I will take you back to a Friday night this past spring. It was the first big weekend of the baseball season. The Yankees were in Boston and the Braves were in Shea. At that point in the season the NL East was still very close. The Phillies had gotten off to a terrible start, the Braves looked much better than in 2006 and the Mets still looked good. That night though I realized that this Mets team did not have that same feeling as in 2006. The Mets were pitching Mike Pelfrey that night and the Braves had Tim Hudson on the mound. Hudson baffled the Mets all night and Pelfrey got lit up. I remember just looking over to Relaxo and not being able to articulate what I was seeing. It was a feeling I had. Looking back, that feeling really was that the Mets did not have that same aura they did in 2006 of intimidation and confidence. They were not going to be able to run away with this division and they were going to be facing teams that felt they were better than the Mets. It wag going to be harder.
The entire Mets organization got way ahead of themselves after one playoff season. Their slogan was "Your season has come". The fact is though that our season really had past. The 2006 year was our year. We went into this season with more questions in the starting rotation, a far worse bullpen and an older line-up. I have mentioned numerous times throughout the year my frustration and complacency with the team. I felt it in spring training, I felt it on opening day, and I felt it all the way until we were eliminated with a pathetic performance today. It seems like everyone in the Mets organization, the fans and media were ready to give the Mets the city once again. Everyone seemed ready to bury the Yanks and put the Mets on top lead by Reyes and Wright. Well, the Yankees are on top (and hated) for a reason. They have been in the playoffs 12 straight years. They have earned all of the credit and attention they get. The Mets are just another team that had one good run and is now sitting home in October.
With all that being said, the Mets still really should have won this division. They have the deepest line-up in the league, as well as the deepest rotation. They may not have that stud at the front of their rotation, but all five starters consistently gave them a chance to win, which is more than most teams can say. I think the personality on this team was lost. Only the men in that front office and locker room know for sure, but I would point to two things. Number one is bringin Ricky Henderson on to that coaching staff. He has never had a reputation as a hard worker or a motivator of others. The man he replaced in Rick Down was the exact opposite of that. In addition, Jose Reyes lost something. I do not know what it is, but this has been apparent since around the all star break. He did not have the same energy or enthusiasm. His play suffered and by the end of the season I consistently heard something at Shea I thought I never would...boos and jeers directed at Reyes at almost every chance the fans got. Maybe one day we will find out what was really eating at Reyes and this team. Julio Franco being released had to change the culture in that clubhouse. The fact that the same 5-6 players talk to the media could be an issue. I don't think many of the Latin players like LoDuca. I don't think anyone likes Milledge. I think Willie has seemed aloof at times. He just keeps repeating like these phrases to the media "We'll get them tomorrow." "Keep fighting." "That's baseball" It's like, can this guy just be human and tell it like it is? I am ready for him to come back next year and I do not view him as the problem, but he needs to address his relationship with his players and coaches in that locker room.
Now what? First off all get rid of Mota, Rickey Henderson, Jorge Sosa, and find out what is eating at Jose Reyes. Next you put together a package for Johan Santana (Aaron Heilman, John Maine, Pelfrey/Humber, Milledge/Gomez). Bring Alou back. Look into dealing Delgado. Figure out what you want to do at catcher. ADDRESS THE BULLPEN. Also, decide if you are committed to Willie Randolph or not. If you aren't then fire him. If you are, then get rid of the people sniping behind his back to the media. You do not want that in your house.
Lastly, let me consider Tom Glavine. Before the game I felt as comfortable with him on the mound as with any pitcher on our roster. He would not be rattled by the moment and he would give us a chance to win. What happened is honestly incomprehensible. He buried this team. His performance was embarrassing and pitiful. I do not want to hear any excuses about it. He signed here five years ago to win. In the most important game he pitched in a Mets uniform he saved his worst for last. All of last offseason he played the Mets off the Braves and flipflopped on whether he wanted to come back or not. Well, he came back after potentially hanging the Mets out to dry as he considered the Braves and retiring. Well at this point I do not care if he comes back. He never lived up to the money and I would grade his Mets career as a C-.
So this is it. I will not watch the NL playoffs. The Phillies are fuckin soft. Brett Myers is a punk who will blow a game in the division series and will then berate a newspaper scribe. The Cubs have a chance because of Pinella. I will be rooting for the Rockies to get in and to play well. I just really like their nucleus. As far as the AL is concerned, as long as the Sox and Yanks lose I will be happy. So basically I will be miserable. Excuse me while I go stick my head in the toilet.
STKAFI
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Friday, September 28, 2007
For the Record
• If two clubs from the same division are tied but both assured of participating in the postseason, then the first tie-breaker would be their 2006 season-series to determine which club is the division champion and which club is the Wild Card.
