(Aw man, he's talking about football again?)
This past week, the rumors have been flying that Al Davis has gone crazy (surprise, surprise) and is contemplating giving the boot to Raiders coach of one year, Lane Kiffin. Should this madman get his wish, Kiffin would not only become the second coach this year fired after his first season, but also become the third straight Raiders coach to lose his job after one year.
THIS IS IDIOTIC
See, Art Shell, I understand. Under his regime, the Raiders went from bad, to terrible, making this year's Dolphins look like champions (not record-wise as the Raiders went 2-14 in comparison to Miami's 1-15). But Kiffin? No excuses Al Davis, you just don't want a guy who doesn't eagerly fetch your paper and morning coffee. Kiffin is no man's lapdog, but it turns out, he's a heck of a coach.
Kiffin may not have improved Oakland's record much, but the team WAS better. The rushing attack was outstanding, because Kiffin fixed the offensive line. The passing game was mediocre, but hopefully JaMarcus Russell will fix that problem right up. The defense, though down in production from the best pass D in 2006, was still good enough to make for a lot of close games. The Raiders lost 7 of their 12 losses by a touchdown or less. This team can fight.
Kiffin's on the right track with the team known year in and year out as the NFL's punching bag. There are some positive changes in Oakland for the first time since their Super Bowl appearance, but firing the coach isn't going to help anything. Not everyone is going to be your manservant Al Davis, and you will lose a great coach if you don't figure that out soon.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
The Price of Your Soul
THE SUPER BOWL!!!
Got your attention? Good. It's time once more for the magical Sunday we all call, The Super Bowl. Sure as always, the Patriots are making their annual appearance, and there's a feel good story involved in the Giants (as long as you aren't a Cowboy or Packer fan), but past that, we just want the glitz, the glamor, and the really, totally awesome commercials.
Or maybe, you're insane, and actually want to go to the game. A noble thought, if not one for idiots. Still, I admire the courage, and your deep pockets. Super Bowl tickets are running for a very affordable $19,000 a seat. Not including the ten dollar hot dog of course.
Honestly, the Super Bowl is nothing short of a corporate event at this point. No one who goes is a fan of either team, they're there for the public exposure and because they work for Microsoft. I don't care how much you love your Patriots, you're not gonna pay 20 grand just watch your team win again.
Short and simple, if you want to go to the Super Bowl, I suggest taking a nap. It's the only place that'll ever happen. Short of being caller number 27 or streaking down the street for a weird contest of some sort.
Or you could just, sell your soul.
Got your attention? Good. It's time once more for the magical Sunday we all call, The Super Bowl. Sure as always, the Patriots are making their annual appearance, and there's a feel good story involved in the Giants (as long as you aren't a Cowboy or Packer fan), but past that, we just want the glitz, the glamor, and the really, totally awesome commercials.
Or maybe, you're insane, and actually want to go to the game. A noble thought, if not one for idiots. Still, I admire the courage, and your deep pockets. Super Bowl tickets are running for a very affordable $19,000 a seat. Not including the ten dollar hot dog of course.
Honestly, the Super Bowl is nothing short of a corporate event at this point. No one who goes is a fan of either team, they're there for the public exposure and because they work for Microsoft. I don't care how much you love your Patriots, you're not gonna pay 20 grand just watch your team win again.
Short and simple, if you want to go to the Super Bowl, I suggest taking a nap. It's the only place that'll ever happen. Short of being caller number 27 or streaking down the street for a weird contest of some sort.
Or you could just, sell your soul.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Monday Quick Hits - Edition 1
Expect this to become a weekly tradition 'round these parts, where I just hit with some thoughts that don't deserve a full-on blog, and just run down a couple of points I'd like to make regarding each major sport.
NFL
-Bootgate? Are we that desperate for a story that Tom Brady with a slight limp is causing all the hubbub? Brady'll play, and he'll be fine.
-Lawrence Tynes is a lucky, lucky man. If Brett Favre had worked the magic instead of the pick he threw, Tynes would have been in the unemployment line the next day. Now he's practically a hero.
