Week 15

Week 15 picks...

Tampa Bay over Atlanta
Washington over Cincinnati
Tennessee over Houston
Indianapolis over Detroit
Green Bay over Jacksonville
San Diego over Kansas City
Miami over San Francisco
NY Jets over Buffalo
Seattle over St Louis
Arizona over Minnesota
Baltimore over Pittsburgh
Carolina over Denver
New England over Oakland
Dallas over NY Giants
Philly over Cleveland

Recapped

There is alot to cover...lets see if I can try to do it all..

NBA trades...The Suns trade for Jason Richardson...ship out the unhappy Boris Diaw and Raja Bell to Charlotte..the Suns get the better part of the deal easily..he's explosive and can score alot of points..but it doesnt help me decide what this team is...are they trying to run again?...maybe?..how about shot distribution?..Amare was complaining before..now Jason will command some shots..they have questionmarks still...the Bobcats sidestep with this one...Raja is a decent defender on the wing...but they have a semi logjam with DJ Augustin,Ray Felton,Sean Singletary and Raja Bell..I really think that Ray is the odd guy out here..I expect a few more moves on this roster..

On a point guard shuffle...New Orleans gets Antonio Daniels...Washington gets Javaris Crittenton and Mike James and Memphis gets back a draft pick they traded away a few years back(stop laughing)...I think the real winner is Crittenton in all this..I think he's a good talent(6'5 pass 1st point guard) and Washington needs warm bodies until Gil gets back...Daniels is good for NO as well but he's a little over the hill..but he's better than Mike James..

76ers fire Mo Cheeks...another quick trigger I feel...the team was underachieving yes..I get that..but I dont know how any of these coaches could fix that..the roster is similar to what Phoenix is doing..run?..slow?...whos the guy?...but Mo wasnt the problem...he actually messed with the lineup last year(pre Brand) to get that team to overachieve and make the playoffs..raw deal.

Cowboys are the clear hyped non-story ever...TO is a malcontent..thats just what he is..he's always been that..he's had a well documented track record of messing up bad situations...so why would this be any different?....why is this breaking news?...

Why are the LA Clippers bad?...I still dont get it...

Bill Simmons had a really really good podcast interviewing NBA commissioner David Stern..he talked about alot of little things..but he did get pressed for hard questions..2 things that I noted was regarding Seattle and Vancouver...he said that Seattle would be given another chance to get another team..but its not forseen to be via expansion..so basically another team would be pressed to move..which I dont like..another was him saying that the NBA messed up the situation in Vancouver(the now Memphis Grizzlies) just interesting that he brought that up unprovoked...I would recommend you give it a listen

Yankees have allllllot of money to just pass around huh?....161 million to CC...80-something to AJ Burnett...I wont pile on with everyone else saying it was a bad move blah blah blah..but it was alot of money..thats clear..but with everyone saying they overpaid blah blah blah..if you had a zillion dollars....no salary cap..and glaring holes...wouldnt you do it?..I could understand in other sports how money effects what you can spend on other players..but...not in baseball..there isnt one..I would rather have a GM react to what their team needs and overpay rather than a GM penny pinch and do nothing...make moves to win..thats the goal right?..

Reasonings

Can someone tell me why I've been hearing alot of Plaxico was the reason the Giants lost to Philly on sunday?.....that is the ridiculous thing I've ever heard...so let me get this straight...Plaxico wasnt going to play anyways(remember the hammy injury?)...so..he gets into the trouble...and hasnt been near the team since that incident..and....why again was the entire team flat?...get out of here..no one else is going to say this(now) but...the Giants are going to struggle without Plaxico...they dont have another playmaker at the receiver position...just putting that out there...

Another coach gets the bounced from a bad team....Minnesota T'Wolves fired Randy Wittman...not really sure of the reasoning of why he was fired...but the team is bad..it doesnt matter who's coaching...its nice to see Kevin McHale managing the team that he has "assembled"..go down with the ship..

Raptors also fired their coach,Sam Mitchell(last weekish)....I think this was more of a GM/Coach clashing on the kind of talent they had and how it was being used..he wasnt that good of a coach...but at the same time..to think that this team is going to compete with this talent is a bit lofty..

College football is almost over...Florida and Oklahoma for the national championship?....they kinda got it right..in a...lets pretend that Texas didnt finish with the same record or beat Oklahoma head to head kind of way....

And no...I wont be watching any bowls this year...again...I still feel that the BCS is another way of sidestepping a clearcut champion...instead lets have 5 different champions!...atleast the schools make money off the bowls...I dont care..and since you have a million and one bowls going on...missing them wont mean anything..

Week 14

Picks for week 14...

Chicago over Jacksonville
Minnesota over Detroit
Green Bay over Houston
Indianapolis over Cincinnati
Atlanta over New Orleans
NY Giants over Philly
Tennessee over Cleveland
Miami over Buffalo
Denver over Kansas City
NY Jets over San Francisco
New England over Seattle
Arizona over St Louis
Pittsburgh over Dallas
Baltimore over Washington
Tampa Bay over Carolina

Enjoy

Around the Leagues

Here are my pressing issues...

Does anyone else think that Amare is seeming like a malcontent?....he wasnt happy with Joe Johnson there..wasnt happy with Shawn Marion there nor Mike D'Antoni...now he's complaining about touches and new coach Terry Porter's slower offense...he's making a real bad case for himself over the years....I dont think anyone critcizes like he should be though...not yet..

Is the Marbury situation resolved yet?.....no?....okay moving on....

Can all the 2010 talk chill out until...like...a year from now?...if its this summer cool...everyone is going to be bouncing around(in theory)..but not only is it not this year...its not next year either...like 2 NBA champions will be crowned by then....let that sink in...just chill..

Um...Plaxico Burress...I dont have much to say about it...stupid?....oh yeah..you have no business having a gun in a club..and if you think he did...he doesnt need to be in that club...someone could have been really hurt in his carelessness...but the NY mayor is talking some really big stuff like fullest extent of the law...no one wants to hear that...for anything...if you heard his press conference..you'd be a little scared lol...as his football goes..I'd be really shocked if he'd suit up for the Giants next year..he's been a bit of a headache this year before this...and if they do anything without him...doesnt look good.

Portland is 7-0 at home...just thought I should point that out early...

Tampa Bay is the most intriguing team in the playoff picture...they dont score alot..but their defense isnt like the Ravens or Titans..but its not terrible..its really good...how they generate their points offensively is very very odd to me..so I cant get a read on them like everyone else.

Devin Harris is more than likely going to take someone's all star spot..you dont drop 47 on Steve Nash and go unnoticed...so far he's the most improved player...

76ers...Clippers...both are underacheiving...I mean I didnt think the Clippers would make the playoffs or anything...but 3-13 isnt good...Sacramento has more wins than them..76ers are still lacking a go to guy on the wing...Igoudala just doesnt want to step up and take over..maybe its because he's playing the 2 instead of the 3...but 7-10 isnt going to cut it.

NFL Picks

Week 13

Indianapolis over Cleveland
Baltimore over Cincinnati
Miami over St Louis
Buffalo over San Francisco
Green Bay over Carolina
Tampa over New Orleans
NY Giants over Washington
Atlanta over San Diego
New England over Pittsburgh
NY Jets over Denver
Kansas City over Oakland
Minnesota over Chicago
Jacksonville over Houston

Uni

I forgot to add this Uni Watch....it ties into the Wizards...maybe Jordan quit once he saw these throwbacks..

Questionables

Donovan McNabb got benched yesterday at halftime of a 12-7 game vs the Ravens....yes he had 2 ints and a fumble...but to bench him?....he's gone..theres no way you could tell me Kolb would have done better against that team..nor is it good to "evaluate" him against that defense...and as a result...he did no better than Donovan did...he's gotta go...i'd be really angry if I was McNabb..that city and this staff has done nothing but criticize me...from the day he got drafted...he has his faults..like every other QB..but he takes waaaaay more shots than any other QB for no reason.

The Wizards fired coach Eddie Jordan after going 1-10 so far...I dont think he should have been fired..but with a record of 1-10...its hard to defend when you have Jamison and Butler healthy and playing...yes...Gil isnt playing..nor is Haywood...but 1-10?..I dont know who you are going to bring in that will do any better...just keep in mind that Gil,Butler and Jamison are never healthy together...and all are locked in for a while..

Texas...Texas Tech...and Oklahoma are all 10-1...Oklahoma lost to Texas..but beat Texas Tech..Texas Tech beat Texas...but lost to Oklahoma...and Texas beat Oklahoma...but lost to Texas Tech....did your head explode there?....

Speaking of college...you know who should be fired?...Charlie Weis of Notre Dame...6-5 is decent..but their losses are very good ones..last week it was to Syracuse and they blew a big lead..certain schools have big expectations..and if you dont meet them..you get replaced by someone who can...sorry...he isnt...

Week 12

11-3 last week...here we go

Cleveland over Houston
Kansas City over Buffalo
New England over Miami
Tennessee over NY Jets
Baltimore over Philly
Dallas over San Francisco
DETROIT OVER TAMPA BAY
Jacksonville over Minnesota
Chicago over St Louis
Denver over Oakland
Carolina over Atlanta
NY Giants over Arizona
Washington over Seattle
Indianapolis over San Diego
Green Bay over New Orleans

Trade To The Future

The Knicks...the Warriors and the Clippers have made a trade with each other....sorta..this is how it went

NY sends Zach Randolph and Marty Collins to LA for Tim Thomas and Cuttino Mobley

NY sends Jamal Crawford to Golden State for Al Harrington

Here is how I see things...Golden State is....sidestepping?...Harrington wanted out so getting him out is a good thing..but bringing in Crawford is..questionable..he's a scorer..he needs alot of shots..but at his position would be Steven Jackson...Corey Maggette and Kelenna Azubuike all manning the wings...I cant see how that would work..well if you move Crawford to the point..things become a little more interesting...I dont know if he can play the point(for the reasons i've provided earlier) or if Jackson plays full time at that spot(had been doing heavy unofficial work there already)..but Monta Ellis(remember him?) is coming back within the next month and that would create a problem there as well...I dont know..I'll give more when I actually see it.

