The Stanley Cup Defending Champion, Boston Bruins went to the White House to be honored by President Barrack Obama, but missing from the team was MVP Goalie Tim Thomas. Thomas, one of the two American born players decided to boycott the visit, stating he was upset how things in our Country are going. It's such a fine line that he crossed, I believe in a team sport, you support your team and going to the White House is a team event. But, in our Country, we have the freedom to chose whether we go or not.
Sports and Politics meet in a number of ways, every championship winning team, gets the opportunity to meet the current President at the White House. I often wonder if the President's keep all of those Jersey's presented to them in their closet or maybe get them framed in their office? Anyway, its an honor to go to the White House and taking all of the politics out of it, I can't see why anyone wouldn't want to go?
I respect Tim Thomas for choosing not to go, but I disagree with his decision.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Monday, January 23, 2012
A strange weekend in sports
I first have to mention the passing of Former Penn State Coach, Joe Paterno. A sad, but expected occurrence, in which I knew was going to happen sooner than later. He was the symbol of PS Football, more popular than any player who came through his program. A Man of Men, A Leader and A Legend in every way. Unfortunately, the last 4 months of his life will out shadow the 85 years prior. All because of ignorance, loyalty or simply unimportance. Either way, outside of Happy Valley, he will be known for not doing enough. I personally will remember him as a figure head, straight shooter and the most prolific coach football coach in my time. When I think of the famous quote, "it's not the name on the back of the jersey, but the name on the front," I think of Joe Paterno. May he R.I.P.
So, are you ready for some football? The Patriots and The Giants in a rematch of Super Bowl 46. The Pats are favored by 3.5 and the computer models are picking them to win. But, I am not sure. The Giants have a great defense and the question remains, can Tom Brady pick apart this defense? I am a firm believer in luck when it comes to the playoffs and if this game remains close, which I can't see any reason why it won't, it will come down to either a Special Teams play or a mistake made by the other team.
I do like the Giants to win this game and only because as an Eagle Fan we need to be tortured by seeing the Giants parade around and Tom Caughlin made into a "good coach" because his teams would have won 2 Super Bowls. But comparing all the factors, on paper, the Patriots are the better of the 2 teams.
So, are you ready for some football? The Patriots and The Giants in a rematch of Super Bowl 46. The Pats are favored by 3.5 and the computer models are picking them to win. But, I am not sure. The Giants have a great defense and the question remains, can Tom Brady pick apart this defense? I am a firm believer in luck when it comes to the playoffs and if this game remains close, which I can't see any reason why it won't, it will come down to either a Special Teams play or a mistake made by the other team.
I do like the Giants to win this game and only because as an Eagle Fan we need to be tortured by seeing the Giants parade around and Tom Caughlin made into a "good coach" because his teams would have won 2 Super Bowls. But comparing all the factors, on paper, the Patriots are the better of the 2 teams.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Conference Championship
Last week, I went 3-1, as predicted, but this week it gets a lot harder. I really like the Giants and Patriots, but I am right half the time, so who will it be, The Giants or The Patriots?
In the AFC, The Ravens Defense is tough, but I am not that high on Joe Flacco, the opposite can be said about the Patriots, I am high on Tom Brady, but not the Pats defense. Well, Defense wins games, so I am going with the Ravens 23-20.
In the NFC, completely different game. Giants have the much better defense and the best "non-elite" quarterback. The 49ers are playing at home and it will be a sloppy track. I some how see Bradshaw and Jacobs with big games and the Giants prevail.
Giants / Ravens Super Bowl.
More to follow next week.
In the AFC, The Ravens Defense is tough, but I am not that high on Joe Flacco, the opposite can be said about the Patriots, I am high on Tom Brady, but not the Pats defense. Well, Defense wins games, so I am going with the Ravens 23-20.
In the NFC, completely different game. Giants have the much better defense and the best "non-elite" quarterback. The 49ers are playing at home and it will be a sloppy track. I some how see Bradshaw and Jacobs with big games and the Giants prevail.
Giants / Ravens Super Bowl.
More to follow next week.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Divisional Round
3-1 so far after wildcard weekend.
