After the first quarter of the season, some things have gone as expected, some haven't:
Living Up to Expectations:
Drew Brees
After almost breaking Dan Marino's single-season passing yards record, Brees is out firing on all cylinders this year. The Saints are putting up big numbers already this year, in large part thanks to Brees's passing numbers. His ability to get the passing game moving early has allowed the running game to pound the ball late, and the defense to sit back and force turnovers when the opponent is playing from behind.
Chad Pennington
Pennington has been injured more often than not over his career. Going down for the season in Week 3 is just more of the same.
Playing Below Expectations:
Tennesee Titans
The Titans are probably the biggest disappointment this year. After starting last year 10-0, and finishing 13-3, they sit this year at 0-4. What was last year one of the leagues best defenses is now a team that gets pushed around each week. And things won't be getting any easier: Their next 4 games are Indy, @ New England, Jacksonville(who just beat them 37-17), and @ San Francisco. Thats right, their next 4 opponents are a combined 12-4.
Brady Quinn
I wanted to make this JaMarcus Russell, but I don't think most people expect much from him at this point. Quinn, however, was looked at as the savior of the Browns franchise when he was drafted, and this is the first real look we've had at him. After three start, he completed 60% of his passes for 400 yards. Its his 1 TD, 3 INTs, and 10 sacks that got him benched at the half in Week 3. Now Derek Anderson is under center, and Lord only knows when we'll see Quinn again.
Rookie Roundup: Using a complex scoring system to rank two major rookies for the season
Mark Sanchez: 14/27, 138 yards, 0 TD, 3 INT, 4 Sacks, 24 rush yards, 1 fumble(lost)
Points: -11.7, 31 overall
Matthew Stafford: 21/36, 241 yards, 1 TD, 2 sacks, 23 rush yards
Points: 15.8, 36.7 overall
Week 4 Winner: Stafford
What Have We Learned?: Three things we can take away from this weekend
1. The Jets are human
With Sanchez off to the first rookie 3-0 start in NFL history, and one of the best defenses in football, the Jets were flying high. With his performance against the Saints this week, he looked like what he is: a rookie QB. He threw 3 picks, one returned for a TD, and fumbled in his own endzone for another. The defense still played well, however, only giving up 10 points against one of the leagues best offenses. But this game served as a reminder to Jets fans that Sanchez is still learning, and once in while he'll have a game like this.
2. Miami can win with Chad. No, not that Chad, the other one.
With Pennington out for the season(though he's hopeful he can return next year), Chad Henne had to step up and take his place. He may have only had 115 passing yards and 1 TD, but he did enough to give the Dolphins their first win of the season. The real story, though, was a Miami rushing attack that put up 250 rushing yards to beat a Bills team that struggled a bit against the run the past two weeks.
3. Another strike for the Chosen One!
Peyton Manning and the Colts have now won an NFL leading 13 straight regular season games. Their last loss was Week 8 of last season, against the then-undefeated Tennessee Titans. In addition, Manning set a franchise record by having 300 passing yards for the fourth straight game. If you throw out the final game of last season, traditionally a rest game for playoff teams but one where Manning still went 7/7, Manning has 300 yards in his last 7 games. And these last 4 have been without Manning favorite Marvin Harrison, who is still considered a free agent.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Sunday, October 4, 2009
MY 25 - Week 5
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. LSU
4. Florida
5. Texas
6. Iowa
7. Auburn
8. Kansas
9. Cincinnati
10. USF
11. TCU
12. Mizzou
13. Wisconsin
14. Miami(FL)
15. Oregon
16. Virginia Tech
17. BYU
18. Oklahoma State
19. Nebraska
20. Ohio State
21. Penn State
22. Notre Dame
23. BC
24. South Carolina
25. West Virginia
Performance of the Week: Miami(FL)
Miami has had probably the toughest schedule to start the season of any team. After 4 games, they have played 4 ranked teams, and are 3-1. This week, after suffering their first loss last week to the-11th ranked Va Tech, Miami had to take on No. 8 Oklahoma as a 7.5 point underdog. Trailing 7-0 after the first quarter and 13-7 at the half, Miami scored 14 in the third quarter and the defense held Oklahoma to a TD and a field goal to win 21-20.
Honorary mention goes to UTEP for their 58-41 victory over ranked conference rival No. 12 Houston.
1. Alabama
2. Boise St
3. LSU
4. Florida
5. Texas
6. Iowa
7. Auburn
8. Kansas
9. Cincinnati
10. USF
11. TCU
12. Mizzou
13. Wisconsin
14. Miami(FL)
15. Oregon
16. Virginia Tech
17. BYU
18. Oklahoma State
19. Nebraska
20. Ohio State
21. Penn State
22. Notre Dame
23. BC
24. South Carolina
25. West Virginia
Performance of the Week: Miami(FL)
Miami has had probably the toughest schedule to start the season of any team. After 4 games, they have played 4 ranked teams, and are 3-1. This week, after suffering their first loss last week to the-11th ranked Va Tech, Miami had to take on No. 8 Oklahoma as a 7.5 point underdog. Trailing 7-0 after the first quarter and 13-7 at the half, Miami scored 14 in the third quarter and the defense held Oklahoma to a TD and a field goal to win 21-20.
Honorary mention goes to UTEP for their 58-41 victory over ranked conference rival No. 12 Houston.
The Sunday News - 10/4/09
The Toronto Blue Jays have fired GM JP Ricciardi. [Canada.com]
The LA Dodgers finally clinched the NL West division title, beating the Rockies 5-0 in the second to last game of the season. The Rockies will get the NL Wild Card. [LA Times]
John Tavares, the first overall pick in the 2009 NHL Draft, had a goal and an assist for the NY Islanders in his first NHL game, a 4-3 shootout loss to Pittsburgh. [Fanhouse]
The Detroit Tigers and Minnesota Twins enter the final day of the MLB season tied atop the AL Central.
The LA Dodgers finally clinched the NL West division title, beating the Rockies 5-0 in the second to last game of the season. The Rockies will get the NL Wild Card. [LA Times]
John Tavares, the first overall pick in the 2009 NHL Draft, had a goal and an assist for the NY Islanders in his first NHL game, a 4-3 shootout loss to Pittsburgh. [Fanhouse]
The Detroit Tigers and Minnesota Twins enter the final day of the MLB season tied atop the AL Central.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
NFL Week 4 Preview
Bye Week: Arizona Cardinals, Philadelphia Eagles, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers
NY Giants @ Kansas City Chiefs
Spread: Giants, -8.5
o/u: 42.5
The Giants look like they finally put together a passing game, even though the running game hasn't lived up to the hype. Meanwhile, the Chiefs haven't been able to put together much of a game at all. With the Giants coming off a shutout win over Tampa Bay last week, the defense will want to keep it going.
Pick: Gaints 28 - Chiefs 14
Detroit Lions @ Chicago Bears
Spread: Bears, -10
o/u: 39
The Lions may have finally won a game last week, but now they have to face a hot Bears team thats won two straight. Make that three.
Pick: Bears 27 - Lions 10
Oakland Raiders @ Houston Texans
Spread: Texans, -9
o/u: 42.5
At this point, I don't think the Raiders could beat the Houston Cougars, let alone the Texans. With JaMarcus Russell currently holding the title "The Worst QB in Football," Houston should win this easy.
Pick: Texans 35 - Raiders 13
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Washington Redskins
Spread: Redskins, -7.5
o/u: 37
The Redskins lost to the Lions. The Bucs got shut out at home by the Giants. Neither team looks like they belong on a professional football field right now. This one comes down to coaching, and even though Raheem Morris is a rookie coach, Jim Zorn's playing calling has left much to be desired.
Pick: Bucs 17 - Redskins 13
Seattle Seahawks @ Indianapolis Colts
Spread: Colts, -10
o/u: 44
The Seahawks looked good after their injuries from last year healed. No Matt Hasselbeck has that rib injury and Seneca Wallace might be a good backup, but he's not the guy to lead the team week in and week out. The Colts look like they finally figured out what was keeping them from putting up big points the first two weeks, and thats bad news for anyone who has to face them the rest of the season.
Pick: Colts 38 - Seahawks 21
Baltimore Ravens @ New England Patriots
Spread: Patriot, -2
o/u: 44.5
The last time these teams played, New England need a series of bone-head moves by the Ravens defense and coaches to BARELY keep their undefeated 2007 season alive. And that was a season with Tom Brady at his best. This season is not Tom Brady at his best. We've already seen him uncomfortable against Rex Ryan's Jets defense, now he has to go against the Ravens D Rex Ryan built. I'm looking for a repeat of Week 2.
Pick: Ravens 27 - Patriots 17
Cincinnati Bengal @ Cleveland Browns
Spread: Bengals, -6
o/u: 38
The Browns are bad, and the Bungles have clawed their way back into looking like the pre-Carson Palmer knee injury team that made the playoffs a few years ago. Bangles in a laugher.
Pick: Bengals 35 - Browns 10
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars
Spread: Titans, -3
o/u: 41.5
The Titans keep showing flashes of being last year's team. They were the first team to score a TD against the Jets, put one each in on the ground and in the air. Their defense also looked better last week than in the Week 2 shootout with Houston. Meanwhile, apparently no one wants to watch the Jags, as this game will be blacked out in Jacksonville, again.
Pick: Titans 20 - Jaguars 13
NY Jets @ New Orleans Saints
Spread: Saints, -7
o/u: 45
I would love to tell you the Jets D will hold the Saints NBA-like offense and pull out the win, but the Saints are too good. Drew Brees has had a long time to settle into the offense and get together with his receivers, and thats what will make the difference.
Pick: Saints 41 - Jets 27
Buffalo Bills @ Miami Dolphins
Spread: Bills, -1
o/u: 37
Miami got what they paid for, as Chad Pennington is gone for the season, again. Miami might have to rely on the Wildcat even more, and it might put up numbers, but it won't put up wins.
Pick: Bills 28 - Dolphins 20
Dallas Cowboys @ Denver Broncos
Spread: Cowboys, -3
o/u: 42
The Broncos offense has looked better and better each week. The Cowboys haven't. They may have played better last week than in their home opener against the Giants, but their one thing most people don't realize: The Broncos have the best defense in the NFL right now.
Pick: Broncos 31 - Cowboys 24
St Louis Rams @ San Francisco 49ers
Spread: 49ers, -9.5
o/u: 37.5
The 49ers are looking to be the front-runner for the NFC West. To do that, they have to beat teams like the Rams. And you better believe they want a big win after the last second loss to Brett Favre last week. They might be without Frank Gore, but Glen Coffee is more than capable of carrying the workload.
Pick: 49ers 28 - Rams 17
San Diego Chargers @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Spread: Steelers, -6.5
o/u: 43
Before the season, I had the Steelers picked to win this game. They looked like the better team, and San Diego looked like the perenial disappointment they usually are. But while San Diego has played just like I thought they would, the Steelers have struggled to get a running game going. And as good as Ben Roethlisburger is, he needs at least a decent running game to take some of the defensive pressure off. The run just hasn't been their for them this year.
Pick: Chargers 31 - Steelers 17
NY Giants @ Kansas City Chiefs
Spread: Giants, -8.5
o/u: 42.5
The Giants look like they finally put together a passing game, even though the running game hasn't lived up to the hype. Meanwhile, the Chiefs haven't been able to put together much of a game at all. With the Giants coming off a shutout win over Tampa Bay last week, the defense will want to keep it going.
Pick: Gaints 28 - Chiefs 14
Detroit Lions @ Chicago Bears
Spread: Bears, -10
o/u: 39
The Lions may have finally won a game last week, but now they have to face a hot Bears team thats won two straight. Make that three.
Pick: Bears 27 - Lions 10
Oakland Raiders @ Houston Texans
Spread: Texans, -9
o/u: 42.5
At this point, I don't think the Raiders could beat the Houston Cougars, let alone the Texans. With JaMarcus Russell currently holding the title "The Worst QB in Football," Houston should win this easy.
Pick: Texans 35 - Raiders 13
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Washington Redskins
Spread: Redskins, -7.5
o/u: 37
The Redskins lost to the Lions. The Bucs got shut out at home by the Giants. Neither team looks like they belong on a professional football field right now. This one comes down to coaching, and even though Raheem Morris is a rookie coach, Jim Zorn's playing calling has left much to be desired.
Pick: Bucs 17 - Redskins 13
Seattle Seahawks @ Indianapolis Colts
Spread: Colts, -10
o/u: 44
The Seahawks looked good after their injuries from last year healed. No Matt Hasselbeck has that rib injury and Seneca Wallace might be a good backup, but he's not the guy to lead the team week in and week out. The Colts look like they finally figured out what was keeping them from putting up big points the first two weeks, and thats bad news for anyone who has to face them the rest of the season.
