Well, tomorrow is the Super Bowl. Cardinals and Steelers in Tampa for all the marbles. The Steelers are the favorite in Vegas while the Cards are being picked by most experts. So in a game where both teams are the underdogs, who will come out top dog? Clearly not you, since I just had you read that sentence. Sorry, couldn't resist.
Anyways, I wrote about this game before, and I hate the over analysis of the Super Bowl. I know it's the biggest game of the year, but we don't need two weeks of non-stop coverage leading up to the game. We just don't. There are too many stories, too many articles written, too many blog posts about the game.
There are two other professional sports going on, including one All Star game. There's college basketball (quick shoutout to UConn for having the top ranked team in each gender). Pat Summitt is about to win her 1000th game as a head coach (not in Oklahoma though). Not that the Super Bowl doesn't deserve all the coverage it gets, it just doesn't need to be jammed down our throat as much as it is.
Anyways, I honestly have no idea how this game will pan out. After last season, with the Patriots being considered the greatest team of all time in the over coverage of the Super Bowl losing, how can anyone be that certain? I wouldn't be surprised to see the Steelers rout the Cardinals due to their stifling defense. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Cards rout the Steelers thanks to their fantastic passing game. But more likely, I see a game decided by 4-10 points.
I like the Cards so long as Warner doesn't have a terrible game throwing picks left and right. Larry Fitzgerald is unstoppable. He will have a monster game no matter what the Steelers defense does. But because of all the attention he will receive, Anquan Boldin will also have a huge game. I feel that both receivers could have hundred yard games.
Also, I'm just not feeling anything coming from Roethlisberger. He already set a record for having the lowest passer rating of any winning Super Bowl quarterback. Now, he doesn't have his best receiver at full health. Mike Tomlin is also the youngest head coach to ever coach a Super Bowl. The previous one? Bill Cowher in 1995, a Steelers loss.
I just feel the Cards will have a bunch of big plays and a bunch of 3-and-outs. However, I feel the big plays will lead to enough points to counter Roethlisberger's weak performance.
Steelers 17
Cardinals 23
Kurt Warner wins the MVP (and locks up a spot in Canton, though he probably should have already)
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Starbury in Celtic Green? Not w/o some of the Knicks' green
Stephon Marbury's recent claims that he reached a verbal commitment with with the Boston Celtics if he could achieve a buyout with the Knicks was rebuffed today in the Boston Herald citing an inside basketball source. I wonder if that source was called common sense? The Celtics have zero need for Stephon Marbury and the headache that comes with him. Obviously he would have to play for the veteran minimum as the Celtics are already above the cap and only have so much left on their mid-level exception to sign veterans who will be bought out later in the season, veterans they actually have a need for.
Any concerns Boston had last season about their point-guard play is gone as Rajon Rondo has taken a giant step forward. Boston has a plethora of guards at this point with Rondo, Ray Allen, Eddie House, Tony Allen, and Gabe Pruitt (who has been looking better as the year has progressed in his limited minutes). What Boston really needs is more depth up front. Big Baby Davis has taken a step forward this season, but that isn't enough. Kendrick Perkins has had shoulder issues all season, and who knows how long that will last. Brian Scalabrine, who has been somehow become a decent player for the C's this season, just suffered his second concussion in the last three days, so only time will tell what level he will be at when he gets back to the game.
Boston needs another PJ Brown type; a veteran big man in search of a ring who doesn't cause any issues in the locker room. The only part of that sentence that refers to Starbury is 'veteran.' If Starbury really wanted to leave the Knicks he wouldn't let it known that he is close to signing with the C's (currently the East's #1 seed, NY is only one game out of 8th, with Milwaukee being the 8 seed and sure to fall withouht Michael Redd) but more importantly, he would help facilitate the buyout more. By reports I have found, Marbury is not willing to take less then 95% of what he owed by the Knicks. The Knicks have no real reason to let him sign with Boston or more likely Miami, another Conference rival, if they still are going to be paying him almost everything they would owe him anyways.
There's still an outside shot the C's will sign Marbury, but the Heat will probably offer him a bit more money and playing time. It'll come down to Marbury if he would rather have a better shot at a ring or money/PT (assuming the C's have any interest in him at all). Since Starbury is reluctant to take less money from the Knicks so he can play somewhere else (and it's not like he or his great grandkids are gonna starve, he's been getting over $20 million from the Knicks annually), I see him going for the cash and PT in Miami (though him going to Europe wouldn't surprise me either with a big deal) instead of going to the Champs.
Any concerns Boston had last season about their point-guard play is gone as Rajon Rondo has taken a giant step forward. Boston has a plethora of guards at this point with Rondo, Ray Allen, Eddie House, Tony Allen, and Gabe Pruitt (who has been looking better as the year has progressed in his limited minutes). What Boston really needs is more depth up front. Big Baby Davis has taken a step forward this season, but that isn't enough. Kendrick Perkins has had shoulder issues all season, and who knows how long that will last. Brian Scalabrine, who has been somehow become a decent player for the C's this season, just suffered his second concussion in the last three days, so only time will tell what level he will be at when he gets back to the game.
Boston needs another PJ Brown type; a veteran big man in search of a ring who doesn't cause any issues in the locker room. The only part of that sentence that refers to Starbury is 'veteran.' If Starbury really wanted to leave the Knicks he wouldn't let it known that he is close to signing with the C's (currently the East's #1 seed, NY is only one game out of 8th, with Milwaukee being the 8 seed and sure to fall withouht Michael Redd) but more importantly, he would help facilitate the buyout more. By reports I have found, Marbury is not willing to take less then 95% of what he owed by the Knicks. The Knicks have no real reason to let him sign with Boston or more likely Miami, another Conference rival, if they still are going to be paying him almost everything they would owe him anyways.
There's still an outside shot the C's will sign Marbury, but the Heat will probably offer him a bit more money and playing time. It'll come down to Marbury if he would rather have a better shot at a ring or money/PT (assuming the C's have any interest in him at all). Since Starbury is reluctant to take less money from the Knicks so he can play somewhere else (and it's not like he or his great grandkids are gonna starve, he's been getting over $20 million from the Knicks annually), I see him going for the cash and PT in Miami (though him going to Europe wouldn't surprise me either with a big deal) instead of going to the Champs.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
NHL All Star Game 2K9
When I first walked into my living room tonight to watch the All Star game, I asked my house mate why he wasn't watching hockey. He told me that it was in fact the lead up to the game. Leave it to the French Canadians to combine the only sport that has breaks in the game for fights without suspensions with Cirque de Soleil. While Cirque de Soleil is incredible, it just doesn't fit in my mind with hockey. But the game was in Montreal, so I'm not surprised the two were combined.
Anyways, the game was incredible. Evgeni Malkin scored the goal of the night, flipping a shot between his legs into the net. It was a thing of beauty. Martin St. Louis also scored a beautiful goal that for some reason hasn't been on any of the highlights of the game. St. Louis had a pretty back-handed shot after wrapping around the goal. I guess when 22 goals are scored though, there's bound to be some pretty goals that don't make the SportsCenter highlight cut.
It's not surprising that Alexi Kovalev won the MVP trophy, but I felt that Tim Thomas probably deserved it more. Granted the people of Montreal might have started a riot if a Boston Bruin won the All Star game MVP, but he really earned it. Thomas made the save of the night when he read a 2-on-1 breakaway perfectly, knew what the offensive players were going to do before they did, and blocked the shot wide in overtime. The game should have ended there with a win for the Western Conference, but it didn't.
Instead the Eastern Conference won in a shootout, where Thomas stopped both shots he faced. Thomas is only credited with one save in the shootout, but if you watch the replay he read it right and knocked the puck even wider then it would've been had he just stood there. Thomas had 19 saves and allowed 3 goals, good for the best save percentage of all siv goalies who played in the second highest scoring All Star game in history. Thomas also stopped all the shots he faced in an overtime that included the first penalty in 9 years in the All Star game.
