Here is what would happen in college football if I were the Czar of sports. 16 teams played out over the next 4 weekends with the National championship game to be played at the Sugar Bowl Jan 2nd.
The round of 16 the higher seed is the home team
Saturday Dec 10th
16 West Virginia (automatic Big East) 13 Michigan
1 LSU 4 Stanford
9 South Carolina 12 Baylor
8 Kansas State 5 Oregon
15 Clemson 11 Va Tech
2 Alabama 6 Arkansas
10 Wisconsin 14 Oklahoma
7 Boise State 3 Oklahoma State
Saturday Dec 17th
Fiesta Bowl 1/16 winner vs 8/9 winnner
Cotton Bowl 2/15 winner vs 7/10 winner
Outback Bowl 3/14 winner vs 6/1 winner
Gator Bowl 4/13 winner vs 5/12 winner
Sunday Dec 25th
Rose Bowl: Fiesta Bowl Winner vs. Gator Bowl Winner
Monday Dec 26th
Orange Bowl: Cotton Bowl Winner vs. Outback bowl winner
Monday Jan 2nd
Sugar Bowl - National Championship game
Notes: I will be simulating these games on whatifsports.com -awesome website -if you haven't been on it and you are a sports fan you are missing a lot.
The bowls will be rotated -next season the sugar bowl woul go to the quarters the fiesta would move the semis and the rose would be national championship. Only gator bowl and outback bowl are locked into quarterfinals each year.
What do you think? I think its perfect.. let's do it already!
Monday, December 5, 2011
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Random Midweek Thoughts
I am listening to Darius Rucker on my MP3 player ( I know, I need to get an Ipod) Is there a better male voice in music today?
I think when there is a sex abuse scandal at a college, the Head coach should just shut up. Every time he speaks it is Cha-Ching!! for the plaintiffs in any lawsuit.
Two Boston thoughts from a guy sitting in lovely New Jersey right now. 1) Why are the Red Sox players crying about Bobby V? He is the only manager to lead the Mets to back back playoff appearances. As big as his ego is, he is a brilliant baseball man and a winner. Since the players ran Terry Francona out of town, they should shut the hell up and play hard for this guy next year
2)Why are the Celtics looking to trade Rajon Rondo. Ok for Chris Paul I might get (although reports now are Paul wouldn't sign an extension with the c's) What is wrong with Rondo? Can't Shoot? Ok that is correctable with mmm... sorry Allen Iverson but PRACTICE! I mean Jason Kidd his first couple of years in the league was called Ason....(no J) makes no sense to trade Rondo.
As much as I love the Big East, how do the get an automatic BCS bid? Cincinnati lost to Tennessee who won only 1 game in the SEC this year. They really need to overall the system. But they won't because it makes too much money, and college presidents who should be leaders with a vision for the future, hate change,
If Peyton Manning gets cleared to play, do you think John Elway would make a run for him in Denver next year? That is of course assuming Tim Tebow loses a game sometime soon.
Speaking of Tebow, It amazes me how coaches get fired for not winning. Quarterbacks are measured by wins ultimately. So what is wrong with Tebow? The team and the coaches have rallied around him, they believe they are going to win and they do. How is that working for Phillip Rivers? Michael Vick? Winning is the bottom line and Tebow is 5-1 and he could care less about his stats. I think John Fox deserves a huge amount of credit for changing his offense to fit Tebow. He was so conservative in Carolina, he has proved to me what a top flight coach he is.
I think i can't stand Giants fans. they are moaning about how the Packers are going to kill them. Watch them win this week beat the Cowboys next week, and all of the sudden. "Tom Coughlin gets the most out of his players, never count them out!" Really? Its a joke
I am praying Texans play the Jets in the playoffs and Kellen Clemens beats Mark Sanchez.
My vote is for Trent Richardson for the Heisman, but how is Montee Ball of Wisconsin not in most people's top 5?? 32 TD's., that is unreal.
Finally the best thing the NFL did was have the Flex schedule. The colts pats game this week would have been a disaster. Too bad there is no way they could flex the Monday Night games.
I think when there is a sex abuse scandal at a college, the Head coach should just shut up. Every time he speaks it is Cha-Ching!! for the plaintiffs in any lawsuit.
Two Boston thoughts from a guy sitting in lovely New Jersey right now. 1) Why are the Red Sox players crying about Bobby V? He is the only manager to lead the Mets to back back playoff appearances. As big as his ego is, he is a brilliant baseball man and a winner. Since the players ran Terry Francona out of town, they should shut the hell up and play hard for this guy next year
2)Why are the Celtics looking to trade Rajon Rondo. Ok for Chris Paul I might get (although reports now are Paul wouldn't sign an extension with the c's) What is wrong with Rondo? Can't Shoot? Ok that is correctable with mmm... sorry Allen Iverson but PRACTICE! I mean Jason Kidd his first couple of years in the league was called Ason....(no J) makes no sense to trade Rondo.
As much as I love the Big East, how do the get an automatic BCS bid? Cincinnati lost to Tennessee who won only 1 game in the SEC this year. They really need to overall the system. But they won't because it makes too much money, and college presidents who should be leaders with a vision for the future, hate change,
If Peyton Manning gets cleared to play, do you think John Elway would make a run for him in Denver next year? That is of course assuming Tim Tebow loses a game sometime soon.
Speaking of Tebow, It amazes me how coaches get fired for not winning. Quarterbacks are measured by wins ultimately. So what is wrong with Tebow? The team and the coaches have rallied around him, they believe they are going to win and they do. How is that working for Phillip Rivers? Michael Vick? Winning is the bottom line and Tebow is 5-1 and he could care less about his stats. I think John Fox deserves a huge amount of credit for changing his offense to fit Tebow. He was so conservative in Carolina, he has proved to me what a top flight coach he is.
I think i can't stand Giants fans. they are moaning about how the Packers are going to kill them. Watch them win this week beat the Cowboys next week, and all of the sudden. "Tom Coughlin gets the most out of his players, never count them out!" Really? Its a joke
I am praying Texans play the Jets in the playoffs and Kellen Clemens beats Mark Sanchez.
My vote is for Trent Richardson for the Heisman, but how is Montee Ball of Wisconsin not in most people's top 5?? 32 TD's., that is unreal.
Finally the best thing the NFL did was have the Flex schedule. The colts pats game this week would have been a disaster. Too bad there is no way they could flex the Monday Night games.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
The Penn State mess and some random thoughts.
The only thing I can really say about what's going on at Penn State right now is Jerry Sandusky, if what is alleged is true, is an evil man who should be put away. I think the rest is people's careers being destroyed by failing to act. Whether this failure to act was based on loyalty or they were just plain naive is really not the point. I think as educators and leaders, the Penn State administration should be expected to do more, including Joe Paterno. I think there is a lack of loyalty in this country. So called friends will throw you under the bus the first chance they get, to save their skin or for a big payday. We have become a country of looking out for number one. I think the latter happened here. Nobody cared about stopping a criminal act, or the victims. Everyone involved cared about saving Penn State Football. The victims and what they allegedly went through is the story here, but down the road in 2099 when they are doing a 21st "Sports Century" You won't be able to mention Joe Paterno without mentioning these horrible acts. Its a tragedy. One that most certainly could have been prevented.
***Some random thoughts***
I think the January 1st Cowboys at the Giants will be a "win and in" game for both teams.
I think if that is the case the Cowboys won't make the playoffs.
I also think if the above 2 statements are true, we could be looking at..gulp.. a Giants Jets Superbowl?? No.. too early to say that... perish the thought.
I think every time I think I have the NFL figured out, the Rams beat the Saints, the Jags beat the Ravens and Jay Cutler plays mistake free football against an Eagles team that looked ready to go on a huge run after the Cowboys game.
I think LeSean McCoy is the best all around back in the NFL right now.
The one thing i will say is, all I here is how the Giants get to the Quarterback and that makes them so dangerous, yet they have given up 9 more points than the Cowboys.
I think Jose Reyes is staying in the NL East, but not with the Mets. (Why am I torturing myself??)
I think the Packers better lose a game, in the regular season, because they will lose a game this year at some point. better to lose to the Lions on Thanksgiving than a rematch against the Saints in January.
Back to Reyes, I am surprised Derek Jeter hasn't told Brian Cashman he will move to Left Field if the Yankees sign Reyes.
Finally maybe i am in the minority, but i would rather see Boise State LSU, as opposed to an LSU Alabama rematch.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Random thoughts from the weekend
The 2011 World Series was one of the best series i have seen in my 39+ years on the planet. I will say game 6 was the 2nd greatest game of all time. I still say nothing beats game 6 of the 1986 NLCS. The Mets scratching and clawing not wanting to face Mike Scott in Game 7. The Astros trying to stay alive. The Mets came back in the ninth down 3-0. They took the lead in the 14th only to have Billy Hatcher tie it with a dramatic homer. The Mets finally took the NL pennant... only after Kevin Bass just missed a walk off homer.. you know if the term "walk off homer" actually existed in 1986.