• If three clubs finish the season with the same winning percentage and one team will be a division winner and another will be the Wild Card, the games will be played as follows:
» The two teams tied for the division lead will play the one-game tie-breaker, with the winner being declared the division champion.
» The losing team will then play the club from the other division for the Wild Card.
Also, if there is a 4 way tie...
Mets play Phils for division
D-back play Pads for Division
Losers would then play a game for the wildcard
Monday and Tuesday: Three team playoff with Rockies having home field advantage to decide the West
Wednesday and Thursday: The two losers would then have a three team playoff with the NL East team
Arizona-Colorado-Philadelphia: home field goes to Arizona
Arizona-San Diego-Philadelphia: home field goes to Arizona
Colorado-San Diego-Philadelphia: Rockies
Colorado-San Diego-New York: Rockies
Arizona-San Diego-New York: Arizona
Arizona-Colorado-New York: Arizona
• If three clubs finish the season with the same winning percentage and one team will be a division winner and another will be the Wild Card, the games will be played as follows:
» The two teams tied for the division lead will play the one-game tie-breaker, with the winner being declared the division champion.
» The losing team will then play the club from the other division for the Wild Card.
Also, if there is a 4 way tie...
Mets play Phils for division
D-back play Pads for Division
Losers would then play a game for the wildcard
Four-way tiebreaker system (Both NL East teams and two NL West teams):
Monday: Mets vs Phillies for the NL East title in Philadelphia
Monday: NL West playoff
Tuesday: The two losers face off for the Wild Card.
Here are the various scenarios
Diamondbacks at Philadelphia
Philadelphia at San Diego
Philadelphia at Colorado
Arizona at New York
San Diego at New York
New York at Colorado
Then after one of these or none of these scenarios play out the NLDS starts in the home of the West champ on Friday, and Saturday in the East. The top seeded team gets the Wildcard winner out of one of these senarios. If a team from the West wins the Wild Card they would play the East represenative. If it’s a team from the East they will play the division winner from the West. Then the team from the Central gets the other one.
Got it?
Updated since Colorado won, but if they would have lost tonight it could have looked like this:
Five-way tie:
Monday: Mets vs. Phillies for the NL East title in Philadelphia
Monday and Tuesday: The Rockies, Diamondbacks, and Padres have a three team playoff to decide the West, with the Rockies having home field advantage for both of their games due to having the best head-to-head record.
Wednesday and Thursday: The three losing teams would then have a three team playoff to decide the Wild Card winner. The team with the best head-to-head record against the other two would be granted home field advantage. If the winner is an Nl West team they will the winner of the NL East tie-breaker and vice versa.
Monday and Tuesday: Three team playoff with Rockies having home field advantage to decide the West
Wednesday and Thursday: The two losers would then have a three team playoff with the NL East team
Arizona-Colorado-Philadelphia: home field goes to Arizona
Arizona-San Diego-Philadelphia: home field goes to Arizona
Colorado-San Diego-Philadelphia: Rockies
Colorado-San Diego-New York: Rockies
Arizona-San Diego-New York: Arizona
Arizona-Colorado-New York: Arizona
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Costume
| Minnesota Vikings | +2.5 |  Green Bay Packers |
| Dallas Cowboys | -12.5 | St. Louis Rams |
| Buffalo Bills | +3.5 | New York Jets |
| Detroit Lions | +2.5 | Chicago Bears |
| Miami Dolphins | -3.5 | Oakland Raiders |
| Atlanta Falcons | +3.5 | Houston Texans |
| Cleveland Browns | +4.5 | Baltimore Ravens |
| Carolina Panthers | -2.5 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| San Francisco 49ers | +2.5 | Seattle Seahawks |
| Arizona Cardinals | +5.5 | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| San Diego Chargers | -12.5 | Kansas City Chiefs |
| Indianapolis Colts | -9.5 | Denver Broncos |
| New York Giants | +2.5 | Philadelphia Eagles |
| Cincinnati Bengals | +7.5 | New England Patriots |
Home TEAMS ON LEFT
If you want to make a lot of money pick the opposite of what I have chosen
***19-29 on the season***
With Halloween coming up, how bout some athlete costumes:
OJ- walk around with an OJ mask and your old trophy's from Little League.. .and if you're Curtin and don't have any, buy some
Vick- wear a Vick jersey, carry around a noose, and a couple dogs on leashes
Bonds- Bonds jersey, needle coming from your ass
Joba- walk around in a white robe, because you might as well dress as God
Arod- buy a 1971 Roberto Rodriguez Cubs jersey and pretend it is Arod's
Mets- very simple, wear a choker
Grossman- Wear a Grossman jersey, a skirt (sexy rexy) and a blindfold with a football
Mickleson- dress as a golfer and wear a bra
Peyton- dress up as Manning, and turn a cardboard box into a TV and place over head
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
SNY
At least the Mets are the best at something...