I'm not mad that Kovalev won the MVP, he is the local hero and was the captain of the winning squad, but he didn't do much to separate himself from the rest of the players in the game. Two other players duplicated the two goal and one assist feat that Kovalev had, though neither of them had a goal (or a chance) in the shootout. Seven other players also tallied three points in the game, one of them being Ovechkin who also had the game winning goal in the shootout. Also, both of Kovalev's goals came as the result of a breakaway.
Ok, I know it sounds like I am mad at Kovalev winning the MVP, but I'm not. It's what the fans of host Montreal wanted, the NHL wanted it, and it makes for a better story. The NHL has enough problems keeping their number of fans up, so pissing off a 100-year old fan base is probably not the best idea. It's too bad that a game that was this much fun to watch was on Versus and more people probably saw the game live then on TV.
Anyways, the game was incredible. Evgeni Malkin scored the goal of the night, flipping a shot between his legs into the net. It was a thing of beauty. Martin St. Louis also scored a beautiful goal that for some reason hasn't been on any of the highlights of the game. St. Louis had a pretty back-handed shot after wrapping around the goal. I guess when 22 goals are scored though, there's bound to be some pretty goals that don't make the SportsCenter highlight cut.
It's not surprising that Alexi Kovalev won the MVP trophy, but I felt that Tim Thomas probably deserved it more. Granted the people of Montreal might have started a riot if a Boston Bruin won the All Star game MVP, but he really earned it. Thomas made the save of the night when he read a 2-on-1 breakaway perfectly, knew what the offensive players were going to do before they did, and blocked the shot wide in overtime. The game should have ended there with a win for the Western Conference, but it didn't.
Instead the Eastern Conference won in a shootout, where Thomas stopped both shots he faced. Thomas is only credited with one save in the shootout, but if you watch the replay he read it right and knocked the puck even wider then it would've been had he just stood there. Thomas had 19 saves and allowed 3 goals, good for the best save percentage of all siv goalies who played in the second highest scoring All Star game in history. Thomas also stopped all the shots he faced in an overtime that included the first penalty in 9 years in the All Star game.
I'm not mad that Kovalev won the MVP, he is the local hero and was the captain of the winning squad, but he didn't do much to separate himself from the rest of the players in the game. Two other players duplicated the two goal and one assist feat that Kovalev had, though neither of them had a goal (or a chance) in the shootout. Seven other players also tallied three points in the game, one of them being Ovechkin who also had the game winning goal in the shootout. Also, both of Kovalev's goals came as the result of a breakaway.
Ok, I know it sounds like I am mad at Kovalev winning the MVP, but I'm not. It's what the fans of host Montreal wanted, the NHL wanted it, and it makes for a better story. The NHL has enough problems keeping their number of fans up, so pissing off a 100-year old fan base is probably not the best idea. It's too bad that a game that was this much fun to watch was on Versus and more people probably saw the game live then on TV.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Goodbye Tony and Herm
The Kansas City Chiefs just fired Herm Edwards as their head coach. This firing comes during the same offseason in which Tony Dungy retired from the Indianapolis Colts. The two coaches have been very close friends throughout their careers and any time that the two coaches teams played each other, they always had a very loving embrace on the field. So loving that in watching them, I often felt that I needed an adult. In fact, I'm a bit surprised that one of their post game embraces wasn't found here.
It's only fitting that these intertwined coaches stopped coaching the same offseason. I mean, they are basically the same guy. They look almost exactly the same. They are both mild mannered coaches who are loved by the media. And now, both are gone. I know I'm in the minority here, but I am glad to see them both gone.
A large part of my sentiment is the fact that they both coached for teams I don't like (Colts and Jets) but it's also because they are both incredibly boring. When you can't tell in a post game conference if the team won or lost based on the coaches body language, they are a boring coach. When a coach never does a single thing that is even slightly controversial, they are a boring coach.
Give me a coach like Mike Singletary and his pants-dropping rants. Give me any of the coaches in the Coors Lite commercials. Just don't give me a coach who says the most boring, P.C. things imaginable. People are just a little bit too sensitive in this day and age, and while sometimes its warranted, it makes for a far less fun life. So here's hoping their replacements are more fun on the podium, and that they have less man-love moments.
It's only fitting that these intertwined coaches stopped coaching the same offseason. I mean, they are basically the same guy. They look almost exactly the same. They are both mild mannered coaches who are loved by the media. And now, both are gone. I know I'm in the minority here, but I am glad to see them both gone.
A large part of my sentiment is the fact that they both coached for teams I don't like (Colts and Jets) but it's also because they are both incredibly boring. When you can't tell in a post game conference if the team won or lost based on the coaches body language, they are a boring coach. When a coach never does a single thing that is even slightly controversial, they are a boring coach.
Give me a coach like Mike Singletary and his pants-dropping rants. Give me any of the coaches in the Coors Lite commercials. Just don't give me a coach who says the most boring, P.C. things imaginable. People are just a little bit too sensitive in this day and age, and while sometimes its warranted, it makes for a far less fun life. So here's hoping their replacements are more fun on the podium, and that they have less man-love moments.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Mark McGwire, Steroid User?
According to Jay McGwire, Mark's brother, Mark McGwire used both HGH and steroids during his career. My first reaction in hearing about this can best be described with one word; REALLY?!
(I feel the same way about this athlete and drugs as Amy Poehler and Seth Meyers do about another athlete and another drug:
http://www.hulu.com/watch/1794/saturday-night-live-weekend-update-michael-vick-really
Also, wasn't it nice when that was Vick's biggest problems?)
Anyways, Jay wrote about this in a book and has been rejected by many publishing companies according to an article on ESPN.com. I have to believe this is because the story isn't that shocking, the book may not be well written, and also because the fact that the brothers haven't spoken in years hurts Jay's credibility, not that he really needs much credibility to have people believe that Mark did both substances.
Mark will probably never make the Hall of Fame despite being 8th all time in career home runs and having the second most homers in a season. I'm still not entirely sure on who I feel should be in the Hall from the Steroid Era, I feel like I need to see where all the dust settles once all the players from the era have retired, but he probably won't get in since his vote total has dropped between his first two years on the ballot.
These "allegations" are not earth shattering, not in the least, but they keep McGwire in the news. I just wish McGwire would admit what he did so that we can all just move on. In fact, if only all the prominent players who are under suspicion would just cop to what they did so we can move on.
Do you remember that last season Rodney Harrison on the Patriots tested positive for steroids and was suspended for the first four games of the season? I only do because I'm a die-hard Pats fan, but here's why you might not remember; he admitted he was in the wrong. Harrison said he was frustrated that he had been on and off the field the past few seasons because of injuries, he took steroids so he could get back on the field, he apologized, served his suspension, and everyone moved on. I wish baseball players could take his example so the baseball world can just move on and start a new era. Please?
So thank you Jay McGwire for your incredible insight and inside information in clearing up for us if your brother did steroids. Also, thank you for waiting this long to say anything about this. Had you said something when your brother was testifying in front of Congress, then this story would've been over by now. I love it when stories drag on forever, that's why Brett Favre is my favorite player in the history of the NFL. I love hearing about him for 36 straight months.
(I feel the same way about this athlete and drugs as Amy Poehler and Seth Meyers do about another athlete and another drug:
http://www.hulu.com/watch/1794/saturday-night-live-weekend-update-michael-vick-really
Also, wasn't it nice when that was Vick's biggest problems?)
