Moving Locations............

http://wp.me/2MJx0

The above link is how to get to my new blog location.  There will be a lot of new things coming with this transition.  Thank you for reading and your continued support.

D!

Not Time To Panic, Yet.... It's Only Week 4!

This is the time of year where real fans find their voice. All the band wagon jumpers are upset about their fantasy teams and have not clue about the game and are starting to fade away, thank God. Besides, what do people with no real love for the game or a team know anyway? NOTHING!!  I didn't know that after 3 weeks, the playoffs started.  The sky isn't falling but that is exactly how a lot of folks are sounding right now. Sure, an 0-3 start is an uphill battle to make the playoffs but its not like it can't be done. Remember that the regular season is 16 games and not 3. Where has the loyalty gone? Teams have slow starts to the season and the panic bottom is a hair trigger. I've heard that Michael Vick should be benched. I've heard that the Saints won't make the playoffs. What I don't get is why Payton Manning is getting a pass. Payton hasn't "lit it up" either. Remember that 3 INT first half?  It's still early folks, settle in and enjoy the ride.

Vick is being used wrong in Philly. He isn't a "pocket QB" at all. More importantly, it hasn't worked.  Maybe if Vick was built by Tebow, but he isn't. I don't understand why HC Andy Reid won't use play action more. It's not like the Eagles don't have great weapons at pretty much every offensive position. The run game has come out strong with Lesean McCoy and the constant threat of Vick running. Even though Maclin is hurt, Desean Jackson and Brent Celeck aren't. Where Reid should focus is why the O-line wont consistently block and pass protect. Sure Vick has thrown 6 INTs, he's running for his life on most plays. Reid had been out coached to the point that Vick feels he has to force throws. Keeping Vick in the pocket is nice, in theory. It doesn't look like Reid or the DC know about pass protection. The O-line seems to know how to block for running plays, so why not use that to the teams advantage. C'mon Andy, you're smart enough to know that. Don't panic but make some adjustments and build around the exceptional talent that you have.

Payton is getting back into the groove of things.  After all those surgeries and being away from football for a year, his struggles aren't unexpected.  I don't understand, given what Payton has been through, how anyone could expect "pro bowl" or "MVP" numbers from Payton at this point.  Sure, it would have been nice to see but better than some are acting like it is.  The thing is, no one outside of the Broncos organization really knows what Payton can or can't do.  We hear about him not being able to throw the deep pass.  Just because he hasn't doesn't mean he can't.  How about his receivers actually being able to consistently get by an create separation from defenders? No one is talking about that at all.  Another thing that hurts Payton is the schedule.  Steelers, Falcons, Texans, Raiders, Patriots and Chargers in the first 6 weeks is a tough road to go down.  That's 4 playoff teams, 3 likely division champs, 2 division rivals and a surgically repaired neck.  That's asking a lot of any team.  Now is not the time for panic in Denver.

No one expected the Saints to be 0-3 at this point.  Goodell probably is happy but that's for another time.  The Saints are a team that is just trying to keep its fingers in the damn long enough to plug the leaks but its not working.  One problem is the Saints have no running game.  Why they didn't keep Reggie Bush is beyond me but Sproles wasn't the answer at all.  Look at what Bush as done last year and so far this year.  Say what you want, the front office has hurt the Saints in more ways then just the bounty scandal.  That's what happens when you don't spend some money.  I don't mean to suggest that the Saints should have broken the bank but to do nothing is almost criminal.  Lance Moore is the 36th ranked WR in the NFL right now.  Devery Henderson is #90. When you have a QB how hold the record for most passing yards in the history of the NFL, you have to do better than 36 and 90 at the WR position.  Brees has to take some blame as well, throwing 5 INTs through 3 games and all but he does have 904 passing yards.  Brees' doesn't have a reliable RB to help keep the defenses honest.  No one is scared of the Saints running game so they put 8 in the box and dare Brees to beat them with his arm.  It's clear, that the defense is missing Jonathan Vilma big time but that doesn't mean that you let the Chiefs come into your house and run up more than 200 yards on 40 carries either.  Can't blame Sean Payton for that.  I will say that the Saints are in 'do or die' time now.  They need to be at .500 by week 7 or their season is over.

D!

Goodell, Do You Feel In Charge? NotForLong!!

To say the replacement refs are terrible would be sugar-coating it.  Since week one, we have all seen how bad they are.  We knew from the get go that these replacements don't have the knowledge or the experience to officiate NFL games, but the NFL didn't care.  They lied to themselves and everyone else that the replacements could handle the job and not take away from the game.  It's almost like watching a car crash frame by frame.  You want to say something but Goodell and the NFL assured us it would be okay.  Now, its not just the regular refs that are mad, no the fans are.  

The replacement refs aren't the ones to blame, not one bit.  Rodger Goodell and the rest of the execs of the NFL have decided that the fans don't deserve the best product possible representing 'the Shield'.  In their actions or in-actions, games have been dragging on and calls are being missed.  These replacement refs are doing such a bad job it makes me think that its on purpose.  That can't be, can it?  

I remember how Goodell stood on TV and proclaimed how the players would be held accountable for how they represent the NFL.  He put dress codes in place.  He suspended players for off-the-field incidents that tarnished the image of the NFL.  At this time, fans were more than fed up with constant reports of NFL player being arrested.  It seemed like a nightly occurrence on SportsCenter that some player was arrested for something.  From DUI and assault to drug possession and murder-for-hire. Goodell was justified by his actions even though the players thought he was being too harsh.  I actually agreed with Goodell but oh how the times have changed.

The NFL is a multi-BILLION dollar, right to "print money" organization.  Is the integrity of the league not worth $4 million (25% of Goodell's salary) that the refs are asking for?  All actions of the NFL points to no.  Even after the Monday Night Football "worse call in the history of the NFL" did anything happen.  Goodell is not convinced that there is a problem.  If he was, then as commissioner, he would have done something by now.  Goodell is telling fans, through his inaction, that fans don't matter.  Goodell is destroying the image of the NFL and the 31 other owners are helping.  Where's Mark Cuban when you need him?  Al Davis is really missed.  None of these owners seem to want to tell Goodell that he is wrong for fear of being fined or suspended.  I'd tell Goodell that you have to lead by example every day and not when its suits you.  Goodell needs to come out and admit he screwed up and make things right.  I'm not saying to "lay down" and give the refs whatever they want, but are the refs really asking for that much in the large scheme of things.

