Hey! We survived the apocalypse! What the heck do those damn Mayans know? I'll tell you one thing they didn't know: how to count above two. 12...21...12...
So now that we're all alive, let's reminisce a little about 2012, shall we?
Best team: Miami Heat
Ok, I don't follow the NBA very closely, but I do know they are the one championship team in 2012 with by far more talent than any other champion. I also do know they were supposed to win.
(honorable mention: UK basketball, LA Kings, NY Giants)
Worst team: Kansas City Chiefs
Not only are they beyond dysfunctional and have two major busts at quarterback, the Javon Belcher situation made it much worse. It will be a long time before this franchise is competitive again.
(dishonorable mention: Charlotte Bobcats, Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston Astros)
Best Athlete: (tie) Mike Trout and Miguel Cabrera
Arguably the most electrifying rookie in baseball history, and the first triple crown winner since 1967. Cabrera will be a lethal bat for the next five-plus years, and at 22, Trout is only going to get better.
(honorable mention: LeBron James, Steven Stamkos)
Best Moment: Giants winning Super Bowl XLVI
The New York Giants will forever be known for derailing what would have been the greatest dynasty in NFL History. First, they defeat the 18-0 Patriots in Super Bowl XLII, then deny Brady, Belichick and co. again in another great Super Bowl. All it took was getting hot at the right time. Again.
(honorable mention: Raul Ibanez's game tying and game winning HRs in Game 3 against Baltimore, The NY Rangers' comeback in Game 5 against Washington, the SF Giants' comebacks in the NLDS and NLCS)
Worst Moment: The Jerry Sandusky conviction and the Freeh Report
Not much more needs to be said about the devastating Penn State child molestation scandal. Sandusky will be going away for life. But the Freeh report, released by former FBI director Louis Freeh, offered a damning portrayal of arguably the most famous coach in college football history, Joe Paterno. He will now forever be known as the man that harbored Sandusky despite extensive knowledge of his wrongdoings. The program he built into a powerhouse is sullied for all eternity.
(dishonorable mention: NHL lockout, Javon Belcher murder/suicide)
Biggest Hero: Chuck Pagano
The Colts head coach waged a courageous battle against leukemia, won, and inspired his team to a playoff berth. His return to coaching a few days ago ranks as the best off-the-field sports moment of 2012.
Biggest Goat: Gary Bettman and Donald Fehr
If you read this blog, you know why. The NHL is two weeks away from death. And it seems these two men are content to let it happen.
Now, on to five things:
1. After Houston's no-show against Minnesota at home, they are officially springing leaks in their ship. Therefore, I now declare Denver as my new Super Bowl favorite. Peyton Manning is playing at an elite level again, and the defense is the best of the AFC playoff teams. They simply have a championship feel to them.
2. As for Super Bowl favorites, I am seriously tempted to make Seattle my NFC Champion pick. Not only are they the hottest team in the league right now, but their dismantling of division rival and fellow contender San Francisco proves they are ready for prime time. For now, I will stick with Green Bay as my favorite, however.
3. Calvin Johnson broke the single season receiving record in the first year of his new Mega(tron)-deal. Why do I feel like the Lions will let his talents go to waste the same way they wasted Barry Sanders?
4. The Giants won't make the playoffs this season not only because of their non-existent pass rush, but because it seems as if they figured they can have another mediocre regular season, then automatically get hot around playoff time. Things don't always work out that way, G-Men!
5. It's time to call Andy Dalton and A.J. Green the best quarterback/wide receiver combo in the NFL. Back-to-back playoff appearances, and immeasurable chemistry. They will only get better.
Six-Seed Super Prediction special: Cincinnati vs Minnesota
Top 5
1. Atlanta
2. Denver
3. New England
4. Green Bay
5. Houston
Bottom 5
32. Kansas City
31. Jacksonville
30. Oakland
29. Philadelphia
28. Detroit
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