Four weeks. Four weeks remaining in this NFL regular season.
You all remember opening weekend, right? It was yesterday.
The Cowboys humbed the Giants on a Wednesday night. The 49ers dominated the Packers AT Lambeau. RG3 was anointed the rookie of the year based on one spectacular play. The Jets, yes, the J-E-T-S scored 48 points. Peyton Manning emphatically announced he was back.
Now one day passed, and six division races are all but decided. THREE rookie quarterbacks may make the playoffs. The Niners are locked in a potentially season-crippling quarterback controversy. RG3 is still lighting up the NFL, but so are Andrew Luck and Russell Wilson. The Jets are the laughing stock of the league, and Tim Tebow is NOT starting! Peyton has already made the playoffs.
Four weeks to go, plus four postseason weeks. Here are some bold predictions for yet another wild NFL finish.
1. You read it here first. The Washington Redskins will win the NFC East. After facing Baltimore at home next week, their remaining games are against Cleveland, Philadelphia, and Dallas. All winnable. The team they edged out last night, the Giants, is one game in front. They face New Orleans at home next week, then have to travel to Atlanta AND Baltimore in subsequent weeks. I forsee the Skins winning their last four games. I see the Giants losing at least one of these road games. The Cowboys will find a way to blow it like always. The Skins' NFC East record is currently 3-1. The Giants are 2-3. Washington has the easier schedule. They can win this division at 10-6, or even at 9-7.
2. Get ready for Andrew Luck vs Peyton Manning in Denver during the first round of the playoffs. After the Colts' scintillating comeback win in Detroit this past Sunday, the rest of the league is beginning to believe what I believed since the beginning. The Colts look like a playoff team. However, they do have to face the Texans twice. However, one game is the final week of the season, and it seems that Houston will play their B team that day after already locking up the #1 seed. Plus, that game is at home. The other two games are against Kansas City and Tennessee. The Colts are in good shape. This team believes in Andrew Luck, and how great would it be for ailing coach Chuck Pagano to return near the end of the season following cancer treatments?
3. The Eagles will finish 3-13, and attain the number one overall pick. Let's face it. This team has pretty much quit on the season. We know Andy Reid is done, but the rest of the season is the Nick Foles/Bryce Brown show. Are they the future? Or will Philly be drafting Manti Teo or Matt Barkley. A new era of Eagles football is afoot, and the rabid fans will not stand for a long-term rebuilding project. I'm not suggesting the the Eagles will tank their last four games, but I just don't see them winning again.
4. The Jets will win their final four games, but still fall short of the playoffs. Assuming Rex Ryan names Greg McElroy their starting quarterback for next week's game against the Jaguars, you know this team will be energized by this quarterback change. Not to mention the Jets' schedule is a cakewalk the rest of the way. Maybe if Mark Sanchez doesn't run into his own offensive lineman's rear end and the Jets make one more play in Foxboro do they have a shot. But alas, the Tim Tebow experiment has failed, and its time to see if McElroy is the future.
5. The following coaches will be fired:
Andy Reid
Norv Turner
Jason Garrett
Chan Gailey
Ken Whisenhunt
Pat Shurmur
Now, on to Five things:
1. Yes, the Javon Belcher story is a total tragedy. Sad for everyone involved, including the Chiefs, Kansas City, and all his family and friends. That being said, Belcher does not deserve sympathy. His actions ruined a family, hurt his team and his community, and most importantly, left a three month old baby without parents. Not much more needs to be said.
2. Calm down, Jets fans. Greg McElroy is not the next Joe Namath. He may provide thrills and hope for the last four games of the season. But will he really win you a Super Bowl in the next few years?
3. Charlie Batch not only played the game of his life in Baltimore, but he set his team up for a playoff run. Ben Roethlisberger is presumed to return next week. The Steelers' next four games are winnable. The division title is still a long shot, but do I sense a 2005-like run upcoming?
4. My preseason pick of the Colts making the playoffs is looking pretty darn good right now. See above.
5. Is it possible to have a four-way tie for rookie of the year? Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III, Russell Wilson, and Doug Martin all deserve to win. Each have electrified their respective teams this season, and three of the four may make the playoffs.
The Joe Namath guarantee special: Steelers vs Seahawks. XL rematch in New Orleans.
Top 5
1. Houston
2. Atlanta
3. New England
4. San Francisco
5. Denver
Bottom 5
32. Jacksonville
31. Oakland
30. Philadelphia
29. Kansas City
28. Carolina
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Time for a new pro hockey league and Week 12 Five Things
So a babysitter, I mean mediator has been called to sit in on the NHL/NHLPA lockout talks. If I am George Cohen, the federal mediator assigned to this farce, I am taking a tape recorder simply for the purpose of sharing his recordings over a few beers with his buddies. The laughs will be enough to last a lifetime.
Seriously, are the players' association and owners this dumb? Is it really possible to destroy a league that is making record profits and garnering unprecedented attention this easily? The NHL and NHLPA are damn well trying.
It seems that mediation may be the only option remaining at this point to salvage a 2012-13 season. I'm not saying it will work, but this is better than no talks at all.
However, it should never have reached this point. The purpose of this lockout is not about the future of the game. As painful as the 2004-05 season-cancelling lockout was, at least it had a true purpose. The NHL needed a salary cap and it needed it immediately. The owners are simply trying to screw the players out of millions and vice versa and blah blah blah this time around.
The diehard fans should not stand for this nonsense. Ever.
Therefore, I propose two options to make the NHL pay for its sins. Will it work? You never know until you try.
Option 1 (if a season is salvaged):
Diehard, casual, and corporate fans alike should stage a boycott of games for a full week. Empty arenas, no TV ratings. No fan shall purchase any NHL merchandise in a store or online. And yes, this included foam fingers. No NHL hockey period, in person or on TV.
It will be difficult for the diehards, but a message must be sent.
Assuming Gary Bettman is still the commissioner, fans shall boo him so loudly during the Stanley Cup presentation that no one can hear him speak.
If this doesn't work, then it's time to hit the league where it hurts the most. Perhaps a petition to the NHL's top corporate sponsors for them to boycott will get their attention.
