Late start today thanks to Boz playing golf, and my general laziness.....
1.) Now that Donovan McNabb appears ready to make a week 4 start for the Eagles, and the team needed to make a move for linebacker help, they announced the signing of Jeremiah Trotter and the release of Jeff Garcia. This is the second team that's let go of Garcia, where does he go now?
Ben: I think he sits at home for an extended period. There is no team, except the Browns, that absolutely need QB help. I don't think Garcia fits most offenses in the NFL, and therefore will have to hope for injury to get back on a roster this season. Unless the Panthers or Browns run into serious injury problems, I doubt he'll get a call soon.
Boz: BUFFALO! I don't think he'll have any problem being reunited with Terrell Owens. They're good friends, right? T.O. is already not complaining while actually complaining about his quarterback (believe me its confusing but Owens can pull it off). Trent Edwards is not going to be able to handle all of this negativity and is going to crack and have a nervous breakdown. And with J.P. Losman off to the UFL, the Bills will sign Jeff Garcia and Garcia and Owens can be BFF's.
On a more serious note, I'd like to throw Tampa Bay out there. If Josh Johnson doesn't work out maybe the Bucs will realize its too early to throw Josh Freeman in the fire and will sign Garcia to weather the storm. Just an idea.
2.) Mike Vick has played 1 game, approximately 11 snaps, and has again signed a sponsership deal with Nike. Although details and figures were not disclosed, its only been 2 years since the company severed ties with the quarterback. Is this a good move for Nike? For Vick?
Ben: Well of course this is a good move for Vick. He has plenty of debt to pay back, and wouldn't be in bad shape if Nike helped repair his image. Depending on the figures, I like the move for Vick.
With that though, I dislike the deal for Nike. Is Nike really hurting for sponsership so bad they have to go to Mike Vick? I highly doubt it. Was Matt Ryan not available? There are plenty of high profile athletes in the NFL that Nike could have backed, instead of Vick. They severed tied with him for a reason, why let him back now?
Boz: If the sponsorship is real then its a great for Michael Vick. He is in the process of repairing his image and attaching his name to Nike can only help in that process. The NFL has shown they believe in Vick, the Eagles have shown they believe in Vick and now Nike is showing they believe in the Vick turn-around. It's a good sign for Vick.
As for Nike, it's a very very risky move for them. If Michael Vick doesn't have the turn-around everyone is hoping for, then Nike has mud on their face. However, I like to see big corporations taking risks like this. When Kobe was accused of rape, everyone pulled the plug on his sponsorships. Now, I bet you they wish they hadn't pulled the plug so quickly.
3.) The NBA has banned Twitter and other social networking sites from players during games this season. Good move for the league?
Ben: I think its a good decision, but overall a pointless rule. Twitter and others like it are basically ways to keep fans closer to the players, which is a good thing. I think many times fans feel disconnected from their heros/stars. Updates like Shaq or Dwight Howard or Kevin Love during games only gives fans more information and makes them feel closer to the league.
That being said, Twitter is stupid, and you should probably focus on the game instead of halftime sillyness. Do I sound old saying that?
Boz: The rule is a good rule. I'm a twitter-er and I enjoy following these big-name athletes. It does make me feel that I am closer to the athlete and that I get an inside look into these athletes lives. However, I won't feel any more disconnected if I have to wait until after a game to get Stephon Curry's reaction to how the game went (I do follow Stephon Curry).
OVER/UNDER
1.) Eric Mangini has decided Derek Anderson will start this week for the Browns. Over/Under 3 picks for Anderson?
Ben: OVER. The Browns are in bad shape, and Anderson and Quinn are both pretty bad options for starting QB's. Anderson tosses 3 in a losing efforts. The only chance is that Bengals defense falls apart.
Boz: UNDER. Barely. I got him throwing two interceptions. The Bengals have shown that they're defense is better than last year, but I still don't believe that the Bengals D is outstanding. The Browns won't put up many points and the Bengals will still win the game.
2.) With it almost assured that 2 teams from the AL East make the playoffs, over/under 1 team in the ALCS?
Ben: OVER. The Angles can't beat the BoSox in the playoffs and the Yankees are too strong for the Tigers. I'm secretly pulling for the Tigers to make the World Series, but I think the smart money is on the Yanks or Sox in the AL.
Boz: OVER. The Yankees are the best team in baseball and won't have any problems with the Tigers. The Red Sox own the Angels during the postseason. Plus, isn't the postseason better when the Red Sox and Yankees are playing a big playoff series?
3.) The Cleveland Indians fired Eric Wedge today, but will allow him to finish the remaining six games as skipper. Over/Under 2.5 wins for the Tribe the rest of the way?
Ben: UNDER. They've disappointed all season and I don't see why that would change now. They've given up all their good players and I doubt they'll get 3 wins against Chicago or Boston.
Boz: UNDER. It's got too be hard to get fired up for any game when you know that you might as well get an early start at cleaning out your desk. The White Sox will be playing hard to try to get as many wins this season and save Guillen's job. What might help is that Boston has already clinched and may be resting their regulars.
HAPPY HOUR
Ben: I meant to get to this last week, but it slipped my mind. Happy One Year anniversary (Sept. 23) to Mike Gundy for ranting to Jenny Carlson about her column in the Oklahoman. He is a folk hero for Oklahoma State fans because of that rant, and while Bobby Reid (the player he stood up for) doesn't appreciate it, he's definitely a hit on Youtube. I've personally watched the video about 50 times, and really enjoy all the lines. "Are you kidding me?"
Boz: Happy 29th Birthday Dominique Moceanu! She won a gold-medal in the 1996 Atlanta games and more importantly my heart. I had a HUGE crush on her when I was 12 years old.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Day 17: Cowboys Stadium, Delhomme, Atlanta Braves and more
HEADLINES
1) Two games down at the New Cowboy Stadium and not one punt has hit the video board. Did everyone make too big of a deal out of this situation?
Ben: Absolutely they did. It was a preseason game, and a kick happened to go to high. The reason the NFL required height is set at what it is, is because typically punts don't reach that high. The Cowboys complied and now, it's time to move on.
Boz: Yes. I'm glad that they at least looked into the problem and put a rule into place for what happens if the ball does hit the video board since we have seen that it is possible. However, everyone has made a huge deal over nothing. Both games have been on national television and with every punt the camera follows the ball all the way up to the video board to see how close it comes to hitting it, which I think it rediculous. Do I think that not one ball will hit the video board this season...no. Do I think people are making too big of a deal over a replayed punt...yes.
2) Jake Delhomme threw two interceptions as the defending NFC South Champions lost to the Cowboys and fell 0-3. How close is John Fox to pulling the plug on Delhomme?
Ben: Think it's close, but it won't be all Delhomme's fault. At least one of his interceptions last night was not his fault, and the real issue with Carolina has been defense, and running game -- or lack thereof on both accounts.
Last night the Cowboys were terrible offensively, and yet, still put up two scores on the Panthers defense. And, while the Cowboys defense has potentially to be good, it had been pretty terrible as well the first 2 games of the season, and Carolina did, essentially, nothing to exploit the issues. They have two pretty good running backs, and they haven't even given them a chance to be successfuly.
So, while Jake Delhomme has been bad, and deserves a lot of the blame, he is not the sole reason they are 0-3. They have to look all over that locker room to point fingers.
Boz: Not very close with the reason being they don't have anyone else on their roster that could play quarterback better than a bad Jake Delhomme. They could try to trade for Jeff Garcia or Tavaris Jackson, but they better beat Cleveland to the punch. They won't give up on the quarterback that has taken them to the Super Bowl and countless playoff appearances. Neither interception was really his fault last night and their usually strong running game wasn't helping Delhomme's cause at all last night. Jake will at least remain under center for the Panthers for the rest of the season.
3) Without noticing, the red hot Atlanta Braves have won 15 of 17 games and have crept within two games of the Colorado Rockies in the wild card? Are you giving the Braves a chance to win the NL Wild Card?
Ben: Yes. Any team coached by Bobby Cox has a chance. With Cox leading the way, and the starting pitching that the Braves have got most of the season, you have to think of them as threats to catch Colorado. The Rockies have been up and down in recent weeks, and while I think it's an outside shot, I like what the Braves have, and think they've got a legit shot to push ahead coming down the stretch.
Boz: The Braves are still a long shot with only six games remaining in the schedule but I still look at them as a viable threat to the Rockies. They have two more games at home against the Marlins before finishing with four games at home against the Natinals. The Rockies have two more games at home against the Brewers before having to play a three-game set at Chavez Ravine against the Dodgers. The Rockies have the two-game lead but the Braves have the much more favorable schedule. Which makes for a very entertaining last week of the season. IWhatever happens, it's fun to watching Bobby Cox put his team in a playoff race once again.
4) USC tailback Stafon Johnson needed to have emergency surgery to repair a crushed neck and larnyx after his hand slipped off the bar when bench pressing 275 pounds. He's now awake and communicating via writing and hand signals. How scary is an injury like this?
Ben: This is scary, dangerous, and threating. I'm glad to hear he's doing better, and has made it through what most would assume to be the toughest part, but it just speaks volumes to how dangerous football is. Not only on the field could Johnson suffer a serious injury (knee, ankle, head, etc) but in preperation for the game you can be injuried in a significant way.
Not only that, but bench press is something that everyone does, and doesn't think twice about. There are plenty of times where I've benched without a spotter (no where near 275 pounds), and it makes my spine tingle to think of what would have happened had this situation occured one of those times I was without help.....No blog, that's for sure.
Boz: This is a really scary situation for Johnson. I know that drop the bar or have their hand slip off the bar but it usually lands on their chest, which can handle that type of force better than the neck can. When something like this happens, your mind doesn't even think about football and just hopes that this young man will be able to speak regularly again. I first hope that Johnson heals 100% and can live a normal life again, and then I hope that he can resume chasing his dream of playing in the NFL once again. Prayers from the Sports Desk go out to Stafon Johnson.
TOSS-UP
1) Which player who will be out for the next three weeks is a bigger loss to their team? Frank Gore or Dwight Freeney?
Ben: Frank Gore. The Colts defense is pretty bad with, or without Dwight in the lineup. The 9ers need to keep Gore on the field so that Shaun Hill doesn't have to win games. Gore has allowed Mike Singletary to run the team like he wants, without him, the 9ers are in trouble.
Boz: FRANK GORE. The best thing that the 49ers do as an offense is run the football and Frank Gore was very good at it. They now turn to rookie Glen Coffee to handle the carries and if Coffee doesn't turn out 100-yard games then it puts a lot of pressure on Shaun Hill and the passing game. Freeney is an important part of the defense but with Peyton Manning under center, the Colts could outscore any team in the next couple weeks.
2) Who is the better freshman quarterback? Matt Barkley or Tate Forcier?
Ben: Matt Barkely. If you would have asked who is the better athlete, Tate Forcier would be the obvious answer. But, as far as QB's go, I will rarely put a quarterback that runs the spread offense ahead of a quarterback that runs a pro-style offense. Barkley's reads are tougher, his throws are most likely tougher, and his playbook is most likely tougher. All of those things make him a better QB now, and in the long run.
Boz: TATE FORCIER. Forcier has to do a lot more with less talent surrounding him. Barkley has about three running backs that could rush for 100 yards every week if they would get all the carries. Forcier doesn't have the same weapons and is still producing 30 points almost every game. He's also more of a threat to run the ball, unlike Barkley.
3) What's the more intriguing game this weekend? USC at California or Oklahoma at Miami?
Ben: Oklahoma at Miami. The trouncing that Oregon just put on Cal makes the game this weekend seem boring. USC is going to win and it could be bad. Oklahoma v. Miami on the other hand, interesting. Bradford could be back, Miami is coming off their first loss, Oklahoma is trying to get back after losing to BYU, and Miami is trying to beat another big name school in their march back to the top of college football. That sounds interesting to me.
Boz: USC AT CALIFORNIA. The Oklahoma/Miami game has BCS Championship hopes on the line but the USC/Cal game not only has BCS Championship hopes on the line but it is a conference game as well. If the Bears could knock it off the Trojans it could be the first time that USC has two loses in the Pac-10 since I can remember.
HAPPY HOUR
Ben: On this date 17 years ago, Magic Johnson announced he would return to basketball. Although his intentions ended up to be false, as he never returned to the hardwood, it is still a great story to know that Magic is still with us, and around the game. I rarely got to see Magic play, but he was one of the most interesting players in the history of the game, and still seems to be a great ambassador for the game of basketball and the LA Lakers.
Boz: Happy 43rd Birthday to Hersey Hawkins. The Chicago, Ill., native and Bradley Brave alum has scored 14,470 career points and ranks 15th all-time in career three-point field goals made. He played in one NBA Final in 1996 against his home-town Bulls. However, he all know how that ended up.
1) Two games down at the New Cowboy Stadium and not one punt has hit the video board. Did everyone make too big of a deal out of this situation?
Ben: Absolutely they did. It was a preseason game, and a kick happened to go to high. The reason the NFL required height is set at what it is, is because typically punts don't reach that high. The Cowboys complied and now, it's time to move on.
Boz: Yes. I'm glad that they at least looked into the problem and put a rule into place for what happens if the ball does hit the video board since we have seen that it is possible. However, everyone has made a huge deal over nothing. Both games have been on national television and with every punt the camera follows the ball all the way up to the video board to see how close it comes to hitting it, which I think it rediculous. Do I think that not one ball will hit the video board this season...no. Do I think people are making too big of a deal over a replayed punt...yes.
2) Jake Delhomme threw two interceptions as the defending NFC South Champions lost to the Cowboys and fell 0-3. How close is John Fox to pulling the plug on Delhomme?
Ben: Think it's close, but it won't be all Delhomme's fault. At least one of his interceptions last night was not his fault, and the real issue with Carolina has been defense, and running game -- or lack thereof on both accounts.
Last night the Cowboys were terrible offensively, and yet, still put up two scores on the Panthers defense. And, while the Cowboys defense has potentially to be good, it had been pretty terrible as well the first 2 games of the season, and Carolina did, essentially, nothing to exploit the issues. They have two pretty good running backs, and they haven't even given them a chance to be successfuly.
So, while Jake Delhomme has been bad, and deserves a lot of the blame, he is not the sole reason they are 0-3. They have to look all over that locker room to point fingers.
Boz: Not very close with the reason being they don't have anyone else on their roster that could play quarterback better than a bad Jake Delhomme. They could try to trade for Jeff Garcia or Tavaris Jackson, but they better beat Cleveland to the punch. They won't give up on the quarterback that has taken them to the Super Bowl and countless playoff appearances. Neither interception was really his fault last night and their usually strong running game wasn't helping Delhomme's cause at all last night. Jake will at least remain under center for the Panthers for the rest of the season.
3) Without noticing, the red hot Atlanta Braves have won 15 of 17 games and have crept within two games of the Colorado Rockies in the wild card? Are you giving the Braves a chance to win the NL Wild Card?
