Wednesday, November 30, 2011

December Delirium

March Madness has made its way to December.  A few weeks ago, there seemed to be a clear picture in terms of who would play for the National Championship.  But now, there are three teams and only two can play in the National Championship game, #1 LSU, #2 Alabama, and #3 Oklahoma State.  The first weekend of December will see conference title games, and two of these three teams will be in action.  LSU will be playing in the SEC title game against #14 Georgia, while Oklahoma State takes on #10 Oklahoma with the Big 12 title up for grabs.  What about Alabama?  Well, they lost to LSU, therefore did not qualify for the title game.  This leads many to believe that Alabama is not worthy to play in the National Championship game...with the theory being: not only did they have their chance to beat LSU, but because of their one blemish, they are not even playing in the SEC title game.  With three teams in the hunt for the title, there are many scenarios that can play out this weekend...lets take a look at a few.

LSU Wins and Oklahoma State Lose
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     Easy one here, LSU #1, Alabama remains #2 as Stanford would not be able to leapfrog OSU and Alabama, therefore resulting in the LSU vs. Alabama rematch.  This would leave some people angry with the rematch, but it would be very hard to argue the outcome.  Rest assured, it does not sit well that Alabama got in without winning their conference, but they also didn't lose on the last weekend...and in terms of college football polls...it is all about when you lose. 

LSU Loses and Oklahoma State Wins
     Here we go again.  In my opinion, LSU would remain in the title game, but this might be the messiest scenario.  If LSU goes to #2, then who takes #1?  Oklahoma State should take #1, so that leaves Alabama out?  I do not see any way Alabama could remain in the top 2, but it is completely possible.  What would happen if the computers find that Alabama and LSU are 1 and 2...and neither won their conference?  That would not be good for college football.  It can happen, but it is more likely in the next scenario. I think in this situation though LSU would fall to #2, and Oklahoma State would take #1.  The BCS has always favored those who have a game over those who have the week off.  With Alabama not deserving the conference title game, it would be more justified for them to lose a spot in the standings, and for LSU to keep theirs top 2 ranking.  When Alabama lost to LSU, they only dropped from second to third, so a one spot drop for LSU would not be crazy.

LSU and Oklahoma State Lose
     LSU to #2 and Alabama #1 by default?  I think that is more likely in this scenario than the last, but once again we will be looking at a title game with neither team winning their conference.  A terrible situation for the BCS.  Do we begin to think about Stanford and Luck creeping in at this point and playing for the title?  Their BCS numbers are a bit lower than the other three at this point, so it is very hard to move them up here.  I do not know if they would have the numbers at this time to propel them, and they are not playing in their conference title game, the inaugural Pac-12 title game, so it would be that much more difficult to move up two spots.  It would be very interesting though.  Any way you slice this one, its going to be a mess.

LSU and Oklahoma State Win

     With this scenario, I think it might come down to how impressive the win against Oklahoma is for Oklahoma State.  If they absolutely hand it to Oklahoma, then this will fare very well for them, and they might gain some votes in the human polls which make up a part of the computer poll.  There will inevitably be controversy if OSU wins and they remain #3.  The same can be said if they win and jump over idle Alabama to claim a shot at the National Championship.  Either way, this will leave people very unhappy and controversy is going to ensue. 
     I am torn on what I would like to see if LSU and Oklahoma State win this weekend.  OSU will be facing a quality opponent while Alabama has the week off.  Last week however, OSU did not have a game, and the last game they played was a loss, yet remained in third place.  Alabama went to Auburn and routed them 42-14.  If OSU was not penalized for their week off, then how can Alabama be penalized?  At the same time...how can Alabama be in the National Championship game...and not even win their own conference?  The fact that they lost to LSU is the only reason that they are still in the championship talks.  It allows them to be excused to an extent and keep their hope alive. 
     At the end of the day, if LSU and Oklahoma State win, we would have two teams with the same record in Alabama and Oklahoma State.  OSU would have won their conference, but also would have lost to a team to an unranked team, on the road, towards the end of the season.  On the other hand, we would have Alabama, who did not win their conference, had the same record overall, but whose only loss was to the # 1 team in the country at home. Personally, I would enjoy either game, but if Oklahoma State beats Oklahoma then I think they should be in the title game simply based on the fact that although I do want to see a rematch, I do not think it would be good for college football to see an all SEC National Championship game.

Bobby Valentine New Sox Skipper

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Bobby Valentine is going to be leaving ESPN to return to a major league dugout.  He will be the next manager of the Red Sox.  Valentine has 15 years experience as a manger going into next season.  This is the guy I believe the Red Sox wanted since the search began after they let Francona go.  The Red Sox will have a dangerous team again this upcoming season and Valentine will only help to improve it.  This was the right choice for a team that needs to rebound after the way last season ended. 

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Crosby Returns to the Garden

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Update: Rangers Win in a Thriller at MSG, 4-3
      The Garden was electric for this one, the fans couldn't wait to welcome the Eastern Conference leading Pittsburgh Penguins.  The Rangers were trying to make a statement in this one...that they are among the best in the Eastern Conference.  Riding a 6 game home win streak, they faced the Penguins in a matchup of two of the hottest teams in the NHL.  The two teams came out heated, with a fight breaking out between Avery and Kennedy as soon as the puck was dropped.  It resulted in each player getting a roughing minor, and as soon as Avery and Kennedy came out of the box, they dropped the gloves again.  Each received a 5 minute major for fighting.  The Penguins would take a 1-0 lead on a power play goal by Neal with an assist from Crosby and Martin late in the first period.  The second period saw an onslaught of goals by the Rangers, four goals in 10 minutes by Callahan, Mitchell, Richards, and Gaborik.  Malkin responded for the Penguins with 7 seconds left in the second period.  Rangers had a 4-2 lead at the end of two.  The third period began with a goal at the beginning of the period by Dupuis (another assist from Crosby) to make it a 4-3 game, and that would be all the scoring in the game as the Rangers hung on for the 4-3 lead.  The Rangers were able to keep Crosby from scoring a goal in this one, and that helped them pull off the win.  This game had it all, and it was a huge win for the Rangers.  The Rangers now sit in second place (tied with Philadelphia) in the Atlantic Division, 3 points behind Pittsburgh.
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Crosby Set to Return to the Garden
Sid the Kid has come back better than ever and tonight the Rangers have to try their best to contain him.  Since coming back, Crosby has 2 goals and 7 assists and a +/- of 7.  Pretty good for his first 4 games back.  The Penguins are 3-0-1 since his return as well.  Crosby has done nothing less than impress since returning.  But tonight, he will be tested against a red hot Rangers team that has won 9 of their last 11 games.  They are 6-1-1 at home and have won their last 6 in a row.  A huge reason for this has been the streak that Brad Richards has been on for the Rangers.  He started the year slowly with his new team, only scoring 4 goals in his first 14 games, but has matched that total in the last 6 games.
     The Rangers trail the Penguins by 5 points in the standings, so this would be a huge win if they can stop Crosby.  Gaborik has had a great season and will probably play a role in this game as well.  In addition to Gaborik and Richards, a big part of the Rangers success this season has been their goaltending and defense.  The goaltenders for the Rangers, Lundqvist and Biron, have compiled the second best goals against in the league, at 2.1.  Along with this, the Rangers are killing penalties at an 85.2% clip, good for 9th best overall in the NHL.  If the Rangers want to creep closer to the Penguins in the standings, they will have to control Crosby and this task will fall on the defense.  When he does break through, and he will, it is up to Lundqvist to stop Crosby's shots.  Crosby loves the bright lights, so he will do his best to have an enormous game.  If the defense plays like they have, and the goaltending is solid, then the Rangers can win this game.