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=pearlman/070926&sportCat=mlb
STKAFI
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=pearlman/070926&sportCat=mlb
STKAFI
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
M V Pizzle
Besides the divisional races (which I would rather not think or talk about), the MVP debates are always a hot topic this time of year. While there are often different choices each year, the same questions always seem to come up. Should a pitcher be given any consideration? Should a player from a last place team have a chance? Should a player whose team did not make the playoffs even be worthy? The beat writers of each National and American League city vote on these awards. Each writer seems to view this award from a different perspective. In addition, it is clear to me that certain writers like to abuse their privilege by ranking certain players lower on their ballot just so another player has a greater chance to win (see Chicago writer last year that ranked Jeter 6th or 7th I believe).
For me, the first and most important attribute is one that I feel is often overlooked. Is that player the most valuable player to his particular team? In 2005, it was clear that David Ortiz carried that Red Sox team to the playoffs. It seemed like every day he would get another clutch hit and you would read another quote in the newspapers from a different teammate on how he was the MVP. AROD meanwhile never seemed to get the clutch hit, was never praised by his teammates as an MVP (Sheffield even called himself the MVP that year http://nymag.com/nymetro/news/sports/features/12398/). In any event Ortiz did not get the award for the simple reason that he is a designated hitter. There is a portion of baseball fans and media that feel the DH should not be considered for the MVP since they only play half of the game.
In 1999, Pedro Martinez dominated the league like few have ever done. He lead the Red Sox to the playoffs, but Pudge Rodriguez won the award instead because a New York beat writer left Pedro off of his ballot completely. In 2000, Jeff Kent won the NL MVP over Mike Piazza even though Kent probably was not the MVP of his own team. Barry Bonds batted behind Kent and made sure that he saw a steady diet of fastballs. Piazza meanwhile had a great year, from a more physically demanding position, with a more paltry line-up. Sometimes people just get it wrong.
This year the AL MVP is all but wrapped up. I would have considered Magglio Ordonez if the Tigers were in the playoffs, but that is not the case. AROD has had a huge year and has gotten multiple clutch hits. He really should be a unanimous selection. The NL meanwhile is a much different scenario. There are a few different players that may deserve the award. Specifically, David Wright, Prince Fielder, Jimmy Rollins and Matt Holiday. I first have to see if they are the most valuable player on their team. Right off the bat that eliminates David Wright. He may be the most consistent player on the Mets, but Alou has been the most valuable. Wright has no signature moment this year and while he has hit well in September, Alou has been better. In addition, Wright has had a couple costly errors this month. Bottom line (and this is a Mets fan talking) David Wright is not the MVP of the Mets, so he can't be MVP of the NL.
Prince Fielder is making a strong case. He has a home run in each of the past two games and 49 on the year. He is the best player on that club and has been at his best lately. You can say the same thing for Matt Holliday. He has had a big year and has been the best player on the Rockies as they have played their best ball of the season this past couple of weeks while Holliday has also been at his best. Rollins has also had a big September while the Philles have charged back into the NL East race. Rollins has also been a vocal leader for the team in the clubhouse and the press. While Fielder and Holliday may have been leaders, there is no way they have been more vocal than Rollins. he has talked the talk and walked the walk.
In the end it will probably come down to who makes the playoffs. If the season ended today none of them would be in the playoffs. If thats the case I think Fielder will get it. If I had a vote I would give it to Rollins. He plays the toughest position of the group, is the best all around player (defense, speed, power), and has been the guy that has pushed the Phillies all year when Howard couldn't hit in April and May and when Utley was injured in August. My ballot is below.
1. Jimmy Rollins
2. Matt Holiday
3. Prince Fielder
4. David Wright
5. Chipper Jones
Lastly, I just want to say that Chipper Jones has reached Reggie Miller status for me. I hated him more than any player in his prime, but as he has gotten older I have started to like him. With Reggie it was different because the Knicks sucked at the end of his career (when I started to hate their ownership, etc), so I would actually enjoy it when Reggie would have flashes against the Knicks and embarrass them. It was a respect thing. It is the same with Chipper. Since the Mets are good though I can not cheer for Chipper. That would be wrong. For the next two days though I can (Braves are playing the Phillies). I was very happy that Chipper hit one out tonight and look forward to being able to cheer him the next two days. Next year thought I will go back to the chants of "Laaaaaaaarrryy". When his career is over though, I will remember him as one of the great players of our generation and possibly the most underrated.