One could argue that the regular refs should have some blame as well but I can't quite get there.  The NFL says their profits are down but they still made over $9 BILLION last year.  Maybe if Goodell wasn't making $20 MIL a year.  Yeah, I Said It!  The NFLRA want pensions and raises.  The NFL is hiding behind the officials being "part-time" employees.  Really?  How many part-time jobs pay $150k annually for roughly 22 weeks of work?  Yes, many of the regular officials have other jobs, but since when does one job have anything to do with the benefits earned on a different job?  NEVER!  By that logic, a person who is an executive at Bank of America who takes a part-time job as a math teacher and his job at the bank will dictate how much the school district pays them?  One has nothing to do with the other.  So why is that even a arguable point?  It's not and shame on those who think it should.  The NFL doesn't run themselves according to how another company does so financial benefits for employees shouldn't be made that way either.

Fans spend there money for the NFL experience.  We go to stadiums and pay the high price to park and buy the over priced food and beer.  Fans make these concessions in order to see one of the greatest games on the planet, if not the greatest.  If this wasn't true then Time Warner's deal with the NFL Network wouldn't have been news.  No one would care about the NFL RedZone channel.  Deion Sanders wouldn't be doing commercials with Eli or Payton for DirecTV and the list goes on.  Keep in mind, the NFL is going to want folks to buy NFL Sunday Ticket next year.  If this isn't fixed faster than quickly, then I know I won't.

D!

Really, NFL?

It's easy for me to say 'pay the refs' from where I sit but that doesn't make me wrong.  With the NFL nowadays, it seems so much more is wrong then right.  With every passing day, the NFL is looking like a ship with no captain.  Rodger Goodell needs to stop with the "I don't understand what's going on" look and do his job.  Goodell has said all along that the integrity of the game is something he will protect.  This replacement refs fiasco going on right now is proof that Goodell was blowing smoke.  Too bad we can't be like Tia and Tamara and just say 'go home, Rodger' and he would go away.  I'm sure Goodell may have a few good ideas but his body of work has alienated players and with these fake refs calling real games, he's alienating fans.  These same fans that live for each and every NFL season.  

Regardless of what you believe about 'bounty gate', the suspensions where outrageous, for both players and coaching staff.  I refuse to believe that the Saints players were trying to injure Brett Farve or Kurt Warner.  It's more like they wanted to 'hurt' those players enough to knock them out of the game.  Even if that is the case, all it shows is the lack of character the Saints players have but let's face it, we don't watch football for character.  We LOVE football for the 65 yard TD pass or the 88 yard rushing TD.  We watch football for the big hits, like all of us were taught growing up.  Big hits are a part of the game and always have been.  Football is a violent sport and injuries happens every game.  I have no problem with enhanced safety measures being put in place but not at the expense of the game.  It's the individual teams job to protect their players.  If you don't want your QB to get hurt then get an O-Line that will block for him.

When I hear folks talk about receivers needing protection when they come across the middle I laugh.  No one was saying that when Lynn Swann made a career of going across the middle.  In fact, didn't Jerry Rice show the blueprint on how to protect yourself while going across the middle?  Sure, he would catch and fall rather then take a hit, but he made many 1st down catches and extended drives.  49ers and Raiders fans know exactly what I'm talking about.  Remember the catch that made Terrell Owens a star?  Packers fans haven't.  The 1998 Wild Card game where TO caught the game-winning TD pass, going across the middle and got rocked by Darren Sharper and Pat Terrell.  He held on to the ball and did his best not to cry but every who saw that game knew he wanted to. Owens saw the safety coming and he knew he was going to get hit.  Owens told himself in 'Rod Tidwell' style to get killed and catch the football.  Exactly what all NFL fans want to see.  Yes, T.O. could have been hurt or injured but that's the risk players take when they play the game.  Like Snoop said, "If you're scared go to church.  You knew the job was dangerous when you took it."

For Goodell and the league office, its time to admit that you tried to pull a fast one.  Sure, Goodell may have Gregg Williams saying Vilma was directly involved but Williams will say anything because in the end, he wants back into the NFL.  If its not on tape or video, then its 'he said, she said' all day long.  At the end of the day, I don't remember dirty or illegal hits on Farve or Warner.  I do remember very hard hits and a few late hit penalties but not ejections.  Sorry Goodell, you can't blame replacement refs for this one.  These were experienced crews working the playoffs.  I remember that we all thought the Saints defensive plan was to beat the other team up and that's what they did.  If the Cardinals and Vikings really cared, then their players should have protected their QBs.  The Saints had 9 penalties for 88 yards called on them and only one personal foul was called.  Don't fault the Saints players for Favre Being thrown around all day, blame the Vikings O-line.  He still threw for 310 yards and had a QBR of 65.5 so he wasn't that hurt.  Warner's injury the week before happened during the play in which DE Will Smith intercepted Warner's pass.  It was a freak play but under the rules, it was a legal hit.  He didn't have his heard on a swivel and didn't protect himself.  I can't be okay with rule changes because a player got his bell rung and didn't protect yourself.  This is still football, right?

The NFL is trying to preoccupy themselves with this 'bounty gate' madness that the real NFL officials aren't calling games through the first 2 weeks of the season.  The replacement refs have caused losses (Ravens lose to Eagles after having a touchdown called back for offensive pass interference that wasn't there) and have ZERO control over games in which we were all told they were qualified to officiate.  Goodell has basically told every NFL fan that he doesn't give a damn about you.  Goodell is showing that all he cares about it keeping the NFL the multi-billion dollar 'right to print money' that it is.  So yeah, its very easy for me to say pay the refs.  I'm not saying that Goodell should maintain discipline but this whole "I'm the commissioner and you have to listen to me" thing he has going on isn't working.  Sure, he can suspend players for breaking rules and he can implement new rules to protect players, but if he thinks what's happening to NHL (locked out players) can't happen to the NFL then he's just lying to himself.  I'm not saying it will happen next year or the year after but after a while, fans will say enough BS.

