Tennessee Titans @ NY Jets
Spread: Jets, -2.5
o/u: 37
In Week 1, Tennessee's offense looked weak and their defense looked good. Then, in Week 2, their defense look pourous, but their offense found some life. The inconsistency on both sides of the ball has the Titans at 0-2, and going on the road against the 2-0 Jets. This is the first game of the season where the Jets will be the favorite. They have one of the best defenses in the league, but their offense is still a question mark. But as long as that D continues its outstanding play, the Jets can keep the score low and pull out a win.
Pick: Jets 17 - Titans 10
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Saturday Morning News - 9/26/09
San Diego Charger LaDainian Tomlinson will miss Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins. [LA Times]
The Philadelphia Phillies have announced Brad Lidge will not be the teams sole closer for the remainder of the season and playoffs. Lidge, who was a perfect 41-41 in save opportunities last season, leads the Majors with 11 blown saves this year. [FOX Sports]
Theo Fleury, attempting a comeback from a long, substance-abuse related suspension from the NHL, has been released by the Calgary Flames. [CBC.ca]
Magic Number Update: The St Louis Cardinals continue to hold steady at 1. The Yankees number in the East and Red Sox number in the Wild Card are at 3. The Yankees can clinch with a sweep of the Red Sox this weekend.
The Philadelphia Phillies have announced Brad Lidge will not be the teams sole closer for the remainder of the season and playoffs. Lidge, who was a perfect 41-41 in save opportunities last season, leads the Majors with 11 blown saves this year. [FOX Sports]
Theo Fleury, attempting a comeback from a long, substance-abuse related suspension from the NHL, has been released by the Calgary Flames. [CBC.ca]
Magic Number Update: The St Louis Cardinals continue to hold steady at 1. The Yankees number in the East and Red Sox number in the Wild Card are at 3. The Yankees can clinch with a sweep of the Red Sox this weekend.
Friday, September 25, 2009
College Football Week 4 - Important Matchups
9 Miami(FL) @ 11 Virginia Tech
Favorite: Miami, -2.5
Miami opens this year with four straight ranked opponents. So far, they've beaten FSU and Georgia Tech to get a 2-0 start on the season. Virginia Tech already lost to a ranked Alabama in Week 1, and barely beat ranked Nebraska last week. Now they'll have to beat a ranked division rival to prove they belong in the Top 10. Miami has looked strong on defense, and Jacory Harris has proven he can lead this team to victory. Va Tech will simply be overmatched this week.
Pick: Miami 34 - Va Tech 17
22 UNC @ Georgia Tech
Favorite: Georgia Tech, -2.5
UNC may be ranked and undefeated, but they haven't beaten a real opponent yet, either. Formerly ranked, Georgia Tech wants back in the Top 25. But they really haven't beaten anyone yet, either. They lost last week to Miami, and Miami just made them look bad, swarming all over their triple-option every time they ran it. QB Josh Nesbitt has also proven he can't do much with the ball besides run and pitch it to his backs. UNC will come in with one of the best run defenses in the country, and they'll leave with a win.
Pick: UNC 35 - Georgia Tech 13
Texas Tech @ 17 Houston
Favorite: Houston, -1
In their last game, Houston beat then-No. 5 Oklahoma State. Now they've had an off week to come down from that high and prepare for a Texas Tech team prepared to put some points up. Between the two teams, they've put up at least 45 points in three of their four wins, and Tech managed 24 in their loss last week to Texas. The game is going to come down to Houston's D barely managing to hold off a Tech team that needs just a bit more experience.
Pick: Houston 48 - Texas Tech 38
Iowa @ 5 Penn State
Favorite: Penn State, -9.5
At first glance, the spread on this game seams a little high considering Iowa won this game last year, and hasn't lost since. But that doesn't mean Iowa is good. In fact, since they started the season ranked, Iowa hasn't played up to expectations in their three wins, and managed to lose their ranking in the process. This years game will be played in Happy Valley, where Penn State hasn't lost in almost 2 years. I'm sure white out conditions will be in effect, and Iowa won't know what hit them.
Pick: Penn State 38 - Iowa 10
Favorite: Miami, -2.5
Miami opens this year with four straight ranked opponents. So far, they've beaten FSU and Georgia Tech to get a 2-0 start on the season. Virginia Tech already lost to a ranked Alabama in Week 1, and barely beat ranked Nebraska last week. Now they'll have to beat a ranked division rival to prove they belong in the Top 10. Miami has looked strong on defense, and Jacory Harris has proven he can lead this team to victory. Va Tech will simply be overmatched this week.
