbeatable at home. The "Dirty Birds" were 7 - 1 in the Dome this season; one of those 7 wins was against the Packers. The Packers almost came out of Atlanta with a win, losing in the last seconds on a field goal. This game will probably be close again. The Falcons will rely on their solid running game and play action passing on offense. The Packers defense, who must feel relieved that Falcons QB Matt Ryan doesn't have Michael Vick's elusiveness,should be up to challenge. On offense, the Packers passing game has been slightly off the last couple of weeks, but last week they rediscovered their running game. RB James Starks was carrying the rock against the Eagles like he was Ryan Grant. If the Pack can get their running game going like that again, they should win. If they become too one dimensional and have to pass all game, that will open the door for the Falcons. The Falcons defense can get after the quarterback and if there is no run threat, Packers QB Aaron Rodgers could be forced into making a lot of mistakes. On the other hand, the Pack's passing game can be lethal and I'm not sure if the Falcons secondary will be able to keep up all of their wide outs. I expect to see a lot of points scored in this game and I think Green Bay will prevail. Take the Packers and the 2.5 points.
Sunday kicks off with the Seahawks visiting the Chicago Bears (-10). Here we go again with the Seahawks; they are a double digit underdog again but I think they have a little more respect this week. Again, they are in a position of having nothing to lose, so their level of pressure should not be through the roof. They come into Chicago with a lot of confidence after their big win last week and their three point defeat of the Bears at Soldier Field in Week 6. The Bears are coming off of a bye and are not getting a lot love from the experts as a possible Super Bowl contender (see http://klassybreeze.blogspot.com/2011/01/theyre-not-who-we-thought-they-were.html ). The Bears defense will not allow all of the yardage and points that the Saints did last week. If their offensive line allow their skilled players to make plays, this could be a long afternoon for the Seahawks. If the Bears offensive line crumbles, that will be Seattle's window of opportunity (sacks & turnovers). I think the Bears will win but I don't feel comfortable giving 10 points.
Last matchup of the weekend is the New York Jets returning to Foxboro, the scene of their worst beat down of the year, to face the New England Patriots (-9). The #1 AFC seed Patriots have looked fantastic for most of the season. Head coach Bill Belichick is the master of the game plan and he has had two weeks to prepare for his division rival. The last time these two teams met, the Jets were thoroughly embarrassed 45 - 3. Patriots QB Tom Brady picked their defense apart and conversely, Jets QB Mark Sanchez couldn't get any type of rhythm on offense. There are a lot of justifiable reasons why most people are picking the Patriots to win this game. It looks like a slam dunk on paper. But my gut tells me Gang Green is going to go into Gillette Stadium and shock the world. Their defense will play better and their offense will be more consistent. They will knock out Peyton Manning and Brady in consecutive weeks. Rex Ryan gets to brag for another week. I'm taking the Jets in a big upset and the 9 points.
So if my predictions are right, we will see the Packers travel to Chicago to play the Bears in the NFC Championship and the Steelers host the Jets in the AFC Championship. Who are your picks to move on to the conference championships?
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
They're Not Who We Thought They Were, the 2010 Chicago Bears
It was October 16th, 2006. The Chicago Bears had just beaten the Arizona Cardinals in a nationally televised Monday night game. The Cardinals had blown a 23 - 3 lead in the 3rd quarter by giving up three unanswered touchdowns, two of them to the Bears defense and the last one on a 83 yard Devin Hester punt return special. The win pushed the Bears to a 6 - 0 record and the Cardinals fell to 1 - 5. This loss made Cardinals head coach (at that time) Denny Green livid and he delivered one of the most memorable post press conference speeches of all time. That night, Green's most recognized line may have been "they are who we thought they were!" inferring that the undefeated Bears were more hype than bite and not superior to his struggling team. Well the Bears did live up to their hype by finishing the 2006 season 13 - 3 and making it to the Super Bowl.