This is football, remember?  All fans want to see are big hits and great plays.  This is a man's game and its what built the brand the the 'shield' represents.  The NFL logo is unmistakable and makes each fan remember moments of season's pass.  How many times in June and July did you stop what you were doing when you heard the MNF theme play on TV?  We all asked the same question: When does football start?   Of course we all knew the answer but September seemed so far away at the time.  Now that its here, I want it to be right.  Get the real refs back and let the players play.

D!

It's Not Luck, RGIII Is Just That Good

Yes, Andrew Luck was the number 1 overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft.  Yes, Luck has to replace Payton Manning.  Yes, it is unfair to compare a rookie QB to one of the best QBs of this generation and arguably the history of the NFL.  Yes, Luck is good but Robert Griffin III is better.  I'm not throwing in the towel on Luck after the first game.  Truth is, Luck got the Bears defense right out the gate.  That's a tall order for any QB let alone a rookie in his first game that matters.  I'm sure Luck will be just fine going forward.  Payton Manning threw for over 300 yards, one TD and 3 picks his first game too.  The Colts lost that one as well.  I will say to be careful and let Andrew Luck be Andrew Luck.  I'm sure someone put up a Luck struggle face but chin up kid.  Just go out and play. Nothing worse than putting unreal expectations on a rookie, regardless of the position he plays.   Then again, who knows what's going on in Jim Irsey's head.

As for RGIII, he and his Redskins teammates faced a Saints team that has gone from winning a Super Bowl to having the GM, head coach, a couple of asst. coaches, 2 players and 2 former player all suspended.  The players had their suspensions overturned, for now.  The Saints are still a favorite to win the NFC South so facing a rookie QB is just what the doctor ordered for this team right?  Well, that's why what's on paper don't mean a damn thing.  RGIII played like a seasoned vet.  He threw a very efficient 19 of 26 for 320 yards but that wasn't as special as the poise he displayed throughout the game.  RGIII was sacked only once and didn't throw a INT.  Simply, he didn't make those "rookie mistakes".  

Much of the credit has to go to the O-line.  A rookie QB in RGIII, Alfred Morris, a rookie RB and a second year player in Aldrick Robinson, making his regular season debut and the Redskins never let up on the Saints.  RB Morris ran for 96 yards on 28 carries and 2 TDs.  WRs Robinson and Pierre Garcon combined for 161 yards with 4 catches and a TD each.

While I do expect Luck to play better over the course of the season, I don't expect him to play better then RGIII.  There is a reason why RGIII was called the most NFL-ready QB coming out of college.  He showed that he can stand in the pocket and beat you just as effectively and even deadlier when he's moving around.  RGIII isn't just the future for the Redskins but for the NFL.  He had a 139.9 passer rating, the second highers in a debut since 1960.  Only Fran Tarkenton in 1961 was better.  That is no accident and its not a fluke.  RGII is for real ya'll.  Can't wait to see what he does in week 2!

D!

Top 4 Story Lines from NFL Week 1

Be honest, was any one really surprised with the outcome of the games on Sunday or anything that happened in the games?  Well maybe Vernon Davis being rejected by the goal post or Gronk with the TD spike fail.  You can even say the replacement refs didn't screw up too bad.  My top story lines of this week have to be the return of Payton Manning, the composure of Mark Sanchez, the ribs of Michael Vick or how the Saints would respond after the lifted suspensions with RGIII and the young Redskins in town?  

Payton was Payton.  He completed 19 of 26 passes for 253 yards with 2 TDs.  A typical Payton Manning game.  He was unfazed by the 3 sacks he suffered but Payton got up showing no signs of any ill effects.  The Broncos defense played well even though Big Ben had a decent day of his own (22-40 245 yard 2 TDs 1INT) but the Denver defense held when it needed to.  I'm sure Payton had flashbacks when Tracey Porter pick-6'd Big Ben that put the game out of reach.  Porter pick-6'd Payton in the Super Bowl in 2010 the led to the Saints championship.  Just think how Payton will look around week 7.  If he keeps this up, and why shouldn't he, the Broncos are very much the favorites in the AFC West.

If there was an QB controversy in New York, then Mark Sanchez put all that to rest, at least for one week.  The world is still confused as to what is going on with the Jets but Sanchez went out and played the way we all know he is capable of playing.  Sanchez completed 19 of 27 passes for 266 yards with 3 TDs and a pick.  Yeah, 3 TDs so enough about the whole no TDs in preseason crap.  I don't think Sanchez was worried about anything but doing his job and as long as he continues to do that, no one will call for his benching in favor of the guy behind him.  Backups don't get a mention unless they take a snap under center.  

The question about Michael Vick's ribs was answered.  Vick threw a career record 56 times in the 17-16 win over the Browns but Vick also tried to give the game away.   Vick was intercepted 4 times, yes I said 4 times.  He completed 29 passes for 317 yards and 2 TDs.  So the ribs are okay but the rust on only 12 plays during preseason showed....a lot.  Vick was forcing passes and overall making stupid decisions but he showed his maturity.  Vick kept fighting and making plays and led his team to the win.  No, the Browns aren't that good.  The Eagles shot themselves in the foot the entire game.  The Eagles were called for 12 penalties resulting in 110 lost yards which negated RB McCoy's 110 yard day on 20 carries.  The Eagles looked tight almost like they were playing not to loose.  Good thing the figured out how to play to win before it was too late.  They better get things right this week in practice because the Ravens are coming to Philly in week 2.


The Saint started their journey of becoming the first team to play in the Super Bowl held in their house not the way they wanted to.  The Redskins, led by RGIII in his debut, out punched the Saints for a 40-32 win.  RGIII actually looked more like Drew Brees then Brees did.  Brees attempted 52 passes and connected 24 times for 339 yards but RGIII stayed with him completing 19-26 for 320, 2 TDs and no INTs.  The young Redskins stood toe to toe with the Saints and RGIII looked every bit as good as advertised.  If the 'Skins aren't a dark horse in the NFC East before, they definitely are now.  I will get the Saints a bit of a pass this week given that their roster is in flux right now.  Sure, the Saints lost the first game last season in root to a 13-3 record but upper management wasn't suspended last season.  No one know what Goodell has up his sleeve.  Its gut check time already for the Saints, especially if they really believe they can win the Super Bowl.  