Pick: Miami 34 - Va Tech 17
22 UNC @ Georgia Tech
Favorite: Georgia Tech, -2.5
UNC may be ranked and undefeated, but they haven't beaten a real opponent yet, either. Formerly ranked, Georgia Tech wants back in the Top 25. But they really haven't beaten anyone yet, either. They lost last week to Miami, and Miami just made them look bad, swarming all over their triple-option every time they ran it. QB Josh Nesbitt has also proven he can't do much with the ball besides run and pitch it to his backs. UNC will come in with one of the best run defenses in the country, and they'll leave with a win.
Pick: UNC 35 - Georgia Tech 13
Texas Tech @ 17 Houston
Favorite: Houston, -1
In their last game, Houston beat then-No. 5 Oklahoma State. Now they've had an off week to come down from that high and prepare for a Texas Tech team prepared to put some points up. Between the two teams, they've put up at least 45 points in three of their four wins, and Tech managed 24 in their loss last week to Texas. The game is going to come down to Houston's D barely managing to hold off a Tech team that needs just a bit more experience.
Pick: Houston 48 - Texas Tech 38
Iowa @ 5 Penn State
Favorite: Penn State, -9.5
At first glance, the spread on this game seams a little high considering Iowa won this game last year, and hasn't lost since. But that doesn't mean Iowa is good. In fact, since they started the season ranked, Iowa hasn't played up to expectations in their three wins, and managed to lose their ranking in the process. This years game will be played in Happy Valley, where Penn State hasn't lost in almost 2 years. I'm sure white out conditions will be in effect, and Iowa won't know what hit them.
Pick: Penn State 38 - Iowa 10
Friday Magic Numbers
Closing in on the end of the season, all division and wild card leaders have a chance to clinch this week.
AL East:
NY Yankees(already clinch playoff berth), +5.5 over Boston: 5
AL Central:
Detroit, +3 over Minnesota: 8
AL West:
LA Angels, +7 over Texas: 4
AL Wild Card:
Boston, +8 over Texas: 3
NL East:
Philadelphia, +7 over Atlanta: 4
NL Central:
St Louis, +9.5 over Chicago Cubs: 1
NL West:
LA Dodgers, +6 over Colorado: 4
NL Wild Card:
Colorado, +3.5 over Atlanta: 7
AL East:
NY Yankees(already clinch playoff berth), +5.5 over Boston: 5
AL Central:
Detroit, +3 over Minnesota: 8
AL West:
LA Angels, +7 over Texas: 4
AL Wild Card:
Boston, +8 over Texas: 3
NL East:
Philadelphia, +7 over Atlanta: 4
NL Central:
St Louis, +9.5 over Chicago Cubs: 1
NL West:
LA Dodgers, +6 over Colorado: 4
NL Wild Card:
Colorado, +3.5 over Atlanta: 7
Friday Morning News - 9/25/09
No 4 Ole Miss was upset last night by Steve Spurrier's South Carolina Gamecocks. [Fanhouse]
Though his foot is healing well, Houston Rockets center Yao Ming will sit out all of the 2009-2010 season. [Interbasket.net]
Wayne Gretzky has stepped down as head coach of the Phoenix Coyotes, citing the organization moving in a new direction once it is sold. He is being replaced by former Dallas Stars coach Dave Tippett. [Reuters]
Though his foot is healing well, Houston Rockets center Yao Ming will sit out all of the 2009-2010 season. [Interbasket.net]
Wayne Gretzky has stepped down as head coach of the Phoenix Coyotes, citing the organization moving in a new direction once it is sold. He is being replaced by former Dallas Stars coach Dave Tippett. [Reuters]
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Thursday Morning News - 9/24/09
Long-time Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox has signed an extension through 2010, at which point he will retire. [Fanhouse]
Dallas Cowboy Flozell Adams has been fined $12,500 for tripping Giants Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora. [Newsday]
Goalie Olaf Kolzig has retired after 19 years of professional hockey. [NHL.com]
Magic Number update: The St Louis Cardinals are down to 1. They have off tonight, but can clinch with a Chicago Cubs loss against San Francisco.
Dallas Cowboy Flozell Adams has been fined $12,500 for tripping Giants Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora. [Newsday]
Goalie Olaf Kolzig has retired after 19 years of professional hockey. [NHL.com]
Magic Number update: The St Louis Cardinals are down to 1. They have off tonight, but can clinch with a Chicago Cubs loss against San Francisco.
More Wild Card Teams Won't Help Baseball. A Salary Cap Will.
I've heard a lot of basbeall "experts" bringing up the idea of adding another wild card team to both MLB leagues to spice up the playoff races. They think it will add late season excitement, and the addition of a one-game playoff between the now-two wild card teams would put the winner at a disadvantage for the Division Series. Tim Kurkjian, on Mike and Mike in the Morning today, even brought up the fact that it could help small-market teams, since the major stories this year are all big-market teams. But all these arguments are wrong.
