Football

Last year saw the defending champ put together one of the most impressive seasons we've seen in the history of our young league, 12-2 and the title belt.  He wasn't shy about the title either bantering all year long, running his mouth like his lips don't fit.  He wasn't any different this offseason getting more outspoken in emails and trying to stall the league draft for days.  Why?  Because he's the defending league champion and some owners are quietly talking behind his back about how it's quickly gone to his head.  Others outside the league have also noticed the change and have started calling him Lane Kifflin.  Regardless of how others feel about him, he is the champion until January this year and has a chance to repeat.. maybe.

Continue reading "College Fantasy Football Preview ..."

It was an ugliest of games for the team in the prettiest of cities. After winning 11 straight games to finish the regular season, the San Diego Chargers came out with a resounding thud at home against the Jets on Sunday. Penalties, missed field goals and turnovers formed a perfect storm of suck for the Chargers and kept the Jets in the game until the final quarter where they took and held onto the lead to advance to the AFC championship game with a 17-14 victory.

Continue reading "Jets stun Chargers 17-14 in San Diego"

So, I don't know if you heard about this new emphasis that college football is placing during games.  It's apparently geared towards stopping hitting of "defenseless" players and head-hunting.  Well, apparently this rule is awful.  I mean, TERRIBLE.  In case you weren't watching the Georgia vs. Oklahoma State game this bad rule came into full effect.  Georgia S Rashard Jones delivered a picture perfect shoulder first hit into a receiver going for the ball, doing what Jones was taught to do.  NOT LET THE OPPONENT CATCH THE BALL.  Amazingly, every ref and 30,000 people in the stands threw their flags onto the field.  It looked like litter out there, absolute trash. 

Continue reading "Yuck! Oklahoma State Cowboys vs. ..."

Once again as training camp approaches and teams start to get ready for the upcoming season most stories are the same with just the names being changed. Many first round picks have yet to sign with th

Continue reading "The Favre Saga"

If I had bet on every sporting event in which I just knew in my gut what the outcome was going to be, I would be even more broke than I am now.  We all know that Roddick is 2-15 against F

Continue reading "Federer vs Roddick in the finals ..."

Jerry Jones signing of Terrell Owens, Detroit Pistons trading for Allen Iverson, the Lakers signing Karl Malone and Gary Payton, what are these teams thinking? Why can teams not be happy with their team and why do they think that the key to a championship? Hows this for a thought, get a roll player. We have seen these players go to these teams thinking we will win a championship, thank again. Terrel Owens destroyed that team, a team that was on the rise then Team Obliterater comes along and now look where they are. The Detroit Pistons go off and trade away one of the best point/2 guards in the NBA in Chauncy Billups and get Allen Iverson in return. Okay so maybe this is a good trade, in 1999 but what are they thinking getting a ball hogging old man? The Lakers coming off three NBA championships get future Hall of Famer's Karl Malone and Gary Payton. They did get to the Championship but Karl was hurt the whole year and if the "glove" does not fit you must...not sign him! I am not even mentioning the New York Yankees, who won so many championships then they go on a spending spree, getting rid of Alfonso Soriano, and signing A-Rod to one of the biggest contracts we have ever seen. It just does not make sense to me anymore. Why not save money and get some roll player to help out your stars already? Cowboys will be better off without T.O., Pistons need to trade A.I. and get some player like a Shane Battier, and the Lakers are the best team in the NBA, without the two Hall of Famer's. The Yankees are going to have A-Rod out till May too, anyone want to bet they are better off without him?

