Around the world of the NFL faster than Reggie Bush turning the corner and gaining huge yardage, Crappafoni Pictures presents to you, the avid NFL fan, this week's version of the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, Surf and Turf style. Enjoy!
THE GOOD
Dallas Cowboys: they went into Lambeau Field and totally throttled a very good Packers team for the nation to see. The Cowboys may have found a #2 receiver in Miles Austin. And their X-Factor so far? Felix Jones. All this guy does is make big plays. For all the talk of the Cowboys' offense, their defense is big, strong, fast, and PHYSICAL. They beat up the Packers into submission.
Miami Dolphins: for a team that was 1-15 last season, they have already matched their win total from last season. RB/QB Ronnie Brown threw as many TD passes than Matt Cassel. Not to mention gashing the Patriots' defense for FOUR rushing TDs. Ricky Williams got into the act, rushing for close to 100 yards (98, to be exact).
Jacksonville Jaguars: to go into Indianapolis and beat the Colts is DEFINITELY good. This was a must win game for the Jags.
Philadelphia Eagles: they pounded a very good Steelers team into submission. Jim Johnson threw everything at the Steelers, including the kitchen sink. I think the sink got a sack in that game. The Eagles recorded nine sacks and a safety. Totally dominating. Not to be overlooked was the punting of Sav Rocca, who kept the Steelers pinned deep in their own territory, allowing the Eagles to keep the pressure on Roethlisberger and the Steelers.
New York Giants: they survived a close, hard-fought game with the Cincinnati Bengals at home, doing what they needed to prevail. They showed the heart of a champion in defeating the Bengals and keeping their undefeated record intact.
Cincinnati Bengals: I'm going to break with tradition and put them in the Good category, despite losing. They went toe to toe with the defending Super Bowl champs and went to overtime before losing. Could they take this game and use it as motivation to turn around their season? Only time will tell.
San Diego Chargers: they won a wild shootout against the New York Jets, bringing back memories of Air Coryell. The Chargers punted only once in the game, meaning Mike Scifres had time to check out the hot babes in the stands. Good win by the Bolts.
Honorable Mention: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Washington Redskins, Denver Broncos.
THE BAD
Kansas City Chiefs: these guys are threatening to make this category their permanent home. Granted, they lost to a good Atlanta Falcons team, but they weren't competitive. This team is God-awful BAD.
Detroit Lions: bad, bad team. They were outmatched and outclassed by an up and coming 49ers team.
St. Louis Rams: nothing like some Lamb Chops for the Seattle Seahawks to fatten up on. The Hawks are still licking their chops after that sumptuous meal.
New England Patriots: this team is in SERIOUS trouble. Their defense is old, slow, and a shell of what they were five years ago. Miami just pushed them around the field and b-slapped them all day long.
Cleveland Browns: losing to a rookie QB is bad enough. But they were not competitive. There should have been a DefCon 5 alert for the citizens of Baltimore due to Derek Anderson stinking up the joint so badly. He was BRUTAL.
THE UGLY
Carolina Panthers: Jake Delhomme lost TWO fumbles, one that directly led to a TD. The defense turned journeyman Gus Frerotte into Joe FREAKING Montana. Was that Gus Frerotte or Joe Montana back there? The coaching staff abandoned the run early in the game when it was working. The Panthers also shot themselves in the feet too many times by committing numerous penalties. In short, the Panthers sleepwalked through the entire game. They weren't ready to play. My question is: did someone spike the Panthers' water with Lunesta?
Houston Texans: Matt Schaub threw three picks, including a Pick Six Special to Cortland Finnegan with 1:17 remaining in the game. Finnegan returned the gift a franchise record 99 yards to put the game away. Schaub was BRUTAL, going 17 for 37 for 188 yards.
Those are my Week 3 nominees. Feel free to come in with yours!
It's that time of week again, sports fans. Is there a sports entity that has you in such an uproar that you want to SCREAM? Do you want to call them out for it? Here is your chance to do so! The young lady will take your requests and the offending party will be thrown under that Bus behind her. I have a few requests.
NFL
Carolina Panthers: WHAT THE HELL KIND OF EFFORT WAS THAT? You have a battering ram in Jonathan Stewart that SHOULD HAVE BEEN GIVEN THE BALL 25-30 times today! His total: seven carries for 15 yards! SEVEN FREAKING CARRIES!! Jake Delhomme doesn't escape blame for this, either. He was sacked about 100,000 times, or so it seemed (he was actually sacked five times), and fumbled THREE TIMES, losing ALL of them. Stewart getting the ball a MINIMUM of 20 times would have slowed down the Vikings' defense. Look at what the Dolphins did against New England--they gave the rock to THEIR battering ram Ronnie Brown, and he gashed the Patriots for FOUR TDs and passing for another TD. Dolphins WHIPPED the Patriots at Foxborough. YOU CAN LEARN FROM THAT!
Now let's get to the defense. Aside from Julius Peppers, everyone SUCKED. YOU TURNED A JOURNEYMAN QB INTO FREAKING JOE FREAKING MONTANA! Why didn't you blitz more? Frerotte had ALL FREAKING DAY to pick apart the suspect Panthers' secondary. The coaching staff doesn't escape my wrath, either. FREAKING LIFELESS AND NO IMAGINATION! What did you think, that just by walking out there, you would win? How did you win your first two games? BY PLAYING WITH A SENSE OF URGENCY AND FLYING TO THE BALL. There was none of that today. With a 10-0 lead, you should have been able to choke out the Vikings. You would have if you had fed Jonathan Stewart the rock 20-25 times. SEVEN TIMES IS INEXCUSABLE!! NO WONDER YOU GET THROWN UNDER THE BUS!!