Spin the clock ahead to 2010 and the current Bears team came into this season with a lot of question marks. Since their Super Bowl run in 2006, the Bears have not made it back to playoffs. Last season the team finished 7 - 9; they lost linebacker and defensive leader Brian Urlacher to a season ending wrist injury in their season opener and newly acquired quarterback Jay Cutler disappointed the Bears faithful all year by his inconsistent play. After the 2009 campaign, they signed free agent DE Julius Peppers, undeniably the best acquisition made in the NFL during the off-season. Even with the addition of Peppers, many experts didn't warm up to the Bears. The Minnesota Vikings and the Green Bay Packers were supposed to be the elite teams of the NFC North. Those teams were expected to battle it out for division supremacy while the Bears would be relegated to trying to keep the Detroit Lions off of their heels. Even NFL Hall of Famer and Bears legend Gale Sayers publicly doubted how well the team would play in 2010, which infamously caused Urlacher take shots back at Sayers. Head coach Lovie Smith was also squarely on the hot seat, as it was universally believed that another mediocre Bears season would cost him his job. The team opened the 2010 season at home with a controversial win over the Lions. Lions WR Calvin Johnson seemingly scored the game winning touchdown with seconds to play but because he dropped the ball pushing himself up off the ground, the "catch" was ruled an incomplete pass. Most people thought that the Bears got away with one and should have been 0 - 1. Their next contest was a win against the Dallas Cowboys. Even though the Bears played a solid game on offense and defense, people blamed the Cowboys for playing poorly and "losing" the game. Game 3 was a division matchup on Monday Night Football against the Packers; the Bears won and finally started to get a little respect for being undefeated. That respect was short lived though because the very next week the Bears was beaten literally and figuratively by the New York Giants. Cutler, who had been getting sacked a lot despite the wins, was absolutely abused by the Giants. They sacked him nine times in the first half and knocked him out of the game with a concussion.
The Bears reputation took a beating after that Giants loss. Despite a 3 -1 record, many did not take them seriously. A lot of folks thought that the Vikings, who were off to a very slow start, would turn it around and surpass the Bears. Critics felt it was only a matter of time before the Bears would self-destruct and finish the season the way that most had predicted. That implosion never occurred. Chicago finished the season 11 - 5 and was crowned the champions of the NFC North. The Bears did have bad home losses to the Washington Redskins, the Seattle Seahawks and they were annihilated by the New England Patriots 36 - 7 (in the middle of a blizzard). If the they would have beat the Patriots, I think they would have received the respect that had escaped them the whole season, but the butt-whipping they took only gave the doubters ammunition. Despite the Bears success, they were never given "Flavor of the Week" status in the NFL (see NFL "Flavor of the Week" http://klassybreeze.blogspot.com/2010/11/nfl-flavor-of-week.html and NFL Flavor of the Week - End of the Regular Season Edition http://klassybreeze.blogspot.com/2011/01/nfl-flavor-of-week-end-of-regular.html ).
The disrespect of the Bears has crept into the post season as well. I have yet to hear the Bears mentioned as a team that will make it to Dallas in February. I'm even hearing folks predicting that the Bears will lose again to the upstart Seahawks at home this weekend. I think the Bears deserve more respect for what they have done this year and for who they are as a team. They have an excellent defense, playmakers at skilled positions on offense, and the ever-dangerous Hester (and reliable PK Robbie Gould) on special teams. They only need to win two games to get to Dallas and three to take the Lombardi trophy home. If their offensive line can hold up and maybe even play above their heads, they could possibly win their first Super Bowl since the 1985 season. Folks, the Chicago Bears are for real; they're not who we thought they were.