Ben: Yes. Any team coached by Bobby Cox has a chance. With Cox leading the way, and the starting pitching that the Braves have got most of the season, you have to think of them as threats to catch Colorado. The Rockies have been up and down in recent weeks, and while I think it's an outside shot, I like what the Braves have, and think they've got a legit shot to push ahead coming down the stretch.
Boz: The Braves are still a long shot with only six games remaining in the schedule but I still look at them as a viable threat to the Rockies. They have two more games at home against the Marlins before finishing with four games at home against the Natinals. The Rockies have two more games at home against the Brewers before having to play a three-game set at Chavez Ravine against the Dodgers. The Rockies have the two-game lead but the Braves have the much more favorable schedule. Which makes for a very entertaining last week of the season. IWhatever happens, it's fun to watching Bobby Cox put his team in a playoff race once again.
4) USC tailback Stafon Johnson needed to have emergency surgery to repair a crushed neck and larnyx after his hand slipped off the bar when bench pressing 275 pounds. He's now awake and communicating via writing and hand signals. How scary is an injury like this?
Ben: This is scary, dangerous, and threating. I'm glad to hear he's doing better, and has made it through what most would assume to be the toughest part, but it just speaks volumes to how dangerous football is. Not only on the field could Johnson suffer a serious injury (knee, ankle, head, etc) but in preperation for the game you can be injuried in a significant way.
Not only that, but bench press is something that everyone does, and doesn't think twice about. There are plenty of times where I've benched without a spotter (no where near 275 pounds), and it makes my spine tingle to think of what would have happened had this situation occured one of those times I was without help.....No blog, that's for sure.
Boz: This is a really scary situation for Johnson. I know that drop the bar or have their hand slip off the bar but it usually lands on their chest, which can handle that type of force better than the neck can. When something like this happens, your mind doesn't even think about football and just hopes that this young man will be able to speak regularly again. I first hope that Johnson heals 100% and can live a normal life again, and then I hope that he can resume chasing his dream of playing in the NFL once again. Prayers from the Sports Desk go out to Stafon Johnson.
TOSS-UP
1) Which player who will be out for the next three weeks is a bigger loss to their team? Frank Gore or Dwight Freeney?
Ben: Frank Gore. The Colts defense is pretty bad with, or without Dwight in the lineup. The 9ers need to keep Gore on the field so that Shaun Hill doesn't have to win games. Gore has allowed Mike Singletary to run the team like he wants, without him, the 9ers are in trouble.
Boz: FRANK GORE. The best thing that the 49ers do as an offense is run the football and Frank Gore was very good at it. They now turn to rookie Glen Coffee to handle the carries and if Coffee doesn't turn out 100-yard games then it puts a lot of pressure on Shaun Hill and the passing game. Freeney is an important part of the defense but with Peyton Manning under center, the Colts could outscore any team in the next couple weeks.
2) Who is the better freshman quarterback? Matt Barkley or Tate Forcier?
Ben: Matt Barkely. If you would have asked who is the better athlete, Tate Forcier would be the obvious answer. But, as far as QB's go, I will rarely put a quarterback that runs the spread offense ahead of a quarterback that runs a pro-style offense. Barkley's reads are tougher, his throws are most likely tougher, and his playbook is most likely tougher. All of those things make him a better QB now, and in the long run.
Boz: TATE FORCIER. Forcier has to do a lot more with less talent surrounding him. Barkley has about three running backs that could rush for 100 yards every week if they would get all the carries. Forcier doesn't have the same weapons and is still producing 30 points almost every game. He's also more of a threat to run the ball, unlike Barkley.
3) What's the more intriguing game this weekend? USC at California or Oklahoma at Miami?
Ben: Oklahoma at Miami. The trouncing that Oregon just put on Cal makes the game this weekend seem boring. USC is going to win and it could be bad. Oklahoma v. Miami on the other hand, interesting. Bradford could be back, Miami is coming off their first loss, Oklahoma is trying to get back after losing to BYU, and Miami is trying to beat another big name school in their march back to the top of college football. That sounds interesting to me.
Boz: USC AT CALIFORNIA. The Oklahoma/Miami game has BCS Championship hopes on the line but the USC/Cal game not only has BCS Championship hopes on the line but it is a conference game as well. If the Bears could knock it off the Trojans it could be the first time that USC has two loses in the Pac-10 since I can remember.
HAPPY HOUR
Ben: On this date 17 years ago, Magic Johnson announced he would return to basketball. Although his intentions ended up to be false, as he never returned to the hardwood, it is still a great story to know that Magic is still with us, and around the game. I rarely got to see Magic play, but he was one of the most interesting players in the history of the game, and still seems to be a great ambassador for the game of basketball and the LA Lakers.
Boz: Happy 43rd Birthday to Hersey Hawkins. The Chicago, Ill., native and Bradley Brave alum has scored 14,470 career points and ranks 15th all-time in career three-point field goals made. He played in one NBA Final in 1996 against his home-town Bulls. However, he all know how that ended up.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Day 16: The Lions, Lefty, Brett Favre and more
HEADLINES
1) Benji's Detroit Lions finally snapped their 19-game losing streak with a 19-14 win over the Washington Redskins. How long will it be until their next win?
Ben: I cannot explain the joy that occured when I saw the final update on my computer said "Final: Det 19 Wash 14". It has not been an easy 21 months to support the Detroit Lions, but ultimately I'm proud of the way they got through it. That being said, there is plenty to be frustrated with about this team. I'm disappointed they didn't seem to have a killer instinct and put the 'Skins away when they had a chance, up 13-0. I think they have a reasonable shot next week against the Bears, since all of Chicago's games have been close. But after that I think they'll have a legit shot against the Rams. I've got them winning 5 games this year, and potentially could sit at 3-4 after St. Louis on November 8th. Not bad for a team that was 0-16 the year before.
And Boz brings up a good point, this is a great win for the Lions, but a crippling loss to the Redskins. They have been exposed and have not grown at all in the last 11 or so games. Jim Zorn's allowed his team to regress and will be ousted, Andy Roddick style, if he doesn't get this stuff straightened out.
Boz: First off, congratulations to Matthew Stafford, the Lions and Ben on getting their first win since 2007. I can only imagine how hard it has been to be a Lions fan for the previous decade. I have to Lions going winless for the next three games before picking up their second win of the season November 8 when they host St. Louis. The Lions aren't actually the worst team in the NFL. I would put the Browns, Raiders, Redskins, Rams and possibly the Bucs behind the Lions. Stafford is slowly becoming more comfortable with the flow of the game and is showing that he will be a successful quarterback in this league.
The underlying issue in this story is how bad the Redskins are. It has to be only a matter of time before Jim Zorn is fired and until Jason Campbell is benched. The problem is that Zorn is also the quarterbacks coach and calls the plays. That's a lot to replace midseason. Campbell's back-up is Todd Collins who isn't going to save the franchise. Could you maybe see the Redskins trade for Jeff Garcia or Tavaris Jackson? Only time will tell.
2) Phil Mickelson won The Tour Championship after an amazing final round and Tiger Woods took home the FedEx Cup after finishing second to Mickelson. Is this a fitting way to end the golf season? Can Tiger now consider a successful season?
Ben: I love it, because no matter what, people are still talking about the "rivalry" between Woods and Lefty. I felt bad for Mickelson throughout the season and am glad he was able to pull out a big-time tournament.
And I really like Tiger and love watching him compete and be in contention, so the fact that he was in the top 2-3 throughout the weekend, was well worth it, and makes it somewhat a successful, albeit major-less, season for Tiger.
Boz: I think it is a very fitting way to end the golf season. To have both Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson holding up trophies on the final day is great. I feel so good for Phil to finally get a win to end his roller coaster season. He hadn't been playing well in the tournaments that he played in and no one could blame him with what he had to deal with off the golf course. I'm sure winning that tournament was monumental for Phil.
I think that the season was successful for Tiger now that he won the FedEx Cup, but it will always be remembered as one where he failed to win a major. However, winning $10 million for winning the FedEx Cup will make up for not winning a major. Especially when he wins two next season.
3) Brett Favre added to his legendary status by throwing a 32 yard touchdown pass to Greg Lewis to beat the 49ers and take the Vikings to 3-0. Did the Vikings win it or did the 49ers lose it?
Ben: Wow. This game accomplished three things for me: One, the 9ers are for real. They've got a decent offense, a legit defense, and a great coach. I really like Mike Singletary as the head man out there. Two, Farve still got enough left in the tank to lead the Vikings to the postseason, and possibly the Super Bowl. And three, I really don't like Brett Farve. I'm tired of this kind of stuff. I want to watch a different ending. This movie is old, #4 always wins. It's like watching Harlem Globetrotters vs. Washington Generals. Different roster, same results. I need something else.
Boz: The Vikings won it. First off, neither Sage Rosenfels or Tavaris Jackson would have made that throw or even had the Vikings past the 50-yard line during that final drive. Every single player in the Viking's locker room now know why they waited for and continued to pursue Brett Favre and there is not one player questioning his leadership anymore. Also, all the hoopla around Favre's play is diminishing the catch that Greg Lewis made which was amazing. I thought the 49ers played a pretty good game, minus the first quarter, and they put themselves in the position to win the game. The Vikings just stole it away.
4) President Barack Obama will make a trip to Denmark to pitch his hometown of Chicago as the host for the 2016 Olympics. Will Chicago get the 2016 games?
Ben: I would think so, but I'm not necessarily sure I want them in Chicago. Look at Greece, Beijing, and countless other cities that have hosted these Games, and while they end up being a huge success in the present, over time it seems to be a total waste. The Bird's Nest in Beijing isn't used for anything anymore. It seems like the effort, money, and headache that is put into constructing these buildings isn't always worth the payout.
That being said, I think it could potentially be a huge boost to the Midwest economy both as a construction bonus, and the influx of funds around and during The Games. So, I guess ultimately, I'm pulling for President Obama to pull off another great campaign to get Chicago these Games.
Boz: Yes. Tony Blair went to Denmark and London was awarded the 2012 Olympics. Vladimir Putin went to Denmark and Russia was awarded the 2014 Winter Olympics. Obviously it helps to send the big whigs over to Denmark to help make the pitch and make the IOC feel more important. I would love to see the Olympic game back in the states and especially less than two hours away from where I grew up. Chicago is a great city and I only hope that President Obama can bring this home. If he does, it might be something that everyone remembers when looking back at his time in office.
ODDS
1) The Twins trail the Tigers by two games entering a HUGE four-game series. What are the odds that the Twins are leading the AL Central race when the four-game series is over?
Ben: 35%. I think my number has gone back and forth on the Twins over the last 13 games or so, but I'm still behind the Tigers in the AL Central race, and I just think time is on there side. These games at home favor the Tigers, and they'll at least split, basically forcing the Twins to sweep the last series -- and they would still need help.
Boz: 10%. Even if the Tigers take three out of four they are still only deadlocked on top of the division. So the Twins would have to sweep in order to take a two game lead over the Tigers. The AL Central division is basically the only exciting race left in baseball this season and I like the Twins a lot. I can't see Minnesota taking three games in Detroit which means they'll have to sweep Kansas City to finish the season, and with one of those games against Grienke, I think the Twins are done.
2) The Bucs have made the switch at quarterback from Byron Leftwich to Josh Johnson. What are the odds that Johnson finishes the season as the Bucs quarterback?
Ben: 37%. Johnson and Freeman are similiar quarterbacks, and while I personally like Johnson, I don't think the Bucs will stick with him and I would bet that by week 13 or 14 Freeman is behind center taking his lumps for the Bucs.
Boz: 0%. They play Washington next week which is a toss-up on whether or not they'll win or lose. After that they play a string of tough games to finish the season. Johnson's backup is Josh Freeman, who Tampa Bay spent a first-round pick on. They'll be eager to throw him in there if the team is failing to pick up any wins. Seeing that they play a lot of tough defenses coming up, Johnson won't be getting them too many wins.
3) What are the odds that Sam Bradford will play this weekend agaisnt Miami?
Ben: 50%. I think Miami was exposed last weekend against Virginia Tech and Coach Stoops might think he can get by without rushing Bradford back. I truly think it's a toss up whether he plays or not. If he does play though, mark me down for a Sooners win. 'Canes are overrated.
Boz: 80%. The Sooners can't beat Miami with Landry Jones under center. If they want any chance to win a national championship they have to win this game and if they want any chance at winning this game they need Sam Bradford. Bradford knows this and Bob Stoops knows this. I think you'll see Bradford playing but not at 100%...maybe only 80%.
HAPPY HOUR
Ben: Happy 47th Birthday Irving Fryar. Was an All-American while he played at Nebraska and also spent some time in the NFL with New England, Miami, Philadelphia, and Washington. Probably most notably, played in Super Bowl XX with the Patriots, and watched the Bears dominate for 60 minutes.
Boz: Happy 66th Birthday to Sweet Lou Piniella. An outfielder with the New York Yankees, Piniella won world series in 1977 and 78, then as a manager with the Cincinnati Reds in 1990. He's now the manager of my beloved Chicago Cubs and even though they are finishing off a disappointing season, as a Cub fan I'm already use to saying "Wait til next year."
1) Benji's Detroit Lions finally snapped their 19-game losing streak with a 19-14 win over the Washington Redskins. How long will it be until their next win?
Ben: I cannot explain the joy that occured when I saw the final update on my computer said "Final: Det 19 Wash 14". It has not been an easy 21 months to support the Detroit Lions, but ultimately I'm proud of the way they got through it. That being said, there is plenty to be frustrated with about this team. I'm disappointed they didn't seem to have a killer instinct and put the 'Skins away when they had a chance, up 13-0. I think they have a reasonable shot next week against the Bears, since all of Chicago's games have been close. But after that I think they'll have a legit shot against the Rams. I've got them winning 5 games this year, and potentially could sit at 3-4 after St. Louis on November 8th. Not bad for a team that was 0-16 the year before.
And Boz brings up a good point, this is a great win for the Lions, but a crippling loss to the Redskins. They have been exposed and have not grown at all in the last 11 or so games. Jim Zorn's allowed his team to regress and will be ousted, Andy Roddick style, if he doesn't get this stuff straightened out.
Boz: First off, congratulations to Matthew Stafford, the Lions and Ben on getting their first win since 2007. I can only imagine how hard it has been to be a Lions fan for the previous decade. I have to Lions going winless for the next three games before picking up their second win of the season November 8 when they host St. Louis. The Lions aren't actually the worst team in the NFL. I would put the Browns, Raiders, Redskins, Rams and possibly the Bucs behind the Lions. Stafford is slowly becoming more comfortable with the flow of the game and is showing that he will be a successful quarterback in this league.
The underlying issue in this story is how bad the Redskins are. It has to be only a matter of time before Jim Zorn is fired and until Jason Campbell is benched. The problem is that Zorn is also the quarterbacks coach and calls the plays. That's a lot to replace midseason. Campbell's back-up is Todd Collins who isn't going to save the franchise. Could you maybe see the Redskins trade for Jeff Garcia or Tavaris Jackson? Only time will tell.