Continue reading "Big Stars: Bad For Teams"

a Cardinals!) take on the tough and rigid Pittsburgh Steelers defense (ranked first in the National Football League). They say 'Defense Wins Championships' which has proven correct a lot in the past, but I have a little hunch. The best defense or the best team doesn't always win the big game. Just check last year's Super Bowl. The undefeated New England Patriots were upset by the New York Giants. How? By one VERY lucky catch by Giants' receiver David Tyree. The whole Patriots season without a single loss faded without any gold due to a single catch. You can't script that. You also can't script a 8-7 Arizona Cardinals team looking putrid losing 47-7 in the ice and snow in Foxboro and then winning every week after that (including the post season) to get to the grandest stage in the NFL (maybe in all of sports). I've said it before on this blog and I'll probably say it again next season, you just can't predict what will happen in the NFL nowadays from week to week.

Continue reading "Super Bowl XLIII Prediction"

The stage was officially set after Sunday's two Conference games for the 43rd Super Bowl. The Arizona Cardinals and the Pittsburgh Steelers both jumped over their last hurdles to go to the big dance. But don't ask either coach if they'll be satisfied with just making it. They want to win it! I'll bring you a in-depth 7 part preview of the big game as I'll give my prediction on the game on the 7th and final post. So let's get to it! This is the 'intro' post to the 7 part series.

Continue reading "Setting the Stage: Arizona Cardinals"

Will NCAA D1 football get a playoff system?

For me, it's not about the money.

The money that schools and bowls make off of the games isn't relevant for me in any way. I make the journey to Auburn once a year (if I'm lucky), and I fork out the money for the overpriced nose-bleed seats. Sure, I'll buy a pricey hot-dog and soda, but that's about the extent of my monetary investment into the sport. The rest of the season I kick back on the couch and watch from the heated comfort of my home, and I doubt I will ever make that expensive post-season ticket purchase (unless my Tigers go to Nashville, or somewhere like that). 

Continue reading "NCAA College Football: to Playoff ..."

Not overly impressive, but a win is a win in the National Football League. The team then dominated a displaced looking Jacksonville Jaguars team at home in the first Monday Night game in franchise history.

Continue reading "Still Important"

I'm not here to rant and rave about Pennington being snubbed from the AFC Pro Bowl team.  Do I think the man deserved a spot on the squad? Absolutely. But, do I understand why he was left off the roster? Of course.  Pennington's numbers — 3,453 yards to go with 17 TDs and 7 picks — aren't quite as flashy as the stats Peyton Manning, Brett Favre and Jay Cutler have put up through the air this season, but they are certainly solid.  For the record, Manning has thrown for 3907 yards, 26 TDs and 12 picks, Favre has 3239/21/19 and Cutler has 4210/24/16 through 15 games this year. Sure, CP has more yards and 12 fewer completions to the other team than Favre, but remember, it's Brett Favre.  As long as Favre is healthy and somewhat productive, the man will be in the Pro Bowl.

Continue reading "Props for Pennington"

The Lakers were not the only team in the NBA last night to give up 30+ points in the fourth quarter. Every team that did lost, including the Toronto Raptors who gave up 30+ in EVERY quarter.

 I have said that for the Lakers to show the world that they are serious title contenders they should win this game (among others). I still stand by that statement.

Continue reading "Lakers 4th Quarter Proves Jury Still Out"

Week 13 is in the books as we are getting closer to the playoffs in the National Football League (still 4 weeks away, but with the way this season has flown bye, it won't be long!). Before I begin I want to apologize to my 3 readers for not keeping up with the Fallout Report. I'll have it on time (every Tuesday) from now until the playoffs. With that said, let's see how I did!

Continue reading "NFL Week 13 Fallout"

Week 11 is off and running after a nail biter of a game on Thursday night football between the Jets and the Patriots. Last week the Crypt Keeper and I went 2-2 yet again. I've gone 2-2 three consecutive weeks, but no worries my Week 11 picks will prosper like flowers in the Spring time. I've decided to get rid of the Crypt Keeper this week and I've also decided to get rid of all the 'shenanigans' that are usually a part of the weekly predictions like the "classic NFL music" etc..Only for the time being though. So let's see how it works out!

