When the NBA regular season came to an end and I saw the placing... all I could think was wow' there is going to be some great battles in both west and east. So with that said, please take a look at my humble first round predictions.
East Division
#1 Celtics vs. #8 Hawks
well, this may get ugly for the hawks but keep in mind it will be Bibby and Johnson against Young Rondo and Old Allen. I defiantly dont think the Hawks will win the series but I think the gaurd matchup may win them at least one game. Probable the most important think to look for is if the Celts start turning up a notch.
Celts win 4-1
#2 Pistons vs #7 Sixers
Though they split the season series the Piston are 8-2 in there last 10 were as the Sixers are 3-7. Its safe to assume the Sixers are stumbling into the playoffs. But do to the Pistons wealth of playoff exp. and the Sixers lake thereof got say this will be quick.
Pistons win 4-0
#3 Magic vs #6 Raptors
Probable the most intriguing matchup in the Eastern conference, but I think if Dwight Howard turns it on this may be a quick series because I dont think any of the Raptors can man up Howard w/o doubling him in which case they leave open Hedo and Rashard. Witht hat said I give it to the Magic mainly because of matchup difference and some questionable loss for the Raptors in the end of the season.
4-2 Magic Win
#4 Cav's vs. #5 Wizards
Im just going to lay it there, the Wizards are going win this series dont ask me how or why but I have a gut feeling about this... I feel Arenas may become the x-factor that the Wizards need that combine that Lebron is a one man show and cav success is directly related to Lebron have a monster game.
4-3 Wizards pull off the upset and win
2 round East matchups
Celtics vs. Wizards
Pistons vs. Magic
#1 Lakers vs. #8 Nuggets
Its hard to believe that the Nuggets won all 3 of the Regular Season... If the Nuggets get Kobe lock into a shoot off/ no defense series it could get ugly but, the Lakers have the big men to play a smart slow down game which will win them the series. Regardless I believe that the Lakers will win it just a matter of how many games will be played.
4-1(2) Lakers win the series
#2 Hornets vs. #7 Mav's
This may not be a good matchup for the Mavs as some would think... because the Hornets will more than likely dominate the offensive glass because the Mav's lack a real bruiser on the glass. If it comes down to shooting the Hornets will win because Peja will neutralize Dirk's offensive output and I feel that Chris Paul is the best playmaker (yes I do know j-kidd is on the Mav's now) in the playoffs let alone this series. Mav's have got to play a slower game to neutralize the speed and 3pt shooting of the Hornets.
4-2 Hornets win
#3 Spurs vs. #6 Suns
this will be a real grudge match, and to qoute John Donne "for whom the bell tolls it tolls for thee" and that ringing is for the Spurs who will get upset in this series because Shaq can neutralize Duncan in the post (yes I said it).
so dig your heels in because this will be a defensive slug fest.
4-3 Suns win
#4 Jazz vs. #5 Rockets
another gut feeling, Im going to give it to the Rockets for no other reason that I feel they will win. probable wrong again but then again I dont care.
4-3 Rockets win
2nd round matchups
Lakers vs Suns
Hornets vs. Rockets
yes, I have no life... hope you enjoy made in a caffine fueled frenzy
Post what your critic and opinions, just dont be a #### about it (try and be constructive :) )
1. Dolphins Chris Long DE Virginia
There is a number of things that could be done with this pick as they could take Matt Ryan, McFadden, Dorsey, Ellis, or trade with Dallas for 2 1st round picks. However Chris is a proven player and is the safest pick by far regardless of the hype the truth is Long is a instant impact player.
2. Rams Jake Long OT Michigan
Where some can argue Gholston should go here (which he very well might) please consider the aging Rams offensive line and the fact they started tanking when 2 of their Starting O-linemen went down for the season. It probable be smart to move the aging Pace to the inside and take a safe sure thing in Jake who is a carbon copy of Joe Thomas and we all know how good he is.
3. Falcons Matt Ryan QB Boston College
The dirty birds are in complete rebuild mode, they have secured there running game so there would be no need for McFadden. They could draft Ellis or Dorsey but it wouldn’t do much good without a team leader that is where Ryan comes in. He is simply the best QB in the draft as he is big, poised, and has comeback ability will defiantly asset to the Falcons looking towards the future.
4. Raiders Darren McFadden RB Arkansas
With a stunning combine McFadden has just edge out Ellis who well address a need can’t compete with the sheer athletic brilliance of McFadden. I believe come time that the Raiders on the Clock everyone in there management will be thinking about what Adrian Peterson did for the Vikings or Marshawn #### did for the Bills.