Anyways, Jay wrote about this in a book and has been rejected by many publishing companies according to an article on ESPN.com. I have to believe this is because the story isn't that shocking, the book may not be well written, and also because the fact that the brothers haven't spoken in years hurts Jay's credibility, not that he really needs much credibility to have people believe that Mark did both substances.
Mark will probably never make the Hall of Fame despite being 8th all time in career home runs and having the second most homers in a season. I'm still not entirely sure on who I feel should be in the Hall from the Steroid Era, I feel like I need to see where all the dust settles once all the players from the era have retired, but he probably won't get in since his vote total has dropped between his first two years on the ballot.
These "allegations" are not earth shattering, not in the least, but they keep McGwire in the news. I just wish McGwire would admit what he did so that we can all just move on. In fact, if only all the prominent players who are under suspicion would just cop to what they did so we can move on.
Do you remember that last season Rodney Harrison on the Patriots tested positive for steroids and was suspended for the first four games of the season? I only do because I'm a die-hard Pats fan, but here's why you might not remember; he admitted he was in the wrong. Harrison said he was frustrated that he had been on and off the field the past few seasons because of injuries, he took steroids so he could get back on the field, he apologized, served his suspension, and everyone moved on. I wish baseball players could take his example so the baseball world can just move on and start a new era. Please?
So thank you Jay McGwire for your incredible insight and inside information in clearing up for us if your brother did steroids. Also, thank you for waiting this long to say anything about this. Had you said something when your brother was testifying in front of Congress, then this story would've been over by now. I love it when stories drag on forever, that's why Brett Favre is my favorite player in the history of the NFL. I love hearing about him for 36 straight months.
2009 NBA All-Star Starters
The starters for the 2009 NBA All-Star were announced today and the reserves are set to be announced next week. For now, let's look at the starters. Here they are at a glance really quickly.
EAST
G- Allen Iverson, DET
G- Dwyane Wade, MIA
F- LeBron James, CLE
F- Kevin Garnett, BOS
C- Dwight Howard, ORL
WEST
G- Chris Paul, NOR
G- Kobe Bryant, LAL
F- Tim Duncan, SAS
F- Amare Stoudemire, PHX
C- Yao Ming, HOU
Every year people say that some player isn't worthy of starting the All-Star game, or that another player was more deserving then a starter, but you know what, it happens. The All-Star game is for the fans anyways, so if the fans decide they want to watch a particular player start, then how is that the wrong choice. It's an exhibition game anyways, if people want to see stars, then let them see stars, just so long as the stars don't come from being beating by Ron Artest.
The starting lineup for the West is interesting as it has three players who work best closer to the basket. On top of that, Kobe and CP3 are so affective because they are always a threat to burn their defender and take it to the hole, but with this lineup, the middle might be a little bit clogged up. Good thing it's an All Star game and no one will be playing much defense anyways, because if these starting lineups went against each other in a game that actually mattered, the East dominate despite lacking a true point guard.
The East's lack of a point guard shouldn't matter as the game will all be isolations and three-point attempts anyways. With it being an All-Star game, I wonder who will have the sickest dunk. There's LeBron who "throws it down with no regard for human life" as said by the Cavs home television announcer. Then there's D-Wade who is clearly back to being the 2006 Finals MVP he once was and has had just a few SportsCenter Top Play dunks. And you can't count out last years slam dunk champion Dwight Howard. However, I feel like the best dunk might not come from any of these guys.
I have this feeling that Amare Stoudemire is going to have one spectacular dunk in this game on an alley-oop from CP3. It likely won't happen, but how far fetched is it that on that alley-oop would break a backboard? How incredible would that be, if Amare shatters the backboard on an pass from CP3? I think they might just have to cancel the All Star game for years to come if that happened, especially because the place would go nuts since the game is in Phoenix this season.
Anyways, onto the picks themselves. As I said before, I never have qualms with the fans choosing who they want to see be a starter, that is, just so long as the deserving starters get in as a reserve. And hey, they might not be the most deserving starters, but everyone starting is incredible at basketball and are all very fun to watch, that's what an All Star game should be anyways.
In the East, I would start either Devin Harris or Jameer Nelson over AI. As for the West, Amare has the talent to dominate the way Howard has this year, and should be putting up at least 20-10, but he isn't. Also, I know the roster's are set to have two forwards and a center, but the West basically has three centers starting, since Amare has been a center for the Suns a great deal of the time and Duncan basically is the Spurs center, even if he is listed as a power forward. Dirk Nowitzki or Kevin Durant (even though the Thunder are terrible) are both more deserving then Amare, and would actually make the West's starters resemble an actual team.
All in all the rosters are pretty close though to who the starters should be in the game. Good job fans. I know I can't wait for the game to occur, though the slam dunk contest will be incredible. It will be hard to top last year, but having two slam-dunk champs in the field as well as Rudy Gay (who will bring it way better then last year, trust me). I just wish the dunk contest was longer and with more people involved.
There's only one more thing I can ask for from All Star weekend since we have great starting squads, and that's for another announcer-referee challenge. Maybe Charles Barkley and Dick Bavetta having a rematch of last year, only this year, how about a drink-off? (Sorry Charles, too soon?)
EAST
G- Allen Iverson, DET
G- Dwyane Wade, MIA
F- LeBron James, CLE
F- Kevin Garnett, BOS
C- Dwight Howard, ORL
WEST
G- Chris Paul, NOR
G- Kobe Bryant, LAL
F- Tim Duncan, SAS
F- Amare Stoudemire, PHX
C- Yao Ming, HOU
Every year people say that some player isn't worthy of starting the All-Star game, or that another player was more deserving then a starter, but you know what, it happens. The All-Star game is for the fans anyways, so if the fans decide they want to watch a particular player start, then how is that the wrong choice. It's an exhibition game anyways, if people want to see stars, then let them see stars, just so long as the stars don't come from being beating by Ron Artest.
The starting lineup for the West is interesting as it has three players who work best closer to the basket. On top of that, Kobe and CP3 are so affective because they are always a threat to burn their defender and take it to the hole, but with this lineup, the middle might be a little bit clogged up. Good thing it's an All Star game and no one will be playing much defense anyways, because if these starting lineups went against each other in a game that actually mattered, the East dominate despite lacking a true point guard.
The East's lack of a point guard shouldn't matter as the game will all be isolations and three-point attempts anyways. With it being an All-Star game, I wonder who will have the sickest dunk. There's LeBron who "throws it down with no regard for human life" as said by the Cavs home television announcer. Then there's D-Wade who is clearly back to being the 2006 Finals MVP he once was and has had just a few SportsCenter Top Play dunks. And you can't count out last years slam dunk champion Dwight Howard. However, I feel like the best dunk might not come from any of these guys.
I have this feeling that Amare Stoudemire is going to have one spectacular dunk in this game on an alley-oop from CP3. It likely won't happen, but how far fetched is it that on that alley-oop would break a backboard? How incredible would that be, if Amare shatters the backboard on an pass from CP3? I think they might just have to cancel the All Star game for years to come if that happened, especially because the place would go nuts since the game is in Phoenix this season.
Anyways, onto the picks themselves. As I said before, I never have qualms with the fans choosing who they want to see be a starter, that is, just so long as the deserving starters get in as a reserve. And hey, they might not be the most deserving starters, but everyone starting is incredible at basketball and are all very fun to watch, that's what an All Star game should be anyways.
In the East, I would start either Devin Harris or Jameer Nelson over AI. As for the West, Amare has the talent to dominate the way Howard has this year, and should be putting up at least 20-10, but he isn't. Also, I know the roster's are set to have two forwards and a center, but the West basically has three centers starting, since Amare has been a center for the Suns a great deal of the time and Duncan basically is the Spurs center, even if he is listed as a power forward. Dirk Nowitzki or Kevin Durant (even though the Thunder are terrible) are both more deserving then Amare, and would actually make the West's starters resemble an actual team.