Week 12 Review

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Giants vs. Saints
The Giants could not get to Brees, and therefore did not stand a chance in this one.  Brees tied the NFL record for most 350+ yard games in an NFL season at 6 as he put up 363 yards.  He also became the first QB ever with 4 TD's, no picks, 350+ yards, 60% completion, and a rushing TD in the same game.  Eli put up 406 yards, but most of these yards were coming from behind, when they were playing catch up.  Cruz had 9 catches for 157 and 2 TDs for the Giants.  Graham led the Saints with 84 yards and 2 TDs, and survived a crushing hit.  It looked bad, but he got up from it thankfully.  The Giants need to straighten themselves out if they have any hopes of the playoffs.  They face the Packers next week...good luck. 
Giants (+7.5) Loss




Bills vs. Jets
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Jets needed a win to stay in the playoff hunt and they needed to dig deep a few times to get it.  I thought that they would destroy Buffalo this week, because in the last year they have been able to put away teams they should...but not in this one.  I kept thinking of the game against the Jags this year that they won 32-3, and really believed it would be a game like that.  It wasn't however.  The Jets did do exactly what I predicted they would need to for a victory however.  They went back to using the Mark Sanchez safety blanket from last year: Dustin Keller.  The first two passes of the game were intended for Keller.  You could tell Sanchez wanted to get back to that game plan.  After the Jets fell behind 7-0, Sanchez found Keller in the endzone for the Jets first score of the game.  The game was tied 14-14 at halftime, and after the Bills punted in the first drive of the second half, Sanchez and the Jets took the field.  The Jets ran the ball the first four plays, before Sanchez hit Keller for a 22 yard completion.  Two plays later, he connected with Keller again for an 18 yard touchdown.  The Jets would go on to lose the lead and fall behind 28-24.  The Jets final drive started with under six minutes remaining in the game.  They converted a 3rd and 8 to keep the drive going and then had to convert a 3rd and 11 at the Bills 36 yard line.  Sanchez connected with Burress for 18 yards before ending the drive in the endzone on a 16 yard touchdown to Santonio Holmes with 61 seconds left.  The defense allowed the Bills to drive to the 27 yard line.  A three yard pass brought them to the 24 yard line, where they had three chances and 15 seconds to win the game.  After blown coverage and a bad throw to a wide open receiver in the endzone, the Jets were able to hold on to win in game they needed.  This game was not pretty, but it might propel them to another streak to end the season.  They are currently in 8th place in the AFC standings, and have very winnable games to end the season (@Wash,KC,@Philly,Giants,@Miami).  If this team believes they are a playoff team, then they must win every game, seeing as their only challenge should be the Giants in a split Meadowlands.
Jets (-9.5) Loss

Vikings vs. Falcons
Atlanta handled a Peterson-less Vikings team at home fairly easily 24-14.  Matt Ryan threw for 262 yards, 3 TDs and 0 picks.  Roddy White caught 10 passes for 120 yards and a touchdown.  Tony Gonzalez also had a big game, 9 for 69 yards.  Atlanta currently holds the last playoff spot in the NFC.  They are a half game behind New Orleans for the NFC South.  They lost to the Saints the first time they played this year 26-23, after going for a fourth down in their half of the field.  They meet again in week 16.
Falcons (-9.5) Win

Browns at Bengals
The Bengals had to rally from 20-10 down late in the 3rd quarter to pull this one out, 23-20.  Far too close of a game after losing by only a touchdown against Pittsburgh and Baltimore back to back on the road.   A.J. Green returned with a solid game, 3 catches for 110 yards and Cedric Benson had a nice day rushing, 21 attempts for 106 and a touchdown.  Just enough for the Bengals to win, but not to cover. 
Bengals (-7) Loss

Bucs vs. Titans
This game was tied 10-10 at halftime.  The Bucs had the lead going into the 4th quarter, but Tennessee scored 13 unanswered points to win the game.  Tampa Bay was only 2 for 10 on 3rd downs.  Tampa utilized Blount in the passing game early, with 3 catches for 56 yards.  However, after losing a fumble, he wasn't thrown to again.  If he is lucky he catches one a game, so three was a lot for him.  He did have a solid game, adding 103 yards on 20 touches in the rushing game, but it wasn't enough to hold on in the 4th quarter, as Chris Johnson had a huge game.  In what has been a complete bust of a season for Johnson, he broke out, 23 carries for 190 yards.  Considering Hasselback'sBucs continue to slide, losing 5 in a row, while Tennessee continues to stay in contention for a wild card spot or the division, should Houston falter down the stretch. 
Bucs (+3) Loss

Panthers vs. Colts
Cam Newton claimed his first road win against a winless Colts team.  When the Panthers had a 45 yard field goal blocked at the end of the first half, I felt it might turn into another case of the Panthers giving away a game they should win.  The Panthers came out and stopped the Colts on the first play of the second half, and Newton led them down field in a drive that ended with a DeAngelo Williams 25 yard TD run.  Carolina never looked back and they held on for the 27-19 win. 
Panthers (-3.5) Win

Cardinals vs. Rams
In a battle of bad teams, the Cardinals used a 17 point 3rd quarter to beat the Rams 23-20.  I keep believing that Bradford will turn it around, but I think it is evident that this is not his year.  He did not have a terrible game, but he could not get the win in this one.  He went 17/31 with 203 yards and a TD.  Bradford did not have much help from Steven Jackson in the running game today.  Jackson carried 17 times for 64 yards.  On the other side of the ball, Beanie Wells broke out for 228 yards and a TD.  He had a 71 yard run where he was tripped up 11 yards short of the endzone.  It was a good day for Wells, another bad day for Skelton, 114 yards and 2 picks, but the Cardinals won behind Beanie's huge day.
Rams (-2.5) Loss

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Patriots vs. Eagles
The Patriots fell behind early before coming back to blow out the Eagles 38-20.  Vince Young (26/48, 400 yards) started the game with a 22 yard completion, followed by a 58 yard strike to Riley Cooper.  McCoy would run it in for the TD.  Young started the next drive much like the first one, with a deep pass of 44 yards, but the Eagles would settle for a field goal on that drive, and this seemed to slow them down and allow for Brady and the Law Firm to get it going.  They would score a TD behind Green-Ellis, force the Eagles to punt, and then Brady did his thing again.  A 63 yard pass and catch for Branch to the 1 yard line, followed by a 1 yard TD by BGE, and the rout was beginning.  When Young began the next drive with an interception, it was all but over.  Brady found Welker for a 41 yard TD two drives later.   Brady went 24/34, for 361 yards, 3 TDs, and 0 INTs.  Welker (8/115, 2 TDs) and Branch (6/125) looked great in this one, as Gronkowski was held in check (4/59, 1 TD).  Hernandez had more catches and was targeted more by Brady (6/62) in this one.  The Patriots are in first in the AFC East and are currently in second overall in the AFC.   
Eagles (+3.5) Loss

Texans vs. Jaguars

Houston is still atop the AFC standings after beating the Jags.  In a terrible turn of events however, they are not only without Schaub, but now without Leinart who broke his collarbone, and is potentially done for the season.  The QB duties now fall on North Carolina alum, T.J Yates.  Leinart was 10 for 13 for 57 yards and a TD before leaving the game.  Yates entered going 8 for 15 for 70 yards.  This week should be interesting, as we watch to see if Yates will be joined by a veteran free agent in practice or if the Texans trust the rookie to lead them into the playoffs.  They might let Yates stay behind center because of the amount of talent they have at running back, and the weapon that Andre Johnson is downfield.  If Yates can air it out, he might connect with Johnson for some big plays, although Johnson was held to only 2 catches for 22 yards in his return.  It still might be a good idea to bring in someone for insurance to install more fear in defenses against their passing game.  Foster only went 22 for 65 yards rushing today and Tate only had 5 carries, but racked up 26 yards.  It is going to be interesting going forward, but they got the job done in this one, and are one step closer to winning the division.
Texans (-6.5) Win