Saints 34 - 49ers 24
Patriots 37 - Broncos 16
Ravens 24 - Texans 17
Packers 38 - Giants 35
Saints 34 - 49ers 24
Patriots 37 - Broncos 16
Ravens 24 - Texans 17
Packers 38 - Giants 35
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Wild, Wild Card Weekend
What a weird season. First of all, the season flew by. Second, lots of surprises, San Diego and Philly laid eggs, NY Jets and Dallas (those Ryan Brothers) all sizzle, no substance. Cincinnati and Carolina took huge steps forward. Finally, Tebow!
The Axe-man Cometh, especially in Florida, Miami, Jax and Tampa have openings. St. Louis, San Diego, KC, Indy also are either open or will be open. What is the best job? I kinda like the St. Louis job, especially if they move to Los Angeles. Also Indy fires Bill Polian and Chicago fires Jerry Angelo. Angelo was easy, he should have signed Donovan McNabb when he had the chance.
My MVP, Aaron Rodgers. No offense Drew Brees, Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, but Rodgers might be the most complete QB since Steve Young and if he leads Green Bay to another Super Bowl, he can start writing his speech for Canton.
Comeback player of the year Alex Smith. I always thought he was a decent QB stuck on a bad team, but this year he out did what I thought he could do.
Coach of The Year is Marvin Lewis. I expected the Bengals to win 1 game this season. I felt AJ Green would be stuck on a lousy offense, but they played very well and from the first week where they caught Cleveland by surprise, they played extremely well. Next season they have to work on beating Pittsburgh and Baltimore.
Rookie of the year is Andy Dalton. Nothing against Cam Newton and his amazing numbers, but Andy Dalton led a team to the playoffs who was suppose to be DOA.
Year end Power 10
1. Green Bay Packers
2. New England Patriots
3. New Orleans Saints
4. San Francisco 49ers
5. Baltimore Ravens
6. Atlanta Falcons
7. Pittsburgh Steelers
8. Detroit Lions
9. Houston Texans
10. Denver Broncos
10. Cincinnati Bengals
I finished the regular season 35-33, just where I thought I would. A shade above .500. Here are my playoff selections.
Houston (-3) against Cincinnati
The Texans have a ton of injuries. I'm not sure if TJ Yates can win a huge game. It's safe to assume they are going to run early and often. The Bengals haven't won a big game and there's nothing to show they will on the road.
Texans 24 - Bengals 20
New Orleans (-11) against Detroit
This will be an offensive game. Drew Brees will pick apart the Lions defense
Saints 44 - Lions 29
New York Giants (-3) against Atlanta
I don't trust the Giants. I don't know Eli Manning can do it all on his own. I would be absolutely picking Atlanta if the game was indoors, but not sure what the elements will bring.
Falcons 20 - Giants 21
Pittsburgh (-11) @ Denver
The Broncos defense needs to come up big. Willis McGahee needs to take the team on his back and the Broncos special teams have to be the difference if the Broncos have a shot. Things aren't all peachy for the Steelers. Big Ben is still hobbled and doesn't look quite himself. Isaac Redmon needs to step up real fast and the Steel Curtain needs to be a few years younger.
Broncos 19 - Steelers 17
The Axe-man Cometh, especially in Florida, Miami, Jax and Tampa have openings. St. Louis, San Diego, KC, Indy also are either open or will be open. What is the best job? I kinda like the St. Louis job, especially if they move to Los Angeles. Also Indy fires Bill Polian and Chicago fires Jerry Angelo. Angelo was easy, he should have signed Donovan McNabb when he had the chance.
My MVP, Aaron Rodgers. No offense Drew Brees, Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, but Rodgers might be the most complete QB since Steve Young and if he leads Green Bay to another Super Bowl, he can start writing his speech for Canton.
Comeback player of the year Alex Smith. I always thought he was a decent QB stuck on a bad team, but this year he out did what I thought he could do.
Coach of The Year is Marvin Lewis. I expected the Bengals to win 1 game this season. I felt AJ Green would be stuck on a lousy offense, but they played very well and from the first week where they caught Cleveland by surprise, they played extremely well. Next season they have to work on beating Pittsburgh and Baltimore.