Continue reading "NFL Week 11 Predictions"

Another fun week in the National Football League. Before I put the final period on this post though: Today is Election day. One of our rights is to vote. We have the right to vote for any of th

Continue reading "NFL Week 9 Fallout"

 

Once again, Adam don’t call me “Pac-man” Jones has made the headlines.  And when Mr. Jones makes the headlines, it usually isn’t good news!  Early Wednesday morning, Pac-man allegedly got into a “scuffle” with one of his security guards at a hotel in Dallas (read more here).  The police were called, but no charges were filed.  Is this much ado about nothing…or is Adam facing a possible suspension! 

Continue reading "Rush To Judgment"

lies winning their NLDS against the Milwaukee Brewers, it got me thinking whether Philadelphia is a Football town or a Baseball town?  On Thursday evening on Fox, the Phillies will host the L.A. Dodgers in Game 1 of the NLCS.  I’m not a big fan of baseball, but I do like the Phillies (Mets, and Yankees as well).  I watch about a handful of games a year including the playoffs.  I was never really into baseball…I just don’t get the fascination?  I find it slow, dull, and extremely boring…unless you’re at the ballpark…then it’s a whole different story!  When you’re actually at the game, it’s exciting and much more “family friendly” than football. 

Continue reading "Philly Is Still A Football Town"

          The crystal ball was two up and two down for the week.  Even though that is an improvement, it still doesn’t cut it!  Good thing this is for entertainment purposes only…or I would be in the poor house!  Let’s take a look back and see what happened: 

Continue reading "Week 5 Review"

 

           Yesterday, the Eagles lost another heartbreaker to a division foe, the Washington Redskins, 23-17.  The Eagles stand at 2-3 and in 4th (last) place in their division.  They have now lost two division (3 conference) games…and that does not bode well for play-off considerations.  Though it’s still early in the season…the sky may be falling! 

Continue reading "Bridges"

First off, I want to introduce myself. My name is Jake, I live in Houston. I'm glad I found this place. I've read a lot of bloggers material today from predictions to their favorite teams' rants, it's great. I enjoyed it. Sports, baby sports!

Continue reading "NFL Week 5 Predictions"

           Each week, on Friday, I will look into my (never wrong, just misinformed) crystal ball and give my predictions for that weekend games.  I will always prognosticate on the Eagles and Cowboys games and then pick two more games of interest (to me, that is, not necessarily to you).  Keep in mind, that this is for entertainment purposes only, and that I do not endorse any sort of legal or illegal gambling.  That being said…let’s see what’s in my crystal ball!

Continue reading "Predictions Week 5"

          

           Bill Belichick, Head Coach of the New England Patriots, was accused by Al Davis of “tampering” with Randy Moss prior to their trade a year ago.  The Raiders received a 4th round pick as compensation in the deal.  Davis alleges that the Patriots had a secret workout with Moss prior to the negotiations, which would violate NFL rules.  Bill (here’s a surprise) denies the accusation. 

Continue reading "...Then It's Probably A Duck!"

his grandmother did.  From his perspective…he was alone…nobody wanted him.  Football was his salvation…his way to prove people wrong!  So, to Terrell, winning is everything.  Being a shining star for everyone to see is the ultimate prize.  Losing is unacceptable…he wants to win…and be the reason for it! 

Continue reading "Much Ado About Nothing"

           This week two head coaches were relieved of their duties…fired!  First, Scott Linehan of the St. Louis Rams, and now, Lane Kiffin of the Oakland Raiders, why?  Jim Haslet replaced Linehan.  What’s the difference, the Rams are horrific!  Kiffin is being replaced with O-line coach, Tom Cable…who?  Yeah, that’s right, I never heard of him either! 

