--As I've been saying for several weeks now, Brian Billick was fired this morning as the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens. Billick seemed to have worn out his welcome a couple of years ago and then with the acquisition two years ago of QB Steve McNair the team seemed somewhat revitalized. But McNair's injury-prone status and a 9 game losing streak sealed the deal. Billick will undoubtedly resurface somewhere in the NFL, maybe.........Miami?
--Speaking of which, the bloodbath has begun. Bill Parcells fired GM Randy Mueller today and the assistant of player personnel and college scouting coordinator also went bye-bye. Parcells will be meeting with head coach Cam Cameron later this week but the rats have already begun to desert the ship. Both players and coaches have been saying Cameron's holier-than-thou religious routine has already worn out in the locker room and even with some of his coaches. Look for the hook here as well. As Parcells said several years ago, "If you want me to cook, at least let me shop for the groceries". He is going to rebuild this team from the top down and it looks as though it has started.
--Congrats to the Redskins and Titans for making the playoffs. Washington has played inspired football the last month and will be very dangerous in the playoffs. Tennessee got by a self-depleted Indy team, but who knows what will happen now? More on that later this week.
--Speaking of the Colts, I know that Tom Brady is going to win the MVP award, but after watching the Colts last night with Jim Sorgi in at QB, is there any question about what this team would look like without Peyton Manning?
--Pittsburgh better get it together and fast. I know they sit their starters in a meaningless game against the Ravens but there is this thing called "momentum" going into the playoffs and right now the Steelers have none. They have to play a very, very tough Jacksonville team next week without their star running back Willie Parker. They better move and move fast.
--Kudos to Tom Coughlin and the NY Giants. It would have been the easiest thing to get his starters out of that game Saturday night and go into the playoffs but instead Couglin did the right thing. I gained a lot of respect for both him and the Giants the way they played New England right up to the end. The are now battle-tested and are going to make some noise in the playoffs. And for all the Eli haters out there, he put up 35 points against the Patriots. Anybody else done that this year?
--Being an old St. Louis Cardinals fan, I know how the Baltimore fans feel when they watch the Colts. But I'm going to say this about the Arizona Cardinals: Get a defensive player or two and this team could be in the playoffs next year. Kurt Warner looked rejuvenated the last part of the year and is there a better pass-catching combo than Fitzgerald-Boldin?
--Rams, please help us. Fire Scott Linahan, PLEASE!! At least find a coach that will get this team to play with some fire.
--Bengals fans might want to get ready for some changes as well next season because I have a feeling Marvin Lewis is gone. No word yet and everything that has been said would seem to point to him being back but I say he is as good as gone.
Everyone have a great New Year, enjoy all the football and we will see you later this week with playoff picks for Wild Card Weekend!!
Monday, December 31, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Bowl Games: Part II
Alright folks, here we go with Part II of the college bowl season.
Meinike Car Care Bowl (12/29/07) UCONN +1 1/2 over Wake Forrest--Lose
Liberty Bowl (12/29/07) Miss. St. +2 1/2 over Central Florida--Win
Alamo Bowl (12/29/07) Penn St. -5 over Texas A & M--Win
Independence Bowl (12/30/07) Colorado +3 1/2 over Alabama--Lose
Armed Forces Bowl (12/31/07) California - 3 1/2 over Air Force--Win
Sun Bowl (12/31/07) South Florida -6 over Oregon--Lose
Humanitarian Bowl (12/31/07) Fresno St. +6 over Georgia Tech--Win
Music City Bowl (12/31/07) Kentucky -10 1/2 over Florida St.--Lose
Insight Bowl (12/31/07) Indiana +4 over Oklahoma St.--Lose
Chick-fil-A Bowl (12/31/07) Auburn +2 1/2 over Clemson--Win
Outback Bowl (1/1/08) Tennessee -2 over Wisconsin--Win
Cotton Bowl (1/1/08) Missouri -3 over Arkansas--Win
Capital One Bowl (1/1/08) Michigan +10 1/2 over Florida--Win
Gator Bowl (1/1/08) Virginia +6 over Texas Tech--Win
International Bowl (1/5/08) Rutgers -10 over Ball St. --Win
GMAC Bowl (1/6/08) Tulsa -4 1/2 over Bowling Green--Win
And now for the BCS games:
Rose Bowl (1/1/08) : Illinois has been better this season than most people thought and capped off a great year by beating then-#1 ranked Ohio St. USC is again a strong juggernaut but has been plagued this year by inconsistent play, particularly at QB. But USC just has too much firepower for the Illini. USC -13 1/2.--Win
Sugar Bowl (1/1/08): Yeah, we know how great the SEC is, we hear it about 20 times a day. Hawaii is underrated, underestimated and Colt Brennan is going to be the real deal in the NFL. Hawaii +7 1/2.--Lose
Fiesta Bowl (1/2/08): QB Sam Bradford will win a Heisman before his career at Oklahoma is over and the Sooner defense is just too strong and too fast for the one-dimensional West Virginia offense. Oklahoma -7 1/2. --Lose
Orange Bowl (1/3/08): Kansas struggled against Missouri at the end of the Big 12 season but make no mistake about it, this team can score points and I think they take it to Virginia Tech. Kansas +3 1/2.--Win
BCS Championship Game (1/7/08): Another butt-kicking for the Big 10 by the SEC. Actually neither of these teams should be playing for the National championship but with that said, LSU will totally dominate Ohio St. LSU -4.--Win
Good luck, Happy New Year and enjoy the games!!
Meinike Car Care Bowl (12/29/07) UCONN +1 1/2 over Wake Forrest--Lose
Liberty Bowl (12/29/07) Miss. St. +2 1/2 over Central Florida--Win
Alamo Bowl (12/29/07) Penn St. -5 over Texas A & M--Win
Independence Bowl (12/30/07) Colorado +3 1/2 over Alabama--Lose
Armed Forces Bowl (12/31/07) California - 3 1/2 over Air Force--Win
Sun Bowl (12/31/07) South Florida -6 over Oregon--Lose
Humanitarian Bowl (12/31/07) Fresno St. +6 over Georgia Tech--Win
Music City Bowl (12/31/07) Kentucky -10 1/2 over Florida St.--Lose
Insight Bowl (12/31/07) Indiana +4 over Oklahoma St.--Lose
Chick-fil-A Bowl (12/31/07) Auburn +2 1/2 over Clemson--Win
Outback Bowl (1/1/08) Tennessee -2 over Wisconsin--Win
Cotton Bowl (1/1/08) Missouri -3 over Arkansas--Win
Capital One Bowl (1/1/08) Michigan +10 1/2 over Florida--Win
Gator Bowl (1/1/08) Virginia +6 over Texas Tech--Win
International Bowl (1/5/08) Rutgers -10 over Ball St. --Win
GMAC Bowl (1/6/08) Tulsa -4 1/2 over Bowling Green--Win
And now for the BCS games:
Rose Bowl (1/1/08) : Illinois has been better this season than most people thought and capped off a great year by beating then-#1 ranked Ohio St. USC is again a strong juggernaut but has been plagued this year by inconsistent play, particularly at QB. But USC just has too much firepower for the Illini. USC -13 1/2.--Win
Sugar Bowl (1/1/08): Yeah, we know how great the SEC is, we hear it about 20 times a day. Hawaii is underrated, underestimated and Colt Brennan is going to be the real deal in the NFL. Hawaii +7 1/2.--Lose
Fiesta Bowl (1/2/08): QB Sam Bradford will win a Heisman before his career at Oklahoma is over and the Sooner defense is just too strong and too fast for the one-dimensional West Virginia offense. Oklahoma -7 1/2. --Lose
Orange Bowl (1/3/08): Kansas struggled against Missouri at the end of the Big 12 season but make no mistake about it, this team can score points and I think they take it to Virginia Tech. Kansas +3 1/2.--Win
BCS Championship Game (1/7/08): Another butt-kicking for the Big 10 by the SEC. Actually neither of these teams should be playing for the National championship but with that said, LSU will totally dominate Ohio St. LSU -4.--Win
Good luck, Happy New Year and enjoy the games!!
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
NFL Predictions: Week 17
Happy Holidays to all!! Hope everyone had a great Christmas and I hope that everyone has a very joyful and prosperous New Year!! The regular season winds down this week but some important games will be played so here we go:
New England @ NY Giants: The Patriots go for history on Saturday night as they try to become the first NFL team to go 16-0 in the regular season. Giants coach Tom Coughlin has been mum this week on how much his starters would play in an otherwise-meaningless game for the Giants. Coughlin is in a no-win situation here and he would be crucified by Giant fans and the media if he were to have a key starter injured in this game. If the Pats get up early, look for the quick hook for the Giant starters. New England -13 1/2.
Dallas @ Washington: Dallas is playing for nothing and Washington is playing for their playoff hopes. Dallas has nothing to gain and lots to lose. Washington +9.
Jacksonville @ Houston: The Jags will need to get it geared up for the playoffs. QB David Garrard has carried this team so far and along with Fred Taylor they will continue the trend of solid offensive football and will let their defense do the dirty work. Jacksonville +6.
Pittsburgh @ Baltimore: The Ravens hellish season finally comes to a close and probably the last game that Brian Billick will coach for Baltimore. Pittsburgh -3 1/2.
Detroit @ Green Bay: Green Bay has nothing to play for but some much-needed momentum heading to the playoffs and they need to get that bad taste out of their mouths after the thumping last week by the Bears. Green Bay -4.
Tennessee @ Indianapolis: A must-win game for Tennessee but I still think the Colts have too much fire-power for the Titans. Indianapolis +6.
Good luck, enjoy the games and let's get ready for the playoffs!!
New England @ NY Giants: The Patriots go for history on Saturday night as they try to become the first NFL team to go 16-0 in the regular season. Giants coach Tom Coughlin has been mum this week on how much his starters would play in an otherwise-meaningless game for the Giants. Coughlin is in a no-win situation here and he would be crucified by Giant fans and the media if he were to have a key starter injured in this game. If the Pats get up early, look for the quick hook for the Giant starters. New England -13 1/2.