2) Phil Mickelson won The Tour Championship after an amazing final round and Tiger Woods took home the FedEx Cup after finishing second to Mickelson. Is this a fitting way to end the golf season? Can Tiger now consider a successful season?
Ben: I love it, because no matter what, people are still talking about the "rivalry" between Woods and Lefty. I felt bad for Mickelson throughout the season and am glad he was able to pull out a big-time tournament.
And I really like Tiger and love watching him compete and be in contention, so the fact that he was in the top 2-3 throughout the weekend, was well worth it, and makes it somewhat a successful, albeit major-less, season for Tiger.
Boz: I think it is a very fitting way to end the golf season. To have both Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson holding up trophies on the final day is great. I feel so good for Phil to finally get a win to end his roller coaster season. He hadn't been playing well in the tournaments that he played in and no one could blame him with what he had to deal with off the golf course. I'm sure winning that tournament was monumental for Phil.
I think that the season was successful for Tiger now that he won the FedEx Cup, but it will always be remembered as one where he failed to win a major. However, winning $10 million for winning the FedEx Cup will make up for not winning a major. Especially when he wins two next season.
3) Brett Favre added to his legendary status by throwing a 32 yard touchdown pass to Greg Lewis to beat the 49ers and take the Vikings to 3-0. Did the Vikings win it or did the 49ers lose it?
Ben: Wow. This game accomplished three things for me: One, the 9ers are for real. They've got a decent offense, a legit defense, and a great coach. I really like Mike Singletary as the head man out there. Two, Farve still got enough left in the tank to lead the Vikings to the postseason, and possibly the Super Bowl. And three, I really don't like Brett Farve. I'm tired of this kind of stuff. I want to watch a different ending. This movie is old, #4 always wins. It's like watching Harlem Globetrotters vs. Washington Generals. Different roster, same results. I need something else.
Boz: The Vikings won it. First off, neither Sage Rosenfels or Tavaris Jackson would have made that throw or even had the Vikings past the 50-yard line during that final drive. Every single player in the Viking's locker room now know why they waited for and continued to pursue Brett Favre and there is not one player questioning his leadership anymore. Also, all the hoopla around Favre's play is diminishing the catch that Greg Lewis made which was amazing. I thought the 49ers played a pretty good game, minus the first quarter, and they put themselves in the position to win the game. The Vikings just stole it away.
4) President Barack Obama will make a trip to Denmark to pitch his hometown of Chicago as the host for the 2016 Olympics. Will Chicago get the 2016 games?
Ben: I would think so, but I'm not necessarily sure I want them in Chicago. Look at Greece, Beijing, and countless other cities that have hosted these Games, and while they end up being a huge success in the present, over time it seems to be a total waste. The Bird's Nest in Beijing isn't used for anything anymore. It seems like the effort, money, and headache that is put into constructing these buildings isn't always worth the payout.
That being said, I think it could potentially be a huge boost to the Midwest economy both as a construction bonus, and the influx of funds around and during The Games. So, I guess ultimately, I'm pulling for President Obama to pull off another great campaign to get Chicago these Games.
Boz: Yes. Tony Blair went to Denmark and London was awarded the 2012 Olympics. Vladimir Putin went to Denmark and Russia was awarded the 2014 Winter Olympics. Obviously it helps to send the big whigs over to Denmark to help make the pitch and make the IOC feel more important. I would love to see the Olympic game back in the states and especially less than two hours away from where I grew up. Chicago is a great city and I only hope that President Obama can bring this home. If he does, it might be something that everyone remembers when looking back at his time in office.
ODDS
1) The Twins trail the Tigers by two games entering a HUGE four-game series. What are the odds that the Twins are leading the AL Central race when the four-game series is over?
Ben: 35%. I think my number has gone back and forth on the Twins over the last 13 games or so, but I'm still behind the Tigers in the AL Central race, and I just think time is on there side. These games at home favor the Tigers, and they'll at least split, basically forcing the Twins to sweep the last series -- and they would still need help.
Boz: 10%. Even if the Tigers take three out of four they are still only deadlocked on top of the division. So the Twins would have to sweep in order to take a two game lead over the Tigers. The AL Central division is basically the only exciting race left in baseball this season and I like the Twins a lot. I can't see Minnesota taking three games in Detroit which means they'll have to sweep Kansas City to finish the season, and with one of those games against Grienke, I think the Twins are done.
2) The Bucs have made the switch at quarterback from Byron Leftwich to Josh Johnson. What are the odds that Johnson finishes the season as the Bucs quarterback?
Ben: 37%. Johnson and Freeman are similiar quarterbacks, and while I personally like Johnson, I don't think the Bucs will stick with him and I would bet that by week 13 or 14 Freeman is behind center taking his lumps for the Bucs.
Boz: 0%. They play Washington next week which is a toss-up on whether or not they'll win or lose. After that they play a string of tough games to finish the season. Johnson's backup is Josh Freeman, who Tampa Bay spent a first-round pick on. They'll be eager to throw him in there if the team is failing to pick up any wins. Seeing that they play a lot of tough defenses coming up, Johnson won't be getting them too many wins.
3) What are the odds that Sam Bradford will play this weekend agaisnt Miami?
Ben: 50%. I think Miami was exposed last weekend against Virginia Tech and Coach Stoops might think he can get by without rushing Bradford back. I truly think it's a toss up whether he plays or not. If he does play though, mark me down for a Sooners win. 'Canes are overrated.
Boz: 80%. The Sooners can't beat Miami with Landry Jones under center. If they want any chance to win a national championship they have to win this game and if they want any chance at winning this game they need Sam Bradford. Bradford knows this and Bob Stoops knows this. I think you'll see Bradford playing but not at 100%...maybe only 80%.
HAPPY HOUR
Ben: Happy 47th Birthday Irving Fryar. Was an All-American while he played at Nebraska and also spent some time in the NFL with New England, Miami, Philadelphia, and Washington. Probably most notably, played in Super Bowl XX with the Patriots, and watched the Bears dominate for 60 minutes.
Boz: Happy 66th Birthday to Sweet Lou Piniella. An outfielder with the New York Yankees, Piniella won world series in 1977 and 78, then as a manager with the Cincinnati Reds in 1990. He's now the manager of my beloved Chicago Cubs and even though they are finishing off a disappointing season, as a Cub fan I'm already use to saying "Wait til next year."
Friday, September 25, 2009
Day 15: The Gamecocks, Cubby Occurances, NFL picks and more
HEADLINES
1) The ole' ball coach led South Carolina to an upset win over No. 4 Ole Miss last night 16-10. Is this the biggest win for Spurrier at the helm of the Gamecocks?
Ben: I think it's the biggest win for South Carolina in about 20 years. I do think that overall the victory over an overrated Ole Miss team is not as impressive as Houston's win over Oklahoma State, but for the Gamecocks this is a huge victory. It has taken Spurrier quite a while to build that program up and develop any kind of tradition with them. This win helps validate his efforts, and will also help South Carolina gain recognition in a loaded SEC.
Boz: Yes. It's the first win he's had over a top five team since he's taken over the program in 2005 and the first win the program has had over a top five team since 1981. I was actually not surprised by this win for South Carolina. They were a play away from beating Georgia and being 4-0 on the season and undefeated in the SEC. This is a pretty good football team and while I don't think they'll compete for a SEC Championship, I do think they are a team that will cause some trouble for teams down the line, especially when they have to travel to Columbia. The only thing weird about this team is that they are winning through defense and not scoring a whole lot of points. Not the type of team you think of when its coached by Steve Spurrier.
2) After Jeff Baker hit a two-run go-ahead home run in the top of the ninth (the exciting part), Derrek Lee, who scored on the play, and Baker were met by teammates for congratulations. During all of the excitement, relief pitcher slapped Lee on the side of the head giving him a neck spasm that took him out of the lineup for the bottom of the ninth and possible the next two days. Are you shocked by this at all?
Ben: I'm a little surprised, but Cubbie Occurances have been rampant the last 2 years. It started with a strained testicle from Felix Pie and has grown weirder by the day. Derrek Lee has had next problems on and off for the last two seasons so it doesn't surprised me as much that something like this has happened. I'll agree with Boz and say that I'm thankful this wasn't during a playoff race and instead is just at the end of a forgetful season.
Boz: Not at all. This just sums up the Cubs season plagued by injuries. It seems like in this disappointing 2009 season, Derrek Lee was the only player who hasn't been seriously injured. It wouldn't surprise me at all if Lee landed on the DL for this. It's just too ironic that this injury happened after a celebration since the Cubs haven't had a whole lot to celebrate this season. They're missing the playoffs after being the favorites to win the NL Central and maybe the NL pennant. Sweet Lou coined the occurance correctly when calling it a "Cubby Occurance". The silver lining in this case is that at least it didn't happen with the Cubs in a playoff hunt.
3) Jets head coach Rex Ryan actually gave the game ball from the win over the Patriots last Sunday to the Jets most famous fan "Fireman Ed" during a team meeting this week. What do you think of this?
Ben: It seems like every couple days here at the Sports Desk we've had coaches go out and do amazing things, this is another example. It seems like Rex Ryan has got a great personality for the Jets organization, although I think something like this would be more appreciated in Green Bay or Jacksonville, being "small market" teams. He really is helping establish a bond between the staff and the fans -- that helps you have staying power and build a long-term plan in New York.
Boz: I think this is really cool. All the time you hear coaches and players talking about how the fans were the difference in the game and that they deserve the game ball, but never actually physically give the ball to a fan or fans. For Rex Ryan to physically hand over the ball to the leader of Jets fans is awesome and shows that these players and coaches appreciate the support that they get during the games. I haven't been a fan of what the Jets have been doing off the field so far this season, but this brings them back in good graces just a bit.
4) The Mayweather vs. Marquez boxing match on Saturday drew one million pay-per-view buys on a night where it went head-to-head with a UFC pay-per-view card. A lot of people have declared boxing dead and has been overtaken by UFC. Does this help to diminish that thought?
Ben: Boxing isn't dead, but this is an abberation. Boxing needs a heavyweight with personality to gain more support and it currently doesn't have it. I think we saw great numbers with this because people accidently subscribed the boxing instead of UFC and therefore boosted the numbers. Some people don't pay attention. Sorry boxing, Money Mayweather is fun to watch, but no one else is.
Boz: No. This was a big number for the boxing match but I still believe that boxing is second fiddle to UFC. I still follow boxing more than I do with UFC, but I might be one in a million. Boxing is the sport that our fathers and grandfathers followed. With our generation and the generations below us, UFC is taking over in a huge way. One of the reasons why this fight got such a big number was probably because of Floyd Mayweather was part of it and if he were to fight Pacquiao I would imagine that it would draw more than one million. But I'm not ready to decalre boxing back from the dead yet.
NFL FOOTBALL PICK 'EM
Last Week Ben: 2-4 Boz: 4-2
Season: Ben: 2-4 Boz: 4-2
1) Atlanta (2-0) at New England (1-1)
Ben: Obviously I like college pick 'em better. I'll go with NEW ENGLAND. They never lose two in a row, and won't let Matty Ice and the Falcons get past them at home. Patriots get this one, big.
Boz: NEW ENGLAND. I want to say that I really like Atlanta and I think the have a very good shot at representing the NFC in the Super Bowl. However, I can't see the Patriots losing in Foxboro and I really can't see that Patriots losing two in a row. This one will be a good one to watch.
2) San Francisco (2-0) at Minnesota (2-0)
Ben: 49ers. I'll take Frank Gore and P-Willy. I like Singletary and I think he's a better game coach then Brad Childress. Everything else leans Minnesota's way except those things and my gut feeling.
Boz: MINNESOTA. I know I am a Niners fan but San Fran is making a long trip to Minnesota to square off against the Adrian Peterson and the Vikings. The only thing the 49ers can do on offense is run the ball with Frank Gore and the Vikings defense makes a living on stopping the run. With that being said...I hope I'm wrong.
3) Washington (1-1) at Detroit (0-2)
Ben: DETROIT. Homer pick. I've got nothing else.
Boz: DETROIT. I'm picking the streak to end here and I'll to you why. Only the Lions would win their first game since the 2007 season and not let their fans outside of Ford Field view the game because they failed to sellout. True meaning of irony.
4) Chicago (1-1) at Seattle (1-1)
Ben: DA BEARS. No Matt Hassleback and the Bears defense looked good last week, so I don't think Seattle will be able to get past a stingy D, and I think Cutler is getting, slowly, more comfortable with his new offense that he'll look better and better each week.
Boz: CHICAGO. The Bears look good last week in their win over the defending champs. This one is on the road but I still think Cutler is good enough to pick apart the Seattle defense. Not to mention Seneca Wallace is most likely under center for the Seahawks.
5) Pittsburgh (1-1) at Cincinnati (1-1)
Ben: PITTSBURGH. Big Ben wins late in games and Cincinnati crumbles late in the games. I'll take the Steelers in a close game that is decided in the final couple drives.
Boz: PITTSBURGH. The Steelers can't run the ball and they are still without Troy Polamalu but they won't lose two in a row. I know Mike Tomlin will figure out the faults in the defense and Big Ben will lead the Steelers to a win over a divisional rival.
6) New Orleans (2-0) at Buffalo (1-1)
Ben: NEW ORLEANS. They put up 40 points a game, nobody else can do that.
Boz: NEW ORLEANS. I'll keep picking the Saints until someone shows that it is actually possible to hold them under 35 points. I don't think that'll be the Bills.
7) Indianapolis (2-0) at Arizona (1-1)
Ben: INDIANAPOLIS. Peyton Manning is the best QB in the NFL, the Colts just know how to play and get it done in important games. When it comes to it, my rule is, never pick against a Manning.
Boz: ARIZONA. This is not a homer pick now that I live in Phoenix because I still don't like Kurt Warner or the Cardinals. But they looked real convincing that last year wasn't a fluke in their win against the Jags. I know it was the Jags but their offense busted out and it'll continue this Sunday night.
HAPPY HOUR
Ben: Happy 37th Birthday John Lynch and Happy 33rd Birthday Chauncey Billups. I had to do two birthday's today because Boz took the best one in Pippen. Lynch was one of the best safeties in the league, especially for the Tampa 2 system, for several years. And B-B-B-Billups has been one of the best point guards in the league for about 6 or 7 years. Both players played great in big games and, while Lynch's career is over, Billups is continuing the trend in Denver, where Lynch ended his career.
Boz: Happy 44th Birthday to Scottie Pippen. Pippen played second fiddle to Michael Jordan in six NBA Championships with the Chicago Bulls. Pippen was named to three all-NBA teams and eight all-NBA defensive teams. He was named to the NBA's 50th Anniversary Team and is one of my favorite Chicago Bull of all time, behind Michael Jordan. I never owned a Michael Jordan jersey, but I did own a Scottie Pippen jersey. I look forward to him joining the Hall of Fame next year.