Continue reading "Instant Gratification"

           Once again, my crystal ball failed me.  I don’t understand what happened…I shined it up last week.  I even purchased a stand for it…so now it sits on top of the mantel.  I’ve treated it with the utmost respect.  For who?  For what?  (Yes…that was a shot at Ricky Watters!)  Once again, I was one up and three down last week…not good…awful…embarrassing even!  I have to do something different for next week…maybe I will punish it…have it stand in the corner…or give it a time-out!  Something has to give…and I’m not backing down!  Let’s take a closer look and see what went wrong: 

Continue reading "Week 4 Review"

sp;        You see, the Steelers play the Ravens on Monday Night Football this week.  Bart Scott had this to say about Mendenhall, “He said later that he was just joking, but it’s too late.  Thanks for the bulletin-board material, rookie.”  Obviously, Bart is beside himself…what was the Rookie to say?  Was he to predict he would have an awful day…that he would fumble 3 times…that in his 1st NFL start (Willie P. is down and out for the contest) he would be labeled a bust…that the Steelers wasted a first round pick on him?  Of course not!  He said in a simple text to his friend that he was going to have a good performance.  Should he not be confident in his abilities?           

Continue reading "Bulletin Board Material"

           Each week, on Friday, I will look into my (never wrong, just misinformed) crystal ball and give my predictions for that weekend games.  I will always prognosticate on the Eagles and Cowboys games and then pick two more games of interest (to me, that is, not necessarily to you).  Keep in mind, that this is for entertainment purposes only, and that I do not endorse any sort of legal or illegal gambling.  That being said…let’s see what’s in my crystal ball!           

Continue reading "Predictions Week 4"

           On Saturday night, I relearned a lesson I already knew.  Often times, we need to be reminded of lessons we learned as a child.  When we were children, things were simpler.  We didn’t judge, we just played with everyone…all the other children were our friends.  We learned to judge, as we grew older.  Our teachers always taught us right from wrong…but did we listen? 

Continue reading "Don't Judge A Book By Its Cover"

             Just the other day my cousin Domenic (Cuz) called me.  He wanted to let me know that our cousin from Italy was coming for a visit in October, and to call me a cockroach.  The term cockroach was coined, or at least he uses it the most, by Howard Eskin of WIP (local sports radio).  Eskin uses the term to refer to Cowboys fans, mostly who live in the Philly area.  This got me to thinking (dangerous, isn’t it?)…In today’s politically correct society, and the diverse society we live in, I, a cockroach, was offended.  At my wife’s school (she is a school teacher), they promote diversity with a huge campaign.  In a nutshell, it’s to let everyone know that we are different and that we should understand and respect others points of view.   

Continue reading "Cockroaches"

           Today I am taking my lumps, and licking my wounds.  I was 1-3 on my predictions for Week 3.  Though I take great pride in my prognosticating skills, I must blame the crystal ball for this one.  Granted, I should have known better, because I purchased it at Dollar Tree…what do you expect for a dollar?  Maybe I will “Windex” it before this week’s prediction, so it isn’t so cloudy and hazy.  Lets take a closer look at what happened: 

Continue reading "Week 3 Review"

     Each week, on Friday, I will look into my (never wrong, just misinformed) crystal ball and give my predictions for that weekend games.  I will always prognosticate on the Eagles and Cowboys games and then pick two more games of interest (to me, that is, not necessarily to you).  Keep in mind, that this is for entertainment purposes only, and that I do not endorse any sort of legal or illegal gambling.  That being said…let’s see what’s in my crystal ball! 

Continue reading "Predictios Week 3: Round-Up"

           The NFL, in my opinion, is the best sport in the world.  It is a violent game played by phenomenal athletes, who by the way, get paid handsomely for it.  Every year the NFL Competition Committee comes up with new rules to “improve” the game.  For instance, this year, they got rid of the 5-yard facemask penalty.  Now it’s either a 15-yard personal foul, or incidental contact and no penalty…what genius came up with that one? 