All in all the rosters are pretty close though to who the starters should be in the game. Good job fans. I know I can't wait for the game to occur, though the slam dunk contest will be incredible. It will be hard to top last year, but having two slam-dunk champs in the field as well as Rudy Gay (who will bring it way better then last year, trust me). I just wish the dunk contest was longer and with more people involved.
There's only one more thing I can ask for from All Star weekend since we have great starting squads, and that's for another announcer-referee challenge. Maybe Charles Barkley and Dick Bavetta having a rematch of last year, only this year, how about a drink-off? (Sorry Charles, too soon?)
Monday, January 19, 2009
Best in the NCAA
It's not often I really follow women's basketball. Growing up 15 minutes from Storrs, CT, I just sorta always expected UConn to win every title, but I wouldn't watch any game until maybe the second half of the Championship, assuming UConn was playing (which is often). But tonight I noticed that #1 UConn is playing at #2 UNC, with both teams being 17-0. Now I probably won't watch much of the game, but it did get me thinking about something else.
In the preseason rankings, both UConn and UNC boasted a #1 and a #2 ranked team with the Huskies being atop the women's poll and the Tar Heels topping the men's poll. Currently UNC has the #2 women's team and the #5 men's team while UConn has the top women's team and the #3 men's team. Duke also boasts strong programs in each as they are #2 in the men's rankings and #4 in the women's poll.
My question is, what school is the best basketball school in the country? In the last ten years on the men's side, UConn has two titles to it's credit while both Duke and UNC have one a piece. One thing that makes me very happy as a UConn fan as well who hates Duke is that the Huskies knocked Duke out of the tournament each time they won the title.
I do have to be honest however, even though UConn has more titles to their credit, UNC and Duke are title threats more often the UConn seems to be. That is not the case on the women's side however.
Every year it's UConn or Tennessee as favorites, then the rest of the field. Sure, UNC and Duke are usually good, but its UConn and Tennessee are always the teams to beat. In fact, since 1995 when UConn won the title and went 35-0, UConn or Tennessee has won the title in all but four years, with each team having five titles and a three-peat in that stretch. Four of the five titles UConn has won came against Tennessee. Side note to Bruce Pearl: elevate the men's program and stop focusing on singing Rocky Top for the women's game so you can get Tennessee into this debate).
In fairness, UNC won the title in 1994, and Duke has lost in the title game twice in the last ten years. One of those years was 1999, when the women's team lost to Purdue in the championship and UConn men beat the Blue Devils 77-74 (is it sad I didnt even have to look that up, I just have it memorized, and I always pick that score for my tie-breaker in my brackets every March?) in the championship game.
Duke came so close to achieving a feat that has only ever happened once, and it probably the strongest argument as to why UConn is the best men's and women's school in the country. In 2004, both the UConn men and the UConn women won the national title, and many a car was flipped in celebration. On the men's side, Duke and UNC usually have a better team year in year out, but the goal is to win titles when you're a top shelf program like all three of these schools are, and they have not delivered quite as much. On the women's side, it's no contest, UConn is the cream of the crop. In fact, as I write this I see that UConn is up by 16 at the half over UNC (gotta love GameCast) which just confirms my thought that the women Huskies are going undefeated this season. If the men put it all together like I know they are capable of doing this year, they should be the favorites come March, though it'd be tough to bet against Tyler Hansborough.
UConn has the best men's and women's basketball programs in the country in recent history and going forward. The worst? Mt. Holyoke
In the preseason rankings, both UConn and UNC boasted a #1 and a #2 ranked team with the Huskies being atop the women's poll and the Tar Heels topping the men's poll. Currently UNC has the #2 women's team and the #5 men's team while UConn has the top women's team and the #3 men's team. Duke also boasts strong programs in each as they are #2 in the men's rankings and #4 in the women's poll.
My question is, what school is the best basketball school in the country? In the last ten years on the men's side, UConn has two titles to it's credit while both Duke and UNC have one a piece. One thing that makes me very happy as a UConn fan as well who hates Duke is that the Huskies knocked Duke out of the tournament each time they won the title.
I do have to be honest however, even though UConn has more titles to their credit, UNC and Duke are title threats more often the UConn seems to be. That is not the case on the women's side however.
Every year it's UConn or Tennessee as favorites, then the rest of the field. Sure, UNC and Duke are usually good, but its UConn and Tennessee are always the teams to beat. In fact, since 1995 when UConn won the title and went 35-0, UConn or Tennessee has won the title in all but four years, with each team having five titles and a three-peat in that stretch. Four of the five titles UConn has won came against Tennessee. Side note to Bruce Pearl: elevate the men's program and stop focusing on singing Rocky Top for the women's game so you can get Tennessee into this debate).
In fairness, UNC won the title in 1994, and Duke has lost in the title game twice in the last ten years. One of those years was 1999, when the women's team lost to Purdue in the championship and UConn men beat the Blue Devils 77-74 (is it sad I didnt even have to look that up, I just have it memorized, and I always pick that score for my tie-breaker in my brackets every March?) in the championship game.
Duke came so close to achieving a feat that has only ever happened once, and it probably the strongest argument as to why UConn is the best men's and women's school in the country. In 2004, both the UConn men and the UConn women won the national title, and many a car was flipped in celebration. On the men's side, Duke and UNC usually have a better team year in year out, but the goal is to win titles when you're a top shelf program like all three of these schools are, and they have not delivered quite as much. On the women's side, it's no contest, UConn is the cream of the crop. In fact, as I write this I see that UConn is up by 16 at the half over UNC (gotta love GameCast) which just confirms my thought that the women Huskies are going undefeated this season. If the men put it all together like I know they are capable of doing this year, they should be the favorites come March, though it'd be tough to bet against Tyler Hansborough.
UConn has the best men's and women's basketball programs in the country in recent history and going forward. The worst? Mt. Holyoke
Arizona/Pittsburgh
Congratulations to the Arizona Cardinals and the Pittsburgh Steelers for making the Super Bowl. It's not the matchup I would've predicted at the start of the season, but here we are.
Arizona has been better then everyone has expected all playoffs, winning all three games when first considered a post-season afterthought, largely in part because of the fact that Larry Fitzgerald has proven to be the best wideout in the NFL today. Pittsburgh has done what was expected of them, beating people into submission with stifling defense.
These teams are a contrast in style as the Cards boast the starting passing attack in the Pro Bowl (between Warner, Fitzgerald, and Boldin) and the Steelers passing game has been pretty hit or miss. At the risk of using a huge sports cliche, whichever team imposes their will in the Super Bowl wins. Cards win a shootout, Steelers win a low scoring game. It's that simple. Tough to say which happens in the Super Bowl two weeks from now as I think a large part of it depends on the health of Boldin. The healthier he is, the better the Cards look.
One thing is for sure, people from Pittsburgh got a dream Super Bowl. Based on the way the playoffs have gone for the Cards, if Arizona wins, Fitzgerald will be the Super Bowl MVP. That would be the same Larry Fitzgerald who made spectacular catch after spectacular catch for the Pittsburgh Panthers in college. I know everyone in Pittsburgh wants the Steelers to win the Super Bowl, but it is a nice silver lining for them.
Arizona has been better then everyone has expected all playoffs, winning all three games when first considered a post-season afterthought, largely in part because of the fact that Larry Fitzgerald has proven to be the best wideout in the NFL today. Pittsburgh has done what was expected of them, beating people into submission with stifling defense.
These teams are a contrast in style as the Cards boast the starting passing attack in the Pro Bowl (between Warner, Fitzgerald, and Boldin) and the Steelers passing game has been pretty hit or miss. At the risk of using a huge sports cliche, whichever team imposes their will in the Super Bowl wins. Cards win a shootout, Steelers win a low scoring game. It's that simple. Tough to say which happens in the Super Bowl two weeks from now as I think a large part of it depends on the health of Boldin. The healthier he is, the better the Cards look.