Dallas @ Washington: Dallas is playing for nothing and Washington is playing for their playoff hopes. Dallas has nothing to gain and lots to lose. Washington +9.
Jacksonville @ Houston: The Jags will need to get it geared up for the playoffs. QB David Garrard has carried this team so far and along with Fred Taylor they will continue the trend of solid offensive football and will let their defense do the dirty work. Jacksonville +6.
Pittsburgh @ Baltimore: The Ravens hellish season finally comes to a close and probably the last game that Brian Billick will coach for Baltimore. Pittsburgh -3 1/2.
Detroit @ Green Bay: Green Bay has nothing to play for but some much-needed momentum heading to the playoffs and they need to get that bad taste out of their mouths after the thumping last week by the Bears. Green Bay -4.
Tennessee @ Indianapolis: A must-win game for Tennessee but I still think the Colts have too much fire-power for the Titans. Indianapolis +6.
Good luck, enjoy the games and let's get ready for the playoffs!!
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Bowl Games: Part 1
We're going to hit you with some of the early bowl games and save the juiciest games for a bit later so here they are:
Poinsettia Bowl (12/20/07): Utah -7 1/2 over Navy---Lose
New Orleans Bowl (12/21/07): Florida Atlantic -3 over Memphis---Win
Papa John's.com Bowl (12/22/07): Cincinnati -11 over So. Mississippi--Lose
New Mexico Bowl (12/22/07): Nevada +2 1/2 over New Mexico--Lose
Las Vegas Bowl (12/22/07): BYU -6 over UCLA---Win
Hawaii Bowl (12/23/07): Boise St. -10 1/2 over East Carolina--Lose
Motor City Bowl (12/26/07): Purdue -7 1/2 over Central Michigan --Lose
Holiday Bowl (12/27/07): Arizona St. +2 1/2 over Texas--Lose
Champs Sport Bowl (12/28/07): Boston College -3 1/2 over Michigan St.--Lose
Texas Bowl (12/28/07): TCU -4 over Houston--Win
Emerald Bowl (12/28/07): Oregon St. -5 over Maryland--Win
Good luck, Merry Christmas and we will see you next week with Part II of our Bowl picks series.
Poinsettia Bowl (12/20/07): Utah -7 1/2 over Navy---Lose
New Orleans Bowl (12/21/07): Florida Atlantic -3 over Memphis---Win
Papa John's.com Bowl (12/22/07): Cincinnati -11 over So. Mississippi--Lose
New Mexico Bowl (12/22/07): Nevada +2 1/2 over New Mexico--Lose
Las Vegas Bowl (12/22/07): BYU -6 over UCLA---Win
Hawaii Bowl (12/23/07): Boise St. -10 1/2 over East Carolina--Lose
Motor City Bowl (12/26/07): Purdue -7 1/2 over Central Michigan --Lose
Holiday Bowl (12/27/07): Arizona St. +2 1/2 over Texas--Lose
Champs Sport Bowl (12/28/07): Boston College -3 1/2 over Michigan St.--Lose
Texas Bowl (12/28/07): TCU -4 over Houston--Win
Emerald Bowl (12/28/07): Oregon St. -5 over Maryland--Win
Good luck, Merry Christmas and we will see you next week with Part II of our Bowl picks series.
NFL Predictions: Week 16
Sorry I'm a little late this week, been battling some illness and the holiday craziness. Lots to play for this weekend so here we go:
Pittsburgh @ St. Louis: Pittsburgh has now played themselves into a position of really needing to win out to win their division and hold onto the #3 seed in the playoffs. St. Louis is playing for pride and possibly coach Scott Linahan's job. Pittsburgh -7 1/2.
Dallas @ Carolina: Carolina has struggled this year offensively, starting four different QBs this season due to injuries and ineffectiveness. The Cowboys quite simply looked terrible last week and this game will say a lot about this team's chances come playoff time. Their still the elite team in the NFC but there are definitely some chinks in the armor now. Dallas -10 1/2.
Cleveland @ Cincinnati: A great rivalry game that usually doesn't have a lot of meaning this time of year but this year is different. Cleveland still has a chance to not only make the playoffs but win the AFC North title. The Bengals have shown very inconsistent play this season. Cleveland -3.
Green Bay @ Chicago: A little payback time for the Pack this week. That inept Bear's offense looks like fresh meat for the Pack D and Favre should have no trouble carving up a less-than-stellar secondary. Green Bay -8 1/2.
Miami @ New England: Could it finally happen? Could the lowly Fins knock off the mighty Patriots in Foxboro? It is HIGHLY unlikely but with the weather and conditions, I gotta go with the number. Miami +22 1/2.
NY Giants @ Buffalo: Another yo-yo performance for Eli and the Giants last week. They must win this week to secure a playoff spot or they will have to beat New England next week to do so. I think they better beat Buffalo. Giants -2 1/2.
Denver @ San Diego: San Diego still has a chance to capture the #3 seed in the AFC playoffs with a little help but they have to take care of their own business first. Denver has the worst defense against the rush in the NFL, enough said about that. San Diego -8.
Everyone have a great Christmas, be safe and I'll see you next week!!
Pittsburgh @ St. Louis: Pittsburgh has now played themselves into a position of really needing to win out to win their division and hold onto the #3 seed in the playoffs. St. Louis is playing for pride and possibly coach Scott Linahan's job. Pittsburgh -7 1/2.
Dallas @ Carolina: Carolina has struggled this year offensively, starting four different QBs this season due to injuries and ineffectiveness. The Cowboys quite simply looked terrible last week and this game will say a lot about this team's chances come playoff time. Their still the elite team in the NFC but there are definitely some chinks in the armor now. Dallas -10 1/2.
Cleveland @ Cincinnati: A great rivalry game that usually doesn't have a lot of meaning this time of year but this year is different. Cleveland still has a chance to not only make the playoffs but win the AFC North title. The Bengals have shown very inconsistent play this season. Cleveland -3.
Green Bay @ Chicago: A little payback time for the Pack this week. That inept Bear's offense looks like fresh meat for the Pack D and Favre should have no trouble carving up a less-than-stellar secondary. Green Bay -8 1/2.
Miami @ New England: Could it finally happen? Could the lowly Fins knock off the mighty Patriots in Foxboro? It is HIGHLY unlikely but with the weather and conditions, I gotta go with the number. Miami +22 1/2.
NY Giants @ Buffalo: Another yo-yo performance for Eli and the Giants last week. They must win this week to secure a playoff spot or they will have to beat New England next week to do so. I think they better beat Buffalo. Giants -2 1/2.
Denver @ San Diego: San Diego still has a chance to capture the #3 seed in the AFC playoffs with a little help but they have to take care of their own business first. Denver has the worst defense against the rush in the NFL, enough said about that. San Diego -8.
Everyone have a great Christmas, be safe and I'll see you next week!!
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Be All You Can Be
He was drafted in second round by the Atlanta Falcons in 1991. He spent the year on the bench and then in February 1992 newly-hired GM of the Green Bay Packers Ron Wolf traded a first round draft pick for him. The Packers had a starting QB in "The Majic Man", Don Majkowski. In the second game of that 1992 season he got into the game in the second half when Majkowski was benched for poor play. His very first play from scrimmage he threw a pass, it was deflected back to the young QB and went to a seven yard loss. Not the start he had envisioned. The very next week Majkowski tore ligaments in his ankle and was going to be sidelined for 4-6 weeks. The kid got a chance to start. Majkowski never got off the bench again.
This past Sunday Brett Favre broke Dan Marinos all-time passing yardage record, just has he had broken Marino's touchdown record earlier in the year. It was typical Favre, a 7 yard slant pass to his favorite receiver Donald Driver for the record. The most important thing to Favre is that the Packers won the game convincingly, they are 12-2 this season and now with Dallas losing to Philadelphia they actually have a chance to have homefield advantage throughout the playoffs. Playoff football at Lambeau Field in January. Not a pretty site for visiting teams. And when Brett says that is really what is important to him, he really means it.
Just consider a few things about Brett Favre:
--Counting playoff games, he has now played in 271 consecutive game. During that streak he has played with shoulder separations, tendinitis in his elbow and he played most of 2003 season with a broken thumb.
--He has had 17 different backups in Green Bay.
--There have been, at current count, 209 starting QBs in the NFL since Favre began his streak.
--He has won 3 league MVP awards. He has 8 30-touchdown passing season, twice as many as his nearest competitor (Marino), and he has thrown a touchdown pass in 16 straight NFL playoff games, another NFL record.
None of these things really tell the story of Brett Favre. Watching him admit after a series of treatments for various injuries that he had become addicted to the painkiller Vicodin, seeing the pain and confusion on his face, wondering what was happening to him. In 2004 the discovery that his wife Deanna had breast cancer, her subsequent battle and victory over this dreaded disease. The loss of his family's home in Hurricane Katrina. And perhaps his greatest performance of all, watching him play on Monday Night football against the Raiders, the biggest stage in sports, the day after his beloved father Irvin has passed away. He threw four touchdowns in the first half and after the game watching a tearful Favre tell a national audience that his Dad would have wanted him to play, so he did.
These stories are the heart and soul of who Brett Favre is. He's a family man, deeply committed to his family and their well-being. He's a friend, the guy that if you needed something, no matter when or where, he would be there. He's a compassionate man, donating more time and money to such a wide variety of causes both in Green Bay and in Mississippi that it would take too long to document here. He's a big kid, running around the field, slapping teammates on the back and the butt, smiling and having the time of his life. He is without a doubt one of the toughest men to ever play this game at any position, playing through injuries that sideline most players for a game, if not for multiple games. He's a leader, make no mistake about it. This team belongs to Brett Favre and it will until HE decides to walk away, period.
The perfect ending to this season would be for the Packers to win the Super Bowl, Brett announce his retirement and ride off into the sunset ala' John Elway. I hope the Packers win, but don't leave just yet Brett. You can still play. Stick around as long as you can and believe me, you still can get it done. This particular version of the Packers has some great young talent and they are only going to get better. But they NEED #4 calling the shots. And we all want to see the greatest QB who has ever played the game play a couple of more years. Thanks Brett for everything.