Continue reading "The No Fun League"

Today is a seasonable mild day in beautiful Gilbertsville, PA.  There are leaves falling and a calm breeze.  As I sit on my patio, I hear the birds chirping, and the wind howl occasionally.  It is almost an eerie feeling.  The kids are in school and the streets and backyards are empty.  So, I thought to myself, timing is everything.  A few weeks ago, at this time, kids were running in their yards, playing on their swing sets, and horse playing as youngsters do.  Today, nothing! 

Continue reading "Timing Is Everything"

must come to an end, but we can add it to our list of memories.  It was the last Monday Night Football game at Texas Stadium…thanks for the memories!  Tex Schramm once said th

Continue reading "A Game For The Ages: An Instant Classic"

-          East Carolina is well on their way to being this year’s dark horse contender for a BCS bowl berth.  2006 = Boise State, 2007 = Hawaii, 2008 = East Carolina?

Continue reading "10 Things I think I learned in week ..."

I’m not sure if you saw the BYU/Washington game last night, if you didn’t, let me set the stage for you…

In a game that was back and forth all game; BYU is up 27-20, and looking to extend the longest current winning streak in the NCAA.  Washington puts together a great drive in the final minute of the 4th Qtr.  With 10 seconds left, and Washington with a 3rd and goal from about the 5yd. line, Mr. Washington himself, QB Jake Locker scrambles and somehow wills himself into the end zone for the touchdown.  So there it is, we are going to overtime!  Not so fast my friend, there is a yellow hanky on the turf.  The penalty is excessive celebration.  As Locker ran into the end zone, with pure exhilaration, he tossed the ball in the air and jumped into a teammates arms. The touchdown counts, but the extra point will have to be kicked from the 20 yd line instead of the 3 yd. line.  And you probably can guess what happens next…the kick is blocked, Washington loses by one point!

Continue reading "Excessive Celebration?"

PART 2: AFC Teams Anticipation and Questions for the upcoming season

Buffalo Bills – Is this improving yet mediocre team from the last two seasons, ready to become relevant in a division that includes the Super Bowl favorite?

Continue reading "NFL Opening Weekend = Christmas in September"

Hey Jet fans,I know it seems a little early, ok a lot early to claim that a team whose season hasn’t even started yet is already facing a must win game, but let’s take a look at the situat

Continue reading "NY JETS – WEEK ONE ALREADY A MUST WIN?"

PART 1: NFC

For many NFL fans the eve of NFL kickoff takes on the feeling of a kid on Christmas Eve, the excitement, anticipation, surprises that lay ahead.  But for all the football fans out there, the feelings aren’t about gifts and presents, but about seeing how all the unanswered questions that have built up in the offseason will be answered this year. And believe me; every team has their share of question marks.

Continue reading "NFL opening weekend = Christmas in September"

It's nice to see Ol' Roy back, and it's even nicer to ponder that Houston dodged a bullet by keeping him instead of trading him.

How did Oswalt do today against the top team in baseball? Against the Chicago Cubs, Oswalt pitched nearly a complete game--going 8.1 innings and giving up four hits, no runs and striking out three. He's a 3.91 on what has definitely been an off-season. Amazingly, he's now 13-9 on the season. If not for his struggles, he might've won 20 games.

Continue reading "Houston 3, Chicago 0"

The Eagles ended the 2007 season with a 8-8 record and did not make the playoffs. Considering they play in the toughest division in the NFC probably has something to do with that. However, there is so much more that bothers me about the Eagles. Their offense plays well one week and then struggles the next. Donovan McNabb plays like an elite quarterback one game and then the next game people start talking about him being traded or that year being the his last in Philly. What bothers me the most about the Philadelphia Eagles is the lack of loyalty from its fans. They have been booing Donovan McNabb since he was drafted. They are the toughest fans to please. They call it passion. But to be honest, I think even the best teams would struggle to please these fans. With fans like them who needs enemies?

Continue reading "32 Teams in 32 Days, Team #7: The ..."