The Clippers have a similar issue but at a bigger position...they bring in Zach to play the 4..well that helps the small issue with the Camby/Kaman duo...Camby should be the one who goes to the bench..even though any combo is pretty good..I actually think that there will another trade involving Kaman..but thats for another time...anyways getting Cuttino out of town frees up time for rookie Eric Gordon to get some regular minutes...but the downside is that Ricky Davis is still there and will use most of those minutes taking bad shots...good and bad.

And there is the Knicks....who..were playing fairly well...they get Al Harrington..whos...okay...just never a player you could be excited about..he does some things well..some things bad...but his basketball IQ isnt there alot of the time..so he'll have some really bad plays..but somehow he'll be masked by the uptempo style.They get Cuttino and Tim Thomas...both are decent shooters who underachieve..um..the reason they made this trade was to free up space for the summer of 2010...so when Wade,Joe Johnson,Lebron,Bosh,Amare and others are free agents..they can make a run for 2 players and go for whatever..um...thats 2 years away...so are you committed to sucking and not making the playoffs now and next year...so in 2010 you have a "chance" to get a superstar?...risky...very risky...they better get 2 good ones because if not...you've wasted 2 years that you can never get back....oh yeah..Stephon and Eddy still arent playing...

Week 11

12-1 last week(whoa)...lets try it again..

Atlanta over Denver
Indy over Houston
Miami over Oakland
NY Giants over Baltimore
Carolina over Detroit
Philly over Cincinnati
Chicago over Green Bay
New Orleans over Kansas City
Tampa over Minnesota
San Francisco over St Louis
Arizona over Seattle
Tennessee over Jacksonville
Pittsburgh over San Diego
Dallas over Washington

Enjoy the games...

Miffed

Um...well I'll be honest with you...there are quite a few things I dont know about...I watch sports..I see everything thats going on..it processes...but I dont know...

I watched Detroit take on Boston last night...alot of things going there..KG vs Sheed..Tayshaun vs Paul..Ray vs Rip..and oh yeah..the meshing process of the shipping out of Billups and in the incoming of Allen Iverson...big stuff..well...the game was a trainwreck..the Pistons individually looked okay...Rip didnt look good at all...but it just made the point of me questioning the move still...on paper it seemed like an upgrade offensively...but the actual execution of it all didnt look good..I think Rip will suffer the most because his shots will have to change a bit with a more of a scoring lead guard..it can only get better because it couldnt get any worse.

This is how I'll explain what i've seen in the NFL..

Most Surprised with(Good)
-Matt Ryan/Atlanta Falcons-Come on...he's playing better than any other QB I've seen at the rookie level..had to be here
-Tennessee Titans-The defense had always been good,but the pass offense has been actually decent..and thats all they need
-Washington Redskins-Finally it seems that everything is coming together for them..oddly enough it would be for a 1st time coach in Jim Zorn..
-Baltimore Ravens-The defense has always been great..it still is...but another rookie QB Joe Flacco has been showing everyone why he was taken where he was taken..its amazing what a good QB can do to a team...ask the Dolphins

Most Surprising(Bad)
-Seattle Seahawks-Offense has been bad due to injuries...but the defense has been bad because of...I dont know...everyone figured to have them 1st or 2nd in the division at this point..not at 2-6
-San Diego Chargers-Other than Shawne Merriman being out..this is the same team...but yet they've been mediocre..like edging out Kansas City mediocre..if it wasnt for their division they wouldnt sniff the playoffs
-Dallas Cowboys-Another talent filled team like San Diego..and the same results...just more hype behind them...I could reasonably see them not making the playoffs and you would think the world was ending..stop.
-Oakland Raiders-I figured they wouldnt be good...I get that..but all the off the field stuff..cutting DeAngelo Hall...firing their coach...Al Davis..just a mess of an organization..to another level.


San Francisco's Tim Lincecum is your NL Cy Young...I'm so happy...the kid had a great year for a team that didnt even make the playoffs...which is different for baseball because your team can affect your record...he still outplayed Johan Santana and Brandon Webb...I'm glad..and I feel he'll have more.

Week 10

10-4 last week...

Tennessee over Chicago
Jacksonville over Detroit
Baltimore over Houston
New England over Buffalo
New Orleans over Atlanta
Miami over Seattle
Green Bay over Minnesota
NY Jets over St Louis
Carolina over Oakland
Indy over Pittsburgh
San Diego over Kansas City
NY Giants over Philly
Arizona over San Francisco

Around The Sports

Here's what I've been noticing around the league...

Stephon Marbury doesnt play...again..and has been put on the inactive list.I think I may be the only one who'll say this..but he's getting a bum rap here.Its one thing for him to be acting like he did last year and past years where he's not getting along with teammates or coach..he's good at that..and I cant defend any of those situations..I'm talking about the now..here and now..he went through training camps..no issues with anyone..he played in the preseason..no problems...thought he should start,was told he wasnt going to start...accepted it and no problems..all that just to be inactive?...and they're losing?...come on...thats not acceptable.I think this is another situation where people dont like the player(ie Barry Bonds,A-Rod,TO,etc) where it clouds people's perception of a bad situation and I think that is wrong.He may not able to be traded(21 mil this year will do that) but I think if you dont want him around you get rid of him by cutting him...having him sit and do nothing for $21 mil is reasonably worse than him playing it out..and NOW New York is penny pitching?....gimme a break.

So how long before ESPN starts to criticize Brett Favre for his lackluster play?....He's throwing interceptions like its nobodies business and they've sputtered because of it..but nah he's still a gunslinger who is just having fun...remember what I said about perception?

The Oakland Raiders are reallllly bad..like turn away from the highlights bad..if you cant watch the highlights of their games..ew

Baron Davis is injured and out...did you win the office pool?

I've been hearing more Allen Iverson trade rumors now than I did when he was in Philly..I think he's gone sometime this year...but where?

Week 9

Sorry for the missed picks last week..I was dealing with some overly wild stuff this time last week..so lets get to the picks via iPod Touch

Bills over Jets
Jags over Bengals
Ravens over Browns
Vikings over Houston
Bears over Lions
Bucs over Chiefs
Titans over Packers
Cardinals over Rams
Broncos over Dolphins
Giants over Cowboys
Falcons over Raiders
Eagles over Seahawks
Patriots over Colts
Steelers over Redskins

enjoy the games

Halloween Night

You'd think everyone had a mask on today...everyone didnt look like they did the other night...here's what I noticed

Golden State....2 games in...looks better than advertised..I mean I left them for dead in the post Baron era..but they pushed Toronto tonight to OT and NO in their 1st game as well...just something of note

Tyrus Thomas...2-17?....thats it

Andrea Bargnani made me really happy today...he looked like a real 7 footer...I think there was a stretch either in the 2nd or 3rd qtr where he had the ball on the perimeter and drove to the basket for a dunk 3x in a row...I hope its clicking

Is there anything more disrespectful than playing for less than a minute?...Well Marcus Williams should be fuming..he played 7 seconds for Golden State

I may think David Lee is a tad overhyped...I want to say if he was black he wouldnt be getting this overwhelming attention and nod to get more minutes and to start...

Marbury is inactive...ouch...

Darryl Arthur grabbed 10 boards while going 0-6....a nice surprise there..

NBA!

"So Ryan..what have you thought about everything you've seen thus far in the NBA?"

Funny you should ask that question...since I have free NBA league pass for a little bit...here's what I've seen

-The mohawk is back....here's who I've seen thus far with one...Kings Kevin Martin...T'Wolves Craig Smith...Heat's Shawn Marion and Dwyane Wade...theres more on the Heat but I havent ID'd them yet...

-Minnesota will have the award for ugliest court this year...its 2 toned....inside the 3 point line is light brown...and everything outside the 3 is dark..you have to see it...then shield your eyes because its ugly.

-The Knicks are actually moving the ball quite well so far...and you know who hasnt played? Stephon Marbury and Eddy Curry...which is funny because D'Antoni has played the other 10 guys in the 1st half..

-Oden is out 2-4 weeks with a sprained foot...I wont say it....but you know what I'm thinking

-Rudy Fernandez is going to become one of my favorite players...quick

-Amare is sporting some awesome shades er..goggles?....

-I feel Mo Williams wont have much effect on helping Lebron this year...but it wont matter some how..Lebron will still be that amazing

-Watching Spencer Hawes and Kevin Love battle it out....I know there are sportswriters that are wetting themselves right now

-Michael Beasley looks dazed right now..but now that I think about it..he always does...but I like him..

-My goodness...what is Walt Frazier wearing?....I narrowed it down to Patent leather or plastic..

West

1-Lakers-This team in a sneaky way is really stacked..even more so than Boston..Andrew Bynum comes back from his knee injury....I think the hype was a little too loud last year about Bynum..but I do think he'll help the other players on defense.Odom and Gasol are back and shifted to their natural positions and 3 and 4...even though Odom seems to get alot of criticism lately..even more so than Gasol.Regardless Farmar,Luke,Ariza,Vlad,Sasha are all coming off the bench..geez..and you know..they have that Kobe guy...who from what I've heard is really good.