Detroit Lions: this is the saddest sack team in the NFL. But the way Carolina played, the Lions would win their matchup. They were thoroughly dominated by the 49ers. Then to make matters worse, Jon Kitna got injured late in the game. I'll just throw them to the side of the bus.
This blogger: I'm throwing myself under the Bus this week for saying that Carolina would beat Minnesota.
MLB
Colorado Rockies: I'm throwing them Under The Bus for rolling over and laying down to die against the Arizona Diamondbacks, and at home, no less. Arizona came into the series at Colorado having lost 11 road games in a row. Then they go in and sweep the Rockies, two of the games being routs and the middle game being tied going into the ninth, when the Snakes scored two runs. All that good will you earned last year for that amazing run is gone. #### YOU ROCKIES!!
Los Angeles Dodgers: this is for losing half your lead to the D-backs by losing 2 of 3 to the lowly Giants. You turned the Giants' pitching staff into the 1971 Baltimore Orioles' staff. Now it appears you're going to have to win IN San Francisco, NEVER an easy thing to do. For nearly giving back the NL West lead, you get thrown under the Bus.
NASCAR
Robby Gordon: he was racing Jamie McMurray while a lap down. Foolish. Give McMurray the position, and you don't take out a car that could have won the race. McMurray is racing for his future, and finishes like today make it easier for Jack Roush to decide. You get thrown under the Bus twice: for foolishly racing McMurray and for being an ####.
Those are my nominees. Feel free to come in with yours!
Starting in Week 1 and concluding in Week 17 (since there are no bad teams in the playoffs) I will be offering the NFL version of The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly, sponsored by Crappafoni Pictures. I will put five teams in each category.
THE GOOD
New York Giants: they totally dismantled the Washington Redskins last Thursday night. The defense overwhelmed Jason Campbell and the Redskins' offense. Based on what I've seen, the G-men look poised to defend their title.
Philadelphia Eagles: Donovan McNabb is healthy again, and that’s a good thing for the Eagles. They ran and passed at will against the Rams. Defensively, they put the clamps on the Rams’ offense.
Dallas Cowboys: they totally dismantled the Cleveland Browns, looking like the favorites to go to the Super Bowl. Tony Romo looked sharp, the ground game was working, and the defense totally overwhelmed the Browns’ offense.
Carolina Panthers: WOW! What a freaking ending! The Panthers hung in there and kept it close throughout the game. The Chargers took the lead with 2:26 left in the game. Plenty of time for Jake Delhomme to drive the Panthers down the field, culminating in a 14-yard TD pass to Dante Rosario as time expired. It's a VERY RARE feat for a QB to throw a game-winning TD pass as time expires. To go into San Diego and beat the Chargers is a GREAT start to the season.
Atlanta Falcons: Michael Turner. Matt Ryan. Need I say more? Turner rushed for a franchise record 220 yards and Ryan's first pass in the NFL was a 62-yard TD to Michael Jenkins. What a debut for first-year head coach Mike Smith! Looks like the Falcons' braintrust knew what they were doing in hiring Smith.
I could put a whole bunch of other teams in this category, but I will put a few in my honorable mention category.
Honorable Mention: Chicago Bears, Arizona Cardinals, Buffalo Bills, Denver Broncos.
THE BAD
St. Louis Rams: they couldn’t move the ball on the Eagles, and the Eagles ran and passed over them at will. While I didn’t expect them to win, I expected a better effort. Yuck. I hope Scott Linehan is updating his resume.
Detroit Lions: they were ill-prepared to play football against the Falcons. While Jon Kitna wasn’t bad, the rest of his team was. Kitna actually had a pretty good day, but the defense was putrid.
Cincinnati Bengals: while I wouldn’t normally put them in the Bad category, they belong there this week because they lost to a rookie QB and rookie head coach.
Seattle Seahawks: where do I start? Special teams? That’s a good place to start. The Seahawks’ special teams allowed a fake FG for a touchdown and a punt return for a touchdown.
Oakland Raiders: losing at home, and not putting forth an honest effort against the Denver Broncos, will get you in this category every single time. They took STUPID penalties, did a ####-poor job in tackling, and did a poor job of game management.
THE UGLY
New England Patriots: losing your franchise QB for the season will get you in this category.
San Francisco 49ers: playing a game of giveaway with the Arizona Cardinals to the tune of five turnovers will get you in this category every single time.
Oakland Raiders: this was so ugly, I turned to a documentary. They were totally and thoroughly dominated by the Broncos. The atmosphere in the stadium is like a morgue. Lane Kiffin better start updating his resume. Now Rob Ryan can really snicker his teehees at Kiffin, knowing he won‘t be fired.
I apologize for leaving some teams off that should be in one of the three categories. Feel free to come in with your nominees!