The Washington Redskins are quite the team. No matter how bad they do people always want to watch them. They get very good national television ratings despite what their record may be. They struggle to make things happen, but when they do the crowd erupts as if they just won the Superbowl. I must admit I too enjoy watching the Redskins. Its odd that a team with as many playmakers as they have can’t win more games. They did make the playoffs last year, but lost to the Seahawks in the first round. They will be looking to make it back to the playoffs this year, but there are things they need to work on.

Continue reading "32 Teams in 32 Days. Team #6: The ..."

The Super Bowl Champs. They are returning to the gridiron this year with thoughts of repeating. They want to defend their title and prove to the world that beating the 18-0 New England Patriots was no fluke. The New York Giants shocked the world when they pulled off that miraculous upset. It seemed as though in one game, Eli Manning grew up, jumped out of the shadow of older brother Peyton, and suddenly became a great Quarterback. You have got to be kidding me. Yeah they were good last year at the right time, but the New York Giants in no way earn my respect. They are a team that got lucky. End of story.

Continue reading "32 Teams in 32 Days, Team #5: The New York Giants"

Jeff Christensen believes the quarterback position is broken. 

And he’s just the guy to fix it. 

“Kids today,” says the founder of Throw It Deep Passing Academy, “and when I say kids I mean 19, 20, 21 years old. They think because they throw a pretty spiral they’ve done something. It’s mind-boggling.” 

Continue reading "THINK FIRST, THEN THROW IT DEEP"

The Buffalo Bills. The only New York team that actually plays in New York, but they want to play in Toronto and to be honest, I want them to go there too. The franchise has had very little success in its entire history. Yes its true they do have 4 conference championships, but in its entire history, the Bills have never been able to win the big one. It’s never happened and by the looks of the team that took that field last year, it doesn’t look like its going to happen this year either. They will play some of their games in Toronto and I do believe eventually the Bills will move their franchise there. It’s a good place for the franchise to start fresh in a new home. I think they could use it.

Continue reading "32 Teams in 32 Days, Team #4: The Buffalo Bills"

J-E-T-S! JETS! JETS! JETS! Yes the New York Jets are coming into another year of football with hopes of winning it all!... or at least of making it back to the playoffs in a division where they are forced to play Tom Brady and the Patriots twice in the regular season and by all intents and purposes would most likely have to beat them in the playoffs to get to the big game. But lets be real for a minute, the Jets aren’t making it to the Superbowl and if they by some miracle make the playoffs it will be by the skin of their teeth. The AFC is too hard of a conference and there are so few spots in the post-season.

Continue reading "32 Teams in 32 Days, Team #3: The New York Jets"

1-15. The worst team in the league last season. The Miami Dolphins are looking to get back to relevance and what a chore that is for them competing in the same division with Tom Brady and the Patriots and also having Ladainian Tomlinson and the Chargers on their schedule. The Dolphins are going to have to dig deep and put in the work that is needed to make any sort of impact this season. However, perhaps the point of this season is not to make an impact. Perhaps the point of this season is just to get some wins to their record and rebuild a franchise that was once great.

Continue reading "32 Teams in 32 Days, Team #2: The Miami Dolphins"

18-1. It’s a great record. To have won 18 games and to have only lost once in today’s NFL is quite an accomplishment. Its just a shame that the 1 happened at the only game that matters, the Superbowl. The New England Patriots are coming back looking for vengeance, looking for meaning, looking to get back to that place where they could have mattered. Spygate is behind them now, but is the sting from the Superbowl loss behind them too? The Patriots will come into this season ready to answer all the questions they need to answer.

Continue reading "32 Teams in 32 Days, Team #1: The ..."