Pick: Colts 38 - Seahawks 21
Baltimore Ravens @ New England Patriots
Spread: Patriot, -2
o/u: 44.5
The last time these teams played, New England need a series of bone-head moves by the Ravens defense and coaches to BARELY keep their undefeated 2007 season alive. And that was a season with Tom Brady at his best. This season is not Tom Brady at his best. We've already seen him uncomfortable against Rex Ryan's Jets defense, now he has to go against the Ravens D Rex Ryan built. I'm looking for a repeat of Week 2.
Pick: Ravens 27 - Patriots 17
Cincinnati Bengal @ Cleveland Browns
Spread: Bengals, -6
o/u: 38
The Browns are bad, and the Bungles have clawed their way back into looking like the pre-Carson Palmer knee injury team that made the playoffs a few years ago. Bangles in a laugher.
Pick: Bengals 35 - Browns 10
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars
Spread: Titans, -3
o/u: 41.5
The Titans keep showing flashes of being last year's team. They were the first team to score a TD against the Jets, put one each in on the ground and in the air. Their defense also looked better last week than in the Week 2 shootout with Houston. Meanwhile, apparently no one wants to watch the Jags, as this game will be blacked out in Jacksonville, again.
Pick: Titans 20 - Jaguars 13
NY Jets @ New Orleans Saints
Spread: Saints, -7
o/u: 45
I would love to tell you the Jets D will hold the Saints NBA-like offense and pull out the win, but the Saints are too good. Drew Brees has had a long time to settle into the offense and get together with his receivers, and thats what will make the difference.
Pick: Saints 41 - Jets 27
Buffalo Bills @ Miami Dolphins
Spread: Bills, -1
o/u: 37
Miami got what they paid for, as Chad Pennington is gone for the season, again. Miami might have to rely on the Wildcat even more, and it might put up numbers, but it won't put up wins.
Pick: Bills 28 - Dolphins 20
Dallas Cowboys @ Denver Broncos
Spread: Cowboys, -3
o/u: 42
The Broncos offense has looked better and better each week. The Cowboys haven't. They may have played better last week than in their home opener against the Giants, but their one thing most people don't realize: The Broncos have the best defense in the NFL right now.
Pick: Broncos 31 - Cowboys 24
St Louis Rams @ San Francisco 49ers
Spread: 49ers, -9.5
o/u: 37.5
The 49ers are looking to be the front-runner for the NFC West. To do that, they have to beat teams like the Rams. And you better believe they want a big win after the last second loss to Brett Favre last week. They might be without Frank Gore, but Glen Coffee is more than capable of carrying the workload.
Pick: 49ers 28 - Rams 17
San Diego Chargers @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Spread: Steelers, -6.5
o/u: 43
Before the season, I had the Steelers picked to win this game. They looked like the better team, and San Diego looked like the perenial disappointment they usually are. But while San Diego has played just like I thought they would, the Steelers have struggled to get a running game going. And as good as Ben Roethlisburger is, he needs at least a decent running game to take some of the defensive pressure off. The run just hasn't been their for them this year.
Pick: Chargers 31 - Steelers 17
Saturday Morning News - 10/3/09
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, has been named the site of the 2016 Olympics. This is the first time a South American nation will hold the games, and only the third time they will be held in the Southern Hemisphere. [Washington Post]
Montreal Canadiens D Andrei Markov will miss 3-4 months after undergoing surgery to repair a sliced tendon in his ankle. [Bleacher Report]
Oregon's LeGarrette Blount, originally suspended for the season for his actions after the season opener against Boise State, could be reinstated as early as November 7, says head coach Chip Kelly. [Seattle Times]
Tiger Woods is believed to be the first athlete to earn $1 billion after his $10 million FedEx Cup win. [LA Times]
Magic Number Update: The Detroit Tigers and LA Dodgers numbers remain at 2 and 1, respectively. Both teams division leads are at 1 game, but LA will at least get the NL Wild Card.
Montreal Canadiens D Andrei Markov will miss 3-4 months after undergoing surgery to repair a sliced tendon in his ankle. [Bleacher Report]
Oregon's LeGarrette Blount, originally suspended for the season for his actions after the season opener against Boise State, could be reinstated as early as November 7, says head coach Chip Kelly. [Seattle Times]
Tiger Woods is believed to be the first athlete to earn $1 billion after his $10 million FedEx Cup win. [LA Times]
Magic Number Update: The Detroit Tigers and LA Dodgers numbers remain at 2 and 1, respectively. Both teams division leads are at 1 game, but LA will at least get the NL Wild Card.
Friday, October 2, 2009
College Football Week 5 - Important Matchups
3 Alabama @ Kentucky
Favorite: Alabama, -15.5
With the two teams ahead of them in the polls off this week, as well as most of the always powerful Big XII conference, Alabama needs to prove themselves here. Coming off their 41-7 loss to Florida last week, Kentucky looks like a team 'Bama can breeze through. And they'll need to. 'Bama has put up some strong numbers this year, but so has Kentucky in their two wins. 'Bama will have to duplicate what Florida's defense did last week, or suffer an ugly upset.
Pick: Alabama 42 - Kentucky 13
4 LSU @ 18 Georgia
Favorite: Georgia, -3
With LSU undefeated but not putting up the numbers you would normally expect, Georgia comes in as the small favorite. Playing at home probably has something to do with that. But Georgia hasn't exactly been a powerhouse this year, either. Two of their wins have been by 4 points or less, and their third was by only 11. If LSU can put together some offense, they can have an easy win on the road.
Pick: LSU 35 - Georgia 21
7 USC @ 24 Cal
Favorite: USC, -5
Both teams have suffered upset losses the last two weeks, and both teams looked terrible in them. USC had their bounce-back win last week, and Cal needs one now. Though Cal looked worse in their loss than USC did, only managing 3 points, Cal still looks to have the batter offense. This week will be a return to putting up big numbers.
Pick: Cal 42 - USC 24
8 Oklahoma @ 17 Miami(FL)
Favorite: Oklahoma, -7.5
Though injured QB Sam Bradford wanted to be back for this game, he'll sit on the sidelines as Landry Jones continues to play for Oklahoma. While Jones's huge performances have been the story this year, its the Oklahoma defense that deserves a lot of credit. In the last two games, they've blanked their opponents, outscoring them 109-0. Including their loss to BYU, its still 122-14. But those shut-outs were against Idaho State and Tulsa, two teams no one expected to put up much of a fight. Miami, however, come in with something to prove. After suffering their first loss of the season last week, they are now 2-1 against ranked opponents. They need a win both as a bounce-back and to cement their right to a ranking as they go into the easy part of their schedule. To do that, Jacory Harris needs to play like he did against FSU and Georgia Tech, and forget about Va Tech last week.
Pick: Miami 38 - Oklahoma 35
Favorite: Alabama, -15.5
With the two teams ahead of them in the polls off this week, as well as most of the always powerful Big XII conference, Alabama needs to prove themselves here. Coming off their 41-7 loss to Florida last week, Kentucky looks like a team 'Bama can breeze through. And they'll need to. 'Bama has put up some strong numbers this year, but so has Kentucky in their two wins. 'Bama will have to duplicate what Florida's defense did last week, or suffer an ugly upset.
Pick: Alabama 42 - Kentucky 13
4 LSU @ 18 Georgia
Favorite: Georgia, -3
With LSU undefeated but not putting up the numbers you would normally expect, Georgia comes in as the small favorite. Playing at home probably has something to do with that. But Georgia hasn't exactly been a powerhouse this year, either. Two of their wins have been by 4 points or less, and their third was by only 11. If LSU can put together some offense, they can have an easy win on the road.
Pick: LSU 35 - Georgia 21
7 USC @ 24 Cal
Favorite: USC, -5
Both teams have suffered upset losses the last two weeks, and both teams looked terrible in them. USC had their bounce-back win last week, and Cal needs one now. Though Cal looked worse in their loss than USC did, only managing 3 points, Cal still looks to have the batter offense. This week will be a return to putting up big numbers.
Pick: Cal 42 - USC 24
8 Oklahoma @ 17 Miami(FL)
Favorite: Oklahoma, -7.5
Though injured QB Sam Bradford wanted to be back for this game, he'll sit on the sidelines as Landry Jones continues to play for Oklahoma. While Jones's huge performances have been the story this year, its the Oklahoma defense that deserves a lot of credit. In the last two games, they've blanked their opponents, outscoring them 109-0. Including their loss to BYU, its still 122-14. But those shut-outs were against Idaho State and Tulsa, two teams no one expected to put up much of a fight. Miami, however, come in with something to prove. After suffering their first loss of the season last week, they are now 2-1 against ranked opponents. They need a win both as a bounce-back and to cement their right to a ranking as they go into the easy part of their schedule. To do that, Jacory Harris needs to play like he did against FSU and Georgia Tech, and forget about Va Tech last week.
Pick: Miami 38 - Oklahoma 35
Chicago Eliminated from Olympic Picture
Chicago, expected to be a front-runner with Rio to land the 2016 Olympics, has been eliminated from contention in the first round of voting. The city, which had seen anti-Olympic protests in recent days, was left stunned. From ESPN:
Not even the combined efforts of the Obamas and Oprah Winfrey could save the bid. And if Oprah can't help, who can?
Thousands of people gathered in downtown Chicago stood in stunned silence Friday after watching coverage of the announcement. The vote in Copenhagen was carried on huge television screens in the Daley Center, set up to carry what many had hoped would be apporval of Chicago to host the Games.
An audible gasp could be heard from the crowd. Many stood for a few minutes, staring at the screen, and at least one flung his hands into the air in a crude gesture toward the TV screen.
Within seconds, people began filing out of the plaza.
Not even the combined efforts of the Obamas and Oprah Winfrey could save the bid. And if Oprah can't help, who can?
Friday Morning News - 10/2/09
The 2009-10 NHL hockey season opens tonight.
The Colorado Rockies have clinched a playoff spot and eliminated the Atlanta Braves from playoff contention. The Rockies are also still in the running for the NL West division title. [MLB.com]
Magic Number Update: The Detroit Tigers and LA Dodgers numbers are still at 2 and 1, respectively. Detroit can clinch with a win AND a Minnesota loss tonight, and the Dodgers can clinch by beating Colorado tonight.
The Colorado Rockies have clinched a playoff spot and eliminated the Atlanta Braves from playoff contention. The Rockies are also still in the running for the NL West division title. [MLB.com]
Magic Number Update: The Detroit Tigers and LA Dodgers numbers are still at 2 and 1, respectively. Detroit can clinch with a win AND a Minnesota loss tonight, and the Dodgers can clinch by beating Colorado tonight.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Thursday Morning News - 10/1/09
The Philadelphia Phillies have clinched their third straight NL East title. [MLB.com]
The Cleveland Indians have fired their manager, Eric Wedge. Wedge will finish the season and remain with the organization. [Philadelphia Daily News]
NY Met Jose Reyes, who already missed most of this season, will have surgery on a torn hamstring he injured while rehabbing. [NYDN]
Dallas Cowboy Flozell Adams has been fined again. He has been fined $7,500 for attempting to kick Carolina Panthers DE Julius Peppers on Monday's game and will appeal. [ESPN Dallas]
Michael Vick has reached and endorsement deal with Nike. Nike previously dropped Vick after his conviction on dog fighting charges. [The Huddle]
The NBA officially announced they are banning cell phones, PDAs, and other electronic communications devices for players during games, a period that begins 45 minutes before tip off and ends after the players have fulfilled their post-game obligations, and includes halftime. [ESPN]
Mats Sundin, 38, has announced his retirement from the NHL. [Canada.com]
Magic Number Update: The Detroit Tigers number is at 2. They can clinch by beating the Minnesota Twins tonight. The LA Dodgers and Colorado Rockies numbers are at 1. LA can clinch the NL West with a Colorado loss tonight, and the Rockies can clinch at least the NL Wild Card with a win OR a loss by the Atlanta Braves tonight.