Now, its time for MNF.  As much as we all love football on Sunday, there's nothing like football after dealing with the Monday blues.  No one likes Monday mornings but everyone loves football on Monday night.  I believe the Ravens and Raiders will win in tonight's match ups but week 1 has never determined how a season will unfold.  Will the Raiders finally make the playoffs after missing the last 2 years?  Possible.  Do the Ravens have one more Super Bowl run left?  I still say that depends if Flacco can raise his game. I don't see it but that's why they play the games.  It is fun to guess and hope but that's what I love most about sports.  Talk is talk but the games have to be played and us fans will have fun watching it.  

D!

Indeed, You Are NOT All Powerful....

In yet another chapter in this ridiculous bounty gate thing. A 3 person panel has decided the NFL commissioner has over stepped and all player suspensions have been lifted and they are able to play week 1.  The panel said the commissioner must, in an expedited manner, show why he handed out such hard suspensions.  Something we all have been asking for since all of this began.  Any one can say something but you have to be able to prove it.  The players got that part right.  It doesn't matter what any of us think happened.  It's not what you know, its what you can prove.  The NFL stated that the commissioner will not respond before Sunday and hinted that he make take a couple of weeks before he does. That's what you call an expedited manner? I suppose Goodell was blind-sided but nothing was in stone by any means. Maybe Goodell didn't have a clue that his decision could be overturned.  Starting to think Goodell doesn't have clue at all.  Is he really that simple minded? The jury is still out in that one.

So what are we being told? The fans are being told that the checks and balances system the players wanted in the CBA works. Football is a violent game. Always has been and always will be. Goodell is being told that he isn't all powerful as he thought he was. James Harrison has to be asking himself why he didn't do what Jonathan Vilma, Will Smith, Anthony Hargrove and Scott Fujita did.  Sue the NFL and make them do their jobs fair and unbiased.  That can't happen when Goodell believes himself judge, jury, executioner and appeals process.  Common sense tells any one that ruling on the appeals process of the punishments you  hand down is stupid, unfair and wrong. As we all know, sense is far from common.

This ruling doesn't close the door on this ridiculous saga either. If Goodell can show proof of player intent to injure, then the players could be suspended again. Wait....isn't this the same proof that Goodell swears he has but won't release? Yes!! The same evidence that he says gave him the authority to hand down the suspensions but every person has a right to face their accuser and the evidence against them. This is America, right?  The NFL is still America's Game, right?  Now, Goodell has 2 choices: either release his proof that led to his land mark suspensions for all to see or have his bluff called and continue look like the hard headed weakling he acts like heading the multi-billion dollar machine known as the NFL.  The real losers in this are the NFL refs.  The NFL just took a body blow so you got to believe that there is no way they give in to the refs at this point.  If if the integrity of games is on the line using replacement refs.  This season just got more interesting.

D!

MLB Playoff Chase In Full Swing

In case you haven't realized, this is the first "ultimate sports fan" weekend.  Not only the return of the NFL but MLB has entered its stretch run.  I still remember the games on the final day of the season that gave us games like Yankees v Rays.  The Rays took advantage of the Red Sox collapse and won the wild card.  Of course, the Cardinals beating Houston and watching the Braves loose to the Phillies.  The Cards would go on the win the World Series, in dramatic fashion.  Being down to their last strike in the 9th and 10th innings of game 6 against the Rangers and able to force and win game 7.   The end of last season foreshadowed what was a postseason filled with everything that is good and pure about baseball.

This year, teams are given an extra chance at the playoff with the addition of a wild card team in each league.  Regardless if you think it was a good idea or not, these final 25 or so games will be must see TV.  In the American League this weekend, the Yankees, with a 1 game lead in the AL East, visits the Orioles for 4 games.  The O's seem not be satisfied with the wild card spot, they want the division.  This O's team has been surprising all year and have stayed consistent.  That's why they are in a great position to take the division.  Oakland visits the Rays with playoff on both teams radar.  The Rays are 1.5 games back of Oakland in the wild card race and the A's are coming off being swept by the Angels.  The Angels host the Tigers in Anaheim and the Tigers are trying to catch the Angels in the wild card standings being 1 back of the Angels.  The Angels are trying to stay hot being 8-2 over their last 10 games.  

On the National League side, the only series of note is the Dodgers going the San Fransisco to play the Giants.  Without the playoff race, this series would still be must see TV because it's Dodgers vs Giants just as it has been since the teams New York days.  The Dodgers are trying to catch and retake 1st place in the division.  While the Giants are trying to maintain especially with the player losses they have suffered over the last few weeks.  The Dodgers are playing to win now coming off the blockbuster trade made with Boston.  Now if Matt Kemp can shake off the slump he's in, the Dodgers will not only make the playoffs but win the division.  The Giants are reeling right now and its the perfect time for the Dodgers to strike.  

These are the games for this coming weekend in MLB but this is just the start.  Over the next month, teams dreams of the World Series will become reality. For non baseball fans (Shame on you.  That's almost unAmerican), there is also college football to watch on Saturday.  Then Sunday, the first full day of football.  Forget Labor Day Weekend, for sports fans it's the weekend after Labor Day that's the best weekend in September, capped off by the first Monday Night Football game.  This weekend is followed closely by the first weekend the NBA returns.  

D!

The View From Below

Its always easy to talk about the front runners or the favorites, and I'll get to them but what about the bottom feeders?  Some might say so what but this is still the NFL.  Talk all the BS you want but Alabama, LSU or USC aren't about to beat the Dolphins, Jags, Colts, or Rams.  Just get that off your mind right now.  The "best" college team would never be able to beat a NFL team.  