Recently Marshawn Lynch was involved in a hit and run and although not all the details have been released, what we do know is that Lynch has pleaded guilty and has publicly apologized. I don’t know what kind of person Marshawn Lynch is. For the most part, I think his great season in Buffalo was completely overshadowed by the tremendous play of Minnesota Running Back Adrian Peterson. Lynch was basically off the radar. He’s on a team that no one outside of Buffalo could really care about and he was a rookie at the wrong time. He hasn’t made a huge impact, but I still think he’s a really good running back. I don’t know what he does in his personal life and like I said we don’t really know all the details on this incident. What I would like to know is if this will effect his season? Will Marshawn Lynch be playing football this season or will he be punished by Commissioner Goodell? Only time will tell. I think if you’re gonna suspend players for violating substance policies, then hitting someone with your car should be ranked right up there with a suspend- able offense.

Continue reading "NFL: Lynch, Pac-Man, & Rookie Contracts"

Lakers fans will tell you that the Lakers haven’t hit their stride. That Kobe isn’t playing the same way that he was in the first three series. That he isn’t moving the ball. That he’s taking too many bad shots. They say that Lamar Odom is struggling through nerves and that Pau Gasol is playing soft.

Continue reading "Good or Not?"

Just when I thought it couldn't get any worse, it doesn't, it just sort of stays the same.

Julius Jones has signed with the Hawks giving them a running corps of five backs I could care less about. I thought Duckett (a clone of Leonard Weaver) was a waste of time and money, but this move really takes the cake.

Continue reading "Seattle Seahawks Sign Former Dallas ..."

His future was limitless. Sure, he was a bit undersized, but Oregon's Joey Harrington could throw the football. Joey Heisman had a billboard in Times Square for goodness sake.

And now, here he stands a free agent.

Continue reading "Atlanta Falcons Release Joey Harrington"

But we get left behind without a maverick. Football and the NFL have transformed into an American game of Roman proportions since the Atlanta Falcons decided it would be a smart idea to shop Favre. His retirement officially signifies the end of a football era.

Continue reading "Green Bay Packers Bret Favre Takes ..."

With plenty of activity within the past week involving Free Agent signings (& trades) in the NFL, lots of names get lost in the shuffle.  I've taken some time to recap all the free agent signings so far with the big names and the not so big names and briefly analyze if it is a good move, ok move or bad move for the team. Pro Bowl LB Briggs re-signs with Bears

Continue reading "NFL Free Agent Signings & Analysis-Who ..."

You know those old tales of good and evil where the devil tries to tempt a man on earth with great treasures and power in return for his soul? 

Remnants of that tale immediately came to mind once I heard that Sam Zell, the new owner of the Chicago Cubs and CEO of the Chicago Tribune, publicly stated that he will sell the naming rights of Wrigley Field.  I immediately thought of the outrage that this would stir among Cub fans and baseball purists.  Now, I am a die hard Cub fan and as tough as it has been not to show any real bias towards this controversy, hearing about this news really ticked me off. Selling the naming rights of Wrigley Field is just disrespectful to the loyal fans, the game itself, and the Chicago Cubs organization.  Sam Zell is a man that is already filthy rich and I understand that business is business and he wants to turn the Chicago Tribune back around, but this is not the way to do it. 

Continue reading "Selling your Soul: Zell plans to ..."

The experts in the 2006 NFL Combine may have missed something.  He ran a 4.55 40 yard dash, had about a 10 foot broad jump, and ran a 11.27 60-yard shuffle.  In case you were wondering, these aren't exactly impressive numbers for a NFL wide receiver.  While the rookie from Hoftstra wasn't exactly high on anyone’s boards, he did get drafted.  Marques Colston was the fourth to last pick.  Experts will tell you that a good combine will translate into a successful rookie campaign in the NFL.  However, Colston's average combine times translated into 8 touchdowns, 1038 yards and 70 catches on his way to winning the Rookie of the Year award.  In the past few years, Colston has become Drew Brees favorite target in the high powered Saints offense.  He also turned heads with this short commercial clip.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYeQbcSQ8CU

Continue reading "The NFL Combine: Overhyped & Overrated?"