The Cleveland Indians have fired their manager, Eric Wedge. Wedge will finish the season and remain with the organization. [Philadelphia Daily News]
NY Met Jose Reyes, who already missed most of this season, will have surgery on a torn hamstring he injured while rehabbing. [NYDN]
Dallas Cowboy Flozell Adams has been fined again. He has been fined $7,500 for attempting to kick Carolina Panthers DE Julius Peppers on Monday's game and will appeal. [ESPN Dallas]
Michael Vick has reached and endorsement deal with Nike. Nike previously dropped Vick after his conviction on dog fighting charges. [The Huddle]
The NBA officially announced they are banning cell phones, PDAs, and other electronic communications devices for players during games, a period that begins 45 minutes before tip off and ends after the players have fulfilled their post-game obligations, and includes halftime. [ESPN]
Mats Sundin, 38, has announced his retirement from the NHL. [Canada.com]
Magic Number Update: The Detroit Tigers number is at 2. They can clinch by beating the Minnesota Twins tonight. The LA Dodgers and Colorado Rockies numbers are at 1. LA can clinch the NL West with a Colorado loss tonight, and the Rockies can clinch at least the NL Wild Card with a win OR a loss by the Atlanta Braves tonight.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Wednesday Morning News - 9/30/09
The Boston Red Sox clinched the AL Wild Card when the LA Angels beat the Texas Rangers last night. [Boston Herald]
With Chad Pennington out for the season, the Miami Dolphins traded and undisclosed draft pick to the Kansas City Chiefs for QB Tyler Thigpen. [KansasCity.com]
The Philadelphia Eagles signed four-time Pro Bowl LB Jeremiah Trotter and cut QB Jeff Garcia yesterday. [MyFOXPhilly.com]
St Louis Ram David Vobora has been suspended by the NFL for violating the NFL policy on performance enhancing substances. [Missourinet]
The NBA has announced they are going ahead with replacement refs while they attempt to reach a labor deal with the NBRA. [USA Today]
The Yankees are expected to announce today Yankee Stadium will host a college bowl game beginning in 2010. [Newsday]
Magic Number Update: The Philadelphia Phillies and LA Dodgers numbers to clinch their divisions are at 1. The Phillies can clinch with a win tonight OR an Atlanta loss, and the Dodgers can clinch with a win tonight OR a Colorado loss. Colorado's number is at 3 over the Braves for the NL Wild Card.
With Chad Pennington out for the season, the Miami Dolphins traded and undisclosed draft pick to the Kansas City Chiefs for QB Tyler Thigpen. [KansasCity.com]
The Philadelphia Eagles signed four-time Pro Bowl LB Jeremiah Trotter and cut QB Jeff Garcia yesterday. [MyFOXPhilly.com]
St Louis Ram David Vobora has been suspended by the NFL for violating the NFL policy on performance enhancing substances. [Missourinet]
The NBA has announced they are going ahead with replacement refs while they attempt to reach a labor deal with the NBRA. [USA Today]
The Yankees are expected to announce today Yankee Stadium will host a college bowl game beginning in 2010. [Newsday]
Magic Number Update: The Philadelphia Phillies and LA Dodgers numbers to clinch their divisions are at 1. The Phillies can clinch with a win tonight OR an Atlanta loss, and the Dodgers can clinch with a win tonight OR a Colorado loss. Colorado's number is at 3 over the Braves for the NL Wild Card.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
NFL Week 3 Wrap-up
With Week 3 in the books, some teams are beginning to show some consistency:
Consistently Good:
New York Jets
Sure, they haven't played perfect football and their offense struggled a bit against Tennessee this week, but they've shown they can win games. The defense came up big when it mattered, they've capitalized on turnovers, and Mark Sanchez has played as well as you can expect a rookie starting QB to play.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints have put together probably the best offense in football. They rank first in points scored and yards per game, are second in rushing yards per game, and sixth in passing. This week may have been a step back statistically, with Drew Brees breaking his streak of games with a passing TD, but they still played well on the road in a hostile Buffalo environment, in every sense of the word. At 3-0, they look like an early favorite for the division, and possibly home-field in the playoffs.
Consistently Bad:
Cleveland Browns
The only good thing about the Browns right now is that they have a cartoon character with a new TV show named after them. They are the anti-Saints. They rank in the bottom four of every team statistical category except passing yards allowed. Their QB have a combined 1 TD to go with 6 picks. In fact, they haven't put up a TD since scoring two in Week 1. And now, they once again haven't announced who their starting QB will be this week. Oh, and they've been outscored 95-29, the worst point differential in the NFL.
Oakland Raiders
JaMarcus Russell was supposed to be the savior of this franchise. Al Davis supports him to the point that he reportedly had Jeff Garcia cut so Russell wouldn't feel threatened as the starter. Well, through three games hes completed only 40% of his passes, and the Raiders are last in passing yards per game, averaging only 16 more yards through the air than on the ground. The fact that their 1-2 record has been against all divison opponents only makes things worse.
Consistenly Inconsistent:
Arizona Cardinals
The Cards struggled to get things going in Week 1, and their were some questions about if Kurt Warner could still lead this team. On top of that, the games top rusher was 49er Frank Gore with 30 yards. Week 2 saw a comeback, as they beat up on the struggling Jacksonville Jaguars. Warner broke the record for completion percentage in that game, and everything seem right in the world. Week 3 they were a 2.5 point favorite at home against the Colts. Instead of building off a great Week 2, Warner went back to his Week 1 play, with 1 TD and 2 picks. The rushing attack that could run people over last year managed only 24 yards on 12 carries. On top of that, Peyton Manning torched the D for 379 yards and 4 TDs. And this is the defending NFC Champion?
New England Patriots
The Pats 2-1 record is already better than it should be. They haven't been inconsistent week-to-week, they've been inconsistent play-to-play. They played badly 3 quarters against Buffalo and pulled out a win in the fourth. The had some drives against the Jets, but could only manage field goals. They put up 26 points for the win against Atlanta, but passes were being dropped left and right, to the point that Tom Brady could be seen loudly cursing on TV as he went to the sideline after a Joey Galloway drop. Brady himself has been Mr Inconsistent this year, and has admitted to not being where he should be mentally and physically. Two years ago, the Pats were the models of consistency. Now, every play is an adventure.
Injuries:
Chad Pennington, QB, Dolphins: out for the season with a torn capsule in his throwing shoulder
Vincent Fuller, CB, Titans: out 4-6 weeks with a broken arm
Frank Gore, RB, 49ers: expected to miss 3 weeks with an ankle injury
Marc Bulger, QB, Rams: expected to play with a bruised shoulder
Dwight Freeney, DE, Colts: awaiting MRI results on a quad injury
Hunter Hillenmeyer, MLB, Bears: hoping to play with a rib injury(Hillenmeyer replaced Brian Urlacher, who is out for the season)
Fantasy Studs:
Fantasy Duds:
Week 3 Picks:
Straight up: 11-5, 34-14 overall
ATS: 12-4, 32-16 overall
o/u: 8-8, 22-26 overall
Questions for Week 3:
Who wins: the unstoppable force or the immovable object?
In the only Week 4 game to feature undefeated teams, the Top-10 defense of the NY Jets will head to New Orleans to face the Top-10 ofeense of the Saints. Both teams saw what appears to be uncharacteristic wins in Week 3, as the Saints failed to score through the air, and the Jets gave up their first Td of the season. This will be the game to watch this week, as we try to find out if the Jets are for real and if anything can stop the Saints.
How will Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers play against each other?
This is the first time since "retiring" that Brett will face his old team, and the first time Aaron Rodgers will face his old teammate. Its a division battle between two teams that want to beat each other, for many reasons. How will Rodgers play against the man who mentored him in Green Bay? And Brett might have the home-field advantage, but how will the notriously emotional QB react to playing against so many familiar faces?
Is Chad Pennington done?
Pennington's injury still hasn't been officially dignosed, as far as I've heard. If it is as serious as believed to be, Chad would probably miss the rest of the season. It could also be the third surgery performed on his throwing shoulder in his career. Chad might be a fighter, but will it finally be time for him to hang it up? Does he still have enough to make one moer comeback?
Consistently Good:
New York Jets
Sure, they haven't played perfect football and their offense struggled a bit against Tennessee this week, but they've shown they can win games. The defense came up big when it mattered, they've capitalized on turnovers, and Mark Sanchez has played as well as you can expect a rookie starting QB to play.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints have put together probably the best offense in football. They rank first in points scored and yards per game, are second in rushing yards per game, and sixth in passing. This week may have been a step back statistically, with Drew Brees breaking his streak of games with a passing TD, but they still played well on the road in a hostile Buffalo environment, in every sense of the word. At 3-0, they look like an early favorite for the division, and possibly home-field in the playoffs.
Consistently Bad:
Cleveland Browns
The only good thing about the Browns right now is that they have a cartoon character with a new TV show named after them. They are the anti-Saints. They rank in the bottom four of every team statistical category except passing yards allowed. Their QB have a combined 1 TD to go with 6 picks. In fact, they haven't put up a TD since scoring two in Week 1. And now, they once again haven't announced who their starting QB will be this week. Oh, and they've been outscored 95-29, the worst point differential in the NFL.
Oakland Raiders
JaMarcus Russell was supposed to be the savior of this franchise. Al Davis supports him to the point that he reportedly had Jeff Garcia cut so Russell wouldn't feel threatened as the starter. Well, through three games hes completed only 40% of his passes, and the Raiders are last in passing yards per game, averaging only 16 more yards through the air than on the ground. The fact that their 1-2 record has been against all divison opponents only makes things worse.
Consistenly Inconsistent:
Arizona Cardinals
The Cards struggled to get things going in Week 1, and their were some questions about if Kurt Warner could still lead this team. On top of that, the games top rusher was 49er Frank Gore with 30 yards. Week 2 saw a comeback, as they beat up on the struggling Jacksonville Jaguars. Warner broke the record for completion percentage in that game, and everything seem right in the world. Week 3 they were a 2.5 point favorite at home against the Colts. Instead of building off a great Week 2, Warner went back to his Week 1 play, with 1 TD and 2 picks. The rushing attack that could run people over last year managed only 24 yards on 12 carries. On top of that, Peyton Manning torched the D for 379 yards and 4 TDs. And this is the defending NFC Champion?
New England Patriots
The Pats 2-1 record is already better than it should be. They haven't been inconsistent week-to-week, they've been inconsistent play-to-play. They played badly 3 quarters against Buffalo and pulled out a win in the fourth. The had some drives against the Jets, but could only manage field goals. They put up 26 points for the win against Atlanta, but passes were being dropped left and right, to the point that Tom Brady could be seen loudly cursing on TV as he went to the sideline after a Joey Galloway drop. Brady himself has been Mr Inconsistent this year, and has admitted to not being where he should be mentally and physically. Two years ago, the Pats were the models of consistency. Now, every play is an adventure.
Injuries:
Chad Pennington, QB, Dolphins: out for the season with a torn capsule in his throwing shoulder
Vincent Fuller, CB, Titans: out 4-6 weeks with a broken arm
Frank Gore, RB, 49ers: expected to miss 3 weeks with an ankle injury
Marc Bulger, QB, Rams: expected to play with a bruised shoulder
Dwight Freeney, DE, Colts: awaiting MRI results on a quad injury
Hunter Hillenmeyer, MLB, Bears: hoping to play with a rib injury(Hillenmeyer replaced Brian Urlacher, who is out for the season)
Fantasy Studs:
- Peyton Manning. 379 yards and 4 TDs is what we've come to expect from the future HOF'er
- Kevin Kolb. With 327 yards and 2 TDs this week, Klob became the first QB to throw for 300 yards in his first two starts.
- Maurice Jones-Drew. With the pasing game sputtering at times, someone needs to pick up the slack in Jacksonville. Rushing for 119 yards and 3 TDs helps.
Fantasy Duds:
- Terrell Owens. The streak of 185 games with a catch ends in Buffalo.
- Chad Pennington. He only had 54 passing yards before leaving the game with what some think is a season ending shoulder injury.
- Tim Hightower. Only 22 yards from the guy that was supposed to take over the Cardinal's running game.
Week 3 Picks:
Straight up: 11-5, 34-14 overall
ATS: 12-4, 32-16 overall
o/u: 8-8, 22-26 overall
Questions for Week 3:
Who wins: the unstoppable force or the immovable object?
In the only Week 4 game to feature undefeated teams, the Top-10 defense of the NY Jets will head to New Orleans to face the Top-10 ofeense of the Saints. Both teams saw what appears to be uncharacteristic wins in Week 3, as the Saints failed to score through the air, and the Jets gave up their first Td of the season. This will be the game to watch this week, as we try to find out if the Jets are for real and if anything can stop the Saints.
How will Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers play against each other?
This is the first time since "retiring" that Brett will face his old team, and the first time Aaron Rodgers will face his old teammate. Its a division battle between two teams that want to beat each other, for many reasons. How will Rodgers play against the man who mentored him in Green Bay? And Brett might have the home-field advantage, but how will the notriously emotional QB react to playing against so many familiar faces?
Is Chad Pennington done?
Pennington's injury still hasn't been officially dignosed, as far as I've heard. If it is as serious as believed to be, Chad would probably miss the rest of the season. It could also be the third surgery performed on his throwing shoulder in his career. Chad might be a fighter, but will it finally be time for him to hang it up? Does he still have enough to make one moer comeback?