STKAFI
For me, the first and most important attribute is one that I feel is often overlooked. Is that player the most valuable player to his particular team? In 2005, it was clear that David Ortiz carried that Red Sox team to the playoffs. It seemed like every day he would get another clutch hit and you would read another quote in the newspapers from a different teammate on how he was the MVP. AROD meanwhile never seemed to get the clutch hit, was never praised by his teammates as an MVP (Sheffield even called himself the MVP that year http://nymag.com/nymetro/news/sports/features/12398/). In any event Ortiz did not get the award for the simple reason that he is a designated hitter. There is a portion of baseball fans and media that feel the DH should not be considered for the MVP since they only play half of the game.
In 1999, Pedro Martinez dominated the league like few have ever done. He lead the Red Sox to the playoffs, but Pudge Rodriguez won the award instead because a New York beat writer left Pedro off of his ballot completely. In 2000, Jeff Kent won the NL MVP over Mike Piazza even though Kent probably was not the MVP of his own team. Barry Bonds batted behind Kent and made sure that he saw a steady diet of fastballs. Piazza meanwhile had a great year, from a more physically demanding position, with a more paltry line-up. Sometimes people just get it wrong.
This year the AL MVP is all but wrapped up. I would have considered Magglio Ordonez if the Tigers were in the playoffs, but that is not the case. AROD has had a huge year and has gotten multiple clutch hits. He really should be a unanimous selection. The NL meanwhile is a much different scenario. There are a few different players that may deserve the award. Specifically, David Wright, Prince Fielder, Jimmy Rollins and Matt Holiday. I first have to see if they are the most valuable player on their team. Right off the bat that eliminates David Wright. He may be the most consistent player on the Mets, but Alou has been the most valuable. Wright has no signature moment this year and while he has hit well in September, Alou has been better. In addition, Wright has had a couple costly errors this month. Bottom line (and this is a Mets fan talking) David Wright is not the MVP of the Mets, so he can't be MVP of the NL.
Prince Fielder is making a strong case. He has a home run in each of the past two games and 49 on the year. He is the best player on that club and has been at his best lately. You can say the same thing for Matt Holliday. He has had a big year and has been the best player on the Rockies as they have played their best ball of the season this past couple of weeks while Holliday has also been at his best. Rollins has also had a big September while the Philles have charged back into the NL East race. Rollins has also been a vocal leader for the team in the clubhouse and the press. While Fielder and Holliday may have been leaders, there is no way they have been more vocal than Rollins. he has talked the talk and walked the walk.
In the end it will probably come down to who makes the playoffs. If the season ended today none of them would be in the playoffs. If thats the case I think Fielder will get it. If I had a vote I would give it to Rollins. He plays the toughest position of the group, is the best all around player (defense, speed, power), and has been the guy that has pushed the Phillies all year when Howard couldn't hit in April and May and when Utley was injured in August. My ballot is below.
1. Jimmy Rollins
2. Matt Holiday
3. Prince Fielder
4. David Wright
5. Chipper Jones
Lastly, I just want to say that Chipper Jones has reached Reggie Miller status for me. I hated him more than any player in his prime, but as he has gotten older I have started to like him. With Reggie it was different because the Knicks sucked at the end of his career (when I started to hate their ownership, etc), so I would actually enjoy it when Reggie would have flashes against the Knicks and embarrass them. It was a respect thing. It is the same with Chipper. Since the Mets are good though I can not cheer for Chipper. That would be wrong. For the next two days though I can (Braves are playing the Phillies). I was very happy that Chipper hit one out tonight and look forward to being able to cheer him the next two days. Next year thought I will go back to the chants of "Laaaaaaaarrryy". When his career is over though, I will remember him as one of the great players of our generation and possibly the most underrated.
STKAFI
Monday, September 24, 2007
Contender / Pretender
The NFL is one of the toughest leagues to predict, whether it be last year's Saints or this year's Packers; it is damn near impossible to predict which teams will make the playoffs at the beginning of a season. The first 3 weeks tell us a whole lot more. If you had told me that the Pack in Green Bay would beat the Chargers in week 3 to solidify themselves as contenders, I would have told you to lay off the sauce. So without further ado, lets ask the question for each of the league's teams.
NFC East:
Dallas Cowboys:
There is no doubt that the Sunday Night Football crew needed to hop off Romo's balls last night. John Madden referring to him as "Superman" got a little cheesy and ridiculous which is fine because Madden has regressed to become the stupidest human being on the face of the earth, but I need a break from all the QB kiss asses running around in media. Here is a hint, it is not news to us that good quarterbacks are confident. Nor is it news that confidence is a good thing in the locker room for a leader to have. Also work ethic, and willingness to talk with teammates, yeah we got those too. Now relax and come up with something else to talk about for 25 seconds, yes we are looking at you Kolber and Kramer. Nonetheless, Cowboys looked great last night and Romo looked really confident, you could see it showing and rubbing off on his teammates. Just an amazing guy, reminds me of Indiana Jones. CONTENDER.