The Jags are in a state of flux right now.  They have a new owner who really hasn't stated seriously about the team staying in Jacksonville.  Just recently, the owner has set up "home" games to be played in Europe over the next few seasons.  Doesn't sound like the Jags will be in Florida much longer.  I still don't like the name LA Jags.  While the place they call home isn't a priority at the moment, the Jags must find something quick because the Colts won't be at the bottom for long.  Andrew Luck has the talent to succeed Payton as the true face of the franchise much sooner than later.  Luck may not be Payton but neither is Payton himself.  Second year QB Blaine Gabbert was not protected last season behind a questionable at best O-line.  Gabbert was sacked 40 times and only had a 50% completion percentage.  That won't get it done in the NFL but only some much can be placed at Gabbert's feel.  Can you name the WRs on the team?  I can't, at least not without looking it up.  TE Marcedes Lewis (LB Poly Grad) was the teams leading receiver last season with 39 catches and zero TDs.  That's not gonna get it at all.  Sure injuries played a part but lack of depth is at the feet of the coaches and ownership.  Just because you are selling the team doesn't mean to give up on putting the best quality players out there.  Its nice that the Jags signed Laurent Robinson (FA from Dallas) and drafted Oklahoma State WR Justin Blackmon but lack of depth for an already shaky and injury prone O-line could negate all offensive moves to upgrade.  If they don't protect Gabbert and open holes for MJD and Rashad Jennings.  I said Jennings because he took advantage of MJDs hold out and past injury issues as well.  If Robinson and Blackmon don't work out, TO and Chad Johnson are "open".  I say for the Jags to use a FB to take more pressure off of Gabbert and provides another blocker.  I'm just putting it out there.

With the Rams, I'm not sure what to think. It took for Jeff Fisher to take over for the team to realize that Sam Bradford isn't the Rams version of Eli Manning.  Having said that, Bradford can be the Rams version of Aikman or Simms.  Both had a quality RB to take the pressure off and that's exactly what Steven Jackson is.  The Rams are a year behind where they should be as a team.  Now with a new everything in place is good the Rams had a full off-season to get it right.  I remember this time last year, everyone was talking about how the Rams were the best and favorite in the NFC West.  Well the Rams went 2-14 and the Niners won the division going away.  This year, the Rams have a healthy O-line and a healthy Jackson so put 8 in the box if you want to.  Jackson should be a 1,000 yard rusher this season.  Especially with the cohesion the O-line now has with Jason Smith, Jason Brown, Harvey Dahl, Rodger Safford and Jacob Bell.  If these guys stay healthy, look for the Rams to make noise in the NFC.  Defensively, the Rams need to address the LB position.  Outside of James Laurinaitus, I can't name any other LB.  The from 7 will need more then Laurinaitus and DL Chris Long.  The Rams already know that rookie CB Janoris Jenkins will be tested early and often.  Someone in the LB core and on the D-line will need to step up if the Rams are to compete for the playoffs.  Especially if the Rams think that a return to LA is possible.  The LA fans only want a team that is competing.  I say the Rams will be a 10-6 team and just barely miss the playoffs.

I think the Colts are thinking a little too big.  Yes, they will be better this year because they can't get any worse, can they?  I said from the start that the Colts can't put anyone in at QB and expect the same Payton results.  When it comes to QBs, the offense has to be tweaked to fit the QBs style.  Luck isn't Payton so you can't expect him to do exactly what Payton did.  The Colts didn't use the TE to spread the field, which they should do more of this year.  All Luck needs to be successful is time to throw and a spread offense.  I don't mean to suggest to abandon the running game but Luck can't be his best if the pocket closes faster than a mouse trap.  The Colts have been completely overhauled.  On defense, gone is the Tampa 2 that was run since the days of Tony Dungy, and has been replace by what looks like a 3-4 special or hybrid.  This scheme will have more movement and more man coverage in the secondary.  This is a test year for the Colts.  I expect more then 2 wins but no real chance at the playoffs let alone the division.  The Colts will be a 6-10 team this year but the sky is the limit going forward.  There is a lot of youth and inexperience on this team.  They will be back in the playoff hunt come 2013.

Not much to say about the Dolphins.  As a team, the 'Phins looks like last years team.  We all watched Hard Knocks, or at least watched at it.  Once Chad Johnson was released, no one cared about the Dolphins anymore.  I still say the Dolphins jumped the gun because the WR on the roster combined aren't better then Johnson.  I understand the reasoning but what did they really expect?  He is still OchoCinco and with all his rust from not playing, he was their best option at the position.  The Dolphins will show some flashes but not much else.  Sure, somewhat of a pass will be given due to Ryan Tannehill being a rookie and Joe Philbin in his first HC job.  Miami will learn very quickly on Sunday that without a WR who can stretch the field, the defense will just gang up on RB Reggie Bush.  They will lead in the league in 3 and outs this year if a WR doesn't step up.  Maybe Philbin and GM Ireland need to see how Houston will use their WR and have Chad and TO in practice on Tuesday, after the beatdown they are going to take by Houston.  Yeah, I said it.  Bring in both TO and Chad and develop the young guys like Marlon Moore.  You don't have to pay them more then the league minimum and Tannehill's rookie year won't be so tough.  Hell, even Matt Moore would look good throwing to TO and Chad.  If this truly is a rebuilding year, then why not?  At worst, fans will show up for the first few weeks.  That won't happen if this team stays as is. The Dolphins will finish 3-13 as constituted.

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Here We Go.....2012 NFL Season Begins

At last, the day is here.  Football returns and we start with a game with playoff implications.  Yeah, I said it.  Two NFC East teams will start the season and both have actual playoff caliber talent.  The defending champs Giants will host the Cowboys.  It is worth noting that when ever these two teams have played the first game of the regular season, one team has gone on to win the Super Bowl.  That's right, WON the Super Bowl.  So that means that Romo gets over the hump or Eli will repeat and get number 3!  

That's an interesting "what if" scenario.  I the Giants do repeat as Super Bowl champions, would that move Eli past Brady?  What if Eli wins a 3rd Super Bowl MVP?  What then?  Brady is 22-22 in the playoffs and Eli is 8-3.  Sure Brady has been in the playoffs a lot more but if he is so great, why the average playoff winning pct.?  I still say that 3 wins should be taken away from Brady because of the "Tuck Rule" game but I digress.  I already feel that Eli has been severely underrated over his career.  Eli has thrown for over 4,000 yards in each of the last 3 season and at least 27 TDs.  He threw a league record 15 fourth quarter TDs.  He hasn't been a side note on the Giants, he's their leader.  He may not be flashy or a stereotypical QB, so to speak, but where is the love?  All this Rodgers and Brady the best QBs and then Payton is thrown in there.  WTH?!  If memory serves, didn't Eli beat both Rodgers and Brady en route to his second championship?  YES!!  Eli gets it done.  Fight it all you want but eventually you will acknowledge the fact that Eli is for real.  