5. Chiefs Sedrick Ellis DT USC
There is dilemma in Kansas what to do with the Franchise, they have made little movement so I’m going to assume there happy with what they got and are going to take the best player for there system.
6. Jets Vernon Gholston DE OSU
The Jets would be happy to take Gholston at this pick and I really don’t think it is that far of a stretch. Vernon had a good Combine but his productivity to me doesn’t warrant him to be 1 or 2 overall. Sort of the Mario William question from a few years ago sacks or touchdowns but, in this case the Jets need sacks.
7. Patriots* Leodis McKelvin CB Troy
After loosing Samual and #### the pats need to revamp there corner situation. They may be trying to get Law but that is just a temporary fix (because if it wasn’t the Pats would literally have the oldest defense and league).
8. Ravens Ryan Clady OT Boise State
Big Ogden aint getting any younger so, I believe this is a must for the Ravens who don’t need a RB, DT, or CB and its too early to take the 2nd best QB. With Clady they get a solid blocker who they can either start immediately or groom as the air apparent to Ogden.
9. Bengals Glenn Dorsey DT LSU
I honestly believe Dorsey should be the first or second pick but, there are heap loads of people who would disagree. If he falls this far the Bengals would get the best Athlete in the entire draft. He is a Warren Sapp type defender who will anchor their defense for years to come.
10. Saints Dominique Cromartie CB TSU
Man o’ man do the Saints need help in the secondary lucky for them there will be 2 good choice at this pick (the other being Jenkins). But, I believe Cromartie is the better on the 2, with lightening quick speed and good height he can compete with tall WR like Moss and Plex’ who where the x-factors for there respective teams.
11. Bills Devin Thomas WR Michigan State
12. Broncos Keith Rivers LB USC
13. Panthers Rashard Mendenhall RB Illinois
14. Bears Jonathan Stewart RB Oregon
15. Lions Mike Jenkins CB South Florida
16. Cardinals Derrick Harvey DE Florida
17. Vikings Malcolm Kelly WR Oklahoma
18. Texans Phillip Merling DE Clemson
19. Eagles Chris Williams OT Vanderbilt
20. Buccaneers Limas Sweed WR Texas
21. Redskin Kenny Phillips S Miami
22. Cowboys DeSean Jackson WR California
23. Steelers Jeff Otah OT Pittsburgh
24. Titans Early Doucet WR LSU
25. Seahawks Branden Albert OG Virginia
26. Jaguars Quention Groves DE Auburn
27. Chargers Antoine Cason CB Arizona
28. Cowboys Aqib Talib CB Kansas
29. 49ers James Hardy WR Indiana
30. Packers Brandon Flowers CB Virginia Tech
31. Gaints Dan Conner LB Penn State
32. Dolphins Brian Brohm QB Louisville (see there is a method to my madness!)
33. Rams Calais Campbell DE Miami
34. Raiders Sam Baker OT USC
35. Chiefs Carl Nicks OT Nebraska
36. Jets Kentwan Balmer DT North Carolina
37. Falcons Marcus Howard LB Georgia
38. Ravens Andre Woodson QB Kentucky (could also be Falco or Henne)
39. 49ers Felix Jones RB Arkansas
40. Saints Pat Sims DT Auburn
41. Bills Jerod Mayo LB Tennessee
42. Broncos Dre’ Moore DT Maryland
With the Gaints win over the patriots is amazing fashion where do they stack up amongst the greatest upsets of all time?
10.) Appalachian State beats Michigan 34-32
who would have ever thought a D-II school could beat a national championship contender? This has to be one of the most improbable victories in College football history. The game got no hype because this was just a tune up game for the great Michigan team which seemed to have everything (a great QB,RB,WR,OT... they were loaded). The game had plenty suspense all the way down until the final FG which was blocked.
We will probable will never hear about Armanti Edwards again but, for one day he was probable one of the best college qb's to ever play.
9.) Rulon Gardner(US) beats Alexander Karelin (Russia)
Not as popular as many other upsets but impressive none the less. It is probable the most incredible match of Greco-Roman wrestling ever and if you had to watch just one match this would be the one. Karelin "the bear" had not lost since he was 19 years old in 1987... he had been undefeated for 13 straight years! He had won 3 gold medals in 3 appearance in the Olympics. And so along comes Gardner a relatively unknown farmer-type who some how pulled off one of the hugest upset in indvidual sports ever.