Washington Redskins:
Looked impressive in the loss. The offense is actually a little explosive. Campbell was throwing darts. Antwann Randle El looked for real as a top option in an NFL offense. The defense showed some major holes late though and they blew the game. I think that they could be dangerous next year but I'm still not sold. However, I need a 6th contender and the NFC is terrible. CONTENDER
New York Giants:
Eli hasn't been terrible and there have been a few bright spots. Basically only a resurgent Toomer and a spectacular Plaxico Burress. Burress has been amazing in the red zone for this team. Still the defense is terrible and we are about 10 weeks away from the annual Coughlin's team quits on him so he'll get fired saga. PRETENDER
Philadelphia Eagles:
I was really going to criticize McNabb here because I love criticize him but he played a hell of a game and successfully reminded us that he is a good Quarterback that led a team to the superbowl. The defense needs to improve but Brian Westbrook is currently the rich man's Reggie Bush. Westbrook is flat out amazing. The receivers are still bad but I think these guys will stick around for a little while. Plus Andy Reid is a good coach, no matter how many ESPN analysists put him on "the hot seat". CONTENDER
NFC NORTH:
Green Bay Packers:
Good defense. Brett Favre is throwing more touchdowns that INTs for once in the past decade and Donald Driver is the beast you never hear people talking about. The defense has been the story though. They contained LT. Do not make the argument that LT still scored and therefore was not contained. This is a guy that scored three times a game last year. He hasn't been great this year and there are big problems over in SD. A big win for the Packers and at 3-0 . . . . CONTENDER
Detroit Lions:
Love the WR. The defense is shitty. The Quarterback is decent. Running game? Haven't seen one. Maybe in a couple years but they aren't going to win with that defense. Also, in a side note, I was a big fan of the anger that bubbled to the surface from some x players about letting John Kitna play last week in the final quarter. Impressive preformance and everything but when I guy leaves with a concussion and after the half comes up to you and says "It's ok, I can go back in, God took away my concussion." As a doctor, how can you not be a little more wary and check into the CONCUSSION. I don't understand the "Sweet, big pickup for us, now get out there" diagnosis. PRETENDER
Chicago Bears:
Two words. Sexy Rexy
PRETENDER
Minnesota Vikings:
If they had won yesterday, I would have loved to put them as a Contender. But they lost to Herm Edwards. The defense is really good. Under-rated good this year and if they can get a QB to throw to those speedy receivers and hand the ball off to AP; there O-line is just good enough to make these guys a contender. About 1-2 years and QB away from threatening the division. PRETENDER
NFC SOUTH
Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
How good is Jeff Garcia? With a decent defense and a week division, this team might just have a chance. Then again, The Rams are terrible and my little sister threw on the Saints for 400 yards last week in a scrimmage. These guys will regress and Gruden won't make it to next season. PRETENDER
Carolina Panthers:
Steve Smith is amazing. The defense is great and if Jake Delhomme didn't screw up his elbow yesterday. The answer might be different. PRETENDER
New Orleans Saints:
For reasons expressed in my last post. I think these guys are turning it around tonight. And yes I am afraid that Vince Young will pull some crap. CONTENDER
Atlanta Falcons:
Word out of the Atlanta Locker room. D'Angelo Hall got beat up yesterday by possibly more than one Falcon for yelling at them after numerous penalties near the end of the game. Yeah this team is going far. PRETENDER
San Francisco 49ers:
Offense has looked a step behind all year. Nothing is clicking and yet they backed into first place behind a decent defense. This team is mediocre across the board. Where is Vernon Davis? Where is Frank Gore in the passing game? Alex Smith needs to pull some magic shortly if he thinks he is going to sniff the playoffs. PRETENDER
Seattle Seahawks:
They made the playoffs a year ago, the Superbowl the year before. All without losing very much more than their Left Guard. Granted he was a sweetass left guard but they didn't lose much of a step. Next to the Pats, the WR core rivals any other in the NFL. Shaun Alexander is a little weird, a lotta crazy, but he is a fantastic running back. This team is for real and will win the division. Basically because the rest of the teams suck ass daily. CONTENDER
Arizona Cardinals:
Reports that I have been reading say that Leinart wasn't really injured and that he looked unsure and afraid when confronted with the Baltimore blitzes. Warner then leads them back and the almost win the game. A QB controversy is never good for any team and it will destroy this one that is having trouble stopping anyone right now. PRETENDER
This is taking forever. Going into hurry up mode.