1) The ole' ball coach led South Carolina to an upset win over No. 4 Ole Miss last night 16-10. Is this the biggest win for Spurrier at the helm of the Gamecocks?
Ben: I think it's the biggest win for South Carolina in about 20 years. I do think that overall the victory over an overrated Ole Miss team is not as impressive as Houston's win over Oklahoma State, but for the Gamecocks this is a huge victory. It has taken Spurrier quite a while to build that program up and develop any kind of tradition with them. This win helps validate his efforts, and will also help South Carolina gain recognition in a loaded SEC.
Boz: Yes. It's the first win he's had over a top five team since he's taken over the program in 2005 and the first win the program has had over a top five team since 1981. I was actually not surprised by this win for South Carolina. They were a play away from beating Georgia and being 4-0 on the season and undefeated in the SEC. This is a pretty good football team and while I don't think they'll compete for a SEC Championship, I do think they are a team that will cause some trouble for teams down the line, especially when they have to travel to Columbia. The only thing weird about this team is that they are winning through defense and not scoring a whole lot of points. Not the type of team you think of when its coached by Steve Spurrier.
2) After Jeff Baker hit a two-run go-ahead home run in the top of the ninth (the exciting part), Derrek Lee, who scored on the play, and Baker were met by teammates for congratulations. During all of the excitement, relief pitcher slapped Lee on the side of the head giving him a neck spasm that took him out of the lineup for the bottom of the ninth and possible the next two days. Are you shocked by this at all?
Ben: I'm a little surprised, but Cubbie Occurances have been rampant the last 2 years. It started with a strained testicle from Felix Pie and has grown weirder by the day. Derrek Lee has had next problems on and off for the last two seasons so it doesn't surprised me as much that something like this has happened. I'll agree with Boz and say that I'm thankful this wasn't during a playoff race and instead is just at the end of a forgetful season.
Boz: Not at all. This just sums up the Cubs season plagued by injuries. It seems like in this disappointing 2009 season, Derrek Lee was the only player who hasn't been seriously injured. It wouldn't surprise me at all if Lee landed on the DL for this. It's just too ironic that this injury happened after a celebration since the Cubs haven't had a whole lot to celebrate this season. They're missing the playoffs after being the favorites to win the NL Central and maybe the NL pennant. Sweet Lou coined the occurance correctly when calling it a "Cubby Occurance". The silver lining in this case is that at least it didn't happen with the Cubs in a playoff hunt.
3) Jets head coach Rex Ryan actually gave the game ball from the win over the Patriots last Sunday to the Jets most famous fan "Fireman Ed" during a team meeting this week. What do you think of this?
Ben: It seems like every couple days here at the Sports Desk we've had coaches go out and do amazing things, this is another example. It seems like Rex Ryan has got a great personality for the Jets organization, although I think something like this would be more appreciated in Green Bay or Jacksonville, being "small market" teams. He really is helping establish a bond between the staff and the fans -- that helps you have staying power and build a long-term plan in New York.
Boz: I think this is really cool. All the time you hear coaches and players talking about how the fans were the difference in the game and that they deserve the game ball, but never actually physically give the ball to a fan or fans. For Rex Ryan to physically hand over the ball to the leader of Jets fans is awesome and shows that these players and coaches appreciate the support that they get during the games. I haven't been a fan of what the Jets have been doing off the field so far this season, but this brings them back in good graces just a bit.
4) The Mayweather vs. Marquez boxing match on Saturday drew one million pay-per-view buys on a night where it went head-to-head with a UFC pay-per-view card. A lot of people have declared boxing dead and has been overtaken by UFC. Does this help to diminish that thought?
Ben: Boxing isn't dead, but this is an abberation. Boxing needs a heavyweight with personality to gain more support and it currently doesn't have it. I think we saw great numbers with this because people accidently subscribed the boxing instead of UFC and therefore boosted the numbers. Some people don't pay attention. Sorry boxing, Money Mayweather is fun to watch, but no one else is.
Boz: No. This was a big number for the boxing match but I still believe that boxing is second fiddle to UFC. I still follow boxing more than I do with UFC, but I might be one in a million. Boxing is the sport that our fathers and grandfathers followed. With our generation and the generations below us, UFC is taking over in a huge way. One of the reasons why this fight got such a big number was probably because of Floyd Mayweather was part of it and if he were to fight Pacquiao I would imagine that it would draw more than one million. But I'm not ready to decalre boxing back from the dead yet.
NFL FOOTBALL PICK 'EM
Last Week Ben: 2-4 Boz: 4-2
Season: Ben: 2-4 Boz: 4-2
1) Atlanta (2-0) at New England (1-1)
Ben: Obviously I like college pick 'em better. I'll go with NEW ENGLAND. They never lose two in a row, and won't let Matty Ice and the Falcons get past them at home. Patriots get this one, big.
Boz: NEW ENGLAND. I want to say that I really like Atlanta and I think the have a very good shot at representing the NFC in the Super Bowl. However, I can't see the Patriots losing in Foxboro and I really can't see that Patriots losing two in a row. This one will be a good one to watch.
2) San Francisco (2-0) at Minnesota (2-0)
Ben: 49ers. I'll take Frank Gore and P-Willy. I like Singletary and I think he's a better game coach then Brad Childress. Everything else leans Minnesota's way except those things and my gut feeling.
Boz: MINNESOTA. I know I am a Niners fan but San Fran is making a long trip to Minnesota to square off against the Adrian Peterson and the Vikings. The only thing the 49ers can do on offense is run the ball with Frank Gore and the Vikings defense makes a living on stopping the run. With that being said...I hope I'm wrong.
3) Washington (1-1) at Detroit (0-2)
Ben: DETROIT. Homer pick. I've got nothing else.
Boz: DETROIT. I'm picking the streak to end here and I'll to you why. Only the Lions would win their first game since the 2007 season and not let their fans outside of Ford Field view the game because they failed to sellout. True meaning of irony.
4) Chicago (1-1) at Seattle (1-1)
Ben: DA BEARS. No Matt Hassleback and the Bears defense looked good last week, so I don't think Seattle will be able to get past a stingy D, and I think Cutler is getting, slowly, more comfortable with his new offense that he'll look better and better each week.
Boz: CHICAGO. The Bears look good last week in their win over the defending champs. This one is on the road but I still think Cutler is good enough to pick apart the Seattle defense. Not to mention Seneca Wallace is most likely under center for the Seahawks.
5) Pittsburgh (1-1) at Cincinnati (1-1)
Ben: PITTSBURGH. Big Ben wins late in games and Cincinnati crumbles late in the games. I'll take the Steelers in a close game that is decided in the final couple drives.
Boz: PITTSBURGH. The Steelers can't run the ball and they are still without Troy Polamalu but they won't lose two in a row. I know Mike Tomlin will figure out the faults in the defense and Big Ben will lead the Steelers to a win over a divisional rival.
6) New Orleans (2-0) at Buffalo (1-1)
Ben: NEW ORLEANS. They put up 40 points a game, nobody else can do that.
Boz: NEW ORLEANS. I'll keep picking the Saints until someone shows that it is actually possible to hold them under 35 points. I don't think that'll be the Bills.
7) Indianapolis (2-0) at Arizona (1-1)
Ben: INDIANAPOLIS. Peyton Manning is the best QB in the NFL, the Colts just know how to play and get it done in important games. When it comes to it, my rule is, never pick against a Manning.
Boz: ARIZONA. This is not a homer pick now that I live in Phoenix because I still don't like Kurt Warner or the Cardinals. But they looked real convincing that last year wasn't a fluke in their win against the Jags. I know it was the Jags but their offense busted out and it'll continue this Sunday night.
HAPPY HOUR
Ben: Happy 37th Birthday John Lynch and Happy 33rd Birthday Chauncey Billups. I had to do two birthday's today because Boz took the best one in Pippen. Lynch was one of the best safeties in the league, especially for the Tampa 2 system, for several years. And B-B-B-Billups has been one of the best point guards in the league for about 6 or 7 years. Both players played great in big games and, while Lynch's career is over, Billups is continuing the trend in Denver, where Lynch ended his career.
Boz: Happy 44th Birthday to Scottie Pippen. Pippen played second fiddle to Michael Jordan in six NBA Championships with the Chicago Bulls. Pippen was named to three all-NBA teams and eight all-NBA defensive teams. He was named to the NBA's 50th Anniversary Team and is one of my favorite Chicago Bull of all time, behind Michael Jordan. I never owned a Michael Jordan jersey, but I did own a Scottie Pippen jersey. I look forward to him joining the Hall of Fame next year.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Day 14: Lidge, Bobby Cox, The Great One and more
HEADLINES
1) The Marlins rallied from down a run in the ninth to beat closer Brad Lidge and the Phillies and giving Lidge yet another blown save. If you're Charlie Manuel, who are you giving the ball in the ninth inning with a one-run lead in the playoffs?
Ben: I'd try Ryan Madson. I mean, Lidge has proven he isn't performing like last year, and Madson, while he hasn't been lights out in brief appearances as closer, can handle the duties. If I were Manuel, I wouldn't exactly be thrilled with my options here, but what can you do. I'd hope for quality pitching from the starting 3 or 4 during the playoffs and then hope for lighting in a bottle from Madson. He's got good stuff, just needs to be consistent for 14 games.
Boz: I'm sticking with Lidge. I know he's had his struggles this year but name me a closer who hasn't had an off year. Even the great Mariano Riveria and Trevor Hoffman have had a year where they didn't quite always get the job done. Lidge is the most experience closer on the Phillies' roster and helped them win a world series last season by not blowing one save. I know Ryan Madsen has pitched well this season but you have no idea how he'll respond with a one-run lead in a playoff series where every game matters. I would stick with Lidge and hope that he'll figure it out. With that being said, Phillies lose in the first round of the playoffs.
2) Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox has signed a one-year contract extension and has stated that he'll retire after the end of the 2010 season. Where do you rank Cox in the all-time manager ranks?
Ben: I rank him 4th. He's obviously behind Connie Mack and Tony Larussa. I'm going to put him behind Earl Weaver as well. While Weaver didn't have as long term success as Cox has had, I like his style and what he did for the Baltimore organization. I really like Bobby Cox because he was able to win with great pitching, lesser talent, and good all-around baseball players. Rarely have the Braves had the "best player" at a position, yet they still mounted 14 straight division titles on the wall and a World Series trophy. I'm sad to see Bobby go, but the Atlanta Braves should be happy they were able to spend 24 years, 19 straight, with him leading their team.
Boz: I would put Cox third behind Connie Mack, the all-time leader in wins by far, and behind Tony LaRussa, who has third in wins and I've personally witness do more with teams that had lesser talent. Cox has over 2,000 career wins but what really stands out is that he has six 100-win seasons and lead the Braves to 14 straight division titles which is a mark that no team will probably ever match. He won five NL pennants and a world series. What I like most about Cox is that in an era where its hard for a coach to stay with a team for a long time, Cox has spent the last 19 seasons with the Braves.
3) In rare hockey news on The Sports Desk, Wayne Gretzky has stepped down as the head coach of the Phoenix Coyotes after four straight years where the Coyotes failed to make the playoffs. Why do you think that Hall of Fame players usually fail to find success in coaching or ownership roles?
Ben: I'm not surprised. Players that are as gifted as Gretzky is do not understand how to coach greatness, it just came to them. So, when they are asked to teach players how to be good players, they are stuck, because what made them great, was usually just typical play for those guys.
Many all-time great players cannot coach, because greatness is in their DNA and that doesn't translate to the chalkboard, it only grows over time. Gretzky failed, but it wasn't all his fault.
Boz: The one case that I can think of with a hall of fame player succeeding as a coach is Larry Bird with the Pacers. He didn't win a championship but he posted a pretty good record. Other than that, I'm not quite sure why these players never succeed. It always seems that the worse player you were in your playing days, the better coach you'll end up being. I was a Division III tennis player, making me believe that I would be a pretty good tennis coach. You would think since these players were leaders for their team as players, that that could translate to being good leaders as coaches. Hopefully someone will come along and be able to break the trend.
4) Chiefs head coach Todd Haley has suggested that he would not hesitate to bench Matt Cassel during the team's week 3 game? Is it too soon to think about benching Cassel after one game?
Ben: Yes. C'mon Haley. This is a rookie head coach making a rookie head coach mistake. You do not bench high dollar guys. If Cassel were a 35 year old vet, I'd understand, but he's not. You just signed him to a 60 million dollar deal, and after one game you're going to bench him? That's dumb. I think you should give him a season, and see how things shake out. If you don't like him at the end of a full season, cut him loose, but not after one game. That's insane.
Boz: Yes. You signed the guy to a big $60 million plus contract and you've only given him one game to prove that he is worth that big contract. He had a pretty decent game against the Raiders, it just resulted in not many points and a loss. The Chiefs have plenty other problems that could be resulting in Cassel not being able to get many wins this season. Their offensive line is awful at best, they have one good receiver, and Larry Johnson hasn't been good for two seasons. Give the guy more of a chance, his back-up (Brody Croyle) is 0-9 in his career as a starter.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL PICK 'EM
Last week: Ben: 6-0 Boz: 3-3
Season: Ben: 14-4 Boz: 9-9
1) Iowa at No. 5 Penn State (Saturday, 7 p.m.)
Ben: PENN STATE. Happy Valley isn't easy to win in, and at night it's even tougher. I got Penn State by two scores and Iowa, while a surpise so far, reverts to their typical Hawkeye-ness and crumble at Linebacker U.
Boz: PENN STATE. I'm picking Iowa to lose for a fourth straight week and I think that I am finally going to get it right. I know the Hawkeyes beat the Nittany Lions last season but they can't repeat, definitely not in Happy Valley. I'm giving this the Greg Bouslog Gaurentee. The Nittany Lions win by at least two scores.
2) Illinois at No. 13 Ohio State (Saturday, 2:30 p.m.)
Ben: I'll take a risk and go ILLINOIS. They have the athletes and the offense that give OSU trouble. I'll take U of I and hope for the best. A big day from Juice and Benn get me a huge win.
Boz: OHIO STATE. I would like to believe in the Illini but this is too big of a task to take in in Columbus. The Buckeyes are too tough defensively where the Illini are not. Pryor runs ragged over, through and around the Illinois defense and makes Juice Williams look like a poor man's Terrelle Pryor.
3) Notre Dame at Purdue (Saturday, 7 p.m.)
Ben: NOTRE DAME. Purdue hasn't been revelant in the Big Ten for 3 years at least, and Notre Dame has got a big offense that Purdue hasn't been able to compete with since Drew Brees resided in West Layfette.
Boz: NOTRE DAME. I know the Irish have been giving up a lot of points in their last two games but they continue to put up big numbers themselves. The Purdue offense won't be able to keep up with Notre Dame high-scoring offense.
4) No. 15 TCU at Clemson (Saturday, 2:30 p.m.)
Ben: TCU. Defense. Defense. Defense. TCU is tough and I'll take the Horned Frogs to pull another big win from the ACC.