8.) N.C State over Houston's Phi Slamma Jamma
Hows it possible a team with the young pair of Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler future NBA champions,Hall Famers, and members of the top 50, loose to a team of well unknowns? good coaching and magic. The good coaching coming from Jim Valvano who will all remember running around frantic with excitement after the game. And the magic coming from a amazing put back by whittenburg to pull off huge upset.
7.) Golden State Warriors pull a upset over the impressive Mavericks
I dont care if you dont even follow basketball this was probable one of the biggest upset. A Golden State team that narrowly made it into to the playoffs beat a team with the home court advantage , the 1st seed, the MVP, and a talented deep team. How could none of that resulted in a Mav's win? easy the brilliant play of Baron Davis who played his heart out and the leadership of Don Nelson.
6.) 69' New York Mets over the Baltimore Orioles
It probable be crazy to keep a team nicknamed the "Miracle(mets)" off the list. A team which had only existed 8 years some how mustered the talent to challenge the great Orioles team. Probable some of the best defense and pitching ever showcased in the world series helped the Mets claim a place in baseball history.
5.) Buster Douglas kosTyson
anyone who is a 42 to1 underdog I would say does not have a snowball chance in hell. But some how Douglas defeated the unstoppable force that Tyson was in boxing at that time he was literally the best pound for pound fighter. And some how none of this mattered on that day because Buster proved that it was he who was "the baddest man on the planet".
4.) Villanova defeats Georgetown
It is hard to recollect known but during the riegn of Patrick Ewing at Georgetown they were probable the most feared psyhical team to ever play college hoops. Villanova however was the lowest seed ever to make it to the title game they where playing the reigning champs, sound pretty daunting ? Well not to the wildcats who shoot over 78% the entire game and 90% in the 2nd half. No fear thier, just clutch play.
3.) Jets stun the Colts in Superbowl III
"the times are a changing" ... Unitas probable never heard that song as he was the model ver the old school views clean cut, hard working, and the picture of excellance. On the otherside was Joe Namath a brash young upstart who Guaranteed that the young Jets would be the perfect veteran Colts. So, trashtalk never hurt and Namath made that guarante of his whole with the Jets impressive win over the Colts winning 16-7 and holding the Colts offense to 3 scoreless quarters.
2.) Gaints beat the Patriots
Within every perfect thing lies the seed of its own destruction. This ultimately was the case this Sunday.
It hard to imagine the most prolific offense in NFL History was held to just 14 points. But, that was the case as the Gaints defense swarmed and pounding the real greatest show on turf into the most 3 and outs the Pat's experienced the entire season. Eli Manning who was never thought of as a clutch player willed his team to the greatest upset in Super bowl history destroying not only the Pat's perfect (19-0) season but the credibility of many of foxs Nfl "experts".
1.) The Miracle on the Ice, the USA defeats the Soviet Union
This will always be the hugest upset to ever be played. A group of college kids beating a team far better them who got destroyed by them in exhibition (10-3), a team that hadn't lost in nearly 20 years. It still is a miracle and the greatest one of all time.
Just taking time to think of the players who wont be enjoying the warm weather of hawaii,
Not to slight the guys who are going because they all deserve it.
*unproductive comments and criticism will be deleted, please vent steam elsewhere*
AFC
Qb- Derek Anderson, David Garrard, Carson Palmer
HB- Willis McGahee, Fred Taylor, Jamal Lewis
WR- Chad Johnson, Brandon Marshall, Wes Welker, Santonio Holmes
"There is not a doubt that the Bulls have the pure talent to be in eastern championship game so, what is the deal. Gordon, Deng, and Hinrich are not producing consistently like they did last year, which raise another question, which is when, will the Bull’s front office make a deal for Kobe Byrant. How many more games can the Bulls afford to loose in a rising eastern division? I think if they loose 5 of there next 8 games they have to pull the trigger and sadly regardless of the cost."
The Bulls have lost more than 5 games and there in trouble at 2-10. A trade is a must at this point so we will exam possible options for the Bulls to salvage thier season.