Saint Louis Rams:
Orlando Pace killed the offense. Defense is not good enough to keep them in games when the O struggles. PRETENDER
AFC EAST:
New England Patriots:
Unstoppable. Flat out no other way to put it. I cannot wait for the Colts show down because I believe that score will be 38-21 Pats. They are that good. Randy Moss is the best receiver in the game once again. CONTENDER
New York Jets:
Eh. Mediocre across the board. Not in this conference. Not this year. PRETENDER
Miami Dolphins:
These guys are MUCH more feisty that people think. Just don't say that Ronnie Brown is back. He was never good enough in a season to say he is back from something. Just accept that he has arrived. There is no odder fall from grace than Trent Green. Why did we write him off? Why did I assume he would be terrible, is it the losing culture of the Dolphins or the assumption that it would be impossible for that GM to make a good move? No idea but they are better than we think. Still, its the AFC. PRETENDER
Buffalo Bills:
Losman out hurts but it wasn't like they were making it anyway. The future looks bright. Whitner played well yesterday on that dominated Defense and if you wanna make a Bill fan smile bring up that touchdown run by Lynch yesterday, a thing of beauty. PRENTENDER
AFC NORTH:
Pittsburgh Steelers:
Anytime your team has scored the second most points in the AFC(3rd most NFL). And your defense has given up the least points. Yeah, I'd say you are a CONTENDER
Baltimore Ravens:
A: That defense is incredible to watch. Da Bocker said it best. Chicago and Baltimore play on another level than any other defense. B: Right now. Kyle Boller should be the QB and he will be next year and possibly before this year ends. CONTENDER
Cincinnati Bengals:
Worst Defense in the league. Hands down. I don't even care how good the passing game is.PRETENDER
Cleveland Browns:
C'mon. Braylon and Kellen are for real. No one else that starts on this team comes close. PRETENDER
AFC SOUTH:
Indianapolis Colts:
Peyton Manning. Anytime you can look into a camera, sell Direct TV, audible from a run to a pass, after you hike the ball, and still throw for a touchdown to a receiver that is running a crossing route due to an ESP connection, Yep you are a CONTENDER
Jacksonville Jaguars:
Maurice Jones Drew = best backup running back in football. PRETENDER
Houston Texans:
Offense looked off without Andre. Ahman looked old. Schaub looked mediocre. It is clear they need him to make things work. PRETENDER
Tennessee Titans:
Scary thing going into the Saints game : Vince Young, just wins football games.
CONTENDER
AFC WEST:
Denver Broncos:
Jay Cutler will single handedly kill their season. He isn't very good yet. Just you wait. PRETENDER
Kansas City Chiefs:
HAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA. I might consider shutting LJ down and hoping to rest him up for next year's new coach. That is ridiculous! PRETENDER.
Oakland Raider:
These guys are going to win some games with CPep but will fall short of the playoffs. Next year, they will be good. I do like Lane Kiffin thus far. And the D-fense is better than the scores of the game suggest. PRETENDER(maybe otherwise if in the NFC)
San Diego Chargers:
They are good. But Phillip Rivers needs to get his shit straight. LT and him arguing on the sidelines does not bode well. Still the D is solid and if LT takes the team on his shoulders, they should survive. Also, it was nice to see Vincent Jackson in pads for once. CONTENDER
THAT WAS EXHAUSTING!
go sox.
NFC East:
Dallas Cowboys:
There is no doubt that the Sunday Night Football crew needed to hop off Romo's balls last night. John Madden referring to him as "Superman" got a little cheesy and ridiculous which is fine because Madden has regressed to become the stupidest human being on the face of the earth, but I need a break from all the QB kiss asses running around in media. Here is a hint, it is not news to us that good quarterbacks are confident. Nor is it news that confidence is a good thing in the locker room for a leader to have. Also work ethic, and willingness to talk with teammates, yeah we got those too. Now relax and come up with something else to talk about for 25 seconds, yes we are looking at you Kolber and Kramer. Nonetheless, Cowboys looked great last night and Romo looked really confident, you could see it showing and rubbing off on his teammates. Just an amazing guy, reminds me of Indiana Jones. CONTENDER.