2-Hornets-This is the Steve Nash effect 2.0...everything will go based on Chris Paul...the guy is a monster, averaging 21 pts,11 asts,4 rebs and a shade under 3 steals....wow..add to that valuable playoff experience..I think this might be the team that will have the best chance to beat LA.Down low they have all star(yeah?) David West, who is still grossly underrated...as well as Tyson Chandler who was left for dead by Chicago..he was allowed to be himself again and it shows..he averaged about 12 pts and 12 rebs along with a block.The wing spot is a little weak..the shooting guards are Posey and Mo Pete with Peja playing opposite to them...I see those first 2 as bandaids until they find a real shooting guard somewhere..but Peja is still one of the best shooters on the planet.The bench is a little thin..other than Posey and maybe Julian Wright it gets really bare at the bottom..but I feel that they could mask that.

3-Jazz-This team is the wildcard..they have it all...superstar point guard(Williams) dirty work guys(Boozer,Kirilenko,Millsap) shooters(Okur,Korver) young guys who can run and jump(Brewer and CJ Miles) vets to fill in(Harpring and Knight) so whats the problem?....they've been the subject of alot of bad matchups at the wing position..the last few years the Jazz have been bounced by teams with really good wing players(Kobe-LA,Ginobili-SA) and they dont have alot they can do about those players and it really hurts them.Its one thing to guard these players ineffectively,its another to not be aggressive and not make those players work on the other end..in which I dont think they have yet.They'll be in the mix..but they need a break.

4-Spurs-This team is on a quiet slide as of late..but they'll always be in the mix as well.Duncan and Parker will have to do a little extra to get the scoring load sustained while Ginobili is recovering from ankle surgery.It will depend on the combination of Mike Finley, Roger Mason and bits from Ime Udoka(yes who?) to chip in from the off guard spots to help Parker and Duncan.You pretty much know what you are getting from this team as long as they defend(why wouldnt they?) so yeah..another postseason trip is coming.

5-Suns-I'm still down on this team because they broke up the fun,run and gun Suns...well they still have Amare and Nash which are always nice pieces to have in trying for a championship...Shaq is still there making $20 mil this year...ew..for small spurts he's decent..but I think other than that he's just a slow,plotting center.Robin Lopez is a nice backup center who blocks shots and rebounds so expect to see a good amount of him this year.The wings are a little older but yet still effective.Raja Bell,Grant Hill and Barbosa with new guy Matt Barnes should help score in theory..even thought Barnes has never had 10 points(close) in a season.I feel that this team will be depending on the health of Nash and Amare..which is funny because neither of them have been that in preseason...uh oh.

6-Rockets-This is another wildcard team....this team could be in the top 3 if they stay healthy..and by they I mean Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming....which I can go ahead and throw out because neither one of them has done that in recent years...so I'll just act like one of them is in and the other isnt most of the year...The addition of Ron Artest will help alot if(sorry when) Tracy is out..he's a legit 20 point scorer himself...the talent is there...I just need for them to be playing and using that talent.

7-Mavs-I for one think Avery Johnson held them back offensively..the defense was never really there like it should be...and you should be who you are...a high scoring team.And I think they can get back to that..a full year of Jason Kidd will help Dirk alot..as well as gelling with Jason Terry and Josh Howard...and they better..because if it isnt coming from those 3 as well as Stackhouse...its not coming at all...I think they sneak into the playoffs and get bounced 1st round..

8-Blazers-The dynasty starts here lol...no no...but you need that one playoff run where you give a team a little scare before you get sent home..I think this is that year...Brandon Roy is the household name everyone will get familar with(if you arent already) meanwhile Greg Oden will get adjusted to the NBA quickly at center...LaMarcus Aldridge is the power forward and the other forward has been given yet..but they have some really nice options.Anytime primetime players like rookies Rudy Fernandez and Jerryd Bayless as well as Travis Outlaw dont start...you are officially stacked.This is the team of the future if everything goes right.

9-Clippers-On paper(see what I did there..paper..clips?) this team is a pretty random collection of talent.They were really scrambling after the Elton Brand thing...so in comes Baron Davis and Marcus Camby..both are really good players,but come in with some injury concerns...and look...they are already living up to that billing already.Anyways Chris Kaman is an underrated quality center...Al Thornton is a really nice young swingman who got overlooked last year because they were terrible(so was Durant's team but no matter) the combination of Cuttino Mobley,Ricky Davis and rook Eric Gordon make a nice rotation of 2-guards..and Tim"paycheck" Thomas is still around doing whatever it is he does...but other than those 6 or 7 players...those other guys could be on a D-League team..and I'm being completely serious.They could be way lower than 9th.

10-Nuggets-This team is in cut cost mode...Camby was traded for a bag of balls(and not even Spalding ones) meanwhile players like Nene and Kenyon Martin are high priced injury risks...AI and Carmelo will have to do the bulk of the scoring again..and JR Smith will chip in when he gets off the bench(I dont understand still)...the big difference will be the defense...they werent very good prior to Camby leaving..now they should be on doormat status and you dont even have 5 quality scorers to compensate.The bench is another D-League team..so dont look for much from this team.

11-Warriors-This team would be a slight bit higher if Monta Ellis wasnt hurt..but even then his point guard sklls were questionable anyways....but yes..this team is stock full of swingmen...Corey Maggette and Steven Jackson are the notable players on this team...Al Harrington and Andris Biedrins are pretty effective at what they do and Ronny Turiaf should add some depth at both spots which is a nice move.Brandan Wright and Kelenna Azubukie are nice option guys..but the real reason they will be bad,again..is the point guard spot..Ellis is out...CJ Watson(who?) is out..and for some reason(unknown to me) Marcus Williams isnt getting a fair shot at it..so enter DeMarcus Nelson..I cant see it working..but just you wait to confirm it.

12-T'Wolves-Al Jefferson and Mike Miller are the dependables....other than that?....you arent really sure..is Kevin Love ready for the NBA?..is Randy Foye a good point guard?....how is Corey Brewer coming along on his offensive game?...Where does Ryan Gomes play?...what about Rashad McCants?....I dont know many of these questions..and thats why they're here.

13-Kings-Let the Kevin Martin era begin....no seriously..the guy can score..he's like Mitch Richmond 2.0..the talent is a little bare here...Brad Miller can still play...Francisco Garcia and John Salmons are nice players coming into their own..Beno Udrih is...solid? and Spencer Hawes is coming along quite nicely..but..this isnt a defensive team..and offense isnt guarnteed other from Martin..so wait a few more years.

14-Grizzlies-The backcourt is pretty solid with the trio of Mike Conley,Rudy Gay and OJ Mayo holding it down...they have some depth at those spots too with Marko Jaric and Kyle Lowry but upfront is where they will have the most issue...Hakim Warrick is a decent option at the 4 and I like Mark Gasol..but the players like Darko who have to play alot I cant get behind.Darrell Arthur could be a solid option..but you never know..this team would have to play real uptempo to have a fighting chance...

15-Thunder-My last time referencing this team..they were really bad last year...they added Russell Westbrook who is in the combo guard mold..will help shoulder some of the offensive load off of Kevin Durant...who I feel will be really really good this year...but I dont think the other spots will be able to contribute like they should.Collison and Wilcox are okay,but not every night options and neither is Jeff Green(yet)...they need a real post player bad.

East

1-Celtics-They won..they didnt lose much(just Posey and PJ Brown)...KG,Pierce and Ray are still there..the bench is fairly deep..be prepared for another deep postseason run, or a finals run barring injury..

2-Cavs-Lebron James..thats enough to get you here lol...new guy Mo Williams is a good addition..I dont like him as a point guard..or defender but Lebron will finally(in theory) get another offensive weapon..

3-Pistons-Best starting 5 in the league..they have a deep bench too..I think I heard that Amir Johnson is starting in place of McDyess..and they have Maxiell,Kwame(joking but hes there) Afflalo and Stuckey getting good minutes as well..it remains to be seen if a new coach(Michael Curry) can get this crew to stop choking and playing lackadaisical in the playoffs..I doubt it

4-Raptors-This team has all the pieces to be this high..Bosh is becoming a force(not stat-wise,being noticed public-wise) they got rid of TJ Ford,enter Jermaine O'Neal..he's a legit defensive player..the elephant in the room is that he is always unhealthy..and with no Rasho(shipped to Indy) there might be an issue there..Andrea Bargnani can save their season if he starts to become anything better than what he was last year(10 pts,3 rebs)Give them half a point guard behind Calderon,there will be a real issue when playing this team.

5-Sixers-Elton Brand was the big addition to a young yet up and coming team..my only issue for this team is that they cant shoot...I dont know how you can mask that glaring issue,but they cant.They have shooters..but they are buried...and for the record I still cant trust Andre Miller like I should.

6-Magic-The starting 5 is solid..having the monster Dwight Howard will always help down low.They are depending on Jameer Nelson alot(let go of Dooling and Arroyo)..well..they are depending on their starters alot because they have no bench...JJ Redick is about it..personally there isnt any other player who could warrant ANY kind of playing time on any other team..they are really bare.

7-Wizards-Okay okay..I know what you are thinking...yes Haywood is out for a long time..yes Gilbert is out for a few months as well...but this team is still not bad as you think.Caron Butler is still there as well as Antawn Jamison..those are two 20 point scoring all stars..which is more than most teams have.Every one else is just role players..if you can somehow hold down the fort,play Nick Young more...and get Gil and Haywood back...I think you can still sneak into the playoffs like last year.

8-Hawks-Perhaps the 2nd best starting 5 in the league..this team still isnt ready to make the leap the way I see it. Yes they got back Josh Smith..but they lost super effective Josh Childress to Europe and they will really feel his loss.The bench isnt too good either with Acie Law,Maurice Evans,Flip Murray and Zaza..ew..alot of things will have to go right for this team(players maturing and playing better,injury free with key players) to make the playoffs at all..I dont for see all that happening...so 8 seems right.