Boz: CLEMSON. If this game was at TCU then I would be going with TCU. I always love a ranked mid-major team but Clemson has a lot of fire power, scoring at least 27 points in each of their three games. This will be a close one but I see the Tigers escaping with the win.
5) Texas Tech at No. 17 Houston (Saturday, 8:15 p.m.)
Ben: TEXAS TECH. I like Houston, but Tech put up a good fight against a very good Texas team last week and I think they'll rebound with another strong effort against the Cougars. I'll take the Red Raiders in a close one.
Boz: HOUSTON. I will take the mid-major here as I love what the Cougars have done this season. They already took down Oklahoma State on the road and the Cowboys are a much better team than Texas Tech. No problem for Houston.
6) Arizona State at No. 21 Georgia (Saturday, 6 p.m.)
Ben: Georgia. This shouldn't even be close. The Bulldogs are too good on both sides of the ball, and while I haven't watch much of either team so far, I've noticed over the last few years that ASU disappoints with the spotlight on them, and I see that happening again. Go Dawgs!
Boz: ARIZONA STATE. I guess this is a homer pick for me now that I live 15 minutes away from Sun Devil Stadium and I work home games part-time. I've picked against the Bulldogs before and it has backfired (barely) but I really like the Sun Devils offense after seeing them play twice. I worry a little bit about the defense but there's no Stafford or Moreno on the offensive side for Georgia this season.
7) No. 22 North Carolina at Georgia Tech (Saturday, 11 a.m.)
Ben: UNC. Butch Davis wins games at the college level, and he gets another big win this week. I'll take the Tar Heels in a little bit of an upset on the road.
Boz: GEORGIA TECH. The Yellow Jackets are still a good team despite being embarassed by Miami last week. The Tar Heels struggle putting up points against good teams and I think that Georgia Tech wins a low scoring affair.
8) No. 9 Miami at No. 11 Virginia Tech (Saturday, 2:30 p.m.)
Ben: TECH. I like the Hokies and I think Miami has overachieved so far this year. I think the offense of Virginia Tech steps up this week and the D shuts down Jacory Harris. Hokies all the way.....24-14.
Boz: MIAMI. This is the marquee matchup of the week. I'm all over the Hurricane bandwagon and I love Jacory Harris and Greg Cooper. Visiting teams have shown that you don't have to be afraid to go to Blacksburg after Alabama won there and Nebraska almost won there. I have the Hurricanes winning by ten.
HAPPY HOUR
Ben: Happy 63rd Birthday "Mean" Joe Green. He didn't seem so mean in that Super Bowl commercial with the young kid. Thankfully the Steelers were able to copy that with Troy Polumalu last season -- (both times leading to a ring). Seriously, how good were the defenses for the Steelers back in the 70's. Was it possible to score TD's? I seriously don't think so.
Boz: In Ben's "Where Are They Now" fashion, I'm wishing a Happy 35th Birthday to Kiwane Garris. Garris is one of my all-time favorite Illini basketball players and my eyes lit up when I saw him on the birthday list. I actually had a Kiwane Garris jersey when I was younger. He is the Illini's second all-time leading scorer behind Deon Thomas. He was signed as a rookie free agent by the Denver Nuggets and now apparently plays for a team in an Italian pro league.
1) The Marlins rallied from down a run in the ninth to beat closer Brad Lidge and the Phillies and giving Lidge yet another blown save. If you're Charlie Manuel, who are you giving the ball in the ninth inning with a one-run lead in the playoffs?
Ben: I'd try Ryan Madson. I mean, Lidge has proven he isn't performing like last year, and Madson, while he hasn't been lights out in brief appearances as closer, can handle the duties. If I were Manuel, I wouldn't exactly be thrilled with my options here, but what can you do. I'd hope for quality pitching from the starting 3 or 4 during the playoffs and then hope for lighting in a bottle from Madson. He's got good stuff, just needs to be consistent for 14 games.
Boz: I'm sticking with Lidge. I know he's had his struggles this year but name me a closer who hasn't had an off year. Even the great Mariano Riveria and Trevor Hoffman have had a year where they didn't quite always get the job done. Lidge is the most experience closer on the Phillies' roster and helped them win a world series last season by not blowing one save. I know Ryan Madsen has pitched well this season but you have no idea how he'll respond with a one-run lead in a playoff series where every game matters. I would stick with Lidge and hope that he'll figure it out. With that being said, Phillies lose in the first round of the playoffs.
2) Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox has signed a one-year contract extension and has stated that he'll retire after the end of the 2010 season. Where do you rank Cox in the all-time manager ranks?
Ben: I rank him 4th. He's obviously behind Connie Mack and Tony Larussa. I'm going to put him behind Earl Weaver as well. While Weaver didn't have as long term success as Cox has had, I like his style and what he did for the Baltimore organization. I really like Bobby Cox because he was able to win with great pitching, lesser talent, and good all-around baseball players. Rarely have the Braves had the "best player" at a position, yet they still mounted 14 straight division titles on the wall and a World Series trophy. I'm sad to see Bobby go, but the Atlanta Braves should be happy they were able to spend 24 years, 19 straight, with him leading their team.
Boz: I would put Cox third behind Connie Mack, the all-time leader in wins by far, and behind Tony LaRussa, who has third in wins and I've personally witness do more with teams that had lesser talent. Cox has over 2,000 career wins but what really stands out is that he has six 100-win seasons and lead the Braves to 14 straight division titles which is a mark that no team will probably ever match. He won five NL pennants and a world series. What I like most about Cox is that in an era where its hard for a coach to stay with a team for a long time, Cox has spent the last 19 seasons with the Braves.
3) In rare hockey news on The Sports Desk, Wayne Gretzky has stepped down as the head coach of the Phoenix Coyotes after four straight years where the Coyotes failed to make the playoffs. Why do you think that Hall of Fame players usually fail to find success in coaching or ownership roles?
Ben: I'm not surprised. Players that are as gifted as Gretzky is do not understand how to coach greatness, it just came to them. So, when they are asked to teach players how to be good players, they are stuck, because what made them great, was usually just typical play for those guys.
Many all-time great players cannot coach, because greatness is in their DNA and that doesn't translate to the chalkboard, it only grows over time. Gretzky failed, but it wasn't all his fault.
Boz: The one case that I can think of with a hall of fame player succeeding as a coach is Larry Bird with the Pacers. He didn't win a championship but he posted a pretty good record. Other than that, I'm not quite sure why these players never succeed. It always seems that the worse player you were in your playing days, the better coach you'll end up being. I was a Division III tennis player, making me believe that I would be a pretty good tennis coach. You would think since these players were leaders for their team as players, that that could translate to being good leaders as coaches. Hopefully someone will come along and be able to break the trend.
4) Chiefs head coach Todd Haley has suggested that he would not hesitate to bench Matt Cassel during the team's week 3 game? Is it too soon to think about benching Cassel after one game?
Ben: Yes. C'mon Haley. This is a rookie head coach making a rookie head coach mistake. You do not bench high dollar guys. If Cassel were a 35 year old vet, I'd understand, but he's not. You just signed him to a 60 million dollar deal, and after one game you're going to bench him? That's dumb. I think you should give him a season, and see how things shake out. If you don't like him at the end of a full season, cut him loose, but not after one game. That's insane.
Boz: Yes. You signed the guy to a big $60 million plus contract and you've only given him one game to prove that he is worth that big contract. He had a pretty decent game against the Raiders, it just resulted in not many points and a loss. The Chiefs have plenty other problems that could be resulting in Cassel not being able to get many wins this season. Their offensive line is awful at best, they have one good receiver, and Larry Johnson hasn't been good for two seasons. Give the guy more of a chance, his back-up (Brody Croyle) is 0-9 in his career as a starter.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL PICK 'EM
Last week: Ben: 6-0 Boz: 3-3
Season: Ben: 14-4 Boz: 9-9
1) Iowa at No. 5 Penn State (Saturday, 7 p.m.)
Ben: PENN STATE. Happy Valley isn't easy to win in, and at night it's even tougher. I got Penn State by two scores and Iowa, while a surpise so far, reverts to their typical Hawkeye-ness and crumble at Linebacker U.
Boz: PENN STATE. I'm picking Iowa to lose for a fourth straight week and I think that I am finally going to get it right. I know the Hawkeyes beat the Nittany Lions last season but they can't repeat, definitely not in Happy Valley. I'm giving this the Greg Bouslog Gaurentee. The Nittany Lions win by at least two scores.
2) Illinois at No. 13 Ohio State (Saturday, 2:30 p.m.)
Ben: I'll take a risk and go ILLINOIS. They have the athletes and the offense that give OSU trouble. I'll take U of I and hope for the best. A big day from Juice and Benn get me a huge win.
Boz: OHIO STATE. I would like to believe in the Illini but this is too big of a task to take in in Columbus. The Buckeyes are too tough defensively where the Illini are not. Pryor runs ragged over, through and around the Illinois defense and makes Juice Williams look like a poor man's Terrelle Pryor.
3) Notre Dame at Purdue (Saturday, 7 p.m.)
Ben: NOTRE DAME. Purdue hasn't been revelant in the Big Ten for 3 years at least, and Notre Dame has got a big offense that Purdue hasn't been able to compete with since Drew Brees resided in West Layfette.
Boz: NOTRE DAME. I know the Irish have been giving up a lot of points in their last two games but they continue to put up big numbers themselves. The Purdue offense won't be able to keep up with Notre Dame high-scoring offense.
4) No. 15 TCU at Clemson (Saturday, 2:30 p.m.)
Ben: TCU. Defense. Defense. Defense. TCU is tough and I'll take the Horned Frogs to pull another big win from the ACC.
Boz: CLEMSON. If this game was at TCU then I would be going with TCU. I always love a ranked mid-major team but Clemson has a lot of fire power, scoring at least 27 points in each of their three games. This will be a close one but I see the Tigers escaping with the win.
5) Texas Tech at No. 17 Houston (Saturday, 8:15 p.m.)
Ben: TEXAS TECH. I like Houston, but Tech put up a good fight against a very good Texas team last week and I think they'll rebound with another strong effort against the Cougars. I'll take the Red Raiders in a close one.
Boz: HOUSTON. I will take the mid-major here as I love what the Cougars have done this season. They already took down Oklahoma State on the road and the Cowboys are a much better team than Texas Tech. No problem for Houston.
6) Arizona State at No. 21 Georgia (Saturday, 6 p.m.)
Ben: Georgia. This shouldn't even be close. The Bulldogs are too good on both sides of the ball, and while I haven't watch much of either team so far, I've noticed over the last few years that ASU disappoints with the spotlight on them, and I see that happening again. Go Dawgs!
Boz: ARIZONA STATE. I guess this is a homer pick for me now that I live 15 minutes away from Sun Devil Stadium and I work home games part-time. I've picked against the Bulldogs before and it has backfired (barely) but I really like the Sun Devils offense after seeing them play twice. I worry a little bit about the defense but there's no Stafford or Moreno on the offensive side for Georgia this season.
7) No. 22 North Carolina at Georgia Tech (Saturday, 11 a.m.)
Ben: UNC. Butch Davis wins games at the college level, and he gets another big win this week. I'll take the Tar Heels in a little bit of an upset on the road.
Boz: GEORGIA TECH. The Yellow Jackets are still a good team despite being embarassed by Miami last week. The Tar Heels struggle putting up points against good teams and I think that Georgia Tech wins a low scoring affair.
8) No. 9 Miami at No. 11 Virginia Tech (Saturday, 2:30 p.m.)
Ben: TECH. I like the Hokies and I think Miami has overachieved so far this year. I think the offense of Virginia Tech steps up this week and the D shuts down Jacory Harris. Hokies all the way.....24-14.
Boz: MIAMI. This is the marquee matchup of the week. I'm all over the Hurricane bandwagon and I love Jacory Harris and Greg Cooper. Visiting teams have shown that you don't have to be afraid to go to Blacksburg after Alabama won there and Nebraska almost won there. I have the Hurricanes winning by ten.
HAPPY HOUR
Ben: Happy 63rd Birthday "Mean" Joe Green. He didn't seem so mean in that Super Bowl commercial with the young kid. Thankfully the Steelers were able to copy that with Troy Polumalu last season -- (both times leading to a ring). Seriously, how good were the defenses for the Steelers back in the 70's. Was it possible to score TD's? I seriously don't think so.
Boz: In Ben's "Where Are They Now" fashion, I'm wishing a Happy 35th Birthday to Kiwane Garris. Garris is one of my all-time favorite Illini basketball players and my eyes lit up when I saw him on the birthday list. I actually had a Kiwane Garris jersey when I was younger. He is the Illini's second all-time leading scorer behind Deon Thomas. He was signed as a rookie free agent by the Denver Nuggets and now apparently plays for a team in an Italian pro league.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Day 13: Reynolds, Chip Kelly, Romo and more
HEADLINES:
1) Last night Mark Reynolds struck out three times, bringing his total to 206 for the season and breaking his own record for most strikeouts in a single season. However, he also has 43 home runs and 100 RBIs and plays a very good third base. Do the 43 home runs and 100 RBIs cancel out the 206 strikeouts?
Ben: I guess, but I'm not a huge fan of those numbers. Like all fans, I like guys who produce, and I dig the long ball too. BUT, I don't like guys that can't even get productive outs. If I were a pitcher going against Mark Reynolds I know there is a better chance of him striking out then driving in any runs, and in a game all about percentages, I like those numbers.
That being said, a guy who has that kind of power, and plays a pretty solid 3rd base, would be hard to turn away. I think they cancel each other out, but just barely.
Boz: Yes. The production has to cancel out the strikeouts. You can find guys that will strike out a lot, nut not a whole lot of guys that will put up big offensive numbers like Reynolds. Not to mention he has made about a handful of diving plays into stands this season. A lot of big home run hitters have had strike out problems. In fact, the next two spots on the strike out list for a single season belong to Ryan Howard in seasons where he hit 47 and 48 home runs respectively. There are a lot of others like Sammy Sosa, Mark McGwire, and the list goes on and on. Obviously every team wants a hitter like Albert Pujols who has high production with low strikeouts, but that's not always the case. Sometimes you have to take the good with the bad.
2) After an Oregon alumnus traveled to the blue turf of Boise State to watch the Ducks season opener against the Broncos and ended up seeing a fight caused by an Oregon player, the alumnus sent an email to head coach Chip Kelly with an invoice for his travel expenses of $439. This is what the email stated:
"The product on the field Thursday night is not something I was at all proud of, and I feel as though I'm entitled to my money back for the trip."
Kelly wrote back with one simple question: "What's your address?" A check sure enough showed up to the man's house signed by Kelly. How awesome is this?
Ben: I think that's great. I don't like alumni choosing to support their alma mater, then asking for payback when they don't perform, it just doesn't seem......loyal. I really like what Kelly did repaying the fan/alumni. What happened in that game is not a representation of what Oregon or Oregon athletics are about and obviously many people were disappointed, not only in the outcome, but in the actions after the game. It's a great way to regain the support of alumni and get recognition as a first-class insitution. Oregon will now be one of the teams I pull for every Saturday afternoon.