This weekends football games show why you should not bet sports.. if sports betting were actually legal anywhere except Las Vegas. (Delaware doesn't count. they are nothing more than bookie tickets)
1) USC getting 7.5 lose because Stanford has to go for two in the 3rd OT. Then USC fumbles into the endzone to end the game after the previous play looked like a USC touchdown, but he stepped out at the 4.
2)The Cardinals up 24-3 at Baltimore? The Ravens should have easily covered the 11.5 spread.
3) The Rams beating the Saints? I don't care if Babe Ruth was the honorary captain for the Rams. No way the Saints after a 62-7 Whipping of the Colts should lose this game Not to mention the fact no Sam Bradford and had AJ Feely. at QB
Andy Reid is 13-0 after byes. I think they forgot the one in February 2005, you might remember they played a little game in Jacksonville vs. Tom Brady.
Here is the thing about Reid. Most players seem to love the guy, his record is way better in November and December than it is in September and October. Why has this guy only gotten to 1 Super Bowl? You want to know why? He is a horrible in game manager. He has made decisions during games that are just head scratchers. Also I think I will always remember the way the Eagles just went so casual during the two minute drill in Super Bowl XXXIX.
I think LeSean McCoy is the best running back in football right now. I put him ahead of Adrian Peterson because he is a much better receiver. That is not a slight on Peterson. I am just saying how much I think McCoy is a beast. As a Cowboys and Pitt Panthers fan, when the Eagles drafted McCoy, I dreaded something happening like last night where he just ran all over the Cowboys.
I think Giants come back down to earth the next few weeks, although I think they have a good shot to beat the Pats this week. I know Tom Brady and Peyton Manning are hall of fame QB's, but I think the Colts and Patriots both have let their fan base down by relying too much on these guys the last few years building average defenses that are great playing downhill when they have a lead, but ask to make a huge stop... no way.. Just leave enough time on the clock for Brady or Manning to pull it out. Well we see what happens when Manning went down. The colts are horrible. The pats went 11-5 in 2008 when Brady went down, because of Matt Casell and they still had a decent defense, today if Brady went down, They would be just as bad as the Colts without Manning. This is what happens when you break the bank for your franchise QB with the salary cap and drafting near the bottom, it is hard to put together a championship defense.
Finally I hope the NBA doesn't settle for another month. The Celtics are old. The less games they have to play the better
This weekends football games show why you should not bet sports.. if sports betting were actually legal anywhere except Las Vegas. (Delaware doesn't count. they are nothing more than bookie tickets)
1) USC getting 7.5 lose because Stanford has to go for two in the 3rd OT. Then USC fumbles into the endzone to end the game after the previous play looked like a USC touchdown, but he stepped out at the 4.
2)The Cardinals up 24-3 at Baltimore? The Ravens should have easily covered the 11.5 spread.
3) The Rams beating the Saints? I don't care if Babe Ruth was the honorary captain for the Rams. No way the Saints after a 62-7 Whipping of the Colts should lose this game Not to mention the fact no Sam Bradford and had AJ Feely. at QB
Andy Reid is 13-0 after byes. I think they forgot the one in February 2005, you might remember they played a little game in Jacksonville vs. Tom Brady.
Here is the thing about Reid. Most players seem to love the guy, his record is way better in November and December than it is in September and October. Why has this guy only gotten to 1 Super Bowl? You want to know why? He is a horrible in game manager. He has made decisions during games that are just head scratchers. Also I think I will always remember the way the Eagles just went so casual during the two minute drill in Super Bowl XXXIX.
I think LeSean McCoy is the best running back in football right now. I put him ahead of Adrian Peterson because he is a much better receiver. That is not a slight on Peterson. I am just saying how much I think McCoy is a beast. As a Cowboys and Pitt Panthers fan, when the Eagles drafted McCoy, I dreaded something happening like last night where he just ran all over the Cowboys.
I think Giants come back down to earth the next few weeks, although I think they have a good shot to beat the Pats this week. I know Tom Brady and Peyton Manning are hall of fame QB's, but I think the Colts and Patriots both have let their fan base down by relying too much on these guys the last few years building average defenses that are great playing downhill when they have a lead, but ask to make a huge stop... no way.. Just leave enough time on the clock for Brady or Manning to pull it out. Well we see what happens when Manning went down. The colts are horrible. The pats went 11-5 in 2008 when Brady went down, because of Matt Casell and they still had a decent defense, today if Brady went down, They would be just as bad as the Colts without Manning. This is what happens when you break the bank for your franchise QB with the salary cap and drafting near the bottom, it is hard to put together a championship defense.
Finally I hope the NBA doesn't settle for another month. The Celtics are old. The less games they have to play the better
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Random thoughts from the weekend... and looking ahead
Lets start with a non sports thought. 1% of the population owns 40% of the money in the U.S. Yet only assume 5% of the personal debt. The 1% also own 50% of all stocks and bonds in this country. This my friends is why they are protesting on wall street. Nobody is asking for a handout. (OK, I am sure some are.) But most are looking for a chance. Ever since Reagan took over as President, those chances seem to be less and less. Unless of course you can sing and appear before 3 judges, or you want to swim in a pool of mud for a couple of weeks.
Sorry had to get that off my chest. Now the fun stuff: If you read my previous blogs, and judging by the responses, you haven't. You would know i warned you about the Buffalo Bills.
Calvin Johnson is a great athlete playing Wide Receiver. Larry Fitzgerald is a great athlete and a great Wide Receiver. That is why I still think Fitzgerald is better than Johnson. Although the gap is closing.
Thanks to Nelson Cruz I have to be reminded of the "Grand Single" by Robin Ventura, not because of that moment, but because it reminds me of the next night when the Mets led in the 9th and 10th innings of game 6 and could have erased a three games to none deficit, and done what the 04 Red Sox did 5 years earlier, but alas thank you Kenny Rogers.
I think the Cowboys have a shot to win in Foxboro this week. Again i have said in previous blogs, I do not like the Pats defense.
I really hope the Redskins put their foot on the Eagles throat this week. If the Eagles get any momentum, well just look at the 2010 Packers, 2007 Giants and 2005 Steelers.
I think if the only reason the Players haven't made a deal with the owners in the NBA is because the players feel the owners are trying not only to win, but to crush the players. Then I think the owners have already won.
I think David Stern is an arrogant self centered man who doesn't care about the game of basketball.. only about money.
With that being said, he isn't much different than Roger Goodell Bud Selig, or Gary Bettman. I think the other 3 commissioners just care about their respective sports a little more than Stern.
Why throw a hot dog at Tiger Woods? I don't get it.
I actually hope the NBA lockout lasts a while. The Celtics are old. The less games they have to play the better.
The Cardinals really can't afford to lose Albert Pujols.
I think if they do, Jose Reyes will be a Cardinal next year.
The Phillies are the 21s century vs of the Braves. A ton of pitching, lots of division titles, only one world series title.
Are Yankees Fans still mad they didn't sign Cliff Lee?
I think its not fair to blame Brian Cashman for the yankees early exit, he didn't want to sign a-rod to that ridiculous contract. But if i were him i would try to beat Theo Epstein for the Cubs job. The Yankees are getting old and Yankee fans are going to realize soon, there is only one Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera.
Finally I can't believe we are heading to Week 6 of the NFL season. The season goes way too fast.
Sorry had to get that off my chest. Now the fun stuff: If you read my previous blogs, and judging by the responses, you haven't. You would know i warned you about the Buffalo Bills.
Calvin Johnson is a great athlete playing Wide Receiver. Larry Fitzgerald is a great athlete and a great Wide Receiver. That is why I still think Fitzgerald is better than Johnson. Although the gap is closing.
Thanks to Nelson Cruz I have to be reminded of the "Grand Single" by Robin Ventura, not because of that moment, but because it reminds me of the next night when the Mets led in the 9th and 10th innings of game 6 and could have erased a three games to none deficit, and done what the 04 Red Sox did 5 years earlier, but alas thank you Kenny Rogers.
I think the Cowboys have a shot to win in Foxboro this week. Again i have said in previous blogs, I do not like the Pats defense.
I really hope the Redskins put their foot on the Eagles throat this week. If the Eagles get any momentum, well just look at the 2010 Packers, 2007 Giants and 2005 Steelers.
I think if the only reason the Players haven't made a deal with the owners in the NBA is because the players feel the owners are trying not only to win, but to crush the players. Then I think the owners have already won.
I think David Stern is an arrogant self centered man who doesn't care about the game of basketball.. only about money.
With that being said, he isn't much different than Roger Goodell Bud Selig, or Gary Bettman. I think the other 3 commissioners just care about their respective sports a little more than Stern.
Why throw a hot dog at Tiger Woods? I don't get it.
I actually hope the NBA lockout lasts a while. The Celtics are old. The less games they have to play the better.
The Cardinals really can't afford to lose Albert Pujols.
I think if they do, Jose Reyes will be a Cardinal next year.
The Phillies are the 21s century vs of the Braves. A ton of pitching, lots of division titles, only one world series title.
Are Yankees Fans still mad they didn't sign Cliff Lee?