MLB
-If the Twins don't deal Santana soon, they'll find themselves in quite a pickle. The best prospects have already been pulled from all good offers, and if he has a mediocre 2008 and no one trades for him, he'll be lost to free agency, and the Twinkies won't get a thing.
-Expect the Royals and Rays (no more Devil) to show a bit more fight this year. Neither will win their division or make the play-offs, but I can see third place for both of them, with plus .500 records.
NBA
-Boston has become mortal really quick, there's no way they're touching that magical Bulls season. They'll be lucky to get within 10 wins. They'll still be the number one seed in the east though.
-Sacramento is suddenly potent when K-Mart, Bibby, and Artest all play. If they were in the East, they might be able to make a play-off run. Too bad they won't get close in the west.
NHL
-The All-Star game was a real treat this year. Eric Staal played a heck of a game.
-Midseason pick for the Stanley Cup? Red Wings, no question.
NCAAB
-Not much of anyone paying attention to that 17-1 Duke team that's ranked third in the country. Maybe they'll start turning heads if they can best the Tarheels next Wednesday in Chapel Hill.
-Pitt's injuries continue to kill it. I'm shocked this team is still clutching a top 25 spot.
That's it for this Monday chaps. I swear you'll get more details (and yes, a Super Bowl prediction) as the week progresses.
NFL
-Bootgate? Are we that desperate for a story that Tom Brady with a slight limp is causing all the hubbub? Brady'll play, and he'll be fine.
-Lawrence Tynes is a lucky, lucky man. If Brett Favre had worked the magic instead of the pick he threw, Tynes would have been in the unemployment line the next day. Now he's practically a hero.
MLB
-If the Twins don't deal Santana soon, they'll find themselves in quite a pickle. The best prospects have already been pulled from all good offers, and if he has a mediocre 2008 and no one trades for him, he'll be lost to free agency, and the Twinkies won't get a thing.
-Expect the Royals and Rays (no more Devil) to show a bit more fight this year. Neither will win their division or make the play-offs, but I can see third place for both of them, with plus .500 records.
NBA
-Boston has become mortal really quick, there's no way they're touching that magical Bulls season. They'll be lucky to get within 10 wins. They'll still be the number one seed in the east though.
-Sacramento is suddenly potent when K-Mart, Bibby, and Artest all play. If they were in the East, they might be able to make a play-off run. Too bad they won't get close in the west.
NHL
-The All-Star game was a real treat this year. Eric Staal played a heck of a game.
-Midseason pick for the Stanley Cup? Red Wings, no question.
NCAAB
-Not much of anyone paying attention to that 17-1 Duke team that's ranked third in the country. Maybe they'll start turning heads if they can best the Tarheels next Wednesday in Chapel Hill.
-Pitt's injuries continue to kill it. I'm shocked this team is still clutching a top 25 spot.
That's it for this Monday chaps. I swear you'll get more details (and yes, a Super Bowl prediction) as the week progresses.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Let The Kid Play!
Anyone who's followed college basketball for the last few years knows the name J.J. Redick. The famous Duke point guard who shot balls into the hoop with pinpoint accuracy from any point on the court, the highest scorer in ACC history, and the most prolific three-point shooter in the history of college ball.
If someone wrote a "Where Are They Now?" book now, J.J. would have to be the front page. Redick was drafted 10th by the Orlando Magic two years back after his leave from Duke, and despite a back injury that kept him out of summer play, was dressed and ready to go opening day.
So where is he?
J.J. Redick is warming the bench in Orlando, a sudden contender in a weak Eastern Conference. Unwilling to take a major chance playing a kid with no pro experience and one thought to have a bad pro transition, he plays but one or two minutes a game, not given the time of day. Currently, Redick has shown to be explosive off the bench, scoring 7 points in 3 minutes last night against Memphis, and last week, scoring 10 in 8 minutes. His defense still lacks, but the intensity he brings and the spark he gives the offense could help the struggling Magic.
So why not give him more of a chance? Redick was absolutly jaw-dropping in college and can likely do the same in the NBA given more playing time. Kevin Durant is starting for the Sonics, Al Horford as well. So let J.J. play for more than 5 minutes next time Orlando. Give him a quarter or two.