After all, it's true! The NHL really doesn't care about the fans. They care about their sponsors and the almighty dollar.
Now, if the season is cancelled, here's option number 2:
A NEW LEAGUE.
Needless to say, a league with significantly lower ticket and merchandise prices.
New leadership, new CBA, a fresh start. The NHL's name will be so sullied, it will be beyond repair. The sport needs to start over. Fresh. Clean slate.
Take all existing NHL franchises, move the Panthers, Blue Jackets, Coyotes (despite their new arena deal) and Predators to Seattle, Portland, Hartford, and Canada. Let's face it, the NHL's southern expansion didn't work. Other than Dallas and maybe Tampa Bay, fan interest doesn't exist. Valiant effort, Gary. But no cigar. The sport should be back where it belongs.
This new league should stage TWO winter classics per season. One in the U.S., and one in Canada. The Winter Classic is primarily responsible for the NHL's resurgence after the 2005 lockout. The casual fan loves the outdoor game. It should be mandatory to hold at least two.
The league should have a hard salary cap with six year contract limits.
Teams should be awarded three points for a win, two for an overtime/shootout win, and one for an overtime/shootout loss.
Here's how the teams should be allocated. No conferences, just divisions. If there's one bright idea Gary Bettman has had recently besides the Winter Classic, it's the proposed new/old playoff format.
Lemieux Division
NY Rangers
NY Islanders
New Jersey
Philadelphia
Pittsburgh
Washington
Tampa Bay
Carolina
Orr Division
Boston
Montreal
Toronto
Columbus (moved to Hartford or Nova Scotia)
Buffalo
Ottawa
Florida (moved to Quebec City)
Nashville (moved to Hamilton, ON or Toronto)
Howe Division
Detroit
Chicago
Minnesota
Winnipeg
St. Louis
Dallas
Colorado
Gretzky Division
Los Angeles
Anaheim
Phoenix (moved to Seattle or Portland)
Edmonton
Calgary
Vancouver
San Jose
In the playoffs, the first two rounds will be divisional semifinals and finals. The league semifinal matchups will be based on point total from the regular season. Then, most importantly, the winners play for the Stanley Cup.
Simple as that. A fresh start for the greatest game in the world with grander rivalries and better play, all under a fair business model for both players and owners. Most importantly, a wonderful and fulfilling experience for the fans.
Hockey deserves it.
Now, on to Week 12's Five Things:
1. The Giants not only served notice they are back, but can easily win another Super Bowl. They KILLED the Packers Sunday night.
2. Norv Turner should have been fired on the spot after his team allowed the 4th and 29 play to Ray Rice. Seriously, how does that happen to any NFL team?
3. Jets fans can whine all they want about Fireman Ed abandoning them, but the person that should care, owner Woody Johnson, won't. He is still paying his PSL to attend games.
4. If the Seahawks truly lose their two starting cornerbacks to a 4 game PED suspension, their playoff hopes are done.
5. Now that Colin Kaepernick is the Niners' starting QB, despite Jim Harbaugh's "explanation" about his role, the pressure to win a Super Bowl is through the roof. And frankly, they'd better. Poor Alex Smith.
See You At the Canyon Of Heroes after this Super Bowl! NY Giants vs Miami
Top 5
1. Houston
2. Atlanta
3. Baltimore
4. San Francisco
5. NY Giants
Bottom 5
32. Kansas City
31. Oakland
30. Jacksonville
29. Philadelphia
28. Tennessee
Seriously, are the players' association and owners this dumb? Is it really possible to destroy a league that is making record profits and garnering unprecedented attention this easily? The NHL and NHLPA are damn well trying.
It seems that mediation may be the only option remaining at this point to salvage a 2012-13 season. I'm not saying it will work, but this is better than no talks at all.
However, it should never have reached this point. The purpose of this lockout is not about the future of the game. As painful as the 2004-05 season-cancelling lockout was, at least it had a true purpose. The NHL needed a salary cap and it needed it immediately. The owners are simply trying to screw the players out of millions and vice versa and blah blah blah this time around.
The diehard fans should not stand for this nonsense. Ever.
Therefore, I propose two options to make the NHL pay for its sins. Will it work? You never know until you try.
Option 1 (if a season is salvaged):
Diehard, casual, and corporate fans alike should stage a boycott of games for a full week. Empty arenas, no TV ratings. No fan shall purchase any NHL merchandise in a store or online. And yes, this included foam fingers. No NHL hockey period, in person or on TV.
It will be difficult for the diehards, but a message must be sent.
Assuming Gary Bettman is still the commissioner, fans shall boo him so loudly during the Stanley Cup presentation that no one can hear him speak.
If this doesn't work, then it's time to hit the league where it hurts the most. Perhaps a petition to the NHL's top corporate sponsors for them to boycott will get their attention.
After all, it's true! The NHL really doesn't care about the fans. They care about their sponsors and the almighty dollar.
Now, if the season is cancelled, here's option number 2:
A NEW LEAGUE.
Needless to say, a league with significantly lower ticket and merchandise prices.
New leadership, new CBA, a fresh start. The NHL's name will be so sullied, it will be beyond repair. The sport needs to start over. Fresh. Clean slate.
Take all existing NHL franchises, move the Panthers, Blue Jackets, Coyotes (despite their new arena deal) and Predators to Seattle, Portland, Hartford, and Canada. Let's face it, the NHL's southern expansion didn't work. Other than Dallas and maybe Tampa Bay, fan interest doesn't exist. Valiant effort, Gary. But no cigar. The sport should be back where it belongs.
This new league should stage TWO winter classics per season. One in the U.S., and one in Canada. The Winter Classic is primarily responsible for the NHL's resurgence after the 2005 lockout. The casual fan loves the outdoor game. It should be mandatory to hold at least two.
The league should have a hard salary cap with six year contract limits.
Teams should be awarded three points for a win, two for an overtime/shootout win, and one for an overtime/shootout loss.
Here's how the teams should be allocated. No conferences, just divisions. If there's one bright idea Gary Bettman has had recently besides the Winter Classic, it's the proposed new/old playoff format.