Tuesday Morning News - 9/29/09
Oakland Raiders assistant Randy Hanson has told police head coach Tom Cable broke his jaw in an altercation. Charges have not been filed. [The Huddle]
USC RB Stefan Johnson was seriously injured yesterday when the bar he was using to weightlift fell on his throat. [Rivals.com]
The LA Angels have clinched the AL West with an 11-0 win over the Texas Rangers. [MLB.com]
Magic Number Update: The Philadelphia Phillies number is down to 3 in the NL East. The LA Dodgers are down to 2 and can clinch the NL West with a win against San Diego AND a Colorado loss to Milwaukee tonight. The Boston Red Sox are down to 1 and can clinch the AL Wild Card with a win tonight over Toronto OR another Texas loss to the Angels.
USC RB Stefan Johnson was seriously injured yesterday when the bar he was using to weightlift fell on his throat. [Rivals.com]
The LA Angels have clinched the AL West with an 11-0 win over the Texas Rangers. [MLB.com]
Magic Number Update: The Philadelphia Phillies number is down to 3 in the NL East. The LA Dodgers are down to 2 and can clinch the NL West with a win against San Diego AND a Colorado loss to Milwaukee tonight. The Boston Red Sox are down to 1 and can clinch the AL Wild Card with a win tonight over Toronto OR another Texas loss to the Angels.
Monday, September 28, 2009
MNF Preview - Week 3
Carolina Panthers @ Dallas Cowboys
Spread: Cowboys, -9.5
o/u: 45
After opening their new home with a loss last week, the Cowboys want to put a win in the record books. And they need it, too, since the Giants and Eagles are looking to put some distance between themselves and the rest of the division. The Panthers have put together a poor offense with a strong pass D that can't stop the run. Thats good knews for a hungry Dallas team that put up 251 yards against the Giants. Even if Marion Barber can't go, Dallas has a talented group of backs that can put up big numbers.
Pick: Cowboys 34 - Panthers 20
Spread: Cowboys, -9.5
o/u: 45
After opening their new home with a loss last week, the Cowboys want to put a win in the record books. And they need it, too, since the Giants and Eagles are looking to put some distance between themselves and the rest of the division. The Panthers have put together a poor offense with a strong pass D that can't stop the run. Thats good knews for a hungry Dallas team that put up 251 yards against the Giants. Even if Marion Barber can't go, Dallas has a talented group of backs that can put up big numbers.
Pick: Cowboys 34 - Panthers 20
NFL Sunday Recap - Week 3
They say three's a trend, so now, a look at Week 3 trends:
Trending Good:
Mark Sanchez
Though he hasn't been spectacular, the Jets are getting exactly what they need from Sanchez, every week. He has a touchdown pass in all three games so far this year, and the Jets are off to a 3-0 start. Hes made mistakes, but kept them to a minimum while maximizing on the mistakes of his opponents. He is also the first rookie QB in NFL history to win his first three games.
Kyle Orton
The Denver QB, like Sanchez, hasn't looked spectacular, but hes gotten his team to a 3-0 start, as well. He's played well with his new team, throwing 3 TDs without an interception. He also hasn't been sacked since going down three times in Week 1.
Trending Bad:
Brandon Jacobs
Through three games, Jacobs only has 1 TD, and that was against a Tampa Bay team that looked like Cal did on Saturday. Known for being a bruising back that hits holes and opponents like a freight train, Jacobs has looked a bit timid this year. He has yet to cross 100 yards in a game, and is only averaging 3.4 yards per carry. He also only has 1 TD so far, also against Tampa Bay yesterday.
Brady Quinn
Finally named the starter in Cleveland, big things were expected of Quinn. But Quinn hasn't delivered. He put up a TD in Week 1, but also threw an INT and was sacked five times. Since then, hes hasn't put up any points while throwing two more picks and getting sacked five more times. He was finally pulled at halftime against Baltimore, but Derek Anderson, who didn't do much better.
Ending Trends:
Detroit Lions
Lions win! The streak is over! And now, we wait to see how long Jim Zorn will keep his job.
Terrell Owens
Owens did his best Greg Jennings impression this week, ending his streak of 185 games with a catch. After the game, Owens didn't directly say he was unhappy with the play calling or how he and Lee Evans were used in the offense, but he didn't say he was happy, either:
Rookie Roundup: Using a complex scoring system to rank two major rookies for the season
Mark Sanchez: 17/30, 171 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT, 3 sacks, 10 rush yards, 1 rush TD, 2 fumbles, 1 lost
Points: 12.55, 42.7 overall
Matthew Stafford: 21/36, 241 yards, 1 TD, 2 sacks, 23 rush yards
Points: 19.35, 20.9 overall
Week 3 Winner: Stafford
What Have We Learned?: Three things we can take away from this weekend
1. Michael Vick will play, but hes being brought along slowly
With Donovan McNabb still out and his two game suspension over, we knew we'd see some of Vick this week. But how much? Answer: Not a whole lot. Though he was in for the Eagles second offensive play, he only totaled a handful of plays. He rushed for 7 yards, and was 0/2 passing. With the game well in hand, Jeff Garcia was brought in for mop-up duty.
2. Tom Brady is improving. He doesn't think his receivers are, though.
Though he was still a bit shaky, Brady is slowly looking better. He was 25/42 for 277 yards and a TD, an obvious improvement from last week against the Jets. But Brady's demeanor still needs some work. He was often angry with his receivers in this game, even blowing up on his way to the sideline after Joey Galloway dropped a pass. Is this a knew Tom Brady, who blames his teammates for his shortcomings? Has Brady learned a thing or two from the pre-Pats Randy Moss?
3. Some people's days may be numbered
Kurt Warner has been inconsistent. Jim Zorn has led his team to a 1-2 start, including a loss to the Lions(!) and some questionable play calling. Byron Leftwich has already been demoted to third string, behind a no-name and a rookie. Keep an eye out for Matt Leinart in Arizona, sooner rather than later, and Jim Zorn on the unemployment lines if they can't get things straightened out quickly.
Trending Good:
Mark Sanchez
Though he hasn't been spectacular, the Jets are getting exactly what they need from Sanchez, every week. He has a touchdown pass in all three games so far this year, and the Jets are off to a 3-0 start. Hes made mistakes, but kept them to a minimum while maximizing on the mistakes of his opponents. He is also the first rookie QB in NFL history to win his first three games.
Kyle Orton
The Denver QB, like Sanchez, hasn't looked spectacular, but hes gotten his team to a 3-0 start, as well. He's played well with his new team, throwing 3 TDs without an interception. He also hasn't been sacked since going down three times in Week 1.
Trending Bad:
Brandon Jacobs
Through three games, Jacobs only has 1 TD, and that was against a Tampa Bay team that looked like Cal did on Saturday. Known for being a bruising back that hits holes and opponents like a freight train, Jacobs has looked a bit timid this year. He has yet to cross 100 yards in a game, and is only averaging 3.4 yards per carry. He also only has 1 TD so far, also against Tampa Bay yesterday.
Brady Quinn
Finally named the starter in Cleveland, big things were expected of Quinn. But Quinn hasn't delivered. He put up a TD in Week 1, but also threw an INT and was sacked five times. Since then, hes hasn't put up any points while throwing two more picks and getting sacked five more times. He was finally pulled at halftime against Baltimore, but Derek Anderson, who didn't do much better.
Ending Trends:
Detroit Lions
Lions win! The streak is over! And now, we wait to see how long Jim Zorn will keep his job.
Terrell Owens
Owens did his best Greg Jennings impression this week, ending his streak of 185 games with a catch. After the game, Owens didn't directly say he was unhappy with the play calling or how he and Lee Evans were used in the offense, but he didn't say he was happy, either:
Rookie Roundup: Using a complex scoring system to rank two major rookies for the season
Mark Sanchez: 17/30, 171 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT, 3 sacks, 10 rush yards, 1 rush TD, 2 fumbles, 1 lost
Points: 12.55, 42.7 overall
Matthew Stafford: 21/36, 241 yards, 1 TD, 2 sacks, 23 rush yards
Points: 19.35, 20.9 overall
Week 3 Winner: Stafford
What Have We Learned?: Three things we can take away from this weekend
1. Michael Vick will play, but hes being brought along slowly
With Donovan McNabb still out and his two game suspension over, we knew we'd see some of Vick this week. But how much? Answer: Not a whole lot. Though he was in for the Eagles second offensive play, he only totaled a handful of plays. He rushed for 7 yards, and was 0/2 passing. With the game well in hand, Jeff Garcia was brought in for mop-up duty.
2. Tom Brady is improving. He doesn't think his receivers are, though.
Though he was still a bit shaky, Brady is slowly looking better. He was 25/42 for 277 yards and a TD, an obvious improvement from last week against the Jets. But Brady's demeanor still needs some work. He was often angry with his receivers in this game, even blowing up on his way to the sideline after Joey Galloway dropped a pass. Is this a knew Tom Brady, who blames his teammates for his shortcomings? Has Brady learned a thing or two from the pre-Pats Randy Moss?
3. Some people's days may be numbered
Kurt Warner has been inconsistent. Jim Zorn has led his team to a 1-2 start, including a loss to the Lions(!) and some questionable play calling. Byron Leftwich has already been demoted to third string, behind a no-name and a rookie. Keep an eye out for Matt Leinart in Arizona, sooner rather than later, and Jim Zorn on the unemployment lines if they can't get things straightened out quickly.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
MY 25 - Week 4
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. LSU
6. Kansas
7. Auburn
8. Iowa
9. Cincinnati
10. USF
11. Mizzou
12. Michigan
13. Houston
14. UCLA
15. Texas A&M
16. Wisconsin
17. TCU
18. Virginia Tech
19. Miami(FL)
20. Oregon
21. BYU
22. Oklahoma State
23. Nebraska
24. Georgia
25. Oklahoma
Performance of the Week: Oregon
After starting the season ranked but losing to Boise State, Oregon went on a somewhat weak winning streak, beating Purdue and a Utah team that had won 15 straight by a combined 10 points. This week, they put everything together against a Top-10 Cal team. After giving up a quick 3 points, the Ducks didn't allow another score, cruising to a 42-3 victory, and probably a return to the Top-25.
1. Alabama
2. Boise St
3. Florida
4. Texas
5. LSU
6. Kansas
7. Auburn
8. Iowa
9. Cincinnati
10. USF
11. Mizzou
12. Michigan
13. Houston
14. UCLA
15. Texas A&M
16. Wisconsin
17. TCU
18. Virginia Tech
19. Miami(FL)
20. Oregon
21. BYU
22. Oklahoma State
23. Nebraska
24. Georgia
25. Oklahoma
Performance of the Week: Oregon
After starting the season ranked but losing to Boise State, Oregon went on a somewhat weak winning streak, beating Purdue and a Utah team that had won 15 straight by a combined 10 points. This week, they put everything together against a Top-10 Cal team. After giving up a quick 3 points, the Ducks didn't allow another score, cruising to a 42-3 victory, and probably a return to the Top-25.
NFL Week 3 Preview - Update for Bills/Saints
Sorry, folks. In yesterdays preview, I forgot the Saints/Bills game, so here it is:
New Orleans Saints @ Buffalo Bills
Spread: Saints, -6
o/u: 52
This should be a meeting of 2-0 teams, but the Bills couldn't hold on against the Pats in Week 1. This week, the high-powered Saints O goes to Buffalo. Neither teams defense has looked great this year, but the Saints have probably the best offense in the league and the Bills are starting to pull it together. They won't pull out a win, but it will be a high scoring game, and probably the closest the Saints have played so far.
Pick: Saints 48 - Bills 34
New Orleans Saints @ Buffalo Bills
Spread: Saints, -6
o/u: 52
This should be a meeting of 2-0 teams, but the Bills couldn't hold on against the Pats in Week 1. This week, the high-powered Saints O goes to Buffalo. Neither teams defense has looked great this year, but the Saints have probably the best offense in the league and the Bills are starting to pull it together. They won't pull out a win, but it will be a high scoring game, and probably the closest the Saints have played so far.
Pick: Saints 48 - Bills 34
The Sunday News - 9/27/07
Saturday College Football Upsets: 5 Penn State, 6 Cal, 18 FSU, 22 UNC, 25 Washington all lost to unranked opponents. No. 9 Miami also lost to 11 Virginia Tech.