One thing is for sure, people from Pittsburgh got a dream Super Bowl. Based on the way the playoffs have gone for the Cards, if Arizona wins, Fitzgerald will be the Super Bowl MVP. That would be the same Larry Fitzgerald who made spectacular catch after spectacular catch for the Pittsburgh Panthers in college. I know everyone in Pittsburgh wants the Steelers to win the Super Bowl, but it is a nice silver lining for them.
Cards in the Super Bowl?!?!
So in the same year, the Arizona Cardinals make the Super Bowl and the Tampa Bay Rays make the World Series. Really? This isn't some dream or something? No? Ok, wow. Who's ready for the Bobcats and the Clippers to meet in the Finals?
Also, the NFL must be hating this matchup. This is not the type of matchup that will bring in the casual fan. It's almost as bad as the Steelers/Seahawaks Super Bowl a few years back (I'm noticing a trend here and looking at you Pittsburgh). Sure, not every SUper Bowl can be between New York and the most despised team in the NFL with a chance of immortality, but Pittsburgh and Arizona? Yikes. At least the NFL has the Boss at halftime to bring in some more fans.
The Pick:
Cats in 6
Emeka Okafor, Finals MVP... I wish...
Also, the NFL must be hating this matchup. This is not the type of matchup that will bring in the casual fan. It's almost as bad as the Steelers/Seahawaks Super Bowl a few years back (I'm noticing a trend here and looking at you Pittsburgh). Sure, not every SUper Bowl can be between New York and the most despised team in the NFL with a chance of immortality, but Pittsburgh and Arizona? Yikes. At least the NFL has the Boss at halftime to bring in some more fans.
The Pick:
Cats in 6
Emeka Okafor, Finals MVP... I wish...
Friday, January 16, 2009
Witness
After watching the Cavaliers/Hornets game tonight, I have very little doubt in my mind that the Cleveland Cavaliers will win the NBA Championship. LeBron is simply unstoppable. During the Olympics, he made claim to being the best player in the world. Over the first half of this season, he has grabbed that title with a larger fury then one of his dunks.
The Cavaliers were the only team that really came close to beating the Celtics last season, and they are only better this year. Talk all you want about Baron Davis, Elton Brand, or Marcus Camby, the biggest player movement of the offseason was the Cavs trading for Mo Williams. Williams gives the Cavs a legitimate point guard and another outside shooter to take the burden off of and spread the floor for LeBron.
Also, mark down the fact that the Cavs will probably get some more talent through trade (Wally Szczerbiak and his expiring deal) or bought out veterans looking for a rig (like Cassell and PJ Brown with the Celtics last year) and look out. Cleveland is already 20-0 at home and has the best record in the East, meaning home court advantage until the Finals. On top of that, the Cavs have a point differential of almost 12 ppg.
Call me crazy, but the best player in the world, combined with an incredible home court advantage and the leagues best defense, yeah, that sounds title worthty to me. Exactly how the Celtics win #17 last season (maybe not the best player in the world, but the best trio in the league). LeBron is an unstoppable force and this year begins year one of the Cleveland CavaBrons dominance in the NBA.
The Cavaliers were the only team that really came close to beating the Celtics last season, and they are only better this year. Talk all you want about Baron Davis, Elton Brand, or Marcus Camby, the biggest player movement of the offseason was the Cavs trading for Mo Williams. Williams gives the Cavs a legitimate point guard and another outside shooter to take the burden off of and spread the floor for LeBron.
Also, mark down the fact that the Cavs will probably get some more talent through trade (Wally Szczerbiak and his expiring deal) or bought out veterans looking for a rig (like Cassell and PJ Brown with the Celtics last year) and look out. Cleveland is already 20-0 at home and has the best record in the East, meaning home court advantage until the Finals. On top of that, the Cavs have a point differential of almost 12 ppg.
Call me crazy, but the best player in the world, combined with an incredible home court advantage and the leagues best defense, yeah, that sounds title worthty to me. Exactly how the Celtics win #17 last season (maybe not the best player in the world, but the best trio in the league). LeBron is an unstoppable force and this year begins year one of the Cleveland CavaBrons dominance in the NBA.
The sun never sets on Red Sox Nation
Back when I was in high school, one of my history teachers once, for the sake of argument, said that the American Revolution was the greatest victory for the British Empire. His argument was that, while the United States broke away from British rule, every British colony rebelled since they thought the British would be stretched too thin and they could also break away. Only the USA succeeded in their revolution however, so the British basically dominated a world war by themselves, losing on only one front. That was my history teacher's argument, though I'm not entirely sure I buy it.
However, using that logic, the Boston Red Sox have had the best offseason. Sure they lost out on the large free agent they were seeking in Mark Teixeira (America) but they won all the smaller battles. They signed AL MVP Dustin Pedroia to a six-year extension. They signed MVP candidate Kevin Youkilis to a four-year extension. They signed Brad Penny, Takasi Saito, Mark Kotsay, Rocco Baldelli, and John Smoltz, all to one year deals for a base salary of $14 million combined.
While there is some injury risk associated with all of them, the deals are for minimal baseball money, and if the players can stay healthy in the reduced roles they will have in Boston, the Red Sox became incredibly deep and dangerous for very cheap. The Red Sox also have one more move coming to solve the hole they have at catcher. Buchholz is probably the most likely candidate to be moved because, while he has the talent, he doesn't seem to have the mental make up to pitch in Boston.
So, while the Red Sox may have lost their top free agent, they kept the rest of their empire. And who knows, for the lengths of the deals, the Yankees may have handcuffed themselves down the road. As a Yankee friend of mine said to me, "Yeah, the Yankees might be reducing payroll this season, but that's just a one year thing. Just wait until next offseason when they add two more giant contracts." Either way, this should be a great three-team race for the AL East this coming season.
However, using that logic, the Boston Red Sox have had the best offseason. Sure they lost out on the large free agent they were seeking in Mark Teixeira (America) but they won all the smaller battles. They signed AL MVP Dustin Pedroia to a six-year extension. They signed MVP candidate Kevin Youkilis to a four-year extension. They signed Brad Penny, Takasi Saito, Mark Kotsay, Rocco Baldelli, and John Smoltz, all to one year deals for a base salary of $14 million combined.
While there is some injury risk associated with all of them, the deals are for minimal baseball money, and if the players can stay healthy in the reduced roles they will have in Boston, the Red Sox became incredibly deep and dangerous for very cheap. The Red Sox also have one more move coming to solve the hole they have at catcher. Buchholz is probably the most likely candidate to be moved because, while he has the talent, he doesn't seem to have the mental make up to pitch in Boston.
So, while the Red Sox may have lost their top free agent, they kept the rest of their empire. And who knows, for the lengths of the deals, the Yankees may have handcuffed themselves down the road. As a Yankee friend of mine said to me, "Yeah, the Yankees might be reducing payroll this season, but that's just a one year thing. Just wait until next offseason when they add two more giant contracts." Either way, this should be a great three-team race for the AL East this coming season.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Lions Get Their Coach
The Detroit Lions finally lured someone to become their head coach as the Tennessee Titans defensive co-ordinator Jim Schwartz signed a four year deal. One nice thing for Schwartz is expectations will be incredibly low. Hey, going 1-15 would be an improvement. But the Lions probably did as god as they were going to get. They weren't going to get any of the hot names this offseason, not with Calvin Johnson being the only player on the team with any sense of star quality. The Lions have the 1st and 20th pick in the first round, and lead off the second round with the 33rd overall pick.