Spin the clock ahead to 2010 and the current Bears team came into this season with a lot of question marks. Since their Super Bowl run in 2006, the Bears have not made it back to playoffs. Last season the team finished 7 - 9; they lost linebacker and defensive leader Brian Urlacher to a season ending wrist injury in their season opener and newly acquired quarterback Jay Cutler disappointed the Bears faithful all year by his inconsistent play. After the 2009 campaign, they signed free agent DE Julius Peppers, undeniably the best acquisition made in the NFL during the off-season. Even with the addition of Peppers, many experts didn't warm up to the Bears. The Minnesota Vikings and the Green Bay Packers were supposed to be the elite teams of the NFC North. Those teams were expected to battle it out for division supremacy while the Bears would be relegated to trying to keep the Detroit Lions off of their heels. Even NFL Hall of Famer and Bears legend Gale Sayers publicly doubted how well the team would play in 2010, which infamously caused Urlacher take shots back at Sayers. Head coach Lovie Smith was also squarely on the hot seat, as it was universally believed that another mediocre Bears season would cost him his job. The team opened the 2010 season at home with a controversial win over the Lions. Lions WR Calvin Johnson seemingly scored the game winning touchdown with seconds to play but because he dropped the ball pushing himself up off the ground, the "catch" was ruled an incomplete pass. Most people thought that the Bears got away with one and should have been 0 - 1. Their next contest was a win against the Dallas Cowboys. Even though the Bears played a solid game on offense and defense, people blamed the Cowboys for playing poorly and "losing" the game. Game 3 was a division matchup on Monday Night Football against the Packers; the Bears won and finally started to get a little respect for being undefeated. That respect was short lived though because the very next week the Bears was beaten literally and figuratively by the New York Giants. Cutler, who had been getting sacked a lot despite the wins, was absolutely abused by the Giants. They sacked him nine times in the first half and knocked him out of the game with a concussion.
The Bears reputation took a beating after that Giants loss. Despite a 3 -1 record, many did not take them seriously. A lot of folks thought that the Vikings, who were off to a very slow start, would turn it around and surpass the Bears. Critics felt it was only a matter of time before the Bears would self-destruct and finish the season the way that most had predicted. That implosion never occurred. Chicago finished the season 11 - 5 and was crowned the champions of the NFC North. The Bears did have bad home losses to the Washington Redskins, the Seattle Seahawks and they were annihilated by the New England Patriots 36 - 7 (in the middle of a blizzard). If the they would have beat the Patriots, I think they would have received the respect that had escaped them the whole season, but the butt-whipping they took only gave the doubters ammunition. Despite the Bears success, they were never given "Flavor of the Week" status in the NFL (see NFL "Flavor of the Week" http://klassybreeze.blogspot.com/2010/11/nfl-flavor-of-week.html and NFL Flavor of the Week - End of the Regular Season Edition http://klassybreeze.blogspot.com/2011/01/nfl-flavor-of-week-end-of-regular.html ).
The disrespect of the Bears has crept into the post season as well. I have yet to hear the Bears mentioned as a team that will make it to Dallas in February. I'm even hearing folks predicting that the Bears will lose again to the upstart Seahawks at home this weekend. I think the Bears deserve more respect for what they have done this year and for who they are as a team. They have an excellent defense, playmakers at skilled positions on offense, and the ever-dangerous Hester (and reliable PK Robbie Gould) on special teams. They only need to win two games to get to Dallas and three to take the Lombardi trophy home. If their offensive line can hold up and maybe even play above their heads, they could possibly win their first Super Bowl since the 1985 season. Folks, the Chicago Bears are for real; they're not who we thought they were.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
NFL Wild Card Weekend - Road to Super Bowl XLV Begins
Here we go! It's that time in the NFL season where there are no more "tomorrows" if you lose. It's elimination football where the winners of just one game move on to the next round. Unlike our other major sports, there is no "best of" series in the NFL. It's the time of year where Donovan McNabb is actually right, a game cannot end in a tie. (As a matter of fact, there are new overtime rules in play for this season's playoffs. The team with first possession must score a touchdown in order to end the game; if it kicks a field goal the other team has an opportunity to tie or win the game. See this link to NFL.com for more details http://www.nfl.com/superbowl/story/09000d5d81d72298/article/so-long-sudden-death-playoffs-offer-new-overtime-approach . This time of year is bittersweet for me; I'm always excited to watch NFL playoff football but it "depresses" me to think that the season is winding down. I intend, as I do every year to enjoy each of these playoff rounds which will eventually culminate at Cowboys Stadium on February 6th (without the Dallas Cowboys but that's a WHOLE different story - I digress...). Lets take a look at the Wild Card Weekend games.