Lemieux Division
NY Rangers
NY Islanders
New Jersey
Philadelphia
Pittsburgh
Washington
Tampa Bay
Carolina
Orr Division
Boston
Montreal
Toronto
Columbus (moved to Hartford or Nova Scotia)
Buffalo
Ottawa
Florida (moved to Quebec City)
Nashville (moved to Hamilton, ON or Toronto)
Howe Division
Detroit
Chicago
Minnesota
Winnipeg
St. Louis
Dallas
Colorado
Gretzky Division
Los Angeles
Anaheim
Phoenix (moved to Seattle or Portland)
Edmonton
Calgary
Vancouver
San Jose
In the playoffs, the first two rounds will be divisional semifinals and finals. The league semifinal matchups will be based on point total from the regular season. Then, most importantly, the winners play for the Stanley Cup.
Simple as that. A fresh start for the greatest game in the world with grander rivalries and better play, all under a fair business model for both players and owners. Most importantly, a wonderful and fulfilling experience for the fans.
Hockey deserves it.
Now, on to Week 12's Five Things:
1. The Giants not only served notice they are back, but can easily win another Super Bowl. They KILLED the Packers Sunday night.
2. Norv Turner should have been fired on the spot after his team allowed the 4th and 29 play to Ray Rice. Seriously, how does that happen to any NFL team?
3. Jets fans can whine all they want about Fireman Ed abandoning them, but the person that should care, owner Woody Johnson, won't. He is still paying his PSL to attend games.
4. If the Seahawks truly lose their two starting cornerbacks to a 4 game PED suspension, their playoff hopes are done.
5. Now that Colin Kaepernick is the Niners' starting QB, despite Jim Harbaugh's "explanation" about his role, the pressure to win a Super Bowl is through the roof. And frankly, they'd better. Poor Alex Smith.
See You At the Canyon Of Heroes after this Super Bowl! NY Giants vs Miami
Top 5
1. Houston
2. Atlanta
3. Baltimore
4. San Francisco
5. NY Giants
Bottom 5
32. Kansas City
31. Oakland
30. Jacksonville
29. Philadelphia
28. Tennessee
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
NFL Five Things for Week 11
1. Kids, never run up the score! Not only is it classless and sets a bad example, but you may lose a star player to injury! See Belichick, Bill and Gronkowski, Rob. And for this blogger, a devastating blow to his fantasy football team!
2. Does anyone that watches the Falcons really think they look like a 9-1 team? They have hardly been dominant. Five of their last six wins have been by a touchdown or less. Matt Ryan threw five interceptions against a terrible Arizona team. Their next two games are against a resurgent Bucs team and the red-hot Saints, to whom they've suffered their only loss. We'll see how good they really are.
3. Speaking of the Bucs, what a job Greg Schiano has done. They are the most improved team in the NFL. A new culture of accountability, coupled with the signing of Vincent Jackson and drafting of Doug Martin, have catapulted Tampa Bay to a 6-4 record and legitimate shot at the playoffs. Last year's team would have imploded after Martin's goal line fumble in Carolina Sunday. Their resiliency in coming back to win in overtime after that turnover proves their maturity.
4. Did the Niners knew what they have in Colin Kaepernick? If so, why did they bother re-signing Alex Smith? Starting him at this point of the season over smith is a very tricky proposition. I personally think the Niners should stick with Smith until he really screws up. That being said, Kaepernick should be the starter next season.
5. The Ed Reed fine doesn't merely highlight the NFL's hypocrisy or the seriousness of the league's concussion epidemic. It highlights a fundamental problem the media doesn't talk about. Today's NFL defenders attempt to DIVE at ball carriers as opposed to TACKLING them. Defenders need to learn to properly tackle again, otherwise a more serious incident may happen on the field.
We guarantee this Super Bowl matchup! NY Jets vs Tampa Bay (hey, Rex will say so!)
Top 5
1. Houston
2. Atlanta
3. Baltimore
4. San Francisco
5. Green Bay
Bottom 5
32. Kansas City
31. Jacksonville
30. Carolina
29. Cleveland
28. Oakland
2. Does anyone that watches the Falcons really think they look like a 9-1 team? They have hardly been dominant. Five of their last six wins have been by a touchdown or less. Matt Ryan threw five interceptions against a terrible Arizona team. Their next two games are against a resurgent Bucs team and the red-hot Saints, to whom they've suffered their only loss. We'll see how good they really are.
3. Speaking of the Bucs, what a job Greg Schiano has done. They are the most improved team in the NFL. A new culture of accountability, coupled with the signing of Vincent Jackson and drafting of Doug Martin, have catapulted Tampa Bay to a 6-4 record and legitimate shot at the playoffs. Last year's team would have imploded after Martin's goal line fumble in Carolina Sunday. Their resiliency in coming back to win in overtime after that turnover proves their maturity.
4. Did the Niners knew what they have in Colin Kaepernick? If so, why did they bother re-signing Alex Smith? Starting him at this point of the season over smith is a very tricky proposition. I personally think the Niners should stick with Smith until he really screws up. That being said, Kaepernick should be the starter next season.
5. The Ed Reed fine doesn't merely highlight the NFL's hypocrisy or the seriousness of the league's concussion epidemic. It highlights a fundamental problem the media doesn't talk about. Today's NFL defenders attempt to DIVE at ball carriers as opposed to TACKLING them. Defenders need to learn to properly tackle again, otherwise a more serious incident may happen on the field.
We guarantee this Super Bowl matchup! NY Jets vs Tampa Bay (hey, Rex will say so!)
Top 5
1. Houston
2. Atlanta
3. Baltimore
4. San Francisco
5. Green Bay
Bottom 5
32. Kansas City
31. Jacksonville
30. Carolina
29. Cleveland
28. Oakland
Sunday, November 18, 2012
MLB Free Agency preview and Week 10 NFL Five Things
It's time for the absolute best season of the year! A time for giving and recieving. A time for glee, joy, and cheer. A time where establishments are decorated and lit up!