If someone wrote a "Where Are They Now?" book now, J.J. would have to be the front page. Redick was drafted 10th by the Orlando Magic two years back after his leave from Duke, and despite a back injury that kept him out of summer play, was dressed and ready to go opening day.
So where is he?
J.J. Redick is warming the bench in Orlando, a sudden contender in a weak Eastern Conference. Unwilling to take a major chance playing a kid with no pro experience and one thought to have a bad pro transition, he plays but one or two minutes a game, not given the time of day. Currently, Redick has shown to be explosive off the bench, scoring 7 points in 3 minutes last night against Memphis, and last week, scoring 10 in 8 minutes. His defense still lacks, but the intensity he brings and the spark he gives the offense could help the struggling Magic.
So why not give him more of a chance? Redick was absolutly jaw-dropping in college and can likely do the same in the NBA given more playing time. Kevin Durant is starting for the Sonics, Al Horford as well. So let J.J. play for more than 5 minutes next time Orlando. Give him a quarter or two.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Survival of the Flightless
So imagine you're a Penguins fan for a second (ok, first imagine you're a hockey fan). You just found out that Sidney Crosby, the best player in all of hockey, is lost for roughly two months. I know I know, fight back the tears and hear me out. Here's the plan for these Penguins to make it through the rough patch of the season down one superstar.
1. Evgeni Malkin needs to step up. Everyone knows it by now. Malkin, 2nd overall pick back in 2004 (behind only the $124,000,000 man), has played great hockey behind Sidney Crosby for the last year and a half. Now it's time to see if he can elevate his game to be the star center on the team while Sid The Kid takes his leave. If he can, the Pens won't miss Crosby as much as you'd think.
2. Defense Defense Defense. The Pens defense and goaltending, thanks in part to journeyman Ty Conklin, has been outstanding of late, allowing no more than 1 or 2 goals a game. This needs to continue if Sidney is gone, which it likely will. Sid's a fine defender when he's down there, but has little impact on the defensive aspect of the game as it is. The Pens will likely experience a bit of an offensive drop-off with the best scorer out, but if the D can hold, they'll just settle for winning games 2-1.
3. Key Injury Returns. Despite a Crosby-esque scare against the Canadians, Colby Armstrong coming back from injury will be a nice boost to the Pens as a team. Add in the return of Marc-Andre Fleury in a few weeks time, and the recent comeback of Maxime Talbot, the Pens should be able to survive this key injury with these non-injured players back in the line-up.
Crosby will return with roughly a month before the play-offs begin. This is enough time for him to give the Pens a late surge if they can stay competitive in his absence. Follow these steps, and I can assure you, these birds will fly into the postseason.
With Crosby, of course.
1. Evgeni Malkin needs to step up. Everyone knows it by now. Malkin, 2nd overall pick back in 2004 (behind only the $124,000,000 man), has played great hockey behind Sidney Crosby for the last year and a half. Now it's time to see if he can elevate his game to be the star center on the team while Sid The Kid takes his leave. If he can, the Pens won't miss Crosby as much as you'd think.
2. Defense Defense Defense. The Pens defense and goaltending, thanks in part to journeyman Ty Conklin, has been outstanding of late, allowing no more than 1 or 2 goals a game. This needs to continue if Sidney is gone, which it likely will. Sid's a fine defender when he's down there, but has little impact on the defensive aspect of the game as it is. The Pens will likely experience a bit of an offensive drop-off with the best scorer out, but if the D can hold, they'll just settle for winning games 2-1.
3. Key Injury Returns. Despite a Crosby-esque scare against the Canadians, Colby Armstrong coming back from injury will be a nice boost to the Pens as a team. Add in the return of Marc-Andre Fleury in a few weeks time, and the recent comeback of Maxime Talbot, the Pens should be able to survive this key injury with these non-injured players back in the line-up.
Crosby will return with roughly a month before the play-offs begin. This is enough time for him to give the Pens a late surge if they can stay competitive in his absence. Follow these steps, and I can assure you, these birds will fly into the postseason.
With Crosby, of course.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Who's Number One?