This past Sunday Brett Favre broke Dan Marinos all-time passing yardage record, just has he had broken Marino's touchdown record earlier in the year. It was typical Favre, a 7 yard slant pass to his favorite receiver Donald Driver for the record. The most important thing to Favre is that the Packers won the game convincingly, they are 12-2 this season and now with Dallas losing to Philadelphia they actually have a chance to have homefield advantage throughout the playoffs. Playoff football at Lambeau Field in January. Not a pretty site for visiting teams. And when Brett says that is really what is important to him, he really means it.
Just consider a few things about Brett Favre:
--Counting playoff games, he has now played in 271 consecutive game. During that streak he has played with shoulder separations, tendinitis in his elbow and he played most of 2003 season with a broken thumb.
--He has had 17 different backups in Green Bay.
--There have been, at current count, 209 starting QBs in the NFL since Favre began his streak.
--He has won 3 league MVP awards. He has 8 30-touchdown passing season, twice as many as his nearest competitor (Marino), and he has thrown a touchdown pass in 16 straight NFL playoff games, another NFL record.
None of these things really tell the story of Brett Favre. Watching him admit after a series of treatments for various injuries that he had become addicted to the painkiller Vicodin, seeing the pain and confusion on his face, wondering what was happening to him. In 2004 the discovery that his wife Deanna had breast cancer, her subsequent battle and victory over this dreaded disease. The loss of his family's home in Hurricane Katrina. And perhaps his greatest performance of all, watching him play on Monday Night football against the Raiders, the biggest stage in sports, the day after his beloved father Irvin has passed away. He threw four touchdowns in the first half and after the game watching a tearful Favre tell a national audience that his Dad would have wanted him to play, so he did.
These stories are the heart and soul of who Brett Favre is. He's a family man, deeply committed to his family and their well-being. He's a friend, the guy that if you needed something, no matter when or where, he would be there. He's a compassionate man, donating more time and money to such a wide variety of causes both in Green Bay and in Mississippi that it would take too long to document here. He's a big kid, running around the field, slapping teammates on the back and the butt, smiling and having the time of his life. He is without a doubt one of the toughest men to ever play this game at any position, playing through injuries that sideline most players for a game, if not for multiple games. He's a leader, make no mistake about it. This team belongs to Brett Favre and it will until HE decides to walk away, period.
The perfect ending to this season would be for the Packers to win the Super Bowl, Brett announce his retirement and ride off into the sunset ala' John Elway. I hope the Packers win, but don't leave just yet Brett. You can still play. Stick around as long as you can and believe me, you still can get it done. This particular version of the Packers has some great young talent and they are only going to get better. But they NEED #4 calling the shots. And we all want to see the greatest QB who has ever played the game play a couple of more years. Thanks Brett for everything.
Monday Morning Coffee: 12/17/07
--Well the big news in sports this week was the release of the Mitchell Report, the culmination of a 2o month investigation into steroid and other banned substances in major league baseball. Some of the names in the list were not really surprising but the finding the names of Andy Pettitte and Roger Clemens among those alleged to have used HGH and other substances certainly have been fodder for conversation. Clemens has threatened to sue Major League Baseball for including his name in the report but Pettitte admitted on Saturday that he has used HGH to recover from an elbow injury in 2002. HGH wasn't banned by MLB until 2005. It is going to be very interesting to see how this plays out through the winter and into next season. Stay tuned, this is just getting started.
--Jose Canseco had to try and extend his 15 minutes of fame a bit longer this week. First he tried to attend the media release of the Mitchell Report and was informed by security it was media only. He then proceeded to make a statement saying that he couldn't believe that A-Rod's name wasn't on the list. Hey loser, grab a clue. As if you weren't already pitiful enough, now you're trying to smear yet another player for which you have not provided any evidence of anything. It takes a very sad individual to leave a game then accuse people of doing the exact same thing you were doing under the 5 yrs. old mentality of "Everyone else was doing it" and then what may be even more pathetic is trying to profit both monetarily and from the notoriety of those claims. Just go back to beating your wife, wrecking your cars or whatever else it is that washed-up never-weres do after the limelight evades them. Pathetic!! And in case you missed it, "60 Minutes" did an interview tonight with A-Rod where among other things, he denies every using any type of performance enhancing drugs, saying that he never felt he needed to in order to compete on the field. Unlike some others, eh Jose?
--Trust, no one is more disappointed that the Pats couldn't hang at least 50 on the Jets. Fact is, they won the game, they are 14-0 and with Miami at home next week and then travelling to the Meadowlands to take on the Giants in Week 17, 16-0 is looking pretty good. And before anyone starts complaining about how they are fading, remember this: The '72 Dolphins beat Minnesota on the road 16-14, squeaked by Buffalo at home 24-23, got by Pittsburgh 21-7 in the AFC championship game and then beat Washington in the Super Bowl 14-7. A win is a win, no matter how impressive or unimpressive it might be. Also, it's worth noting that starting QB Bob Griese broke his leg in game 5 of the season and backup QB Earl Morrall finished the season although Griese did come back to play in the Super Bowl victory over the Redskins. Point being here is that impressive is nice, but wins are even nicer. Gotta have some luck and things bounce your way on a streak like this and frankly, New England hasn't need much of either this season.
--Team the Pats need to worry about in the AFC? Might surprise you with this, but I think the.........San Diego Chargers. Yes, I know that I have bashed the Bolts all season from firing Marty to under utilizing the best running back in the game. But the Chargers seem to be getting all together at the right time. Their offense could cause problems for that again Pats' defense and their defense is just good enough to throw Brady off his game. You never know..............
--You could see it coming for the last couple of weeks and today it happened. The Cowboys had a minor melt-down of sorts in losing to the Eagles. T.O. was getting frustrated on the sidelines and that is never a good sign. T.O. blowup coming soon to a city near you, wait and see. And I don't want to hear about Romo's little hand injury. Note to Tony: See Brett Favre.
--How bad do the Ravens feel right now? They lost a heartbreaker against New England on a time-out called by a coach from the sideline, they get pounded by the Colts the next week and now they finally give up the first win to the previously winless Colts, on a touchdown in overtime nonetheless. Think they're ready to go play some golf about now?
--Cleveland keeps finding ways to win and Pittsburgh keeps finding ways to lose. It's going to go down to the final two games of the season for the AFC North crown. Pittsburgh definitely has the easier road with its final two games against St. Louis and Baltimore while Cleveland will face Cincinnati on the road and then get San Francisco at home. One of these teams will win the division and the other should be the last wildcard but having a playoff game at home would be nice to say the least. Cleveland in the playoffs, I just can't get use to saying that.
--Scott Linahan of the Rams needs to go. The Rams have had more than their fair share of injuries this season to be sure, but the meltdown and undisciplined play from their defense at the end of the game Sunday belies what I feel is a more serious problem. Throwing the ball around, taking bench penalties for arguing, very unprofessional and especially embarrassing for a team with a big audience to watch Favre hopefully break the all-time passing yardage mark, which he did. Linahan and defensive coordinator Jim Haslett both need to be gone.
--This might start a few arguments, but it almost looks like the Saints may actually be better off without Reggie Bush in the lineup. The Houstan Texans took an immense amount of criticism last year for drafting DE Mario Williams ahead of both Bush and QB Vince Young. The way Williams is starting to mature and play, they may have been the smartest guys in the room on that draft day.
More on football, basketball and other sports news later today!! Have a good week, and don't spill the coffe in your lap. It really stings.
--Jose Canseco had to try and extend his 15 minutes of fame a bit longer this week. First he tried to attend the media release of the Mitchell Report and was informed by security it was media only. He then proceeded to make a statement saying that he couldn't believe that A-Rod's name wasn't on the list. Hey loser, grab a clue. As if you weren't already pitiful enough, now you're trying to smear yet another player for which you have not provided any evidence of anything. It takes a very sad individual to leave a game then accuse people of doing the exact same thing you were doing under the 5 yrs. old mentality of "Everyone else was doing it" and then what may be even more pathetic is trying to profit both monetarily and from the notoriety of those claims. Just go back to beating your wife, wrecking your cars or whatever else it is that washed-up never-weres do after the limelight evades them. Pathetic!! And in case you missed it, "60 Minutes" did an interview tonight with A-Rod where among other things, he denies every using any type of performance enhancing drugs, saying that he never felt he needed to in order to compete on the field. Unlike some others, eh Jose?
--Trust, no one is more disappointed that the Pats couldn't hang at least 50 on the Jets. Fact is, they won the game, they are 14-0 and with Miami at home next week and then travelling to the Meadowlands to take on the Giants in Week 17, 16-0 is looking pretty good. And before anyone starts complaining about how they are fading, remember this: The '72 Dolphins beat Minnesota on the road 16-14, squeaked by Buffalo at home 24-23, got by Pittsburgh 21-7 in the AFC championship game and then beat Washington in the Super Bowl 14-7. A win is a win, no matter how impressive or unimpressive it might be. Also, it's worth noting that starting QB Bob Griese broke his leg in game 5 of the season and backup QB Earl Morrall finished the season although Griese did come back to play in the Super Bowl victory over the Redskins. Point being here is that impressive is nice, but wins are even nicer. Gotta have some luck and things bounce your way on a streak like this and frankly, New England hasn't need much of either this season.
--Team the Pats need to worry about in the AFC? Might surprise you with this, but I think the.........San Diego Chargers. Yes, I know that I have bashed the Bolts all season from firing Marty to under utilizing the best running back in the game. But the Chargers seem to be getting all together at the right time. Their offense could cause problems for that again Pats' defense and their defense is just good enough to throw Brady off his game. You never know..............
--You could see it coming for the last couple of weeks and today it happened. The Cowboys had a minor melt-down of sorts in losing to the Eagles. T.O. was getting frustrated on the sidelines and that is never a good sign. T.O. blowup coming soon to a city near you, wait and see. And I don't want to hear about Romo's little hand injury. Note to Tony: See Brett Favre.