This is not a season where games are played, blood is spilled, or folks go home unhappy.
Get over yourselves, people! It's not Christmas!
Some say the MLB offseason is better the regular season and postseason. In some respects, its true, especially when the sport has no salary cap.
Remember last year when we all but guaranteed a Marlins-Angels World Series following their spending sprees? I didn't think so.
They don't raise banners or hand out rings or trophies for winning the offseason. But it's still fun!
That said, here is where I think the big name MLB free agents will end up this offseason:
Josh Hamilton, Rangers
Any small market midwest team with no big nightlife or media presence (KC, MIN, MIL, etc.), 5 years, $110M
Hamilton effectively played his way out of Arlington at the end of last season, disappearing in big spots, and being booed off the field during the wild card game. His salary demands far exceed what Texas is willing to pay, so he appears to be gone.
B.J. Upton, Rays
Phillies, 4 years, $60M
Upton is waayyyyy out of Tampa's price range, and he also has fallen out of favor with manager Joe Maddon before. The Phillies are in desperate need of an outfielder, and he is the best available.
Michael Bourn, Braves
Nationals, 4 years, $55M
Bourn is a perfect fit for a Nationals lineup that needs speed and defense at the top.
Zack Greinke, Angels
Dodgers, 5 years, $110M
LA's spending spree under new ownership continues, and Greinke will make a perfect #2 starter behind Kershaw.
Kyle Lohse, Cardinals
Cardinals, 3 years, $45M
I can't imagine St. Louis lets him get away after establishing himself as the ace of the staff last season with a 16-3 record with a 2.86 ERA.
Nick Swisher, Yankees
Mariners, 4 years, $60M
Hey, at least he won't have to worry about postseason play in Seattle for a while!
Hiroki Kuroda, Yankees
Yankees, 1 year, $15M
At this point, its either Yankees or go home to Japan for Kuroda. He was New York's most consistent starter last year, so the Yanks will do everything they can to bring him back.
Rafael Soriano, Yankees
Tigers, 3 years, $42M
Mariano is coming back. The Tigers desperately need a closer after Jose Valverde's postseason implosion. Soriano wants to close. Perfect fit here.
Mike Napoli, Rangers
Rays, 1 year, $13M
The latest savvy move by the Rays' Andrew Friedman. He can DH and play catcher half the season, and even start at first base once in a while.
Shane Victorino, Dodgers
Blue Jays, 3 years, $30M
Why not? Especially after trading for the Miami Marlins team and signing Melky Cabrera!
Ichiro Suzuki, Yankees
Yankees, 1 year, $16.5M
Revitalized his career in the Bronx last season. Still has plenty left in him. With Brett Gardner coming back healthy, the speed and grit of the Yankee lineup will be magnified.
Now, on to Week 10 Five Things:
1. Big Ben is the NFL MVP because the Steelers are simply not a good team without him. Just watch the second half of the Monday Night game. Against the worst team in the NFL.
2. The Rams-Niners tie emphasized why the Niners didn't win the Super Bowl last year. Aside from the Vernon Davis TD in the playoffs last year, he just cannot make that one big play to take his team to the next level. And by the way, don't start with overtime rules.
3. Houston's maturity as a team showed Sunday night. Awful conditions, playing the NFL's best defense, and pulling out a win. This is a Super Bowl team, folks.
4. How about an overhaul in Arizona? Anyone remember their 3-0 start? We hear about how the Jets and Eagles should clean house, but the Cards have completely imploded.
5. Can the Saints really make a run now? It's possible. DO NOT be surprised if they squeak into the playoffs. They are dangerous right now.
Latest fickle flip flop Super Bowl prediction: New Orleans vs Denver
Top 5
1. Houston
2. Atlanta
3. Baltimore
4. Chicago
5. Green Bay
Bottom 5
32. Kansas City
31. Jacksonville
30. Cleveland
29. Carolina
28. NY Jets
This is not a season where games are played, blood is spilled, or folks go home unhappy.
Get over yourselves, people! It's not Christmas!
Some say the MLB offseason is better the regular season and postseason. In some respects, its true, especially when the sport has no salary cap.
Remember last year when we all but guaranteed a Marlins-Angels World Series following their spending sprees? I didn't think so.
They don't raise banners or hand out rings or trophies for winning the offseason. But it's still fun!
That said, here is where I think the big name MLB free agents will end up this offseason:
Josh Hamilton, Rangers
Any small market midwest team with no big nightlife or media presence (KC, MIN, MIL, etc.), 5 years, $110M
Hamilton effectively played his way out of Arlington at the end of last season, disappearing in big spots, and being booed off the field during the wild card game. His salary demands far exceed what Texas is willing to pay, so he appears to be gone.
B.J. Upton, Rays
Phillies, 4 years, $60M
Upton is waayyyyy out of Tampa's price range, and he also has fallen out of favor with manager Joe Maddon before. The Phillies are in desperate need of an outfielder, and he is the best available.
Michael Bourn, Braves
Nationals, 4 years, $55M
Bourn is a perfect fit for a Nationals lineup that needs speed and defense at the top.
Zack Greinke, Angels
Dodgers, 5 years, $110M
LA's spending spree under new ownership continues, and Greinke will make a perfect #2 starter behind Kershaw.
Kyle Lohse, Cardinals
Cardinals, 3 years, $45M
I can't imagine St. Louis lets him get away after establishing himself as the ace of the staff last season with a 16-3 record with a 2.86 ERA.
Nick Swisher, Yankees
Mariners, 4 years, $60M
Hey, at least he won't have to worry about postseason play in Seattle for a while!
Hiroki Kuroda, Yankees
Yankees, 1 year, $15M
At this point, its either Yankees or go home to Japan for Kuroda. He was New York's most consistent starter last year, so the Yanks will do everything they can to bring him back.
Rafael Soriano, Yankees
Tigers, 3 years, $42M
Mariano is coming back. The Tigers desperately need a closer after Jose Valverde's postseason implosion. Soriano wants to close. Perfect fit here.