I think its not fair to blame Brian Cashman for the yankees early exit, he didn't want to sign a-rod to that ridiculous contract. But if i were him i would try to beat Theo Epstein for the Cubs job. The Yankees are getting old and Yankee fans are going to realize soon, there is only one Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera.
Finally I can't believe we are heading to Week 6 of the NFL season. The season goes way too fast.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
The Enigma That is Tony Romo
Most professional athletes are hated or loved by fans. The dividing line is if he plays for your team you love him, if he doesn't play for your team you hate him. Individual sports such as Tennis, golf and boxing, it depends on the personality. The individual sports have had the most "villains" if you will. Muhammad Ali, and John McEnroe are two examples of this. For various reasons people either rooted for or against Ali and McEnroe. There was no in between. In team sports it used to be rare that a player transcended the dividing line between love and hate. Reggie Jackson was one of those rare players. Not only did fans of opposing teams hate him, fans of the Yankees were divided on their loyalty to Mr. October.
Today with talk radio and social networking, there seems to be more players who fit this trend. Unfortunately most of the time this is due to acts off the field. Whether it be Tiger Woods cheating on his wife, or Michael Vick being convicted of running a dog fighting ring. Lebron James became a lightning rod because of his "decision" to break the city of Cleveland's hearts and take his talent to South Beach, whether you agreed or not, fans either root for Lebron, or want him to fail, regardless of what team you are a fan of.
Alex Rodriguez is an interesting case, because he attracts so much attention and like James its either you root for him or you want him to fail. Other than having an outrageous contract, Alex Rodriguez is guilty of being... Alex Rodriguez. (Wait i cannot believe i just defended A-Rod. I hate him for saying he always wanted to play for the Mets then took the money from Texas.) You see, he stirs that kind of emotion from fans.
The latest athlete to draw on polar opposite emotions of fans is Tony Romo. Cowboys fans are divided, the media is divided. Opposing teams fans love seeing Romo fail. The only thing Tony Romo is guilty of, is being the quarterback of "America's Team", a term by the way as a Cowboys fan, I never really cared for.
The bullseye is clearly on his back, but I have never seen a player week to week see his stock go up and down so dramatically. He goes from "hero" to "zero" in a matter of plays!
I have to admit Tony Romo is one of my all time favorite athletes. Even now though he is making it harder and harder to defend. With that being said, I feel the need to defend him because of the hyperbole and just plain misconceptions about Romo.
First off, all quarterbacks get way too much praise when they win, and way too much blame when they lose. Football, more than any other sport is a team game. In Baseball, a starting pitcher can dominate a short series. Basketball, with only five players on each team, sometimes having the best player on the court is enough. In Hockey, just look at the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals where Tim Thomas was a brick wall in leading the Bruins to their first Stanley Cup in 39 years. The quarterback relies on an offense line. he needs playmakers at the skill positions. Dan Fouts and Dan Marino will tell you a defense helps too. At the end of the day, though fans and media remember the interceptions, and the last drive of games.
I must admit Tony Romo has thrown some horrible interceptions. Not just this year. 2008 at Pittsburgh they lost an 11 point lead in the 4th quarter. 2009 throwing at Champ Bailey on the last play of the game at Denver. Last year in the brief time he played, he through crippling interceptions against the Bears and Titans at home. In the Titans game by the way, he threw for over 400 yards.
Tony Romo has all the skills, its the decision making, that just drives people bananas. He has to learn ball security. At 31 will he ever learn? I don't think Jerry Jones, nor Jason Garrett know..
He has become a leader. He certainly wasn't the last game of the 08 season when the entire team got spanked by the Eagles in a "win and you're in" game. The players believe in him, at least publicly.
I think Jones has to take some of the blame. T.O. had great seasons in Dallas, but his disruptive behavior, sometimes countered his great play. Also the Roy Williams trade... what a disaster! It crippled the salary cap and cost a ton of draft picks. Still I believe the Cowboys will win the NFC East this season.
One last thing i want to talk about is his 1-3 record in playoffs. Peyton Manning has a losing record in playoff games. Tom Brady has lost his last three playoff games. Take away Eli Manning's run in 2007 and he is 0-3 in playoff games. The game that everyone talks about is the Seattle game in 06. He led them to victory. He should not have been the holder on the field goal. No starting QB is, but since he started the season as a back up to Drew Bledsoe he was there. It was terrible. Still for a guy making his first playoff start playing at Quest field a very difficult place to play he gave them a chance to win. What people fail to remember is after that play the Cowboys had 3 timeouts and the two minute warning with the Seahawks having the ball on their own 2. Shaun Alexander runs for 11 yards 1st down.. game over. That game hurt the most because had they won, I believe they go into Chicago and beat a bears team that made it to the Super Bowl, but they weren't that good. They were beatable. If that happens I don't think Bill Parcells leaves after the season and with another year as Parcells student, instead of being at the country club run by Wade Phillips, maybe things are different. Maybe Tony Romo doesn't become this enigma that draws on all fans emotions. Love him or hate him, you sure do get a reaction when you bring up his name.
Today with talk radio and social networking, there seems to be more players who fit this trend. Unfortunately most of the time this is due to acts off the field. Whether it be Tiger Woods cheating on his wife, or Michael Vick being convicted of running a dog fighting ring. Lebron James became a lightning rod because of his "decision" to break the city of Cleveland's hearts and take his talent to South Beach, whether you agreed or not, fans either root for Lebron, or want him to fail, regardless of what team you are a fan of.
Alex Rodriguez is an interesting case, because he attracts so much attention and like James its either you root for him or you want him to fail. Other than having an outrageous contract, Alex Rodriguez is guilty of being... Alex Rodriguez. (Wait i cannot believe i just defended A-Rod. I hate him for saying he always wanted to play for the Mets then took the money from Texas.) You see, he stirs that kind of emotion from fans.
The latest athlete to draw on polar opposite emotions of fans is Tony Romo. Cowboys fans are divided, the media is divided. Opposing teams fans love seeing Romo fail. The only thing Tony Romo is guilty of, is being the quarterback of "America's Team", a term by the way as a Cowboys fan, I never really cared for.
The bullseye is clearly on his back, but I have never seen a player week to week see his stock go up and down so dramatically. He goes from "hero" to "zero" in a matter of plays!
I have to admit Tony Romo is one of my all time favorite athletes. Even now though he is making it harder and harder to defend. With that being said, I feel the need to defend him because of the hyperbole and just plain misconceptions about Romo.
First off, all quarterbacks get way too much praise when they win, and way too much blame when they lose. Football, more than any other sport is a team game. In Baseball, a starting pitcher can dominate a short series. Basketball, with only five players on each team, sometimes having the best player on the court is enough. In Hockey, just look at the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals where Tim Thomas was a brick wall in leading the Bruins to their first Stanley Cup in 39 years. The quarterback relies on an offense line. he needs playmakers at the skill positions. Dan Fouts and Dan Marino will tell you a defense helps too. At the end of the day, though fans and media remember the interceptions, and the last drive of games.
I must admit Tony Romo has thrown some horrible interceptions. Not just this year. 2008 at Pittsburgh they lost an 11 point lead in the 4th quarter. 2009 throwing at Champ Bailey on the last play of the game at Denver. Last year in the brief time he played, he through crippling interceptions against the Bears and Titans at home. In the Titans game by the way, he threw for over 400 yards.
Tony Romo has all the skills, its the decision making, that just drives people bananas. He has to learn ball security. At 31 will he ever learn? I don't think Jerry Jones, nor Jason Garrett know..
He has become a leader. He certainly wasn't the last game of the 08 season when the entire team got spanked by the Eagles in a "win and you're in" game. The players believe in him, at least publicly.
I think Jones has to take some of the blame. T.O. had great seasons in Dallas, but his disruptive behavior, sometimes countered his great play. Also the Roy Williams trade... what a disaster! It crippled the salary cap and cost a ton of draft picks. Still I believe the Cowboys will win the NFC East this season.
One last thing i want to talk about is his 1-3 record in playoffs. Peyton Manning has a losing record in playoff games. Tom Brady has lost his last three playoff games. Take away Eli Manning's run in 2007 and he is 0-3 in playoff games. The game that everyone talks about is the Seattle game in 06. He led them to victory. He should not have been the holder on the field goal. No starting QB is, but since he started the season as a back up to Drew Bledsoe he was there. It was terrible. Still for a guy making his first playoff start playing at Quest field a very difficult place to play he gave them a chance to win. What people fail to remember is after that play the Cowboys had 3 timeouts and the two minute warning with the Seahawks having the ball on their own 2. Shaun Alexander runs for 11 yards 1st down.. game over. That game hurt the most because had they won, I believe they go into Chicago and beat a bears team that made it to the Super Bowl, but they weren't that good. They were beatable. If that happens I don't think Bill Parcells leaves after the season and with another year as Parcells student, instead of being at the country club run by Wade Phillips, maybe things are different. Maybe Tony Romo doesn't become this enigma that draws on all fans emotions. Love him or hate him, you sure do get a reaction when you bring up his name.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
The NCAA: 21st Century Slavery
Now i know the title seems outrageous, but please, listen to my arguments. The NCAA is undergoing a major face lift that Joan Rivers would be proud of. Teams are abandoning conference affiliations and rivalries that have been a part of college football and college basketball for decades. The problem is the college presidents have taken over college athletics, and lets be fair, most college presidents are old white males. I am not big on stereotypes, but this one i think fits. So if we end up with 4 or 5 big "super conferences" what does that mean for the NCAA? Well for starters it will mean a boatload of money for the schools. The TV contracts and the ticket sales and everything that goes with it will give the schools millions of dollars. So that means lower tuition? right? Doubt it. It mans better programs at the schools and a better chance to earn a top flight education? Doubt it. These guys are going to pocket this money.