9-Pacers-A real question mark of a team here...but I like them somehow.They play uptempo..which helps mask anything usually...they have TJ Ford..who is questionable with his health concerns...Mike Dunleavy who has been questionable all career(until last year) with underachieving..Danny Granger is good,but can he be the number 1 option all year?...they have some pieces off the bench but frontcourt-wise is lacking...I still think somehow they answer most of these questions and push for a playoff spot...I think.

10-Heat-A healthy Wade will always have you in a right direction..but I dont know if it'll be enough to get into the postseason.Point guard is a glaring issue...Livingston should be it but he's still getting himself back into shape from injury...until then Mario Chalmers and Chris Quinn will...do whatever it is they do...another issue is Shawn Marion..with Michael Beasley and Udonis Haslem both viable spots at the forward...do you trade him?...go small with Haslem at center?...I dont think anyone knows yet.

11-Bulls-Remember when they were the up and coming team?...smacking around the Heat with all that young talent?...well they still got it..but..its not as up and coming...Ben Gordon isnt playing team player...Kirk Hinrich is the shooting guard..Derrick Rose is the point guard..new coach..oh yeah..Larry Hughes is still on the roster...I like them in theory..but there is no way you can have 6 legit guards playing at 2 spots..until they clear that logjam..I cant stand by them.

12-Knicks-Remember when I said "Uptempo masks almost anything?" yeah that could apply here...if they right pieces get moved around.Mainly Eddy Curry...he cant play here..thats really all I have...I need less Chris Duhon for this offense and more Stephon Marbury..yeah I know he's hated..selfish..and all that..but he's the best option they have...and hes due for 21 million THIS year...yeah..play him..Nate Robinson,David Lee,Jamal Crawford(in theory) should thrive in this offense...meanwhile if they ever get rookie Danilo Gallanari going...I think they could be something..other than god awful.

13-Nets-And the award for most random collection of average talent goes to New Jersey...its not looking good for them..anytime Vince Carter is your best player..and you arent winning.something will go wrong..really wrong..Devin Harris will help..but not enough to matter.

14-Bucks-This team could be..sorta better than where I have them...the talent is there..Luke Ridnour...Michael Redd..Richard Jefferson..Andrew Bogut..that should be enough right?...eh..the veterans on this team(Lue,Malik Allen) arent very good..Scott Skiles is the coach..and he depends way too much on veterans..which is where I can see how this team could be held back..also tempo could be interesting..Jefferson,Ridnour and Redd could benefit from a faster tempo while Bogut wouldnt..and Bogut is to good to be not involved in the offense.

15-Bobcats-...Again...the pieces arent right..the coach isnt right for this team...they arent going to be very good at all..Jason Richardson,Gerald Wallace and Emeka Okafor are pretty good players...but Larry Brown should ruin everything...I dont hear enough blame for Brown for the last 2 situations(NY and Detroit)...they all werent his fault..but he should get something..but here he goes again messing something else up by "playing the right way" just watch and see.

World Series

For the record...I'm picking the Phillies over the Rays...in 6..yeah

Week 7 picks(6-7 last week;38-32 overall)

San Diego over Buffalo
New Orleans over Carolina
Chicago over Minnesota
Pittsburgh over Cincinnati
Tennessee over Kansas City
Baltimore over Miami
NY Giants over San Francisco
Dallas over St Louis
Houston over Detroit
Indy over Green Bay
NY Jets over Oakland
Washington over Cleveland
Tampa over Seattle

Wait A..

Things have been a little weird in the sporting world...

-One of the most tortured sports cities(Philly;last title was 1983) gets a shot at the World Series with the Phillies...they pounded LA without a doubt and actually deserve to be there.

-Tampa meanwhile has to play game 6 later tonight because they choked away a 7 run lead going into the 7th inning against the Red Sox..momentum is a funny thing..you never know when it starts or stops..but for a young team...they really need all the momentum they can get.

-So..Romo is going to play?....with a broken pinkie in on his throwing hand?....seems kinda important to have right?

-But wait...the final decision will be made about Romo...not by the coach...but the owner Jerry Jones....wow...clearly you know whose running things....Al Davis 2.0 lol.

NFL picks and perhaps NBA mentions forthcoming

NFL related

Here's a small rule to have involving the NFL(or sports in general)

"They arent as good as you thought..."or
"They arent as bad as you thought"

Washington,Denver,Dallas,Seattle....all fall under that one...
Atlanta,St Louis and Cleveland fall under the other..

Anyways..this particular entry is unofficially dedicated to the Dallas Cowboys..just because everything drama related seems to be going on there..so lets get into it

-QB Tony Romo is out 4 weeks with a broken pinkie on his right hand...bad but maybe a little good as well.Romo is the weak link on that offense(which is ahead of alot of other teams,but still) and that was evident against Arizona..he just needs to chill out for a little while..and while Brad Johnson isnt the answer..you still have a real running game thats been underused but...

-Cowboys trade for(the pass catching) WR Roy Williams from the Lions for multiple draft picks.Um..they did lack a real number 2 option unless you count the tightend Jason Witten,but regardless Williams gives them a real legit option other than TO..couldnt come at a worse time because Romo is out..so it will take a fairly long time to pick up an offense and gel with a #2 QB,then the starter..it was a bold move though but...

-Adam Jones was suspended for a minimum of 4 games(I also heard indefinitely) for his most recent extracurricular police related incident...something about alcohol and a fight with his bodyguard(that was assigned to him from the team)...he's a repeat offender..so I think pity gets out of the window for me..but at some point,you just have to look at yourself in the mirror and ask yourself "What is more important?...my career or partying?"...fairly easy to me...he needs to chill out for real and I dont know if he'll get many more chances

Oh...as a sidebar,I'd be really pissed if I was WR Calvin Johnson today...QB Jon Kitna is out for the year now and they traded away WR Roy Williams...its going to get ugly.

Week 6

Week 6 picks(7-7 last week;32-25 overall)

Chicago over Atlanta
Miami over Houston
Indy over Baltimore
Minnesota over Detroit
New Orleans over Oakland
NY Jets over Cincinnati
Carolina over Tampa Bay
Washington over St Louis
Jacksonville over Denver
Dallas over Arizona
Philly over San Francisco
Seattle over GB
New England over San Diego

October 11th

Apparently the Warriors finally took action against Guard Monta Ellis,who got injured this past off-season by wrecking a moped,lying about it,needing surgery on torn ligaments and will be out a good bit of the season..its for like 30 games,which amounts to about $3 million..but its odd that the suspension is when he is hurt..but I guess its the money that is what is suppose to hurt here(signed a $66 million contract in July) well atleast he didnt end up like Jay Williams and had his career ended...he made a mistake and hopefully learned from it.

Also in less related basketball news...the Suns and Nuggets get to play in the 2nd game all time outdoors shortly tonight...I doubt anyone will play huge minutes..it is preseason you know..but just to see it outdoors will be an interesting look I think.Tune in..

Chiefs Tightend Tony Gonzalez is on the trading block...I'm actually surprised it took this long to get him out of there...he's toiling the rest of his career away so far in a terrible situation..take the Jason Taylor route and get going...

NFL picks forthcoming

More Playoffs

Darn...Angels got robbed...I'm very shocked there isnt more uproar about this...still..(*cough* east coast bias *cough*) anyways...this is how I see it

Dodgers over Phillies in 6
Rays over Sox in 7

Monday Morning

Well I'll start with baseball since its the playoffs and all

Last night was a real high tense game with the Angels and Red Sox going at it..it seemed as if every pitcher who came into the game,they would get themselves in alot of trouble and then bail themselves out...I really hope the Angels can make the comeback and pull it out.

Cubs get swept?...wow..I didnt have that one penned...I figured even if LA won,the Cubs could get atleast one....wow...for some reason I dont think the Cubs have the loveable loser label like the Red Sox did a while back..

The Phillies put away the Brewers yesterday...the pitching wasnt there for the Brewers..well neither was the offense to a lesser extent...regardless CC had a good run with them and I expect him to get Johan Santana/Barry Zito type money somewhere(despite my rumblings of his postseason numbers)

Ohhh so thats what the Washington Redskins are suppose to become?....all the pieces have been there..for more than a year..but everything is clicking for them now..the Redskins have pulled out the 2 most impressive wins I think of any other team..beating Dallas at Dallas and then next week beating Philly at Philly...and they didnt have Jason Taylor for either way...and somehow the super bowl winners NY Giants still fly under the radar at 4-0...how that happens I have no idea

Meanwhile the Chargers lose to the Dolphins?..my goodness...push the emergency button please..now..are you pushing it?..

6'7 point guard Shaun Livingston finally gets signed to Miami..after his almost career ending knee injury,glad to see him getting a chance to keep playing..if hes anything like he was,this is a steal for Miami.

And congrats to the WNBA champs Detroit Shock

Week 5

Week 5 picks(7-6 last week; 25-18 overall)

Tennessee over Baltimore
Carolina over KC
Chicago over Detroit
Green Bay over Atlanta
Indy over Houston
SD over Miami
Seattle over NY Giants
Philly over Washington
Tampa Bay over Denver
Buffalo over Arizona
Dallas over Cincinnati
New England over San Francisco
Jacksonville over Pittsburgh
Minnesota over New Orleans

Playoff Time!

I'll be honest with you...I thought I had a little more time to gather my thoughts about the playoffs...oops..so you can get this blog on the road(via blackjack 2 sitting in a coffeeshop) anyways this is how I feel

Series no one really cares about:Tampa vs Chicago White Sox...people in Tampa dont watch Tampa..And I havent come across a White Sox fan yet...need I say more?..I pick Chicago

Series with most hype:Anaheim vs Boston...K Rod..No Manny..Beckett weirding people out being hurt..I'm pulling for a LA/"LA" world series..so I go with Anaheim...I think they out swing Boston

Series that people shrug at most:Philly vs Milwaukee....CC and Cole Hamels..then Ben Sheets and the ageless Jamie Moyer?...oh boy..hitting should be interesting..a true coin flip for me..I pick Milwaukee because of CC and they have a vegetarian in Prince Fielder.