Mike Napoli, Rangers
Rays, 1 year, $13M
The latest savvy move by the Rays' Andrew Friedman. He can DH and play catcher half the season, and even start at first base once in a while.
Shane Victorino, Dodgers
Blue Jays, 3 years, $30M
Why not? Especially after trading for the Miami Marlins team and signing Melky Cabrera!
Ichiro Suzuki, Yankees
Yankees, 1 year, $16.5M
Revitalized his career in the Bronx last season. Still has plenty left in him. With Brett Gardner coming back healthy, the speed and grit of the Yankee lineup will be magnified.
Now, on to Week 10 Five Things:
1. Big Ben is the NFL MVP because the Steelers are simply not a good team without him. Just watch the second half of the Monday Night game. Against the worst team in the NFL.
2. The Rams-Niners tie emphasized why the Niners didn't win the Super Bowl last year. Aside from the Vernon Davis TD in the playoffs last year, he just cannot make that one big play to take his team to the next level. And by the way, don't start with overtime rules.
3. Houston's maturity as a team showed Sunday night. Awful conditions, playing the NFL's best defense, and pulling out a win. This is a Super Bowl team, folks.
4. How about an overhaul in Arizona? Anyone remember their 3-0 start? We hear about how the Jets and Eagles should clean house, but the Cards have completely imploded.
5. Can the Saints really make a run now? It's possible. DO NOT be surprised if they squeak into the playoffs. They are dangerous right now.
Latest fickle flip flop Super Bowl prediction: New Orleans vs Denver
Top 5
1. Houston
2. Atlanta
3. Baltimore
4. Chicago
5. Green Bay
Bottom 5
32. Kansas City
31. Jacksonville
30. Cleveland
29. Carolina
28. NY Jets
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
NFL Week 9 Ten Things and Sandy Aftermath
Sports, in the grand scheme of things, is one of the great distractions of human life. Distractions from the hardships, drama, and pure craziness of humanity.
This past week, for those in the tri-state area, was no exception. Hurricane Sandy devastated New Jersey and Long Island, leaving thousands homeless, millions without power, and several dead. Many still do not have power. Gas lines still permeate the roads of Long Island and some parts of New Jersey. In other affected areas, life is still getting back to normal.
My family was deeply affected by this storm. Many that will read this feel the same.
But for me personally, getting to sit down and watch football on Sunday, especially the Steelers-Giants game, took my mind completely off the Sandy aftereffects for at least a few hours.
This is why sports is one of the greatest things in the world. Most consider it entertainment, others consider it bigger than that. Just ask baseball fans after 9/11. Ask Met fans that witnessed Mike Piazza hit that home run. Sports has that power.
And now, to give those affected by this awful storm a chance to be distracted for at least a few minutes, here's the Week 9 Five Things, followed by a couple of midseason predictions.
1. Andy Reid will be fired as Eagles head coach. Before the season ends.
The Eagles' problems are beyond repair right now. Michael Vick simply cannot be elite anymore, and has become a turnover machine. The birds entered the red zone four times in New Orleans four times Monday night, and only came away with one touchdown. If I am Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie, I give Reid, who has done so much for his team for so long, his release right now. He's a lame duck coach anyway, so why let him twist in the wind? The Eagles won't make the playoffs in 2012.
2. The Steelers have found their run game. They will be the AFC's most dangerous second half team.
The defending Super Bowl champions made the Steelers' third string running back, Issac Redman, look like Franco Harris Sunday. Imagine when Rashard Mendenhall and Jonathan Dwyer come back healthy. This running game will be lethal if it gets performances like it did Sunday. Plus, Troy Polamalu will presumably come back healthy, and Ben Roethlisberger is vertical and healthy for now. The swagger is back in Steel town. Where will it lead them?
3. The Bears defense is good enough, a la the '85 version, to take them all the way this year.
Granted they played a bad team in the Titans Sunday, but when you force seven, yes, SEVEN turnovers in the first half of a game, you're pretty damn good. All they need is for Jay Cutler to stay consistent, namely throw the ball to Brandon Marshall. Plus get Matt Forte his requesite carries. I was skeptical about Da Bears. Now I'm convinced about them.
4. Write it down. Sean Payton will be the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys next year.
Jason Garrett will more than likely be fired if the 'Boys don't make the playoffs. Payton's deal with the Saints was voided. Payton owns a home in Dallas and used to be a Cowboys assistant. Jerry Jones cares about making splashes. Jerry Jones loves big names. All the pieces fit. You put them together.
5. The Giants will be just fine. No need to worry. Yet.
The G-Men are in a "slump" but are 2-1 in their last 3 games. Where have we seen this before? No cause for concern. That being said, if Eli Manning only shows up in the fourth quarter, how long will the Giants survive on that?
Joe Namath/Mark Messier guarantee special Super Bowl matchup: Pittsburgh vs Chicago
Top 5
1. Atlanta
2. Houston
3. Chicago
4. Baltimore
5. San Francisco
Bottom 5
32. Jacksonville
31. Kansas City
30. Cleveland
29. Tennessee
28. Oakland
BONUS! NFL Midseason predictions
1. Andrew Luck will edge out Robert Griffin III for Rookie of the Year.
2. Tim Tebow will start at least one game for the Jets.
3. The Chiefs, like the Eagles, will also clean house before the season ends.
4. The Falcons will lose their first game next week to the Saints, who in turn, will make a valiant second half run.
5. My preseason AFC Champion pick, the Texans, will win Super Bowl XLVII. They will defeat the Bears in New Orleans.
This past week, for those in the tri-state area, was no exception. Hurricane Sandy devastated New Jersey and Long Island, leaving thousands homeless, millions without power, and several dead. Many still do not have power. Gas lines still permeate the roads of Long Island and some parts of New Jersey. In other affected areas, life is still getting back to normal.
My family was deeply affected by this storm. Many that will read this feel the same.
But for me personally, getting to sit down and watch football on Sunday, especially the Steelers-Giants game, took my mind completely off the Sandy aftereffects for at least a few hours.
This is why sports is one of the greatest things in the world. Most consider it entertainment, others consider it bigger than that. Just ask baseball fans after 9/11. Ask Met fans that witnessed Mike Piazza hit that home run. Sports has that power.