Rookie of the year is Andy Dalton. Nothing against Cam Newton and his amazing numbers, but Andy Dalton led a team to the playoffs who was suppose to be DOA.
Year end Power 10
1. Green Bay Packers
2. New England Patriots
3. New Orleans Saints
4. San Francisco 49ers
5. Baltimore Ravens
6. Atlanta Falcons
7. Pittsburgh Steelers
8. Detroit Lions
9. Houston Texans
10. Denver Broncos
10. Cincinnati Bengals
I finished the regular season 35-33, just where I thought I would. A shade above .500. Here are my playoff selections.
Houston (-3) against Cincinnati
The Texans have a ton of injuries. I'm not sure if TJ Yates can win a huge game. It's safe to assume they are going to run early and often. The Bengals haven't won a big game and there's nothing to show they will on the road.
Texans 24 - Bengals 20
New Orleans (-11) against Detroit
This will be an offensive game. Drew Brees will pick apart the Lions defense
Saints 44 - Lions 29
New York Giants (-3) against Atlanta
I don't trust the Giants. I don't know Eli Manning can do it all on his own. I would be absolutely picking Atlanta if the game was indoors, but not sure what the elements will bring.
Falcons 20 - Giants 21
Pittsburgh (-11) @ Denver
The Broncos defense needs to come up big. Willis McGahee needs to take the team on his back and the Broncos special teams have to be the difference if the Broncos have a shot. Things aren't all peachy for the Steelers. Big Ben is still hobbled and doesn't look quite himself. Isaac Redmon needs to step up real fast and the Steel Curtain needs to be a few years younger.
Broncos 19 - Steelers 17
Monday, January 2, 2012
The Winter Classic 2012
The NHL doesn't get it right a lot. They are on "second tier" network (see below), they sport doesn't market itself to the masses, it's hard to understand the entire rule book, etc. But on the first of the year, the NHL puts their best effort by having the neatest spectacle of any sport, The Winter Classic.
They make a hockey rink in an outdoor stadium and put 2 rivals against themselves and the elements. This year, the game is in Philadelphia at Citizens Bank Ball Park and it's the Flyers and Rangers for first place in the Atlantic Division.
This past Saturday, the Flyers and Rangers Alumni put on an amazing display. 66 year old Bernie Parent stole the show, looking 20 years younger. And Eric Lindros got an unbelievable ovation from the Philly crowd.
Now onto the main event: look for the Flyers to put lots of pressure on the Rangers forwards. The game will be won by the team with better special teams. Both teams are legit contenders for the eastern conference and Stanley Cup.
All in all, the NHL needs to continue any and all momentum this game brings. The hockey players are likable and a better effort has to be made to show they are not just goons, they ate good kids.
As mentioned above, today the Vs network will become NBC Sports Network and here are a few suggestions. Build the network thru the NHL, college hoops, mls soccer and the Olympics. Also, the only way to compete with ESPN is find your own strength and use that. You don't want to be an ESPN-lite.
They make a hockey rink in an outdoor stadium and put 2 rivals against themselves and the elements. This year, the game is in Philadelphia at Citizens Bank Ball Park and it's the Flyers and Rangers for first place in the Atlantic Division.
This past Saturday, the Flyers and Rangers Alumni put on an amazing display. 66 year old Bernie Parent stole the show, looking 20 years younger. And Eric Lindros got an unbelievable ovation from the Philly crowd.
Now onto the main event: look for the Flyers to put lots of pressure on the Rangers forwards. The game will be won by the team with better special teams. Both teams are legit contenders for the eastern conference and Stanley Cup.
All in all, the NHL needs to continue any and all momentum this game brings. The hockey players are likable and a better effort has to be made to show they are not just goons, they ate good kids.
As mentioned above, today the Vs network will become NBC Sports Network and here are a few suggestions. Build the network thru the NHL, college hoops, mls soccer and the Olympics. Also, the only way to compete with ESPN is find your own strength and use that. You don't want to be an ESPN-lite.
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