OK, so maybe it will be a benefit to the "Student Athlete", an oxymoron if there ever was one. Not only do I doubt it, we all know it will never happen. These super conferences will lock out the smaller schools meaning less chance for kids, and yes college coaches are recruiting 13 and 14 year olds. They will probably create a playoff for division I football (or whatever they call it these days) which is a good thing, but probably only half the current division I schools will be involved. A bigger piece of the pie for Oklahoma's and USC's of the world and the Boise States will have to play in a 2nd tier "league".
Lets get to the heart of the problem the slaves, student athletes. They gain nothing out of this, yet they are the ones performing the reason we watch the March madness and bowl season. But wait they get an education! Well yes they are offered a chance at an education, but honestly some of these kids are not college students, which is not to be insulting, not every kid is college material. So yes they are given a chance they might not have if they couldn't run fast or jump high. But to a lot of these kids offering an education as payment for their athletic talents would be like offering gummy bears to employees at a factory. What are you going to do with gummy bears? What are some of these kids going to with a chance at an education if they can't excel in school? These schools are making so much money. If the University of Texas paid their players using the NFL formula for revenue, every player on the Longhorn football team would make $200,000 and the school would still bring in millions. Their likeness are being used on video games, they don't get a dime. A music student on scholarship can make a jazz record and bring in money, but Terrell Pryor can't sell his autograph to get a stinking tattoo! Really? I was considered middle class growing up. My father paid for my tuition, but i didn't have a lot of money. I had to work 2 jobs while going to school full time to get books, spending money. These kids can't work. And now you add more travel time with schools like Nebraska having to travel to the west coast for PAC 12 games, when do the student athletes get a chance to enjoy college? To go to class? for that matter. We all remember Len Bias took Basket weaving in college. In my opinion it is slavery to be making millions for your institution and you are offering the players a scholarship that half of them won't use. Then if the coach leaves, the players are stuck, they have to sit out a year to transfer? What else would you call it. These college presidents should be leaders in education, but they have sold out to greed, just like corporations our government, and everything else. it is the almighty dollar that anyone cares about anymore, and we act surprised when a teen kills another teen over an ipod?
My final point to the people who still believe the student athletes are getting an education, which is more than a lot of kids are offered, is this. 2010 69% of division I football programs students graduated. 61% of African Americans graduate. Oklahoma and Arizona graduated less then half. Not everyone makes it to the NFL or NBA, so what happens to these kids? Do we really want to know or care? maybe they will expand the NCAA Tournament to 96 teams so its even more money for the College Presidents, but Nada for the student athletes.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Random thoughts from the weekend
I never did give my Super Bowl predictions, but I have been thinking for the last few weeks Ravens over Packers. The Super Bowl I would like to see... a year after the game was in Texas, wouldn't it be ironic Cowboys vs. Texans? But on with the thoughts from the weekend.
I haven't followed Tennis that much in recent years. Was a big fan in the 80's McEnroe Lendl, Becker Edberg, and then the 90's one of my all time favorite athletes is Monica Seles. Haven't followed as much lateley ,but The Federer- Djokovic match was one for the ages. Serena Williams needs to grow up. Speaking of Djokovic 66-2 for the year? Wow. I think the Giants (both football and baseball) are in trouble. I am amazed as anybody at Cam Newton's 422 yards? What a performance. Should point out that ESPN showed the quarterbacks who hadn't thrown for 422 yards in a game for their career. Tom Brady was on it. Not any more. What's amazing about Brady is he is one of only 3 QB's to throw for 500 yards and 4 tds in a game. The other 2? Norm Van Brocklin and YA Tittle. Can you believe Manning Fouts Marino, Unitas never did it? Passing stats are ringing up like a pin ball machine and before last night only Van Brocklin and Tittle had done it..
I think Aaron Rodgers when all is said and done will be thought of as being better than Favre. Did you know Peyton Manning came in to the league a year before Donovan McNabb. They both have 9 playoff wins. Brady has 14. It was always said Brady could light it up like Manning but doesn't have the weapons like Manning. Well guess what? Other than Moss he hasn't yet, he is lit it up as great as Manning ever did.
I think the Bills will give the Pats and Jets headaches this season. (ok mainly the Jets.) But i do stand by my prediction that the Pats will lose their 4th straight playoff game in January. They are great for Fantasy Football. I just think the way they play cannot win a Super Bowl, and their defense is suspect. They made Chad Henne look like.. well... Tom Brady last night.
Everybody knows I am the biggest Tony Romo fan, but at 31 years old. Can he protect the ball? Please? At this point he has to know game tied you can't force a pass. Ball protection is key in the NFL. Win the Turnover battle win the game. It is that simple. If Romo ever learned how to protect the ball, especially in the 4th quarter, he would be up there with Brees and Rodgers and Brady, but he hasn't, I just don't know if he ever will, and that stinks. For the Record though Romo isn't as big a choker as is perceived. since 2006, he has 39 TD's in the 4th quarter. and 18 Ints. he has 9 comeback wins, its just that people remember the fumble in Seattle and the game against the Giants in 07, which The Giants D Line played out of their mind. (The Giants had 52 yards in the 2nd half in that game, but everyone keeps reminding me Eli outplayed Romo in that game.)
I think the Red Sox will not make the playoffs
I think the NBA will not play this season and they can blame the NFL.. here is why: Demaurice smith made a horrible deal for his players. less than 50% of the revenue (48%) to a bunch of owners who have tax exempt status and have stadiums for the most part paid for by the taxpayers. What did he get for the players. No more 2 a days, less practice in pads. Do you think the owners give a #%^$ about that. They have a product that everybody wants. look at the ratings for this weekend. They don't care if the players don't know how to tackle anymore. They just signed a deal with ESPN for Monday Night football that will pay the NFL $16 Billion over the next 10 years. that's right Billion. Now with a new agreement in place they are swimming in money. If the NFL labor negotiations were a title fight, Roger Goodell knocked out Smith in the 4th round. The players have less money, People like David Garrard are out of a job. so the owners can save even more money. Look don't cry for the players they are still making millions more than me and you, but they got beat and beat soundly by the owners.
Anyway, back to my original point, how does this affect the NBA? David Stern is determined to get the salary cap changed and rightfully so. Bill Simmons of Espn actually is great at pointing out all the horrible contracts, but look at Eddie Curry, basically got payed 3 years for doing nothing, Rashard Lewis didn't need a gun to hold up the Orlando Magic. Joe Johnson is a nice player but the Hawks to compete had to give $100 million. Ok no way anybody should be making $100 million, but in terms of NBA players, Joe Johnson does not deserve that. A lot of teams are garbage in the NBA because a not so franchise player makes $100 million and the team needs to be competitive, the problem is being "competitive" means a first round exit or just missing the playoffs and picking 13th in the NBA draft. So I commend Stern for wanting to change this. (Actually he is money hungry like everyone else, but I think he really cares about his product, unlike Roger Goodell). I think the players realize there is a problem with the contracts and would be willing to move for a compromise, but Billy Hunter head of the NBA players association saw what happened to DeMaurice Smith and he does not want Stern to knock him out like Goodell knocked out Smith, so there is a lot of bobbing and weaving going on right now, and i think the next time we see the NBA is November 2012. Sad to say because the NBA had one of its most compelling seasons in recent memory, but they are going to blow it up, I think they need to, but they don't need to lose a season doing it.
I haven't followed Tennis that much in recent years. Was a big fan in the 80's McEnroe Lendl, Becker Edberg, and then the 90's one of my all time favorite athletes is Monica Seles. Haven't followed as much lateley ,but The Federer- Djokovic match was one for the ages. Serena Williams needs to grow up. Speaking of Djokovic 66-2 for the year? Wow. I think the Giants (both football and baseball) are in trouble. I am amazed as anybody at Cam Newton's 422 yards? What a performance. Should point out that ESPN showed the quarterbacks who hadn't thrown for 422 yards in a game for their career. Tom Brady was on it. Not any more. What's amazing about Brady is he is one of only 3 QB's to throw for 500 yards and 4 tds in a game. The other 2? Norm Van Brocklin and YA Tittle. Can you believe Manning Fouts Marino, Unitas never did it? Passing stats are ringing up like a pin ball machine and before last night only Van Brocklin and Tittle had done it..