My solution from best to worst,
1.) trade 1st round pick for Paul Millsap of the Jazz
Why?
a.) The Bulls wouldnt have to trade any there big 3
b.) They would pick up that low post defender and possible scorer they desire
c.) Paul current salary $687,456 w/ 1 year left meaning... no big dent if it works out or not.
d.) He is young and if he continues to progress you get a Carlos Boozer type PF
2.) Joakim Noah and Aaron Gray for Alonzo Mourning
a.) Even though the potenial to have two stars is there, the truth is the Bulls have no time to wait and see what happens. This is selling 2 rooks in a buy low sell high scenerio.
b.) Alonzo is still pretty solid for his age and is still a prescence (defensively) on the low post.
c.) Has a one year deal and wants to win the NBA title again
d.) Again they dont have to trade there big 3 and they gain a savy vet who has been there before
3.) Kirk Hinrich and Adrian Griffin for Pau Gasol
a.) Pau answers all of there pressing needs
b.) Sefolosha has demonstrated he is very capable at running the point plus, bulls have great depth at the point
c.) Kirk Hinrich is only averaging 10 ppg, 5 asst, and is under 35% from the field
d.) Pau size in the paint will open things up for Gordan's and Deng's shooting
4.) Loul Deng & Joe Smith for Marcus Camby & V.Wafer
a.) They get a solid veteran low post player and a young gun
b.) Nocioni can play SF
c.) more solid rebounding means more shots for Gordan and Hinrich
d.) Camby salary progressively drops after this year
5.) Ben Gordan, Tryus Thomas, Ben Wallace, and 1 st round draft pick* (and possible future draft pick consideration) for Kobe Bryant, Jordan Farmar, and Ronny Turiaf
a.) They get the most electrifying player in the game
b.) They get 2 solid young players
c.) generate extreme amount of profit from ticket and jersey sale (business side of it)
d.) might inspire kobe to run the courts of a legend.
Just ideas they may not be the best but they are defiantly intrest enough
Sometimes when your watching ESPN question pop into your head and I find it interesting what other think besides myself. So fire away! just like as if you were in Pakistan
Are the Celtic legit and worth the Hype ?
Believe it or not I think they are. So far I think they have lived up to the hype and the “big 3” are playing very well. But, I do have genuine concern over there lack of rotation of bench players as at most they are using 3 a game. And to be honest I don’t know how well any of their bodies will hold up as they defiantly all cant play 82 games with no relief.
The Eastern question- To pull the trigger or not…
There is not a doubt that the Bulls have the pure talent to be in eastern championship game so, what is the deal. Gordon, Deng, and Hinrich are not producing consistently like they did last year, which raise another question, which is when, will the Bull’s front office make a deal for Kobe Byrant. How many more games can the Bulls afford to loose in a rising eastern division? I think if they loose 5 of there next 8 games they have to pull the trigger and sadly regardless of the cost.
Adrian Peterson MVP ?
After watching a replay of his game against the Chargers on NFL network a couple of time I’m convinced. This is defiantly not to slight Brady or Moss whom I have seen more of, living on the east coast. But what AP is doing is truly remarkable he is on pace for an 1800+ season if he averages 70 yards (!?) from this point to the end of the season.
Now I’m not saying that he is the second coming of Walter Payton or Emmitt Smith but he is doing something I have never seen a running back do before and that is be great everything. But, more than likely because of the seniority Brady will win but, there something specially happening in Minnesota.
Should LSU be #1 or should it be a very deserving Kansas or Oregon team ?
I like LSU I really do there probable one of my favorite college for both football and basketball but, I think Kansas should be number 1 on the polls maybe for the sheer fact they haven’t lost a game and they are the only ones in the top 10 to do so. Oregon should probable be the other candidate sitting at 3.
Georgetown ranked to high in the College basketball polls ?
I understand that they are a mainly defensive team but they should not have struggled against a sub-par team W&M, which raise another question, How long will they survive in a very competitive Big east conference playing the way they are.
Looking ahead to the NFL draft, its like christmas for me .. really next to the superbowl and the divisional championship games there is not a single NFL event I watch more intently.
Assuming that the 5 worst teams well… will keep on loosing what would your picks look like? This is what I foresee even before the bowl games and combines…
1.) Rams Jake Long Michigan OT Comparable to: Joe Thomas
Of all there problems (and there is plenty) the offense line of the Rams has been the worse. It is odd to see a lineman taken 1st overall but this is a major need with the status of a number starting lineman like Orlando Pace up in the air plus, there is (to me) not a good enough Defensive player to go 1st overall.