And now, to give those affected by this awful storm a chance to be distracted for at least a few minutes, here's the Week 9 Five Things, followed by a couple of midseason predictions.
1. Andy Reid will be fired as Eagles head coach. Before the season ends.
The Eagles' problems are beyond repair right now. Michael Vick simply cannot be elite anymore, and has become a turnover machine. The birds entered the red zone four times in New Orleans four times Monday night, and only came away with one touchdown. If I am Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie, I give Reid, who has done so much for his team for so long, his release right now. He's a lame duck coach anyway, so why let him twist in the wind? The Eagles won't make the playoffs in 2012.
2. The Steelers have found their run game. They will be the AFC's most dangerous second half team.
The defending Super Bowl champions made the Steelers' third string running back, Issac Redman, look like Franco Harris Sunday. Imagine when Rashard Mendenhall and Jonathan Dwyer come back healthy. This running game will be lethal if it gets performances like it did Sunday. Plus, Troy Polamalu will presumably come back healthy, and Ben Roethlisberger is vertical and healthy for now. The swagger is back in Steel town. Where will it lead them?
3. The Bears defense is good enough, a la the '85 version, to take them all the way this year.
Granted they played a bad team in the Titans Sunday, but when you force seven, yes, SEVEN turnovers in the first half of a game, you're pretty damn good. All they need is for Jay Cutler to stay consistent, namely throw the ball to Brandon Marshall. Plus get Matt Forte his requesite carries. I was skeptical about Da Bears. Now I'm convinced about them.
4. Write it down. Sean Payton will be the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys next year.
Jason Garrett will more than likely be fired if the 'Boys don't make the playoffs. Payton's deal with the Saints was voided. Payton owns a home in Dallas and used to be a Cowboys assistant. Jerry Jones cares about making splashes. Jerry Jones loves big names. All the pieces fit. You put them together.
5. The Giants will be just fine. No need to worry. Yet.
The G-Men are in a "slump" but are 2-1 in their last 3 games. Where have we seen this before? No cause for concern. That being said, if Eli Manning only shows up in the fourth quarter, how long will the Giants survive on that?
Joe Namath/Mark Messier guarantee special Super Bowl matchup: Pittsburgh vs Chicago
Top 5
1. Atlanta
2. Houston
3. Chicago
4. Baltimore
5. San Francisco
Bottom 5
32. Jacksonville
31. Kansas City
30. Cleveland
29. Tennessee
28. Oakland
BONUS! NFL Midseason predictions
1. Andrew Luck will edge out Robert Griffin III for Rookie of the Year.
2. Tim Tebow will start at least one game for the Jets.
3. The Chiefs, like the Eagles, will also clean house before the season ends.
4. The Falcons will lose their first game next week to the Saints, who in turn, will make a valiant second half run.
5. My preseason AFC Champion pick, the Texans, will win Super Bowl XLVII. They will defeat the Bears in New Orleans.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
The NHL Could Care Less About Its Image and NFL Week 7 Five Things
The NHL is like a child that elaborately and carefully constructs a sandcastle on an exotic beach. It spends a painstaking amount of time building it into a majestic piece of sandy architecture.
Then, after basking in the glow of its glory and pure aesthetic appeal, the child destroys it with glee while giggling like a schoolgirl.
This certainly feels like the NHL nowadays, doesn't it?
After the crippling lockout of 2004-05, the NHL finally garnered the mainstream attention it attained at its peak in the mid-90s. This current lockout is the destruction of that progress.
And they are forcing their fans to sit and watch.
This Friday, the NHL will most certainly cancel more regular season games. If an agreement is not reached by the end of next week, its signature event, the Winter Classic, will be canceled.
Cancelling the Winter Classic will be like pouring gasoline into the castle's moat and lighting it on fire. Once that happens, the remainder of the castle will gradually burn to the ground.
And it seems as if commissioner Gary Bettman and NHLPA executive director Donald Fehr are content to let it happen.
After a couple of days of hope for a resolution after owners proposed a 50/50 split over hockey related revenue with the players, all optimism eroded after the players' counterproposal was only considered for ten total minutes. The holdup, based on several reports, is based on owners honoring current player contracts. The players are open to a 50/50 split.
So if this is the only major issue holding up negotiations, it is safe to say this lockout is all about ego. The 50/50 proposal is the best owner either side can put forth. Any other proposal at this point is a total waste of time, money, and most of all, the diehard fans' emotions.
Perhaps if NHL sponsors and luxury suite purchasers threaten to boycott the league, both sides will cave and end this nonsense? It certainly seems that egos are more important than the fans, or for that matter, making money off hockey games!
If the league takes the diehard fan for granted, then they most certainly do not care that the casual fan will never return. And the mainstream media, especially ESPN, will play the "who cares about hockey" card with relish and completely ignore the sport, lockout or no lockout.
The diehard fans are screaming in horror, and Bettman and Fehr are giggling like little kids while watching their castle dissolve. The fans can only hope the careers of these two men go up in flames as well once this craziness is resolved.
I still believe we will have a 2012-13 NHL season, even if it starts between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
But rest assured, should this continue beyond New Years, this diehard fan and countless others will stand up and walk away from this great sandcastle demolition.
Bettman and Fehr do not deserve the satisfaction of watching this great game die.
NFL Five Things We Learned From Week 7
1. The Jets will mightily regret their loss to New England. The Pats handed them this game, and they screwed it up.
2. If the Ravens get more performances like Sunday's, especially without Ray Lewis, they are in huge trouble.
3. The Lions define one-dimensional. If Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson are not on their A game, they have no chance.
4. Cam Newton is proving he many not be mature enough to handle his sophomore slump and beyond.
5. Eli Manning is the NFL's best 4th quarter quarterback since John Elway.
Plan the Parade We're Going to the Damn Super Bowl pick: Chicago vs New England (no doubt Pats fans will continue to pump their chests despite its teams' massive shortcomings on defense.)