No, this isn't that show on ESPN Classic that counts down all of our favoritest sports moments. It's about Memphis....and KU....and Duke, North Carolina, UCLA, Georgetown, Washington State, Indiana....well you get my point. Who's number one?
Well, according to the latest AP and Coaches Poll, it's Memphis. But is this is a justified pick? Let's do a quick elimination process. First off, who's lost a game? Wait, that knocks out everyone but Memphis and KU. Well, this will be easy.
Memphis IS the number one team in the country, no doubt in my mind. Maybe not talent-wise, they may not have quite the superstar roster of North Carolina, Duke, and Kansas, but they have the best credentials as of now.
Memphis has beaten Arizona, Georgetown, Oklahoma, UConn, Cincinnati, and USC, only one of which is even in their conference. It's hard to pin a poor conference on Memphis' schedule because of their very strong out of conference schedule. KU on the other hand, is just now treading into difficult territory. Despite common wins with Memphis over Oklahoma, USC, and Arizona, the Jayhawks haven't played the calibur of foes the Tigers have and likely won't until a date with Baylor on February 9th.
The two have just about drawn even in every other statistical category, meaning you really just have to go by the strength of schedule. I apologize Jayhawk fans (Actually I don't), but it seems to me you've been outgunned. For now, anyway.
Besides what's wrong with number two?
Well, according to the latest AP and Coaches Poll, it's Memphis. But is this is a justified pick? Let's do a quick elimination process. First off, who's lost a game? Wait, that knocks out everyone but Memphis and KU. Well, this will be easy.
Memphis IS the number one team in the country, no doubt in my mind. Maybe not talent-wise, they may not have quite the superstar roster of North Carolina, Duke, and Kansas, but they have the best credentials as of now.
Memphis has beaten Arizona, Georgetown, Oklahoma, UConn, Cincinnati, and USC, only one of which is even in their conference. It's hard to pin a poor conference on Memphis' schedule because of their very strong out of conference schedule. KU on the other hand, is just now treading into difficult territory. Despite common wins with Memphis over Oklahoma, USC, and Arizona, the Jayhawks haven't played the calibur of foes the Tigers have and likely won't until a date with Baylor on February 9th.
The two have just about drawn even in every other statistical category, meaning you really just have to go by the strength of schedule. I apologize Jayhawk fans (Actually I don't), but it seems to me you've been outgunned. For now, anyway.
Besides what's wrong with number two?
Friday, January 18, 2008
Goin For Gold - Championship Weekend
Ah, the glorious night be upon us my children, the final night of football before the all-hallowed Super Bowl XLII. Yes, this Sunday, the Chargers and Patriots will battle for the AFC crown, while the Giants take on the Packers for NFC supremacy. Who wins? Read on.
Despite their major upset of the Colts this past weekend, San Diego took quite a beating in the process, losing LaDanian Tomlinson and Phillip Rivers. While it seems both will be back, I still wouldn't count on them being gamebreakers. If the Chargers have a hope of winning, they'll need big receiver play and defensive pressure forcing turnovers.
But is it possible? Eh, no. Though I've been wrong about the Bolts before (scroll down), it seems unlikely they upset the Pats. Sure, mediocre teams have almost beaten New England, but for some reason, it just seems like San Diego will not be able to keep up, despite their recent win streak. Bill Belicheat's high-powered offense oughta be enough to keep San Diego on their toes and out of this one early. Pats win 38- 21.
Meanwhile, in the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field, the Giants look to grab another big upset (Who called that one? Oh right....) against the Packers. With low temps and wind on the way, it looks to be another frightfully cold day in Green Bay. While both teams come in red hot, I see the Packers as the better team. Brett Favre and Ryan Grant are playing like men on a mission and the Giants will need the D-Line to make plays to keep them in check.
Herein lies the problem for the Giants. If any snow comes blustering back into Green Bay, New York's line won't get the neccesary traction and will likely falter the same way Seattle's did. Toss in an overdue Manning pick or two, and the Pack win a close one in the cold, or a blowout in the snow. The diagnosis? Packers win it 24-17.
So that sets up the Brady/Favre Super Bowl quite nicely. Who'll win that you ask? I'll make sure to tell you in a week or so. Until then, have a good weekend, enjoy the games.