2.) Dolphins Glenn Dorsey LSU DT Comparable to: Warren Sapp
This guy can be the centerpiece of any defense and the Dolphins could use nearly anything on Defense. Currently, he led the LSU tigers amazing defense, which has yielded the fewest points. Dorsey can greatly improve the ‘Phins defense and keep O’linemen out of the secondary.
3.) Jets Calais Campbell Miami DE Comparable to: Mario Williams
Well, he may not be has polished as his contemporary upper classman Chris Long, he defiantly has the upside. So far the Jets have 9 sacks that is 29th in the league and it safe to say there defensive is in a sad state of affairs. Were some will claim that sacks are a meaningless statistic I would reply but pressure and field position aren’t so I think that the Jets would be wise to take Campbell whose length and speed on the edge will greatly improve there defense.
4.) Patriots* DeSean Jackson California WR Comparable to: Lee Evans
Hear me out; first off do to the trade to get this pick it is just plain highway robbery. Second it is unknown how much longer Randy Moss will be with the Patriots in the long run. Jackson would be the perfect insurance policy in case Randy wants more money when the pats win enough super bowls to make everyone physically sick.
5.) Falcons Andre Woodson Kentucky QB Comparable to: Donovan McNabb
The Falcons need a QB and it depends on who there sweet on Ryan or Woodson, I probable go Woodson though he has a powerful arm and impressive vision on the field.
He is mainly a pocket passer, which may fit the Falcons new system. He has a NFL legit deep ball and has tremendous poise.
*= acquired form 49ers
Rounding up the top 10...
Raiders -Darren McFadden -RB -Arkansas
Bengals -Chris Long -DE -Virginia
Cardinals -Derrick Harvey -DE/LB -Florida
Bears -Matt Ryan -QB -BC
Vikings -Brian Brohm -QB -Louisville
Before we go ahead and ordain the patriots the SuperBowl winners lets consider firstly that this is football and anything can happen for example the Bears could be falling apart and the saints loosing there first 4 games. And second, the Patriots are not perfect (WHAT!?) , that’s right and guess what no team is. Let take a look a some facts to possible ice the swelling heads of some patriots fans who think they are on the mountain top.
1.) Sure the offense is chalk full of talent and depth… at wide receiver.
Besides Sammy Morris (who is hurt and out for a month or more) the patriots have little to no running game. Of course throwing is there game but, here is an universal truth if you cant control the clock with a competent running game than your going to have a tough time in the playoffs. Also you would think that the running game would benefit from a outrageous passing game.
2.) Let examine the defense that Brady Butchered
2 ranks overall and then vs. pass defense (sorry couldnt adjust spacing)
(overall) (vs. Pass)
jets
(29th) (26 *)
chargers
(18th) (27 *)
bills
(30th) (29)
Bengal’s
(31th) (28 **)
browns
(32nd) (31**)
cowboys
(6th) (12 *)
dolphins
(25th) (7 **)
redskins
(12th) (17)
*= have allowed 10 + Passing TD
**= have allowed 15 + passing TD
All those numbers are rankings in the out of the entire NFL. Heck, I think I could throw a TD on a couple of those teams. Likewise look at those teams on that list, it’s fair to say half of them are poor at best… what does that mean? Easy picking for a good defense… again what does that mean a short field with a bad defense.
All above = inflation of scores and statistic
3.) 8 teams in 9 weeks
Colts : Payton Manning doesn’t make mistakes, solid dual back running game, a defense that is solid but not star studded.
Bills: they will win this one, but they loose there steam coming off the bye
Eagles : when D.Nabb’s game is on he is one of the best, Westbrook is great when healthy, the Pat’s will face a D’ not afraid to run a 0 blitz whenever it wants.
Ravens: Pats will win by virtue that the ravens have no offense but they will be ####ed around.
Steelers: revenge is a dish best served cold, if they are undefeated to this point (which I doubt) look for the Steelers to come out looking to prove something. I havent forgot the AFC Champ game from a few years back and Im not a steelers fan but Im sure they want blood.
Jets: they should win …
Dolphins : trap,trap,trap
Gaints: solid O’, and speed rush defense, and its in there house.
yes, there finally in... my apologize cards for these picks... yes !!!
on a lighter and entirely differant note here is my qoute for the week;
"Hope Solo and DeAngelo Hall could literally cry me a river"
(hold the aplause and laughter)
Texans 30 over Falcons 21
The Falcons surprised me last week they stuck with the Panthers and if it wasn't for DeAnglo Halls Little blow up they may have won. As for this week I actually think they will encounter a better more balanced team as Houston Defense and Offense were able to compete with the high flying Colts. So it will be an interesting game just not one that the Falcons will win, sadly.