Bears vs. Raiders
Janikowski kicked the Raiders to the 25-20 win in this one.  He kicked two field goals in each of the first three quarters (40,47,42,19,37,44), and Michael Bush sealed the game with a 3 yard TD run in the 4th. Palmer threw for 301 yards with one interception.  Matt Forte had a subpar game, only getting 12 carries for 59 yards and 6 receptions for 25.  Marion Barber saw 10 carries for 63 yards.  Forte was not able to put up huge numbers because of the split with Barber.  Hanie, Cutler's replacement, went 18/36 for 254 yards, 2 TDs and 3 INTs.  He also ran 5 times for 50 yards.  It was not a terrible game, and with another week of practice, I expect the Bears to continue to keep games close. Oakland has to keep the foot on the gas, with Tebow only one game behind them for the AFC West title.
Raiders (-3) Win

Redskins vs. Seahawks
Washington put up 16 points in the 4th quarter to come back and beat Seattle 23-17.  I felt that Grossman would air it out in this one, and he did, completing 26 of 35 passes for 314 yards, 2 TDs, and 2 picks.  Helu had a great game in the backfield as well, 23 carries for 108 yards and a TD.  For Seattle, Lynch continued a 4 game stretch in which he has averaged almost 111 rushing yards a game.  It was not enough in this one though as the Redskins came back for the win.
Redskins (+3) Win

Broncos vs. Chargers
TEBOW TIME.  Read my article about Tebow to see how I feel about this guy.  In short, he is awesome.  Just keeps impressing everyone and pushing towards the playoffs.  He is 5-1 this year now as a starter with a 16-13 win in San Diego.  He started the game 0 for 4, before going 9 for his next 14.  He led the Broncos to another 4th quarter comeback, and an overtime victory.  He set a record for most QB rushes by a QB since 1970 with 22.  The Broncos were down 10-0 before Tebow connected with Decker for an 18 yard TD in the 2nd quarter.  In the 4th quarter, while trailing 13-10, with just over 5 minutes left (again), it was Tebow time.  Looking at a 3rd and 11 on their own 25, he hit Decker for a 39 yard gain.  Two plays later, he would hit Rosario for 23 yards and take the ball to the San Diego 12 yard line.  They would get a field goal to tie the game, and hold off San Diego to get to overtime.  The Tebows, I mean Broncos, won the toss, and went three and out.  But not before a tough decision by John Fox.  The Broncos had a 4th and 1 on the 45, and they elected to punt it, instead of letting Tebow go for a yard.  It turned out to be a good call, as they forced the Chargers to go three and out.  After Tebow looked to have enough for a first down on a 3rd and 11 pass, replay would overturn it, and once again force the punt on 4th and 1.  The Chargers drove down field, and on a 3rd and 6, lost four yards, to set up a 53 yard attempt by Novak.  The attempt was blocked, but the Broncos called a timeout, therefore giving San Diego another chance.  The kick went wide right, as Tebow was on the sidelines, head down, on one knee.  Tebow took over and ran for 12 yards, followed by a 4 yard run.  This opened up a running lane in the middle for McGahee (23/117) and he gained 24 yards.  Tebow would take the next snap and center it for a game winning 37 yard field goal by Prater with 29 seconds left in overtime.  Another game, another comeback, and another thrilling win for Tim Tebow.
Broncos (+6) Win


Steelers vs. Chiefs
The Chiefs would not go away in this one, as it came down to the final seconds of this one.  The Steelers would win 13-9, but the Chiefs had the ball with under one minute left in the game, and Palko was intercepted to end it.  The Steelers sit in 5th place in the AFC playoff standings, but can win the division should they win one more than the Ravens down the stretch. 
Steelers (-10.5) Loss


My Sunday record: 6-6
Thursday and Monday record: 0-4
Week 12: 6-10

Monday, November 28, 2011

MNF Halftime Summary

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Halftime in New Orleans and the Saints have a 21-3 lead


     If the Giants want to come back they will need to do a better job stopping the Saints offense.  Brees had a suburb first half, throwing for 265 yards and 3 TDs.  He ended the half with an 88 yard drive in 34 seconds which resulted in a 10 yard TD to Lance Moore.  Moore finished the half with 5 catches for 54 yards and 2 TDs.  Graham is having a great game with 4 receptions for 55 yards and a TD.  The rushing game of Sproles (5 for 35), Thomas (4 for 30), and Ingram (3 for 15) have been a nice compliment to the passing game. Neither team has a sack but the Giants desperately need to get to Brees to shake things up if they want to get back in the game.  The Giants running game continues to struggle, as they have a combined 29 yards, Jacobs has 7 carries for 20 yards.  This will not win any games and Jacobs is going to have to get it going in the second half unfortunately there may not be enough time for the running game at this point.  Manning is 14 for 24 at the half, with 171 yards and an interception.  Cruz (4 for 57) and Nicks (5 for 63) are leading the team in receptions.  Nicks looked to get banged up on his last catch of the half, so it's something to keep an eye on with Manningham not being active for the game, they can't afford another WR injury.  Look for the Giants to change their defense strategy in the second half against Brees.  They'll need to tweak coverage since in Man, Brees is going to Graham, and in Zone he is beating them with Moore.

UPADTE:  Giants Lose in a Blowout, 49-24
Giants continued to struggle after opening the half with a Jacobs TD.  They did not have enough to keep up with the Saints though, and turnovers did not help.   The Giants could not get to Brees, and therefore did not stand a chance in this one.  Brees tied the NFL record for most 350+ yard games in an NFL season at 6 as he put up 363 yards.  He also became the first QB ever with 4 TD's, no picks, 350+ yards, 60% completion, and a rushing TD in the same game.  Eli put up 406 yards, but most of these yards were coming from behind, when they were playing catch up. Cruz had 9 catches for 157 and 2 TDs for the Giants and Graham led the Saints with 84 yards and 2 TDs. The Giants need to straighten themselves out if they have any hopes of the playoffs...the face the Packers next week...good luck. 

Coaching Changes All Around

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     According to his agent, Urban Meyer has accepted the Ohio State coaching position.  After denying reports last week that he was going to accept this job and basically going in hiding over the weekend, his agent is now claiming the job is his.  To me, Meyer has always been a hard person to figure out.  But there is no doubt he is one of the best coaches around.
     After he resigned from Florida in 2009 to rest, he came back for the 2010 season.  He left the program again because of stress related health issues.  Last week he denied that he took this job, but it might have been out of respect for Ohio State because they still had a game to play.  Either way, it looked sketchy.  Over the weekend ESPN reported that they had called him but never received an answer.  He has been working at ESPN as an analyst.  If he did not intend on taking the Ohio State job, would he have ignored his employer?  At 5:15 today, Ohio Sate will have a press conference and this should all be official.  Ohio State needed a change after a 6-6 season, let's see if Meyer still has what it takes.

NHL Changes
     In the NHL, there were two coaching changes today. Paul Maurice was fired from the Carolina Hurricanes and Bruce Boudreau was fired from the Washington Capitals.  Carolina has had a bad season holding a 8-13-4 record.  They have replaced Maurice with Kirk Muller, an AHL coach, and previous NHL assistant.  The Boudreau firing surprises me.  They have been in a free fall since starting 7-0, going 5-9-1 since.  His coaching career at Washington ends with a 201-88-40 record.  He was the quickest to get 200 wins in the modern era NHL.  Ovechkin claims he was "shocked" to find out about the firing of his coach.  Boudreau was replaced by Dale Hunter.


UPDATE: 12/1/11 9:02 am: Boudreau Quickly Back In The Game
The Anaheim Duck have fired head coach Randy Carlyle and hired Bruce Boudreau.  Carlyle had a 273-182-61 record for Anaheim, but is only 7-13-4 this year.  The hiring of Boudreau should pay off for Anaheim.  It is tough to understand why he lost his job in Washington, but conflict with Ovechkin may be to blame.  Boudreau is a great coach and it did not take him long to find work. 


NFL

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UPDATE 11/29/11 9:30 am:  Jags Coach, Jack Del Rio Fired In Jacksonville
This morning, Del Rio was fired after compiling a 3-8 record this season.  He coached for 8+ seasons in Jacksonville and put together a 68-71 record.  He is a better coach than his 3-8 record this year shows.  Del Rio was managing a terrible team in Jacksonville and I am surprised that team was even able to win 3 games this year.  Look for Del Rio to be picked up next year by another team in the league.  The Jags defensive coordinator Mel Tucker is filling in as the interim coach. 