The St Louis Cardinals finally clinched the NL Central, with a win over the Colorado Rockies. The LA Dodgers also clinched a playoff berth. [Yahoo Sports]
Vitali Klitschko retained the WBC Heavyweight Championship with a win over Cristobal Arreola. [National Post]
Heisman Trophy winner/hopeful Tim Tebow was injured in a 41-7 win over Kentucky. Tebow spent the night in a local hospital and is said to be ok after what is believed to have been a concussion. [Courier-Journal]
Magic Number Update: The NY Yankees number is down to 1, and the LA Dodgers are down to 2. The Yankees can clinch with a win against Boston tonight, and LA can clinch with a win against Pittsburgh AND a Colorado loss to St Louis tonight.
The St Louis Cardinals finally clinched the NL Central, with a win over the Colorado Rockies. The LA Dodgers also clinched a playoff berth. [Yahoo Sports]
Vitali Klitschko retained the WBC Heavyweight Championship with a win over Cristobal Arreola. [National Post]
Heisman Trophy winner/hopeful Tim Tebow was injured in a 41-7 win over Kentucky. Tebow spent the night in a local hospital and is said to be ok after what is believed to have been a concussion. [Courier-Journal]
Magic Number Update: The NY Yankees number is down to 1, and the LA Dodgers are down to 2. The Yankees can clinch with a win against Boston tonight, and LA can clinch with a win against Pittsburgh AND a Colorado loss to St Louis tonight.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
NFL Week 3 Preview
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
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 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]
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Saturday Morning News
Boston Bruin Phil Kessel has finally been traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs. The trade proves that NHL talent evalution is absurd, as Boston got two first-round picks and a second-round pick in return. Had Kessel been signed as an unrestricted free agent, Boston would have gotten a first-, second-, and third-round pick instead. [HockeyJournal.com]
Ichiro Suzuki led the Seattle Mariners to victory over the Yankees with his second consecutive walk-off hits. Mariano Rivera gave up the two-run homer for only his second blown save of the season. [YESNetwork.com]
Floyd Mayweather came in two pounds overweight for tonight's fight against Juan Manuel Marquez. ESPN is reporting that Mayweather will lose and Marquez will gain $300,000 for each pound Mayweather is over. [ESPN]
Michigan's James Mouton has been suspended one game for throwing a punch during last weeks game against Notre Dame. He will miss today's game against Eastern Michigan. [Bleacher Report]
Ichiro Suzuki led the Seattle Mariners to victory over the Yankees with his second consecutive walk-off hits. Mariano Rivera gave up the two-run homer for only his second blown save of the season. [YESNetwork.com]
Floyd Mayweather came in two pounds overweight for tonight's fight against Juan Manuel Marquez. ESPN is reporting that Mayweather will lose and Marquez will gain $300,000 for each pound Mayweather is over. [ESPN]
Michigan's James Mouton has been suspended one game for throwing a punch during last weeks game against Notre Dame. He will miss today's game against Eastern Michigan. [Bleacher Report]
NFL Week 2 Preview
New England Patriots @ New York Jets
Spread: Patriots, -3.5
o/u:46
This has become the most talked about game of the week, mostly because the Jets are doing all the talking. What most other people are saying is "Tom Brady is back! Two late TDs against Buffalo! A come from behind victory! Tom Brady is back!" What their not saying is that Tom Brady played more like Carson Palmer has lately than himself for three quarters. The Jets will bring more, different, and better pressure than the Bills did to break the streak of eight straights loses at home to the Pats.
Pick: Jets 27 - Patriots 20
Houston Texans @ Tennessee Titans
Spread: Titans, -6.5
o/u: 41
A lot of people expected Houston to win thier division this year. I wasn't one of them, and Week 1 against the Jets proved why. This week, they run into an equally good defense, and will probably have many of the same problems moving the ball that they did last week.
Pick: Titans 24 - Texans 10
Minnesota Vikings @ Detroit Lions
Spread: Vikings, -10
o/u: 45.5
Adrian Peterson will have three more TDs in this game. The Lions will have two, as a team. The rest of the Vikings will help cover the spread and the over.
Pick: Vikings 35 - Lions 17
Carolina Panthers @ Atlanta Falcons
Spread: Falcons, -6.5
o/u: 42.5
Jake Delhomme looked bad last week. Even if he gets back to old form, he has a tough Atlanta D to face. The Panther's also don't have the D to stop Atlanta's offense, with Michael Turner rushing for 4 TDs against Carolina the last time they met. I don't thinke he'll match that output, but I also don't think he needs to.
Pick: Falcons 31 - Panthers 10
St Louis Rams @ Washington Redskins
Spread: Redskins, -10
o/u: 37
The line on this game just doesn't make sense to me. Sure both teams didn't look that great last week, but a spread of 10 with a low under? Do the oddsmakers really think Washington will win 14-0? I don't.
Pick: Redskins 21 - Rams 17
Oakland Raiders @ Kansas City Chiefs
Spread: Chiefs, -3
o/u:38.5
Fall all of Oaklands faults, they do have a strong defense. They also almost beat San Diego last week. For KC, Matt Cassel still has knee problems. Whoever suits up at QB this week, look for Oakland to victimize them often, with both sacks and INTs.
Pick: Raiders 24 - Chiefs 20
Cincinnati Bengals @ Green Bay Packers
Spread: Packers, -9
o/u:42
Don't let the miraculous, last second loss fool you: Cincinnati sucked last week. Carson Palmer claims Chris Henry was a non-factor because of Denver's D. I say he was a non-factor because Carson Palmer doesn't have it any more. Meanwhile, the Packers look like they did last year on O, and much improved on D.
Pick: Packers 28 - Bengals 7
New Orleans Saints @ Philadelphia Eagles
Spread: Saints, -1
o/u: 46.5
I like the Eagles this year, but not this week. Last week their offense looked okay against an okay Panthers defense, and their defense looked amazing against a weak Panther's O. That won't be the case this week. With Donovan McNabb probably out, the offense will continue to look okay, and with the high-powered Saints offense on the other side, the defense won't look so great any more. Brees won't throw for 6 TDs this week, but he won't need to, either.
Pick: Saints 34 - Eagles 20
Arizona Cardinals @ Jacksonville Jaguars
Spread: Jaguars, -3
o/u: 42.5
Niether teams offense looked very good last week as both lost close games they could have won. The big factor here are the Cardinals receivers, who are pretty banged up already. That will keep them from putting up big points, and the Jags will cover easily.
Pick: Jaguars 28 - Cardinals 13
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Buffalo Bills
Spread: Bills, -5
o/u: 42
This is the first time in history the Bucs will play in Buffalo, and its already pretty cold up there. The Bucs D looked silly in a bad way against Dallas last week, and TO and the Bills will easily take agvantage of that. The Bills also looked surprisingly decent against the Pats last week, which means more problems for Tampa and Raheem Morris, the league's youngest head coach.
Pick: Bills 35 - Buccaneers 17
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers
Spread: 49ers, -1.5
o/u: 39.5
A healthy Seahawks team spells doom for the rest of the NFC West. The 49ers surprised everyone by beating the NFC champs, but it was a Cardinals team with a bunch of injured receivers. The only injury of note for Seattle is Deion Branch, and he hasn't done anything for them since joining the team anyway. Matt Hasselbeck might throw a pass or two to the wrong team, but Seattles D will get it right back for him.
Pick: Seahawks 24 - 49ers 17
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Chicago Bears
Spread: Steelers, -3
o/u: 37.5
Everyone is expecting a huge bounce-back game for Jay Cutler, including me. He'll only throw 3 picks this week, one for a touchdown. How does anyone think Cutler will bounce back against the Steelers? Are the Steelers secretly dressing the Lions Defense this week? Both teams will be without their defensive stars, as the Steelers lost Troy Polomalu for a few weeks, and the Bears lost Brian Urlacher for the season. This will hurt Chicago more than it hurts Pittsburgh.
Pick: Steelers 24 - Bears 10
Baltimore Ravens @ San Diego Chargers
Spread: Chargers, -3
o/u: 40.5
Why anyone thinks San Diego will do well outside of their division is beyond me. Both teams put up good numbers late last week, but the Chargers are facing a defense much better than the Oakland one the almost lost to last week. Oh, and Baltimore's offense is better than Oaklands, too.
Pick: Ravens 24 - Chargers 17
Cleveland Browns @ Denver Broncos
Spread: Denver, -3
o/u: 38.5
Lets be honest here: Denver's win last week was only thanks to a fluke play. And Cleveland had to try and stop Adrian Peterson. I look at the Broncos and I don't see an Adrian Peterson among them. In fact, last week the Broncos put up less than half the rushing yards Peterson had as a team. Last week Brady Quinn got the start at QB for the Browns, and probably will this week, too. In the match-up of Kyle Orton vs Brady Quinn, I'll take Quinn.
Pick: Browns 17 - Broncos 13
New York Giants @ Dallas Cowboys
Spread: Cowboys, -3
Spread: 44.5
The Cowboys open their new stadium this week. They expect over 100,000 fans to show up. The knew scoreboard alone probably generates enough energy to propel the 'Boys to victory. The Giants are probably the better team, but sometimes home field advantage is too much to overcome.
Pick: Cowboys 24 - Giants 13
Spread: Patriots, -3.5
o/u:46
This has become the most talked about game of the week, mostly because the Jets are doing all the talking. What most other people are saying is "Tom Brady is back! Two late TDs against Buffalo! A come from behind victory! Tom Brady is back!" What their not saying is that Tom Brady played more like Carson Palmer has lately than himself for three quarters. The Jets will bring more, different, and better pressure than the Bills did to break the streak of eight straights loses at home to the Pats.
Pick: Jets 27 - Patriots 20
Houston Texans @ Tennessee Titans
Spread: Titans, -6.5
o/u: 41
A lot of people expected Houston to win thier division this year. I wasn't one of them, and Week 1 against the Jets proved why. This week, they run into an equally good defense, and will probably have many of the same problems moving the ball that they did last week.
Pick: Titans 24 - Texans 10
Minnesota Vikings @ Detroit Lions
Spread: Vikings, -10
o/u: 45.5
Adrian Peterson will have three more TDs in this game. The Lions will have two, as a team. The rest of the Vikings will help cover the spread and the over.
Pick: Vikings 35 - Lions 17
Carolina Panthers @ Atlanta Falcons
Spread: Falcons, -6.5
o/u: 42.5
Jake Delhomme looked bad last week. Even if he gets back to old form, he has a tough Atlanta D to face. The Panther's also don't have the D to stop Atlanta's offense, with Michael Turner rushing for 4 TDs against Carolina the last time they met. I don't thinke he'll match that output, but I also don't think he needs to.
Pick: Falcons 31 - Panthers 10
St Louis Rams @ Washington Redskins
Spread: Redskins, -10
o/u: 37
The line on this game just doesn't make sense to me. Sure both teams didn't look that great last week, but a spread of 10 with a low under? Do the oddsmakers really think Washington will win 14-0? I don't.
Pick: Redskins 21 - Rams 17
Oakland Raiders @ Kansas City Chiefs
Spread: Chiefs, -3
o/u:38.5
Fall all of Oaklands faults, they do have a strong defense. They also almost beat San Diego last week. For KC, Matt Cassel still has knee problems. Whoever suits up at QB this week, look for Oakland to victimize them often, with both sacks and INTs.
Pick: Raiders 24 - Chiefs 20
Cincinnati Bengals @ Green Bay Packers
Spread: Packers, -9
o/u:42
Don't let the miraculous, last second loss fool you: Cincinnati sucked last week. Carson Palmer claims Chris Henry was a non-factor because of Denver's D. I say he was a non-factor because Carson Palmer doesn't have it any more. Meanwhile, the Packers look like they did last year on O, and much improved on D.
Pick: Packers 28 - Bengals 7
New Orleans Saints @ Philadelphia Eagles
Spread: Saints, -1
o/u: 46.5
I like the Eagles this year, but not this week. Last week their offense looked okay against an okay Panthers defense, and their defense looked amazing against a weak Panther's O. That won't be the case this week. With Donovan McNabb probably out, the offense will continue to look okay, and with the high-powered Saints offense on the other side, the defense won't look so great any more. Brees won't throw for 6 TDs this week, but he won't need to, either.
Pick: Saints 34 - Eagles 20
Arizona Cardinals @ Jacksonville Jaguars
Spread: Jaguars, -3
o/u: 42.5
Niether teams offense looked very good last week as both lost close games they could have won. The big factor here are the Cardinals receivers, who are pretty banged up already. That will keep them from putting up big points, and the Jags will cover easily.
Pick: Jaguars 28 - Cardinals 13
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Buffalo Bills
Spread: Bills, -5
o/u: 42
This is the first time in history the Bucs will play in Buffalo, and its already pretty cold up there. The Bucs D looked silly in a bad way against Dallas last week, and TO and the Bills will easily take agvantage of that. The Bills also looked surprisingly decent against the Pats last week, which means more problems for Tampa and Raheem Morris, the league's youngest head coach.