Top 5
1. Atlanta
2. Houston
3. N.Y. Giants
4. San Francisco
5. Green Bay
Bottom 5
32. Cleveland
31. Jacksonville
30. Kansas City
29. Carolina
28. Tampa Bay
Then, after basking in the glow of its glory and pure aesthetic appeal, the child destroys it with glee while giggling like a schoolgirl.
This certainly feels like the NHL nowadays, doesn't it?
After the crippling lockout of 2004-05, the NHL finally garnered the mainstream attention it attained at its peak in the mid-90s. This current lockout is the destruction of that progress.
And they are forcing their fans to sit and watch.
This Friday, the NHL will most certainly cancel more regular season games. If an agreement is not reached by the end of next week, its signature event, the Winter Classic, will be canceled.
Cancelling the Winter Classic will be like pouring gasoline into the castle's moat and lighting it on fire. Once that happens, the remainder of the castle will gradually burn to the ground.
And it seems as if commissioner Gary Bettman and NHLPA executive director Donald Fehr are content to let it happen.
After a couple of days of hope for a resolution after owners proposed a 50/50 split over hockey related revenue with the players, all optimism eroded after the players' counterproposal was only considered for ten total minutes. The holdup, based on several reports, is based on owners honoring current player contracts. The players are open to a 50/50 split.
So if this is the only major issue holding up negotiations, it is safe to say this lockout is all about ego. The 50/50 proposal is the best owner either side can put forth. Any other proposal at this point is a total waste of time, money, and most of all, the diehard fans' emotions.
Perhaps if NHL sponsors and luxury suite purchasers threaten to boycott the league, both sides will cave and end this nonsense? It certainly seems that egos are more important than the fans, or for that matter, making money off hockey games!
If the league takes the diehard fan for granted, then they most certainly do not care that the casual fan will never return. And the mainstream media, especially ESPN, will play the "who cares about hockey" card with relish and completely ignore the sport, lockout or no lockout.
The diehard fans are screaming in horror, and Bettman and Fehr are giggling like little kids while watching their castle dissolve. The fans can only hope the careers of these two men go up in flames as well once this craziness is resolved.
I still believe we will have a 2012-13 NHL season, even if it starts between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
But rest assured, should this continue beyond New Years, this diehard fan and countless others will stand up and walk away from this great sandcastle demolition.
Bettman and Fehr do not deserve the satisfaction of watching this great game die.
NFL Five Things We Learned From Week 7
1. The Jets will mightily regret their loss to New England. The Pats handed them this game, and they screwed it up.
2. If the Ravens get more performances like Sunday's, especially without Ray Lewis, they are in huge trouble.
3. The Lions define one-dimensional. If Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson are not on their A game, they have no chance.
4. Cam Newton is proving he many not be mature enough to handle his sophomore slump and beyond.
5. Eli Manning is the NFL's best 4th quarter quarterback since John Elway.
Plan the Parade We're Going to the Damn Super Bowl pick: Chicago vs New England (no doubt Pats fans will continue to pump their chests despite its teams' massive shortcomings on defense.)
Top 5
1. Atlanta
2. Houston
3. N.Y. Giants
4. San Francisco
5. Green Bay
Bottom 5
32. Cleveland
31. Jacksonville
30. Kansas City
29. Carolina
28. Tampa Bay
Thursday, October 18, 2012
The ONE THING the Yankees must do this offseason plus NFL Week 6 Five Things
I'm going to be brief with my NFL 5 things this week, because it will take some time and space to rant and/or speculate on the demise of the 2012 Yankees. Actually, demise is putting it nicely. Debacle, disgrace, disaster, whatever D word you want to use is acceptable.
The obvious moves cannot be stressed enough. Re-sign Kuroda and Ichiro, let Swisher walk, trade A-Rod and Granderson, hold off on Cano's big contract.
But this is all beating a dead horse. The Yankees can make all these moves and replace A-Rod, Swisher, and Granderson with three more big boppers in free agency?
The truth is, it won't be good enough to win World Series # 28.
The Yankees have the pitching to win it all, as evidenced by the starting rotation's overall performance this postseason.
On paper, they certainly seem to have the hitting capability as well. Unfortunately, this hitting prowess does not extend to postseason play
So is it the hitters not performing? Probably. Is it just a case of bad luck based on all big boppers going cold at the same time? Maybe.
However, this can happen to any team at any time. For the Yankees, since 2001 and except for 2009, this has happened every single season.
So the problem is not the players, its the offensive philosophy.
After losing the 2001 World Series, the blue-collar grinders like O'Neill, Martinez, and Brosius that won four out of five World Series were gone. These guys were replaced with all-or-nothing big boppers such as Jason Giambi, Raul Mondesi, Rondell White, and Robin Ventura, to name a few.
Owner George Steinbrenner, perhaps in a bid to sell more tickets and to promote the new YES Network, decided that the fans only wanted to see home runs. Hey, chicks dig the long ball!
This change in strategy did result in more postseason apperances, but also resulted in epic power outages on offense when placed up against great pitching. This happened, namely, in the 2003 World Series, the last four games of the 2004 ALCS, the 2006 and 2011 ALDS, and especially the 2012 ALCS.
Except for the 2009 postseason, largely carried by pariah A-Rod, gone were the grind-it-out at-bats and key base hits (not homers) in big spots that won ballgames in October. The strategy was and currently is to swing for the fence every single at-bat.
It may work in the regular season. The Yankees struggled their way to an AL East title this season largely due in part to a franchise-record 255 home runs.
But doesn't it seem as if it was the only way they could score runs? In the 2012 Postseason, the Yankees squeaked by the Orioles in five games despite not scoring more than three runs in four of five of them. In the 2012 ALCS, aside from their miracle four-run rally in Game 1, they only scored TWO runs. Yes, TWO.
Yes, they needed home runs from Raul Ibanez to save their rear ends a few times. But where were the grind-it-out at bats that defined the late 90s dynasty? Where were the timely singles and doubles? Was the approach of every single hitter to attempt to hit a 500 foot home run every single plate appearance? It certainly seems that way.
The point is, the home-run-or-nothing mentality has failed.