Despite their major upset of the Colts this past weekend, San Diego took quite a beating in the process, losing LaDanian Tomlinson and Phillip Rivers. While it seems both will be back, I still wouldn't count on them being gamebreakers. If the Chargers have a hope of winning, they'll need big receiver play and defensive pressure forcing turnovers.
But is it possible? Eh, no. Though I've been wrong about the Bolts before (scroll down), it seems unlikely they upset the Pats. Sure, mediocre teams have almost beaten New England, but for some reason, it just seems like San Diego will not be able to keep up, despite their recent win streak. Bill Belicheat's high-powered offense oughta be enough to keep San Diego on their toes and out of this one early. Pats win 38- 21.
Meanwhile, in the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field, the Giants look to grab another big upset (Who called that one? Oh right....) against the Packers. With low temps and wind on the way, it looks to be another frightfully cold day in Green Bay. While both teams come in red hot, I see the Packers as the better team. Brett Favre and Ryan Grant are playing like men on a mission and the Giants will need the D-Line to make plays to keep them in check.
Herein lies the problem for the Giants. If any snow comes blustering back into Green Bay, New York's line won't get the neccesary traction and will likely falter the same way Seattle's did. Toss in an overdue Manning pick or two, and the Pack win a close one in the cold, or a blowout in the snow. The diagnosis? Packers win it 24-17.
So that sets up the Brady/Favre Super Bowl quite nicely. Who'll win that you ask? I'll make sure to tell you in a week or so. Until then, have a good weekend, enjoy the games.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Random Thoughts of Boredom
Since anything noteworthy in the sports world has refused to happen lately, today's edition of OVERTIME is dedicated to tiny little thoughts regarding some tiny little happenings.
First off, let us remember this day, when 41 years ago the Green Bay Packers, led by quarterback Bart Starr and legendary coach Vince Lombardi, defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 35-10 to win the very first Super Bowl. Since then the Packers have won the title twice more (and are in contention for another this year) and the Chiefs have another. That's right, 41 years of elongated halftimes and hilarious commercials. Here's to football!
LeBron James was caught speeding this past December 30th on his 23rd birthday. I'd hardly care except for the fact that he was going 36 miles over the 65 mph speed limit. Yes kids, 101 miles per hour. The NBA superstud then replied, when interviewed, "It's not a big deal to me." It's all clear to me now, LeBron James is the reason there are 45 bajillion car crashes a second (I can't be bothered to check, watch an AllState commercial).
Finally, I think it's time we all give Terrell Owens props for finding his feminine side. Following the Cowboy's crushing loss to the G-Men of New York City, Owens responded to allegations against teammate Tony Romo by bursting into tears and defending his quarterback. Too bad the writers are on strike, I wanted to see it when they give T.O. the oscar.
Hope you enjoyed these thoughts. If you didn't, tell someone in the sports world to get cracking on something interesting.
First off, let us remember this day, when 41 years ago the Green Bay Packers, led by quarterback Bart Starr and legendary coach Vince Lombardi, defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 35-10 to win the very first Super Bowl. Since then the Packers have won the title twice more (and are in contention for another this year) and the Chiefs have another. That's right, 41 years of elongated halftimes and hilarious commercials. Here's to football!
LeBron James was caught speeding this past December 30th on his 23rd birthday. I'd hardly care except for the fact that he was going 36 miles over the 65 mph speed limit. Yes kids, 101 miles per hour. The NBA superstud then replied, when interviewed, "It's not a big deal to me." It's all clear to me now, LeBron James is the reason there are 45 bajillion car crashes a second (I can't be bothered to check, watch an AllState commercial).
Finally, I think it's time we all give Terrell Owens props for finding his feminine side. Following the Cowboy's crushing loss to the G-Men of New York City, Owens responded to allegations against teammate Tony Romo by bursting into tears and defending his quarterback. Too bad the writers are on strike, I wanted to see it when they give T.O. the oscar.
Hope you enjoyed these thoughts. If you didn't, tell someone in the sports world to get cracking on something interesting.