Bears 23 over Lions 14
The Lions got offense and despite injuries the Bears have the best defense in the NFC. Griese couldn't have found a better week to start against the porous Lions secondary, which has given up at least 2 TD, and 270 passing yards a game, hell Grossman might have even done well. To say the least I like da' Bears because it just wouldn’t be right to see the loose to the Lions.
Packers 24 over Vikings 20
Fingers are crossed as Farve may actually break 2 records (most TD's and INT).
If Jackson starts at QB they will not score 20 but if Holcomb does I think he gives them a fighting shot against an upstart defense in the 'bay.
Jets 28 over Bills 17
The Bills are falling apart but it may be better next year, as we will see what Trent Edward and #### can do together. Chad and Jones are bound to have a good game against a defense that is basically out of Linebackers and Defensive ends.
Ravens 20 over Browns 17
This game could actually go either way depending on how well McNair does for the Ravens and how well Jamal Lewis does for the Browns.
Buccaneers 23 over Panthers 17
Garcia and the Buc's defense are too solid to loose to the Panthers. I should note Carr is making his first start, we mostly know him as the defense ends best friend.
Cowboys 30 over Rams 20
The Rams have literally implode this season the best Offensive Lineman out for the season, their starting RB is out for gods knows when, and they’re starting QB only has broken ribs. Its only the 4th week of games and they are tanking it the Cowboys on the other hand are flourishing, just getting off defeating the Bears the sky is the limits for the boys' whom don't seem to be missing Terry Glenn.
Raiders 21 over Dolphins 13
Lamont Jordon is have the best season of his career and may finish in the top 4 in rushing. If Culpepper returns to even half of his old form the Raiders should handle the Dolphins with ease.
49ers 17 over Seahawks 10
*UPSET SPECIAL* you know it, I will be willing to roll the dice for the niners all year against NFC opponents. Alexander is hurt again so it will depend on how Hasselback throws it. All Alex Smith has to do is give it to Gore and maybe throw a couple 5 yard passes.
Steelers 28 over Cardinals 20
I was compelled to put the Cardinals over the Steelers but I have to give the Steelers there do. Willie Parker is having a great season and the defense is on lockdown, Hines Ward is out which may hurt Roth' but the Steelers are a running team anyway.
Colts 30 over Broncos 10
Colts win hands down... Forget Blye' and Bailey... The Jaguars exploited the glaring weakness in the Broncos who have no quality wins. The Colts have too much mystic to loose this one.
Eagles 32 over Giants 26
Another Barn Burner, but will have the same result Eagles win and the Gaints loose.
There nothing like a game with no defense... except grant me one reprieve I think Trent Cole may have a 20-sack season.
Patriots 38 over Bengal’s 29
Brady + Moss + Welker + Stallworth > Bungels Defense
Sorry if Derek Anderson can throw 5 TD passes why not Brady.
Well, a hour before games start I figure I might as well guess know so I can be proved wrong earlier. So here we go,
Ravens 23 over Cardinals 17
The Ravens offense will be stagent but there Defense will do very well.... That we know for sure.
I believe it will be close do that the new coaching staff of the Cardinals are famaliar with that of the Ravens (ie 2 Steeler coachs are now working for the Cardinals.
Chargers 30 over Greenbay 21
The Chargers Offense has been bogged down by the 2 of the best defense in the league period. I feel LT will get more chances to show why he is the best in the game this week.
Colts 24 over Texans 20
It will be close... it will be close. The Colts get the edge because they are more balanced and the explosive Andre Johnson is out do to a leg injury. Bob Sander for sure will make the Texans life very hard at there offensive end and Payton is just Payton.
Vikings 21 over Kansas 10
Kansas is very very old at both ends of the Ball and sadly LJ cant carry them into the playoffs again. The Vikings defense is just to good Adrian Peterson will be running all over the field today.
Patriots 34 over Bills 24
The game may be a little be closer than most imagine but the Pat's have to much talent for a beat up Bills Defense.
Jets 27 over Dolphins 19
Similar to what happen to the Chargers the Jets have run into the best defense's in the Game (NE, Ravens) I feel this game they get there offense back on track. After bairly loosing to the Ravens there is little doubt they will be able to move and score against the Dolphins D which is know sanz Zach Thomas.