Biggest gap that wont matter:LA vs Chicago Cubs...take a look at the records...84-78 and 97-64...doesnt matter now..I think that Manny's bat is the great equalizer..and oh yeah..theres 100 year thing people should take a look at Cub fans...regardless I think they pull it out here..pitching might be too much for LA.

More Uni

2 more sidenotes on Uni's in sports

This is the 2nd to last time I will be referencing Oklahoma City..but they unveiled their jerseys for the upcoming season..they dont have pictures up yet,but it is on their website,check it out

http://www.nba.com/thunder/

The away ones are kinda decent..in a "I just stole a franchise from one of the best cities in America" kind of way..I'm still getting the slight bitterness out of my system still..3/5 until I see more of them.

Anyways I wanted to show you the Pack er...Jets jerseys from yesterday..
















Gross...they were called throwbacks from waay back...I need these to stay back..its like a bad mix of Steelers and Saints jerseys....gross.Never again.

Week 4

Week 4 Picks(last week 9-6;overall 18-12)

Cincinnati over Cleveland
Jacksonville over Houston
Carolina over Atlanta
Denver over KC
NO over SF
Arizona over NY Jets
GB over Tampa
Tennessee over Minnesota
SD over Oakland
Buffalo over St Louis
Dallas over Washington
Philly over Chicago
Pittsburgh over Baltimore

Uni

In addition to yesterday's Uni Watch...the Toronto Raptors have updated with a 3rd alternate jersey.




























I personally love them...black jerseys as of late have been eliminated from as many as they used to have..much like purple..but this is a welcomed change...I hope they wear them alot.

Timing

Everything is about timing...I hadnt found any lately..but I'll steal some to get some thoughts down here...

I'll start with basketball...

So Marbury was going to be paid 20 million to go away from New York...but wait..he's not now...and I think this is smart...1st and 2nd of all...20 million is alot to give someone to go away..Larry Brown got a alllllot of money to just go away and I think its a break in case of emergency situation. 3rd..and I think there isnt enough of this going around..he can still play...no he isnt a 20 point,9 assist player..but he can be 13-16 point,5-6 assist guy who can actually "lead" that team..he's better than Chris Duhon and Nate Robinson at the point guard slot,but there is more baggage with Eddy Curry and Q Richardson to just shake off.I think he can help,but it is going to be a big pill to swallow for everyone involved

Salim Stoudamire gets out of Atlanta and signs with the Spurs.I personally love the deal because I feel he can be the sharpshooter off the bench much like Steve Kerr was when he got there. For some reasons that still havent been explained to me he couldnt get off the bench of a bad team who couldnt shoot,but regardless I'm sure that Salim can take advantage of the opportunity given with the Spurs.

Footballing news...

0-3 Rams QB Marc Bulger gets bench in favor of Trent Green?...I dont think he's the problem...well..not the guy who should lose his job.Its not his fault really that he's been sacked 11 times in 3 games....11 times!...I would say that I give Green 2 games before they go back to Bulger...

Detroit GM Matt Millen gets fired...finally..but I felt like he could have lost his job at the end of the year..I'm not sure why 3 games in anyone would say..you shouldnt be our GM anymore..heres a few of the highlights of his tenure since 2001...

Goods
-Drafting Calvin Johnson
-Drafting Roy Williams
-Drafting Ernie Sims
-Drafting Shaun Rogers

Bads
-Drafting Joey Harrington
-Drafting Charles Rogers
-Everyone else lol

Happy Trails Yankee Stadium...the New York Yankees in the playoffs this year,Plaxico Burress for a week...tough times for New York.

Uni Watch!

Orlando decided to update their jerseys officially...










































Hmm...its not bad..a real progression from the pinstripes to now...I give it 4 out of 5

Milwaukee(yes Bucks) wanted a alternate(which I'm pro-alternate,every team should have one) and here it is..













At 1st...didnt like...2nd look..I love it..its simple and very 70s where this look orginiated...5 out of 5 here

Week 3 Picks

Picks(so far 9-6)

Atlanta over KC
Buffalo over Oakland
NY Giants over Cincinnati
New England over Miami
Tennessee over Houston
Tampa over Chicago
Washington over Arizona
Carolina over Minnesota
New Orleans over Denver
SF over Detroit
Seattle over St Louis
Pittsburgh over Philly
Cleveland over Baltimore
Indy over Jacksonville
Dallas over Green Bay
San Diego over NY Jets

Random Blurbs

Hadnt done this in a while..but I'll see if I can get the full rust off

Gilbert Arenas goes under the knife for the 3rd time....but this time just for loose debris in his knee...while the surgery wasnt super serious,you cant be happy with anyone going under the knife for anything..especially when its happened with the same appendage.They say he'll miss the 1st month but I've also heard around January would be the date he would be back.If I was a Wizard fan I wouldnt be worried about Gil's return on $111 million contract he signed this summer...I would be asking am I ever going to see a healthy Gil,Caron and Jamison at the same time?

So Josh Howard made some comments about the national anthemin July mind you)..something like this:

"The Star Spangled Banner’ is going on right now. I don’t even celebrate that (expletive). I’m black.”

Um..well...I'm not going to lie..I wasnt too offended with the comment...but I wasnt too cool with him at throwing "Obama 08" at the end of that sentence..he has nothing to do with any of this.Regardless I think before you cast him as a communist or a terriorist or whatever you're calling "non american" setiments) you have to use the fundamental way that our country has totally different views about itself depending who you ask.Would I be wrong in saying that black people in general have a different experience in this country than white people?...I wouldnt think so.But we live in a tech age(ie Camera Phones) so anything anyone ever says is liable to be recorded and on YouTube...I dont have a problem with people expressing themselves..just explain why.

Congrats to Ichiro on getting his 200th hit for the 8th season in a row(out of 8 seasons)...people dont know how hard it is getting 200 hits every year..while his averaged dropped to .313(still good btw) the thing that I was most impressed with was his strikeouts....he has strukout only 58 times in 151 games...thats amazing..

On the downside pitcher Erik Bedard is out 6-9 months with shoulder surgery..I was leery about him from jump..so I'm not surprised.

Also in Seattle....the Seahawks signed WR Koren Robinson who used to be there a few years back and traded for Keary Colbert...I personally was a Koren fan when he was there,he had a dropping problem but at the same time he's an upgrade over whoever they had prior at the spot.

Just as a note..I know people in Seattle are on suicide watch..its been a rough summer for those guys...Sonics are gone..Mariners are awful...Seahawks are sputtering...its not good.

Oh look...Tavaris Jackson has been benched by the Vikings in favor of Gus Frerotte...while I would like 3rd stringer John David Booty to get the nod here...I am glad that Jackson was benched.I had been calling for this since last year...when you have a good defense,good runningback and solid pieces everywhere else and choke away a 15 point lead last sunday...you gotta do something...in Jackson's defense he didnt play bad numbers-wise:

14-24 130yds 0 TD 0 Int

He didnt do really anything either..they went 3 and out way too many times in the 2nd half for me.

It seems that Vince Young has lost his job to Kerry Collins..ouch...the wide receivers seemed to get more involved last sunday..but then again...who couldnt when you're playing the Bengals?

I'll get around to Baseball awards later...

Week 2 W/L

9-5 in my picks this week(pending the Philly/Dallas game)..not bad huh?

Winners

-Buffalo Bills:After beating Seattle at home,people didnt know what to make of them...well..after beating Super Bowl contender Jacksonville on the road...you have to start taking them seriously.Trent Edwards is flying under the radar quite nicely as a young QB of the future.

-Aaron Rodgers,GB:I smell a trend here...in his 2nd official game he only throws for 328yds and 3 TDs in a 48pt game on the road...is he official yet?

-Matt Cassel,NE:He played well against division rival New York Jets...what is big is that he didnt try to do too much...he managed the game well and they ended up winning...I dont know what to make of Randy Moss though.

-Denver Broncos:Not because they won...it was more of how they won...they choked away a 31-17 halftime lead only to be given a 2nd chance by the refs on the fumble on their last drive..they made the most of it...congrats

-Brandon Marshall,Den:Oh yeah..this guy is a legit monster,against a top defense in San Diego at San Diego he put up 18 catches for 166 yards and 1 TD...legit monster...league is put on notice

Losers

-Cleveland Browns:Uh...this was the step forward right?...everyone picked you guys to put up alot of points with the weapons you have....6 points at home?...I know the wind was not giving...but 6?

-Minnesota Vikings:You had Peyton Manning on the ropes...you knocked him around..made Joseph Addai look awful(15 for 20 yds)..your running back(Peterson) had 160 yards rushing..but yet...you muster up 15 points...all off field goals...up 15-0 in 3rd quarter..and you lose..it doesnt add up.

-Seattle Seahawks:More WR trouble..Logan Payne is out for the year and backup QB/WR Seneca Wallace hurt himself in warmups and is out for a month.....things are not looking good for Seattle..oh yeah...they are 0-2 and lost to the terrible SF 49ers at home.

-LaDainian Tomlinson,SD-What gets lost in the Chargers losing to the Broncos is that LT is really banged up...so much he hardly played...10 rushes for 26 yards?...ew

NFL Picks

Tennessee over Cincinnati
Jacksonville over Buffalo
Oakland over Kansas City
Indy over Minnesota
Chicago over Carolina
Green Bay over Detroit
NY Giants over St Louis
New Orleans over Washington
Tampa over Atlanta
Seattle over San Francisco
New England over NY Jets
San Diego over Denver
Arizona over Miami
Pittsburgh over Cleveland
Baltimore over Houston(whenever they actually play)
Philly over Dallas

Hold me to these

Week 1

Winners
-Aaron Rodgers-Always nice to have a good game against a good defense with the weight of an entire state on your back while replacing a legend.