New England Patriots: this team will have a stranglehold on this division for the foreseeable future. As long as Tom Brady is under center, the Patriots will be a Super Bowl contender. While I don't think they'll put up epic numbers like they did last year, they'll still put up huge numbers. There are questions on defense, particularly in the secondary. They did sign Deltha O'Neal, and he gives them a veteran presence in the secondary. I think they'll fall off slightly, but they'll still treat this division as their own fiefdom. Predicted record: 13-3, division champions (#2 seed).
New York Jets: Brett Favre has brought an excitement to this franchise that has not been seen in a long time. He has a solid RB behind him in Thomas Jones, above-average WRs in Jerricho Cotchery and Lavernaues Coles. The O-line is improved. The defense has the proper pieces in place. Kris Jenkins should be more than adequate as NT. OLB Calvin Pace should flourish in the 3-4. They could contend for a wild card spot. Not only could they contend, they will get a wild card spot. Predicted record: 10-6 (wild card #6 seed).
Buffalo Bills: Jason Peters' holdout is turning VERY ugly VERY fast. His replacement, Langston Walker, went down with an arm injury, giving Peters leverage in his holdout. Don't be surprised if he sits out the season. The Bills have picked up where they left off: getting injured. If not for this giant distraction (no pun intended), I would consider the Bills as a playoff contender. Peters' holdout will hurt the Bills both now and in the long run. This came at the worst time, when this young team was starting to gell. No playoffs, at least not this year. Predicted record: 7-9 (no playoffs).
Miami Dolphins: the acquisition of Chad Pennington and the reemergence of the Ricky Williams of 2002 has Phin phans optimistic. Certainly they will be a lot better than last year. Pennington will be a good mentor to Chad Henne. Jake Long will be a franchise LT for the next decade or so. The defense is a good mixture of youngsters and veterans. While a break-even record is asking a bit much, they won't be too far behind that. Predicted record: 6-10 (no playoffs).
AFC SOUTH
Indianapolis Colts: I've gotta go with them until Jacksonville (or another division team) beats them out. We know about Peyton Manning. We know about that defense. We know about Adam Vinatieri. Manning won't let them lose the division. Predicted record: 12-4 (division champion, #3 seed).
Jacksonville Jaguars: too bad they weren't in the NFC South; they'd be the #1 or #2 seed. But alas, they have to contend with Indy. David Garrard is a winner, pure and simple. He's won in the postseason. Can the Jags take the next step? It wouldn't surprise me. The defense is stout as usual. Pencil them in for the playoffs. Predicted record: 11-5 (wild card, #5 seed).
Houston Texans: this is the year they climb out of the division cellar. Matt Schaub is healthy, and he's got something to prove. Ahman Green is an old warhorse, but when healthy, is still very productive. Steve Slaton brings an added dimension to the running game. Defensively, they need to develop a better pass rush. That is the one area of the defense that will keep them from making the playoffs. However, they will break even. Predicted record: 8-8 (no playoffs).
Tennessee Titans: this team is an enigma. One moment Vince Young is poised to join the elite, next moment he plays like a raw rookie. I'm not sold on them. While their defense is still solid, questions about on offense. They take a step back this season. Predicted record: 7-9 (no playoffs).
Scanning the world of sports, you can find plenty of sports individuals and teams that so tick you off you want to call them out. Or throw them under the Bus. This is your forum to do that! I have a few that I'd like to throw Under The Bus.
NFL
Willie Andrews, CB, New England Patriots: this coward allegedly pointed a gun at his girlfriend during a domestic dispute early last Monday. At the time, the Patriots said they were aware of the report, but had "no comment." UPDATE: the Patriots released Andrews the next day. This thug does not belong on ANY NFL roster because he's a lawbreaker. If it is proven he did this, he should NOT be a free man for a VERY LONG TIME. Andrews gets thrown Under The Bus for being a thug and a dumb####.
Brett Favre: there's that rumor floating around that he may be unretiring. The Packers have moved on without him. Sounds like Aaron Rodgers is having his feet cut out from under him. Brett, you're one of the all-time greats, but enough already! For "tantalizing" us with the unretirement rumors, you get thrown Under The Bus (Cook).
NASCAR
"Fans" that threw debris on the track at Daytona: this is to you "fans" that threw debris on the track after Kyle Busch won. That was garbage. You are NOT true NASCAR fans. You are pathetic, miserable LOSERS. You can boo Kyle all you want and that's fine. But to throw debris at him after he wins a race? That's beyond the pale. Congratulations to Kyle Busch on his win at Daytona. And to you "fans" that threw debris on the track, you get thrown under the Bus, one "fan" at a time.
MLB
Milwaukee Brewers: they blew a five-run lead on Thursday. In the ninth inning. As a Dodgers fan, it #### ME OFF. You suck, Milwaukee. Your bullpen sucks. When you're up 5-0, three outs away from winning, and you give up the game, THAT blows. All they needed was THREE OUTS!! Yet their merry band of arsonists called the bullpen imploded. They proceeded to drag their gas cans out of the pen, soaked up that stadium with gasoline, then flicked their blue tips and burned down Chase Field. The Phoenix Fire Department was pretty busy that day. For that colossal gag job, the Brewers get thrown Under The Bus.
That's all I have for the week. What say you? Come on in with your nominees!
It's that time of week when you, the Joe Six-Pack Sports Fan, have every right to call out those idiots, ingrates, and general all around #####$ for their stupidity and arrogance. Time again for you to throw the object of your ire in the sports world Under The Bus. I have a few figures I'd like to throw Under The Bus.