Monday, January 14, 2008
The $124,000,000 Man
Quick newsflash for the millions of you who don't watch hockey, but Washington Capitals left winger Alexander Ovechkin just signed a 124 million dollar contract extension to stay with the team. Pretty sweet deal, eh (that's how they say it in Canada)? To me though, the money isn't near as shocking as say, the length.
The contract makes sure Ovechkin stays a Cap for the next 13 years.
This may be a surprise to some of you, but 13 years is a long time in sports. And yes, while it sounds good for the Caps to make sure the best young'n on the ice next to Sidney Crosby stays in their pocket for a bit, this is the kind of move that could keep Washington fans screaming for years, if something goes terribly wrong.
13 is a pretty big window to take a big spill on the ice that ends your career. It's a pretty big window for a superstar to turn into a dud among duds. Let's take a moment to picture the career of Eric Lindros. Wasn't that pretty?
Now I'm not saying that Ovechkin is destined to weave his place in hockey mediocrity, but there's also no evidence saying Alexander The Great is destined to play outstanding hockey until 2021. Was the contract a mistake? Who am I to say. One thing's for sure though, Ovechkin better turn into one of the top five players of the generation, or Washington'll be catching flak for this one for a long time.
Much longer than 13 years.
The contract makes sure Ovechkin stays a Cap for the next 13 years.
This may be a surprise to some of you, but 13 years is a long time in sports. And yes, while it sounds good for the Caps to make sure the best young'n on the ice next to Sidney Crosby stays in their pocket for a bit, this is the kind of move that could keep Washington fans screaming for years, if something goes terribly wrong.
13 is a pretty big window to take a big spill on the ice that ends your career. It's a pretty big window for a superstar to turn into a dud among duds. Let's take a moment to picture the career of Eric Lindros. Wasn't that pretty?
Now I'm not saying that Ovechkin is destined to weave his place in hockey mediocrity, but there's also no evidence saying Alexander The Great is destined to play outstanding hockey until 2021. Was the contract a mistake? Who am I to say. One thing's for sure though, Ovechkin better turn into one of the top five players of the generation, or Washington'll be catching flak for this one for a long time.
Much longer than 13 years.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Third Time's The Charm?
You all know the old NFL mantra, it's tough to beat a team three times in a single season. This is the challenge the Dallas Cowboys face as they take on the New York Giants for, not the first, not the second, but the third time.
It doesn't help matters that for the first time in years, the Giants actually look like they know what they're doing in the second half of the season. Eli Manning looks like his brother (finally), the running game is finally going, no matter how many times each back is gonna get hurt, and the defense is stepping up and making plays. At 11-6, the Giants are one of the most battle-tested teams in the league. 5 of the 6 losses they suffered this year were to play-off teams, Dallas twice, Green Bay, Washington, and New England. In fact, the only non-play-off team to beat them were the Minnesota Vikings, a team who just about slipped in.
Dallas still, arguably, has the best team in the conference though. Facing great ridicule because of his taste in blonde pop stars, Tony Romo will have to step up and put his play-off demons behind him to win this game. Terrell Owens is expected to play which makes things easier, but I maintain that Romo will have to win this game.
In all honestly, Dallas has not looked good in recent weeks. A team that should have finished 15-1, ended up with two ugly losses in the last month of the regular season. The momentum is traveling in opposite directions here, but is it enough to push the Giants over the unstoppable Cowboys? In a word, yes. Giants win 28-24.
Next week, I'll tackle the two championship games that I will have predicted correctly, as well as finally address those pesky other sports. Word on Brett Favre's future, the favorite in the NBA's eastern conference, the hottest team in hockey, and maybe a little off-season baseball.
Have a good weekend, enjoy the games.
It doesn't help matters that for the first time in years, the Giants actually look like they know what they're doing in the second half of the season. Eli Manning looks like his brother (finally), the running game is finally going, no matter how many times each back is gonna get hurt, and the defense is stepping up and making plays. At 11-6, the Giants are one of the most battle-tested teams in the league. 5 of the 6 losses they suffered this year were to play-off teams, Dallas twice, Green Bay, Washington, and New England. In fact, the only non-play-off team to beat them were the Minnesota Vikings, a team who just about slipped in.