-Atlanta Falcons-The combo of Matt Ryan and Michael Turner exploded onto the scene to get everyone excited again.A real confidence builder

-Brett Favre-Living up to the hype after the offseason from hell..and with Brady getting hurt..maybe they can be a lock for the playoffs.

-Jake Delhomme-On the road....against a really good defense(San Diego)...without his favorite target and best player(Steve Smith)..he threw the game winning TD(http://bradsportsfix.blogspot.com/ didnt think he would)

-Donovan McNabb-Always nice to see a healthy quality quarterback back and do well.He threw for almost 400yds...keep it up.

Losers
-Tom Brady-Torn ACL,out for the year...well...everyone can change their superbowl predictions now huh?

-St Louis Rams-You muster 3 points with awesome offensive players such as Torry Holt,Marc Bulger and Steven Jackson...I dont understand.

-Seattle Receivers-Bobby Engram-out....Deion Branch-out...Nate Burleson-out for year....its going to get really really tricky naming WRs for Seattle with them cutting Jordan Kent earlier today.

-DeAngelo Hall-You got killed by rookie Eddie Royal for 146yds in his 1st game..a tad overrated apparently..

-Detroit Defense-I dont think you can give up over 300 yds rushing with no one on the field...they apparently tried to give me the simulation of how 300 yds would look with players on the field.

-Shawne Merriman-Well you finally decided to give up on the season and have knee surgery.Technically it would make you a winner to have the surgery and be healthy for next season,but it shouldnt have taken you 2 tackles in sunday's game to tell you that you couldnt have played on 2(out of 3) ligaments.Get healthy

Super Bowl

Like every year..this is my prediction


Pats vs Seahawks


I dont care..

NFL Preview(NFC East)

NFC East

Cowboys(11-5)

By the slimmest of margins..I gave the title to Dallas...I think this team has the most talent and it should be carried out this year to win.I think the addition of Adam Jones should help keep safety Roy Williams off the field as much as possible and that cant do anything but help this team do well.Offensively Romo to TO or Jason Witten should be norm,but I think ability of Patrick Crayton will get them over the hump,because TO will get the doubles,someone else will need to step up their game.Marion Barber is the guy everyone is raving about but I think he'll be less effective this year,I feel his running style for his body isnt a good mix..and he'll get the bulk of the carries where Julius Jones could have helped out.Felix Jones is a good backup but I dont think he'll pay dividends like he should in his 1st year.Give him time.

Eagles(10-6)

I really like this team...alot...IF Donovan McNabb is healthy...if he isnt...eliminate this record...but I'll go with that he is...if there is any team who has had success with "no name" talent other than the Patriots..its the Eagles..Other than McNabb and )do everything running back) Brian Westbrook,it will be offense by committee.Rookie DeSean Jackson,Hank Baskett and Reggie Brown will have to be the threats on the outside and I think that could be enough if Reggie can do his part,he was in danger of losing his job last year,but Kevin Curtis is out with a hernia so he'll have to do for now.This defense is a standout with a trio(yes,trio) of pro bowl caliber cornerbacks...Sheldon Brown,Asante Samuel and Lito Sheppard are going to cause alot of problems for offenses..now add Brian Dawkins and Trent Cole..and you have the potential for an elite defense.That is if like McNabb,everyone stays relatively healthy.

Giants(9-7)

I'm not sold on Eli Manning...still lol...and I feel terrible about it...you dont outduel "The Great" Tom Brady for a super bowl and get nothing...but eh..I think I'm more sour on the defense and who isnt there this year than I am about Eli and his streaky play.The defense has lost Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora while others have walked from the team via free agency...but the secondary isnt that bad with small upgrades..but I feel the offense is going to have to carry this team and I dont know if Eli can..yet..sorry.

Redskins(8-8)

The only reason I dont have my home team(from Virginia) higher is because of Jason Campbell...I like him..but he's had a different system every year...that cant happen with a young QB.This team is maybe 2nd to Dallas in terms of talent..maybe even more..but something is always up..injury..something..to hold them back.Hopefully the team doesnt give up on Campbell early and go with Todd Collins,even though the team did that last year and made it to the playoffs...wait a minute.....

NFL Preview(NFC South)

NFC South

Tampa Bay(9-7)

It will be close between Tampa,Carolina and New Orleans,but it wont take much to win the division.I went with Tampa because of the standout defense that brings it every game.They have standouts at every level of their defense from Gaines Adams to Derrick Brooks to Ronde Barber to Jermaine Phillips...expect them to hold teams under 20pts(16 last year) for another year.The offense...isnt so standout...Jeff Garcia is a solid option at quarterback,but other than Joey Galloway at receiver,you really cant pencil in anything for anyone else...this is who needs to step up:
-Any running back;Warrick Dunn,Earnest Graham...gotta keep the defense honest..very much needed.
-Anyone not named Joey Galloway;Ike Hillard,Alex Smith,Michael Clayton,Jerramy Stevens...go catch something!

New Orleans(8-8)

The offense will be pretty explosive this year..I may be the one of the few players who thinks Reggie Bush will pan out still...Drew Brees is still undervalued at quarterback(ask the Chargers who they'd want) Marques Colston is a legit monster at WR and Jeremy Shockley is their new horse at tight end...and Shockley is good when he is on the field..take that with a grain of salt because hes always nicked up with something..but he is tough so he should atleast try to get out there.Defensively is the hold up for me here...their defensive line is pretty nice,but other than that..I should legitimately shrug at..no real defensive stoppers...so expect high scoring games,but dont make plays for December.

Carolina(7-9)

This is the team that is always a dark horse.You cant predict anything about them other than unpredictability...I believe everyone(nearly) picked them to make the super bowl not too long ago..and they simply didnt deliver.They kinda have the talent to make it.Steve "Fists of Fury" Smith is the star on that team and its amazing to watch a guy who is 5'8ish get open and take contact..the 2nd receiver is always a question but I think with the additions of DJ Hackett and Muhsin Muhammad(re-addition) and 2nd year player Dwayne Jarrett should provide help on the outside. The running back tandem of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart will be a force to be reckoned with but the big question mark on offense is QB Jake Delhomme.He had elbow surgery last year and honestly to me wasnt that good of a QB prior...so..alot will depend on him.The defense is another question mark.They have all the talent to be a shut down defense..but somehow they just didnt..it was sad to see talent wasted like that.Julius Peppers is one of the scarest players to be playing against as a quarterback(like I did it or something lol) but yet somehow mustered up a meer 2.5 sacks last year and played 14 games.Who knows.

Falcons(5-11)

Matt Ryan is a rookie...and the starting quarterback...Michael Turner gets from behind LT in San Diego and gets a full load shot...this team isnt good...but I dont expect them to bomb like everyone else...mainly because of the schedule...I think these are winable games
-Detroit
-Kansas City
-Chicago
-Denver
-St Louis

and mix in the unpredictability of Carolina...not bad...too bad no one in Atlanta will see most of these games...regardless I think Ryan is a little further along in his maturity compared to his other rookie QB counterparts and he actually has a target in Roddy White who had an overly quiet 1200 yards last year with a revolving door of QBs. The defense isnt great overall at key positions but I'm sure something can be made of it.I think they're better than New Orleans' defense..for what its worth.

NFL Preview(NFC North)

NFC North

Packers(10-6)

I had a tie here with the Vikings...I like Aaron Rodgers more than Tavaris Jackson..but just because I like him doesnt mean he'll do better than the other guy.I give the Packers the edge here because I like all parts of the offense...the defenses are very even,I like the skill positions...I think the WR core(Driver and Jennings) is more experienced and will help their QB more than Minnesota's core(Berrain and Rice).Running back Ryan Grant came on last year but I dont know if he is one of those guys who came out of no where because the bar was set low,or because he is the real deal.Regardless I feel that Aaron Rodgers will ease the faithful in Green Bay about Brett Farve...even if he doesnt,they still have a defense and decent running game to give them a chance much like the Bears did a few years ago with Rex Grossman.

Vikings(10-6)

The defense is there...the running game is very much there...the WRs are kinda there...the quarterback?....who knows...last year he was my pick for worst quarterback last year..They finished 8-8 last year and missed the playoffs..with the star Adrian Peterson running all over the place..it will be Tavaris Jackson who will be the most important player for them because it will be his play that will hold back or help Adrian Peterson by keeping those extra players out of the box.Anything else on this roster isnt really important other than Tavaris Jackson's TD/Int ratio.

Lions(5-11)
And the bad..its like the northern version of the Bengals...good QB(Jon Kitna),elite WRs(Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson)...uh..former runningback Rudi Johnson...no defense...i'll be honest with you there is only 2 players on this defense that I know of...former Seahawk Chuck Darby and Ernie Sims...thats not good.

Bears(4-12)
And the ugly....this offense might be the worst in football..I like the decision at the QB with Kyle Orton over Rex Grossman,but there isnt anyone to throw to...Devin Hester?..he's still learning the position..Marty Booker?....no..but on the bright side the defense is still sout but with the offense going 3 and out alot..look for the defense to be on the field alot more than the offense and it shouldnt be that way.

NFL Preview(NFC West)

NFC West

Seahawks(10-6)

I'll try to contain my homerism here..but I feel that Seattle is still ahead of all of these other teams in the West.As long as Matt Hasselbeck's back is good,the pass offense should be okay I think.Even with injuries to WRs Deion Branch and Bobby Engram,I think that the young guys who will play(Courtney Taylor and Jordan Kent) will be capable in making plays along with Nate Burleson.The ground game is in flux a little bit from my eyes,but it shouldnt be as bad as last year with the body of Shaun Alexander filling that hole.The combination of Julius Jones and Mo Morris should be enough to keep the ground game valid but I dont think either really should explode as the #1 guy yet.The defense will be a big staple for this team this year,which is odd because before last year the defense was always the questionmark.The D-tackles are a little light but the standout is Patrick Kerney who was 2nd in the league last year in sacks.The linebackers are argubly the best in football with the combo of Julian Peterson,Leroy Hill and Lofa Tatupu who are all playmakers in their own rights and the secondary is very solid with probowler corner Marcus Trufant.The 2nd corner spot is a bit of a sore spot with young guy Kelly Jennings,but he should grow and make plays as well.