In the years the Yankees won the World Series under Joe Torre and Joe Girardi, no Yankee hit more than 40 home runs. They didn't outslug their opponents to win them. They used great pitching and timely hitting. The most simple winning formula of all.
For the Yankees to win # 28 next year, they need to return to this strategy. To do so, they must bring in the proper personnel. The Nick Swishers, Curtis Granderson, A-Rods, and Russell Martin's of the world are not those types of players.
They need the O'Neill/Martinez/Brosius types. They need the supplemental types of players, players like Jayson Nix, Brett Gardner, et al, that will swing for a two-run single in a big spot instead of a five-run home run.
General manager Brian Cashman has a very long a difficult offseason ahead. Not only must he bring in the right personnel, but he needs to realize that a 1 through 9 lineup of home run boppers will not breed October success.
They got away with it in 2009. Who knows if they will again? Based on the last two postseason exits, it doesn't seem that way.
They tried for the five-run homer and missed. Now, it's time to try for the bases-clearing double.
Let the offseason begin.
NFL Week 6 Five Things
1. The Packers look like last year's Packers again. Scary thought for the rest of the league.
2. The Giants are better than last year's team. But where have we seen this before? See: 2008 and Burress, Plaxico.
3. The Seahawks don't have the most talented team in the league, but they are certainly the most pesky.
4. The two teams in the most trouble are the Steelers and Chargers.
5. The Ravens are still title contenders, but without Ray Lewis, they DO NOT win a Super Bowl. Period.
Are-You-For-Real Super Bowl matchup: Seattle vs Denver
Top 5
1. Atlanta
2. N.Y. Giants
3. Houston
4. Baltimore
5. Green Bay
Bottom 5
32. Jacksonville
31. Kansas City
30. Cleveland
29. Carolina
28. New Orleans
The obvious moves cannot be stressed enough. Re-sign Kuroda and Ichiro, let Swisher walk, trade A-Rod and Granderson, hold off on Cano's big contract.
But this is all beating a dead horse. The Yankees can make all these moves and replace A-Rod, Swisher, and Granderson with three more big boppers in free agency?
The truth is, it won't be good enough to win World Series # 28.
The Yankees have the pitching to win it all, as evidenced by the starting rotation's overall performance this postseason.
On paper, they certainly seem to have the hitting capability as well. Unfortunately, this hitting prowess does not extend to postseason play
So is it the hitters not performing? Probably. Is it just a case of bad luck based on all big boppers going cold at the same time? Maybe.
However, this can happen to any team at any time. For the Yankees, since 2001 and except for 2009, this has happened every single season.
So the problem is not the players, its the offensive philosophy.
After losing the 2001 World Series, the blue-collar grinders like O'Neill, Martinez, and Brosius that won four out of five World Series were gone. These guys were replaced with all-or-nothing big boppers such as Jason Giambi, Raul Mondesi, Rondell White, and Robin Ventura, to name a few.
Owner George Steinbrenner, perhaps in a bid to sell more tickets and to promote the new YES Network, decided that the fans only wanted to see home runs. Hey, chicks dig the long ball!
This change in strategy did result in more postseason apperances, but also resulted in epic power outages on offense when placed up against great pitching. This happened, namely, in the 2003 World Series, the last four games of the 2004 ALCS, the 2006 and 2011 ALDS, and especially the 2012 ALCS.
Except for the 2009 postseason, largely carried by pariah A-Rod, gone were the grind-it-out at-bats and key base hits (not homers) in big spots that won ballgames in October. The strategy was and currently is to swing for the fence every single at-bat.
It may work in the regular season. The Yankees struggled their way to an AL East title this season largely due in part to a franchise-record 255 home runs.
But doesn't it seem as if it was the only way they could score runs? In the 2012 Postseason, the Yankees squeaked by the Orioles in five games despite not scoring more than three runs in four of five of them. In the 2012 ALCS, aside from their miracle four-run rally in Game 1, they only scored TWO runs. Yes, TWO.
Yes, they needed home runs from Raul Ibanez to save their rear ends a few times. But where were the grind-it-out at bats that defined the late 90s dynasty? Where were the timely singles and doubles? Was the approach of every single hitter to attempt to hit a 500 foot home run every single plate appearance? It certainly seems that way.
The point is, the home-run-or-nothing mentality has failed.
In the years the Yankees won the World Series under Joe Torre and Joe Girardi, no Yankee hit more than 40 home runs. They didn't outslug their opponents to win them. They used great pitching and timely hitting. The most simple winning formula of all.
For the Yankees to win # 28 next year, they need to return to this strategy. To do so, they must bring in the proper personnel. The Nick Swishers, Curtis Granderson, A-Rods, and Russell Martin's of the world are not those types of players.
They need the O'Neill/Martinez/Brosius types. They need the supplemental types of players, players like Jayson Nix, Brett Gardner, et al, that will swing for a two-run single in a big spot instead of a five-run home run.
General manager Brian Cashman has a very long a difficult offseason ahead. Not only must he bring in the right personnel, but he needs to realize that a 1 through 9 lineup of home run boppers will not breed October success.
They got away with it in 2009. Who knows if they will again? Based on the last two postseason exits, it doesn't seem that way.
They tried for the five-run homer and missed. Now, it's time to try for the bases-clearing double.
Let the offseason begin.
NFL Week 6 Five Things
1. The Packers look like last year's Packers again. Scary thought for the rest of the league.
2. The Giants are better than last year's team. But where have we seen this before? See: 2008 and Burress, Plaxico.
3. The Seahawks don't have the most talented team in the league, but they are certainly the most pesky.
4. The two teams in the most trouble are the Steelers and Chargers.
5. The Ravens are still title contenders, but without Ray Lewis, they DO NOT win a Super Bowl. Period.
Are-You-For-Real Super Bowl matchup: Seattle vs Denver
Top 5
1. Atlanta
2. N.Y. Giants
3. Houston
4. Baltimore
5. Green Bay
Bottom 5
32. Jacksonville
31. Kansas City
30. Cleveland
29. Carolina
28. New Orleans
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