NFL
Dallas Cowboys: this is a neverending soap opera with this team. T.O., Jessica Simpson vis a vis Tony Romo, now Pacman Jones. I suspect Jerry Jones is itching for a lockout in 2011. Yes they'll have a state of the art stadium in Arlington soon. Us non-Cowboys fans are frankly sick and tired of the whole thing. The Cowboys' soap opera gets thrown Under The Bus.
New England Patriots: Spygate won't go away. This is another team that thrives on high drama, particularly with Bill Belichick vs. the world. You used to be a team that people could get behind. Now you're perceived as cheaters. Please, save the drama for your mama. Until then, the Patriots get thrown Under The Bus.
Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA): he wants Congress to punish the Patriots further. Senator, do us all a favor and INVESTIGATE WHY THE DAMN GAS PRICES ARE SO FREAKING HIGH!! Then do us all a favor and DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! AND GET OUT OF OUR SPORTS!! Sen. Specter and ALL OF CONGRESS get thrown Under The Bus for being a bunch of do-nothing BLOWHARDS!!!!! Is it any wonder Congress' approval ratings are in single digits?
NBA
Joakim Noah, C/F, Chicago Bulls: he was in Gainesville kicking it when an officer spotted him holding an amber-#### drink, a violation of city law. At the police station, tree was found on him and he was promptly arrested. What the hell are you doing back in Gainesville? You shouldn't be back there unless there is a reunion of the Gators' national championship teams. You're an NBA professional now. At the very least, you're guilty of egregiously bad judgment. For your bad judgment, you get thrown Under The Bus. UPDATE: he accepted a deferred prosecution agreement, resulting in a fine and probation.
Rasheed Wallace, C/F, Detroit Pistons: his act has gotten old and tired. He had a HORRIBLE night when the Pistons needed him most. He single-handedly cost the Pistons a chance to win and force a Game 7 in Boston. My prediction: he won't be back with the Pistons next season. He is supremely talented (a definite top 3 talent when he's on) but disappears at the most inopportune times. Now the Pistons are going fishing for the summer. But before he goes fishing, Rasheed Wallace gets thrown Under The Bus.
NASCAR
Denny Hamlin: WTF was he thinking when he was going full speed on Lap 17 after the wreck was about to stop? He escalated the wreck and knocked himself and Elliott Sadler out and severely damaged SEVERAL other cars that were in the top 12 in points coming in. IF NASCAR had any BALLS, they would park Hamlin AND HIS TEAM at Pocono. He was driving with his head so far up his #### he could see out of his mouth. For being a blithering #### and driving dangerously, Hamlin gets thrown UNDER A FLEET OF BUSES.
Those are my nominations. Feel free to come in with yours.
Throughout the world of sports, there have been enough headlines this past week that just totally tick off you, the Joe Six-Pack sports fan. I know I've seen my share. Here's your opportunity to call out the miscreants, idiots, and general buffoons of sports by throwing them under the Bus (Jerome Bettis Limited Edition, 850 hp).
MLB
Kyle Farnsworth: this guy had the NERVE to call out Joe Torre and blame him for his misfortunes in Yankee pinstripes. Granted, pitching in Yankee Stadium is tough. But it's also an opportunity a LOT of pitchers would give their throwing arms to pitch for the Yankees. Kyle, the reason that Torre lost faith in you is because YOU SUCKED! Rather than blaming Torre, you should be THANKING him for rescuing your floundering career by not pitching you as often when you weren't going well. For blaming Torre and calling him out, you get thrown Under The Bus.
Tony LaRussa: perhaps we should start calling him The Ostrich. Because like an ostrich, he buries his head in the ground when it comes to steroids and PED's. As Kevin Hench states in one of his columns, he (LaRussa) has become a steroid apologist. De Nial is not just the name of a river in Egypt. We'll pull his head out of the sand long enough to throw LaRussa Under The Bus.
GOLF
Tripp Isenhour: this #### killed a bird listed in the protected species, a red-shouldered hawk. The bird was chirping from 300 yards away, yet it was loud enough to disrupt production. According to witnesses, he was intent on killing the bird by golf ball. Rather than alerting the golf course superintendent about the bird and asking him to shoo it off, he took matters into his own hands by firing shot after shot until he hit the bird, killing him. He issued a weak apology. (Sounds to me he's sorry for getting caught in a lie) I'd have a lot more respect for him if he admitted yeah, I had it in for the bird and I intended on killing him. For his idiocy, Isenhour goes under the prison Bus.
NBA
New York Knicks: for allowing 50 points to LeBron James. Granted, James is a great player, and he'll get his points. But the Knicks just gave up, particularly Quentin "I am SOOOOOO overrated" Richardson. It would be one thing if the Knicks played hard and LeBron's 50 carried the Cavs to a close win. You could round up 15 players from New York's playgrounds, suit them up in Knicks gear, and they would be better than the current Knicks. For a lack of professionalism and self-pride, the Knicks get thrown Under The Bus.
Miami Heat: like the Knicks, this team has given up, but for a different reason. Pat Riley took a brief sabbatical to "scout" the Big 12, supposedly for Michael Beasley. It would be so Miami Heat if Beasley decided to return to K-State for his sophomore season. The Heat get thrown Under The Bus for QUITTING.