It happens every year.  Someone will make the terrible mistake of filling out their brackets according to ESPN or a network like CBS Sports.  Then they find out that these so called "experts" never seem to get their picks right.  They are "experts" right?  C'mon people they are only human, but if there's one thing March Madness has taught me the past few years, it's that you're probably better off filling in your bracket blindfold than listening to the sports networks. Well, kind of. Just don't be upset if your sisters picks end up being better than yours.

Continue reading "Bracket Buster Weekend: It's that ..."

the heart and drive to study film, pick up on signals, or give your vision to see and hit a hole?

Football is a team sport.  If one person--or for that matter, a few players--are using steroids on the offensive or defensive side of the ball, I am not convinced that that is an advantage.  It may make you a bit stronger.  It may make you a bit faster.  But, unlike baseball, I don't think those benefits can make you and your team better.  I've seen guys come into the NFL who are complete physical specimens (Former number 1 overall pick in 2000, DE Courtney Brown, springs to mind). 

Continue reading "Steroids: Contrasting Football and Baseball"

As a Miami Dolphins fan, and I appreciate your condolences, I have mentally fast-forwarded to April, and the NFL Draft.  With Bill Parcells calling the shots, for the first time since Jimmy Johnson controlled Miami’s war rooms, I am heading into this draft with the utmost confidence.   

Continue reading "Are We There Yet?"

I have never claimed to be an expert when it comes to predicting outcomes of football games, although last year I nearly predicted the exact final score of the Super Bowl while hitting on seven of my nine prop bets. (My prediction was 26-17, the final was 29-17.) For whatever reason I had a very good feel for that game. This year's Super Bowl, however, remains a mystery to me. Part of the reason I am having trouble getting a good feel for this game is that I am a bitter Jets fan and I can't stand either team. I'm finding it difficult to put my personal feelings aside and look at the game objectively. I think right now I am as close to objectivity as I am going to get, and with that being said, here is my official Super Bowl XLII prediction.

Continue reading "Super Bowl XLII Prediction"

I wrote the following article during the 2005 season for my campus newspaper. It is still very true today and I think most people will get a kick out of it. And just for the record, I am a Raiders fan.

Continue reading "I HATE TOM BRADY"

All right, all right. I admit. I've disliked the former number one overall draft pick for quite some time. He's been a negative for most of the time he's been in the league, and even when he seems like he's ready to turn the corner and be a major contributor (last year and this year), he gets riddled with little injuries that seem to take months to recover from.

Continue reading "KEEP KWAME! It's Yang time."

NFL Playoffs!? That can only mean one thing – bandwagon season! Now that my team #1 and #2 are done for the season, its time to jump on the way only a true NFL football fan can.

My Tampa Bay Buccaneers played an exceptional first quarter today and then decided to fall asleep on me. Too bad the game has four quarters! Argh! I really thought they could make something happen this year. My #1 team(s) the San Francisco 49ers and the Oakland Raiders never even made it to the playoffs - so the time has come for auxiliary cheering methods – jump on the bandwagon! I have planned out who I will be rooting for next week for sure (remaining season afterward to be determined):

Continue reading "Bandwagon Season!"

While attending college at the University of Tampa, I noticed the awesome fact that the area is rich in professional sports! The Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are relatively close to each other and easily accessible. The closest NBA was the Orlando Magic, but I got to catch a pre-season game at the Ice Palace one year. I felt really spoiled since I grew up in a place where everything was much more spread out and harder to get tickets for. To make things even better – there was plenty of golf and tennis around. I only wish the USF Bulls were as good as they are now when I was there. I didn’t complain though, I was able to go to the games free since my school didn’t have football. (They did at one time; John Matuszak is a U Tampa alum!)

Continue reading "Something's wrong with Tropicana Field?"

James Arthur, a Denver Broncos fan for the past thirty-seven years, sees the only way the Denver Broncos can compete with the likes of the New England Patriots is to gut the squad.  He said, &

Continue reading "Denver Broncos Fan Guts Squad"