I'd first like to address the idea that the wild card team should be put at a disadvantage. People say its been too easy for wild card teams to reach and win the World Series. Of the 28 wild card teams since its inception, nine have reached the World Series, and four have won it. But why should it have to be harder? Of those 28 teams, 17 of them have had a better record than one or both of the division winners in their league, outside of their division. This includes a 2001 Oakland A's team that won 102 games, more than any other team except the Seattle Mariners, who won 116 games and the division. In fact, only in 1995 and 1999 have both wild card teams not finished with a better record than a division winner in their league. When the division winners consistently outperform the wild card teams, then you can make an honest arguement that wild card teams should be at a disadvantage.
Really here the big reason for this idea is the lack of a pennant race this year. The Yankees are already in the playoffs and the Cardinals can clinch their division with a Cubs loss tonight. The only thing close to a race is the AL Central, where Detroit currently has a 2.5 game lead on Minnesota. Is adding another playoff team really the answer? Even this year, the only race that would actually be exciting would be between Atlanta and San Francisco, who would be tied for the second wild card spot. No, the real answer is a salary cap.
Since the introduction of the wild card in 1995, the NY Yankees have had the highest payroll in baseball every year except 1995 and 1998. They also went to the playoffs every year except 2008. This year, their payroll is over $50 million more than the next team, the NY Mets. The current system, which has a luxury tax on teams with payrolls over a certain amount, will tax only the Yankees this year, while not ensuring that teams have to spend more or less than a certain amount. Under this system, teams that want to go out and spend money can spend as much as they want. Similarly, teams that don't want to spend money can sit back and do nothing. A salary cap with a hard floor and ceiling, like is done in other sports, would fix that.
Over the past 14 years, baseball salaries have more than tripled. The top payrolls in 1995 would be the bottom payrolls today. But looking at the payrolls ranks, one thing stands out: the bottom teams always stay near the bottom. With baseball's shared revenue, small-market teams get a cut of the money generated by competetive, mostly big-market teams. Looking at 2008's payrolls, the Pittsburgh Pirates, Oakland A's, Tampa Bay Rays and Florida Marlins all spent less than $50 million. But the Pirates alone reportedly made $75 million from revenue sharing. Without a hard floor and ceiling, there is no real incentive for teams to cut spending or put money into a competitive team. Setting a ceiling in the low $100 millions and a floor around $50 million would force big-market teams, like the Yankees and Red Sox, perennial playoff teams, to cut spending. It would also cause perennial bottom-dwellers to be competitive by spending more money.
What we have now is a system in where a team like the Yankees can make money and put it back into the team. Meanwhile, a team like the Pirates can make money simply off of revenue sharing, then pocket the money and put a non-competitive team on the field. This is whats wrong with pennant races these days. A salary cap that would force teams to be competitive would bring more parity to the game, and more meaningful games into September.
I'd first like to address the idea that the wild card team should be put at a disadvantage. People say its been too easy for wild card teams to reach and win the World Series. Of the 28 wild card teams since its inception, nine have reached the World Series, and four have won it. But why should it have to be harder? Of those 28 teams, 17 of them have had a better record than one or both of the division winners in their league, outside of their division. This includes a 2001 Oakland A's team that won 102 games, more than any other team except the Seattle Mariners, who won 116 games and the division. In fact, only in 1995 and 1999 have both wild card teams not finished with a better record than a division winner in their league. When the division winners consistently outperform the wild card teams, then you can make an honest arguement that wild card teams should be at a disadvantage.
Really here the big reason for this idea is the lack of a pennant race this year. The Yankees are already in the playoffs and the Cardinals can clinch their division with a Cubs loss tonight. The only thing close to a race is the AL Central, where Detroit currently has a 2.5 game lead on Minnesota. Is adding another playoff team really the answer? Even this year, the only race that would actually be exciting would be between Atlanta and San Francisco, who would be tied for the second wild card spot. No, the real answer is a salary cap.
Since the introduction of the wild card in 1995, the NY Yankees have had the highest payroll in baseball every year except 1995 and 1998. They also went to the playoffs every year except 2008. This year, their payroll is over $50 million more than the next team, the NY Mets. The current system, which has a luxury tax on teams with payrolls over a certain amount, will tax only the Yankees this year, while not ensuring that teams have to spend more or less than a certain amount. Under this system, teams that want to go out and spend money can spend as much as they want. Similarly, teams that don't want to spend money can sit back and do nothing. A salary cap with a hard floor and ceiling, like is done in other sports, would fix that.
Over the past 14 years, baseball salaries have more than tripled. The top payrolls in 1995 would be the bottom payrolls today. But looking at the payrolls ranks, one thing stands out: the bottom teams always stay near the bottom. With baseball's shared revenue, small-market teams get a cut of the money generated by competetive, mostly big-market teams. Looking at 2008's payrolls, the Pittsburgh Pirates, Oakland A's, Tampa Bay Rays and Florida Marlins all spent less than $50 million. But the Pirates alone reportedly made $75 million from revenue sharing. Without a hard floor and ceiling, there is no real incentive for teams to cut spending or put money into a competitive team. Setting a ceiling in the low $100 millions and a floor around $50 million would force big-market teams, like the Yankees and Red Sox, perennial playoff teams, to cut spending. It would also cause perennial bottom-dwellers to be competitive by spending more money.