San Antonio Spurs: for not playing with a sense of urgency, particularly when the Lake Show is hosting Sacramento, one of the league's bottom feeders. The Spurs and Lakers are locked in a race for the best record in the brutally tough Western Conference. Securing home court advantage will be HUGE. Granted, as a Lakers fan, I welcome any chance the Lake Show has to gain ground on the Spurs. But for not putting away the Suns when they had the chance, the Spurs get thrown Under The Bus.
NFL
Asante Samuel: this genius proclaimed the reason for leaving the Patriots to sign with the Eagles is to get back to the Super Bowl. Excuse me? Let me remind you where both the Pats and Eagles finished and where they stand in the future.
New England: perfect regular season record, lost 17-14 to the New York Giants in Super Bowl 42. Great chance to return to the Super Bowl with Brady, Moss, and company.
Philadelphia: 8-8, missed playoffs. Plays in the brutally tough NFC East. Chances to make the playoffs: 50-50 at best. D-Mac is getting older, as is Brian Westbrook. Brian Dawkins may have a couple of good years left before he begins his inevitable decline.
Admit it, when you signed with the Eagles, it was all about getting paid. I'd have a lot more respect if you just came out and admitted that it was all about getting paid. (And called the Patriots cheapskates in the process) For lying to the NFL public (and yourself), Asante Samuel, you get thrown Under The Bus.
NASCAR
Elliott Sadler: he looked like a lost rookie rather than a seasoned Cup veteran that he is. He just couldn't stay away from the wall! TWICE he gave Jimmie Johnson the Lucky Dog. THREE times he WAS the caution; the third time finished him off for the day. Sorry, E-Sad, you're one of my favorite personalities in ALL of sports, not just NASCAR, but I have to throw you under the Bus.
Those are my nominees for the week ending March 9, 2008. Come in with yours!
All around the world of sports, there is no shortage of figures that just totally #### you off. I know I have a few. Here is your forum for venting by throwing the object of your ire Under The Bus (Jerome Bettis Limited Edition 850 hp version). The figure could be a player (or race car driver), team, executive, owner, league, commissioner, or fans of teams/drivers.
NASCAR
Juan Pablo Montoya: this genius wrecked Clint Bowyer for NO reason when Bowyer was leading the Daytona 500 late in the race. He punted Bowyer, causing him to spin out and taking him from first to 24th place, thereby costing Bowyer a possible Daytona 500 win. I got my Schadenfreude later when Montoya went backwards at the next restart and got freight trained. He ended up 32nd. (Ha ha!) I'll give Clint Bowyer the keys to the Bus that I'll throw Juan Pablo under.
David Ragan: normally, I wouldn't throw a driver under the bus for causing an accident, except in this case, he took out his teammate Matt Kenseth. Kenseth was running in the Top 5 at the time of the accident. I wonder if Ragan took lessons in causing accidents from Montoya, because if he did, he's a damn good student. Kenseth gets the keys to the Bus that Ragan is to be thrown under.
Jeff Burton: this pains me greatly to do so, as he is part of the RCR stable and is one of my favorite drivers. He had the Daytona 500 in his sights; all he had to do was get a good restart on the final caution. He had a horrendous restart that dropped him from first to 13th.
NBA
Devean George haters that are drinking Haterade: I give George's agent props for including a no-trade clause in his contract with the Mavericks. BECAUSE George has a no-trade clause, he has EVERY right to exercise it, and that he did when he learned he was going to be traded to the New Jersey Nets as part of the Jason Kidd deal. The Mavericks were DUMB to include a no-trade clause to a journeyman. And since WHEN does Kidd DESERVE to be on a contending team? He was on a New Jersey team that made the Finals in successive seasons in 2002 and 2003. He had his chance, and came up short. I throw the Devean George haters AND the Dallas Mavericks Under The Bus.
New York Knicks: enough said.
MLB
Bud Selig: where were his comments after the Clemens deposition hearing before the House Reform and Oversight Committee? Oh yeah, there were NONE. In baseball's darkest hour since the 1994 players' strike, Selig needed to be front and center and SHOW SOME LEADERSHIP. Oh yeah, he has no leadership. Since Selig became commissioner thanks to a coup d'etat, baseball has become a laughing stock. Under the bus goes Selig.
Roger Clemens: even by his standards, he has the largest ego in the history of baseball. He has backed himself into a corner that he may not be able to get out of. He came off as a greasy, sleazy liar.
NCAA BB
Kelvin Sampson: what is it with this guy and cell phones? And what is it with this guy and LYING about it? IF he had come up front and become accountable to his transgressions, perhaps he wouldn't be on the firing line at Indiana. It was a BAD match to begin with. IF he does get the ax, who takes over starting next season? Randy Wittman and Mike Woodson have both been mentioned. Kelvin Sampson therefore gets thrown Under The Bus.
NFL
Washington Redskins: Jim Zorn? Is that the BEST you can do? Little Lord Danny Boy has turned this once-proud franchise into a laughing stock. And why did you interview Gregg Williams FOUR times, only to ultimately WHACK him? WTF? Why didn't you do that the Monday AFTER the regular season ended?