Washington Redskins:
Looked impressive in the loss. The offense is actually a little explosive. Campbell was throwing darts. Antwann Randle El looked for real as a top option in an NFL offense. The defense showed some major holes late though and they blew the game. I think that they could be dangerous next year but I'm still not sold. However, I need a 6th contender and the NFC is terrible. CONTENDER
New York Giants:
Eli hasn't been terrible and there have been a few bright spots. Basically only a resurgent Toomer and a spectacular Plaxico Burress. Burress has been amazing in the red zone for this team. Still the defense is terrible and we are about 10 weeks away from the annual Coughlin's team quits on him so he'll get fired saga. PRETENDER
Philadelphia Eagles:
I was really going to criticize McNabb here because I love criticize him but he played a hell of a game and successfully reminded us that he is a good Quarterback that led a team to the superbowl. The defense needs to improve but Brian Westbrook is currently the rich man's Reggie Bush. Westbrook is flat out amazing. The receivers are still bad but I think these guys will stick around for a little while. Plus Andy Reid is a good coach, no matter how many ESPN analysists put him on "the hot seat". CONTENDER
NFC NORTH:
Green Bay Packers:
Good defense. Brett Favre is throwing more touchdowns that INTs for once in the past decade and Donald Driver is the beast you never hear people talking about. The defense has been the story though. They contained LT. Do not make the argument that LT still scored and therefore was not contained. This is a guy that scored three times a game last year. He hasn't been great this year and there are big problems over in SD. A big win for the Packers and at 3-0 . . . . CONTENDER
Detroit Lions:
Love the WR. The defense is shitty. The Quarterback is decent. Running game? Haven't seen one. Maybe in a couple years but they aren't going to win with that defense. Also, in a side note, I was a big fan of the anger that bubbled to the surface from some x players about letting John Kitna play last week in the final quarter. Impressive preformance and everything but when I guy leaves with a concussion and after the half comes up to you and says "It's ok, I can go back in, God took away my concussion." As a doctor, how can you not be a little more wary and check into the CONCUSSION. I don't understand the "Sweet, big pickup for us, now get out there" diagnosis. PRETENDER
Chicago Bears:
Two words. Sexy Rexy
PRETENDER
Minnesota Vikings:
If they had won yesterday, I would have loved to put them as a Contender. But they lost to Herm Edwards. The defense is really good. Under-rated good this year and if they can get a QB to throw to those speedy receivers and hand the ball off to AP; there O-line is just good enough to make these guys a contender. About 1-2 years and QB away from threatening the division. PRETENDER
NFC SOUTH
Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
How good is Jeff Garcia? With a decent defense and a week division, this team might just have a chance. Then again, The Rams are terrible and my little sister threw on the Saints for 400 yards last week in a scrimmage. These guys will regress and Gruden won't make it to next season. PRETENDER
Carolina Panthers:
Steve Smith is amazing. The defense is great and if Jake Delhomme didn't screw up his elbow yesterday. The answer might be different. PRETENDER
New Orleans Saints:
For reasons expressed in my last post. I think these guys are turning it around tonight. And yes I am afraid that Vince Young will pull some crap. CONTENDER
Atlanta Falcons:
Word out of the Atlanta Locker room. D'Angelo Hall got beat up yesterday by possibly more than one Falcon for yelling at them after numerous penalties near the end of the game. Yeah this team is going far. PRETENDER
San Francisco 49ers:
Offense has looked a step behind all year. Nothing is clicking and yet they backed into first place behind a decent defense. This team is mediocre across the board. Where is Vernon Davis? Where is Frank Gore in the passing game? Alex Smith needs to pull some magic shortly if he thinks he is going to sniff the playoffs. PRETENDER
Seattle Seahawks:
They made the playoffs a year ago, the Superbowl the year before. All without losing very much more than their Left Guard. Granted he was a sweetass left guard but they didn't lose much of a step. Next to the Pats, the WR core rivals any other in the NFL. Shaun Alexander is a little weird, a lotta crazy, but he is a fantastic running back. This team is for real and will win the division. Basically because the rest of the teams suck ass daily. CONTENDER
Arizona Cardinals:
Reports that I have been reading say that Leinart wasn't really injured and that he looked unsure and afraid when confronted with the Baltimore blitzes. Warner then leads them back and the almost win the game. A QB controversy is never good for any team and it will destroy this one that is having trouble stopping anyone right now. PRETENDER
This is taking forever. Going into hurry up mode.