Pick: Bills 35 - Buccaneers 17
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers
Spread: 49ers, -1.5
o/u: 39.5
A healthy Seahawks team spells doom for the rest of the NFC West. The 49ers surprised everyone by beating the NFC champs, but it was a Cardinals team with a bunch of injured receivers. The only injury of note for Seattle is Deion Branch, and he hasn't done anything for them since joining the team anyway. Matt Hasselbeck might throw a pass or two to the wrong team, but Seattles D will get it right back for him.
Pick: Seahawks 24 - 49ers 17
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Chicago Bears
Spread: Steelers, -3
o/u: 37.5
Everyone is expecting a huge bounce-back game for Jay Cutler, including me. He'll only throw 3 picks this week, one for a touchdown. How does anyone think Cutler will bounce back against the Steelers? Are the Steelers secretly dressing the Lions Defense this week? Both teams will be without their defensive stars, as the Steelers lost Troy Polomalu for a few weeks, and the Bears lost Brian Urlacher for the season. This will hurt Chicago more than it hurts Pittsburgh.
Pick: Steelers 24 - Bears 10
Baltimore Ravens @ San Diego Chargers
Spread: Chargers, -3
o/u: 40.5
Why anyone thinks San Diego will do well outside of their division is beyond me. Both teams put up good numbers late last week, but the Chargers are facing a defense much better than the Oakland one the almost lost to last week. Oh, and Baltimore's offense is better than Oaklands, too.
Pick: Ravens 24 - Chargers 17
Cleveland Browns @ Denver Broncos
Spread: Denver, -3
o/u: 38.5
Lets be honest here: Denver's win last week was only thanks to a fluke play. And Cleveland had to try and stop Adrian Peterson. I look at the Broncos and I don't see an Adrian Peterson among them. In fact, last week the Broncos put up less than half the rushing yards Peterson had as a team. Last week Brady Quinn got the start at QB for the Browns, and probably will this week, too. In the match-up of Kyle Orton vs Brady Quinn, I'll take Quinn.
Pick: Browns 17 - Broncos 13
New York Giants @ Dallas Cowboys
Spread: Cowboys, -3
Spread: 44.5
The Cowboys open their new stadium this week. They expect over 100,000 fans to show up. The knew scoreboard alone probably generates enough energy to propel the 'Boys to victory. The Giants are probably the better team, but sometimes home field advantage is too much to overcome.
Pick: Cowboys 24 - Giants 13
Friday, September 18, 2009
Delonte West Arrested on Gun Charges
From WashingtonPost.com:
There is so much wrong with this situation, I don't even know where to begin. First would be, I guess, that he cut off a cop. Thats just dumb. Then, he told the cop about the gun in his waistband. I guess he didn't learn what happens when you put a gun in your waistband from Plaxico Burress. That part kind of makes sense, since a cop will sometimes ask if you have a weapon, and its smarter to tell him than to have him find it the hard way. But why tell him about that one and not the one strapped to your leg? Oh, and that shotgun in the guitar case strapped across your back. Maybe he actually thought he had a guitar in there and forgot?
The story goes on to say that it is unknown where west was going and why he was armed. My theory: he was on his way to re-enactment of an episode of Sons of Anarchy. Its just a guess. I mean, he does look kind of like Thoe Rossi.
Delonte West:
Theo Rossi as Juan Carlos "Juice" Ortiz on Sons of Anarchy:
[pics via duffy1700's photobucket, TheoRossi.com]
Delonte West, a guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers, was driving a three-wheeled motorcycle north on Interstate 95 near Route 214 in the Largo area when he cut off a Prince George's County police officer, authorities said. The officer pulled him over, and West told the officer that he was carrying a handgun in his waistband.
That prompted the officer to call for backup, and investigators found that West was actually carrying three guns: a Beretta 9mm in his waistband, a Ruger .357 strapped to his leg and a shotgun in a guitar case slung over his back, said Maj. Andy Ellis, a spokesman for the Prince George's County Police Department.
There is so much wrong with this situation, I don't even know where to begin. First would be, I guess, that he cut off a cop. Thats just dumb. Then, he told the cop about the gun in his waistband. I guess he didn't learn what happens when you put a gun in your waistband from Plaxico Burress. That part kind of makes sense, since a cop will sometimes ask if you have a weapon, and its smarter to tell him than to have him find it the hard way. But why tell him about that one and not the one strapped to your leg? Oh, and that shotgun in the guitar case strapped across your back. Maybe he actually thought he had a guitar in there and forgot?
The story goes on to say that it is unknown where west was going and why he was armed. My theory: he was on his way to re-enactment of an episode of Sons of Anarchy. Its just a guess. I mean, he does look kind of like Thoe Rossi.
Delonte West:
Theo Rossi as Juan Carlos "Juice" Ortiz on Sons of Anarchy:
[pics via duffy1700's photobucket, TheoRossi.com]
College Football Week 3 - Important Matchups
Tennessee @ 1 Florida
Favorite: Florida, -30
This will be the closest thing to a "test" Florida will have faced so far in the season, having previously beaten Charlseton Southern and Troy. And Tennessee is not a team to be taken lightly. They have a new head coach with NFL experience in Lane Kiffin, and he feels his team has something to prove. The Volunteers got blown out at home last year, and this year have to go into The Swamp for the defending National Champions. Florida will win, but a 30 point spread will favor Tennessee.
Pick: Florida 45 - Tennessee 20
Texas Tech @ 2 Texas
Favorite: Texas, -17.5
Texas Tech was the team that derailed the Big 12 South last season, causing a three-way tie with their win over Texas. Tech has lost a good portion of their playmakers, though, and will have to stop returning Texas QB Colt McCoy. This may have been one of the shock games of last year, but it won't be this year.
Pick: Texas 35 - Texas Tech 10
3 USC @ Washington
Favorite: USC, -19.5
This game has every marking on it of being a let-down game for USC. Last week they had to go into Ohio State and barely came out with the W. This week they have to go into Washington. On paper, it looks like a total mismatch. But coming off an 0-12 season, Washington already has one win this year. Plus, they only lost to LSU by eight points in Week 1. USC has also had problems going north since their undefeated regular season in 2005. They have lost at Oregon in 2007 and at Oregon State twice, including last years post-Ohio State game. I hate to say it, but I'm expecting more of the same.
Pick: Washington 28 - USC 24
19 Nebraska @ 13 Virginia Tech
Favorite: Va Tech, -5
Of the four games these teams have played this year, three have been blowouts: Nebraska over Florida Atlantic and Arkansas State, and Va Tech over Marshall. The one blemish here is Tech's loss to Alabama in Week 1, the only time either team has played a good opponent so far. I'm led to believe that 34-24 loss wasn't a fluke. Va Tech has some improving to do in the next couple of seasons before they can consistently beat ranked opponents.
Pick: Nebraska 31 - Va Tech 20
Favorite: Florida, -30
This will be the closest thing to a "test" Florida will have faced so far in the season, having previously beaten Charlseton Southern and Troy. And Tennessee is not a team to be taken lightly. They have a new head coach with NFL experience in Lane Kiffin, and he feels his team has something to prove. The Volunteers got blown out at home last year, and this year have to go into The Swamp for the defending National Champions. Florida will win, but a 30 point spread will favor Tennessee.
Pick: Florida 45 - Tennessee 20
Texas Tech @ 2 Texas
Favorite: Texas, -17.5
Texas Tech was the team that derailed the Big 12 South last season, causing a three-way tie with their win over Texas. Tech has lost a good portion of their playmakers, though, and will have to stop returning Texas QB Colt McCoy. This may have been one of the shock games of last year, but it won't be this year.
Pick: Texas 35 - Texas Tech 10
3 USC @ Washington
Favorite: USC, -19.5
This game has every marking on it of being a let-down game for USC. Last week they had to go into Ohio State and barely came out with the W. This week they have to go into Washington. On paper, it looks like a total mismatch. But coming off an 0-12 season, Washington already has one win this year. Plus, they only lost to LSU by eight points in Week 1. USC has also had problems going north since their undefeated regular season in 2005. They have lost at Oregon in 2007 and at Oregon State twice, including last years post-Ohio State game. I hate to say it, but I'm expecting more of the same.
Pick: Washington 28 - USC 24
19 Nebraska @ 13 Virginia Tech
Favorite: Va Tech, -5
Of the four games these teams have played this year, three have been blowouts: Nebraska over Florida Atlantic and Arkansas State, and Va Tech over Marshall. The one blemish here is Tech's loss to Alabama in Week 1, the only time either team has played a good opponent so far. I'm led to believe that 34-24 loss wasn't a fluke. Va Tech has some improving to do in the next couple of seasons before they can consistently beat ranked opponents.
Pick: Nebraska 31 - Va Tech 20
Friday Magic Numbers
17 days left, your MLB magic numbers:
AL East:
NY Yankees, +7 over Boston: 10
AL Central:
Detroit, +4 over Minnesota: 13
AL West:
LA Angels, +6.5 over Texas: 11
AL Wild Card:
Boston, +6 over Texas: 12
NL East:
Philadelphia, +7.5 over Atlanta: 10
NL Central:
St Louis, +9 over Chcago: 8
NL West:
LA Dodgers, +5 over Colorado: 11
NL Wild Card:
Colorado, +3.5 over San Francisco: 13
AL East:
NY Yankees, +7 over Boston: 10
AL Central:
Detroit, +4 over Minnesota: 13
AL West:
LA Angels, +6.5 over Texas: 11
AL Wild Card:
Boston, +6 over Texas: 12
NL East:
Philadelphia, +7.5 over Atlanta: 10
NL Central:
St Louis, +9 over Chcago: 8
NL West:
LA Dodgers, +5 over Colorado: 11
NL Wild Card:
Colorado, +3.5 over San Francisco: 13
Friday Morning News - 9/18/09
High school football coach Jason Stilson was found not guilty on all charges stemming from the death of a 15-year-old player during practice. [WLKY]
Roger Federer Has been fined $1,500 for swearing at an umpire during the US Open finals on Monday. [CNN International]
ESPN is reporting USC QB Aaron Corp will start this weekend in place of injured QB Matt Barkley. [ESPN]
Former Eagle Hank Baskett has signed with the Colts, replacing injured receiver Anthony Gonzalez. [1070 The Fan]
The Jacksonville Jaguars home opener this week will be blacked out on local tv. The San Diego Chargers and Detroit Lions were granted ticket selling extensions that end today. [Washington Post]
LeBron James will play himself in the upcoming movie Fantasy Basketball Camp. [Ohio.com]
Roger Federer Has been fined $1,500 for swearing at an umpire during the US Open finals on Monday. [CNN International]
ESPN is reporting USC QB Aaron Corp will start this weekend in place of injured QB Matt Barkley. [ESPN]
Former Eagle Hank Baskett has signed with the Colts, replacing injured receiver Anthony Gonzalez. [1070 The Fan]
The Jacksonville Jaguars home opener this week will be blacked out on local tv. The San Diego Chargers and Detroit Lions were granted ticket selling extensions that end today. [Washington Post]
LeBron James will play himself in the upcoming movie Fantasy Basketball Camp. [Ohio.com]
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Suspending baseball players is a joke, and now MLB pretty much admitted it
It has long been understood that the suspensions handed out to starting pitchers and hitters when an HBP leads to a fight are unfair. A first baseman suspended 5 games misses 5 games. A starting pitcher misses 1, at worst. But the results of Tuesday's Blue Jays-Yankees fight shows MLB knows no one takes them seriously.
Lets recap: Blue Jays batter gets hit by a pitch. Bottom of the eigth, Jay's reliever Carlson throws rediculously far behind Posada. Posada has words with Carlson. Posada would later come around to score from second, and bumps into Carlson, who was coming over to backup home plate if there was a throw. Carlson takes offense, benches clear, punches are thrown. As a result, Posada and Carlson are suspended four games each, Duncan is suspended three, and there are various other fines.
Oh, you heard they were all suspended three games each? Look a little deeper.
What pretty much every news story I've seen on the subject is glossing over is the fact that they were suspended four games, then had the suspensions reduced to three BECAUSE THEY AGREED NOT TO APPEAL! Oh sure, its in the stories, but usually as a throw away line at the beginning, or at the very end where no one will notice it. And I'm left asking, whats the point? Why even bother suspending people?