Willie Gary (ex-Rams receiver): c'mon, Willie, DON'T cry sour grapes because your Rams couldn't get it done in Super Bowl 36. What's with this $100 MILLION lawsuit against the New England Patriots, Robert Kraft, and Bill Belichick? Just because you were a benchwarmer for the Rams, doesn't give you the right to clog up the judicial system further. Willie, shut up and know your freaking role. Under The Bus you go.
I must come correct on a number of topics. There were things I said and predicted that absolutely has made me look foolish. Here are the topics that I will come correct on:
Eli Manning/New York Giants: in my preseason prediction, I predicted that the Giants were a mess. Eli was a bust. The Giants were playing the string for a supposedly lame-duck Tom Coughlin. Could it be that Tiki Barber ended up being the biggest cancer that has ever infested a locker room? The Giants added by subtracting Barber and adding Ahmad Bradshaw and Steve Smith and Kevin Boss (replacing another cancer, Jeremy Shockey). Giants' brass had a HUGE draft this past year, not only adding Smith and Bradshaw and Boss, but Jay Alford (a late second day pick who ended up with a HUGE sack of Tom Brady in SB 42). Not only that, while I thought the G-men had a chance to beat the Patriots IF they put consistent pressure on Brady, I didn't think they would put consistent pressure on Brady. They did, and as a result, they are Super Bowl Champions. Eli may well end up with more rings than Peyton when their careers are done.
Mitch Kupchak, GM, Los Angeles Lakers: in the summer, I lambasted Kupchak as the most clueless GM in not only the NBA, but in all of sports. I take that back, too. He resisted the urge to trade both Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum when thousands of GM-wannabes (myself included) thought Jermaine O'Neal was the Real Deal. Then the other day, he lands Pau Gasol for virtually nothing. Gasol is a stud, and he presents matchup problems for the rest of the teams in the West. He can play all three frontcourt positions, Kobe can play both guard positions and small forward, Jordan Farmar can play both guard positions, Lamar Odom can play both forward positions. Simply put, the Lakers' chances of coming out of the West got a LOT better.
There, I feel better now. Again, congratulations to Eli Manning and the New York football Giants for their Super Bowl 42 victory over the New England Patriots.
Here is my unbiased analysis and prediction for Super Bowl XLII.
NEW YORK GIANTS
How they got there: the Giants finished 10-6 in the regular season, good enough for a wild card spot. In the postseason, they defeated Tampa Bay 24-14 in the Wild Card Playoffs; defeated Dallas 21-17 in the Divisional Playoffs; defeated Green Bay 23-20 in overtime in the NFC Championship Game.
What they must do to win: very simple. They MUST control the clock and rush for over 200 yards as a team. Eli Manning must continue to be sharp, and not turn the ball over. So far he has not committed a turnover in the postseason. On defense, they must put consistent pressure on Tom Brady with their front four. They are capable of putting pressure on Brady with just their front four. And if they aren't able to get to Brady, they must force him to see through a forest of arms ready to bat the ball down. They must win the turnover battle, and force a couple of turnovers at critical junctures. They must make a big play or two on special teams (a turnover, TD return, etc.).
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
How they got there: finished the regular season undefeated; won the AFC East; defeated Jacksonville 31-20 in the AFC Divisional Playoffs; defeated San Diego 21-12 in the AFC Championship Game.
What they must do to win: control the Giants' fierce pass rush with a variety of draws, short passes, and screens. Perhaps leave in an extra TE such as Kyle Brady for pass protection. RB Laurence Maroney could well end up being a key player in this game, as he could have his number called quite frequently. On defense, they must pressure Manning into some mistakes. At the very least, disrupt his timing. They must also slow down the Giants' punishing ground game. S James Sanders could well end up being a key factor in this aspect of the game. On special teams, they must win the field position battle and blunt the Giants' advantage.
Who will win and why: when all is said and done, I'd love to pick the Giants, but I don't see them winning. The Giants will be able to put pressure on Tom Brady, but not on a consistent basis. Laurence Maroney will have a huge game; in fact I'm predicting Maroney to have a game for the ages, setting a Super Bowl record with 210 yards on 28 carries and two TDs. He will wipe the forgettable Timmy Smith off the record books. New England caps a season for the ages with their fourth Super Bowl championship in seven years.
This is the unofficial last weekend of the football season. I will review the two conference championship games.
San Diego Chargers at New England Patriots
This was a defensive slugfest. For the most part, the Chargers were able to put pressure on Tom Brady.
In the pocket Tom Brady of the New England Patriots looks to throw a pass as during the AFC Championship game. (Al Bello/Getty Images)
The Chargers were able to move the ball fairly efficiently, but were not able to punch it in. LaDainian Tomlinson tested his injured knee, and played the first series, but was out for the rest of the game. The Chargers' defense, aside for the second quarter, was sharp. They swarmed the Patriots' receivers, denying them the big play, and coming up with some big plays of their own.
Up to the task San Diego Chargers cornerback Quentin Jammer intercepts a pass intended for New England Patriots wide receiver Donte' Stallworth. (Winslow Townson/Associated Press)
As the game wore on, it was apparent that New England's defense was tightening up, not allowing big plays to the Chargers' offense, and putting pressure on Philip Rivers. As the Patriots' defense clamped down, Laurence Maroney found holes in the Chargers' defense. Maroney's running set up a Wes Welker TD that effectively put the game out of reach.