First playoff game to be played will be the 11 - 5 NFC wild card New Orleans Saints (-10) visiting the 7 - 9 NFC West division champion Seattle Seahawks. This matchup has upset a lot of folks because of the Seahawks participating and playing at home despite their losing record. The Saints are about a 10 point favorite in this game. They are a better football team in all three phases of the game. Many have predicted a Saints blowout. Saints quarterback Drew Brees has the potential to torch any defense. But the Saints offense has been a bit inconsistent this season. Brees has not been playing clean games as well. The team is suffering a lot of key injuries especially at the running back position. Combine these tidbits with the facts that the Seahawks are playing at home where they are 5 - 3 this season and that they have absolutely NOTHING to lose and it shows me the possibility of a huge upset. I give the defending Super Bowl champs the benefit of the doubt though. I think the Saints will pull it out but I wouldn't give the 10 points. Should be somewhat of a close game.
Saturday night features a rematch of last year's AFC Championship game. The 10 - 6 AFC South champion Indianapolis Colts (-3) will host the 11 - 5 AFC wild card New York Jets. Funny how folks are not too bent out of shape about the Jets having to play on the road against a team with a worse record. But the Colts are a winning team and have had an outstanding regular season track record over the last few years. The Colts number one asset is #18, Peyton Manning and everyone knows this guy is always prepared. This Colts team is getting healthier but I don't think it is as good as their Super Bowl team of last season. The Jets defense has been a bit disappointing this year and everyone seemed to jump off, then on, then back off the (Jets quarterback) Mark Sanchez bandwagon this season. A lot of people are picking the Colts to win pretty much just based on Manning. As much as I don't want to see the Colts exit in the first round, I think that is exactly what is going to happen. I think folks are sleeping on the Jets; even though they have had some missteps, they are one of the league's best teams. Sanchez & Company will do enough on offense to secure a Gang Green victory. Take the Jets and the 3 points.
Sunday's first game features the 10 - 6 AFC West division champion Kansas City Chiefs hosting the 12 - 4 AFC wild card Baltimore Ravens (-3). Yet again, not many folks upset that the team with the better record is on the road. I loved the way the Chiefs played this season. They have a great running attack with Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones, which is now complimented with a decent passing game. Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel and wideout Dwayne Bowe have built great chemistry this season. It's the kind of chemistry I expected from Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco and wideout Anquan Boldin. But they never really seemed to get on the right page this year. If the Ravens ever get clicking offensively, I think they can put up points with the best of them. Their running game is led by their dynamic starting running back Ray Rice, who is a big threat as a receiver as well. I think the Ravens will be a little too much for the Chiefs; their weapons, experience and knack for winning playoff road games should help them this weekend. I think this game will be close but I would take the Ravens and give the 3 points.
The final game of Wild Card Weekend may be the best matchup of them all. The 10 - 6 NFC wild card Green Bay Packers return to scene of their first win of the year at Lincoln Financial Field to face the 10 - 6 NFC East champion Philadelphia Eagles (-3). The Packers come into this game as the hot team winning their last two "must win" games to punch the last ticket into the NFC playoffs. Conversely, The Eagles have lost their last two games and have fallen from the graces of many who had thought of them as being the best team in the league. Eagles quarterback Michael Vick has looked a lot more human lately after resembling a "superman" on the field for most of the season. Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has had a great season, overcoming two concussions and a lacking running game. I think these teams are evenly matched, but my gut tells me that the Eagles offense will rise again and carry them to play the Chicago Bears next weekend. After agonizing over this decision, I would take the Eagles and give the 3 points.
So I picked three road teams to win this weekend and the one road team I didn't pick, the Packers, I had a tough time not picking. If all the road teams won, that would eliminate four division winners. That would certainly put the "wild" in Wild Card Weekend! Everybody enjoy the ride! It starts now!
First playoff game to be played will be the 11 - 5 NFC wild card New Orleans Saints (-10) visiting the 7 - 9 NFC West division champion Seattle Seahawks. This matchup has upset a lot of folks because of the Seahawks participating and playing at home despite their losing record. The Saints are about a 10 point favorite in this game. They are a better football team in all three phases of the game. Many have predicted a Saints blowout. Saints quarterback Drew Brees has the potential to torch any defense. But the Saints offense has been a bit inconsistent this season. Brees has not been playing clean games as well. The team is suffering a lot of key injuries especially at the running back position. Combine these tidbits with the facts that the Seahawks are playing at home where they are 5 - 3 this season and that they have absolutely NOTHING to lose and it shows me the possibility of a huge upset. I give the defending Super Bowl champs the benefit of the doubt though. I think the Saints will pull it out but I wouldn't give the 10 points. Should be somewhat of a close game.