What we have now is a system in where a team like the Yankees can make money and put it back into the team. Meanwhile, a team like the Pirates can make money simply off of revenue sharing, then pocket the money and put a non-competitive team on the field. This is whats wrong with pennant races these days. A salary cap that would force teams to be competitive would bring more parity to the game, and more meaningful games into September.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Wednesday Morning News - 9/23/09
Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov, believed to be Russia's richest man, is rumored to have placed a bid to buy the New Jersey Nets. The $700mil offer is more than double the estimated value of the team. [SportBusiness.com]
Arizona Diamondback Mark Reynolds has broken his own strikeout record. His 204 last season was the previous high, and he now has 206 with 12 games remaining. [ESPN]
James Isch has been named interim president of the NCAA. [USA Today]
Tampa Bay Buccaneers S Jermaine Phillips will be out the rest of the season after suffering a broken thumb on Sunday. [TampaBay.com]
The NY Yankees have clinched a playoff berth. They are the first team to do so this year, and it is their 14th trip in the last 15 years.
Magic Number update: The St Louis Cardinals are down to 2. They can clinch the NL Central with a win and a Chicago Cubs loss tonight.
Arizona Diamondback Mark Reynolds has broken his own strikeout record. His 204 last season was the previous high, and he now has 206 with 12 games remaining. [ESPN]
James Isch has been named interim president of the NCAA. [USA Today]
Tampa Bay Buccaneers S Jermaine Phillips will be out the rest of the season after suffering a broken thumb on Sunday. [TampaBay.com]
The NY Yankees have clinched a playoff berth. They are the first team to do so this year, and it is their 14th trip in the last 15 years.
Magic Number update: The St Louis Cardinals are down to 2. They can clinch the NL Central with a win and a Chicago Cubs loss tonight.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
NFL Week 2 Wrap-up
This week, we saw some teams take a step forward, some take a step back, and others just stood there.
Forward, to Victory!:
New York Jets
After a Week 1 beating of the Houston Texans, many wondered if the Jets were that good, or the Texans were that overrated. Well, the Jets held the Pats to 9 points, and no TDs in Week 2, while the Texans put up 34 on the Titans, making Matt Schaub look like a mid-'90s Brett Favre in the process. The Jets haven't allowed an offensive touchdown in all 8 quarters of play this year.
Denver Broncos
After barely coming away with the win against Cincinnati in Week 1, Denver had to take on Cleveland to attempt the Ohio Sweep. Last week, Denver's rushing game only totaled 75 yards on 20 plays. This week, Corel Buckhalter and Knowshon Moreno had 75 yards each, as the rushing attack stepped up its game. With QB Kyle Orton's stats staying largely the same(with the exception of increased attempts leading to decreased completion percentage), Denver finished up with a 27-6 win.
Backwards, ho!:
New England Patriots
The Pats D looked about the same this week as they did last, allowing only 1 TD and 3 field goals. But their offense sputtered for much of the game, only coming up with three field goals of their own. The loss breaks Tom Brady's win streak. It is also the first time the Pats haven't had an offensive TD since December 10, 2006, and they haven't been 0-3 in the red zone since October 26, 2003. And after throwing for almost 400 yards in Week 1, Brady barely passed 200 this week, completing less than 50% of his passes.
Seattle Seahawks
Seattle had high hopes this season, with their major injuries from last year healed and the addition of WR TJ Houshmandzadeh. But one hit at the end of the second quarter and QB Matt Hasselbeck was down for the count, his game ended on a three yard run to the 49ers 1. With the Seattle defense pretty much getting out of the way of Frank Gore(207 rushing yards, 2 TDs), backup QB Seneca Wallace, bless his heart, just couldn't do it alone. He scored on his first play, but couldn't put up any points in the second half.
Same Old Song & Dance:
Pittsburgh Steelers
Forward, to Victory!:
New York Jets
After a Week 1 beating of the Houston Texans, many wondered if the Jets were that good, or the Texans were that overrated. Well, the Jets held the Pats to 9 points, and no TDs in Week 2, while the Texans put up 34 on the Titans, making Matt Schaub look like a mid-'90s Brett Favre in the process. The Jets haven't allowed an offensive touchdown in all 8 quarters of play this year.
Denver Broncos
After barely coming away with the win against Cincinnati in Week 1, Denver had to take on Cleveland to attempt the Ohio Sweep. Last week, Denver's rushing game only totaled 75 yards on 20 plays. This week, Corel Buckhalter and Knowshon Moreno had 75 yards each, as the rushing attack stepped up its game. With QB Kyle Orton's stats staying largely the same(with the exception of increased attempts leading to decreased completion percentage), Denver finished up with a 27-6 win.