--How bad do the Ravens feel right now? They lost a heartbreaker against New England on a time-out called by a coach from the sideline, they get pounded by the Colts the next week and now they finally give up the first win to the previously winless Colts, on a touchdown in overtime nonetheless. Think they're ready to go play some golf about now?
--Cleveland keeps finding ways to win and Pittsburgh keeps finding ways to lose. It's going to go down to the final two games of the season for the AFC North crown. Pittsburgh definitely has the easier road with its final two games against St. Louis and Baltimore while Cleveland will face Cincinnati on the road and then get San Francisco at home. One of these teams will win the division and the other should be the last wildcard but having a playoff game at home would be nice to say the least. Cleveland in the playoffs, I just can't get use to saying that.
--Scott Linahan of the Rams needs to go. The Rams have had more than their fair share of injuries this season to be sure, but the meltdown and undisciplined play from their defense at the end of the game Sunday belies what I feel is a more serious problem. Throwing the ball around, taking bench penalties for arguing, very unprofessional and especially embarrassing for a team with a big audience to watch Favre hopefully break the all-time passing yardage mark, which he did. Linahan and defensive coordinator Jim Haslett both need to be gone.
--This might start a few arguments, but it almost looks like the Saints may actually be better off without Reggie Bush in the lineup. The Houstan Texans took an immense amount of criticism last year for drafting DE Mario Williams ahead of both Bush and QB Vince Young. The way Williams is starting to mature and play, they may have been the smartest guys in the room on that draft day.
More on football, basketball and other sports news later today!! Have a good week, and don't spill the coffe in your lap. It really stings.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Hump Day Ramblings: 12/12/07
--Bobby Petrino now joins the ranks of Nick Sabin and Larry Brown as coaches you can't trust. Less than 24 hours after losing to New Orleans, Petrino phoned in his resignation as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons. Then within a couple of hours he is holding a press conference and being introduced as the new head coach at the University of Arkansas, saying "how happy" he was. What a fraud and a joke he is! I wouldn't let my 18 yr. old anywhere near any program that he was associated with. He obviously can't be trusted to tell the truth and what is Arkansas going to go in a year or so when he goes looking for another job. He has also succeded in burning bridges for both himself and possibly other coaches who want to make the jump to the NFL. If you were an NFL general manager you are going to think long and hard about getting burned by yet another college guy who thinks he can coach with the big boys. Some coaches can handle professional athletes, some cannot. There is no shame in that. The shame is that Bobby Petrino can do neither. Hope you go 2-9 next year.
--Speaking of the Falcons, owner Arthur Blank deserves much, much better than the hand he has been dealt this season. Blank is one of the class owners in the NFL and he has had to suffer through being lied to by and losing Michael Vick and now being lied to and abandoned by Petrino. Blank and the veterans on this team deserve much better, especially a guy like Warrick Dunn, not only one of best RB ever in the game but an upstanding citizen as well. I'm not a big Falcons fan but I hope they make the right move, get the right coach and make the playoffs next year. And when they do, I hope Blank sends Petrino a big bouquet of "Kiss my ass".
--If the Patriots get a chance to run the score up this weekend, you better believe that they will. The animosity that continues to fester between coaches Bill Belichek and Eric Mangini may reach a peak this weekend when the two meet. Look for this game to get very ugly very early and stay that way.
--I just knew we couldn't get through the NFL season without a T.O. meltdown, at least of sorts. T.O took some potshots last week at former coach Bill Parcels. Not a good move T.O. ESPN analyst and former NFL WR Keyshawn Johnson took T.O. to task for trying to denigrate the legendary Parcels. Johnson reminded T.O. that if the Cowboys win the Super Bowl this year, Wade Phillips might be the head coach but Bill Parcels built this team. Tony Romo, Marion Barber, Jason Witten, Terrance Newman, Julius Jones and yes, you, T.O. were brought to the Cowboys under Parcels. So T.O. did what T.O. does best, he then proceeded to take a shot at Johnson, trying to compare their careers and basically calling Keyshawn out. Now Johnson was known to run his mouth a bit as a player, but I have to say that as an analyst, I have found him refreshingly candid and pretty spot on in his assessments of both players and teams. It's interesting to note that both Tom Jackson and Emmit Smith both echoed Johnson's sentiments. T.O., don't take on a legend. You're not there yet.
--Tomorrow baseball is slated to release the Mitchell report which will in detail reveal what has been discovered during its 20-month long investigation. The sad thing is that with all of this time and money invested, more than likely nothing will come of it. The biggest fish in the pot, Barry Bonds, has already been indicted on federal charges and the rest is just window dressing. The fact of the matter is baseball, and more sadly the fans, really don't care.
--And last but not least, Jim Rome has to have the most annoying sports talk show on the air. Remember a few years ago when then-Rams QB Jim Everett kicked his ass on the air for referring to him as "Chrissy Everett"? God, I wish someone would do that again. In reference to this weekend's Pats-Jets game, Rome used the terms, "street creed", street rep" and "curb stomping". Someone please shut him up!!!
Have a great week!!
--Speaking of the Falcons, owner Arthur Blank deserves much, much better than the hand he has been dealt this season. Blank is one of the class owners in the NFL and he has had to suffer through being lied to by and losing Michael Vick and now being lied to and abandoned by Petrino. Blank and the veterans on this team deserve much better, especially a guy like Warrick Dunn, not only one of best RB ever in the game but an upstanding citizen as well. I'm not a big Falcons fan but I hope they make the right move, get the right coach and make the playoffs next year. And when they do, I hope Blank sends Petrino a big bouquet of "Kiss my ass".
--If the Patriots get a chance to run the score up this weekend, you better believe that they will. The animosity that continues to fester between coaches Bill Belichek and Eric Mangini may reach a peak this weekend when the two meet. Look for this game to get very ugly very early and stay that way.
--I just knew we couldn't get through the NFL season without a T.O. meltdown, at least of sorts. T.O took some potshots last week at former coach Bill Parcels. Not a good move T.O. ESPN analyst and former NFL WR Keyshawn Johnson took T.O. to task for trying to denigrate the legendary Parcels. Johnson reminded T.O. that if the Cowboys win the Super Bowl this year, Wade Phillips might be the head coach but Bill Parcels built this team. Tony Romo, Marion Barber, Jason Witten, Terrance Newman, Julius Jones and yes, you, T.O. were brought to the Cowboys under Parcels. So T.O. did what T.O. does best, he then proceeded to take a shot at Johnson, trying to compare their careers and basically calling Keyshawn out. Now Johnson was known to run his mouth a bit as a player, but I have to say that as an analyst, I have found him refreshingly candid and pretty spot on in his assessments of both players and teams. It's interesting to note that both Tom Jackson and Emmit Smith both echoed Johnson's sentiments. T.O., don't take on a legend. You're not there yet.
--Tomorrow baseball is slated to release the Mitchell report which will in detail reveal what has been discovered during its 20-month long investigation. The sad thing is that with all of this time and money invested, more than likely nothing will come of it. The biggest fish in the pot, Barry Bonds, has already been indicted on federal charges and the rest is just window dressing. The fact of the matter is baseball, and more sadly the fans, really don't care.
--And last but not least, Jim Rome has to have the most annoying sports talk show on the air. Remember a few years ago when then-Rams QB Jim Everett kicked his ass on the air for referring to him as "Chrissy Everett"? God, I wish someone would do that again. In reference to this weekend's Pats-Jets game, Rome used the terms, "street creed", street rep" and "curb stomping". Someone please shut him up!!!
Have a great week!!
NFL Predictions: Week 15
What a crazy week it has been in the NFL. More on that in my Hump Day blog later today. On to the games:
Denver @ Houston: Every game is an elimination game from this point on for Denver. They are going to have to get some help to catch San Diego but first they have to take care of their own business first. Denver -1.
Cincinnati @ San Francisco: What a disappointing season it has been for the Bengals. Marvin Lewis' job is more than likely on the line without a very strong showing here at the end of the season. Cincinnati -8.
Baltimore @ Miami: Miami may have the dubious distinction of being the only team to every have an undefeated season AND go winless in a season. Baltimore looked extremely out manned against the Colts last week but Miami brings water guns to the fight while everyone else is shooting bullets. They are perhaps even more pitiful than the 1976 Buccaneers. Both head coaches in this game will more than likely not be back next year. Baltimore -3 1/2.
Green Bay @ St. Louis: The last time Brett Favre played in St. Louis he threw 6 INTs. Not today. Green Bay -10.
Jacksonville @ Pittsburgh: A big game in the playoff picture for the AFC. Pittsburgh needs a win to maintain the #3 seed in the playoffs and get a game at home. Plus these two teams could very well meet again in a few weeks. Pittsburgh -3 1/2.
NY Jets @ New England: This game reeks of all kinds of storylines, including the recently published story that it was head coach Eric Mangini, a protege of Pats head coach Bill Belichik, and the Jets who tipped the NFL off to what led to "Spygate", and the subsequent fines and loss of a draft pick for New England. There will be no calling off of the dogs in this game. New England -23 1/3.
Philadelphia @ Dallas: This game mean a whole lot more to Dallas than it does Philly. That being said, Donovan McNabb is playing for a job somewhere next year, probably not with the Eagles, and this team will not quit on Coach Andy Reid. I'm going out on a limb a bit here, but I like the Eagles. Philadelphia +10.
Washington @ NY Giants: The Giants can lock up the #5 seed in the playoffs with a win here. Although Todd Collins look pretty good last week for Washington, he will see something completely different with the Giants defense, maybe the best in the league. Giants -4 1/2.
Chicago @ Minnesota: Minnesota is playing for a playoff spot and with rookie RB sensation Adrian Petersen, no reason to thing they will fall to the Bear. Minnesota has a very underrated defense and the Bears have shown no real ability this year to generate big plays outside of special teams. Minnesota -10.