Saturday night features a rematch of last year's AFC Championship game. The 10 - 6 AFC South champion Indianapolis Colts (-3) will host the 11 - 5 AFC wild card New York Jets. Funny how folks are not too bent out of shape about the Jets having to play on the road against a team with a worse record. But the Colts are a winning team and have had an outstanding regular season track record over the last few years. The Colts number one asset is #18, Peyton Manning and everyone knows this guy is always prepared. This Colts team is getting healthier but I don't think it is as good as their Super Bowl team of last season. The Jets defense has been a bit disappointing this year and everyone seemed to jump off, then on, then back off the (Jets quarterback) Mark Sanchez bandwagon this season. A lot of people are picking the Colts to win pretty much just based on Manning. As much as I don't want to see the Colts exit in the first round, I think that is exactly what is going to happen. I think folks are sleeping on the Jets; even though they have had some missteps, they are one of the league's best teams. Sanchez & Company will do enough on offense to secure a Gang Green victory. Take the Jets and the 3 points.
Sunday's first game features the 10 - 6 AFC West division champion Kansas City Chiefs hosting the 12 - 4 AFC wild card Baltimore Ravens (-3). Yet again, not many folks upset that the team with the better record is on the road. I loved the way the Chiefs played this season. They have a great running attack with Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones, which is now complimented with a decent passing game. Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel and wideout Dwayne Bowe have built great chemistry this season. It's the kind of chemistry I expected from Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco and wideout Anquan Boldin. But they never really seemed to get on the right page this year. If the Ravens ever get clicking offensively, I think they can put up points with the best of them. Their running game is led by their dynamic starting running back Ray Rice, who is a big threat as a receiver as well. I think the Ravens will be a little too much for the Chiefs; their weapons, experience and knack for winning playoff road games should help them this weekend. I think this game will be close but I would take the Ravens and give the 3 points.
The final game of Wild Card Weekend may be the best matchup of them all. The 10 - 6 NFC wild card Green Bay Packers return to scene of their first win of the year at Lincoln Financial Field to face the 10 - 6 NFC East champion Philadelphia Eagles (-3). The Packers come into this game as the hot team winning their last two "must win" games to punch the last ticket into the NFC playoffs. Conversely, The Eagles have lost their last two games and have fallen from the graces of many who had thought of them as being the best team in the league. Eagles quarterback Michael Vick has looked a lot more human lately after resembling a "superman" on the field for most of the season. Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has had a great season, overcoming two concussions and a lacking running game. I think these teams are evenly matched, but my gut tells me that the Eagles offense will rise again and carry them to play the Chicago Bears next weekend. After agonizing over this decision, I would take the Eagles and give the 3 points.
So I picked three road teams to win this weekend and the one road team I didn't pick, the Packers, I had a tough time not picking. If all the road teams won, that would eliminate four division winners. That would certainly put the "wild" in Wild Card Weekend! Everybody enjoy the ride! It starts now!
Friday, January 7, 2011
Jason Garrett Now Officially The Head Coach of The Dallas Cowboys
Jason Garrett was officially introduced at Cowboys Stadium today as the Dallas Cowboys head coach. He received a four year deal. There wasn't really much of a surprise that he had the interim tag removed from his title. Garrett had done fairly well in his eight game audition. The Cowboys went 5 - 3 under his stewardship and clearly had more life and energy as a team than they did at end of Wade Phillips' tenure.