Backwards, ho!:
New England Patriots
The Pats D looked about the same this week as they did last, allowing only 1 TD and 3 field goals. But their offense sputtered for much of the game, only coming up with three field goals of their own. The loss breaks Tom Brady's win streak. It is also the first time the Pats haven't had an offensive TD since December 10, 2006, and they haven't been 0-3 in the red zone since October 26, 2003. And after throwing for almost 400 yards in Week 1, Brady barely passed 200 this week, completing less than 50% of his passes.
Seattle Seahawks
Seattle had high hopes this season, with their major injuries from last year healed and the addition of WR TJ Houshmandzadeh. But one hit at the end of the second quarter and QB Matt Hasselbeck was down for the count, his game ended on a three yard run to the 49ers 1. With the Seattle defense pretty much getting out of the way of Frank Gore(207 rushing yards, 2 TDs), backup QB Seneca Wallace, bless his heart, just couldn't do it alone. He scored on his first play, but couldn't put up any points in the second half.
Same Old Song & Dance:
Pittsburgh Steelers
In Week 1, the Steelers held Tennessee to 10 points, but could only put up 13 of their own. This week , against a Bears D without Brian Urlacher, the Steelers could only manage 14 points, but not for lack of trying. Kicker Jeff Reed's two missed field goals spelled doom for a Steelers offense that hasn't looked as good as expected this year. Sure, their stats may have looked better than they did last week, but stats don't always tell the whole story.
New Orleans Saints
You guys have scored 93 total points, 45 against a poor Lions D, and 48 against a good Eagles D. But you also allowed over 20 points in both of those games, including 391 passing yards by Eagles backup Kevin Kolb. As the old saying goes, "Offense puts asses in the seats, but defense wins championships." Over the next two weeks, you have a surging Bills offense followed by a Jets D that hasn't given up a TD. If the D doesn't improve, will the O still be able to carry the day?
New Orleans Saints
You guys have scored 93 total points, 45 against a poor Lions D, and 48 against a good Eagles D. But you also allowed over 20 points in both of those games, including 391 passing yards by Eagles backup Kevin Kolb. As the old saying goes, "Offense puts asses in the seats, but defense wins championships." Over the next two weeks, you have a surging Bills offense followed by a Jets D that hasn't given up a TD. If the D doesn't improve, will the O still be able to carry the day?
Injuries:
Troy Williamson, WR, Jaguars: out for the season with a torn labrum
Louis Leonard, DT, Panther: out for the season with a broken ankle
Troy Williamson, WR, Jaguars: out for the season with a torn labrum
Louis Leonard, DT, Panther: out for the season with a broken ankle
Brad Butler, RT, Bills: out for the season with a knee injury
Randy Thomas, RG, Redskins: out for the season with a torn right triceps
Randy Thomas, RG, Redskins: out for the season with a torn right triceps
Robert Gallery, RG, Raiders: out 4-6 weeks with a broken leg
Marion Barber, RB, Cowboys: status unsure with a quad injury
Matt Hasselbeck, QB, Seahawks: status unsure with a fractured rib
Fantasy Studs:
Week 2 Picks:
Straight up: 9-7, 23-9
ATS: 9-7, 20-12
o/u: 6-10, 14-18
Questions for Week 3:
How much will we see Michael Vick?
Fantasy Studs:
- Philip Rivers. 436 yards and 2 TDs is good, even with 2 INTs
- Frank Gore. 207 rushing yards would be good enough. Add on 2 TDs and 39 receving yards and I can honestly say I've seen fantasy teams put up less points than Gore did here.
- The Dallas Cowboys cage dancers. Yeah, I said it.
Fantasy Duds:
- Greg Jennings. Zero. Zero everything. No yards, no catches, no nothing.
- JaMarcus Russel. 7/24, 109 yards from the Raiders franchise QB. Just soak that in a little.
- Tom Brady. Less than 50% passing, 216 yards, 0 TDs, 1 INT in a big game against a division rival. We've come to expect more than that from you, Tom.
Week 2 Picks:
Straight up: 9-7, 23-9
ATS: 9-7, 20-12
o/u: 6-10, 14-18
Questions for Week 3:
How much will we see Michael Vick?
Most people assume Donovan McNabb will still be out this week. While Andy Reid has already said Kevin Kolb will be his starter if McNabb can't go, Vick is expected to get some playing time. Even without Vick, the Eagles attempted the Wildcat formation, and its perfectly suited for Vick's abilities. But after missing two more weeks right after coming in and getting used to the system, will Vick be ready to go this week? And if he is, will he be effective?
Can Matt Hasselbeck play?