Good luck and enjoy the games!!
Denver @ Houston: Every game is an elimination game from this point on for Denver. They are going to have to get some help to catch San Diego but first they have to take care of their own business first. Denver -1.
Cincinnati @ San Francisco: What a disappointing season it has been for the Bengals. Marvin Lewis' job is more than likely on the line without a very strong showing here at the end of the season. Cincinnati -8.
Baltimore @ Miami: Miami may have the dubious distinction of being the only team to every have an undefeated season AND go winless in a season. Baltimore looked extremely out manned against the Colts last week but Miami brings water guns to the fight while everyone else is shooting bullets. They are perhaps even more pitiful than the 1976 Buccaneers. Both head coaches in this game will more than likely not be back next year. Baltimore -3 1/2.
Green Bay @ St. Louis: The last time Brett Favre played in St. Louis he threw 6 INTs. Not today. Green Bay -10.
Jacksonville @ Pittsburgh: A big game in the playoff picture for the AFC. Pittsburgh needs a win to maintain the #3 seed in the playoffs and get a game at home. Plus these two teams could very well meet again in a few weeks. Pittsburgh -3 1/2.
NY Jets @ New England: This game reeks of all kinds of storylines, including the recently published story that it was head coach Eric Mangini, a protege of Pats head coach Bill Belichik, and the Jets who tipped the NFL off to what led to "Spygate", and the subsequent fines and loss of a draft pick for New England. There will be no calling off of the dogs in this game. New England -23 1/3.
Philadelphia @ Dallas: This game mean a whole lot more to Dallas than it does Philly. That being said, Donovan McNabb is playing for a job somewhere next year, probably not with the Eagles, and this team will not quit on Coach Andy Reid. I'm going out on a limb a bit here, but I like the Eagles. Philadelphia +10.
Washington @ NY Giants: The Giants can lock up the #5 seed in the playoffs with a win here. Although Todd Collins look pretty good last week for Washington, he will see something completely different with the Giants defense, maybe the best in the league. Giants -4 1/2.
Chicago @ Minnesota: Minnesota is playing for a playoff spot and with rookie RB sensation Adrian Petersen, no reason to thing they will fall to the Bear. Minnesota has a very underrated defense and the Bears have shown no real ability this year to generate big plays outside of special teams. Minnesota -10.
Good luck and enjoy the games!!
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Monday Morning Coffee: 12/10/07
NFL:--For all of those Eli Manning doubters out there, the Giants are now 9-4 and virtually assured a spot in the playoffs. The Giants don't appear to be headed for that late-season swoon that doomed them last year and their defense is keeping them in almost every game.
--Another team that has very quietly put together a strong season are the Seahawks. They've been very inconsistent but if this team gets on a roll, look out. This may be coach Mike Holmgren's last season as head coach and I'm sure he would like to go out swinging. Keep an eye on Seattle come playoff time.
--The Boy's escaped a trap game today, barely edging out the Lions. They keep finding ways to win but those mistakes come playoff time are going to come back to haunt them, right Mr. Butter Fingers?
--Don't think for a minute that the 63 yd. touchdown pass Brady through to Moss and the 56 yd. TD pass to Jabbar Gaffney wasn't intentionally targeted at Pittsburgh safety Anthony Smith who guaranteed a victory over the Pats this week in the Pitt media. Note to Anthony: You might want to zip your lip next time you play the best team maybe ever in the history of football. To quote a pretty good QB, "Well done is better than well said".
--Chargers alert, Chargers alert!! LT is starting to run wild and if you can't stop him you can't beat the Chargers. Another playoff spoiler working down stretch. Denver is on life-support even after beating up on the Chiefs (no big accomplishment there) and are going to need some help down the stretch besides winning their own games, starting this Thursday against Houston.
--Brett, please come back and play a couple more years. I'm having too much fun watching you again. 2 more TB passes today, 266 yds. and he only needs about 186 yds. to pass Dan Marino for the all-time yardage record.
--Troy Smith, last year's Heisman trophy winner and 4th round draft pick of the Ravens, got in some mop up duty tonight in their blow-out loss against the Colts. Smith look surprisingly comfortable, confident, made a couple of good throws and ran one in from about 10 yds. for a touchdown. I'm not saying he's the answer in Baltimore but at 4-9, out of the playoffs, why not give him a start and see what he can do. McNair is getting up there and has a long, long history of not making it through the season injury free. Kyle Boller is NOT the man, good backup, not a starter. Give Smith a chance and let's see him run the game and what he can do. Billick more than likely won't do something that smart, which is why he will gone at season's end.
--Some of you reading this might remember the expansion 1976 Tampa Bay Bucs whom many consider the worst NFL team of all time. They 0-14 in their first season and then lost the first 12 games of the next season before finally winning a game against, of all teams, the Saints, another franchise with a losing history. But I have to say that the 2007 Miami Dolphins may be the WORST team in any sport I have ever seen. This wasn't an expansion team. They were 9-7 in 2005, 6-10 last year and had some hopes for this year. But to go 0-16 with this team under these conditions, they are the worst team ever in the NFL, period.
Right now the NFC playoffs look like this:
1-Dallas
2-Green Bay (both would get first round byes)
3. Seattle
4. Tampa Bay
5. Giants
6. Minnesota
In the AFC it looks something like this:
1-New England
2-Indianapolis (first round byes for both)
3.-Pittsburgh
4. San Diego
5. Jacksonville
6. Cleveland (not a typo, yes the Browns)
Of course this is probably going to change over the next three weeks so stay tuned!
Baseball:--Barry Bonds surrendered this week to federal authorities, was booked and released on a 500K recognisance bond. He pleaded not guilty on 4 counts of perjury and one count of obstruction of justice. This is obviously going to be an ongoing story for the next who knows how many months.
--The Detroit Tigers appear to be serious about getting back to the World Series RIGHT NOW! They may have mortgaged their future with the deals that have now brought Dontrelle Wills and third baseman Miguel Cabrera to the team. Can't say they didn't spend their allowance this time around.
--Another big signing was outfielder Andruw Jones by the Dodgers. It gives them a big bat in their lineup and now if they can acquire that starting pitcher that they so covet, look for the Dodgers to make some noise this season in the NL West.
--Andy Pettite has accepted arbitration from the Yankees so the 35 yr. old lefty will be back in pinstripes next season. Can Roger Clemens be far behind? This team isn't going to look drastically different than the team from the last couple of years so Joe Girardi better get something done and now. After everything Joe Torre did for this club, and couldn't get a pass even though they still made the playoffs, Girardi might want to consider renting before buying.
--St. Louis Cardinal's manager Tony LaRussa took some uncharacteristic shots in public at one of his players this week, that player being Scott Rolen. Rolen has been unhappy ever since LaRussa sat him down for one game during the 2006 NLCS. Fact is, the Cardinals may be stuck with him. Rolen is 32, has only played 300 games the last three seasons and hit 35 homeruns. He is slated to make $36 million over the next three years and quite frankly hasn't always been a big bundle of sunshine in the clubhouse, one of the reasons the Cardinals were able to obtain him from the Phillies midway during the 2002 season. This could get really interesting before the season starts but if anybody can patch it up and make it work it will be LaRussa.
--Another example about how "serious" MLB is about the steroid problem in their sport. Jose Gullien has been suspended 15 games for using a banned substance by MLB. This right after he signed a 3 yr, $36 million dollar deal with Kansas City. Just remember kids, act like a punk, break the rules, whine and complain and you too can be a big league ball player. Sickening.
NBA:--Guard Jamal Tinsley and several other people were apparently the target of a shooting early Sunday morning in Indianapolis while at a nightclub. This is starting to become a very disturbing trend that all major sports are going to have to do something about, although I'm not sure what at this point. All lot of these players are young, single guys who like to go out and have a good time, not against the law last time I checked. But they are going to have to start using better judgement or these senseless shootings and deaths are going to continue to occur.
--Boston has run their record to an impressive 17-2 and continue to dominate the East. Miami has begun to show signs of life with D-Wade throwing up 35 points today but they have put themselves in such a hole they are going to have to work really hard to dig themselves out of it.
--Jason Kidd missed the Nets game this past week against the NY Knicks because he allegedly had a migraine headache, but sources close to the story are saying that this was a case of the "blue flu" and that Kidd wants out of New Jersey. Know what, Jason? I bet you aren't the only one that wants out of that smelly hell hole known as the "Garden State" (whoever thought that one up must drink a lot). Fact is, you've got a contract that you signed and you need to honor that contract, or quit. You're a world class athlete, a great player and you deserve a championship but don't do it like this. Be a man.
Have a great week and stay warm!!!
--Another team that has very quietly put together a strong season are the Seahawks. They've been very inconsistent but if this team gets on a roll, look out. This may be coach Mike Holmgren's last season as head coach and I'm sure he would like to go out swinging. Keep an eye on Seattle come playoff time.
--The Boy's escaped a trap game today, barely edging out the Lions. They keep finding ways to win but those mistakes come playoff time are going to come back to haunt them, right Mr. Butter Fingers?
--Don't think for a minute that the 63 yd. touchdown pass Brady through to Moss and the 56 yd. TD pass to Jabbar Gaffney wasn't intentionally targeted at Pittsburgh safety Anthony Smith who guaranteed a victory over the Pats this week in the Pitt media. Note to Anthony: You might want to zip your lip next time you play the best team maybe ever in the history of football. To quote a pretty good QB, "Well done is better than well said".
--Chargers alert, Chargers alert!! LT is starting to run wild and if you can't stop him you can't beat the Chargers. Another playoff spoiler working down stretch. Denver is on life-support even after beating up on the Chiefs (no big accomplishment there) and are going to need some help down the stretch besides winning their own games, starting this Thursday against Houston.
--Brett, please come back and play a couple more years. I'm having too much fun watching you again. 2 more TB passes today, 266 yds. and he only needs about 186 yds. to pass Dan Marino for the all-time yardage record.