Boz: I think this was amazing. A disgruntled alumnus asked for his travel expenses back and a head coach actually implies with it. The article I read actually stated that the guy returned the check rather than cashing it and wrote a note that said that "as a salesman nothing usually shuts me up but when I got the check I was speechless." Obviously Kelly wasn't proud of what happened that night either and felt that the incident was not a good example of what Oregon football stands for. It's nice to see him own up for it.
3) Cowboys owner Jerry Jones remains extremely supportive of Tony Romo while Tony Dorsett has added his name to a list of Cowboys' legends, which include Troy Aikman and Emmitt Smith, who are critical of Romo. Which side are you taking?
Ben: I lean toward the legends, but I still think it's too early. I also don't think the expectations of Romo are self-inflicted. I think with Dallas, and their fan base, Romo has had these expectations bestowed on him, and while he deserves plenty of the blame for poor performances in big games and post-season, I do think he is in the top 7 QB's in the league.
So, while he can obviously improve and has disappointed on plenty of occassions, I think he has the ability to make up for that given the opportunity.
Boz: I'll go with the Cowboy legends on Romo. He seems to not perform to standards when it comes to playoff games or big games during the regular season. That trend stayed true against the New York Giants defense. One of Dorsett's complaints was that people are annointing Romo a great quarterback when he hasn't done enough yet. I agree with Dorsett. Romo hasn't even won a playoff game yet and last season he choked to even get the Cowboys to the playoffs. I'd like to be behind Romo since he is an Illinois boy but I have to go with my standards of what have you done for me lately? The answer with Romo...not a whole lot.
4) Chad Ochocinco got to do his Lambeau Leap on Sunday and he found a trio of Bengals fans in front row seats. Ochocinco planned the stunt, buying the tickets for the three fans. What do you make of the situation?
Ben: Great. Hilarious. Amazing. Every time I just want to say, "Chad, shutup", he comes up with something like this. I like a good show, and Ochocinco rarely disappoints. I especially like that he bought the tickets for the fans just to make sure he had friendly faces up in the crowd.
I'm sure Chad will say something dumb in the next couple weeks to make me forget this situation, but in the meantime, I like this whole thing.
Boz: Last week I stated that Ochocinco's Lambeau Leap would last less than three seconds because Packer fans would never let it happen. Well obviously I have underestimated the creativity and intelligence of Chad Ochocinco. This was actually brilliance on the part of Ochocinco on making sure that he came through on his plan. What I though was even funnier was the guy next to the Bengals fans giving the middle finger to the camera. I'm excited to see waht Ochocinco has planned for his next touchdown.
OVER/UNDER
1) Matthew Stafford has five interceptions in two games. Over or under 30 interceptions for Stafford on the season?
Ben: UNDER. He's on an amazing pace right now, but I imagine that in the middle of the season he will have calmed down, they will have a better gameplan in place, and he'll have adapted to his mistakes. I think he gets to the 20-25 range, but 30 seems almost too high.
Boz: UNDER. He's on pace for 40 but I have to assume that Stafford is going to fall below that pace eventually. He is a talented quarterback and I think he will settle down a bit throughout the season.
2) Milton Bradley's mom has stated that the right-fielder would return to the Cubs if the organization would have him back. Over or under 0.5 games next season for Bradley in a Cubs uniform?
Ben: OVER. I'm putting this on the fact that it's going to be near impossible to trade him and his contract. I like Bradley and think he could produce given he gets his head together (not likely), but I'm a little gunshy to say that he will definately play, because Tyler Colvin is looking good and could claim a spot on the roster next year. If that's the case, Bradley makes the least money per year of the corner outfielders with the Cubs (Fukudome 13 mil/Soriano 18 mil) and therefore it's easier to stomach sitting him on the bench.
Boz: OVER. This question basically just asks whether or not you think the Cubs will get rid of Bradley or not. I'm going over because it's going to be hard to move the Terrell Owens (with less talent) of baseball with two years and $20 million left on his contract. I see him in Cubbie blue next season and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that he can produce right off the bat.
3) Over or under 20 plays for Michael Vick on Sunday?
Ben: OVER. The Eagles will try to get him in there to see what he can do in live game action, whether that's in the wildcat, at QB, or WR. He will play in the game and I wouldn't be surprised if they try to extend his playing time, especially if he's successful, and even moreso if Brian Westbrook can't play.
Boz: UNDER. It's already been stated by head coach Andy Reid that Vick will not play the quarterback position. He needs to appear in this game but it will most likely be in the wildcat format. The Eagles ran nine plays from the wildcat formation last week and I can't see them uping that above 20 just because Vick is back.
HAPPY HOUR
Ben: Happy 38th Birthday Eric Montross. Montross started off his career in promising fashion, but was never able to fully develop into the player the Boston Celtics thought he'd be when they used the 9th overall pick on the UNC product.
On a semi-related note, does it seem like my birthday wishes have been a who's-who of "Where are they now" characters? Thought so.
Boz: On this day in 1988 Jose Canseco became the first player in baseball history to steal 40 bases and hit 40 home runs. Once a promising player, Canseco has fallen to a baseball disgrace since he has admitted to using steroids.
1) Last night Mark Reynolds struck out three times, bringing his total to 206 for the season and breaking his own record for most strikeouts in a single season. However, he also has 43 home runs and 100 RBIs and plays a very good third base. Do the 43 home runs and 100 RBIs cancel out the 206 strikeouts?
Ben: I guess, but I'm not a huge fan of those numbers. Like all fans, I like guys who produce, and I dig the long ball too. BUT, I don't like guys that can't even get productive outs. If I were a pitcher going against Mark Reynolds I know there is a better chance of him striking out then driving in any runs, and in a game all about percentages, I like those numbers.
That being said, a guy who has that kind of power, and plays a pretty solid 3rd base, would be hard to turn away. I think they cancel each other out, but just barely.
Boz: Yes. The production has to cancel out the strikeouts. You can find guys that will strike out a lot, nut not a whole lot of guys that will put up big offensive numbers like Reynolds. Not to mention he has made about a handful of diving plays into stands this season. A lot of big home run hitters have had strike out problems. In fact, the next two spots on the strike out list for a single season belong to Ryan Howard in seasons where he hit 47 and 48 home runs respectively. There are a lot of others like Sammy Sosa, Mark McGwire, and the list goes on and on. Obviously every team wants a hitter like Albert Pujols who has high production with low strikeouts, but that's not always the case. Sometimes you have to take the good with the bad.
2) After an Oregon alumnus traveled to the blue turf of Boise State to watch the Ducks season opener against the Broncos and ended up seeing a fight caused by an Oregon player, the alumnus sent an email to head coach Chip Kelly with an invoice for his travel expenses of $439. This is what the email stated:
"The product on the field Thursday night is not something I was at all proud of, and I feel as though I'm entitled to my money back for the trip."
Kelly wrote back with one simple question: "What's your address?" A check sure enough showed up to the man's house signed by Kelly. How awesome is this?
Ben: I think that's great. I don't like alumni choosing to support their alma mater, then asking for payback when they don't perform, it just doesn't seem......loyal. I really like what Kelly did repaying the fan/alumni. What happened in that game is not a representation of what Oregon or Oregon athletics are about and obviously many people were disappointed, not only in the outcome, but in the actions after the game. It's a great way to regain the support of alumni and get recognition as a first-class insitution. Oregon will now be one of the teams I pull for every Saturday afternoon.
Boz: I think this was amazing. A disgruntled alumnus asked for his travel expenses back and a head coach actually implies with it. The article I read actually stated that the guy returned the check rather than cashing it and wrote a note that said that "as a salesman nothing usually shuts me up but when I got the check I was speechless." Obviously Kelly wasn't proud of what happened that night either and felt that the incident was not a good example of what Oregon football stands for. It's nice to see him own up for it.
3) Cowboys owner Jerry Jones remains extremely supportive of Tony Romo while Tony Dorsett has added his name to a list of Cowboys' legends, which include Troy Aikman and Emmitt Smith, who are critical of Romo. Which side are you taking?
Ben: I lean toward the legends, but I still think it's too early. I also don't think the expectations of Romo are self-inflicted. I think with Dallas, and their fan base, Romo has had these expectations bestowed on him, and while he deserves plenty of the blame for poor performances in big games and post-season, I do think he is in the top 7 QB's in the league.
So, while he can obviously improve and has disappointed on plenty of occassions, I think he has the ability to make up for that given the opportunity.
Boz: I'll go with the Cowboy legends on Romo. He seems to not perform to standards when it comes to playoff games or big games during the regular season. That trend stayed true against the New York Giants defense. One of Dorsett's complaints was that people are annointing Romo a great quarterback when he hasn't done enough yet. I agree with Dorsett. Romo hasn't even won a playoff game yet and last season he choked to even get the Cowboys to the playoffs. I'd like to be behind Romo since he is an Illinois boy but I have to go with my standards of what have you done for me lately? The answer with Romo...not a whole lot.
4) Chad Ochocinco got to do his Lambeau Leap on Sunday and he found a trio of Bengals fans in front row seats. Ochocinco planned the stunt, buying the tickets for the three fans. What do you make of the situation?
Ben: Great. Hilarious. Amazing. Every time I just want to say, "Chad, shutup", he comes up with something like this. I like a good show, and Ochocinco rarely disappoints. I especially like that he bought the tickets for the fans just to make sure he had friendly faces up in the crowd.
I'm sure Chad will say something dumb in the next couple weeks to make me forget this situation, but in the meantime, I like this whole thing.
Boz: Last week I stated that Ochocinco's Lambeau Leap would last less than three seconds because Packer fans would never let it happen. Well obviously I have underestimated the creativity and intelligence of Chad Ochocinco. This was actually brilliance on the part of Ochocinco on making sure that he came through on his plan. What I though was even funnier was the guy next to the Bengals fans giving the middle finger to the camera. I'm excited to see waht Ochocinco has planned for his next touchdown.
OVER/UNDER
1) Matthew Stafford has five interceptions in two games. Over or under 30 interceptions for Stafford on the season?
Ben: UNDER. He's on an amazing pace right now, but I imagine that in the middle of the season he will have calmed down, they will have a better gameplan in place, and he'll have adapted to his mistakes. I think he gets to the 20-25 range, but 30 seems almost too high.
Boz: UNDER. He's on pace for 40 but I have to assume that Stafford is going to fall below that pace eventually. He is a talented quarterback and I think he will settle down a bit throughout the season.
2) Milton Bradley's mom has stated that the right-fielder would return to the Cubs if the organization would have him back. Over or under 0.5 games next season for Bradley in a Cubs uniform?
Ben: OVER. I'm putting this on the fact that it's going to be near impossible to trade him and his contract. I like Bradley and think he could produce given he gets his head together (not likely), but I'm a little gunshy to say that he will definately play, because Tyler Colvin is looking good and could claim a spot on the roster next year. If that's the case, Bradley makes the least money per year of the corner outfielders with the Cubs (Fukudome 13 mil/Soriano 18 mil) and therefore it's easier to stomach sitting him on the bench.
Boz: OVER. This question basically just asks whether or not you think the Cubs will get rid of Bradley or not. I'm going over because it's going to be hard to move the Terrell Owens (with less talent) of baseball with two years and $20 million left on his contract. I see him in Cubbie blue next season and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that he can produce right off the bat.
3) Over or under 20 plays for Michael Vick on Sunday?
Ben: OVER. The Eagles will try to get him in there to see what he can do in live game action, whether that's in the wildcat, at QB, or WR. He will play in the game and I wouldn't be surprised if they try to extend his playing time, especially if he's successful, and even moreso if Brian Westbrook can't play.
Boz: UNDER. It's already been stated by head coach Andy Reid that Vick will not play the quarterback position. He needs to appear in this game but it will most likely be in the wildcat format. The Eagles ran nine plays from the wildcat formation last week and I can't see them uping that above 20 just because Vick is back.
HAPPY HOUR
Ben: Happy 38th Birthday Eric Montross. Montross started off his career in promising fashion, but was never able to fully develop into the player the Boston Celtics thought he'd be when they used the 9th overall pick on the UNC product.
On a semi-related note, does it seem like my birthday wishes have been a who's-who of "Where are they now" characters? Thought so.
Boz: On this day in 1988 Jose Canseco became the first player in baseball history to steal 40 bases and hit 40 home runs. Once a promising player, Canseco has fallen to a baseball disgrace since he has admitted to using steroids.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Day 12: Crabtree, Bradford, Artest and more
HEADLINES
1) The San Francisco 49ers have filed tampering claims with the NFL against the New York Jets, stating that the Jets tampered with the 49ers' first-round draft pick Michael Crabtree, who remains unsigned. What do you make of this situation?
Ben: I think Crabtree has totally destroyed his chances in the NFL. If he signs with the 49ers, he will always have mixed feelings about them, while if he waits out until next year, he won't be signed until the 2-4th round. He's already going to cost himself money no matter what happens. The Jets/49ers situation is a tough spot, but its really just a way to blame someone for the bad situation the 9ers are in.
Boz: Obviously I have no idea whether or not the Jets actually did or did not tamper with Michael Crabtree. I'll leave that for the NFL to find out. What I do know is that the Jets need a game-changing wide receiver and that not many teams would take Crabtree in the 2010 draft should he re-enter. So maybe the Jets thought that by secretly telling him that they would draft him, they could get a steal on Crabtree next season.
If the tampering claims are true, then these have been pretty serious mistakes by the Jets. It really costs the 49ers because Crabtree has someone else telling him that he is worth more than what the 49ers are offering him, thus making it much harder for the 49ers to sign Crabtree and get him in uniform. However, we'll see what the NFL decides, but in the meantime I would like to send a message to Crabtree. Sign with the 49ers and end this charade and get in uniform.
2) Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford resumed throwing the football for the Sooners in practice, partaking in team drills but being limited to short throws that didn't require a full follow through. With a bye week this week, are you planning on Bradford under center against the Hurricanes in two weeks?
Ben: Oh, he's back for sure. The Sooners need him, and Bradford probably wants to be back as soon as possible. He's going to throw all short passes and hope for good YAC from his recievers anyway. I think the Sooners could get the 'Canes, but they'll need a relatively healthy Bradford, and a mistake-free effort from both sides of the ball. The 'Canes are good, and the Sooners will need some good play.
Boz: Yes. I don't think he's going to be ready but I think he'll play. The Hurricanes have proved to be a much tougher team than anyone thought and the Sooners are going to need Sam Bradford to get a win and keep any hope at a BCS Championship alive. Redshirt freshman Landry Jones played well by throwing six touchdowns against Tulsa, but he'll be facing a different Hurricane defense when he faces the one in orange jerseys. I think Bradford will push to get back into that game but won't be able to put a lot behind his throws and the Sooner offense will struggle.
3) The newest Los Angeles Laker, Ron Artest, has said that is the Lakers do not repeat as NBA Champions in 2010, Laker fans can point the finger straight at Artest. Do you believe the same?