Hasselbeck, like McNabb, has a fractured rib. Its not known how serious either injury is, as rib injuries can be tricky to treat and handle. Coming off a season in which he played in only 7 games and was largely ineffective in those games, Hasselbeck has more to prove. Backup Seneca Wallce has looked good when asked to start, but no one seems to think he is the answer for what Seattle needs. So who gets the nod for Seattle? And if its Hasselbeck, how effective con he be?
Will Tom Brady get his mojo back?
Watching the Jets-Patriots game, I was struck by one thing that no one else seemed to pick up on: Tom Brady's sideline demeanor. Brady has for a long time been the Patriots rock, the guy they can get behind and trust to lead them to victory. But watching him on the sideline, I didn't see that any more. Instead what I saw was a player who had lost his confidence. Gone was the confident smile. Gone was the "Don't worry, we'll get the ball back and score" attitude. What I saw instead was a goy who was unsure of himself. He wasn't smiling. He wasn't joking around with teammates. And it showed on the field. Can Brady get that attitude back? Or are the Pats doomed to have more games like this one this year?
Tuesday Morning News - 9/22/09
Buffalo Bill Donte Whitner was robbed of over $400,000 worth of jewelry. The theft comes just a week after Bill Leodis McKelvin's lawn was vandalized. [Yahoo]
Justine Henin is believed to be ready to return to tennis after retiring last year. [SB Nation]
NFL Hall of Famer Herschel Walker, 47, will become an MMA fighter after signing a multi-fight contract with UFC rival Strikeforce. [Fifth Down]
The Houston Astros have fired manager Cecil Cooper. Third-base coach Dave Clark will take over for the final 13 games. [Houston Chronicle]
Magic Number update: The St Louis Cardinals magic number over the Chicago Cubs is down to 3, and the Yankees can clinch a playoff spot with a win or Texas Rangers loss.
Justine Henin is believed to be ready to return to tennis after retiring last year. [SB Nation]
NFL Hall of Famer Herschel Walker, 47, will become an MMA fighter after signing a multi-fight contract with UFC rival Strikeforce. [Fifth Down]
The Houston Astros have fired manager Cecil Cooper. Third-base coach Dave Clark will take over for the final 13 games. [Houston Chronicle]
Magic Number update: The St Louis Cardinals magic number over the Chicago Cubs is down to 3, and the Yankees can clinch a playoff spot with a win or Texas Rangers loss.
Monday, September 21, 2009
MNF Preview - Week 2
Indianapolis Colts @ Miami Dolphins
Spread: Colts, -3
o/u: 42
Last week the Dolphins put up 7 points in a loss, and the Colts put up 14 in a win. This week, the Wildcat offense comes to Monday Night Football. And if it was being run by the Miami Hurricanes, it might win the game. But its being run by the Dolphins. And after taking averyone by surprise last year, its not folling anyone this year. A Colts D revamped from last year will keep it in check, while the offense will be hamped only by the loss of Anthony Gonzalez and Hank Baskett's inexperience in the system.
Pick: Colts 35 - Dolphins 17
Spread: Colts, -3
o/u: 42
Last week the Dolphins put up 7 points in a loss, and the Colts put up 14 in a win. This week, the Wildcat offense comes to Monday Night Football. And if it was being run by the Miami Hurricanes, it might win the game. But its being run by the Dolphins. And after taking averyone by surprise last year, its not folling anyone this year. A Colts D revamped from last year will keep it in check, while the offense will be hamped only by the loss of Anthony Gonzalez and Hank Baskett's inexperience in the system.
Pick: Colts 35 - Dolphins 17
Monday Morning News - 9/21/09
Mark Martin has won the opening race of the Chase for the Cup. [Chicago Tribune]
Notre Dame WR Michael Floyd is expected to miss the rest of the season after undergoing surgery to repair a broken collar bone. [Seattle Post Intelligencer]
Chicago Cub Milton Bradley has been suspended the remainder of the season for conduct detrimental to the team. [Chicago Sun-Times]
Arizona Cardinals QB Kurt Warner set an NFL record, completing 92.3% of his passes against the Jacksonville Jaguars. [Yahoo Shutdown Corner]
The 49ers have officially charged the NY Jets of tampering in their negotiations with WR Michael Crabtree, according to the NY Daily News. [NYDN]
Seattle Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck Left Sunday's game against the 49ers with a rib injury. He is expected to play next week. [Seattle Times]
Notre Dame WR Michael Floyd is expected to miss the rest of the season after undergoing surgery to repair a broken collar bone. [Seattle Post Intelligencer]
Chicago Cub Milton Bradley has been suspended the remainder of the season for conduct detrimental to the team. [Chicago Sun-Times]
Arizona Cardinals QB Kurt Warner set an NFL record, completing 92.3% of his passes against the Jacksonville Jaguars. [Yahoo Shutdown Corner]
The 49ers have officially charged the NY Jets of tampering in their negotiations with WR Michael Crabtree, according to the NY Daily News. [NYDN]
Seattle Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck Left Sunday's game against the 49ers with a rib injury. He is expected to play next week. [Seattle Times]
NFL Sunday Recap - Week 2
After a surprising Week 1, in which we learned we didn't learn much, Week 2 set everything topsy-turvey.