Spread the joy New England Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker celebrates with teammate Jabar Gaffney after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the AFC Championship game. (Winslow Townson/Associated Press)
The reactions told the story.
Not looking good Philip Rivers, LaDainian Tomlinson and fullback Andrew Pinnock sit on the bench during the third quarter of the AFC Championship game against the New England Patriots. (Stephan Savoia/Associated Press)
FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 20: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots celebrates against the San Diego Chargers during the AFC Championship Game on January 20, 2008 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The Patriots won 21-12. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images) Getty Images
The Patriots held on to the ball for most of the fourth quarter and defeated the Chargers 21-12 to advance to Super Bowl XLII.
Going to Glendale New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady hugs Laurence Maroney after winning the AFC Championship game 21-12 against the San Diego Chargers to advance to the Super Bowl. (Gene J. Puskar/Associated Press)
In a nutshell, the Patriots took advantage of their red zone opportunities and the Chargers didn't. While Brady wasn't sharp, and was forced into a few turnovers, he had other teammates pick up the slack, namely Laurence Maroney. Maroney was the Stud of the Game, gaining 122 yards on 25 carries. They will enter Super Bowl XLII as heavy favorites to complete a perfect season.
New York Giants at Green Bay Packers
This game was better suited for polar bears and Eskimos above the Arctic Circle. The temperature at game time was zero degrees Fahrenheit with a minus-24 wind chill. It was one of the coldest games in NFL history. The extremely bitter cold affected the quality of play, as both teams looked three steps too slow and passes were very wobbly and hung in the air. The game was close throughout, with several lead changes. After a Giants' field goal, Green Bay struck with the first big play of the game, a 90-yard TD pass from Brett Favre to Donald Driver.
Give him a lift Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre leaps into the arms of center Scott Wells after throwing a touchdown pass to Donald Driver. (Mike Roemer/Associated Press)
Off to the races Green Bay Packers wide receiver Donald Driver runs from New York Giants defenders Corey Webster and Gibril Wilson on a first-half touchdown reception. (Jeff Roberson/Associated Press)
The game was hard-hitting throughout, with plenty of trash-talking and extracurricular activity after the whistle. C Shaun O'Hara of the Giants had been accused of being a dirty player by several Packers throughout the week. Plaxico Burress and Al Harris were talking trash to each other throughout the game.
Up and away New York Giants cornerback Aaron Ross breaks up a pass intended for Green Bay Packers wide receiver James Jones during the first half. (Jeff Roberson/Associated Press)
Lawrence Tynes missed two FGs in the fourth quarter, the last one a duck-hook job as time expired in regulation. With each Tynes miss, the Giants' defense really stepped up. Early in overtime, Corey Webster made the biggest play of his career when he picked off a Brett Favre pass. The Giants won a few minutes later on Tynes' 47-yarder that split the uprights. Now the G-men are headed to Glendale to face the mighty New England Patriots in a rematch from Week 16. I had wrote that the Giants can win if they get a few turnovers. They got a few turnovers and controlled the clock with a stout running game and Eli Manning being efficient and managing the game well. Plaxico Burress was the Stud of the Game, with 11 receptions for 154 yards. Congratulations to the New England Patriots and New York Giants for advancing to Super Bowl XLII. Both teams earned their ducats. Could the G-men be the Team of Destiny and put that straight number on the L column for New England, or will New England cap a perfect season with their fourth Super Bowl in seven years?
I have decided to preview and analyze this weekend's championship games and offer my predictions.
San Diego Chargers at New England Patriots
The Chargers come in as a walking MASH unit. Philip Rivers is hurt, LT is hurt, Antonio Gates is hurt, Lorenzo Neal is hurt. All of these players are expected to play in Sunday's championship game.
Having said that, the Chargers offer something to the Patriots that the Jaguars don't have: a defense that can force turnovers, particularly in the secondary. Antonio (Crime Time) Cromartie led the NFL in picks with 10. The Chargers' front three can get to the QB. It's important that they pressure Brady UP THE MIDDLE. The Chargers' DBs are fast and athletic. And don't forget Shawne (Lights Out) Merriman. For the Patriots, it is important to establish the running game, to keep the Chargers' defense honest. Brady must make quick, decisive reads. And the Patriots' O-line must keep Brady upright.
When the Chargers are on offense, they must establish LT and get him 25-30 touches (20-25 rushes, 5 receptions). And unlike in years past, they have a playmaking WR in Chris Chambers, the ex-Dolphin. He should know the Pats well, having played against them twice a year as a member of the Fins. Vincent Jackson has emerged as a playmaker opposite Chambers. Gates' injury is a question mark; he'll play, but his effectiveness will be limited. The Patriots' defense must rattle Rivers and force a couple of early turnovers.
Special teams will be very important. The Chargers MUST have a huge play on special teams (forced turnover, TD return, long return, etc.) And when the Chargers punt, they must pin the Patriots deep in their own end. The Patriots' special teams coverage must limit Darren Sproles to short returns or fair catches on punts. They must win the field possession battle.
If the Chargers jump out to a quick early lead, it will give Rivers and the Chargers LOTS of confidence that they can get it done and advance to their second Super Bowl. Will that happen? I see a close, hard-fought game for three quarters, and New England pulling away in the fourth quarter.
PREDICTION: New England 34, San Diego 24.