Sure, baseball has some harsh penalties. If you gamble on the game, you're out for life. Fail three drug tests, and out for life. Now Mike Scioscia might be facing fines for comments about the officiating in last nights Angels-Red Sox game. But the suspensions handed down for fighting and intentionally throwing at an opponent have become the laughingstock of the sports world. A suspended pitcher can immediately sit out a five game suspensions and miss one start, or his start can be pushed back and he won't really miss any. A fielder in an important series can appeal his suspension, enabling him to continue playing until the suspension is heard. Or he can just drop his suspension when the series is over or hes scheduled for a rest anyway, and begin serving his suspension when he or his teams wants him to. Not to mention the fact that appeals are usually successful in reducing a suspension by at least a game. And now this.
What Baseball has pretty much done now is take the appeals process out of the equation. Its as if they said "We know four games is too high, so if you agree to not drag out the appeals process, we'll drop it to three." This sets an interesting precedent for suspensions in the future. Could a starting pitcher now agree to immediately sit a five game suspension, miss four instead, and not even worry about interrupting his routine? Are we headed towards a point where a batter can say "I'll take four games, but only if I can serve them during our series against Kansas City next month"? What needs to be done is finally set up a mandatory length of time for suspensions of this type. Pitchers have to miss three trips through the rotation. Batters sit three games. The appeals system will remain the same, but they can only reduce a suspension one game, and if the appeal is lost, they must sit another game.
After all, if a pitcher intentionally throws at a batter, the pitcher's manager automatically sits one game with no appeal. Why not hold the players a little more responsible for their actions?
Lets recap: Blue Jays batter gets hit by a pitch. Bottom of the eigth, Jay's reliever Carlson throws rediculously far behind Posada. Posada has words with Carlson. Posada would later come around to score from second, and bumps into Carlson, who was coming over to backup home plate if there was a throw. Carlson takes offense, benches clear, punches are thrown. As a result, Posada and Carlson are suspended four games each, Duncan is suspended three, and there are various other fines.
Oh, you heard they were all suspended three games each? Look a little deeper.
What pretty much every news story I've seen on the subject is glossing over is the fact that they were suspended four games, then had the suspensions reduced to three BECAUSE THEY AGREED NOT TO APPEAL! Oh sure, its in the stories, but usually as a throw away line at the beginning, or at the very end where no one will notice it. And I'm left asking, whats the point? Why even bother suspending people?
Sure, baseball has some harsh penalties. If you gamble on the game, you're out for life. Fail three drug tests, and out for life. Now Mike Scioscia might be facing fines for comments about the officiating in last nights Angels-Red Sox game. But the suspensions handed down for fighting and intentionally throwing at an opponent have become the laughingstock of the sports world. A suspended pitcher can immediately sit out a five game suspensions and miss one start, or his start can be pushed back and he won't really miss any. A fielder in an important series can appeal his suspension, enabling him to continue playing until the suspension is heard. Or he can just drop his suspension when the series is over or hes scheduled for a rest anyway, and begin serving his suspension when he or his teams wants him to. Not to mention the fact that appeals are usually successful in reducing a suspension by at least a game. And now this.
What Baseball has pretty much done now is take the appeals process out of the equation. Its as if they said "We know four games is too high, so if you agree to not drag out the appeals process, we'll drop it to three." This sets an interesting precedent for suspensions in the future. Could a starting pitcher now agree to immediately sit a five game suspension, miss four instead, and not even worry about interrupting his routine? Are we headed towards a point where a batter can say "I'll take four games, but only if I can serve them during our series against Kansas City next month"? What needs to be done is finally set up a mandatory length of time for suspensions of this type. Pitchers have to miss three trips through the rotation. Batters sit three games. The appeals system will remain the same, but they can only reduce a suspension one game, and if the appeal is lost, they must sit another game.
After all, if a pitcher intentionally throws at a batter, the pitcher's manager automatically sits one game with no appeal. Why not hold the players a little more responsible for their actions?
College Football Week 3 - Thursday Night Preview
14 Georgia Tech @ 20 Miami(FL)
Favorite: Miami, -5.5
In one of Week 3's biggest games, two as-yet-unbeaten ACC - Coastal rivals battle for the lead in their division. Miami comes into this game already having beaten a ranked team, 18 FSU in Week 1. Unfortunately, that was their last game, almost two weeks ago, and it was against what now appears to have been an overrated FSU team. Georgia Tech comes off a closer-than-it-should-have-been conference win against Clemson last week. Miami put up big numbers passing against FSU. GT has already shown they have trouble stopping the pass, giving up 261 yards and 3 TDs through the air last week. So Miami QB Jacory Harris will be the wild card in this game. If he can keep up the status quo here, look for both teams to score high, but Miami to pull out the win.
Pick: Miami 38 - GT 31
Favorite: Miami, -5.5
In one of Week 3's biggest games, two as-yet-unbeaten ACC - Coastal rivals battle for the lead in their division. Miami comes into this game already having beaten a ranked team, 18 FSU in Week 1. Unfortunately, that was their last game, almost two weeks ago, and it was against what now appears to have been an overrated FSU team. Georgia Tech comes off a closer-than-it-should-have-been conference win against Clemson last week. Miami put up big numbers passing against FSU. GT has already shown they have trouble stopping the pass, giving up 261 yards and 3 TDs through the air last week. So Miami QB Jacory Harris will be the wild card in this game. If he can keep up the status quo here, look for both teams to score high, but Miami to pull out the win.
Pick: Miami 38 - GT 31
Thursday Morning News - 9/17/09
Two teenagers have been identified as the ones who vandalized Buffalo Bill Leodis McKelvin's lawn. McKelvin is not pressing charges. [SI.com]
Yankees Jorge Posada, Shelley Duncan, and Blue Jay Jesse Carlson have been suspended three games each after a bench clearing brawl Tuesday night. Other players and managers have been fined, and Duncan is appealing his suspension. [ESPN]
NCAA president Myles Brand has died of pancreatic cancer. He was 67. [USA Today]
Yankees Jorge Posada, Shelley Duncan, and Blue Jay Jesse Carlson have been suspended three games each after a bench clearing brawl Tuesday night. Other players and managers have been fined, and Duncan is appealing his suspension. [ESPN]
NCAA president Myles Brand has died of pancreatic cancer. He was 67. [USA Today]
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
NFL Week 1 Wrap-up
With Week 1 in the books, we had some surprises, some injuries, and some big returns.
Surprises:
The 49ers win in Arizona:
San Fran goes into the home of the defending NFC Champs and pulls out a 20-16 win. Are these guys for real? Probably not, but at this point it doesn't look like Arizona is either.
That TD catch by Brandon Stokely:
If you haven't seen it yet, you aren't a football fan and shouldn't be reading this post. Some fun facts about the play:
And kudos to Stokely for running along the endzone before scoring to run out the clock a little more.
The Monday Night games:
Sure, the teams that were expected to win won. But who expected them to come down to plays made in the final 2 minutes of both games? Sure, the Pats had some question marks, but the Chargers should have had a much easier time with the Raiders in the late game. It has to be said, though, that the Bills and Raiders both looked better than expected in losing efforts.
Injuries:
Brian Urlacher, LB, Bears: out for the year with a dislocated wrist
Reggie Hayward, DE, Jaguars: out for the year with a broken leg
Troy Polamalu, S, Steelers: out 3-6 with a sprained MCL
Anthony Gonzalez, WR, Colts: out an unspecified amount of time with a knee injury
Josh McCown, QB, Panthers: out for the season with knee and foot injuries Donovan McNabb, QB, Eagles: fractured rib, length of time yet to be determined
Returns:
Tom Brady:
After missing almost all of last season with a knee injury suffered in Week 1, Brady made his triumphant regular season return to Foxboro. He looked shaky for most of the game, but put together two TD drives in the fourth quarter, culminating in two TDs in the final 2:06 to squeak out a one point win.
Richard Seymour:
Seymour finally reported to Oakland on Sunday, and did, in fact, play in the Monday late game. He recorded 2 sacks in the loss.
Brett Favre:
Favre made his return to the NFC North after retiring to NY last season. The Vikings won, but Favre didn't do much more than manage the game and hand the ball to Adrian Peterson. He had one TD, to rookie Percy Harvin.
Fantasy Studs:
Week 1 Picks:
Straight up: 14-2
ATS: 11-5
o/u: 8-8
Questions for Week 2:
Who will start in Philly?:
With Donovan McNabb expected to miss at least this weeks game, the Eagles signed Jeff Garcia. Garcia says he'll be ready to play this week, since he'll be coming in with experience in the system and having spent the preseason with Oakland. But Kevin Kolb has been there the whole time and is expected to take over when McNabb is finallt done. Will Garcia be handed the start? Or will this be Kolb's time to show what he can do?
Which Jake Delhomme will show up?
Delhomme has been the guy in Carolina for a while and it's served Carolina well. They've made the playoffs in three of his six seasons with the team, including one Super Bowl appearance. But he's had 9 INTs and 2 fumbles lost in his last two games. Is this a new Jake Delhomme? Or can he get back to his old self before its too late?
Are the plug 'n' play Pats done?
Bill Belichick has made a career in New England out of taking his ofeensive and defensive system, plugging players into them, seamingly at random, and making them work. However, the starting defense lost five players that were on last years Week 1 roster. While the defense didn't look bad against the Bills, they didn't look like the defense the Pats are known for, either. Additionally, before the fourth quarter, Brady looked shaky, hesitating when he felt his surgically repaired knee would be in danger. Most are picking the Pats as the team to beat this year, but if they continue to look like they did Monday night, they'll become the team to beat up on.
Surprises:
The 49ers win in Arizona:
San Fran goes into the home of the defending NFC Champs and pulls out a 20-16 win. Are these guys for real? Probably not, but at this point it doesn't look like Arizona is either.
That TD catch by Brandon Stokely:
If you haven't seen it yet, you aren't a football fan and shouldn't be reading this post. Some fun facts about the play:
- It is the longest play from scrimmage and tied with Aaron Brown's 87 yard kick return for longest play over all this weekend
- It is the longest touchdown play so far this season
- It was Stokely's only catch of the day
- If the ball hadn't been tipped first, the play probably wouldn't have happened
And kudos to Stokely for running along the endzone before scoring to run out the clock a little more.
The Monday Night games:
Sure, the teams that were expected to win won. But who expected them to come down to plays made in the final 2 minutes of both games? Sure, the Pats had some question marks, but the Chargers should have had a much easier time with the Raiders in the late game. It has to be said, though, that the Bills and Raiders both looked better than expected in losing efforts.
Injuries:
Brian Urlacher, LB, Bears: out for the year with a dislocated wrist
Reggie Hayward, DE, Jaguars: out for the year with a broken leg
Troy Polamalu, S, Steelers: out 3-6 with a sprained MCL
Anthony Gonzalez, WR, Colts: out an unspecified amount of time with a knee injury
Josh McCown, QB, Panthers: out for the season with knee and foot injuries Donovan McNabb, QB, Eagles: fractured rib, length of time yet to be determined
Returns:
Tom Brady:
After missing almost all of last season with a knee injury suffered in Week 1, Brady made his triumphant regular season return to Foxboro. He looked shaky for most of the game, but put together two TD drives in the fourth quarter, culminating in two TDs in the final 2:06 to squeak out a one point win.
Richard Seymour:
Seymour finally reported to Oakland on Sunday, and did, in fact, play in the Monday late game. He recorded 2 sacks in the loss.
Brett Favre:
Favre made his return to the NFC North after retiring to NY last season. The Vikings won, but Favre didn't do much more than manage the game and hand the ball to Adrian Peterson. He had one TD, to rookie Percy Harvin.
Fantasy Studs:
- Drew Brees. Only a handful of people have thrown for more than 6 TDs in a game
- Adrian Peterson. Theres a reason he was picked first in almost every fantasy draft.
- Eagles D. 5 sacks, 5 INTs, 2 fumbles recovered, 2 TD. Some teams won't have stats like that after Week 3, let alone Week 1.
- Willie Parker. Healthy and expected to get the bulk of the carries this season, Parker only managed 19 yards rushing.
- Jake Delhomme. 73 passing yards, 0 TDs, 4 INTs. He was eventually benched, and theres some speculation he might not last the season.
- Jay Cutler. At least he had a TD to go with his 4 INTs.
Week 1 Picks:
Straight up: 14-2
ATS: 11-5
o/u: 8-8
Questions for Week 2:
Who will start in Philly?:
With Donovan McNabb expected to miss at least this weeks game, the Eagles signed Jeff Garcia. Garcia says he'll be ready to play this week, since he'll be coming in with experience in the system and having spent the preseason with Oakland. But Kevin Kolb has been there the whole time and is expected to take over when McNabb is finallt done. Will Garcia be handed the start? Or will this be Kolb's time to show what he can do?
Which Jake Delhomme will show up?