Sunday, November 27, 2011

The Rest of Week 12 Picks

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Week 12

Vikings vs. Falcons

Vikes playing in Atlanta, where Atlanta never loses.  They are without Adrian Peterson, and without him, they won’t have a chance here.  I think winning by 10 is not too much to ask here.
Falcons (-9.5) Win

Browns at Bengals
The Bengals return home after coming a TD short against Pittsburgh and in Baltimore.  Browns barely hung on again Jacksonville at home last week.  I expect the Bengals to deal with the browns easily in this game.
Bengals (-7) Loss

Bucs vs. Titans
Titans are giving 3 in this one, and I think if the Bucs recover from their loss last week at the Packers, then I think they win this game.  They fought against the Packers so it going to be interesting to see if they still have it in them this week.
Bucs (+3) Loss

Panthers vs. Colts
Newton puts on a show every week, but the defense gets beaten up every game.  The Colts have nothing to defend though, and I see Newton getting his first road win in this one.
Panthers (-3.5) Win

Cardinals vs. Rams
Both teams can’t put it together this year, but im going to go with the better QB in this one.  Although he has had a terrible season, I still like Bradford and think he can pull this one out at home.  Kolb is once again out for the Cardinals so Skelton will start, and I don’t think he will be able to win this game for the Cardinals.
Rams (-2.5) Loss

Bills vs. Jets
Jets need a win if they want to have a chance for the playoffs.  Simply put, if they can not beat a Bills team that can’t buy a win and that lost their best player, then they don’t deserve to make the playoffs.  I look for Sanchez to fall back on his favorite target from last year, Dustin Keller.  If he finds the guy he is comfortable with again, then he will be bale to relax and get the big win here.  I think the Jets get it done this week and take advantage of a wounded Bills team.
Jets (-9.5) Loss

Texans vs. Jaguars
Jacksonville’s offense is horrendous.  Even with Matt Leinart starting at QB for Houston, I think they will win this game.  They might get over 100 rushing yards from both Tate and Foster in this one, and if Leinart can just get the ball out, then Andre Johnson will have a great game in his return this weekend.
Texans (-6.5) Win

Bears vs. Raiders
Chicago is without Cutler and will rely heavily on Forte.  I think Forte needs to have a huge game, but he is only averaging 3.18 yards per carry in the last 2 weeks.  Chicago needs to hope that he is not tiring out, because with Caleb Hanie behind center replacing Cutler, it is going to be a run first offense, but not sure if its enough in Oakland against Palmer who is 2-1 as their starter.  McFadden is still out, but Bush is filling in great and I think they will win this one.
Raiders (-3) Win

Redskins vs. Seahawks
Washington gets Moss back this weekend and are coming off an OT loss to Dallas at home.  They can air it out with Grossman starting again but Seattle is a tough place to get a win.  I think it will be a close game, and I will take the Redskins getting 3.
Redskins (+3) Win

Patriots vs. Eagles
Patriots should win this game, but I wonder if the huge win in New York sparks the Eagles.  I think they stick close to the Patriots in this game if they play inspired.  If they fall behind early, then I think they get blown out.
Eagles (+3.5) Loss

Broncos vs. Chargers
Each week the Chargers push Norv Turner closer and closer to the exit door.  Rivers leads the league in interceptions and the Broncos have been playing good defense as of late.  Plus, the Broncos have Tebow, so therefore I am not thinking about this game much, instead, I am just taking Tebow.  I mean the Broncos.
Broncos (+6) Win

Steelers vs. Chiefs
Pittsburgh has had a week of rest to get Big Bens thumb healthy.  They face a reeling Kansas City team, and will take this game.
Steelers (-10.5) Win

Giants vs. Saints
Giants usually play close games on the road and the Saints tend to let good offenses keep games close.  The Giants are unpredictable and with them getting 7.5 points, I feel fairly confident in them.  I don't think it's too much of a stretch to think they could win this game.  I think both teams will utilize their tight ends a lot in this one.  Ballard seems to be impressing people with his play this year for the Giants, and Graham is one of the best tight ends in football.  Expect both quarterback to use them heavily in this game. 
Giants (+7.5) Loss

Saturday, November 26, 2011

NBA Expected to Begin On Christmas Day

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     Early this morning, NBA players and owners tentatively agreed on a new CBA.  The deal is expected to be somewhere between 49%-51% in relation to BRI (Basketball Related Income.)  The owners did not want to give the players over 50%, and the players would not take less.  Stern was able to get the sides to meet and although the number is not solid yet, the projected number that they will agree on is just over 50%.  We have to remember, that the deal is not in ink yet.  This was merely a handshake agreement.  There is still a long way to go, as the revenue sharing is still being figured out. 
     It is planned that the normal 82 game schedule will be shortened to 66 games, beginning on Christmas Day.  Training camp and free agency is tentaively slated to begin on December 9th.  Free agency will look a bit like the free agent situation this year in the NFL, a short amount of time but a lot of players in the free agent market.  The bottom line here is that by Christmas Day, we might all have forgotten there was even a lockout.  The NBA makes all the best matchups for Christmas Day, so its a win for the NBA and a win for fans.  With the NBA coming off one of their best season, it was essential that this deal got done for the holidays. 

UCONN Suffers First Defeat

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     UCONN saw their 16 game win streak dating back to last year, end today in a loss to UCF in the "Battle 4 Atlantis" tournament in the Bahamas.  This early season loss does not surprise me.  They have played close games against teams they probably should have blown out this year.  I don't feel as though they have the best team in the NCAA this year, and believe their #4 ranking was based on their success last year.  I still think they are a top 10 team however, but they have to learn one important thing this season...how to play without Kemba.  They have the talent on the team to win, Lamb and Nappier leading the way, who's ability we saw last year as they got better and better as the season went on.  Along with Olander and Oriakhi who have looked good thus far, and the star rookie Andre Drummond, who needs some time to mature, I believe this team will start to click and get on another roll.  They have looked shaky at times, but I think this will change.  They are going to have another good season, it's just a matter of time before they click all around.

Friday, November 25, 2011

Best Headed to Injured Reserve

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     Jahvid Best, who has missed 5 straight games since suffering a concussion in week 6 against San Francisco, was place on season ending IR today.  With Kevin Smith going down in yesterdays game and Detroit not knowing his status for next week, it seems as though they will need to make a roster move at running back to ensure they have extra depth.  Best, who has a history of concussions (at least three in the last three years) was having a good sophomore season, rushing for 390 yards and 2 TDs and making 27 catches for 287 yards and a TD in 6 games.  If Smith can't go next week, look for Maurice Morris to get the start.  Detroit, who started the season looking unbeatable, suddenly are looking very flawed.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Fred Jackson's Season Cut Short

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     The free falling Buffalo Bills have fallen a bit more.  Fred Jackson was placed on injured reserve, ending his season.  He is out with a fractured fibula.  Jackson had reportedly been sidelined with a calf injury, and had left Sunday's game in the third quarter.  X-rays earlier this week were negative, and yesterday, Jackson was ruled out for week 12.  Now he has been shut down for the entire season with s a broken leg.  C.J. Spiller will now be given a chance to be the lead back for the Bills.  Buffalo also signed Tashard Choice off waivers earlier today. 
     Jackson was having a career year, and it will end with him totaling 927 rushing yards (three 100 yard games) and 5 rushing touchdowns.  In addition, he racked up 31 receptions for 215 yards and 2 touchdowns.  He is 3rd overall for rushing yards this season.  It is a shame to see Jackson's season end after providing a feel good story in the first half of the season.  He had a tremendous season unfortunately cut short by an injury in week 11. 