Speaking about the best QBs, I could care less about who is favored right now.  Just like the pre-season ranking in college football, its all pointless because the games have to be played.  However, this will be an eye opening season for us all.  I believe a changing of the guard at the QB position.  I'm sure RGIII and Luck will do well but I think the top 5 QBs at the end of the season will be: (in no particular order) Eli, Vick, Newton, Daulton and Shaub.  Yeah, I said it.  No Payton, Brady, Rodgers, Brees or Rivers.  And whoever else you might want to mention.  I am setting the bar somewhat high for Newton and Daulton but if you really watch what they didn't last year, how can you not expect more?  The answer is that you can't.  Expect to hear those names more than normal this season.   Considering Vick stays healthy, the Eagles can and should run away with the NFC East.  It all depends if Vick stays upright and healthy.  Sure, that's a big if but you know you want to see what happens if he does.  I can't wait for the Panthers to visit Philly in week 12.  

Football is back.  Is it 5 o'clock yet?

D!












Pictures aren't owned by me. 

Hello NFL! How We've Missed You!

Its that time of the year again.  Sales all over the place.  Commercials are nothing but slashed prices for that wonderful fall event:  The return of the NFL!!!  Yes, its better than Christmas morning.  From now until February, the Football Gods will give us football back.  If you're thinking about that game that uses a "kickball" then God help you.  Soccer don't go around here!!

Fantasy drafts should be done already and the trash talking is in full swing.  I know mine is and I'm the defending champ so I feel like the Giants.  One difference is I'm going to repeat as champs and can't say the same about the Giants.

Trash talking in the league itself is somewhat entertaining leading up the the first game when the Cowboys visit the Giants on Wednesday night. I know a Wednesday game sounds weird but the NFL wanted to give Pres. Obama his night at the DNC on Thursday.  I couldn't think of a better way to start the season.  Eli Manning still isn't getting respect, with 2 Super Bowl rings.  All these poles about who the MVP will be and Eli's name isn't on the list.  What more does he have to do?  He has 2 Super Bowl MVP awards and an 8-3 record in the playoffs.  A part of me is rooting for Eli and the Giants this season.  Maybe Eli has to win one more.  He is capable and an elite quarterback.  Yeah, I said it.  Eli is elite, period!  I always feel the defending champs should get the early spotlight and some hype.  The Giants did what 31 other teams couldn't so they earned it.  Besides a rematch of the Super Bowl would suck.  Yeah, I still don't like the Patriots and I don't want to see them lose right now.  I can wait until Sunday for that.

I want to see if Dallas will actually play up to there abilities or maintain being the team most think they are: bad. There is always something going on with this team.  The Cowboys have to be the most dysfunctional team in the NFL over the last decade.  All the talent that has come and gone and not one Super Bowl appearance.  It's one year past put up or shut up time in Dallas.  Romo says he has grown up so he needs to show up.  The Cowboys have had a full off season so I don't want to hear Dez Bryant missed curfew.  I don't want to hear that Witten's spleen hurts.  I don't want to hear a single excuse.  All the money you players are being paid, go earn it!  I know Dallas isn't the only team that's wasting talent like it grows on trees.  I'll get to them later.  Dallas is in position to become the most overrated and underachieving team of the decade, period.  Do or Do Not!  There is no try!

My pick: Giants

I know this is short but I'm just getting back into a rhythm in writing this blog.  I have a lot of things coming up in the next few days.  Look for multiple entries starting tomorrow through Tuesday, Sept. 11.  I have a 9/11 entry for that day as well.

Thank you to those who have commented, argued, debated and criticized. Keep it coming.  I appreciate it and will continue to speak my mind and tell it like it see it.  You can follow on twitter: @SSGWareJordan23

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Nash to the Lakers

Congratulations to the Lakers for trading for Steve Nash without really giving up anything.  The Lakers addressed their need for a  PG to pair with Kobe.  While I am not ready to crown the Lakers "Best in the West", it is worth noting that the Lakers have upgraded.  Nash may still be a defensive liability but with Kobe, Bynum and Gasol, the liability may not be that high. Kobe can still guard just about anyone in the league.  Bynum, when he's engaged, is the 2nd best center in the league.  If the Lakers pull of a trade for Dwight Howard then all bets are off and you have to make the Lakers the favorites. Health is another issue the Lakers had to take into consideration but Nash is a true PG.  He doesn't have to be a scorer at all.  His workload will consist of running the offense and setting up the high percentage scoring opportunities.  I'm sure Nash can make 14pts and 10ast average work all season. It will probably be higher averages for Nash but we all know Kobe will have the ball and get his ISOs throughout each game. With Nash being 225 assist shy of tying Magic for 4th all time, he will have plenty of opportunities to get it done, in a Laker uniform no less.  My only question is what number will Nash were.  Will he pull a D Fisher and go with his age or transpose the numbers and go with 31?  Not a big deal but still worth asking.


The Lakers have not had issues putting together a good starting unit over the years. The Lakers woes have always come from the bench or lack thereof.  Look at what the Heat did with timely performances out of 3 bench players.  Now, if the Lakers sign Grant Hill and health isn't a concern then the Lakers will have a starting unit that can beat anyone and an actual fan in me(No the Bulls are still number 1 in my heart). I have to say, it would be a great starting 5: Nash and Kobe at guard. Hill and Gasol at forward and Bynum in the middle.  Crazy part is all 5 could make the all-star team so the hype would be warranted.  Before we go too far with this, let's see how things play out.  


This deal does have a huge impact on the rest of the league.  Nash was being courted by the Mavs, Knicks and the Raptors.  Toronto could offer him the most money but the least chance of winning a title. Let's face it, at this point, that is all Nash wants.  Before anyone starts with this whole "small market snubs" by players, OKC just proved how a small market team can compete with the major cities.  OKC has been doing this for the last 3 years so you missed me with that argument.  The Mavs have decisions to make having lost out on both Nash and Deron Williams and probably Jeremy Lin as well.  With Nash going to LA, the Knicks will and should match whatever offer Lin will receive.  Yeah I know that a contract that is backloaded could hurt the Knicks going forward, but what is the alternative?  There isn't one.  Not a huge pool of available PGs out there.  Lin has proved that he can be an impact player in this league.  He has some things to work on, mainly his defense but Nash isn't a defensive threat either so I will give Lin a real chance here.  