New York Giants at Green Bay Packers
The Giants come in on a roll, winning their last nine road games. The last time they lost was in WEEK 1 against Dallas. That seems like LAST SEASON that the G-men lost on the road. Eli Manning is playing the best football of his career, and that TD drive at the end of the first half may well become his signature drive when he looks back on his career.
For the G-men to win, they must establish the running game, as there may be a forecast of snow showers. The G-men must give the Packers' defense a heavy dose of Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw. Manning must take a few shots down the field, regardless of the weather. The Giants' defense must pressure Favre up the middle and shut down the Packers' stout running game.
The Packers must continue to feature Ryan Grant. Favre is Favre and he has young studs at WR and TE. A well-balanced Packers attack is going to be a lot for the Giants' defense to handle. Favre should be able to exploit the Giants' battered secondary, provided the O-line gives him time.
Special teams will be very important. The Packers must limit the Giants to short returns or fair catches. This area is where the Giants have an advantage and must exploit that advantage.
Kudos for the Giants for making it this far. They could have folded the tent after Week 2, but to their credit, they dug deep and found some guts. Eli Manning has emerged as a premier NFL QB. They have found a young stud RB in Ahmad Bradshaw. Unfortunately, their secondary is very ####ed up at a bad time. While I think this game will be fairly close, and I think the Giants can win if they get some turnovers, I think the Giants' amazing run will end in cold, snowy Lambeau Field.
PREDICTION: Packers 31, Giants 20.
Those are my analyses and predictions for Championship Sunday. What do you think? Come strong with your responses!
Here is my review of today's NFL Divisional Playoff action.
Seattle at Green Bay: if you're a Seahawks fan, this game couldn't have started any better. Two forced turnovers right off the bat, and 14 points resulting from those turnovers.
Bad start Linebacker Lofa Tatupu of the Seattle Seahawks recovers a fumble by Ryan Grant of the Green Bay Packers on the first play from scrimmage setting up a Seahawks touchdown on the next play. (Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Unfortunately for the Seahawks, there were about 55 minutes of football left. Not to mention the snow was getting heavier as the game wore on, at times nearing whiteout conditions.
Playing in the snow Kicker Josh Brown #3 of the Seattle Seahawks kicks and makes a 27-yard field goal in the third quarter against the Green Bay Packers during the NFC divisional playoff game on January 12, 2008 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
Once the Packers recovered from the initial shock of the two turnovers, they used their ground game to batter and beat down the Seahawks. Ryan Grant was the Stud of the Game, rushing for a post-season franchise-record 201 yards and two TDs.
Running back Ryan Grant (L) of the Green Bay Packers is tackled by Jordan Babineaux of the Seattle Seahawks during the NFC divisional playoff game at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Grant and the Green Bay Packers weathered a rough start before boucing back to beat Seattle 42-20. (AFP/Getty Images/Jonathan Daniel)
Brett Favre was efficient for the most part but sometimes he was Farve-ulous. Witness this play he pulled out of his ####:
From his knees Quarterback Brett Favre #4 of the Green Bay Packers throws a shovel pass to tight end Donald Lee #86 for an 11-yard gain in the second quarter against the Seattle Seahawks during the NFC divisional playoff game on January 12, 2008 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
This play was on a critical third down and the completion to Lee allowed the Packers to move the chains. It set up a TD pass, and the rout was on. The Packers and the elements exposed the Seahawks' lack of a strong running game. In conditions resembling a snow globe, you need a strong running game. Grant's output was nothing short of amazing. In the long and storied history of the Packers, only Ahman Green has rushed for 200 or more yards in a game, until today. Grant set the franchise's postseason record for yards in a game, and he became the seventh RB in NFL history to achieve the feat in the postseason. If they play this way next week, they'll represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. Now they await the winner of the Cowboys-Giants.
Jacksonville at New England: I liked how Jacksonville started off. They looked like they belonged there. They drove for a TD on their opening drive. New England responded in kind. They traded TDs for the first half in a very physical game.
Laid out Jacksonville Jaguars' Ernest Wilford is stopped by New England Patriots defenders Junior Seau, Brandon Meriweather and Ellis Hobbs after making a catch. (Stephan Savoia/Associated Press)
Locked in Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback David Garrard throws a touchdown pass ahead of the defensive pressure from New England Patriots' Richard Seymour. (Charles Krupa/Associated Press)
As the game wore on, Jacksonville failed to capitalize on red zone scoring opportunities, settling for FGs in the second half. Tom Brady and the Patriots exposed the Jaguars' secondary as a liability. Yes, the Jags prevented big plays for the most part, but the middle of the field was left open and Brady picked them apart.
Point the way to 17-0 Tom Brady of the New England Patriots gestures before a play against the Jacksonville Jaguars. (Elsa/Getty Images)
The Jaguars could not have executed their game plan any better than they did. They pounded the ball on the ground. They took away Randy Moss. They took care of the ball, save for a late interception. Problem was, they were playing perhaps the best single-season team in NFL history, playing at levels never before seen in the annals of the NFL. Should the Patriots cap this historic season by winning the Super Bowl, they will be THE club in NFL history that all others will be measured up to. They will wipe the 1972 Dolphins off the record books as the best single-season team in NFL history. Yes, I did predict the upset of the playoffs in this game, a 27-
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