Ben: Not really, but he could probably take some of the blame. Essentially Ron Artest is the only thing that has changed from the best team in the NBA last season. Artest is a good player, but has never really fit into a scheme real well and the Lakers will require him to conform, not Artest's strong suit. If he messes with the chemistry, there could be bad things coming for the Lakers.
Boz: No. I do think that the Lakers are better than they were last year. They kept together all of the pieces to that team except for Trevor Ariza, where they upgraded by getting Artest. The Lakers are definitely the favorite to win the title, but its not an easy task to win repeat championships in pro sports today. The Western Conference is packed with tough teams and it'll take a lot out of a team to make it out of the west. Not to mention that the Celtics, Cavs and maybe even the Magic are better than last season. The Lakers are the favorite, but the compeition is stiff.
4) Reports say that former No. 1 ranked player in the world Justine Henin has began training and is set to announce her return to competitive tennis. If Clijsters would have lost in the first round of the U.S. Open, would we still be talking today about a return for Henin?
Ben: No. Comebacks are only good when there is an example of its success. If Clijsters would have flopped, we would have assumed Henin would suffer the same fate. I think it could be a successful return, but I'm not real confident Clijsters will be able to sustain this success, so I obviously have the same feeling about Henin.
Boz: I don't think we would be. I'm sure seeing her fellow Belgian win the U.S. Open after being out of tennis for nearly two and a half years helped Henin want to get back into tennis again. She's only 27 years old and retired a year ago as the No. 1 ranked player. She can still compete with the best in the women's game and they became evident while watching Clijsters shine again. It'll be nice having both of these players at the top again in the women's tennis game, which desperately needs it.
TOSS-UP
1) The Houston Astros fired manager Cecil Cooper yesterday. Which MLB manager will get the boot next? Cleveland Indians' Eric Wedge or Chicago White Sox' Ozzie Guillen?
Ben: WEDGE. Ozzie has staying power, and for some reason, is able to get quite a bit out of the White Sox ever year. I don't think Wedge will be able to hang on, after ANOTHER bad year.
Boz: ERIC WEDGE. I want to say Ozzie Guillen because he is a mental headcase and can't go three weeks without spitting his mouth off to the media. But for some reason Ken Williams really likes him so I can't see Guillen getting fired. Wedge has had a lot of talent in Cleveland the last couple of seasons and always have gotten off to awful starts, the likes that are so bad they can never recover. The Indians have had such potential and expectations for the past three years that they end up being one of the biggest disappointments each year. Now I think it's the end of the line for Wedge.
2) Which was the more impressive feat by a quarterback in week 2? Peyton Manning scoring 27 points with only having the ball for a quarter of the game or Kurt Warner breaking the single game record for pass completion?
Ben: MANNING. People have completed high percentages quite a bit, like against the Lions all year last season, but being able to put together a winning effort, while barely touching the ball -- that's great. Manning is the best QB to play the game, this is an example.
Boz: PEYTON MANNING. I'm not trying to belittle what Kurt Warner did because it was pretty impressive. However, he set the record against the Jaguars and he did it while not even playing all the way through the third quarter. If he had played the entire game, then I would have went with Warner. The Colts had the ball for just 15 minutes, a fourth of the game, yet Manning still led the team to 27 points and the win. That's the lowest amount of time that a team has possesed the ball and still won the game in NFL history. Very impressive.
3) Who do you have for the best team in baseball? The Cardinals or the Yankees?
Ben: YANKEES. Teixeria. Jeter. CC. Burnett. A-Rod. Matsui. Riveria. Need I say more?
Boz: YANKEES. The Cardinals have been red hot since acquiring Matt Holliday but I'm still going to take the Bronx Bombers (mainly because I am a Cubs fan). The Cardinals have the edge in pitching, barely, but I'll take the Yankees because of their experience and depth in the line-up.
HAPPY HOUR
Ben: On this date in 1911, Cy Young won his final game, his 511th of his career. He is the best pitcher in the history of the game, and deserves recognition on the best blog on the web.
Boz: Happy 82nd Birthday to Tommy Lasorda. He was 0-4 with a 6.48 ERA as a player but as a manager he won 1,599 career games, two world series titles (1981, 1988) and was named NL Manager of the Year twice. His last memorable moment was coaching third base in the 2001 All-Star Game when Vladimir Guerrero broke hit bat and the barrel of the bat his Lasorda in the chest, sending him barrelling backwards.
1) The San Francisco 49ers have filed tampering claims with the NFL against the New York Jets, stating that the Jets tampered with the 49ers' first-round draft pick Michael Crabtree, who remains unsigned. What do you make of this situation?
Ben: I think Crabtree has totally destroyed his chances in the NFL. If he signs with the 49ers, he will always have mixed feelings about them, while if he waits out until next year, he won't be signed until the 2-4th round. He's already going to cost himself money no matter what happens. The Jets/49ers situation is a tough spot, but its really just a way to blame someone for the bad situation the 9ers are in.
Boz: Obviously I have no idea whether or not the Jets actually did or did not tamper with Michael Crabtree. I'll leave that for the NFL to find out. What I do know is that the Jets need a game-changing wide receiver and that not many teams would take Crabtree in the 2010 draft should he re-enter. So maybe the Jets thought that by secretly telling him that they would draft him, they could get a steal on Crabtree next season.
If the tampering claims are true, then these have been pretty serious mistakes by the Jets. It really costs the 49ers because Crabtree has someone else telling him that he is worth more than what the 49ers are offering him, thus making it much harder for the 49ers to sign Crabtree and get him in uniform. However, we'll see what the NFL decides, but in the meantime I would like to send a message to Crabtree. Sign with the 49ers and end this charade and get in uniform.
2) Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford resumed throwing the football for the Sooners in practice, partaking in team drills but being limited to short throws that didn't require a full follow through. With a bye week this week, are you planning on Bradford under center against the Hurricanes in two weeks?
Ben: Oh, he's back for sure. The Sooners need him, and Bradford probably wants to be back as soon as possible. He's going to throw all short passes and hope for good YAC from his recievers anyway. I think the Sooners could get the 'Canes, but they'll need a relatively healthy Bradford, and a mistake-free effort from both sides of the ball. The 'Canes are good, and the Sooners will need some good play.
Boz: Yes. I don't think he's going to be ready but I think he'll play. The Hurricanes have proved to be a much tougher team than anyone thought and the Sooners are going to need Sam Bradford to get a win and keep any hope at a BCS Championship alive. Redshirt freshman Landry Jones played well by throwing six touchdowns against Tulsa, but he'll be facing a different Hurricane defense when he faces the one in orange jerseys. I think Bradford will push to get back into that game but won't be able to put a lot behind his throws and the Sooner offense will struggle.
3) The newest Los Angeles Laker, Ron Artest, has said that is the Lakers do not repeat as NBA Champions in 2010, Laker fans can point the finger straight at Artest. Do you believe the same?
Ben: Not really, but he could probably take some of the blame. Essentially Ron Artest is the only thing that has changed from the best team in the NBA last season. Artest is a good player, but has never really fit into a scheme real well and the Lakers will require him to conform, not Artest's strong suit. If he messes with the chemistry, there could be bad things coming for the Lakers.
Boz: No. I do think that the Lakers are better than they were last year. They kept together all of the pieces to that team except for Trevor Ariza, where they upgraded by getting Artest. The Lakers are definitely the favorite to win the title, but its not an easy task to win repeat championships in pro sports today. The Western Conference is packed with tough teams and it'll take a lot out of a team to make it out of the west. Not to mention that the Celtics, Cavs and maybe even the Magic are better than last season. The Lakers are the favorite, but the compeition is stiff.
4) Reports say that former No. 1 ranked player in the world Justine Henin has began training and is set to announce her return to competitive tennis. If Clijsters would have lost in the first round of the U.S. Open, would we still be talking today about a return for Henin?
Ben: No. Comebacks are only good when there is an example of its success. If Clijsters would have flopped, we would have assumed Henin would suffer the same fate. I think it could be a successful return, but I'm not real confident Clijsters will be able to sustain this success, so I obviously have the same feeling about Henin.
Boz: I don't think we would be. I'm sure seeing her fellow Belgian win the U.S. Open after being out of tennis for nearly two and a half years helped Henin want to get back into tennis again. She's only 27 years old and retired a year ago as the No. 1 ranked player. She can still compete with the best in the women's game and they became evident while watching Clijsters shine again. It'll be nice having both of these players at the top again in the women's tennis game, which desperately needs it.
TOSS-UP
1) The Houston Astros fired manager Cecil Cooper yesterday. Which MLB manager will get the boot next? Cleveland Indians' Eric Wedge or Chicago White Sox' Ozzie Guillen?
Ben: WEDGE. Ozzie has staying power, and for some reason, is able to get quite a bit out of the White Sox ever year. I don't think Wedge will be able to hang on, after ANOTHER bad year.
Boz: ERIC WEDGE. I want to say Ozzie Guillen because he is a mental headcase and can't go three weeks without spitting his mouth off to the media. But for some reason Ken Williams really likes him so I can't see Guillen getting fired. Wedge has had a lot of talent in Cleveland the last couple of seasons and always have gotten off to awful starts, the likes that are so bad they can never recover. The Indians have had such potential and expectations for the past three years that they end up being one of the biggest disappointments each year. Now I think it's the end of the line for Wedge.
2) Which was the more impressive feat by a quarterback in week 2? Peyton Manning scoring 27 points with only having the ball for a quarter of the game or Kurt Warner breaking the single game record for pass completion?
Ben: MANNING. People have completed high percentages quite a bit, like against the Lions all year last season, but being able to put together a winning effort, while barely touching the ball -- that's great. Manning is the best QB to play the game, this is an example.
Boz: PEYTON MANNING. I'm not trying to belittle what Kurt Warner did because it was pretty impressive. However, he set the record against the Jaguars and he did it while not even playing all the way through the third quarter. If he had played the entire game, then I would have went with Warner. The Colts had the ball for just 15 minutes, a fourth of the game, yet Manning still led the team to 27 points and the win. That's the lowest amount of time that a team has possesed the ball and still won the game in NFL history. Very impressive.
3) Who do you have for the best team in baseball? The Cardinals or the Yankees?
Ben: YANKEES. Teixeria. Jeter. CC. Burnett. A-Rod. Matsui. Riveria. Need I say more?
Boz: YANKEES. The Cardinals have been red hot since acquiring Matt Holliday but I'm still going to take the Bronx Bombers (mainly because I am a Cubs fan). The Cardinals have the edge in pitching, barely, but I'll take the Yankees because of their experience and depth in the line-up.
HAPPY HOUR
Ben: On this date in 1911, Cy Young won his final game, his 511th of his career. He is the best pitcher in the history of the game, and deserves recognition on the best blog on the web.
Boz: Happy 82nd Birthday to Tommy Lasorda. He was 0-4 with a 6.48 ERA as a player but as a manager he won 1,599 career games, two world series titles (1981, 1988) and was named NL Manager of the Year twice. His last memorable moment was coaching third base in the 2001 All-Star Game when Vladimir Guerrero broke hit bat and the barrel of the bat his Lasorda in the chest, sending him barrelling backwards.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Day 11: Kevin Kolb, Pete Carrol, Milton Bradley and more
HEADLINES
1) Head coach Andy Reid has already stated that Kevin Kolb would start in week 3 if Donovan McNabb is unable to play. Reid also stated that he is unsure if Michael Vick or Jeff Garcia would be the backup QB in that situation. Two questions to answer here: (1) Did Kolb do enough in a 48-22 loss to keep the starting job in McNabb's absence and (2) Is Jeff Garcia regretting signing with the Eagles if its unsure if he would even be the backup QB without McNabb healthy?
Ben: To answer the first question, I think Kolb did enough to show he's got the skills to lead the Eagles. What makes him look bad is playing against the Saints, who are like what the Phoenix Suns used to be in the NBA, and team that destroys your will by scoring so many points. Kolb was put in a tough position and showed he has the ability to make plays in the NFL, he just ran up against Drew Brees and the Saints.
The second question, I think it trickier. I think Garcia probably regrets signing with the Eagles, but I doubt to many other teams would want him, so he's probably lucky someone pays him. He only fits one type of offense, and while he's been successful he hasn't really stayed in one place for long recently, so I imagine his off-the-field personality doesn't gel very well with many organizations idea of a backup QB. I think both sides are probably in a spot they don't want to be, but as insurance, it's probably best they are together.
Boz: Yes to Kolb doing enough to start week 3 if McNabb is still unable to play due to the rib injury. He threw for 391 yards and two touchdowns, which is very impressive for your first start. He did have three interceptions but was asked to throw the ball 51 times which doesn't help a quarterback making his first start from avoiding throwing three interceptions. He had to throw the ball that many times to keep up with the Saints running away with the game. If he does start next week, I think he'll only get better.
To answer the second question, yes to Garcia regretting signing with the Eagles. He wanted out of Oakland because he wasn't getting a chance to start over the "franchise" JaMarcus Russell. Now there is a debate whether or not he would be the backup to Vick. Many people consider him to be one of the top 15-20 quarterbacks in the league. Other teams would have signed him since all he does is win no matter where he goes. I have to imagine another team (hello Carolina) would want to sign him.
2) The Chicago Cubs have suspended Milton Bradley for the remainder of the season after Bradley criticized the team and its fans in a newspaper saying "you understand why they haven't won here in 100 years." What do you make of this situation?
Ben: I'm disappointed. I liked the signing of Bradley, and have defended him most of the season, still do in fact. But times like this make you shrug your shoulders and mumble to yourself. Milton Bradley just cannot stay out of his own way. A simple, "no comment" or "I think I'm starting to play better" or at least "I just haven't been comfortable yet". All of those options sound so much better then what he said.
All told, he's struggled mightly this year and the fans have made him pay (although Kosuke Fukudome hasn't gotten near the attention for his struggles either, and he gets 12 million dollars a year). Some of it is deserved, but Bradley has to be more professional, he knows he signed for 2 more years right?
Jacque Jones would have never said that!
Boz: It really bothers me because one of the major reasons why the Cubs are going to end that drought this year is becasue of Milton Bradley. They signed the guy for three years at $30 million to play right field and he has answered by hitting .257 with 12 home runs and 40 RBIs while battling injuries all year long. He's been booed by fans all season long and instead of responding by playing well on the field, he has chosen to respond off the field by critizing the fans to a newspaper. Well done Milton. Now when you come back next year, since no other team will want you, you'll only year the boos louder and longer from Cubs fans. I should know. I am one.
3) The USC Trojans dropped a 16-13 game to Washington on Saturday (picked by Ben). This scenario seems to happen every season: the Trojans lose an early game to a bottom of the pack Pac-10 team then runs the table the remaining of the season while climbing back in the rankings and making an appearance in a BCS bowl game. The BCS rewards teams that lose earlier in the season. Is there a Pete Carrol conspiracy with Carrol purposely losing an early game?