At the end of the day, the Lakers did what they needed to and for the next 3 seasons, they will be in all the "favorite" talks.  Now we have to sit back and see what happens when free agency starts on July 11.


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The Dream Team: Get Over It, Isiah!

One could make an argument that Isiah Thomas should have been on the Dream Team over John Stockton, but why would you?  During the 1991-92 season, Isiah averaged 18 points and 7 assists while Stockton averaged 15 points and 13 assists.  Isiah may have been deserving of being on the Dream Team but that wasn't the criteria for being on that team.  It was marketability.  The architects of the Dream Team knew that sending the best of the NBA would win gold but the money that could be made off of the Dream Team was the driving force.  The hottest player in the NBA was Michael Jordan, who was coming off his second straight NBA championship.  During the Tournament of the Americas, six games were played and Stockton played in only 2 of them.  Would Isiah been okay with that?  The competitor that he was tells me no.  Stockton had no issue with it.  During the Olympics, 8 games were played and Stockton played in only 4 of them.  Once again, Isiah wouldn't have stood for that.  We all now know that Jordan would not have played if Isiah was apart of it but it wasn't just Jordan who objected.  We all should have seen the documentary on the Dream Team by now and all those who didn't want Isiah there admitted as much.  From a business standpoint, it was a no-brainer.  It sucks for Isiah but money talks and BS walks.  It wasn't just Jordan and it never was but Jordan was the easy "scapegoat" given the recent history between the two at the time.  Piston fans can cry all they want but who in this world is ever rewarded with something after they have burned so many bridges and rubbed one too many people, with influence, the wrong way?  The answer is no one and it always will be.   Articles like the one Peter Vecsey wrote for the New York Post yesterday makes me sick.  Full of finger pointing and sour grapes.  Who the hell is Vecsey to try and throw anyone under the bus in favor of Isiah Thomas?  If you don't believe me here's the link: http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/nets/dream_team_not_worth_glorifying_6WVVJS8tn3tmCFDaYxUMjJ 

If Isiah was so great and so loved, why is it that for a time, he couldn't go back to his hometown of Chicago?  Maybe Isiah wasn't the angel some thought he was and no one was going to allow Jordan and Magic to not be apart of the Dream Team.  This was the beginning of the "It Sucks to be Isiah Thomas" era.

Comparing Stockton and Isiah isn't a hard thing to do.  Since both play the PG position at roughly the same time, which one would you take?  Now before I answer, I must admit that I am a Bulls fan.  I have been since I was about 10 years old.  I watched as the Pistons eliminated the Bulls from 1988-90.  I watched the "Bad Boys" beat up on Jordan, Pippen and the Bulls on their way to 3 straight NBA Finals appearances, winning 2.  Outside of Joe Dumars, I hated the Pistons, like most people did.  How else do you think they got the Bad Boys nickname.  One thing about all of that is I have always respected them.  They were a good team and they won championships.  Something Stockton and the Jazz were never able to do.  I have always been a fan of basketball and will continue to be.  Now that I've got that out of the way, we can begin.

Take away Isiah's two rings, what are the real differences between the two?  The answer is nothing except for "star power" and that's a stretch.  Stockton came into the league in 1985 4 years after Isiah did.  Isiah averaged at least 20 points and 10 assists from 1984-87, his best statistical years.  Isiah finished with a 3:1 assist to turnover ratio over a 13 year career.  Isiah was an all-star every year from 1982-93 except for the 1991 mid-season game.  He finished his career averaging 19 points and 9 assists.  For a little guy, Isiah was a great player but was never a great PG.  He led the league in assists twice (1984 & 1985) and finished 7th overall.  One could argue that injuries ended Isiah's career, which in some ways it did but his standing as a PG was declining even in his championship years.  No doubt his HOF induction in 2000 was deserved.

Stockton wasn't the scorer that Isiah was and he didn't need to be considering he played with Karl Malone.  Stockton was a prototypical PG with a "pass first" mentality.  He led the league in assists from 1988 through 1996, eventually becoming the all-time assists leader.  Stockton also is the all-time leader in steals and has a 5:1 assist to turnover ration for his career.  Stockton would become a 10-time all-star and MVP of the All-Star game in 1993.  There have been 6 seasons where the most assists ever in a season happened and Stockton was the guy 5 of those times (Isiah was the other).  Stockton holds the record for most seasons, games, and consecutive games played for one team.  He was inducted into the HOF in 2009.

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Why The Heat Should Lose This Series...

There is no doubt that Game 2 of the 2012 NBA Finals was a great one.  What have we learned about these teams?  So far we know that the Heat can't hold a lead on the Thunder.  After an 18-2 start and a 17 point lead, the Thunder got as close as 2 before the Heat pulled it out.  Just look at the box score of Game 2.  The Heat played their best game as a team and OKC didn't.

Don't let Bosh's 6-13 fool you.  Most of those shots were putbacks, 6 of them in fact.  I'm not hating on Bosh but offensively it was the LeBron and DWade show for the Heat.  They shot a combined 20-42 from the field.  Miami's Big 3 play well in Game 2, as they should all the time.  Shana Battier stayed hot from behind the arc but didn't contribute in any other way.  Over Battier's 11 years in the league, he has proven that he isn't that consistent.  Battier will need to keep shooting this well in order for the Heat to pull this series out.  Defensively, the Heat looked better but throughout the game, we saw that the Thunder found the holes in the Heat defense.  Going one step further, it seemed that LeBron was looking for the switch so he would have to get posterized by KD, especially late in the 4th quarter.  Go back a watch.  I'm sure the game will be replayed on NBA TV.  In Game 3, LeBron needs to guard KD all game and make someone else beat them.  That is what the great players do, they guard the other teams best player.  Larry, Magic, Jordan did it and LeBron must do it.  I'm not giving LeBron a pass on the stupid 3 he took with 18 seconds to play.  He was 12-12 from the free throw line but he didn't take it to the basket like he had all game.