Cardinals(8-8)

Now I know everyone is picking them to overthrow the Seahawks this year...but I'm holding off on that for one more year.The offense should be examined a little more...this is what I'm wondering:

-Will Matt Leinart play this year?
-Will Edgerrin James hold up for another 1200 yd year?
-Is Anquan Boldin's injury connected to his discontent with management?
-Is the defense ready to stop the run(gave up 97 yds a game)?

These things are really picking at me and this is what I came up with
-Yes,because Warner will get hurt
-No but he will get over 1000 yds
-Yes it is but he'll still show up for games
-Marginally yes..but not enough to make a difference

Rams(7-9)

This team is a year late to me..last year was going to be the year for the Rams..but injuries happened..everywhere it seemed..and it fell apart.I think the main thing everyone should be looking at is how the offensive line is doing.It matters to everyone on the offense.Marc Bulger took waaaaay more hits with a shuffled offensive line..he could only play 12 games last year and threw 35x or more in 6 of those games.Thats way too many to not have Mike Martz....so they will need Steven Jackson to play more than 12 games(like last year) and making people pay and open things up...and that can happen with a better offensive line.He only topped 100 yards 2x and both were in blowout losses and only got 25 carries once...they need him bad to play.Defensively this team took a good player in Chris Long,but he cant play in the secondary...inwhich they were 21st in yardage.Thats all I got.

49ers(5-11)

This offense isnt very good.Other than runningback Frank Gore...they dont have another reliable guy to go to.Everyone is waiting around for Vernon Davis to make the jump to elite tight end,but I think that will depend on if JT O'Sullivan can accually deliever in a starting role.Now that Mike Martz is there controlling the offense,you would think there would be alot of airing the ball out...but with Issac Bruce and Bryant Johnson....you would think....uh..how is this going to happen?....you and me both.I actually like the defense parts,but as a sum..doesnt really seem like they can pull it together..atleast not yet.Is it too early to fire Mike Nolan?

NFL Preview(AFC North)

Pittsburgh(10-6)
I was back and forth with who should win this division...I went with the Steelers because they seem tougher on defense than the Browns.But it can easily go the other way if the offensive line doesnt hold up like it hasnt as of late.Also this team is no spring chicken...last year they limped into the playoffs with injuries to its big playmakers...if they are going to make a run they need everyone to be healthy.Big Ben is a quality QB and has all the options in the world with reliabilty(Hines Ward),speed(Santonio Holmes) and size(Limas Sweed and Heath Miller) but none of that matters if the ground game isnt going.They have 2 very good options with Willie Parker and Rashard Mendenhall,offensively this team is stacked at skill positions.Defensively they are stacked as well with no real weakness...just know that.

Cleveland(10-6)
This team is on the verge...they are a high powered offense with an improving defense..but I think it will be the defense that holds them back,by not holding anyone.I said they were improving,but it may not be at a playoff level yet.The addition of Shaun Rogers will help the push up front but I didnt think the secondary was that great anyways.What you should take from this team is alot of high scoring..and no Brady Quinn...yet

Cincinnati(6-10)
6 is a tad generous...this team isnt very good..I love the combo of TJ Houshmandzadeh,Chad Ocho Cinco(lol) and Carson Palmer..its an elite combo..but anywhere else isnt good...no Rudi Johnson..so the running game is in flux right now...combine that with the ever decline of defense being played there...I dont know how this team could do well in any fase of the game right now.

Baltimore(5-11)
5 is also a bit generous..this team doesnt really seem know what to do at QB right now..Troy Smith had the inside track in the preseason,but has gotten sick and hasnt played...Kyle Boller is hurt with some kind of shoulder injury..but..is still playing?...and they just signed Joey Harrington...so that means rookie Joe Flacco is the day 1 starter...so you just dont know what the offense is capable of.Willis McGahee is the workhorse..but wait..his knee has been acting up on him..so enter Ray Rice?...do you see where I'm going with this?...defensively the team is still elite...but age is starting to get up there for the mainstays on this team...and word is Ed Reed has a career threatening injury he's dealing with so you never know whats going on with the backside...mix in a new coach..and you have last place everyone

NFL Preview(AFC East)

AFC East

1-Patriots(13-3)
How do you reward a team who goes almost undefeated last year?...give them the easiest schedule..this schedule challenges them very lightly and add that to a easy conference...be prepared to make the debate of an undefeated schedule again this year.The offense changes very little..WR Stallworth out,RB Lamont Jordan in...they will still be explosive with the combo or Brady,Moss and Welker every week.One issue could be the RB situation..Maroney hasnt lived up to his billing thus far of being a solo back,nor being healthy the entire season.But if you line up Kevin Faulk and Jordan to spell Maroney,you still have a good solid running game.My issue for the defense is the secondary.Its not good.They just added Deltha O'Neal from the Bengals...and honestly I cant see anyone not being good enough to play defense for the Bengals making a real impact for anyone else.I would predict if anyone can throw deep on this team alot of shootouts.

2-Jets(10-6)
When looking at the roster I wasnt too impressed...Favre has weapons..but the defense is real iffy for me..but the schedule is overly easy...they play the NFC West this year so that can be atleast 3 wins off the bat lol.Like I said Favre has weapons,on the outside he has the duo of Jerricho Cotchery(who had the quiestest 1100+ yds last year) and Laveranues Coles who is really reliable as well.As long as Thomas Jones can provide what he did last year with yardage(1100+) but with more touchdowns(only had 1,not a misprint) it will be a solid,balanced offense.The defense I really dont know much about anymore.I know they werent very good last year..got rid of its best player in Jonathan Vilma(to NO) and...nothing stands out..so anything could happen defensively.

3-Bills(8-8)
I like this team...QB Trent Edwards was average last year but I think he can build off that for a better season this year.The big spot of the offense was Marshawn Lynch who had 1110 yards last year and 7 tds...look for him to add to that if Edwards gets his stuff together.The WR core is pretty weak other than Lee Evans.Its pretty easy to shut Evans out because he's a bigger deep threat than anything else,but there really isnt a 2nd receiver to help out when the double team come to Evans every game.This team is a big possesion receiver from pushing for a playoff spot to me.The defense seems to be more stout this year with the additions of Kawika Mitchell and Marcus Stroud.Both will seem to make impacts along with Angelo Crowell,Terrence McGee and a full season from Paul Posluszny.

4-Dolphins(5-11)
I'm kinda down on this team right now..they are in a transition year or years...so there isnt much to like on the defense anymore..I'll move on.Chad Pennington should add stability to the offense,as many jokes as I crack about Chad,he is overly accurate and should help the WRs alot...speaking of which the WRs arent good..the top 3 WRs

Ted Ginn Jr
Ernest Wilford
Derek Hagan

All have been described as WRs with questionable hands as of late..one of these guys is going to have to step up and become the main guy,my pick is Ginn..but I dont know why.The duo of Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown is pretty nice to have,but the WRs are going to have to do their job so Chad can open things up..but with that said..5-11 is how I see it

Football

What are you doing reading this?..it's the 1st Saturday of college football..go watch some games!

NFL Preview(AFC South)

AFC South

1-Colts(12-4)
I initially was going to pencil them in for 13 wins..but after I thought about it...I know nothing about Peyton Manning's knee injury...is it major?...minor?...how is Marvin Harrison's knee?....I would assume that both knees are fine..but I feel that this team is a little older..and they could show their age this year..if not this year then next year...regardless...if Manning is throwing the passes,you have a reallly good chance to win.Joseph Addai is the main running back and he is a very good option..even with Harrison's questionable knee,they still have Reggie Wayne and Anthony Gonzalez and that is alot more than other teams have.Defensively they have a really nice unit headlined by the defensive player of the year Bob Sanders.As long as he and Dwight Freeney stay on the field...their defense will be in really good shape.Other than keeping its stars healthy..expect to see them in the playoffs.

2-Jaguars(11-5)
This team is knocking on the door.They have just about everything you'd want in a contender:accurate quarterback(Garrard),tandem in the backfield(Jones Drew& Fred Taylor) and a dominate defense.The one question I would have would be the options at wide receiver.Jerry Porter and Troy Williamson followed by Reggie Williams and Matt Jones together are serviceable at best,so when they go up against another elite defense with elite corners,I would question their ability to catch the ball and be effective.

3-Titans(9-7)
Tennessee is similar to the Jags except one thing..Vince Young isnt very accurate.Atleast not yet.But to his credit he is a playmaker because he is very mobile,so that semi-evens everything out.He also doesnt have very many weapons at the wide receiver spot.Justin Gage,Justin McCareins and Levelle Hawkins are names that will scare you,but Vince can make it happen.Also the Titans have an pretty underrated defense,but they can really get it done..here are two names you should know already...David Thornton and Cortland Finnegan.Quality players.

4-Texans(6-10)
This team has too many ifs...can Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson stay healthy?....can they muster any semblance of a running game out of 5 running backs?....whos the 2nd receiver?...the defense has some really nice pieces with DeMeco Ryans and Morion Greenwood,and dont forget about the player that they picked over Reggie Bush,Mario Williams...who had 14 sacks last year..not bad huh?..but I dont feel that their "ifs" will produce anything to make noise in this division this year.