Week 12 Thanksgiving Picks and Wrap Up

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WEEK 12

Packers vs. Lions
Detroit is coming off an outburst against Carolina.  Trailing big against the Panthers, they went on to assault them, putting up 49 points.  The Lions had been lackadaisical since week 6, compiling a 1-3 record since then.  They started slow here, and then straightened things out.  I am hoping this turns it around for the Lions and expect them to show up on Thanksgiving against the Packers.  This is the biggest game in years in Detroit and the place will be electric.  I don't expect it to rattle Rodgers a great amount, but I do expect the Lions to get a few big plays from their D (big 3rd down stops, etc.)  The Packers are not sure if Starks will play.  Starks is a good back and may put up decent yards if he plays, but I think the Lions defense will be able to consistently play the pass and try to contain Rodgers.  Rodgers is the best QB in the league right now, and it wouldn't surprise me to see him put up another monster day, but I think the Lions and Stafford will be able to hang with him.  Detroit showed last week that they can still put up huge numbers, even without Calvin Johnson catching 2 TDs.  He still had a good day, 5 catches for 89 yards, but not the 2 TD game he was accounting for every game in the beginning of the season.  As long as he can go out on the field with his ankle injury, then I give Detroit a chance here.  If he is on the field, he will draw double coverage, opening things up for Stafford to find other targets.  I like the Lions to keep it close and perhaps take down the undefeated Packers.
Lions
(+7) Loss



UPDATE: Packers dominate in win, Suh ejected, Lions lose 27-15

A few factors went into the Lions losing this one. 
1.  Kevin Smith left the game with a high ankle sprain after dominating the first drive of the game. 
2.  Suh was ejected.  The game really ended when he lost his temper.  The guy can have a huge impact but unfortunately for the Lions today, he lost his cool and lost the game.  A 4th and goal became a 1st and goal and an easy TD for Green Bay.
3. The interceptions by Stafford certainly did not help at all, as the Packers scored 2 TD's off of them. 
The Packers went on to dominate, only giving up a couple 4th quarter scores to the dangerous Detroit offense.  Solid performance by Rodgers once again, and the Packers are one step closer to perfection.


Dolphins vs. Cowboys

Cowboys will be without Miles Austin, but Robinson has been filling in nicely.  Dallas at home on Thanksgiving against a streaking Miami team equals a more interesting matchup than it was a few weeks ago.  I still feel confident taking the Cowboys by a TD.  I think Miami will put up a fight, but DeMarco Murray is running as good as the best backs in football right now and I do not think Miami will be able to stop him and control Dez and Robinson at the same time.  Oh, and don't forget the current tear that Romo is on.  They are clicking all around, and can see the NFC East title within their grasps.  This game might be close, but Dallas will win, and I believe they will win by at least a TD.
Cowboys (-7) Loss

UPDATE: Cowboys kick last second field goal to win 20-19

    

     Dallas wins in a wild one, even though Miami came out fighting in this game and almost pulled it off. Murray, another good game, rushing for 87 yards and catching 4 passes for 41 yards. Romo started the game shaky with two picks in the first quarter, but settled things down and kept the game close.  Robinson put up the best numbers, with 7 catches for 79 yards and 2 touchdowns.  He is becoming Romo's favorite target as of late.  As for Miami, their three game win streak ends but they played real well.  Moore threw for 288 yards and a TD to Marshall, who finished with 5 catches for 103 yards.  Reggie Bush continues to put up good numbers.  With these three clicking, they might be able to pull off a few more wins this season.  But today, the Cowboys had the last drive and therefore, won this game.

49ers vs. Baltimore
49ers have been on a roll all season.  Baltimore seems to always pull out the win as of late, but they are going up against a defense that has not given up a rushing touchdown all season.  Gore is all banged up, but even so, he had a good week last week (88 yards on 24 carries.)  Their running game looks good Gore should have a large workload and they have Kendall Hunter to provide support should he not be able to make it through the game.  Alex Smith has not made mistakes this year and if he can continue this trend, then this will be a close game until the end.  The NFC as a whole has been praised when compared to the AFC this year, but the question is...are the teams in the AFC less superior or are they beating up on each other resulting in more mediocre records?  I think this game is a good gauge on top AFC and NFC teams and where each team stands in their Super Bowl quests.  I see the 49ers battling the Ravens on national television and proving that they are for real.
49ers (+3)

 UPDATE: Ravens win defensive battle, 16-6    
    
    


Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy the games!
Check back here to get a wrap up of all of today's games, and later this week look for the rest of my picks!

Baseball Avoids Another Disaster

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     Today, the MLB players and owners agreed to a new collective bargaining agreement.  This year we already  saw an NFL lockout that forced an alteration in the season schedule in case there was a delay to the beginning of the season.  Now the NBA currently is still locked out, thus cancelling games until at least December 15th.  Today though, we had a breath of fresh air when MLB players and owners agreed to a new deal without a long, drawn out, greed driven battle.  This happened smoothly with MLB partially because of what is going and what went on with the three other major sports (NHL canceled the 2004-2005 season due to a labor dispute.)  In addition to these examples, MLB had their 1994 strike shortened season to draw from.  The 1994 season was producing story lines that are now forgotten about. The strike saw immediate ramifications, as there was a 20% decrease in average attendance from the 1994 season to the (shortened 144 games) 1995 season.  It is even more dramatic to consider that in 1993, over 70 million fans went to ballparks.  This is almost 20 million more than 1995, the year after the strike.  The fans that did show up were not quiet.  They made their frustration heard.  Fans made dramatic attempts to get their points across, such as throwing $150 worth of $1 bills at players at Shea Stadium, and renting a plain to fly over Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati with a sign declaring "Owners & Players: To hell with all of you!"  Fans went to extremes to get their points across after the strike.  Including never coming back.  
     The Montreal Expos, who were in the midst of their best season ever when the strike began, held an MLB best record of 74-40.  They saw their attendance drop significantly in the years following the strike, which ultimately led to the move of their team to Washington D.C in 2005.  Before the move in 2003, the Expos would play 22 home games in San Juan (this continued in 2004 as well.)  The Expos never recovered from the strike and it ultimately left them having to move to D.C.  Other story lines that fell victim to the strike were Tony Gwynn's pursuit of .400, as he was hitting .394 when the strike began and Giants' Matt Williams purist to break Roger Maris' home run record.  He had 43 home runs with 47 games remaining.  These chases and the success of the Expos made it tough for MLB to recover, but when it did, it came back stronger than ever.  The last thing MLB wanted this year, was a situation that would mirror the 1994 and 1995 seasons. It would be highly unlikely to have another Mark McGuire and Sammy Sosa home run race to bring fans back once again.

The New Deal
    The new deal is highlighted by random human growth hormone (HGH) blood tests that will be done in the off-season and spring training.  The MLB is the first American major sports league to implement such testing and it will be interesting to see if other leagues try to get the same testing in place.  Included in the new CBA is an increased allotment for instant replay including trapped balls and foul balls.
     The other major change is the postseason.  This change is the highlight of the new CBA in my opinion.  The league has set up a 10 team format, adding an extra wild card team in each league.  If this format was in place this year, then it would have eliminated the drama that we saw in September when the Red Sox collapsed and the Rays beat them out on the last day of the season, as well as the Cardinals and Braves coming down to the final day of the regular season.  If it is not broke, don't fix it.  The league is coming off the most drama we've ever seen in the final days of the season, ending with two historic collapses.  The one team wild card format has been successful since it began, why would they decide to change it now?  Money of course...in my estimation, both sides agreed on the deal because it makes the owners more money with more teams being in the hunt and players reps agree on it because it gives more players a chance at making the post season.  If the Braves and Cardinals had to play each other as the two NL wild card teams this year, who knows if the Cardinals would have been able to make it to the World Series and give us one of the greatest games in World Series history.  This conversation was happening mid-season, so the thoughts on playoff expansion were well under way before the off-season talks.  Like everything, it has its pros and cons however.  The pros being that more teams have a chance, meaning teams will achieve higher attendance numbers, resulting in more money for the teams and more money to be spent on players to hopefully improve teams.   
     In a few years, we might begin to get used to the new playoff format and it won't be a big deal, but right now it is a change that might take some getting used to.  This all comes on the heels of the announcement that the Astros will move to the AL West in 2013.  It is going to be interesting to see the changes to the schedule that come with it, and when more details are released on MLB's plans that will be another story.  But as for now, we have some changes, but the result is a season unharmed by talks of a lockout.  And that is all we can ask for.