I think Aaron Rodgers when all is said and done will be thought of as being better than Favre. Did you know Peyton Manning came in to the league a year before Donovan McNabb. They both have 9 playoff wins. Brady has 14. It was always said Brady could light it up like Manning but doesn't have the weapons like Manning. Well guess what? Other than Moss he hasn't yet, he is lit it up as great as Manning ever did.
I think the Bills will give the Pats and Jets headaches this season. (ok mainly the Jets.) But i do stand by my prediction that the Pats will lose their 4th straight playoff game in January. They are great for Fantasy Football. I just think the way they play cannot win a Super Bowl, and their defense is suspect. They made Chad Henne look like.. well... Tom Brady last night.
Everybody knows I am the biggest Tony Romo fan, but at 31 years old. Can he protect the ball? Please? At this point he has to know game tied you can't force a pass. Ball protection is key in the NFL. Win the Turnover battle win the game. It is that simple. If Romo ever learned how to protect the ball, especially in the 4th quarter, he would be up there with Brees and Rodgers and Brady, but he hasn't, I just don't know if he ever will, and that stinks. For the Record though Romo isn't as big a choker as is perceived. since 2006, he has 39 TD's in the 4th quarter. and 18 Ints. he has 9 comeback wins, its just that people remember the fumble in Seattle and the game against the Giants in 07, which The Giants D Line played out of their mind. (The Giants had 52 yards in the 2nd half in that game, but everyone keeps reminding me Eli outplayed Romo in that game.)
I think the Red Sox will not make the playoffs
I think the NBA will not play this season and they can blame the NFL.. here is why: Demaurice smith made a horrible deal for his players. less than 50% of the revenue (48%) to a bunch of owners who have tax exempt status and have stadiums for the most part paid for by the taxpayers. What did he get for the players. No more 2 a days, less practice in pads. Do you think the owners give a #%^$ about that. They have a product that everybody wants. look at the ratings for this weekend. They don't care if the players don't know how to tackle anymore. They just signed a deal with ESPN for Monday Night football that will pay the NFL $16 Billion over the next 10 years. that's right Billion. Now with a new agreement in place they are swimming in money. If the NFL labor negotiations were a title fight, Roger Goodell knocked out Smith in the 4th round. The players have less money, People like David Garrard are out of a job. so the owners can save even more money. Look don't cry for the players they are still making millions more than me and you, but they got beat and beat soundly by the owners.
Anyway, back to my original point, how does this affect the NBA? David Stern is determined to get the salary cap changed and rightfully so. Bill Simmons of Espn actually is great at pointing out all the horrible contracts, but look at Eddie Curry, basically got payed 3 years for doing nothing, Rashard Lewis didn't need a gun to hold up the Orlando Magic. Joe Johnson is a nice player but the Hawks to compete had to give $100 million. Ok no way anybody should be making $100 million, but in terms of NBA players, Joe Johnson does not deserve that. A lot of teams are garbage in the NBA because a not so franchise player makes $100 million and the team needs to be competitive, the problem is being "competitive" means a first round exit or just missing the playoffs and picking 13th in the NBA draft. So I commend Stern for wanting to change this. (Actually he is money hungry like everyone else, but I think he really cares about his product, unlike Roger Goodell). I think the players realize there is a problem with the contracts and would be willing to move for a compromise, but Billy Hunter head of the NBA players association saw what happened to DeMaurice Smith and he does not want Stern to knock him out like Goodell knocked out Smith, so there is a lot of bobbing and weaving going on right now, and i think the next time we see the NBA is November 2012. Sad to say because the NBA had one of its most compelling seasons in recent memory, but they are going to blow it up, I think they need to, but they don't need to lose a season doing it.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
NFL Predictions: AFC
Today we do the AFC tomorrow.. Super Bowl Predictions.
16. Cincinatti Bengals... For a couple of seasons they were no longer the Bungals. Marvin Lewis built the team with good and bad players (good on the field.. bad off it) The had Carson Palmer and Ocho Cinco. Well guess what? No Palmer, No Ocho Cinco.. they are the Bungals again!
15. Jacksonville Jaguars... Ok didn't have them this low until last night.. how do you cut your starting QB 5 days before the season starts?? Peter King of SI said it best. The Jags will be starting a QB Luke McCown who didn't even play in the third preseason game, when all the starters play. Jack Del Rio needs to make the playoffs to save his job?? get the resume ready Jack.
14. Buffalo Bills. getting Brad Smith and trading Lee Evans? I like Brad Smith, but that is not even close to even. I like CJ Spillar, problem is he is behind Fast Freddie Jackson. I don't know what plan the bills have... i am sure they have a plan, i am just not sure even they know what it is yet.
13. Denver Broncos... Was never a big fan of John Fox, boring is a word that comes to mind, but any coach that could get the Super Bowl with Jake Delhomme as his Qb is doing something right. The roster is not that bad... I think they should give Tebow a chance, but Kyle Orton does give them the best chance to win, But they won't win many.
12....Tennessee Titans... They have Chris Johnson, but Matt Hasseelbeck was passed over for Tavaris Jackson in Seattle (ok back to back blogs mentioning T Jackson... promise it won't happen again).. Kenny Britt should have been Suspended. How do you suspend Tyrell Pryor who wasn't the NFL and not Britt because there was no collective bargaining agreement.? where is that logic? Anyway Jeff Fisher was a good coach and Titan Fans will soon find out how much.
11.... Miami Dolphins... The dolphins have a better than average defense. Reggie Bush and Brandon Marshall are playmakers. The difference between 6-10 and 9-7 comes down to the play of Chad Henne. which is why I rated the next team higher...
10. Cleveland Browns. The difference right now between the browns and the fins is Colt McCoy's stock up.. Chad Henne's down. I like what cleveland has going on under GM MIke Holmgren. Greg Little out of UNC is a sleeper at WR.
9. Oakland Raiders... The 1st team in NFL history to go undefeated in their division and not make the playoffs. Losing Nnamdi Asomugha hurts the defense. Love Darren McFadden. They might be better this year, but you cannot expect them to go 6-0 in the AFC west again.
8. Kanas City Chiefs... Made a nice run last year. They have weapons, Jamaal Charles, Matt Cassel, Dwayne Bowe. I love Jonathan Baldwin, but he got hurt in a fight with Thomas Jones and will miss time. this is a team like the Bears where everything broke right last year. It can't happen two years in a row.
7. Indianapolis Colts.... They definitely dropped with Peyton Manning's neck surgery. Has there ever been a more Valuable player in the history of Team Sports? They go 12-4 with him this year.. without him 5-11. Notice i said Valuable.. not the "Best" Look up Valuable in the dictionary...yeah i am talking to you AL MVP voters who won't vote for Justin Verlander because he is a pitcher! (sorry got off track a little there)
6. Houston Texans.. Pass the Colts because Peyton Manning's neck and all the weapons on offense the Texans have. If you are buying the Texans winning the AFC South... buyer beware.. 1) The Texans are like Ace King in texas holdem. Looks really good, but you end up disappointed.alot. 2) The cowboys d didn't look so great under Wade Phillips last year.
5. New York Jets... Rex Ryan has done a great job.. Mark Sanchez in two seasons, has more road playoff wins then anyone in history... 4 (an amazing stat.. he is tied with Joe Flacco). Here is the problem with the Jets. LT is done. sad to say. Can Shonne Green Carry the load. if not they may have to put a lot of pressure on Sanchez's arm to lead the team. Can he do it. Plaxico Burress returning to pre-con form would help.
4. New England Patriots.... You have Bill Bellichick and Tom Brady, add Ocho cinco. This a team that during the regular season should rack up wins. the question is can the offense come through in the playoffs? Last season Brady played flawless during the regular season, but they were exposed for lack of speed in playoffs by the jets. I don't know if they are any different last year. Now you know why Brady was crying for Randy Moss the other day. The other thing is the Defense isn't a championship caliber defense any more. The Pats i believe are staring at their 4th straight playoff loss in January.
3. San Diego Chargers... This a team that was top three in offense and defense last year... yet missed the playoffs. Special teams killed them. Vincent Jackson for a full season gives Phillip Rivers a ton of weapons. I am not a big Ryan Matthews guy, but MIke Tolbert is a bruising fullback that Norv Turner loves. Speaking of Turner, He may be the reason the Chargers don't go to the Super Bowl. Which by the way my earlier blog of Dave Wandstadt being the worst coach ever, The Jimmy Johnson Coaching Tree..didn't bear a lot of fruit.
2. Baltimore Ravens. The only thing that would scare me about the ravens right now is their defense is still going by the reputation of the 2000 Ravens, and honestly they are not as good. They don't have to be though with Flacco, Ray Rice and Lee Evans to team up with Anquan Boldin. Its a shame that the week1 match up between the Steelers and Ravens will go a long way to determine the AFC North title and possibly a 1 or 2 seed.