--Troy Smith, last year's Heisman trophy winner and 4th round draft pick of the Ravens, got in some mop up duty tonight in their blow-out loss against the Colts. Smith look surprisingly comfortable, confident, made a couple of good throws and ran one in from about 10 yds. for a touchdown. I'm not saying he's the answer in Baltimore but at 4-9, out of the playoffs, why not give him a start and see what he can do. McNair is getting up there and has a long, long history of not making it through the season injury free. Kyle Boller is NOT the man, good backup, not a starter. Give Smith a chance and let's see him run the game and what he can do. Billick more than likely won't do something that smart, which is why he will gone at season's end.
--Some of you reading this might remember the expansion 1976 Tampa Bay Bucs whom many consider the worst NFL team of all time. They 0-14 in their first season and then lost the first 12 games of the next season before finally winning a game against, of all teams, the Saints, another franchise with a losing history. But I have to say that the 2007 Miami Dolphins may be the WORST team in any sport I have ever seen. This wasn't an expansion team. They were 9-7 in 2005, 6-10 last year and had some hopes for this year. But to go 0-16 with this team under these conditions, they are the worst team ever in the NFL, period.
Right now the NFC playoffs look like this:
1-Dallas
2-Green Bay (both would get first round byes)
3. Seattle
4. Tampa Bay
5. Giants
6. Minnesota
In the AFC it looks something like this:
1-New England
2-Indianapolis (first round byes for both)
3.-Pittsburgh
4. San Diego
5. Jacksonville
6. Cleveland (not a typo, yes the Browns)
Of course this is probably going to change over the next three weeks so stay tuned!
Baseball:--Barry Bonds surrendered this week to federal authorities, was booked and released on a 500K recognisance bond. He pleaded not guilty on 4 counts of perjury and one count of obstruction of justice. This is obviously going to be an ongoing story for the next who knows how many months.
--The Detroit Tigers appear to be serious about getting back to the World Series RIGHT NOW! They may have mortgaged their future with the deals that have now brought Dontrelle Wills and third baseman Miguel Cabrera to the team. Can't say they didn't spend their allowance this time around.
--Another big signing was outfielder Andruw Jones by the Dodgers. It gives them a big bat in their lineup and now if they can acquire that starting pitcher that they so covet, look for the Dodgers to make some noise this season in the NL West.
--Andy Pettite has accepted arbitration from the Yankees so the 35 yr. old lefty will be back in pinstripes next season. Can Roger Clemens be far behind? This team isn't going to look drastically different than the team from the last couple of years so Joe Girardi better get something done and now. After everything Joe Torre did for this club, and couldn't get a pass even though they still made the playoffs, Girardi might want to consider renting before buying.
--St. Louis Cardinal's manager Tony LaRussa took some uncharacteristic shots in public at one of his players this week, that player being Scott Rolen. Rolen has been unhappy ever since LaRussa sat him down for one game during the 2006 NLCS. Fact is, the Cardinals may be stuck with him. Rolen is 32, has only played 300 games the last three seasons and hit 35 homeruns. He is slated to make $36 million over the next three years and quite frankly hasn't always been a big bundle of sunshine in the clubhouse, one of the reasons the Cardinals were able to obtain him from the Phillies midway during the 2002 season. This could get really interesting before the season starts but if anybody can patch it up and make it work it will be LaRussa.
--Another example about how "serious" MLB is about the steroid problem in their sport. Jose Gullien has been suspended 15 games for using a banned substance by MLB. This right after he signed a 3 yr, $36 million dollar deal with Kansas City. Just remember kids, act like a punk, break the rules, whine and complain and you too can be a big league ball player. Sickening.
NBA:--Guard Jamal Tinsley and several other people were apparently the target of a shooting early Sunday morning in Indianapolis while at a nightclub. This is starting to become a very disturbing trend that all major sports are going to have to do something about, although I'm not sure what at this point. All lot of these players are young, single guys who like to go out and have a good time, not against the law last time I checked. But they are going to have to start using better judgement or these senseless shootings and deaths are going to continue to occur.
--Boston has run their record to an impressive 17-2 and continue to dominate the East. Miami has begun to show signs of life with D-Wade throwing up 35 points today but they have put themselves in such a hole they are going to have to work really hard to dig themselves out of it.
--Jason Kidd missed the Nets game this past week against the NY Knicks because he allegedly had a migraine headache, but sources close to the story are saying that this was a case of the "blue flu" and that Kidd wants out of New Jersey. Know what, Jason? I bet you aren't the only one that wants out of that smelly hell hole known as the "Garden State" (whoever thought that one up must drink a lot). Fact is, you've got a contract that you signed and you need to honor that contract, or quit. You're a world class athlete, a great player and you deserve a championship but don't do it like this. Be a man.
Have a great week and stay warm!!!
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
NFL Predictions: Week 14
Some very good games last week and we can only hope for the same this week, so let's get going with this weeks picks:
Chicago @ Washington: The Redskins are coming off a very tough loss to Buffalo on Sunday not to mention trying to deal and copy with the Sean Taylor situation. The Bear MUST win this week to have any chance at all of sneaking into the playoffs and as I have said for two seasons now, they can't win a big game with Rex Grossman at QB. I look for the Redskins to rebound with an inspired performance. Washington -3.
Dallas @ Detroit: Detroit is another team in really a must-win situation. They are struggling to stay ahead of the competition to gain a wildcard spot and this really isn't the game to have to try and do that with. Detroit has been very inconsistent this year and Dallas has been......well.........they have been the best team in the NFC so far this season, as much as it pains me to say that. Dallas -10 1/2.
NY Giants @ Philadelphia: Another game with huge playoff implications and a nasty division rivalry game. The Giants showed me something last weekend with that come-from-behind victory over the Bears. I think that that game might have been a turning point for them, they had a chance to fold like they did last year and didn't. McNabb may be back for the Eagles, but I don't think it really matters. Too much Giant defense. NY Giants +3.
Oakland @ Green Bay: This game scares me a little because the Raiders have showed some life the last few weeks and this is exactly the type of game that you've seen my man Brett throw 5 INT in before. That being said, I think the Packers push towards the playoffs with a big home win. Green Bay -10.
Pittsburgh @ New England: Not a lot of people are giving the Steelers much of a chance against the Pats but remember this: The last two games Brady and the offense have struggled against tough, agressive defenses and there is none tougher or more physical that Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh +10.
San Diego @ Tennessee: San Diego has sprung to life, now can they do it two games in a row. Tennessee has struggled but did pick up a win against Houston last week and need this game to stay in the wildcard hunt in the AFC. I think LT does his magic and the Charger defense keeps Vince Young bottled up. San Diego Pk.
Indianapolis @ Baltimore: The Ravens are 4-8 and will not make the playoffs. They lost a heartbreaker on Monday night to the Pats in a game marred by controversy. They've lost Steve McNair for the rest of the season and their head coach is 96% gone after the season. So what do they really have to play for? I don't think they have the leadership to recover from that devastating loss. Colts -9.
New Orleans @ Atlanta: Probably looked like a great game when the schedule game out. Now Atlanta is just trying to end the season with some positives and New Orleans must win out pretty much to have any shot at making the playoffs. I like New Orleans to pick apart the Falcons secondary in this one. New Orleans -4.
The college bowl season will begin on Dec. 20 and before that date I will have a very special Bowl Selection post where you can get the best info available on the bowl games and their outcomes. Stay tuned for that!! Good luck and enjoy the games.
Chicago @ Washington: The Redskins are coming off a very tough loss to Buffalo on Sunday not to mention trying to deal and copy with the Sean Taylor situation. The Bear MUST win this week to have any chance at all of sneaking into the playoffs and as I have said for two seasons now, they can't win a big game with Rex Grossman at QB. I look for the Redskins to rebound with an inspired performance. Washington -3.
Dallas @ Detroit: Detroit is another team in really a must-win situation. They are struggling to stay ahead of the competition to gain a wildcard spot and this really isn't the game to have to try and do that with. Detroit has been very inconsistent this year and Dallas has been......well.........they have been the best team in the NFC so far this season, as much as it pains me to say that. Dallas -10 1/2.
NY Giants @ Philadelphia: Another game with huge playoff implications and a nasty division rivalry game. The Giants showed me something last weekend with that come-from-behind victory over the Bears. I think that that game might have been a turning point for them, they had a chance to fold like they did last year and didn't. McNabb may be back for the Eagles, but I don't think it really matters. Too much Giant defense. NY Giants +3.
Oakland @ Green Bay: This game scares me a little because the Raiders have showed some life the last few weeks and this is exactly the type of game that you've seen my man Brett throw 5 INT in before. That being said, I think the Packers push towards the playoffs with a big home win. Green Bay -10.
Pittsburgh @ New England: Not a lot of people are giving the Steelers much of a chance against the Pats but remember this: The last two games Brady and the offense have struggled against tough, agressive defenses and there is none tougher or more physical that Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh +10.
San Diego @ Tennessee: San Diego has sprung to life, now can they do it two games in a row. Tennessee has struggled but did pick up a win against Houston last week and need this game to stay in the wildcard hunt in the AFC. I think LT does his magic and the Charger defense keeps Vince Young bottled up. San Diego Pk.
Indianapolis @ Baltimore: The Ravens are 4-8 and will not make the playoffs. They lost a heartbreaker on Monday night to the Pats in a game marred by controversy. They've lost Steve McNair for the rest of the season and their head coach is 96% gone after the season. So what do they really have to play for? I don't think they have the leadership to recover from that devastating loss. Colts -9.
New Orleans @ Atlanta: Probably looked like a great game when the schedule game out. Now Atlanta is just trying to end the season with some positives and New Orleans must win out pretty much to have any shot at making the playoffs. I like New Orleans to pick apart the Falcons secondary in this one. New Orleans -4.
The college bowl season will begin on Dec. 20 and before that date I will have a very special Bowl Selection post where you can get the best info available on the bowl games and their outcomes. Stay tuned for that!! Good luck and enjoy the games.