Delhomme has been the guy in Carolina for a while and it's served Carolina well. They've made the playoffs in three of his six seasons with the team, including one Super Bowl appearance. But he's had 9 INTs and 2 fumbles lost in his last two games. Is this a new Jake Delhomme? Or can he get back to his old self before its too late?
Are the plug 'n' play Pats done?
Bill Belichick has made a career in New England out of taking his ofeensive and defensive system, plugging players into them, seamingly at random, and making them work. However, the starting defense lost five players that were on last years Week 1 roster. While the defense didn't look bad against the Bills, they didn't look like the defense the Pats are known for, either. Additionally, before the fourth quarter, Brady looked shaky, hesitating when he felt his surgically repaired knee would be in danger. Most are picking the Pats as the team to beat this year, but if they continue to look like they did Monday night, they'll become the team to beat up on.
Tuesday Morning News - 9/15/09
Roger Federer lost the US Open men's final to 6 seed Juan Martin del Potro. Federer had won five straight US Open Championships, and 40 consecutive US Open matches. The Williams sisters also won the Women's Doubles Championship. [Huliq]
Seattle Mariner Ichiro Suzuki broke Wee Willy Keeler's record for most consecutive 200 hit seasons with a single in Sundays game against the Texas Rangers. It is his ninth straight 200 hit season. [Yahoo]
Chicago Bears LB Brian Urlacher will miss the entire NFL season after dislocating his wrist in the opener against the Green Bay Packers. [Chicago Tribune]
The Philadelphia Eagles resigned former QB Jeff Garcia. Kevin Kolb is believed to be the Week 2 starter, with Garcia backing him up until Donovan McNabb is healthy or Michael Vick is ready to play. [Philadelphia Inquirer]
Seattle Mariner Ichiro Suzuki broke Wee Willy Keeler's record for most consecutive 200 hit seasons with a single in Sundays game against the Texas Rangers. It is his ninth straight 200 hit season. [Yahoo]
Chicago Bears LB Brian Urlacher will miss the entire NFL season after dislocating his wrist in the opener against the Green Bay Packers. [Chicago Tribune]
The Philadelphia Eagles resigned former QB Jeff Garcia. Kevin Kolb is believed to be the Week 2 starter, with Garcia backing him up until Donovan McNabb is healthy or Michael Vick is ready to play. [Philadelphia Inquirer]
Monday, September 14, 2009
MNF Preview - Week 1
Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
Spread: Patriots, -11.5
o/u: 47.5
If you look at the headlines, you would think the Oakland Raiders are the only team with more problems than the Bills right now. They fired their offensive coordinator a little over a week ago. Their QB isn't all that good. TO missed a lot of time in the preseason. TO isn't happy with the no-huddle offense. After starting 5-0 last year, head coach Dick Jauron got a contract extension, then proceeded to go 2-9 the rest of the way, including 0-6 in the division. On the other side of the field isdivision rival New England, the most successful franchise of the last decade. Tom Brady is healthy. Bill Belichick is still head coach. They're hungry to get back in the playoffs. Buffalo doesn't stand a chance.
Pick: Patriots 42 - Bills 17
San Diego Chargers @ Oakland Raiders
Spread: Chargers, -10.5
o/u: 43
I will continue to say the Chargers are the most overrated team in the NFL until they prove me wrong. However, they play in the weakest division in football, and possibly in all of sports, and open against a division opponent. I said the Charges would go 8-8 this year, 6-0 in their division, and that prediction will start to come true tonight.
Pick: Chargers 31 - Raiders 6
Spread: Patriots, -11.5
o/u: 47.5
If you look at the headlines, you would think the Oakland Raiders are the only team with more problems than the Bills right now. They fired their offensive coordinator a little over a week ago. Their QB isn't all that good. TO missed a lot of time in the preseason. TO isn't happy with the no-huddle offense. After starting 5-0 last year, head coach Dick Jauron got a contract extension, then proceeded to go 2-9 the rest of the way, including 0-6 in the division. On the other side of the field isdivision rival New England, the most successful franchise of the last decade. Tom Brady is healthy. Bill Belichick is still head coach. They're hungry to get back in the playoffs. Buffalo doesn't stand a chance.
Pick: Patriots 42 - Bills 17
San Diego Chargers @ Oakland Raiders
Spread: Chargers, -10.5
o/u: 43
I will continue to say the Chargers are the most overrated team in the NFL until they prove me wrong. However, they play in the weakest division in football, and possibly in all of sports, and open against a division opponent. I said the Charges would go 8-8 this year, 6-0 in their division, and that prediction will start to come true tonight.
Pick: Chargers 31 - Raiders 6
NFL Sunday Recap - Week 1
The first Sunday of the NFL season saw some players with high expectations succeed, while others fell flat on their faces.
Success:
Mark Sanchez
The rookie QB played well in his NFL debut, passing for 272 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT. He played generally mistake-free ball in getting his first career win.
Drew Brees
358 yards, 6 TDs. After almost breaking Dan Marino's passing yards record and not winning league MVP last year, Brees broke his own team record for Week 1 passing yards and threw scores to five different players. Yes, it was against Detroit, but still. Damn.
Failure:
Matthew Stafford
In his NFL debut, Stafford completed less than half of his passes for no TDs and 3 INTs. Sure, he plays for the Lions, and that doesn't help, but 3 INTs isn't starting a career on the right foot.
Jay Cutler
For some reason, Bears fans and executives think Jay Cutler is a star, Super Bowl caliber QB. What he is is an INT machine, throwing 4 in his first game as a Bear. Hes on pace for 64. Good job Chicago, you got what you paid for!
Rookie Roundup: Using a complex scoring system to rank two major rookies for the season
Mark Sanchez: 18/31, 272 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 6 rush yards, 0 sacks
Points: 18.2
Matthew Stafford: 16/37, 205 yards, 0 TD, 3 INT, 0 rush yards, 1 sack, 1 rushing TD
Points: -2.75
Week 1 Winner: Sanchez
Next week Sanchez's Jets are home against New England and Stafford's Lions are home for Brett Favre's Vikings.
What have we learned?: Three things we can take away from this weekend
1. Not much. Its Week 1. Of 16 quarters of preseason play, starters have probably been in about 6-7 of them. Week 1 is the real first look at how teams are playing, and you really can't get a full picture of a team until around Week 3, in my opinion.
2. You can't win NFL MVP in Week 1. But Drew Brees tried. And so did Adrian Peterson(180 yards, 3 TDs).
3. Donovan McNabb needs to keep eating his chunky soup. Hes expected to miss at least Week 2, making this the seventh of 11 season McNabb has missed a game. Maybe the chunky soup isn't working. Can anyone get this man in a "Got Milk?" ad? Oh wait, nevermind:
Success:
Mark Sanchez
The rookie QB played well in his NFL debut, passing for 272 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT. He played generally mistake-free ball in getting his first career win.
Drew Brees
358 yards, 6 TDs. After almost breaking Dan Marino's passing yards record and not winning league MVP last year, Brees broke his own team record for Week 1 passing yards and threw scores to five different players. Yes, it was against Detroit, but still. Damn.
Failure:
Matthew Stafford
In his NFL debut, Stafford completed less than half of his passes for no TDs and 3 INTs. Sure, he plays for the Lions, and that doesn't help, but 3 INTs isn't starting a career on the right foot.
Jay Cutler
For some reason, Bears fans and executives think Jay Cutler is a star, Super Bowl caliber QB. What he is is an INT machine, throwing 4 in his first game as a Bear. Hes on pace for 64. Good job Chicago, you got what you paid for!
Rookie Roundup: Using a complex scoring system to rank two major rookies for the season
Mark Sanchez: 18/31, 272 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 6 rush yards, 0 sacks
Points: 18.2
Matthew Stafford: 16/37, 205 yards, 0 TD, 3 INT, 0 rush yards, 1 sack, 1 rushing TD
Points: -2.75
Week 1 Winner: Sanchez
Next week Sanchez's Jets are home against New England and Stafford's Lions are home for Brett Favre's Vikings.
What have we learned?: Three things we can take away from this weekend
1. Not much. Its Week 1. Of 16 quarters of preseason play, starters have probably been in about 6-7 of them. Week 1 is the real first look at how teams are playing, and you really can't get a full picture of a team until around Week 3, in my opinion.
2. You can't win NFL MVP in Week 1. But Drew Brees tried. And so did Adrian Peterson(180 yards, 3 TDs).
3. Donovan McNabb needs to keep eating his chunky soup. Hes expected to miss at least Week 2, making this the seventh of 11 season McNabb has missed a game. Maybe the chunky soup isn't working. Can anyone get this man in a "Got Milk?" ad? Oh wait, nevermind:
Monday Morning News - 9/14/09
The speculation that Michael Crabtree will sit out the entire season will continue another 10 weeks. [PFT]
Kim Clijsters is the first mother to win a major since 1980, beating Caroline Wozniacki at the US Open. [CBS News]
Serena Williams has been fine $10,000 for her tirade and $500 for racket abuse in her match against Kim Clijsters. [NYDN]
Tiger Woods won the BMW Championship by 8 strokes, and now has a 1504 point lead in the FedEx Cup standings over Steve Stricker. [NY Times]
Kim Clijsters is the first mother to win a major since 1980, beating Caroline Wozniacki at the US Open. [CBS News]
Serena Williams has been fine $10,000 for her tirade and $500 for racket abuse in her match against Kim Clijsters. [NYDN]
Tiger Woods won the BMW Championship by 8 strokes, and now has a 1504 point lead in the FedEx Cup standings over Steve Stricker. [NY Times]
Sunday, September 13, 2009
MY 25 - Week 2
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. USC
3. Boise St
4. BYU
5. Houston
6. Florida
7. Texas
8. Cal
9. Penn St
10. Georgia Tech
11. Michigan
12. BC
13. Utah
14. LSU
15. Nebraska
16. Kansas
17. Cincinnati
18. Iowa
19. UCLA
20. Auburn
21. Mizzou
22. Pitt
23. Texas Tech
24. UNC
25. Minnesota
Performance of the Week: Houston Cougars
With Oklahoma State ranked fifth in the nation and coming off a huge win at home against Georgia, the Houston Cougars had their work cut out for them. They would have to go on the road and beat a Top 5 opponent, something they hadn't done since beating No. 3 Texas in 1984. Houston took control early, only to see OSU come back. But in a game full of mistakes by OSU, Houston was ready to take fully advantage, twice coming back from 4 point deficits to finally win, 45-35.
1. Alabama
2. USC
3. Boise St
4. BYU
5. Houston
6. Florida
7. Texas
8. Cal
9. Penn St
10. Georgia Tech
11. Michigan
12. BC
13. Utah
14. LSU
15. Nebraska
16. Kansas
17. Cincinnati
18. Iowa
19. UCLA
20. Auburn
21. Mizzou
22. Pitt
23. Texas Tech
24. UNC
25. Minnesota
Performance of the Week: Houston Cougars
With Oklahoma State ranked fifth in the nation and coming off a huge win at home against Georgia, the Houston Cougars had their work cut out for them. They would have to go on the road and beat a Top 5 opponent, something they hadn't done since beating No. 3 Texas in 1984. Houston took control early, only to see OSU come back. But in a game full of mistakes by OSU, Houston was ready to take fully advantage, twice coming back from 4 point deficits to finally win, 45-35.
The Sunday News - 9/13/09
NHL trade news: San Jose Sharks get Danny Heatley and a fifth round pick, Ottawa Senators get Milan Michalek, Jonathan Cheechoo, and a second round pick. [SI.com]
USC wins, Notre Dame loses, both on late TDs. [USA Today, Washington Post]
Denny Hamlin wins the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 and the Chase field is set. Kyle Busch tied Mark Martin for most regular season wins this year, but doesn't make the Chase. I thought they changed the rules so that sort of thing didn't happen? [Daily Press]
Serena Williams was eliminated from the US Open after being deducted a point for a profanity laced tirade at a line judge who called a foot fault on her. [MyFOXNY.com]
Theo Fleury, 41, has been reinstated by the NHL and invited to training camp by the Calgary Flames. [Chicago Tribune]
USC wins, Notre Dame loses, both on late TDs. [USA Today, Washington Post]
Denny Hamlin wins the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 and the Chase field is set. Kyle Busch tied Mark Martin for most regular season wins this year, but doesn't make the Chase. I thought they changed the rules so that sort of thing didn't happen? [Daily Press]
Serena Williams was eliminated from the US Open after being deducted a point for a profanity laced tirade at a line judge who called a foot fault on her. [MyFOXNY.com]
Theo Fleury, 41, has been reinstated by the NHL and invited to training camp by the Calgary Flames. [Chicago Tribune]
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