1. Pittsburgh Steelers... Ben Roethlisberger proved he was human in the Super Bowl, but this team definitely has a chance to get back there this year. Mike Wallace is ready to become a superstar. Rashard Mendenhall is a solid running back and as usual it seems for the last 40 years, the Steelers will hit you in the mouth defensively (wow not as much now, because that leads to fines and suspensions) The last two super bowl appearances they failed to make the playoffs the next year I really can't see that happening a third time, but like Chris Berman always says "That's why they play the games"
16. Cincinatti Bengals... For a couple of seasons they were no longer the Bungals. Marvin Lewis built the team with good and bad players (good on the field.. bad off it) The had Carson Palmer and Ocho Cinco. Well guess what? No Palmer, No Ocho Cinco.. they are the Bungals again!
15. Jacksonville Jaguars... Ok didn't have them this low until last night.. how do you cut your starting QB 5 days before the season starts?? Peter King of SI said it best. The Jags will be starting a QB Luke McCown who didn't even play in the third preseason game, when all the starters play. Jack Del Rio needs to make the playoffs to save his job?? get the resume ready Jack.
14. Buffalo Bills. getting Brad Smith and trading Lee Evans? I like Brad Smith, but that is not even close to even. I like CJ Spillar, problem is he is behind Fast Freddie Jackson. I don't know what plan the bills have... i am sure they have a plan, i am just not sure even they know what it is yet.
13. Denver Broncos... Was never a big fan of John Fox, boring is a word that comes to mind, but any coach that could get the Super Bowl with Jake Delhomme as his Qb is doing something right. The roster is not that bad... I think they should give Tebow a chance, but Kyle Orton does give them the best chance to win, But they won't win many.
12....Tennessee Titans... They have Chris Johnson, but Matt Hasseelbeck was passed over for Tavaris Jackson in Seattle (ok back to back blogs mentioning T Jackson... promise it won't happen again).. Kenny Britt should have been Suspended. How do you suspend Tyrell Pryor who wasn't the NFL and not Britt because there was no collective bargaining agreement.? where is that logic? Anyway Jeff Fisher was a good coach and Titan Fans will soon find out how much.
11.... Miami Dolphins... The dolphins have a better than average defense. Reggie Bush and Brandon Marshall are playmakers. The difference between 6-10 and 9-7 comes down to the play of Chad Henne. which is why I rated the next team higher...
10. Cleveland Browns. The difference right now between the browns and the fins is Colt McCoy's stock up.. Chad Henne's down. I like what cleveland has going on under GM MIke Holmgren. Greg Little out of UNC is a sleeper at WR.
9. Oakland Raiders... The 1st team in NFL history to go undefeated in their division and not make the playoffs. Losing Nnamdi Asomugha hurts the defense. Love Darren McFadden. They might be better this year, but you cannot expect them to go 6-0 in the AFC west again.
8. Kanas City Chiefs... Made a nice run last year. They have weapons, Jamaal Charles, Matt Cassel, Dwayne Bowe. I love Jonathan Baldwin, but he got hurt in a fight with Thomas Jones and will miss time. this is a team like the Bears where everything broke right last year. It can't happen two years in a row.
7. Indianapolis Colts.... They definitely dropped with Peyton Manning's neck surgery. Has there ever been a more Valuable player in the history of Team Sports? They go 12-4 with him this year.. without him 5-11. Notice i said Valuable.. not the "Best" Look up Valuable in the dictionary...yeah i am talking to you AL MVP voters who won't vote for Justin Verlander because he is a pitcher! (sorry got off track a little there)
6. Houston Texans.. Pass the Colts because Peyton Manning's neck and all the weapons on offense the Texans have. If you are buying the Texans winning the AFC South... buyer beware.. 1) The Texans are like Ace King in texas holdem. Looks really good, but you end up disappointed.alot. 2) The cowboys d didn't look so great under Wade Phillips last year.
5. New York Jets... Rex Ryan has done a great job.. Mark Sanchez in two seasons, has more road playoff wins then anyone in history... 4 (an amazing stat.. he is tied with Joe Flacco). Here is the problem with the Jets. LT is done. sad to say. Can Shonne Green Carry the load. if not they may have to put a lot of pressure on Sanchez's arm to lead the team. Can he do it. Plaxico Burress returning to pre-con form would help.
4. New England Patriots.... You have Bill Bellichick and Tom Brady, add Ocho cinco. This a team that during the regular season should rack up wins. the question is can the offense come through in the playoffs? Last season Brady played flawless during the regular season, but they were exposed for lack of speed in playoffs by the jets. I don't know if they are any different last year. Now you know why Brady was crying for Randy Moss the other day. The other thing is the Defense isn't a championship caliber defense any more. The Pats i believe are staring at their 4th straight playoff loss in January.
3. San Diego Chargers... This a team that was top three in offense and defense last year... yet missed the playoffs. Special teams killed them. Vincent Jackson for a full season gives Phillip Rivers a ton of weapons. I am not a big Ryan Matthews guy, but MIke Tolbert is a bruising fullback that Norv Turner loves. Speaking of Turner, He may be the reason the Chargers don't go to the Super Bowl. Which by the way my earlier blog of Dave Wandstadt being the worst coach ever, The Jimmy Johnson Coaching Tree..didn't bear a lot of fruit.
2. Baltimore Ravens. The only thing that would scare me about the ravens right now is their defense is still going by the reputation of the 2000 Ravens, and honestly they are not as good. They don't have to be though with Flacco, Ray Rice and Lee Evans to team up with Anquan Boldin. Its a shame that the week1 match up between the Steelers and Ravens will go a long way to determine the AFC North title and possibly a 1 or 2 seed.
1. Pittsburgh Steelers... Ben Roethlisberger proved he was human in the Super Bowl, but this team definitely has a chance to get back there this year. Mike Wallace is ready to become a superstar. Rashard Mendenhall is a solid running back and as usual it seems for the last 40 years, the Steelers will hit you in the mouth defensively (wow not as much now, because that leads to fines and suspensions) The last two super bowl appearances they failed to make the playoffs the next year I really can't see that happening a third time, but like Chris Berman always says "That's why they play the games"
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
NFL predictions: NFC
We will do the NFC tonight, the AFC tomorrow.
16. Carolina Panthers... I think Cam Newton will be a good QB in the NFL but right now not much to work with. They will improve from the 1 win last year. But not by much.
15. San Francisco 49ers.... Until they get rid of Alex Smith the Niners will never be any decent. Maybe Jim Harbaugh is hoping for Andrew Luck next season.. maybe he figured with the lockout it was better keeping the status quo. Either way they need a QB to get Michael Crabtree the ball
14. Seattle Seahawks... After winning the division with a losing record and beating the defending champ Saints last year, The Seahawks took a step back with Tavaris Jackson. Their defense was horrendous last year, Pete Carroll will wish he was still in southern California, only a year later then i thought.
13. Washington Redskins.... OK Mr Shannahann 1 playoff win since Elway retired and you are going with Rex Grossman? Enough said.
12. Arizona Cardinals. I would like the them better if they had another receiver to compliment Larry Fitzgerald. going to be hard for Kolb, but this team could be a lot better then people think.
11. Detroit Lions. Ok they have had an undefeated preseason before, but did you see the way they manhandled the Pats in week 3 of the preseason? this is another team that could go higher if Matthew Stafford plays at least 10 games.
10. Minnesota Vikings. I probably have them rated too low here. they made the NFC championship two years ago. Still have Adrian Peterson. I think they got McNabb one year too late. losing Sidney Rice hurts.
9. St. Louis Rams -The Rams have a lot of things in place, Sam Bradford is going to take a leap forward with Josh Mcdaniels as his OC. The problem is their schedule. Their 1st 7 games Phily At NYG at Bal Was GB at Dallas NO Wow.. if they could make it to 3-4 that would be a feat.
8. NY Giants... I hate the Giants, I openly admit this, but I really don't know what to make of them. they have some weapons, I think Elil Manning and Tony Romo are two of the most under appreciated QB's in football. (wait did i just say that?) Every time it looks like Tom Coughlin is in trouble the team responds. I think they are 7-9 at best, but i would not be shocked if they go 10-6.
7.Chicago Bears... Here is the problem i have with the bears. there defense is mostly all in their 30's and Jay Cutler doesn't protect the ball and Mike Martz doesn't protect Cutler. I think Forte starting and Marion Barber closing could be a good combination, but last year everything went right, can't happen two years in a row.
6 Tampa Bay Bucs... They have a very good young team. Love their QB their running game and their coach. its too bad the Saints and Falcons are in their division.
5. Dallas Cowboys... Without being biased i will just state some facts. 1) two years ago Tony Romo became the 1st Cowboys QB to take every snap. 2) Felix Jones doesn't have Marion Barber looking over his shoulder. 3)Every defensive coordinator knows the cowboys best offensive player is Dez Bryant and it keeps them up at nights. 4)Under Jason Garrett the cowboys went 5-3 and were a Roy Williams fumble against the saints and missed extra point against the cardinals from going 7-1. ok one opinion: The cowboys will make the playoffs.