Eagles 31 over Lions 27
This game will be close and high scoring, But I think McNabb will get back into the flow of things and may score often against the Lions suspect secondary.
49ers 20 over Steelers 13
If the 49ers can push the pressure on Big Ben and remove the running game than the 49ers will win. Alex Smith needs just to play smart and conservative and he will be fine. Im suspect of the Steelers whom I believe have beat 2 subpar teams so, it will be intresting to see what hapens.
Rams 26 over Buc's 20
I see the Rams O' rebounding... How can they not they have a top 8 QB and a top 3 RB. If they get Jackson going there will be more space for Bulger to work. I like what Garcia has done and the Buc's will do well this season but they may meet a wall in the Rams.
Jaguars 13 over Broncos 10
Jags win in another tooth grinding victory. The Broncos have won 2 games by the hairs on there chin, Until they can solidly defeat someone. We know what the Jags are going to do. RUN!!!
Browns 30 over Oakland 23
If there is any carry over from last week than the Browns should win this game. It could go either way but all good things point the Browns way.
Bengals 24 over Seahawks 14
We know the Bengals can score but can they stop anyone and this week I say the can. sadly, Shaun Alexander skills are diminished by the injuries of old.
Panthers 30 over Falcons 10
no comment, its just sad
Redskins 26 over Gaints 16
The Gaints are beat up all over, the QB is beatup, there star WR is beatup, there defense cant stop anybody.
The Skins' got the the formula to win.. lets see if they can do it.
Cowboys 23 over Chicago 10
Grossman, O' Grossman where art thou QB skill
Chicago Defense will be good but they will be on the field more than half the game and against a explosive Dallas Offesnive I dont if they can be contained.
With all the scandals going around lately I think it best we stay positive. I have compiled what I think are the 10 ten most heroic moments in sports history. Feel free to contribute your own lists,as this is just my personal opinion.
1.) Jackie Robinson breaks the color barrier, wins rookie of the year, and wins the world series- 1945
To go through so much adversity and so much hostility and still achieve is something it really shows the courage of the man.
2.) Lou Gehrig farewell- 1939
Though it is not for sports achievement it was probable the most heartfelt moment in sports history.
3.) "Miracle on the Ice" America slays the Gaint which was the Soviet Union hockey team- 1980
Probable one of the best sports story ever, to beat a team that had been undefeated for more than a decade in international play. Whom had also beaten them 10-1 a couple monts earlier. To then go out there and defeat them was a hell of a accomplishment.
4.) Jesse Owens earns 4 gold medals proving that all that matters is heart and the will to win-1936
so much for a perfect race... I dont believe it possible for someone to have been in a more hostile environment.
5.) Willis Reed plays through torn thigh muscle to elevate the Knicks to a game 7 victory over the Lakers - 1970
probable the very defination of heart to go out and play with a torn thigh muscle and perform knowing you team needed you to win a championship.
6.) Doug Flutie throws a hail mary pass to Gerard Phelan to put BC over Miami in the Orange Bowl with 48 second left -1984
It could have easily gone either way, but its proof even the smallest among us can do great things.
7.) "The Drive" John Elway leads the Broncos 98 yards with 37 second left to tie the game and send it into overtime- 1987
In NFL history this has got to be one of the greatest possesions by a QB ever.
8.) Jordans Farewell, goes out with class and his 6th championship- 1998
Lets forget the wizards thing, he capt his playing days with a clutch shot to win the game and the championship.
9.) "The comeback" The Bills overcome a 32 point Deficit (led by backup Qb Frank Reich) to defeat the Houston Oilers- 1993
Most teams and players would have just given up at half time if they were down by double digits but this gutsy perfomance shows anything is possible.
10.) Gerry McNamara carries the Orangemen through injury past top seed UCONN,Pittsburgh,and Georgetown for the Big east title- 2006
Probable one of the more unknown events, he made a half court shot to defeat Cincinnati, makes another one to send the game in overtime against UCONN the #1 rank team in the nation. Then to hold off Georgetown in a teeth grinder and defeat a very good Pittsburgh team. He did this with a strained groined muscle amoung other other injuries.
AGAIN THIS IS JUST MINE LIST,Feel free to contribute your own lists if you wish.
1 YI’s Holdout
It’s bad enough this guy has bust written all over him (like flashing lights and police tap). It’s bad enough the bucks wasted there 6th overall with Brewer, Harford, Wright, Noah, and many more talented players still on the board.