Dallas still, arguably, has the best team in the conference though. Facing great ridicule because of his taste in blonde pop stars, Tony Romo will have to step up and put his play-off demons behind him to win this game. Terrell Owens is expected to play which makes things easier, but I maintain that Romo will have to win this game.
In all honestly, Dallas has not looked good in recent weeks. A team that should have finished 15-1, ended up with two ugly losses in the last month of the regular season. The momentum is traveling in opposite directions here, but is it enough to push the Giants over the unstoppable Cowboys? In a word, yes. Giants win 28-24.
Next week, I'll tackle the two championship games that I will have predicted correctly, as well as finally address those pesky other sports. Word on Brett Favre's future, the favorite in the NBA's eastern conference, the hottest team in hockey, and maybe a little off-season baseball.
Have a good weekend, enjoy the games.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Now With More Turnover
And not the delicious fruit kind.
I hope you were paying attention in week ten when the San Diego Chargers derailed the Indianapolis Colts by a score of 23-21, cause it's not going to happen again. Not this year at least.
That fateful week following a devastating loss to the Patriots, Peyton Manning led the Colts into San Diego to try and regain their grounding, and ended up giving the Chargers the ball six times. To make matters worse, the most clutch kicker in NFL history, Adam Vinatieri, decided to shank two field goals, including one that would have given Indy the lead with but minutes left.
To call the game a choke would be the understatement of the season, right next to "the Patriots are a decent team."
Still, the Bolts still almost threw that game to the dogs but managed to hang on and outlast Indy in the ugliest game I've seen all year. This weekend, the two play again for a spot in the AFC Title Game, and this time you're looking at a much scarier Colts team. With most of the injuries gone, the Colts are the team they started with this season. You know, the defending Super Bowl Champions. Turns out, that's kind of a big deal.
With star Tight End and number one reciever Antonio Gates likely on the shelf, the Chargers offensive weapons are limited outside of the usual explosiveness of LaDanian Tomlinson. Logically, to keep up with Indy's formidable offense, the Bolts will need a miracle.
Sorry, but of all the teams, it seems least likely that these Bolts get lightning to strike twice. Colts win easily, 34-17.
I hope you were paying attention in week ten when the San Diego Chargers derailed the Indianapolis Colts by a score of 23-21, cause it's not going to happen again. Not this year at least.
That fateful week following a devastating loss to the Patriots, Peyton Manning led the Colts into San Diego to try and regain their grounding, and ended up giving the Chargers the ball six times. To make matters worse, the most clutch kicker in NFL history, Adam Vinatieri, decided to shank two field goals, including one that would have given Indy the lead with but minutes left.
To call the game a choke would be the understatement of the season, right next to "the Patriots are a decent team."
Still, the Bolts still almost threw that game to the dogs but managed to hang on and outlast Indy in the ugliest game I've seen all year. This weekend, the two play again for a spot in the AFC Title Game, and this time you're looking at a much scarier Colts team. With most of the injuries gone, the Colts are the team they started with this season. You know, the defending Super Bowl Champions. Turns out, that's kind of a big deal.
With star Tight End and number one reciever Antonio Gates likely on the shelf, the Chargers offensive weapons are limited outside of the usual explosiveness of LaDanian Tomlinson. Logically, to keep up with Indy's formidable offense, the Bolts will need a miracle.
Sorry, but of all the teams, it seems least likely that these Bolts get lightning to strike twice. Colts win easily, 34-17.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
"We Want The Ball, And We're Gonna Score"
-The infamous words of Matt Hasselbeck
In 2004 the Seattle Seahawks traveled to Green Bay to battle the Packers in the play-offs. Upon entering OVERTIME, 'Hawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, when asked whether his team would like to receive the ball, stated "We want the ball, and we're gonna score." The overconfidence cost him, and he was picked off by Packers corner Al Harris. The interception was returned for the game winning touchdown.
Now, four years following the haunting incident, the Seahawks and former Packer coach Mike Holmgren return to the Bay to exorcise their demons against a formidable Packers team this weekend. The Seahawks, a mediocre team throughout the regular season thanks to the death of Shaun Alexander's legs, proved to be a force to be reckoned with against a red-hot Washington team in the first play-off game.