4... New Orleans Saints. The Saints are loaded on offense. Mark Ingram and Sprolles are certainly an upgrade over Reggie Bush. I love Jimmy Graham ... a fantasy sleeper. The defense took a step back last year. If they go back to two years ago, the Saints can win the NFC
3. Philadelphia Eagles. Michael Vick Lesean McCoy Desean Jackson etc. This team is loaded on offense and defense. Can Andy Reid mesh this team together? Can they protect Michael Vick? I think the Vikings game last year on that tuesday night exposed the Eagles pass protection. if they sure it up they definitely can win the NFC
2. Atlanta Falcons... This is a team that won 13 games last year added Julio Jones. Plus they don't have to play pittsburgh and baltimore this year. Going to be the 2 seed
1. Green Bay Packers. With all the injures they had last year. They still managed to sneak into the playoffs and win the SuperBowl. Imagine Jermichael Finley healthy, with Greg Jennings and an up and coming Jordy Nelson. Aaron Rodgers is at the top of his game. The defense stepped up last year. Could the Packers Repeat? Yes i think they can, and the lockout helped because teams like the Rams and Lions may be held back a year. It is a QB league now and the Packers have one of the best.
Tomorrow... AFC predictions.
16. Carolina Panthers... I think Cam Newton will be a good QB in the NFL but right now not much to work with. They will improve from the 1 win last year. But not by much.
15. San Francisco 49ers.... Until they get rid of Alex Smith the Niners will never be any decent. Maybe Jim Harbaugh is hoping for Andrew Luck next season.. maybe he figured with the lockout it was better keeping the status quo. Either way they need a QB to get Michael Crabtree the ball
14. Seattle Seahawks... After winning the division with a losing record and beating the defending champ Saints last year, The Seahawks took a step back with Tavaris Jackson. Their defense was horrendous last year, Pete Carroll will wish he was still in southern California, only a year later then i thought.
13. Washington Redskins.... OK Mr Shannahann 1 playoff win since Elway retired and you are going with Rex Grossman? Enough said.
12. Arizona Cardinals. I would like the them better if they had another receiver to compliment Larry Fitzgerald. going to be hard for Kolb, but this team could be a lot better then people think.
11. Detroit Lions. Ok they have had an undefeated preseason before, but did you see the way they manhandled the Pats in week 3 of the preseason? this is another team that could go higher if Matthew Stafford plays at least 10 games.
10. Minnesota Vikings. I probably have them rated too low here. they made the NFC championship two years ago. Still have Adrian Peterson. I think they got McNabb one year too late. losing Sidney Rice hurts.
9. St. Louis Rams -The Rams have a lot of things in place, Sam Bradford is going to take a leap forward with Josh Mcdaniels as his OC. The problem is their schedule. Their 1st 7 games Phily At NYG at Bal Was GB at Dallas NO Wow.. if they could make it to 3-4 that would be a feat.
8. NY Giants... I hate the Giants, I openly admit this, but I really don't know what to make of them. they have some weapons, I think Elil Manning and Tony Romo are two of the most under appreciated QB's in football. (wait did i just say that?) Every time it looks like Tom Coughlin is in trouble the team responds. I think they are 7-9 at best, but i would not be shocked if they go 10-6.
7.Chicago Bears... Here is the problem i have with the bears. there defense is mostly all in their 30's and Jay Cutler doesn't protect the ball and Mike Martz doesn't protect Cutler. I think Forte starting and Marion Barber closing could be a good combination, but last year everything went right, can't happen two years in a row.
6 Tampa Bay Bucs... They have a very good young team. Love their QB their running game and their coach. its too bad the Saints and Falcons are in their division.
5. Dallas Cowboys... Without being biased i will just state some facts. 1) two years ago Tony Romo became the 1st Cowboys QB to take every snap. 2) Felix Jones doesn't have Marion Barber looking over his shoulder. 3)Every defensive coordinator knows the cowboys best offensive player is Dez Bryant and it keeps them up at nights. 4)Under Jason Garrett the cowboys went 5-3 and were a Roy Williams fumble against the saints and missed extra point against the cardinals from going 7-1. ok one opinion: The cowboys will make the playoffs.
4... New Orleans Saints. The Saints are loaded on offense. Mark Ingram and Sprolles are certainly an upgrade over Reggie Bush. I love Jimmy Graham ... a fantasy sleeper. The defense took a step back last year. If they go back to two years ago, the Saints can win the NFC
3. Philadelphia Eagles. Michael Vick Lesean McCoy Desean Jackson etc. This team is loaded on offense and defense. Can Andy Reid mesh this team together? Can they protect Michael Vick? I think the Vikings game last year on that tuesday night exposed the Eagles pass protection. if they sure it up they definitely can win the NFC
2. Atlanta Falcons... This is a team that won 13 games last year added Julio Jones. Plus they don't have to play pittsburgh and baltimore this year. Going to be the 2 seed
1. Green Bay Packers. With all the injures they had last year. They still managed to sneak into the playoffs and win the SuperBowl. Imagine Jermichael Finley healthy, with Greg Jennings and an up and coming Jordy Nelson. Aaron Rodgers is at the top of his game. The defense stepped up last year. Could the Packers Repeat? Yes i think they can, and the lockout helped because teams like the Rams and Lions may be held back a year. It is a QB league now and the Packers have one of the best.
Tomorrow... AFC predictions.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Random Thoughts From The Weekend
There was supposed to be a special last night on CNN about how Bill Clinton's doctor says that heart disease is 100% preventable and we should be living in a world with zero heart attacks and strokes. They didn't show it, instead showing breaking news about Lybia. No offense CNN, but me not having a heart attack is more important than what happens to Gaddafi!
I have watched the Little League World Series for over 30 years now. It used to be kids playing baseball, now it is big kids playing baseball.
I think the San Diego Chargers could be the best team in the NFL with one of the worst coaches, Norv Turner.
I think the NFL moving the kickoff to the 35 yard line is stupid. I get what they are trying to do, prevent injuries, but it hurts a team with a great kickoff retuner and it helps teams with great defenses, asking opposing offenses to go 80 yards way too often, puts them at a dissadvantage.
I think with the above statement, the NFL should be commended for trying to protect their players, but last I checked it is TACKLE FOOTBAL, and players will get hurt. At some point Roger Goodell is going to have to realize this or just put flags on the players belts and then Brett Favre can play until he is 60.
Not to beat a dead horse, but don't you think preventing concussions should start with the helmets?? I am no expert, but maybe work on the padding or do something. Every time a player gets a concussion when his head its the ground, I have to ask: How good is the helmet??
I think Yankee fans should give it up. The Yankees owe AJ Burnett way too much money and his stuff is still tantalizing enough, they are not giving up on him any time soon.
I don't think Tim Tebow is getting a fair deal in Denver. With that being said, John Fox and John Elway didn't draft him and don't owe him a thing. That is the reality of the situation.
I think NASCAR ratings would go through the roof if there was a fight at the end of every race. Combination Stock car racing and MMA.
The US Open starts next week and it is great and it sucks at the same time. Great because it is one of the better sporting events in this country, and it sucks because it means the summer is just about over.
I have watched the Little League World Series for over 30 years now. It used to be kids playing baseball, now it is big kids playing baseball.
I think the San Diego Chargers could be the best team in the NFL with one of the worst coaches, Norv Turner.
I think the NFL moving the kickoff to the 35 yard line is stupid. I get what they are trying to do, prevent injuries, but it hurts a team with a great kickoff retuner and it helps teams with great defenses, asking opposing offenses to go 80 yards way too often, puts them at a dissadvantage.
I think with the above statement, the NFL should be commended for trying to protect their players, but last I checked it is TACKLE FOOTBAL, and players will get hurt. At some point Roger Goodell is going to have to realize this or just put flags on the players belts and then Brett Favre can play until he is 60.
Not to beat a dead horse, but don't you think preventing concussions should start with the helmets?? I am no expert, but maybe work on the padding or do something. Every time a player gets a concussion when his head its the ground, I have to ask: How good is the helmet??
I think Yankee fans should give it up. The Yankees owe AJ Burnett way too much money and his stuff is still tantalizing enough, they are not giving up on him any time soon.
I don't think Tim Tebow is getting a fair deal in Denver. With that being said, John Fox and John Elway didn't draft him and don't owe him a thing. That is the reality of the situation.
I think NASCAR ratings would go through the roof if there was a fight at the end of every race. Combination Stock car racing and MMA.
The US Open starts next week and it is great and it sucks at the same time. Great because it is one of the better sporting events in this country, and it sucks because it means the summer is just about over.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Reasons why the Eagles will win the Super Bowl and why they won't
Lets start with the obvious won, having won the off season championship in free agency, here is why the Eagles will go to the Super Bowl: It starts with the QB (this is the year of the QB afterall according to ESPN.) Michael Vick will be the starter from day 1. Remember Kevin Kolb started the opener last year. Vick has weapons. LeSean McCoy, a fantasy beast. (that's for another blog) DeSean Jeackson. Brent Celek. Ronnie Brown coming off the bench. Jeremy Maclin, if he is healthy. Add Steve Smith coming in probably around week 8. Andy Reid is staring at his offense like he stares at the dishes at Hometown Buffet. Even if Vick doesn't play all 16 games, Vince Young is there, and he wins games and he is probably trying to keep himself in the league.