It’s bad enough he has about as much muscle tone as Joss Stone if not less…
What makes it worse… so very very worse is he is holding out because the Bucks have “two many tall players”. Hmmmm… They got Bogut at center and is he would be the only other 7 footer on the team. Perhaps I imagining things and the Bucks are chalk full of bigs.
On the otherhand what blows my mind completely is China doesn’t want to put him somewhere were he can learn, develop, and start…. No, no that would make too much sense, lets try to put him in the western conference were he will be dominate by vastly superior big men until he crys and goes home strapped with ice packs… and after he returns home and is nursing his broken arms the China’s Government will tell him he needs to think about “National Pride” and to quite nursing his broken arms or as the Chinese government would put it “personal life”.
2 Vick manages to play the tinman, the scarcrow, and the cowardly lion all at the same time.
First he doesn’t have the heart to be a role model or a quarterback
Second he does have the brain to realize “dog fighting is bad!?”
And third he doesn’t have the courage to come out profoundly deny this accusation and then completely disprove them.
Of course I will grant a reprieve for Mr. Vick and say they really haven’t proven anything and these charges may be completely and utterly false. I just have one question how can you have a PETA rally without Pam-ela Anderson, I mean come on !? Is it really that unsafe to walk the streets with Sacha Baron Cohen out on the prowl .
3 Food for thought
Refs cheating in Basketball, Mr. Stern?
see no evil , hear no evil speak no evil, Mr.. Stern replied
Do you think Mark Cuban will jump on this, and claim not only was he swindle by Don Nelson but he was robbed of a title by good old Robber Baron Stern and his lackeys
It shaping’ up to be a good episode of Scooby doo mysterious for Cuban…. Maybe he will just play baseball and compete in the only sport we have ever know to have ever had a fixed championship
I’m out… to learn why I keep only losing bets to Tim Donaghy
5 reasons you can’t blame The Dallas Mavericks loosing to the Golden State Warriors
5.) Dirk Now-slightly above average-itzki
Averaging a mere 20 pts and 11.5 Dirk defiantly lost a step or two; a Perennial all-star and MVP candidate wasn’t what he was during this series. Great moments are born from great opportunity and when your star player does not take advantage of that opportunity and dominate, than your team is doomed for let down. When the light shine brightest the star is supposed to transcend there norms not play a disappearing act. He did have one moment of excellence in game five with 30 points and 12 Rebounds but, then he played a similar disappearing act in Game 6 with only 8 points and 10 Rebounds.
4.) Truffle shuffle of centers
Game 1-Nowitzki, Game 2-Dampier, Game 3-Dampier, Game-4/6 Diop,
With Nowitzki being a complete waste of talent at the center position and the fact that the Mav’s would be better off playing with only four players seeing how pitiful Diop and Dampier have been. In the Games Dampier started he had 5 fouls then 3, and had a cumulative 5 pts to show for nearly 31 minutes of play; and Diop slightly more productive with 16 fouls, 8 pts, and 88 cumulative minutes (not including Games 5&6)
3.) “You are still but a padawan, Avery!”-Don Nelson
True, Don Nelson was the architect of this Maverick team his nurturing turned Dirk Nowitzki into the star he is today; one can claim that because of this he best knew how to shut Dirk down and that thusly resulted in the Mav’s loosing. However, I believe because of Avery inability to motivate his team when he should of and because his mishandling and shuffle of Centers, Avery’s inexperience as a head coach really started to show. He allowed his team to play the Warrior’s game and let them control the tempo which resulted in there losses.
2.) Under Pressure
Shooting under .500 from the field and having a non existent arc game making only .381 may have a little to do with the pressure of the level of hype that surrounds the Mav’s. In that they were the most dominate team in the NBA during the regular season even making a run at Chicago Bull Legend status but falling short of a 72-10 season, they were supposed to dominate Golden State from the very beginning of the game to the very end with ease. Perhaps they took them too lightly or perhaps they were shellshock by the loss in Game 1 and could never regain the same composure they had during the regular season.
1.) Baron Davis is god!
He really is... I have proof… average of 25 pts, 4.75 AST, 2.25 STL, exactly .500 from the field, the Arc, and .740 from the charity stripe. Dare I say this is a very Jordon-esque performance? Davis is playing like an all-star, he has elevated his game and has elevated his team passed the best in the west.
* Most stats were calculated pre-game 5 so they may be a point or two off, however the serve as a generality to prove a point.
