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!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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.

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.

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.