Now lets look at the defense. Ever since the unfortunate death of Jim Johnson, the defenese has not been able to pressure the QB. That's ok just add the 2nd best corner in the game Naamdi Asomguha, and you don't need as big a pass rush. Just look at the jets. back to back AFC championship games, they don't rush the passer well, but with Revis and Cromartie they don't have to. With the offensive weapons the defense will be good enough, not great to get to the super bowl. This is the formula the Saints followed two years ago, score a ton of points force some turnovers, it is hard to lose.
Finally i mentioned it breifly above. Do not under estimate Steve Smith. If his knee is healthy by the middle of the season, there are not too many receivers i would want out there on 3rd down ahead of Smith. He just knows how to get to the marker. That is a huge sigining, because it improved the Eagles but it really stung the Giants. Nicks and Manningham are good, but they drop so many balls. Ask any Giant Fan how many picks Eli Manning threw that went off receivers hands? Losing Smith is a big blow to the G-Man
Now here is why the Eagles won't make it to the Super Bowl let alone win it..
Michael Vick is getting older, he can't play the style he has played and make it through all 16 games. Even with Vince Young, the Eagles would have to adjust offensively if Vick goes down.
Just becase you win in free agency doesn't mean you'll win on the field, just look down 95 to Washington. The Redskins always splash in free agency, then they crash in the season. I will say however that the Eagles were talented last season, i think they are just adding depth and filling weak spots. But still with no OTA's and a limited training camp, can these guys get together? I think this a question most teams are facing, but the more Free Agents you bring in the bigger a concern this has to be.
The defense improved with Naamdi Asomguha, but i hear they are trying to trade Assante Samuel. That would be a mistake. Asomghua is great, how much have you improved if you give up Samuel. People remeber the great comeback vs. the Giants, but don't forget the defense put them in that huge hole to begin with. Cullen Jenkins is another huge signing, but I think the Eagles D needs to step up from last year.
Finally look at the QB's the eagles face this year.. in additon to Romo and Eli Manning twice. Matt Ryan Tom Brady Jay Cutler, old friend Kevin Kolb, Tell you what 1st 3 games are at St Louis at Atlanta and the Giants at home. They better gel pretty fast or the could be staring at 1-2 start.
Now lets look at the defense. Ever since the unfortunate death of Jim Johnson, the defenese has not been able to pressure the QB. That's ok just add the 2nd best corner in the game Naamdi Asomguha, and you don't need as big a pass rush. Just look at the jets. back to back AFC championship games, they don't rush the passer well, but with Revis and Cromartie they don't have to. With the offensive weapons the defense will be good enough, not great to get to the super bowl. This is the formula the Saints followed two years ago, score a ton of points force some turnovers, it is hard to lose.
Finally i mentioned it breifly above. Do not under estimate Steve Smith. If his knee is healthy by the middle of the season, there are not too many receivers i would want out there on 3rd down ahead of Smith. He just knows how to get to the marker. That is a huge sigining, because it improved the Eagles but it really stung the Giants. Nicks and Manningham are good, but they drop so many balls. Ask any Giant Fan how many picks Eli Manning threw that went off receivers hands? Losing Smith is a big blow to the G-Man
Now here is why the Eagles won't make it to the Super Bowl let alone win it..
Michael Vick is getting older, he can't play the style he has played and make it through all 16 games. Even with Vince Young, the Eagles would have to adjust offensively if Vick goes down.
Just becase you win in free agency doesn't mean you'll win on the field, just look down 95 to Washington. The Redskins always splash in free agency, then they crash in the season. I will say however that the Eagles were talented last season, i think they are just adding depth and filling weak spots. But still with no OTA's and a limited training camp, can these guys get together? I think this a question most teams are facing, but the more Free Agents you bring in the bigger a concern this has to be.
The defense improved with Naamdi Asomguha, but i hear they are trying to trade Assante Samuel. That would be a mistake. Asomghua is great, how much have you improved if you give up Samuel. People remeber the great comeback vs. the Giants, but don't forget the defense put them in that huge hole to begin with. Cullen Jenkins is another huge signing, but I think the Eagles D needs to step up from last year.
Finally look at the QB's the eagles face this year.. in additon to Romo and Eli Manning twice. Matt Ryan Tom Brady Jay Cutler, old friend Kevin Kolb, Tell you what 1st 3 games are at St Louis at Atlanta and the Giants at home. They better gel pretty fast or the could be staring at 1-2 start.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Dave Wannstadt is the worst coach in the history of football
I know, Jets fans will immediately scream "Rich Kotite" but as Cowboys and University of Pittsburgh fan I think i can offer some insight as to why I believe Wannstadt is just a horrible coach. Nice guy, maybe, good coordinator certainly. but a horrible coach. Lets go back to 1992 the Dallas Cowboys won Super Bowl XXVII, I just turned 21, life was good. The Chicago Bears hired the boys D Coordinator to replace Mike Ditka. Six seasons in Chicago he went 7-9 9-7 9-7 7-9 4-12 4-12. The only time he made the playoffs with the Bears they went 9-7 in 1994 having been outscored by 36 points on the season. How he lasted 6 years in Chicago is a mystery. He then went to Miami succeeding Jimmy Johnson in 2000 made the playoffs his 1st two seasons there mainly because of awesome drafts by Johnson (Jason Taylor, Zach Thomas) Then got Ricky Williams from the Saints, ran him into the ground, which I believe caused Williams' curious departure from the team in 04 right before the start of the season. Don't believe me? in 02 and 03 he carried the ball 775 times and caught another 97 passes for an astounding 867 touches in 2 seasons. Emitt Smith had 857 in 94 and 95 Walter Payton 799 in 84 and 85. Oj Simpson slashed his way only 657 times in 72-73. Tomlinson 805 02-03 and Eddie George 820 in 99-00.
After Williams left the team, Wannstadt was toast in Miami, but landed at his Alma Matter The university of Pittsburgh in 2005, taking over for Walt Harris, who had just led the Panthers to the BCS in 04 and left for Stanford. In a weak Big East, I mean Rutgers Syracuse South Florida etc, not exactly the SEC or Big 12. With some good players. LeSean McCoy, Dion Lewis, Jonathan baldwin, Jabbal Sheard Darelle Revis and Greg Romeus, he had 1 double digit win season, no bcs games and was 1-1 in bowl games.
To sum it up in 17 seasons as college and pro head coach His record in playoff/bowl games 3-4 no BCS games, no conference championship games. Without a doubt the worst coach ever.
After Williams left the team, Wannstadt was toast in Miami, but landed at his Alma Matter The university of Pittsburgh in 2005, taking over for Walt Harris, who had just led the Panthers to the BCS in 04 and left for Stanford. In a weak Big East, I mean Rutgers Syracuse South Florida etc, not exactly the SEC or Big 12. With some good players. LeSean McCoy, Dion Lewis, Jonathan baldwin, Jabbal Sheard Darelle Revis and Greg Romeus, he had 1 double digit win season, no bcs games and was 1-1 in bowl games.
To sum it up in 17 seasons as college and pro head coach His record in playoff/bowl games 3-4 no BCS games, no conference championship games. Without a doubt the worst coach ever.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Baseball needs a change to its playoff format.
You know its funny. The Yankees and Red Sox over the weekend had the highest ratings on ESPN Sunday Night Baseball this season and the YES Network (or the NO Network as I like to call it.) had its highest rating Friday night since the 2010 opener. So what's wrong you ask? The games didn't mean anything. The Yankees and Red Sox barring a collapse of 07 or 08 Mets Proportions are going to the playoffs. Imagine if one of these teams were in danger of not playing in October. How awesome would these games be? Or the 6 more games they play against each other the rest of the season?
What I think baseball should do is not an original idea, but I will put it out there anywhere. Add one more wildcard team in each league and the two wildcard teams in each league would play a 1 game playoff. Imagine now if the Yankees and Red Sox knew not winning the division meant a one game playoff against the Angels or the Rays. Imagine now having to use Sabathia or Beckett in a one game playoff. That would put a premium of winning the division. Last year the Yankees and Rays really didn't care who won the division,and ironically enough neither won a playoff series.
This was my 1st attempt at a blog. I hope you liked it. I will try to put up a couple of blogs a week mostly sports, but try to throw in some pop culture or policitics once in awhile. Let me know what you think. Any feedack is welcome.
What I think baseball should do is not an original idea, but I will put it out there anywhere. Add one more wildcard team in each league and the two wildcard teams in each league would play a 1 game playoff. Imagine now if the Yankees and Red Sox knew not winning the division meant a one game playoff against the Angels or the Rays. Imagine now having to use Sabathia or Beckett in a one game playoff. That would put a premium of winning the division. Last year the Yankees and Rays really didn't care who won the division,and ironically enough neither won a playoff series.
This was my 1st attempt at a blog. I hope you liked it. I will try to put up a couple of blogs a week mostly sports, but try to throw in some pop culture or policitics once in awhile. Let me know what you think. Any feedack is welcome.
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