NFL Preview(AFC West)

AFC West

1-Chargers(12-4)

Yes...Merriman is veeeery iffy with the 2 bad knee ligaments...but even without him..their defense is still very stout at every level.The offensive side of the ball is really good as well..everyone knows LT who is still the best running back in the game..the much criticized Phillip Rivers came up lame in the playoffs last year(so did LT btw) but I expect Rivers to build on the year he had with his WR crew and go deep in the playoffs.One key would be who is giving LT a break as a backup,Michael Turner was shown the money from Atlanta and how he's gone....all thats left is Sproles(who is 5-6) and Marcus Thomas(a rookie)...yeah thats an issue.

2-Raiders(7-9)

A small surprise here..but no one else here cracks .500.I like the 3-headed monster of McFadden,Bush(Michael) and Fargas...those 3 should lighten the load for JaMarcus Russell,who I think will be pretty decent this season.On the outside they are a little thin with Drew Carter being out for the season...but then again..when you are depending on Drew Carter for anything...you assume the worst.Anyways Javon Walker should be a dependable target(when he's not thinking about retirement) and Ronald Curry is pretty underrated as well.Most of the credit should go to the defense.The standouts are corners DeAngelo Hall and Nnamdi Asomugha..despite all the mouth and temper issues Hall is still a top corner in the league and should contribute right away.

3-Broncos(6-10)

This team..I'm not quite sure about...Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall are pretty good..but other than that?..I've got nothing...one would assume that Selvin Young is the starter at running back..but history says..you have no idea until you see him get the ball..take in account that Marshall is suspended 2 games for off the field stuff...you're next receiving options are rookie Eddie Royal,Brandon Stokley and Darrell Jackson.Unimpressed?....you should be..the defense you dont really know about either.Champ Bailey is the best corner in the game...Dre Bly is okay as well..the linebackers are solid with DJ Williams..but again..you look at the roster and you kinda shrug at yourself and ask..is this it?..and honestly..it is..

4-Chiefs(4-12)

Ew..this team is rebuilding....4 wins was being semi generous as well...they have an issue at quarterback..Brodie Croyle has thus far been on the lower side of "okay" and that will be an issue for every other skill position for the Chiefs. Dwayne Bowe and Tony Gonzalez are both pretty reliable options..but without a reliable QB to get them the ball...there is an issue.Larry Johnson and Jamaal Charles are both good runningbacks..but if you dont have someone throwing the ball effectively to get the pressure off them...expect last year's results.

Odds and Ends

A few things to cover before I start giving season predictions for football..I havent decided if I'll do college football...I would have more depth in the NFL...we'll see.

So..a few people got hurt this past weekend...Jason Taylor out for like 2 weeks..Carson Palmer getting smashed in the nose..and Usi Umenyiora being knocked out for the year...which "begs" the question of...do we need 4 preseason games?....yes and no....do people need to attend these games for the same prices?....no..never..3rd and 4th stringers going at it isnt the price of NFL games..but it is needed for coaches and players to be evaluated...I think 3 may be a better number...but 4 is just fine for me.

The Falcons finally made a good move..they declared Matt Ryan the opening day starter...if you look at that team..they're going to suck...point blank..so why not play him and get experience going as soon as possible?...it also helps that he was playing the best of the 4(dont ask) quarterbacks anyways.

Matt Leinart to the bench?....what!?...no way...Matt is way better than Kurt Warner...(gets word that this past weekend Leinart threw for 4-12 for 24yds and 3 picks vs the Raiders)...well...kinda hard to defend that...Arizona is a team that needs a bit more consistency with their quarterback...but I havent given up on Leinart...Warner is old...and brittle..he'll get another shot.

Where Winning Does Matter?

I'll lead with baseball..

Tampa Bay Rays?...yeah you know them right?...top 2 record in baseball(with Anaheim) but here is something I was looking at when I was watching the game vs the Halos earlier in the week....

alot of empty seats...

Hmm..upon researched...they average a bit over 21,000 for their home games..seems like alot right?....nah..not really..its only26th out of 30 teams...um..thats not good...I know what you're saying...

"Its a small market"

Yeah..it is..but other "small" markets are pulling more than them...Anaheim..Cleveland...San Diego..Minnesota..Cincinnati..all pulling more than Tampa...and you know what the difference is?...except for Minnesota and Anaheim..all of those teams are at the bottom of the league in wins and losses....so...does winning matter?...

Shifting topics to football

You know when I was bashing the Niners QB JT O'Sullivan last post?....yeah...well I got a good chance to see him Thursday night against the Chicago Bears..and well...he looked really good..he was making really good throws and looked composed..I was impressed...and when Alex Smith came in..looked decent..but not good enough to pry away what JT had done earlier in the game...sorry Alex..you're out of a job...

A bit of college football news that relates to me...Cal named sophomore Kevin Riley the starter over senior Nate Longshore...I figured the senior would get the nod over the underclassman considering he had the advantage statistically...but Riley played really well in the bowl game(269 yds 3tds)...we'll see how long that lasts

Moving to the League..

Denver re-signs JR Smith...no idea why it took this long..nor why no one else seemed interested...I mean yeah he's a bit immature..he's 22..his defense and shot selection are a bit shaky..but when he gets it going he can shoot the lights out..Denver will need him to be waaay more consistent since defense wont be an option next year.

Boston signs Darius Miles...I heard he was having impressive workouts for other teams...I know there is one person is hoping it doesnt work out...the Portland GM...there is a clause for Miles saying if he doesnt play this coming year Portland would get a $27 million relief against their salary cap....well...ouch if that happens..anyways if Miles is anything like he was before he'll do alot of things for Boston...defend..he's long and may have focus since his role model was KG growing up...he can score around the basket really well so any help in that department can help Boston...basically its a low risk,high reward deal for Boston.

*Uni Watch*


New Orleans is trying to stick it to the city of Charlotte...remember these?
Lol...its like they wanted to use the same jersey...thumbs down on this one

One that was debuted here earlier..heres the full version

Hmm...I was downing these early on...WNBA-ish is the term I used...I think I may take it back...well..the lettering is still WNBA=ish..but the short design is interesting..

Welcome Back....Welcome Back,Welcome Back

Cincinnati Bengals welcome back the off-arrested Chris Henry..after cutting him in the off-season for...his arrests...makes sense?....it shouldnt..I dont have a list of free agent WRs..but I know there has to be a talented WR without ANY baggage like Henry's...I mean Henry is very very talented..but you have to come to point where you take a stand...and stick to it...imagine the Portland Trail Blazers cutting a player like...Darius Miles....tell everyone we're cleaning up the character of our team....then....re-sign him?....oh yeah..Henry is suspended the 1st 4 games of the season anyways..not sure how that could help the team much with Chad and TJ already hurt.

Speaking of WRs....Joe Horn was cut from the Falcons...whos is Joe Horn?...good I can move on..

There is no way you can justify to me that QB Alex Smith isnt better than JT O'Sullivan...there isnt..JT to this point has done absolutely nothing in his 6yr NFL career..and granted Alex hadnt shown much either(average 2 yrs ago with 16TD/16 Int) but at the same time the offense hasnt been good at all...his only real weapon has been RB Frank Gore.I think with Quarterbacks is consistency...if you are constantly in..out..in..out confidence is lost and you wont get the best out him most of the time.Alex couldnt build off the average season prior because he got smashed up and had a really serious shoulder injury in which the coach was questioning his toughness in the process...I think the relationship is nearing its end..but I blame the coach more than Alex Smith.

Speaking of quarterbacks..is there a QB who people think less of after a super bowl than Eli Manning?....its weird really.His last name is Manning...AND he beat the mighty Patriots in the super bowl...yeah..that was him...but...no one seems to care.I think he still hasnt gotten the credit he deserves for having a super bowl ring..is he a top 5 QB?...nah..not yet..10?..you may be able to convince people of that I think.

Arizona Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin..is in a bad spot...he wants to get a new,fat contract...Cardinals say nah..unhappy star players arent good..a small injury can muster itself into a missing game situation...he already doesnt speak much to the head coach..it does not fair well for Boldin..but hopefully he can still be productive for the Cardinals.

Eagles player is hurt...no not..McNabb...this time...its WR Kevin Curtis..with a hernia..so he's out indefinitely..it helps that McNabb spreads the ball around..so its not like he's losing his main target or anything..but I think this is more an opportunity for Cal standout DeSean Jackson..he's a speedster and if you can get him in space he'll pay dividends for the Eagles if given the opportunity...well..here you go.

SF pitcher Barry Zito won again..he's 7-15..he's improving..

The overly credible Foxsports.com complied a list of the top 5 overrated players in the NBA.
-Dwyane Wade(#5)
-Robert Horry(#4)
-Yao Ming(#3)
-Shawn Marion(#2)
-Shane Battier(#1)

Hmm....I think...with the exception of Yao Ming...I could on some level agree with all of these players..Wade is the clear benefiter of the NBA's hyper-sensitive foul calling..he goes near 10x a game..which is up from the last generation of basketball....Horry...look..hes hit some clutch shots...alot of shots...but he averaged 2.5 points last year...and has only averaged in double-digits 3x in his career that dates back to 1992...and people say he's a hall a famer...sorry..I'm on the no side...Yao Ming gets on this list because he's get hurt alot..and the 22 game streak continued a long way without him..but when he's on the court..he'll get off that list quick...with Marion there has always been a mumbles about what Nash has done for him and his creating his own shot...but while you may hit on something semi right(check the numbers pre-Nash) I would say that the biggest person benefiting from Nash would be Amare...regardless..I think the money Marion gets could get him a bullseye to be on this list...Shane is overrated to me...he plays defense...but isnt a great defender...actually..he doesnt do ANYTHING well...you name it..defense..shooting %...passing,scoring...he's okay at everything though..I think #1 is a bit much..but I do think he gets waaaay too much pub for the..."things" he "does."