Monday, December 3, 2007
NFL Recap: Week 13
--I'm still trying to catch my breath from the Monday night thriller. That has turned out to be maybe the best game of the year so far, in my humble opinion. Baltimore completely outplayed New England through most of the game and looked to have Brady really rattled in the pocket but as he has done so often, when it counts, he made the throw, New England wins and are still undefeated. You just can't seem to beat these guys no matter what you throw at them. Tom Brady must have a horse tattooed on his butt. He keeps winning games, marching towards the undefeated season that while it is not spoken of would mean a tremendous amount to the organization. Brady is young, talented, making millions and he gets to date a supermodel. It's just not fair.
--Mark the Broncos off of your playoff schedule. After the loss to Oakland on Sunday they are going to need some serious help to win the West division. They go to Kansas City next week, always a tough trip and the following week they have the Chargers at home. They have to win at least both of these games and hope that San Diego reverts back to their early season problems to have a chance at playing in January. Cutler is still struggling to find his role as the on-the-field leader and Denver's defense has shown signs of cracking in the last couple of games.
--Eli and the Giants live again!! After another poor start by the Giant QB, Eli led the Giants to a come-from-behind win over the Bears after trailing 16-7 going into the fourth quarter. They travel next week to take on the Eagles and Eli has another chance to establish himself as a take charge QB and lead this team in the playoffs.
--I think you can mark off Brian Billik in Baltimore as "fired" after the latest debacle on Monday night. Calling a time out when they had the Pats stopped on 4th down which would have been the ball game, and then when they did get the ball back, the unbelievable lack of communication with the offensive unit proves once again that change is a coming in Baltimore. Baltimore has struggled all season long and while it was a great performance against the best team in football, it is still a loss that drop the Ravens to 4-8.
--I thought I had seen some bad officiating in the Dallas-Green Bay game but the call at the end of the game that cost the Cleveland Browns against Arizona was simply awful. After a great throw and a greatest catch by Kellen Winslow he managed to hand onto the ball and got one foot down before being forced out of bounds by the AZ defender. You see this call almost every week but not in this case. Replay showed time and time again that Winslow had the ball was were it not for the force out would have come down in bounds. Terrible call, but hey, what else is new? Years ago a good friend told me when we were in Las Vegas "Always bet with the zebras". Boy, was he right. Oh wait, that was the NBA.
--Pittsburgh moved to 9-3 with their victory over the Bengals. This team is going to cause many sleepless nights for coaches and players come the playoffs. They have the tools to go all the way, can they execute with those tools is the big question. We shall see come January.
--Speaking of the Bengals, their loss against Pittsburgh assures them of ANOTHER non-winning season, the 15th one in the last 16. Marvin Lewis has to go. I know that he has brought this franchise back from the dead but they are becoming stagnant once again and the off-field problems that have plagued this team the last couple of seasons have definitely had an effect to what is happening on the field. Something has to change.
--Gus Ferrotte had a big game and the Rams were victorious over the Falcons on Sunday. Not that big a deal but I just haven't had a chance to say that very often this season. The Rams have definitely played much, much better the second half of the year, although I'm still not sure if head coach Scott Linahan can save his job or not. Stay tuned for more on that.
--Two other quick notes: The BCS system is a joke. Just say what it is, a big money game for high profile schools only. Neither Ohio St. or LSU are the best team in the nations and if ever there was a need for a playoff system, this season PROVES it. Secondly: Tim Tebow is probably going to win the Heisman this coming Saturday and that's a shame. First, he's not even the best QB in college, you can easily make an argument for Hawaii's Colt Brennan, Tech Tech's Graham Harrell or MU's Chase Daniel not to mention Arkansas RB Darren McFadden. But Tebow will probably win and will be another in a long line of great QB's to come out of Florida and play in the NFL like Danny Weurfel..........ah.............oh, Rex Grossman.......okay I give. He will end up being another NFL footnote. Won Heisman, NFL BUST!!!
Have a great day and see you later this week!!
--Mark the Broncos off of your playoff schedule. After the loss to Oakland on Sunday they are going to need some serious help to win the West division. They go to Kansas City next week, always a tough trip and the following week they have the Chargers at home. They have to win at least both of these games and hope that San Diego reverts back to their early season problems to have a chance at playing in January. Cutler is still struggling to find his role as the on-the-field leader and Denver's defense has shown signs of cracking in the last couple of games.
--Eli and the Giants live again!! After another poor start by the Giant QB, Eli led the Giants to a come-from-behind win over the Bears after trailing 16-7 going into the fourth quarter. They travel next week to take on the Eagles and Eli has another chance to establish himself as a take charge QB and lead this team in the playoffs.
--I think you can mark off Brian Billik in Baltimore as "fired" after the latest debacle on Monday night. Calling a time out when they had the Pats stopped on 4th down which would have been the ball game, and then when they did get the ball back, the unbelievable lack of communication with the offensive unit proves once again that change is a coming in Baltimore. Baltimore has struggled all season long and while it was a great performance against the best team in football, it is still a loss that drop the Ravens to 4-8.
--I thought I had seen some bad officiating in the Dallas-Green Bay game but the call at the end of the game that cost the Cleveland Browns against Arizona was simply awful. After a great throw and a greatest catch by Kellen Winslow he managed to hand onto the ball and got one foot down before being forced out of bounds by the AZ defender. You see this call almost every week but not in this case. Replay showed time and time again that Winslow had the ball was were it not for the force out would have come down in bounds. Terrible call, but hey, what else is new? Years ago a good friend told me when we were in Las Vegas "Always bet with the zebras". Boy, was he right. Oh wait, that was the NBA.
--Pittsburgh moved to 9-3 with their victory over the Bengals. This team is going to cause many sleepless nights for coaches and players come the playoffs. They have the tools to go all the way, can they execute with those tools is the big question. We shall see come January.
--Speaking of the Bengals, their loss against Pittsburgh assures them of ANOTHER non-winning season, the 15th one in the last 16. Marvin Lewis has to go. I know that he has brought this franchise back from the dead but they are becoming stagnant once again and the off-field problems that have plagued this team the last couple of seasons have definitely had an effect to what is happening on the field. Something has to change.
--Gus Ferrotte had a big game and the Rams were victorious over the Falcons on Sunday. Not that big a deal but I just haven't had a chance to say that very often this season. The Rams have definitely played much, much better the second half of the year, although I'm still not sure if head coach Scott Linahan can save his job or not. Stay tuned for more on that.
--Two other quick notes: The BCS system is a joke. Just say what it is, a big money game for high profile schools only. Neither Ohio St. or LSU are the best team in the nations and if ever there was a need for a playoff system, this season PROVES it. Secondly: Tim Tebow is probably going to win the Heisman this coming Saturday and that's a shame. First, he's not even the best QB in college, you can easily make an argument for Hawaii's Colt Brennan, Tech Tech's Graham Harrell or MU's Chase Daniel not to mention Arkansas RB Darren McFadden. But Tebow will probably win and will be another in a long line of great QB's to come out of Florida and play in the NFL like Danny Weurfel..........ah.............oh, Rex Grossman.......okay I give. He will end up being another NFL footnote. Won Heisman, NFL BUST!!!
Have a great day and see you later this week!!
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Monday Morning Coffee: 12/2/07
--The big news from the weekend is the final BCS standings are out and it is going to be Ohio. St. and LSU in the National Championship game, neither of which deserve to be there. But, let's face it, the BCS is all about making money. But this year more than ever begs for an answer to the eternal question: Why can't we have a playoff system in Div. 1 football? For years university presidents have said that a playoff system would put an undue burden on the students trying to study for finals and such. The lower divisions, formally known as Div. II and III, have had a football playoff system in place for years. I guess their students are just smarter than Div. I students.
--LSU defeated Tennessee to capture the SEC title and right before the game, head coach Les Miles held a hastily organized press conference to announce that despite reports broadcast that morning on ESPN that he was heading to Michigan to take over as head coach there, he would be staying at LSU. Translated: LSU officials were afraid that if he happen to win the SEC title game and then go on to the national championship game his price would skyrocket. Better to lock him in now at the lower rate. Hiring a head coach is a lot like buying a house, you know.
--Congrats to Oklahoma for winning the Big 12 title, crushing Missouri 38-17 Saturday night in San Antonio. Oklahoma's defense was simply too quick and too physical for the Missouri O-line and they put QB Chase Daniels under constant pressure all evening. In my opinion the Big 12 is the toughest football conference in the nation and the fact that there are 3 teams from the Big 12 in the top 10 in the nation speaks volumes about the quality of competition.
--Glad to see Hawaii get into a BCS bowl game. They will be taking on Georgia at the Sugar Bowl on January 1. Hawaii is an underrated and overlooked team and I predict that they will beat Georgia. Coach June Jones has built a great program in the islands and QB Colt Brennan will probably be a first round pick in the NFL draft next year.
--Why didn't the BCS put Oklahoma and Kansas in the Fiesta Bowl? What a great game that would have been. Instead we get Oklahoma against West Virginia. First, nobody outside of West Virginia really cares about this team and secondly they are COMPLETELY one dimensional as their loss to 29 point underdog Pittsburgh proved on Saturday. Booooring!!!!!!!!
--Speaking of Pittsburgh, head coach Dave Wannstedt was given a three year extension through 2012 despite the fact that he is 16-19 in three seasons as Pitts' head coach. Since Wannstedt has been at Pitt they haven't even smelled a bowl appearance after appearing in five straight bowl games under previous coach Walt Harris. Is this a great country or what?
--Parents, pay attention: If you child can throw a baseball, particularly left-handed, practice with them every single day. The market for pitches in major league baseball continues to spiral towards the ridiculous with the Tigers resigning 43 left-hander Kenny Rogers to a 1 year, $8 million dollar deal. This after Rogers made an astounding 11 starts in 2007 and went 3-4 with an ERA over 4 in a season cut short with injuries. Rogers was a good pitcher in his time, but come on!!! Some of these deals are starting to make A-Rod's contract look reasonable.
--The Boston Celtics continue to roll, running their record to 14-2. Is anybody going to step up and give these guys a battle in the East? Orlando appears to be the only team that might have a shot.