Detroit should be able get three plus-starters from these picks, and I hope for their sake they actually do and don't blow like they have in the past. Thank god they have new management otherwise Michael Crabtree would be the top pick in this years draft. If the Lions are smart, they might want to wait to get their quarterback of the future until next year (unless someone by incredible luck drops to them) because they will still be terrible this year despite having three top 33 picks, and one of Tebow, Bradford, or McCoy should all be on the board when they pick next year. Plus, I still feel like Dan Orlovsky can be a decent NFL quarterback given the chance and any talent around him. I'd take one more year evaluating him before pulling the trigger on Matt Stafford, who seems to be lucking out based on it being a weak quarterback class this year.
But congratulations to the Lions none the less for tricking, er, um, coming to terms with someone to coach in Detroit.
Detroit should be able get three plus-starters from these picks, and I hope for their sake they actually do and don't blow like they have in the past. Thank god they have new management otherwise Michael Crabtree would be the top pick in this years draft. If the Lions are smart, they might want to wait to get their quarterback of the future until next year (unless someone by incredible luck drops to them) because they will still be terrible this year despite having three top 33 picks, and one of Tebow, Bradford, or McCoy should all be on the board when they pick next year. Plus, I still feel like Dan Orlovsky can be a decent NFL quarterback given the chance and any talent around him. I'd take one more year evaluating him before pulling the trigger on Matt Stafford, who seems to be lucking out based on it being a weak quarterback class this year.
But congratulations to the Lions none the less for tricking, er, um, coming to terms with someone to coach in Detroit.
Bartolo Colon
I just noticed that Bartolo Colon signed for this season for $1 million (plus a possible $2 million more based on innings pitched) with the Chicago White Sox. I would be a fan of this signing since he is 35, has won a Cy Young, has won 20-games twice, and if he gets healthy, he could be a decent back-end of the rotation guy. I am quite confident he can do this, if he can stay healthy (big if), because he did the same thing for the Red Sox last season, and I applauded that signing last year.
The one thing is, I can't support Colon having a good season, not because he is on the White Sox, but because of what he did to the Red Sox last year. At the end of the season, the Sox wanted to move Colon into the bullpen when it began apparent the Sox would make the playoffs as either the Wild Card or AL East winner. They wanted to do this because it was the best thing for the Sox come playoff time. Colon instead returned to his native Dominican Republic and refused to pitch. Who knows if the Sox would've beaten the Rays and then the Phillies in the playoffs if they had Colon, but they definitely would have had a better shot.
What Colon did was selfish and the Red Sox suspended him without pay and, for one of the rare times, the Union didn't file a grievance on his behalf. At this point in his career, a player like Colon should be playing for rings and pride. Sure his pride was hurt by being asked to move out of the rotation, a spot he has been in his entire career, but shouldn't a ring fix all that? I would say his legacy was hurt by his selfish actions, but clearly it hasn't been, as the White Sox are setting themselves up for the same thing this season. I just wish they held him accountable for last season and didn't give him another deal. Players should be held accountable for quitting on teams. Why do you think I'm happy Manny still doesn't have a job and will get less then he should?
The one thing is, I can't support Colon having a good season, not because he is on the White Sox, but because of what he did to the Red Sox last year. At the end of the season, the Sox wanted to move Colon into the bullpen when it began apparent the Sox would make the playoffs as either the Wild Card or AL East winner. They wanted to do this because it was the best thing for the Sox come playoff time. Colon instead returned to his native Dominican Republic and refused to pitch. Who knows if the Sox would've beaten the Rays and then the Phillies in the playoffs if they had Colon, but they definitely would have had a better shot.
What Colon did was selfish and the Red Sox suspended him without pay and, for one of the rare times, the Union didn't file a grievance on his behalf. At this point in his career, a player like Colon should be playing for rings and pride. Sure his pride was hurt by being asked to move out of the rotation, a spot he has been in his entire career, but shouldn't a ring fix all that? I would say his legacy was hurt by his selfish actions, but clearly it hasn't been, as the White Sox are setting themselves up for the same thing this season. I just wish they held him accountable for last season and didn't give him another deal. Players should be held accountable for quitting on teams. Why do you think I'm happy Manny still doesn't have a job and will get less then he should?
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
NFL Championship Weekend
Wow, the NFL has gotten really uncreative these past two weeks. All the games have been rematches of games that happened during the regular season. But I'm not complaining because rematches are usually better then the first game, and when you couple that with the fact that this weekend is usually the best of the NFL season, well, let's just say I'm looking forward to Sunday, as should you. So, without further ado, here's a quick look at who will be listening to some Will Smith and will be going to Miami.
Philadelphia Eagles at Arizona Cardinals. Sunday. 3 pm. FOX.
This game being played in Arizona is yet another example of why the NFL playoff structure doesn't make sense. Philly beat the Cardinals in Week 13 by a score of 48-20 and had a slightly better record then the Cards, yet the game is in Arizona. However, it is what it is, and the game is being played in the desert, regardless if I agree with the way the NFL does their playoff structure.
Anyways, onto the game and off of my vendetta against the NFL and their playoff systems and draft order (the loser of this game will select before the Patriots despite the Pats missing the playoffs). The first game wasn't even close as the Eagles won by 28, had 20 more first downs, and almost 200 more total yards of offense. Brian Westbrook had 4 touchdowns (2 each on the ground and 2 in the air), and Donovan McNabb threw for four total touchdowns. On the other hand, Kurt Warner threw three interceptions, but that wasn't the most telling stat. Arizona rushed for only 25 yards in the game. Let me repeat that, 25 yards.
You have to be able to run to win in the playoffs, and the Cards haven't been able to run in years. Philly has also looked pretty incredible since that first game (except against Washington) and should continue to roll. It's amazing that the Eagles will likely make it to the Super Bowl for the city of Philadelphia, a city so long associated with losing in sports, just a few months after the Phillies won the World Series. Is Philly going to be the new Boston, dominating the three major sports? My guess is no, but that might be because 76ers are still terrible.
Eagles 34, Cardinals 17
Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers. Sunday. 6:30. CBS.
As you've probably heard a great deal this week, these two teams played twice this season and the Steelers won both games by a combined 7 points. Like the first two meetings between these teams, I see a close, smash mouth, down to the last second, defense dominated game. However, I do see major difference in this game from the first two; a Ravens win.
Yes, I know that no starting rookie QB has ever made the Super Bowl, but at the same time, no rookie had ever won two playoff games in a season. Going into last season, no team had ever gone 16-0 in a regular season, and no NFC 5-seed had ever won the Super Bowl and BOTH things happened last year. It may not have happened before, but that doesn't mean it can't happen in the future.
The main difference in this game as I see it from the first two games is what happened in Week 17 in the Steelers-Browns game. I'm sure Browns fans don't want to hear they helped the city that stole their franchise, but they did. Ben Roethlisberger suffered his third concussion in that game, and I see that having some effect on this game. In a game that will be close, I don't like the team with the recently concussed quarterback, especially when the other team has the best safety in the game in Ed Reed, who will probably have a pick-6 in this game since he always seems to have one.
Ravens 17, Steelers 13
Philadelphia Eagles at Arizona Cardinals. Sunday. 3 pm. FOX.
This game being played in Arizona is yet another example of why the NFL playoff structure doesn't make sense. Philly beat the Cardinals in Week 13 by a score of 48-20 and had a slightly better record then the Cards, yet the game is in Arizona. However, it is what it is, and the game is being played in the desert, regardless if I agree with the way the NFL does their playoff structure.