It will be interesting to see how things with the Cowboys unfold in 2011. The team clearly underperformed (and they lost probably their most important player, quarterback Tony Romo, for most of the season to a shoulder injury) in 2010 . How many personnel changes will be made? What will they do with their #9 first round draft pick? Will they go after a big name defensive coordinator? A lot of questions posed today at the press conference announcing the official Garrett hire seemed to be around exactly how much decision making power will Garrett actually have. Let's face it folks, Jerry Jones is not only the Cowboys' owner, he is the team's GM. The primary job of a head coach is to coach and direct the personnel (players and coaches) that has been assembled for him by the GM (and player personnel execs). So this situation will be no different. Garrett has not been given GM duties. No one should be shocked that Jones will be making personnel decisions. Garrett should be concentrating on coaching the X's & O's and the temperament of his team. Oddly enough, at the press conference, when a reporter asked Garrett about how much influence he will have on decisions, Jones jumped right up to the podium and interrupted. He tried his best to assure everyone that Garrett will not have a player or a coach he does not want. But Jones' jump to the podium still metaphorically showed who is in control of decisions no matter what was actually being said. Again, that is Jones' function and I do believe him when he says that Garrett will have (some) input.
I had a lot of issues with Garrett's play calling when he was just the offensive coordinator, though I think it got better when he became the interim coach. There have been a lot of speculation around that, some folks actually believing he sabotaged Phillips by not making the right play calls for the offense. Specifically, it was obvious that the Cowboys needed to run the ball more under Phillips (and Garrett was in charge of the offense). Garrett didn't call more run plays until Phillips was fired and he was running the show. Though I find those actions inexplicable, I don't think Garrett deliberately neglected to run the ball to take Phillips out.
I wish Garrettt the best as he becomes the 8th head coach in Cowboys' history. Next season (barring issues with the new CBA) Garrett will have a fresh start, a healthy Romo, and a whole off-season to place his stamp firmly on this team. The Cowboys have a lot of bad memories to erase from this season. While they had hoped to win three playoff games at home to become the only team to play and win the Super Bowl in their own stadium, they wound up winning only 2 regular season games at Cowboys Stadium. Jones has placed his hopes on Garrett to give he and his fans a little amnesia for the 2011 season. But he does hope that the team repeats one thing from this season: a trip to Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis which resulted in a win. Lucas Oil Stadium is the site of next season's Super Bowl.
It will be interesting to see how things with the Cowboys unfold in 2011. The team clearly underperformed (and they lost probably their most important player, quarterback Tony Romo, for most of the season to a shoulder injury) in 2010 . How many personnel changes will be made? What will they do with their #9 first round draft pick? Will they go after a big name defensive coordinator? A lot of questions posed today at the press conference announcing the official Garrett hire seemed to be around exactly how much decision making power will Garrett actually have. Let's face it folks, Jerry Jones is not only the Cowboys' owner, he is the team's GM. The primary job of a head coach is to coach and direct the personnel (players and coaches) that has been assembled for him by the GM (and player personnel execs). So this situation will be no different. Garrett has not been given GM duties. No one should be shocked that Jones will be making personnel decisions. Garrett should be concentrating on coaching the X's & O's and the temperament of his team. Oddly enough, at the press conference, when a reporter asked Garrett about how much influence he will have on decisions, Jones jumped right up to the podium and interrupted. He tried his best to assure everyone that Garrett will not have a player or a coach he does not want. But Jones' jump to the podium still metaphorically showed who is in control of decisions no matter what was actually being said. Again, that is Jones' function and I do believe him when he says that Garrett will have (some) input.
I had a lot of issues with Garrett's play calling when he was just the offensive coordinator, though I think it got better when he became the interim coach. There have been a lot of speculation around that, some folks actually believing he sabotaged Phillips by not making the right play calls for the offense. Specifically, it was obvious that the Cowboys needed to run the ball more under Phillips (and Garrett was in charge of the offense). Garrett didn't call more run plays until Phillips was fired and he was running the show. Though I find those actions inexplicable, I don't think Garrett deliberately neglected to run the ball to take Phillips out.
I wish Garrettt the best as he becomes the 8th head coach in Cowboys' history. Next season (barring issues with the new CBA) Garrett will have a fresh start, a healthy Romo, and a whole off-season to place his stamp firmly on this team. The Cowboys have a lot of bad memories to erase from this season. While they had hoped to win three playoff games at home to become the only team to play and win the Super Bowl in their own stadium, they wound up winning only 2 regular season games at Cowboys Stadium. Jones has placed his hopes on Garrett to give he and his fans a little amnesia for the 2011 season. But he does hope that the team repeats one thing from this season: a trip to Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis which resulted in a win. Lucas Oil Stadium is the site of next season's Super Bowl.
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