Here is a list of the upcoming bowl games, times and where you can view them. Hope everyone has a great week!!!!!!
PoinsettiaSan Diego
Utah vs. Navy
Dec. 20, 9 p.m.
ESPN
New OrleansNew Orleans
Florida Atlantic vs. Memphis
Dec. 21, 8 p.m.
ESPN2
Papajohns.comBirmingham, Ala.
Cincinnati vs. Southern Miss
Dec. 22, 1 p.m.
ESPN2
New MexicoAlbuquerque, N.M.
Nevada vs. New Mexico
Dec. 22, 4:30 p.m.
ESPN
Las VegasLas Vegas
UCLA vs. BYU
Dec. 22, 8 p.m.
ESPN
Hawaii Honolulu
Boise State vs. East Carolina
Dec. 23, 8 p.m.
ESPN
Motor City Detroit
Central Michigan vs. Purdue
Dec. 26, 7:30 p.m.
ESPN
Holiday San Diego
Arizona State vs. Texas
Dec. 27, 8 p.m.
ESPN
TexasHouston
Texas Christian vs. Houston
Dec. 28, 8 p.m.
NFL Network
Champ Sports Orlando, Fla.
Boston College vs. Michigan State
Dec. 28, 5 p.m.
ESPN
Emerald San Francisco
Maryland vs. Oregon State
Dec. 28, 8 p.m.
ESPN
Meineke Car CareCharlotte, N.C.
Wake Forest vs. Connecticut
Dec. 29, 1 p.m.
ESPN
Liberty Memphis, Tenn.
Central Florida vs. Mississippi State
Dec. 29, 4:30 p.m.
ESPN
Alamo San Antonio
Penn State vs. Texas A&M
Dec. 29, 8 p.m.
ESPN
Independence Shreveport, La.
Colorado vs. Alabama
Dec. 30, 8 p.m.
ESPN
Armed ForcesFort Worth, Texas
California vs. Air Force
Dec. 31, 12:30 p.m.
ESPN
HumanitarianBoise, Idaho
Fresno State vs. Georgia Tech
Dec. 31, 2 p.m.
ESPN2
SunEl Paso, Texas
Oregon vs. South Florida
Dec. 31, 2 p.m.
CBS
Music CityNashville, Tenn.
Kentucky vs. Florida State
Dec. 31, 4 p.m.
ESPN
Chick-fil-A Atlanta
Auburn vs. Clemson
Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m.
ESPN
InsightTempe, Ariz.
Indiana vs. Oklahoma State
Dec. 31, 8 p.m.
NFL Network
OutbackTampa, Fla.
Wisconsin vs. Tennessee
Jan. 1, 11 a.m.
ESPN
CottonDallas
Missouri vs. Arkansas
Jan. 1, 11:30 a.m.
FOX
GatorJacksonville, Fla.
Texas Tech vs. Virginia
Jan. 1, 1 p.m.
CBS
Capital OneOrlando, Fla.
Michigan vs. Florida
Jan. 1, 1 p.m.
ABC
RosePasadena, Calif.
Southern California vs. Illinois
Jan. 1, 4:30 p.m.
ABC
SugarNew Orleans
Hawaii vs. Georgia
Jan. 1, 8:30 p.m.
FOX
FiestaGlendale, Ariz.
Oklahoma vs. West Virginia
Jan. 2, 8 p.m.
FOX
Orange Miami
Virginia Tech vs. Kansas
Jan. 3, 8 p.m.
FOX
InternationalToronto
Rutgers vs. Ball State
Jan. 5, noon
ESPN2
GMACMobile, Ala.
Bowling Green vs. Tulsa
Jan. 6, 8 p.m.
ESPN
BCS Championship Game New Orleans
Ohio State vs. LSU
Jan. 7, 8 p.m.
FOX
ALL TIMES EASTERN
--LSU defeated Tennessee to capture the SEC title and right before the game, head coach Les Miles held a hastily organized press conference to announce that despite reports broadcast that morning on ESPN that he was heading to Michigan to take over as head coach there, he would be staying at LSU. Translated: LSU officials were afraid that if he happen to win the SEC title game and then go on to the national championship game his price would skyrocket. Better to lock him in now at the lower rate. Hiring a head coach is a lot like buying a house, you know.
--Congrats to Oklahoma for winning the Big 12 title, crushing Missouri 38-17 Saturday night in San Antonio. Oklahoma's defense was simply too quick and too physical for the Missouri O-line and they put QB Chase Daniels under constant pressure all evening. In my opinion the Big 12 is the toughest football conference in the nation and the fact that there are 3 teams from the Big 12 in the top 10 in the nation speaks volumes about the quality of competition.
--Glad to see Hawaii get into a BCS bowl game. They will be taking on Georgia at the Sugar Bowl on January 1. Hawaii is an underrated and overlooked team and I predict that they will beat Georgia. Coach June Jones has built a great program in the islands and QB Colt Brennan will probably be a first round pick in the NFL draft next year.
--Why didn't the BCS put Oklahoma and Kansas in the Fiesta Bowl? What a great game that would have been. Instead we get Oklahoma against West Virginia. First, nobody outside of West Virginia really cares about this team and secondly they are COMPLETELY one dimensional as their loss to 29 point underdog Pittsburgh proved on Saturday. Booooring!!!!!!!!
--Speaking of Pittsburgh, head coach Dave Wannstedt was given a three year extension through 2012 despite the fact that he is 16-19 in three seasons as Pitts' head coach. Since Wannstedt has been at Pitt they haven't even smelled a bowl appearance after appearing in five straight bowl games under previous coach Walt Harris. Is this a great country or what?
--Parents, pay attention: If you child can throw a baseball, particularly left-handed, practice with them every single day. The market for pitches in major league baseball continues to spiral towards the ridiculous with the Tigers resigning 43 left-hander Kenny Rogers to a 1 year, $8 million dollar deal. This after Rogers made an astounding 11 starts in 2007 and went 3-4 with an ERA over 4 in a season cut short with injuries. Rogers was a good pitcher in his time, but come on!!! Some of these deals are starting to make A-Rod's contract look reasonable.
--The Boston Celtics continue to roll, running their record to 14-2. Is anybody going to step up and give these guys a battle in the East? Orlando appears to be the only team that might have a shot.
Here is a list of the upcoming bowl games, times and where you can view them. Hope everyone has a great week!!!!!!
PoinsettiaSan Diego
Utah vs. Navy
Dec. 20, 9 p.m.
ESPN
New OrleansNew Orleans
Florida Atlantic vs. Memphis
Dec. 21, 8 p.m.
ESPN2
Papajohns.comBirmingham, Ala.
Cincinnati vs. Southern Miss
Dec. 22, 1 p.m.
ESPN2
New MexicoAlbuquerque, N.M.
Nevada vs. New Mexico
Dec. 22, 4:30 p.m.
ESPN
Las VegasLas Vegas
UCLA vs. BYU
Dec. 22, 8 p.m.
ESPN
Hawaii Honolulu
Boise State vs. East Carolina
Dec. 23, 8 p.m.
ESPN
Motor City Detroit
Central Michigan vs. Purdue
Dec. 26, 7:30 p.m.
ESPN
Holiday San Diego
Arizona State vs. Texas
Dec. 27, 8 p.m.
ESPN
TexasHouston
Texas Christian vs. Houston
Dec. 28, 8 p.m.
NFL Network
Champ Sports Orlando, Fla.
Boston College vs. Michigan State
Dec. 28, 5 p.m.
ESPN
Emerald San Francisco
Maryland vs. Oregon State
Dec. 28, 8 p.m.
ESPN
Meineke Car CareCharlotte, N.C.
Wake Forest vs. Connecticut
Dec. 29, 1 p.m.
ESPN
Liberty Memphis, Tenn.
Central Florida vs. Mississippi State
Dec. 29, 4:30 p.m.
ESPN
Alamo San Antonio
Penn State vs. Texas A&M
Dec. 29, 8 p.m.
ESPN
Independence Shreveport, La.
Colorado vs. Alabama
Dec. 30, 8 p.m.
ESPN
Armed ForcesFort Worth, Texas
California vs. Air Force
Dec. 31, 12:30 p.m.
ESPN
HumanitarianBoise, Idaho
Fresno State vs. Georgia Tech
Dec. 31, 2 p.m.
ESPN2
SunEl Paso, Texas
Oregon vs. South Florida
Dec. 31, 2 p.m.
CBS
Music CityNashville, Tenn.
Kentucky vs. Florida State
Dec. 31, 4 p.m.
ESPN
Chick-fil-A Atlanta
Auburn vs. Clemson
Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m.
ESPN
InsightTempe, Ariz.
Indiana vs. Oklahoma State
Dec. 31, 8 p.m.
NFL Network
OutbackTampa, Fla.
Wisconsin vs. Tennessee
Jan. 1, 11 a.m.
ESPN
CottonDallas
Missouri vs. Arkansas
Jan. 1, 11:30 a.m.
FOX
GatorJacksonville, Fla.
Texas Tech vs. Virginia
Jan. 1, 1 p.m.
CBS
Capital OneOrlando, Fla.
Michigan vs. Florida
Jan. 1, 1 p.m.
ABC
RosePasadena, Calif.
Southern California vs. Illinois
Jan. 1, 4:30 p.m.
ABC
SugarNew Orleans
Hawaii vs. Georgia
Jan. 1, 8:30 p.m.
FOX
FiestaGlendale, Ariz.
Oklahoma vs. West Virginia
Jan. 2, 8 p.m.
FOX
Orange Miami
Virginia Tech vs. Kansas
Jan. 3, 8 p.m.
FOX
InternationalToronto
Rutgers vs. Ball State
Jan. 5, noon
ESPN2
GMACMobile, Ala.
Bowling Green vs. Tulsa
Jan. 6, 8 p.m.
ESPN
BCS Championship Game New Orleans
Ohio State vs. LSU
Jan. 7, 8 p.m.
FOX
ALL TIMES EASTERN
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