Monday, November 21, 2011

Verlander Dominates

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     Not only did Justin Verlander dominate the entire American League this year, but he dominated the major awards as well.  Last week he won the AL Cy Young, and today he received 13 of 28 1st place votes, three 2nd place, and three 3rd place votes, to claim the AL MVP Award.  He is the first starting pitcher to win the AL MVP since Roger Clemens in 1986.  All of the debate over whether a pitcher should take home the award was put to rest as he claimed 280 total points for the award.  Ellsbury finished second with 242, Bautista finished 3rd with 231.  Granderson finished fourth with 215,  followed by Miguel Cabrera at 193.  Verlander finished the year 24-5, with a 2.40 ERA, 250 strikeouts, and a 0.92 WHIP...A dominant year that also included a no hitter.
     As I watched Verlander this year it was hard to imagine him not winning the Cy Young.  And as the year went on, the MVP talk began to get louder.  I watched him throw 100+ mph fastballs past hitters...in the 9th inning.  He had a season that we do not see very often, and it should be celebrated and acknowledged.  Most of the year, it looked as though Granderson and Ellsbury would be fighting for the award, but with a cold September for Granderson, and a dipping batting average, he seemed to lose some ground.  Ellsbury was not helped by the monumental collapse of the Red Sox in September, even though he continued to hit well.  Verlander however, led his team to the division title, and in the midst of the season, rolled off a 12 game winning streak.
     I have no problem with a pitcher winning the award, although they only take the ball every fifth day.  If they put up numbers like Verlander did, then it is extremely hard to discount the fact that he is not an everyday player.  He was just as important to his team than any player in baseball, and that is what the award is all about.  No matter how impressive his numbers were this year, they still do relay how dominant he was this year.  If I did not watch his performances, then I might have another opinion on him winning the award, but watching the unbelievable strength he had, and his ability to gain velocity as the game went deeper, make his numbers that much more impressive.  Verlander compiled a season that will be talked about for a long time and deserves the awards.

A Long Anticipated Return For Sid The Kid

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     Tonight, #87 takes to the ice again, in a return that hockey fans have waited 10 months for.  Crosby took a hit to the head on January 1st and then suffered a concussion four days later on January 5th.  Tonight, as we anticipate puck to drop, Crosby was met by 250 members of the media at his locker.  This is said to be the same amount of media that followed the team during 2009 Stanley Cup Finals.  The comeback is larger than life for Pittsburgh hockey fans, and for any fan of the NHL.  The NHL feels like the NFL without Peyton Manning this season.  It is great...but something is missing.  The return of Crosby is important for the NHL as many worried as to when they would actually see Crosby return to the ice.  As the games continued to be played last season, and Crosby was not making progress, I began to worry when we would actually see him take the ice again.  Surely for the start of this season many thought...But he was not ready when camp started, and he continued to progress slowly.  After 20 games this season, the time has finally come.  Pittsburgh enters with a share of the most points in the Eastern Conference, tied with divisional foe, Philadelphia.
     In half of a season last year, Crosby scored 32 goals, had 34 assists and a +/- of 20.  The 66 points he was on pace for would have been a career high.  He was also on pace for a career high in goals (64) surpassing his previous high by 13.  The NHL has long awaited their main star to take the ice again.  The whole game changes when Crosby takes the ice and tonight will be an exciting night for the NHL.  I'm expecting a goal as he takes the ice at home against the Islanders.

UPDATE:  Crosby impressed in his debut, scoring 2 goals and getting 2 assists.  I predicted one, but he did far better than that.  It is good to see him take the ice again.

Not in favor of a rematch? Remember Super Bowl XLII?

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     With so many speculations that the BCS Championship will be a rematch of LSU and Alabama, it is impossible to ignore that many people do not want to see a rematch.  I am not a huge fan of the BCS system, in fact, this article was originally intended to be an argument in how this season parallels a playoff, if Division I had one.  Since the first LSU vs. Alabama game, it has been team after team going down and losing their chances at the National Championship, and opening the door for Alabama and LSU to square off again.  This would match up arguably the two best NCAA teams, which is what the BCS system is intended to do.  This year, there looks like there will be no huge standout snub.  Thankfully, there probably won't be a 2003 situation, when USC finished 1 in both the AP and Coaches' poll, but came in third in the computer calculations, leaving them to simply watch the championship game...Unless LSU beats Arkansas, and loses in the SEC Title game, while #2 Alabama and #3 Arkansas (both in the SEC West), do not have to play an extra game.  LSU would have everything to lose, and nothing to gain.  If LSU beats Arkansas, then even if they lost in the SEC title game (by a close margin), it would not be impossible for them to still play in the National Championship.  Although in this situation, there would be a team that would be snubbed in one way or another.
     Assuming we see the rematch of LSU and Alabama, it will be hard not to hear the critics who do not want this.  The first matchup received the second highest viewed college game on CBS since 1987...so there still would be a lot of people who will want to see this match-up.  Perhaps it will draw criticism because there were no touchdowns scored in the first match-up, a 9-6 overtime win by LSU.  College football fans are used to the high powered offenses and this game was a defensive battle.  To all the people who do not want to see this rematch however, I want to remind everyone of Super Bowl XLII. 
     The Patriots and Giants played each other in an exciting game in week 17 of the 2007 regular season, as the Patriots escaped with a 38-35 win to go 16-0 in the regular season.  A little over a month later, the world saw one of the greatest Super Bowl's ever played with the Patriots going for a perfect 19-0.  The rematch of the Patriots and Giants made for an all-time classic game.  It was a game that no one could have scripted, but that everyone was talking about for years to come.  At no point was anyone thinking, "this game is lessened because it's a rematch".  The first game was amazing, and the second was even better.  Why are people so quick to assume that a rematch of LSU and Alabama would not be even better than the first?  It is not as though the first game was a blowout, it was a 3 point game!
     Although I would still love to see a playoff system, where we can have Cinderella stories such as in the NCAA basketball tournament, the BCS system would at least be serving its purpose, whether we disagree with its purpose or not.  If we can't have a playoff system, then we have to make sure the two best teams play each other, and if both LSU and Alabama win out, then there would be no doubt in many peoples' minds, who the two best teams are.  Some may not want to see the match-up again, but no one wants to see a team that should be in the title game left out, just because it would be a rematch.

Week 11...A Week I'd Like To Forget...

courtesy © NFL



WOW...what a week...If only my picks were as good as my fantasy team!  So...what went wrong?