Anyways, onto the game and off of my vendetta against the NFL and their playoff systems and draft order (the loser of this game will select before the Patriots despite the Pats missing the playoffs). The first game wasn't even close as the Eagles won by 28, had 20 more first downs, and almost 200 more total yards of offense. Brian Westbrook had 4 touchdowns (2 each on the ground and 2 in the air), and Donovan McNabb threw for four total touchdowns. On the other hand, Kurt Warner threw three interceptions, but that wasn't the most telling stat. Arizona rushed for only 25 yards in the game. Let me repeat that, 25 yards.
You have to be able to run to win in the playoffs, and the Cards haven't been able to run in years. Philly has also looked pretty incredible since that first game (except against Washington) and should continue to roll. It's amazing that the Eagles will likely make it to the Super Bowl for the city of Philadelphia, a city so long associated with losing in sports, just a few months after the Phillies won the World Series. Is Philly going to be the new Boston, dominating the three major sports? My guess is no, but that might be because 76ers are still terrible.
Eagles 34, Cardinals 17
Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers. Sunday. 6:30. CBS.
As you've probably heard a great deal this week, these two teams played twice this season and the Steelers won both games by a combined 7 points. Like the first two meetings between these teams, I see a close, smash mouth, down to the last second, defense dominated game. However, I do see major difference in this game from the first two; a Ravens win.
Yes, I know that no starting rookie QB has ever made the Super Bowl, but at the same time, no rookie had ever won two playoff games in a season. Going into last season, no team had ever gone 16-0 in a regular season, and no NFC 5-seed had ever won the Super Bowl and BOTH things happened last year. It may not have happened before, but that doesn't mean it can't happen in the future.
The main difference in this game as I see it from the first two games is what happened in Week 17 in the Steelers-Browns game. I'm sure Browns fans don't want to hear they helped the city that stole their franchise, but they did. Ben Roethlisberger suffered his third concussion in that game, and I see that having some effect on this game. In a game that will be close, I don't like the team with the recently concussed quarterback, especially when the other team has the best safety in the game in Ed Reed, who will probably have a pick-6 in this game since he always seems to have one.
Ravens 17, Steelers 13
Friday, January 2, 2009
2009 NFL WildCard Weekend
The 2009 NFL Wild Card weekend is upon us, and all the games, at least on paper, should be close games that come down to the wire. Without further ado, here's a look at the games and who should live on to play in two Sundays.
Atlanta Falcons at Arizona Cardinals. Saturday. 4:30. NBC.
The end of this game should be very interesting assuming it's still close, which I feel it will be. Arizona has a dominant passing attack with the best 1-2 wide receiver punch in the playoffs with Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Bouldin, and possibly the entire NFL (tough call between them and Moss/Welker in New England), but they don't have any rushing game to speak of. Atlanta on the other hand averaged more then twice as many rushing yards as Arizona over the course of the season.
Ok, obviously it's never better to be trailing in a game, but if I had to be trailing in this game, I'd much rather be Arizona. With a passing attack like the Cards have, they should be able to run an effective 2 minute offense to come back, but their clock killing abilities are suspect. Atlanta on the other hand can run the ball well, but how will Matt Ryan fare as a rookie in the playoffs? He's been solid all season, rightfully earning the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award, but can he keep it going? I feel like Ryan plays great for the first three quarters before the Falcons turn the game over to Michael Turner to run out the clock before the nerves can overcome Ryan.
Also, I called it around Week 10 when I was congratulating a Giants fan on a win, told him to enjoy the win because the Falcons were going to upset New York in the playoffs. After calling around Week 10 that the Giants were the only team capable of beating the Patriots (thought it would be in Week 17, not the Super Bowl, but...) based solely on gut, so I can't have the Falcons being knocked out of the playoffs before they get a shot at the Giants. Plus, Atlanta deserves something good after they lost Michael Vick due to his poor personal decisions, especially due to his physical talents, Vick should've been the most dominant quarterback of our generation, if not of all time.
Falcons 27
Cardinals 23
Indianapolis Colts at San Diego Chargers. Saturday. 8. NBC.
Peyton Manning just won the MVP award, but that might be the last good thing that happens for the Colts this season. I actually think Chad Pennington deserved the MVP (did I actually just write that? Wow) but that's not the point of this post. The Colts were incredibly lucky this season and probably should've finished closer to the Chargers 8-8 record then the 12-4 mark they had. When they played the Patriots, they were one Jabbar Gaffney drop on a touchdown (Pats settled for 3) or one David Thomas penalty away from losing that game, which would've put the New England at 13-3 on the season and depending on the tie-breakers, the top seed, and dropped the Colts out of the playoffs, again depending on tie-breakers.
Both teams are hot, with the Colts and Chargers winning 9 and 4 games respectively to end the season. I just feel that the Chargers are the better team in this game. Throw in the fact that Manning has struggled against San Diego in the past, and that the Chargers just seem to look better, and I like San Diego. I also have a feeling as well that Tomlinson will have the best game of anybody this weekend, somewhere over 120 yards and 3 TD (one passing) and the fact that the game is in San Diego, Chargers win in a game that isn't as close as the final score would tell you.
Colts 24
Chargers 34
Baltimore Ravens at Miami Dolphins. Sunday. 1. CBS.
Just like in the early game on Saturday, this game features a rookie quarterback leading a team with a bird as a mascot in a road playoff game. And, just like the Saturday game, I see the rookie quarterback leading his team to victory.
I know people have trouble trusting rookies or players starting for the first time in their career, but I feel that given the right player and team, that shouldn't be an issue. Yeah, it's hard, but if a player can do it all season, shouldn't they be able to maintain that level of success in the playoffs? Didn't Tom Brady win the Super Bowl MVP in his first year as a starter? Sure, you'ld like a guy who's been there before and won't be rattled, but that doesn't always work out well. Brett Favre has won a Super Bowl, and last season if he doesn't throw a terrible pick against the Giants, maybe the Packers drive and win the NFC Championship, then the Patriots win the Super Bowl and go 19-0.
Anyways, the reason I like the Ravens most is because the Wild Cat offense that has worked so well for the Dolphins is not nearly as effective the second time a team goes against it. The Dolphins killed New England because of the Wild Cat in their first game, but in game two, the Patriots shut the formation in check and won the game. Not only will the Ravens do the same thing, but they shut the defense down the first time as well. No Wild Cat, no victory. Miami should be incredibly proud even with a first round playoff loss, going from 1-15 to 11-5 and division champ. Baltimore's defense is scary good, getting close to the level they were at when they won the Super Bowl. Baltimore will shut down Miami, and will go on to play next week.
Baltimore 20
Miami 13
Philadelphia Eagles at Minnesota Vikings. Sunday. 4:30. FOX.
I honestly don't like either team to win this game. Since I don't see either team winning, I would generally go for a tie, but that can't happen in the playoffs. This game proves to be a very confusing game for Donovan McNabb if it stays tied through the extra 15 minutes, as his concept of overtime would have been shattered twice in a single season.
No possible final score would surprise me in this game. An Eagles rout, a close or overtime game, or a Vikings rout. I tend to lean towards the Eagles winning this game based on three things. First, they finished the season in a very impressive fashion, crushing the Cowboys to get into the playoffs. It is Week 14 however that makes me like the Eagles a bit more in this game. Both team won by single digits against their opponents. The big difference however was the Eagles beat the #1 NFC seed, defending champion Giants, and the Vikings beat the Lions. Not a good sign that late in the season, especially since the Eagles had a larger margin of victory.
The Eagles also have two more things on their side. They have been there before and should not be rattled. Also, they have Donovan McNabb at quarterback, not Tavaris Jackson. Jackson has ben playing better of late, but he is still Tavaris Jackson.