The problem there is, they face a great challenge in these Green Bay Packers. The Pack's offense is nearly flawless in every aspect, executing the short pass offense to the best effect we've seen in years. Nearly half of age-defying Brett Favre's passing yards come after the catch, so give these receivers some credit. Alongside the young Ryan Grant at running back, and the sharp pass defense, the Seahawks may have met their match.
Still, I like the Hawks chances here. The pass game is working well enough for them to give the Pack a fight, but the weather in Green Bay is projected to be light snow, wind, and cold. Very cold. This may force both teams to go to the run, giving Grant the chance to prove himself as an elite running back, and smart money says he will. Packers win a tight one 28-24, cause they'll get the ball, and they will score.
In 2004 the Seattle Seahawks traveled to Green Bay to battle the Packers in the play-offs. Upon entering OVERTIME, 'Hawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, when asked whether his team would like to receive the ball, stated "We want the ball, and we're gonna score." The overconfidence cost him, and he was picked off by Packers corner Al Harris. The interception was returned for the game winning touchdown.
Now, four years following the haunting incident, the Seahawks and former Packer coach Mike Holmgren return to the Bay to exorcise their demons against a formidable Packers team this weekend. The Seahawks, a mediocre team throughout the regular season thanks to the death of Shaun Alexander's legs, proved to be a force to be reckoned with against a red-hot Washington team in the first play-off game.
The problem there is, they face a great challenge in these Green Bay Packers. The Pack's offense is nearly flawless in every aspect, executing the short pass offense to the best effect we've seen in years. Nearly half of age-defying Brett Favre's passing yards come after the catch, so give these receivers some credit. Alongside the young Ryan Grant at running back, and the sharp pass defense, the Seahawks may have met their match.
Still, I like the Hawks chances here. The pass game is working well enough for them to give the Pack a fight, but the weather in Green Bay is projected to be light snow, wind, and cold. Very cold. This may force both teams to go to the run, giving Grant the chance to prove himself as an elite running back, and smart money says he will. Packers win a tight one 28-24, cause they'll get the ball, and they will score.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Some Kind of Predictions
As any real fan would be aware of by now, the NFL play-offs have been underway for the past week. It'd be easy to forget since for once no one was talking about the New England Patriots for a week, but sadly the days of "The Pursuit of Perfection" are back.
This week, the New England Patriots will put their 16-0 record on the line in the Divisional Play-off round against the 12-5 Jacksonville Jaguars. The record disparity doesn't mean much here, but perhaps I'm the first person crazy enough to give these cats a chance. With a relatively mistake-free quarterback in David Garrard and an intimidating defense, the Jaguars may have the best chance yet to derail the perfection train. Sure it seems everyone says that when the Patriots play a team that doesn't reek of Dolphin, but this time I'm totally, really serious.
Still, it's hard to imagine a team that hasn't lost yet losing in the first round of the play-offs, even if it would be funny. So as much as it pains me, here's the deal. The Patriots will outgun a Jacksonville team that relies too heavily on it's running game to succeed. New England goes 17-0 by beating a tough Jags squad, 35-24.
What? There are other games this week? Eh, perhaps another day.
This week, the New England Patriots will put their 16-0 record on the line in the Divisional Play-off round against the 12-5 Jacksonville Jaguars. The record disparity doesn't mean much here, but perhaps I'm the first person crazy enough to give these cats a chance. With a relatively mistake-free quarterback in David Garrard and an intimidating defense, the Jaguars may have the best chance yet to derail the perfection train. Sure it seems everyone says that when the Patriots play a team that doesn't reek of Dolphin, but this time I'm totally, really serious.
Still, it's hard to imagine a team that hasn't lost yet losing in the first round of the play-offs, even if it would be funny. So as much as it pains me, here's the deal. The Patriots will outgun a Jacksonville team that relies too heavily on it's running game to succeed. New England goes 17-0 by beating a tough Jags squad, 35-24.
What? There are other games this week? Eh, perhaps another day.
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