Jets vs. Tebow (Broncos)
Read my article on Tebow.  We all know how this story ends.
Jets (-6) LOSS

Titans vs. Falcons
As i predicted, a lack of Julio Jones meant an explosive game from Roddy White, complimented by Tony Gonzalez.  White, 7 for 147, and Gonzalez, 5 for 74 and a TD. 
Falcons (-5.5
)  WIN

Bills
vs. Dolphins
Wow...goodbye to the Bills.  I gave them credit and thought maybe it was just a couple bad losses, and this is what I get in return?  Matt Moore is trying to prove they never needed Luck.
Bills (+2) LOSS

Bengals vs. Ravens
This game could have ended very differently had the refs not, in my mind, blown a call.  An originally ruled TD on the field was overturned to an incomplete pass...I understand why, but don't agree with the rule.  The receiver carried the ball across the end zone and then fell out of bounds and dropped it.  The ball already crossed.  The whole ruling gets me angry.  It is common since that it was a TD...Cincy settled for a field goal, instead of the TD with 5 min left, and came up just short.  Two weeks in a row though taking on a tough divisional opponent, and falling just short.  Shows a lot about the Bengals, they are for real.
Bengals (+7) PUSH

Jaguars vs. Browns
Held my breath here...after Cleveland missed a field goal, the Jags got down the field and had a 4th and goal and 1 second left on the 1 yard line...and they couldn't get it in. Too close for me. 
Browns (-1.5) WIN

Raiders vs. Vikings
Raiders almost gave this one away, but held on.  Bush continued to fill in nicely for McFadden, going 30 for 109.
Raiders (+1)
  WIN

Panthers vs. Lions
This was just a crazy game and the game of the day for me.  Cam led the Panthers to a 17 point second quarter lead, and held a 27-14 lead at halftime.  Then came the collapse of the Panthers, as I come to expect.  21 straight points by the Lions, and a 35-27 lead in the fourth quarter, before Cam did it again.  He stormed down field, and got a 6 yard rushing TD, followed by a 2-point conversion to Steve Smith.  35-35. Then a pick by Cam and a quick 2 TDs later, and the Panthers lose again and the Lions cover.  And Stafford, who started the game with 2 picks, ended up throwing 5 TD's after the picks.  What a game.
Panthers (+7) LOSS

Buccaneers vs. Packers
Bucs kept fighting, and kept it closer than I thought it would be.  Had it not been for a very rare pick by Rodgers in the fourth, then it was looking like a 15 point game.
Packers (-14)
LOSS

Cowboys vs. Redskins
Skins put on a show here and wouldn't go down easy, pushing it to OT, and turning my push, into a loss.  Another impressive game out of Murray, rushing 25 times for 73 yards and catching 6 passes for 32 yards.  Felix Jones returned, but for only 5 carries and 18 yards.  Murray has ignited this team and although they didn't blow the Skins out, they continue to roll.
Dallas (-7)
LOSS

Cardinals vs. 49ers
49er's were too dominant on defense, limiting Beanie Wells to 33 yards and forcing him to fumble.  Skelton got forced out of the game after a 6 for 19 performance, for 99 yards and 3 INT's.
Cardinals (+10)
LOSS

Seahawks vs. Rams
Nothing from the Rams in this one, a weak performance against a bad team, one that I thought was worse than the Rams.
Rams (-3)  LOSS

Chargers vs. Bears
Bears continue to dominate, although Cutler looks like he needs season ending surgery on his broken thumb.  They dominated the second half of this one and take away another huge win and continue roll, as the Chargers are in full collapse mode.  They did this without gaudy numbers from Forte (20 for 57), but without Cutler going forward, Forte will have to resume what he had been doing all season.
Bears (-4.5)
WIN

Eagles vs. Giants
Giants continue to do what they can to give away the NFC East.  Giants could not find any offense in this one.  And when they were still given a chance in the final minutes, Eli coughed it up to pretty much end the game.  A terrible loss for them and now they have to deal with the Cowboys for the division.  They needed this game at home against a hurt Eagles team, but tonight, the Eagles had more heart.  This was their must win game, against their rivals, and they showed up.
Giants (-5.5) LOSS

Chiefs vs. Patriots
Pats dominate the second half at home, like they should against a depleted Chiefs team.  In the process, increase their lead in the AFC East.
Patriots (-14.5) WIN

My Week 11 picks: 5-8-1

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Henderson and Shogun Battle In a UFC Classic

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     Tonight's UFC event was a classic.  I predicted that the fighter with the most heart, the fighter that simply wanted it more would win this fight because each had many reasons to leave it all out there.  Both fighters gave every ounce they had in this one.  In fact, every fight lived up to the hype, especially the final three. 
     The California Kid won in a great fight in his home state, to the delight of the crowd in the arena.  Faber beat Bowles with a second round submission, after a brutal assault that started to pick up steam in the second round.  After Faber put on a show, Wanderlei Silva welcomed Cung Le to the UFC with a loss in his first fight.  Cung Le, entered the octagon with a reputation of powerful kicks, but it was a series of kicks by Silva that changed the course of the fight.  Le spun kick after kick, but when Silva attacked with four consecutive kicks to Le, it changed the whole fight.  None of the kicks hurt Le badly, but it seemed to effect his mindset.  The kicks seemed to catch him completely off guard, and from that point forward he could never regain the upper hand.  I believe Le was confused by the kicks, and was therefore watching for them throughout the rest of the fight, which ultimately led to him being assaulted with punches and elbows, and being finished off by four violent knees to the face.  This fight had Fight of the Night written all over it, until Shogun and Henderson took to the Octagon.
     In the post fight interviews and commentary, Joe Rogan said the fight might have been the greatest in UFC history, and the greatest that he had ever called.  I completely agree.  I will give a brief summary, but this fight needs to be seen to completely understand how great it was.  I have never seen a fight better than this.  The unbelievable beatings these two fighters took were legendary. 
    Henderson put a beating on Shogun in Round 1, catching him with a few blows that left him looking slightly confused.  He got him to the ground and it looked as though the fight could have been stopped, but the ref let them fight, and it's a good thing he did.  Round 2 brought another round won by Henderson, but not without a burst from Shogun.  Round 3 was the turning point in my eyes.  Henderson won the round, but towards the end of the round, Shogun began to find rhythm and some life, but not before being absolutely beaten on the ground.  He was able to get a single leg, but couldn't get a good hold.  At the very end of the round, Henderson was tiring and Shogun was still alive.  This ended up being the deciding round, as two judges scored it 10-9, and one scored it 10-8-Henderson.  After the tremendous beating that Shogun took, I understand why it was scored a 10-8, but I was not sure if any of the judges had scored it a 10-8 while watching live.  Round 4 saw Henderson endure an unbelievable amount of damage, taking fist after fist to his face.  His tank was empty.  He let his hands down and let his face absorb the abuse.  He had no energy left to defend himself, but every now and then countered with a strong hook after taking one right to the jaw.  He wobbled but he did not get knocked out.  He fought with all he had to keep the fight going and to not get it called.  He was not going to lose unless he was knocked out.  Clearly Shogun took this round.  Round 5 was one sided, completely dominated by Shogun on the ground.  Numerous times he had Hendo in a mount, and numerous times Henderson found the strength to escape.  I have no idea how.  The final seconds saw another full mount, that Henderson survived until the end.  All three judges gave round 5 to Shogun, 10-8.  It was not enough though, as the first three rounds proved to dominant by Dan Henderson and he won by by unanimous decision, 48-47. 
     I recommend everyone find this fight somehow and watch it because who knows when we will ever see a fight like this again.  This fight was worth the many years that we have all waited.  Congrats to Hendo on an amazing performance.

Saturday, November 19, 2011

UFC 139 Preview

     Tonight is UFC's first Pay-Per-View event since the UFC on FOX premiere last week.  I am interested to see how many new viewers this card attracts.  The whole card is great, with the headlining fight featuring two former Pride fighters, former UFC light heavyweight champion Mauricio Shogun Rua (20-5) and former Pride and Strikeforce champion Dan Henderson (28-8) in a five round, non-title fight.  Henderson is fighting in his first fight back in the UFC.  Henderson is coming off three straight wins in Strikeforce, and Shogun enters the fight off a win against Forrest Griffin, but is 2-2 in his last 4 fights.  Shogun finished off Forrest in just under two minutes in late August, and is fighting for the third time this year.  Henderson is also fighting his third fight of the year, his last taking place at the end of July that resulted in a TKO of Fedor in the first round.  Both of these fighters have a lot to prove in this fight and the winner will be the man who wants it more.  The winner is likely to get a title fight, and Shogun is trying to fight his way back to the top and reclaim that title.  Henderson, at 41 years old, is trying to continue winning to get a title shot one last time.  In terms of the favorite in this fight, it is almost even, Shogun with the slight advantage.  I want to see Henderson take this fight tonight and believe he can, but either way, it should be a classic one.
    The rest of the main card: Wanderlei Silva 33-11-1, 1NC) against Cung Le (7-1), Urijah Faber (25-5) vs. Brian Bowles (10-1), Martin Kampmann (17-5) vs. Rick Story (13-4), and Stephan Bonnar (16-7) vs. Kyle Kingsbury (11-2, 1 NC).  Another fight I am looking forward to that will be on the prelims on Spike is Ryan Bader (12-2) vs. Jason Brilz (18-4-1).  This will be a great night of fights, hope everyone enjoys!