At the end of the day, OKC missed a lot of shots that they normally make.  One could argue that Miami's defense played a part, but the shots the Thunder missed were open shot.  OKC's Big 3 did outscore Miami's 80-72 but no one else was able to make shots, unlike in Game 1.  If OKC learned anything it has to be that Miami can't stop them.  In the first two games of this series, the Heat could hold big leads.  Once again in the 4th quarter, the Thunder played beyond their young years and fought their way back into the game.  Even in the final 2 minutes, when the Thunder faithful were starting to file out, the Thunder kept fighting and cut the lead to two, 98-96.  KD playing with 5 fouls went off in the 4th quarter.  He made 7 shots without a miss during OKC's early run to cut the lead to single digits.  At times its seemed that the Thunder were going 5 on 3 and put the Heat on their heels.  OKC ran the Heat to the point of exhaustion and LeBron should have been called for a foul on KD in the final seconds.  How that ref didn't call it is any body's guess.  LeBron's body language showed he didn't want any part of KD at that time.  KD through caution to the wind and tried to put his team on his back and will them to a win.  Say what you want about Westbrook shooting 26 times.  He also had 8 boards, 7 ast and only 2 turnovers.  Coach Scott Brooks will take that every game from Westbrook so you missed me on that.  I will say that Harden needs to stop with all the flopping.  Everyone is aware of the flopping problem in the NBA and the refs aren't going to call it.  If you are in the NBA then you should be able to guard someone or at least defend them to your help.  Its hard for me to respect a guy who only wants to get bailed out by the ref.  Going into Game 3, KD, Harden and Westbrook need to do what they have done all year to get to this point.  Keep their heads up, keep grinding and play Thunder basketball.

So many times leading up to this Finals series, we heard people say experience beats youth so I ask again, what happens when experience gets tired?  Exactly what did happen, OKC made a game out of what should have been a blowout.  Give the Thunder credit, they didn't get down on themselves and they played their way back into the game.  Once they figure out how to start the game fast and not get down early, Miami will be in trouble and shouldn't win another game.  It all comes down to OKC doing what they have done all year and that's KD, Westbrook and Harden doing what they do and the role players knocking down the open shots.  The Heat didn't show me anything new.  They jumped out to a lead and barely held on for the win.  That is not what championship teams look like.  Miami will have to duplicate this effort 3 more times and hope the Thunder don't figure out that they must play with a sense of urgency from start to finish.  The fact that Scott Brooks is a great coach leads me to believe that the Thunder will figure it out sooner then later and that is all bad for the Heat.  My new prediction for this series is OKC in 6.  Yep, the Thunder will win 2 of 3 in Miami.  Yeah, I said it!

D!

A Champion Will Rise

The lockout, regardless of your personal feelings, led to a great start of a great season and a wonderful Christmas present.  Basketball fans have been treated to a season filled with great plays and raised blood pressure.  We saw the Clippers become relevant again.  We saw the Lakers look human.  We rooted against the Heat, to know avail so far and we witnessed the apparent end to the Big 3 in Boston.  The Bulls run to a title was cut short due to a injury to Derrick Rose and the Knicks teased us with what could be but ultimately wasn't.  Who would have thought that Jeremy Lin would be considered "the missing piece" over Melo?  I know I didn't.  We can play the "what if" game all day but at the end of the day, the teams that won beat the teams that were put in front of them.  No question that the Thunder and Heat have earned their place in the NBA Finals.  Now, we find ourselves at the end of a great season, even in its shortened state and excited about what the Finals could bring.

The stage for the NBA Finals is set and we couldn't ask for a better matchup.  Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and the OKC Thunder against LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and the Miami Heat.  So much for the small market teams not having a chance of winning in this league.  We have watched the Thunder grow over the last couple of years and we knew that they were something special and would be for quite sometime.  Some say that the Thunder are a year ahead of schedule but how is that true?  The Thunder have played well the last 2 postseasons and lost to the eventual champions in those years (Lakers in 2010 and Dallas in 2011).  This was their "growing up" time and they have proved that in the playoffs this year.  Its no secret that in order to get to the Finals, the Thunder beat the last 3 Western Conference champions and 3 of the last 4 NBA champions (Lakers, Spurs and Mavericks).  Winning his 3rd scoring title, Kevin Durant proved that he deserves to be considered a superstar in the NBA.  At 23 years of age, Durant and Westbrook have shown that they are hungry and more experienced then some give them credit for.  The Thunder have a "Big 3" of there own when you add Sixth Man of the Year James Harden off the bench.  Get off the "youth" thing.  Over the last 2 years, the Thunder have gained the necessary experience needed to win a title.  From a first round exit in 2010 to the Finals in 2012.  That doesn't happen by accident. The Thunder are the Western Conference champs, not because the other teams were bad but because they wanted it more.  The best part is that the Thunder believe that they could and should win.

The Heat, are in an "unfinished business" mode.  Last year, the Heat fell apart as the Mavs won the franchises first NBA title.  Two years after promising multiple championship runs, the Heat are still looking for number one.  In order for the Heat to win, LeBron James will have to play like the 3-time MVP that he his.  He has to play up to and beyond what he has shown in two Finals series that he has played.  LeBron must play the part that Michael Jordan once called a "utility position".  He must step in and deliver where ever the Heat are lacking.  LeBron must plug the holes that the Thunder could expose.  LeBron needs to be the LeBron we know he could be and not the LeBron who we have seen.  LeBron must be the dominate force he was in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals.  If LeBron drives to the rim at least twice as much as he shoots jumpers, then the Heat can spread the floor and open up shots for Chalmers and Battier and James Jones.  Dwayne Wade will find his way like he always does.  In many ways, the 2012 Heat remind me of the 1996 Bulls with LeBron playing the part of Jordan, Wade as Pippen and Bosh as Rodman.  I'm talking in terms of play and potential.  Don't get it twisted thought, the 1996 Bulls team would destroy the Heat.   If Bosh plays the way he played in Toronto, then the Thunder will have no chance.  Bosh is the difference maker because he is the only real low post threat the Heat have.  The time for excuses is over.  The Heat must win this year or face the prospect that this group can't win.  It will only get harder as teams are getting better each year and the injuries won't be as many next year.  The time is now.

At the end of the day, basketball fans want a great series.  This is, afterall, the NBA Finals.  This is where legends are made and legacies are written.  Its where champions are made.  The Thunder are the younger, less experienced team but the Heat must match the hunger that the Thunder have in order to win.  LeBron has to want it more than Durant.  I predict a 7 game series with the Thunder winning.  Yeah, I said it.

D!