On an Upswing:
Jay Cutler
Ok, I pretty much did everything but call Jay Cutler the worst QB in the NFL, but he put up against the Steelers D. He did, in fact, have the bounce back game everyone but me predicted he would. He went 27/38, with 236 yards and 2 TDs after throwing 4 picks last week. Good for you, Jay Cutler. Good for you.
Frank Gore
207 rushing yards and 2 TDs after only 30 yards last week. Get some consistency on that and the 49ers might just win the NFC West.
On the Down Side:
Tennessee's D
Last week, Tennessee made the Steelers offense look like Tulane's in a losing effort. This week, against a Houston Texans team that looked anemic against the Jets, the Titans gave up 357 passing yards and 34 points. After going 13-3 last season after starting 10-0, the Titans are already 0-2 this year.
Greg Jennings
After putting up 106 yards and a TD in week 1, Jennings was a non-factor in this weeks game. As in 0 catches, 0 yards, 0 TDs. Yes, he did, in fact, play in the game.
Rookie Roundup: Using a complex scoring system to rank two major rookies for the season
Mark Sanchez: 14/22, 163 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT, 2 sacks, -2 rush yards
Points: 11.95, 30.15 overall
Matthew Stafford: 18/30, 152 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT, 2 sacks, 7 rush yards
Points: 4.3, 1.55 overall
Week 2 Winner: Sanchez
What Have We Learned?: Three things we can take away from this weekend
1. Kevin Kolb can play
Week 1 left us wondering just who would start in place of an injured Donovan McNabb in Week 2. The emergency signing of Jeff Garcia left many thinking he would be taking the snaps. Or would it be largely untested Kolb, who had been drafted to eventually take over for McNabb when his playing days are done? Well, it would be Kolb, and he surprised everyone. Yes, he threw 3 picks, but thats the kind of thing that happens when a young QB puts up 51 attempts. He also had 391 yards and 2 TDs, completing 60.8% of his passes in the loss.
2. The Pats are an 0-2 team
Their record may say 1-1, but they didn't win Week 1, Leodis McKelvin lost. The Pats D may have looked better this week, but Tom Brady threw 0 TDs, 1 INT, and completed less than 50% passing. Theres still lots of season left, and if anyone can turn it around its Bill Belichick.
3. Old men can still play football
Two players over the age of 35 broke records this weekend: Brett Favre and Kurt Warner. Favre's record of consecutive games played is an obvious one. His consecutive games played streak has been talked about for years. But at 38-years-old, who expects Warner to go 24-26 and break the record for completion percentage in a game? Warner, who most thought was headed out to the dessert to fade away as Matt Lienart's backup and is throwing to a group of injured receivers. Warner, who somehow led his team to the Super Bowl last year. Warner, who despite winning a Super Bowl just can't seem to get people to take him seriously as a starting QB. Hey, could Kurt Warner be the next Brett Favre?
On an Upswing:
Jay Cutler
Ok, I pretty much did everything but call Jay Cutler the worst QB in the NFL, but he put up against the Steelers D. He did, in fact, have the bounce back game everyone but me predicted he would. He went 27/38, with 236 yards and 2 TDs after throwing 4 picks last week. Good for you, Jay Cutler. Good for you.
Frank Gore
207 rushing yards and 2 TDs after only 30 yards last week. Get some consistency on that and the 49ers might just win the NFC West.
On the Down Side:
Tennessee's D
Last week, Tennessee made the Steelers offense look like Tulane's in a losing effort. This week, against a Houston Texans team that looked anemic against the Jets, the Titans gave up 357 passing yards and 34 points. After going 13-3 last season after starting 10-0, the Titans are already 0-2 this year.
Greg Jennings
After putting up 106 yards and a TD in week 1, Jennings was a non-factor in this weeks game. As in 0 catches, 0 yards, 0 TDs. Yes, he did, in fact, play in the game.
Rookie Roundup: Using a complex scoring system to rank two major rookies for the season
Mark Sanchez: 14/22, 163 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT, 2 sacks, -2 rush yards
Points: 11.95, 30.15 overall
Matthew Stafford: 18/30, 152 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT, 2 sacks, 7 rush yards
Points: 4.3, 1.55 overall
Week 2 Winner: Sanchez
What Have We Learned?: Three things we can take away from this weekend
1. Kevin Kolb can play
Week 1 left us wondering just who would start in place of an injured Donovan McNabb in Week 2. The emergency signing of Jeff Garcia left many thinking he would be taking the snaps. Or would it be largely untested Kolb, who had been drafted to eventually take over for McNabb when his playing days are done? Well, it would be Kolb, and he surprised everyone. Yes, he threw 3 picks, but thats the kind of thing that happens when a young QB puts up 51 attempts. He also had 391 yards and 2 TDs, completing 60.8% of his passes in the loss.