Saint Louis Rams:
Orlando Pace killed the offense. Defense is not good enough to keep them in games when the O struggles. PRETENDER
AFC EAST:
New England Patriots:
Unstoppable. Flat out no other way to put it. I cannot wait for the Colts show down because I believe that score will be 38-21 Pats. They are that good. Randy Moss is the best receiver in the game once again. CONTENDER
New York Jets:
Eh. Mediocre across the board. Not in this conference. Not this year. PRETENDER
Miami Dolphins:
These guys are MUCH more feisty that people think. Just don't say that Ronnie Brown is back. He was never good enough in a season to say he is back from something. Just accept that he has arrived. There is no odder fall from grace than Trent Green. Why did we write him off? Why did I assume he would be terrible, is it the losing culture of the Dolphins or the assumption that it would be impossible for that GM to make a good move? No idea but they are better than we think. Still, its the AFC. PRETENDER
Buffalo Bills:
Losman out hurts but it wasn't like they were making it anyway. The future looks bright. Whitner played well yesterday on that dominated Defense and if you wanna make a Bill fan smile bring up that touchdown run by Lynch yesterday, a thing of beauty. PRENTENDER
AFC NORTH:
Pittsburgh Steelers:
Anytime your team has scored the second most points in the AFC(3rd most NFL). And your defense has given up the least points. Yeah, I'd say you are a CONTENDER
Baltimore Ravens:
A: That defense is incredible to watch. Da Bocker said it best. Chicago and Baltimore play on another level than any other defense. B: Right now. Kyle Boller should be the QB and he will be next year and possibly before this year ends. CONTENDER
Cincinnati Bengals:
Worst Defense in the league. Hands down. I don't even care how good the passing game is.PRETENDER
Cleveland Browns:
C'mon. Braylon and Kellen are for real. No one else that starts on this team comes close. PRETENDER
AFC SOUTH:
Indianapolis Colts:
Peyton Manning. Anytime you can look into a camera, sell Direct TV, audible from a run to a pass, after you hike the ball, and still throw for a touchdown to a receiver that is running a crossing route due to an ESP connection, Yep you are a CONTENDER
Jacksonville Jaguars:
Maurice Jones Drew = best backup running back in football. PRETENDER
Houston Texans:
Offense looked off without Andre. Ahman looked old. Schaub looked mediocre. It is clear they need him to make things work. PRETENDER
Tennessee Titans:
Scary thing going into the Saints game : Vince Young, just wins football games.
CONTENDER
AFC WEST:
Denver Broncos:
Jay Cutler will single handedly kill their season. He isn't very good yet. Just you wait. PRETENDER
Kansas City Chiefs:
HAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA. I might consider shutting LJ down and hoping to rest him up for next year's new coach. That is ridiculous! PRETENDER.
Oakland Raider:
These guys are going to win some games with CPep but will fall short of the playoffs. Next year, they will be good. I do like Lane Kiffin thus far. And the D-fense is better than the scores of the game suggest. PRETENDER(maybe otherwise if in the NFC)
San Diego Chargers:
They are good. But Phillip Rivers needs to get his shit straight. LT and him arguing on the sidelines does not bode well. Still the D is solid and if LT takes the team on his shoulders, they should survive. Also, it was nice to see Vincent Jackson in pads for once. CONTENDER
THAT WAS EXHAUSTING!
go sox.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Gotta Love It
It took a while, but the Giants finally got their first win of the season this week. Going into the game, I did not look at this game as an absolute must win, but it was pretty close. Now the Giants are 1-2 and have the Eagles at home next week to go 2-1 in the division and 2-2 overall. This will be a key game for the G-Men. They will have played three division games in their first four weeks and will not face another division foe until Dallas comes to the Meadowlands on November 11. After a disastrous first two weeks of the season, just one win has put a much different light on the potential for this Giants season. Now for some thoughts on the Skins game..
- A much better performance by the defense. I do not want to get too high on this unit just yet. They did a very good job, but I am not that impressed with the Skins offense. The bottom line though is that any time you can finish a game on a goal line stand you have to be encouraged. The Giants defense showed a lot of heart today. They have been roasted in the press (and rightfully so) this past week so this was a most ironic way to end the game. The key now is to see if they can follow it up next week.
- One key was the Giants definitely got more pressure on the QB this week. They seemed to find more was to get Kiwanuka rushing the passer and found ways to have Tuck, Kiwanuka, Omenuori and Strahan on the field all at the same time.
- Not happy with the amount of drops today by the Giant receivers (especially Shockey and Burress), but Plaxico came up with a huge play in the 4th quarter.
- I like Ward running the ball. It could be a blessing in disguise that Jacobs got injured in week 1. I think that when he comes back it will be a good situation where the two of the can split some carries, and give that offense different looks.
- I thought Eli was supposed to be out a month the a shoulder injury. First he does not miss a game, not it seems to be a total non issue. He played a much better game this week than week 2 (stats are misleading if you watched the game) and his arm appears to be 100% from the naked eye.
- Looking at the NFC, the top two teams at the moment appear to be Green Bay and Dallas. Coincidentally they are the two teams that have beaten the Giants. Right now you have to be pretty optimistic as a Giants game going into next week. I feel that next week is a must win if the Giants are serious about making a playoff run this year. I don't like losing division games at home, plus a loss would put the Giants in last place in the division. When you take a look at the December schedule you realize that these are the games the Giants are going to have to win to have a chance later on.
STKAFI
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