Eagles 26
Vikings 23 (OT)
One more thing on the playoffs. Ok, it's the rules that New England missed the playoffs. It's unfortunate, especially since they were playing some of, if not the, best football in the AFC in December, but rules are rules. What I don't like is the way that it is decided. Basically, the tie breakers that knocked the Pats out of the playoffs this season for the division title and the last Wild Card berth came down to their record against the rest of the AFC. Here's a look at the combined record of the teams the Patriots, Dolphins, and Ravens played against in the AFC this season (doubling the records of division opponents)
New England - 78-50
Miami - 73-55
Baltimore - 63-63-2
Miami and Baltimore both finished 8-4 against the AFC while New England finished 7-5. Yes, New England had the chance to win many of those games and didn't come through, as their players would attest to, but the strength of competition was not close, especially between the Pats/Dolphins and the Ravens. But, it is what it is, but since the Patriots are forced to watch from their recliners this January, they should also be given an earlier pick in the draft. Bottom line is playoff teams should pick after non-playoff teams, end of story. The NFL needs to fix a their system. Either don't let in 8-8 teams over 11-5 teams, or give the team that missed the playoffs the better pick in the draft. Imagine how much worse this would have been too had Philly lost to the Bengals and been in a 4-way tie for the last wild card spot...
Either way, enjoy the football everybody. Check back next week for Divisional Round picks.
Atlanta Falcons at Arizona Cardinals. Saturday. 4:30. NBC.
The end of this game should be very interesting assuming it's still close, which I feel it will be. Arizona has a dominant passing attack with the best 1-2 wide receiver punch in the playoffs with Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Bouldin, and possibly the entire NFL (tough call between them and Moss/Welker in New England), but they don't have any rushing game to speak of. Atlanta on the other hand averaged more then twice as many rushing yards as Arizona over the course of the season.
Ok, obviously it's never better to be trailing in a game, but if I had to be trailing in this game, I'd much rather be Arizona. With a passing attack like the Cards have, they should be able to run an effective 2 minute offense to come back, but their clock killing abilities are suspect. Atlanta on the other hand can run the ball well, but how will Matt Ryan fare as a rookie in the playoffs? He's been solid all season, rightfully earning the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award, but can he keep it going? I feel like Ryan plays great for the first three quarters before the Falcons turn the game over to Michael Turner to run out the clock before the nerves can overcome Ryan.
Also, I called it around Week 10 when I was congratulating a Giants fan on a win, told him to enjoy the win because the Falcons were going to upset New York in the playoffs. After calling around Week 10 that the Giants were the only team capable of beating the Patriots (thought it would be in Week 17, not the Super Bowl, but...) based solely on gut, so I can't have the Falcons being knocked out of the playoffs before they get a shot at the Giants. Plus, Atlanta deserves something good after they lost Michael Vick due to his poor personal decisions, especially due to his physical talents, Vick should've been the most dominant quarterback of our generation, if not of all time.
Falcons 27
Cardinals 23
Indianapolis Colts at San Diego Chargers. Saturday. 8. NBC.
Peyton Manning just won the MVP award, but that might be the last good thing that happens for the Colts this season. I actually think Chad Pennington deserved the MVP (did I actually just write that? Wow) but that's not the point of this post. The Colts were incredibly lucky this season and probably should've finished closer to the Chargers 8-8 record then the 12-4 mark they had. When they played the Patriots, they were one Jabbar Gaffney drop on a touchdown (Pats settled for 3) or one David Thomas penalty away from losing that game, which would've put the New England at 13-3 on the season and depending on the tie-breakers, the top seed, and dropped the Colts out of the playoffs, again depending on tie-breakers.
Both teams are hot, with the Colts and Chargers winning 9 and 4 games respectively to end the season. I just feel that the Chargers are the better team in this game. Throw in the fact that Manning has struggled against San Diego in the past, and that the Chargers just seem to look better, and I like San Diego. I also have a feeling as well that Tomlinson will have the best game of anybody this weekend, somewhere over 120 yards and 3 TD (one passing) and the fact that the game is in San Diego, Chargers win in a game that isn't as close as the final score would tell you.
Colts 24
Chargers 34
Baltimore Ravens at Miami Dolphins. Sunday. 1. CBS.
Just like in the early game on Saturday, this game features a rookie quarterback leading a team with a bird as a mascot in a road playoff game. And, just like the Saturday game, I see the rookie quarterback leading his team to victory.
I know people have trouble trusting rookies or players starting for the first time in their career, but I feel that given the right player and team, that shouldn't be an issue. Yeah, it's hard, but if a player can do it all season, shouldn't they be able to maintain that level of success in the playoffs? Didn't Tom Brady win the Super Bowl MVP in his first year as a starter? Sure, you'ld like a guy who's been there before and won't be rattled, but that doesn't always work out well. Brett Favre has won a Super Bowl, and last season if he doesn't throw a terrible pick against the Giants, maybe the Packers drive and win the NFC Championship, then the Patriots win the Super Bowl and go 19-0.
Anyways, the reason I like the Ravens most is because the Wild Cat offense that has worked so well for the Dolphins is not nearly as effective the second time a team goes against it. The Dolphins killed New England because of the Wild Cat in their first game, but in game two, the Patriots shut the formation in check and won the game. Not only will the Ravens do the same thing, but they shut the defense down the first time as well. No Wild Cat, no victory. Miami should be incredibly proud even with a first round playoff loss, going from 1-15 to 11-5 and division champ. Baltimore's defense is scary good, getting close to the level they were at when they won the Super Bowl. Baltimore will shut down Miami, and will go on to play next week.
Baltimore 20
Miami 13
Philadelphia Eagles at Minnesota Vikings. Sunday. 4:30. FOX.
I honestly don't like either team to win this game. Since I don't see either team winning, I would generally go for a tie, but that can't happen in the playoffs. This game proves to be a very confusing game for Donovan McNabb if it stays tied through the extra 15 minutes, as his concept of overtime would have been shattered twice in a single season.
No possible final score would surprise me in this game. An Eagles rout, a close or overtime game, or a Vikings rout. I tend to lean towards the Eagles winning this game based on three things. First, they finished the season in a very impressive fashion, crushing the Cowboys to get into the playoffs. It is Week 14 however that makes me like the Eagles a bit more in this game. Both team won by single digits against their opponents. The big difference however was the Eagles beat the #1 NFC seed, defending champion Giants, and the Vikings beat the Lions. Not a good sign that late in the season, especially since the Eagles had a larger margin of victory.
The Eagles also have two more things on their side. They have been there before and should not be rattled. Also, they have Donovan McNabb at quarterback, not Tavaris Jackson. Jackson has ben playing better of late, but he is still Tavaris Jackson.
Eagles 26
Vikings 23 (OT)
One more thing on the playoffs. Ok, it's the rules that New England missed the playoffs. It's unfortunate, especially since they were playing some of, if not the, best football in the AFC in December, but rules are rules. What I don't like is the way that it is decided. Basically, the tie breakers that knocked the Pats out of the playoffs this season for the division title and the last Wild Card berth came down to their record against the rest of the AFC. Here's a look at the combined record of the teams the Patriots, Dolphins, and Ravens played against in the AFC this season (doubling the records of division opponents)
New England - 78-50
Miami - 73-55
Baltimore - 63-63-2
Miami and Baltimore both finished 8-4 against the AFC while New England finished 7-5. Yes, New England had the chance to win many of those games and didn't come through, as their players would attest to, but the strength of competition was not close, especially between the Pats/Dolphins and the Ravens. But, it is what it is, but since the Patriots are forced to watch from their recliners this January, they should also be given an earlier pick in the draft. Bottom line is playoff teams should pick after non-playoff teams, end of story. The NFL needs to fix a their system. Either don't let in 8-8 teams over 11-5 teams, or give the team that missed the playoffs the better pick in the draft. Imagine how much worse this would have been too had Philly lost to the Bengals and been in a 4-way tie for the last wild card spot...
Either way, enjoy the football everybody. Check back next week for Divisional Round picks.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)