2. The Pats are an 0-2 team
Their record may say 1-1, but they didn't win Week 1, Leodis McKelvin lost. The Pats D may have looked better this week, but Tom Brady threw 0 TDs, 1 INT, and completed less than 50% passing. Theres still lots of season left, and if anyone can turn it around its Bill Belichick.
3. Old men can still play football
Two players over the age of 35 broke records this weekend: Brett Favre and Kurt Warner. Favre's record of consecutive games played is an obvious one. His consecutive games played streak has been talked about for years. But at 38-years-old, who expects Warner to go 24-26 and break the record for completion percentage in a game? Warner, who most thought was headed out to the dessert to fade away as Matt Lienart's backup and is throwing to a group of injured receivers. Warner, who somehow led his team to the Super Bowl last year. Warner, who despite winning a Super Bowl just can't seem to get people to take him seriously as a starting QB. Hey, could Kurt Warner be the next Brett Favre?
Sunday, September 20, 2009
MY 25 - Week 3
There is probably nothing in sports I disagree with more than the BCS and college football poll system. With that in mind, each week I'll be naming my own Top 25. The only hard and fast rule of MY 25: overall records come first.
1. Alabama
2. Boise St
3. Florida
4. Texas
5. Cal
6. Penn St
7. Miami(FL)
8. Michigan
9. LSU
10. Kansas
11. Houston
12. Cincinnati
13. UCLA
14. Auburn
15. Mizzou
16. Pitt
17. Iowa
18. UNC
19. Colorado State
20. USF
21. Wisconsin
22. Texas A&M
23. Arizona State
24. Ole Miss
25. TCU
Performance of the Week: Florida State
FSU started the year as a ranked team, with good expectations for the season. Then they lost to then-unranked Miami(FL), 38-34. Barely beating Jacksonville State, 19-9, the following week didn't help matters much. So this weeks game against 7 BYU at BYU didn't hold very high prospects. But wheither it was an overrated BYU team, or FSU finally put it all together, the end result was a 54-28 FSU win. The blowout win came on the back of Christian Ponder's 3 TDs(2 pass, 1 rush) and ended BYU's 18 game home winning streak. FSU outplayed BYU in every facet of the game, didn't punt the ball until late in the third quarter, and forced 5 turnovers on defense. While this could end BYU's BCS hopes, it might have reignited FSU's.
1. Alabama
2. Boise St
3. Florida
4. Texas
5. Cal
6. Penn St
7. Miami(FL)
8. Michigan
9. LSU
10. Kansas
11. Houston
12. Cincinnati
13. UCLA
14. Auburn
15. Mizzou
16. Pitt
17. Iowa
18. UNC
19. Colorado State
20. USF
21. Wisconsin
22. Texas A&M
23. Arizona State
24. Ole Miss
25. TCU
Performance of the Week: Florida State
FSU started the year as a ranked team, with good expectations for the season. Then they lost to then-unranked Miami(FL), 38-34. Barely beating Jacksonville State, 19-9, the following week didn't help matters much. So this weeks game against 7 BYU at BYU didn't hold very high prospects. But wheither it was an overrated BYU team, or FSU finally put it all together, the end result was a 54-28 FSU win. The blowout win came on the back of Christian Ponder's 3 TDs(2 pass, 1 rush) and ended BYU's 18 game home winning streak. FSU outplayed BYU in every facet of the game, didn't punt the ball until late in the third quarter, and forced 5 turnovers on defense. While this could end BYU's BCS hopes, it might have reignited FSU's.
The Sunday News - 9/20/09
Floyd Mayweather beat Juan Manuel Marquez by unanimous decision. [Washington Post]
UFC 103 results: Vito Belfort beat Rich Franklin, Junior dos Santos beat Mirko Cro Cop, Josh Koscheck beat Frank Trigg. [The Sun]
Washington upset 3 USC, 16-13.(If you would like to see why this shouldn't have been a surprise, click here) [Seattle Times]
Wes Welker will not play today against the Jets. He is out with a knee injury. [ESPN Boston]
UFC 103 results: Vito Belfort beat Rich Franklin, Junior dos Santos beat Mirko Cro Cop, Josh Koscheck beat Frank Trigg. [The Sun]
Washington upset 3 USC, 16-13.(If you would like to see why this shouldn't have been a surprise, click here) [Seattle Times]
Wes Welker will not play today against the Jets. He is out with a knee injury. [ESPN Boston]
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