Huge Upset Will Mean a BCS Shakeup

http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz234/Penny4Bama/LiveCrimson/bcs-national-championship-trophy.jpg

     Oklahoma State held their destiny in their hands.  With two games left, including one at home against rival #5 Oklahoma on December 3.  They took the field with heavy hearts after the OSU women basketball coaches died in a plane crash Thursday night.  The game began with a moment of silence for Kurt Budke, Miranda Serna, and two others who died in the crash Thursday night.  With so much on their minds, would OSU be able to play a football game? 
    Oklahoma State entered with a 10-0, 7-0 Big 12 record, against an Iowa State team that was 5-4, and 2-4 in the Big 12.  Iowa State entered with an 0-18 record all time record vs. teams ranked #1 or #2 in the nation.  Iowa State trailed 17-7 at halftime and tied the game up in the fourth quarter after holding OSU to only 7 points in the second half.  Iowa State sideline looked exhausted, after nearly 100 offensive plays in regulation.  They would take their first lead of the game, 31-24, on the first play of overtime, a 25 yard touchdown pass.  After Oklahoma tied it 31-31 in their first possession, they would throw an interception on the first play of the 2nd OT.  This opened the door for Iowa State if they could get any score with their offensive possession.  They rushed three times for 25 yards, ending the drive in the end zone, and completing a huge upset 37-31. 
    With Oklahoma State losing, the doors are open for some one loss teams to creep into the #2 spot in the BCS standings.  #1 LSU still has to play Ole Miss tomorrow, and #6 Arkansas, but assuming they win out, that leaves one spot to be filled for the national championship.  #3 Alabama and #4 Oregon would be in line to have a chance for a rematch against LSU in the title game, both teams lost to LSU earlier in the season.  Alabama would have the slight edge if everyone wins out.  #5 Oklahoma would need a little more help and #6 Arkansas could still have a chance if they can upset LSU.  It should be an exciting final two weeks, but things really took a turn tonight with the huge upset by the Cyclones in Ames, Iowa.

Friday, November 18, 2011

Jets Got Tebow'd!


     Well…Tebow might just be the new Tom Brady.  I believe it.  Give the guy 2 minutes, a game in which his team is losing or tied, and he will give the Denver Broncos the W.  This guy is great.  All game he is kept in check, mostly because the Broncos decided to hand the ball off, instead of having Tebow take it himself.  The Jets defense was stellar for 58 minutes, but I believe that Tebow could have exploited them earlier if the Broncos pushed the issue a little more.  With the Broncos down by 3 though with just over 2 minutes left, and 95 yards to the end zone...it was Tebow time.  He went 3 for 5 and passed for 35 yards, while running 6 times for 57 yards and running twice for first downs on third down conversions.  Unbelievable.  This guy is something else.  He beat a defense that dominated all night, and won yet another game.  If you didn’t believe before tonight, I think you do now.  And a side not here...All the criticism he has endured for simply praying is ridiculous and uncalled for...if you want to mock him, he's probably just going to beat you, so do whatever helps you sleep after losing to this guy.  Props to the Jets for not "Tebowing".  But back to the game tonight...it was an amazing performance by Tebow, leading the Broncos to another win in a game where the Broncos continued to climb in their division, and the Jets playoff chances continue to fade fast.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Week 11 Preview and Picks

Each week I will make picks for every NFL game.  Be sure to check before Thursday Night Football and before kickoff on Sundays.

 WEEK 11
Thursday Night Football
  

Jets vs. Broncos    
I've toiled over this game for days...it intrigues me in so many ways.  The Jets are coming off a tough loss at home and are looking for redemption.  But it is Tim Tebow they are up against.  All Tebow knows is how to win football games...after all, he did teach Charlie Sheen everything he knows about "WINNING".  If the Jets start this game off strong, get an early lead with a TD or two, then it will force Tebow to throw more which could lead to some turnovers.  I wouldn't be surprised by defensive TD from the Jets as well in this one.  Denver's offense is simple...it is all based on the option play.  The option has been opening up the field for Tebow and McGahee...but McGahee is hobbled by a bad hamstring and can not be expected to be 100% against a physical Jets defense.  Rex Ryan preaches defense and is very familiar with defending the option.  In his 1999 book, Coaching Football's 46 Defense, he dedicated a 20 page section to the option play itself. All this adds up to me taking the Jets to cover.
Jets (-6)

Titans vs. Falcons
Questionable Julio Jones does not look good for the Falcons, but I expect Roddy White to have a huge second half of the season, and without Jones, this gives him the opportunity.  Not to mention, Tony Gonzalez still looks great.  Leave out their losses against New Orleans, Atlanta is 19-2 in their last 21 games at home. 
Falcons (-5.5
)

Bills
vs. Dolphins
Buffalo has been struggling and Miami is starting to find their groove.  Buffalo has to respond after a beating in Dallas, and with their season still fully salvageable, I find it unlikely that they lose their third in a row.  Miami has been streaking, but I think desperation time for Buffalo will mean a heavy dose of Fred Jackson and a win for Buffalo.
Bills (+2)

Bengals vs. Ravens
Bengals were tested last week and probably would have won if A.J Green didn’t get hurt in the first quarter. Still, only lost by a TD against Pittsburgh.  No A.J in this one, but also no Ray Lewis for the Ravens, maybe allowing some lanes to open up here.  I don't like Flacco in this game, and if they could pressure him and limit Rice, then I can see an upset.
Bengals (+7
)

Jaguars vs. Browns
Toss up here.  I’ll take the Browns at home.
Browns (-1.5)

Raiders vs. Vikings
Minnesota at home against a Raiders team that does not have McFadden.  But Michael Bush has been filling in nicely, and I think Palmer will be able to exploit the Vikes secondary.
Raiders (+1)


Panthers vs. Lions
I believe in Cam Newton, as for the rest of the team…not so much.  But of their 7 losses, 5 have been by 7 points of fewer, including a couple games they should have won.  The team beside Cam is a 7 loss team, but Cam does so much by himself, that they stay in almost every game.  After Cams first blowout loss last week, I expect a rebound and a close game against a struggling Detroit team.  Cams first road win doesn’t seem out of the question here either.
Panthers (+7)

Buccaneers vs. Packers
Packers at home against a warm weather team.  As hot as the Pack are, that’s how cold the Bucs have been.  I’m taking the Packers to win this game in a blowout.
Packers (-14)

Cowboys vs. Redskins
Dallas is red hot and has been putting up a lot of points lately.  Washington is reeling and although I don’t think it will be easy, Dallas is going to win this game. 
Dallas (-7)

Cardinals vs. 49ers
Cardinals keep things close, but got blown out earlier this year at home against the 49ers.  They have been playing nicely, even without Kolb, as Skelton has been filling in nicely.  I think they will keep it within 10 in San Fran.  Plus, San Fran is due for a bad game. 
Cardinals (+10)


Seahawks vs. Rams
St. Louis at home, hoping Bradford can turn it around and they can pull this one out.
Rams (-3)

Chargers vs. Bears
The Chargers are sinking….fast.  Two teams going in complete opposite directions.  I’ll take Cutler and the Bears.
Bears (-4.5)


Eagles vs. Giants
Giants looking to rebound after losing on the West Coast to the 49ers.  Facing an Eagles team that is collapsing.  No Vick or Maclin means that the Giants have a great opportunity to get an easier win in a division game.  Although it never seems easy against Philly, I think they take this one and cover. Giants (-5.5)

Chiefs vs. Patriots
I’ve never felt confident in the chiefs offense anyways, and with Cassel out, it seems like a pretty lopsided match-up on a cold night in Foxboro. 
Patriots (-14.5)