Ben: I obviously don't think he's losing the games on purpose, although maybe Carrol owes a bookie, and needs to throw the game to bring in big money. I think USC has simply dominated the Pac-10 for so long they no longer get up for some of the lower level teams in that conference. I mean look at the teams that have beat them in recent years: Oregon State, Stanford, Oregon State, Washington. Each of those teams is or was in the bottom half of that conference and pulled out the upset.
USC just got done beating Ohio State, IN Columbus, with a true freshman at the helm, they were going to have a letdown -- just ironic how often that happens.
Boz: It's hard to imagine that any coach in any sport would purposely lose games to either motivate their team or beat the BCS system. But in this case its hard to argue against such a strong trend. My main complaint against the BCS system is that teams that get their one loss out of the way earlier in the season are rewarded becasue they have the opportunity to climb back up in the polls compared to a team that goes the entire season undefeated and then loses their last regular season game because they don't have that same opportunity.
I'm not the only person to realize this theory and it's evident that Carrol realizes this theory as well. That being said, I don't believe Pete Carrol loses games on purpose. I'm sure he would actually love an undefeated season. It's just ironic that USC always loses that early season game but I just think they get stronger as the season goes on. It obviously didn't help that they had Aaron Corp as their quarterback.
4) In the weird but apparently true category, Texas quarterback Colt McCoy suffered from the flu all week, missing one day and being held out of most drills all week long. Despite the symptoms being gone before game time, McCoy said he was out of sorts in the beginning of the game. He said the solution was eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches at halftime, drinking grape Pedialyte and a hydration drink for children. Should McCoy be put to work finding a cure for swine flu?
Ben: I'd say forget football Colt, get into medicine, it pays just as well and there's a longer career span. In all seriousness I think McCoy was just lucky and found something to settle his stomach. I'm no doctor, so I don't know if that mixture seems like it would work, but everyone is different so maybe McCoy just feel better with a little PB&J in his system. He certainly seemed to play better in the 2nd half.
Boz: Apparently so. McCoy came out in the second half and was 15 of 18 throwing the ball with a touchdown in the second half securing a 34-24 revenge win over Texas Tech. In all seriousness, I have no idea if peanut butter and jelly has any healing affects. If he was in the final stages of getting over the flu, I'm sure that the hydration drink helped energize him for the second half. Whatever it was, McCoy should stick with it to help get the Longhorns to the BCS Championship game and to bring home a Heismann trophy for himself.
ODDS:
1) The Tigers avoided a sweep by the Twins by winning the final game of a three game series to push its lead back to three games in the AL Central. What are the odds that the Tigers win the AL Central?
Ben: 64%. The Tigers have struggled of late, and while I think they still pull it out, I'm a little nervous about the Twins. They always play well near the end of the year, and Detroit's pitching has gone south lately. I picked the Tigers a week ago to easily make the playoffs, now, I'm not so sure.
Boz: 75%. I'm going to give them the pretty good odds since they do have a three game lead with only four series left to play in the regular season. The reason why I am not locking them into the playoffs just quite yet is because it seems that every season Ron Gardenhire has the Twins playing its best ball at the end of the season and this season hasn't been any different. The two teams have four games left against one another in Detroit. The Tigers have the better pitching and the better offense but it didn't quite show this weekend. I have the Tigers winning the division, but I wouldn't be surprised if the Twins take the crown, and I'll wear my Twins hat proudly.
2) Boise State held of Fresno State on the road, 51-34, on Friday night. Many said that the Bulldogs were the only tough challenge for the Broncos after Oregon. What are the odds that Boise State gets to a BCS Bowl game?
Ben: 98%. Are we sure Boise State football is not actually Gonzaga basketball in disguise. Seriously, the Broncos crash the BCS party every year, and should now just become part of the main show. I love watching Broncos's games on the blue turf, with an amped up crowd watching. It truly is a special atmosphere. That, and I don't think the likes of UC Davis, Idaho, or Louisana Tech scare anyone up in Boise.
Boz: 92%. They really have no one left on their schedule and despite a lot of teams' flaw to fall to someone on the road, we know that Boise State does not have that flaw because they have gone undefeated before. When they go undefeated they have to be rewarded with a bowl game despite playing in the WAC. They defeated a pretty good team in Oregon and I see them running the table the rest of the season before falling in a BCS game.
3) Former NFL running back Herschel Walker has signed a multi-fight contract with fight promoter Strikeforce? What are the odds that Walker will be successful as a MMA fighter?
Ben: 2%. You're 47, what are you thinking? I don't care what level of ability he has in any form of combat, when you are that old, you move a little slower. Sorry Herschel, I know you were part of one blockbuster deal in your career, but this one won't turn out very pretty. Remember Johnnie Morton's career in MMA? Neither does Johnnie, because he was knocked out in 30 seconds. I see the same fate for Herschel. Sorry.
Boz: 30%. This news came completely out of the blue. Apparently Walker owns a fifth degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. I have no idea what that means but it sounds impressive. The problem with these star athletes is that they can never get rid of the need for competition and I think that's what is fueling Walker to pursue this. I'm guessing that Strikeforce signed him because he had some talent, but mainly for the name. It's a great story if it works out but Walker is 47 years old and I just don't see it happening. I'm actually quite concerned for his health.
HAPPY HOUR
Ben: Happy 37th Birthday Jon Kitna. You gave Detroit Lions fans a sign of hope 2 years ago while leading my beloved Lions to a 6-2 mark halfway through the season before it all came tumbling down. Kitna has resurrected one franchise though, the Bengals can thank him for tutoring Carson Palmer, and leading them to their first non-losing season since the days of Icky Woods and the "Icky Shuffle"
Boz: On this day in 1991, USA Basketball announced the roster for the 1992 Olympics. This team, eventually named "The Dream Team" was the greatest collection of basketball players to play on one team. I loved watching these guys play as they beat everyone by at least 40 points.
1) Head coach Andy Reid has already stated that Kevin Kolb would start in week 3 if Donovan McNabb is unable to play. Reid also stated that he is unsure if Michael Vick or Jeff Garcia would be the backup QB in that situation. Two questions to answer here: (1) Did Kolb do enough in a 48-22 loss to keep the starting job in McNabb's absence and (2) Is Jeff Garcia regretting signing with the Eagles if its unsure if he would even be the backup QB without McNabb healthy?
Ben: To answer the first question, I think Kolb did enough to show he's got the skills to lead the Eagles. What makes him look bad is playing against the Saints, who are like what the Phoenix Suns used to be in the NBA, and team that destroys your will by scoring so many points. Kolb was put in a tough position and showed he has the ability to make plays in the NFL, he just ran up against Drew Brees and the Saints.
The second question, I think it trickier. I think Garcia probably regrets signing with the Eagles, but I doubt to many other teams would want him, so he's probably lucky someone pays him. He only fits one type of offense, and while he's been successful he hasn't really stayed in one place for long recently, so I imagine his off-the-field personality doesn't gel very well with many organizations idea of a backup QB. I think both sides are probably in a spot they don't want to be, but as insurance, it's probably best they are together.
Boz: Yes to Kolb doing enough to start week 3 if McNabb is still unable to play due to the rib injury. He threw for 391 yards and two touchdowns, which is very impressive for your first start. He did have three interceptions but was asked to throw the ball 51 times which doesn't help a quarterback making his first start from avoiding throwing three interceptions. He had to throw the ball that many times to keep up with the Saints running away with the game. If he does start next week, I think he'll only get better.
To answer the second question, yes to Garcia regretting signing with the Eagles. He wanted out of Oakland because he wasn't getting a chance to start over the "franchise" JaMarcus Russell. Now there is a debate whether or not he would be the backup to Vick. Many people consider him to be one of the top 15-20 quarterbacks in the league. Other teams would have signed him since all he does is win no matter where he goes. I have to imagine another team (hello Carolina) would want to sign him.
2) The Chicago Cubs have suspended Milton Bradley for the remainder of the season after Bradley criticized the team and its fans in a newspaper saying "you understand why they haven't won here in 100 years." What do you make of this situation?
Ben: I'm disappointed. I liked the signing of Bradley, and have defended him most of the season, still do in fact. But times like this make you shrug your shoulders and mumble to yourself. Milton Bradley just cannot stay out of his own way. A simple, "no comment" or "I think I'm starting to play better" or at least "I just haven't been comfortable yet". All of those options sound so much better then what he said.
All told, he's struggled mightly this year and the fans have made him pay (although Kosuke Fukudome hasn't gotten near the attention for his struggles either, and he gets 12 million dollars a year). Some of it is deserved, but Bradley has to be more professional, he knows he signed for 2 more years right?
Jacque Jones would have never said that!
Boz: It really bothers me because one of the major reasons why the Cubs are going to end that drought this year is becasue of Milton Bradley. They signed the guy for three years at $30 million to play right field and he has answered by hitting .257 with 12 home runs and 40 RBIs while battling injuries all year long. He's been booed by fans all season long and instead of responding by playing well on the field, he has chosen to respond off the field by critizing the fans to a newspaper. Well done Milton. Now when you come back next year, since no other team will want you, you'll only year the boos louder and longer from Cubs fans. I should know. I am one.
3) The USC Trojans dropped a 16-13 game to Washington on Saturday (picked by Ben). This scenario seems to happen every season: the Trojans lose an early game to a bottom of the pack Pac-10 team then runs the table the remaining of the season while climbing back in the rankings and making an appearance in a BCS bowl game. The BCS rewards teams that lose earlier in the season. Is there a Pete Carrol conspiracy with Carrol purposely losing an early game?
Ben: I obviously don't think he's losing the games on purpose, although maybe Carrol owes a bookie, and needs to throw the game to bring in big money. I think USC has simply dominated the Pac-10 for so long they no longer get up for some of the lower level teams in that conference. I mean look at the teams that have beat them in recent years: Oregon State, Stanford, Oregon State, Washington. Each of those teams is or was in the bottom half of that conference and pulled out the upset.
USC just got done beating Ohio State, IN Columbus, with a true freshman at the helm, they were going to have a letdown -- just ironic how often that happens.
Boz: It's hard to imagine that any coach in any sport would purposely lose games to either motivate their team or beat the BCS system. But in this case its hard to argue against such a strong trend. My main complaint against the BCS system is that teams that get their one loss out of the way earlier in the season are rewarded becasue they have the opportunity to climb back up in the polls compared to a team that goes the entire season undefeated and then loses their last regular season game because they don't have that same opportunity.
I'm not the only person to realize this theory and it's evident that Carrol realizes this theory as well. That being said, I don't believe Pete Carrol loses games on purpose. I'm sure he would actually love an undefeated season. It's just ironic that USC always loses that early season game but I just think they get stronger as the season goes on. It obviously didn't help that they had Aaron Corp as their quarterback.
4) In the weird but apparently true category, Texas quarterback Colt McCoy suffered from the flu all week, missing one day and being held out of most drills all week long. Despite the symptoms being gone before game time, McCoy said he was out of sorts in the beginning of the game. He said the solution was eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches at halftime, drinking grape Pedialyte and a hydration drink for children. Should McCoy be put to work finding a cure for swine flu?
Ben: I'd say forget football Colt, get into medicine, it pays just as well and there's a longer career span. In all seriousness I think McCoy was just lucky and found something to settle his stomach. I'm no doctor, so I don't know if that mixture seems like it would work, but everyone is different so maybe McCoy just feel better with a little PB&J in his system. He certainly seemed to play better in the 2nd half.
Boz: Apparently so. McCoy came out in the second half and was 15 of 18 throwing the ball with a touchdown in the second half securing a 34-24 revenge win over Texas Tech. In all seriousness, I have no idea if peanut butter and jelly has any healing affects. If he was in the final stages of getting over the flu, I'm sure that the hydration drink helped energize him for the second half. Whatever it was, McCoy should stick with it to help get the Longhorns to the BCS Championship game and to bring home a Heismann trophy for himself.
ODDS:
1) The Tigers avoided a sweep by the Twins by winning the final game of a three game series to push its lead back to three games in the AL Central. What are the odds that the Tigers win the AL Central?
Ben: 64%. The Tigers have struggled of late, and while I think they still pull it out, I'm a little nervous about the Twins. They always play well near the end of the year, and Detroit's pitching has gone south lately. I picked the Tigers a week ago to easily make the playoffs, now, I'm not so sure.
Boz: 75%. I'm going to give them the pretty good odds since they do have a three game lead with only four series left to play in the regular season. The reason why I am not locking them into the playoffs just quite yet is because it seems that every season Ron Gardenhire has the Twins playing its best ball at the end of the season and this season hasn't been any different. The two teams have four games left against one another in Detroit. The Tigers have the better pitching and the better offense but it didn't quite show this weekend. I have the Tigers winning the division, but I wouldn't be surprised if the Twins take the crown, and I'll wear my Twins hat proudly.
2) Boise State held of Fresno State on the road, 51-34, on Friday night. Many said that the Bulldogs were the only tough challenge for the Broncos after Oregon. What are the odds that Boise State gets to a BCS Bowl game?
Ben: 98%. Are we sure Boise State football is not actually Gonzaga basketball in disguise. Seriously, the Broncos crash the BCS party every year, and should now just become part of the main show. I love watching Broncos's games on the blue turf, with an amped up crowd watching. It truly is a special atmosphere. That, and I don't think the likes of UC Davis, Idaho, or Louisana Tech scare anyone up in Boise.
Boz: 92%. They really have no one left on their schedule and despite a lot of teams' flaw to fall to someone on the road, we know that Boise State does not have that flaw because they have gone undefeated before. When they go undefeated they have to be rewarded with a bowl game despite playing in the WAC. They defeated a pretty good team in Oregon and I see them running the table the rest of the season before falling in a BCS game.
3) Former NFL running back Herschel Walker has signed a multi-fight contract with fight promoter Strikeforce? What are the odds that Walker will be successful as a MMA fighter?
Ben: 2%. You're 47, what are you thinking? I don't care what level of ability he has in any form of combat, when you are that old, you move a little slower. Sorry Herschel, I know you were part of one blockbuster deal in your career, but this one won't turn out very pretty. Remember Johnnie Morton's career in MMA? Neither does Johnnie, because he was knocked out in 30 seconds. I see the same fate for Herschel. Sorry.
Boz: 30%. This news came completely out of the blue. Apparently Walker owns a fifth degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. I have no idea what that means but it sounds impressive. The problem with these star athletes is that they can never get rid of the need for competition and I think that's what is fueling Walker to pursue this. I'm guessing that Strikeforce signed him because he had some talent, but mainly for the name. It's a great story if it works out but Walker is 47 years old and I just don't see it happening. I'm actually quite concerned for his health.
HAPPY HOUR
Ben: Happy 37th Birthday Jon Kitna. You gave Detroit Lions fans a sign of hope 2 years ago while leading my beloved Lions to a 6-2 mark halfway through the season before it all came tumbling down. Kitna has resurrected one franchise though, the Bengals can thank him for tutoring Carson Palmer, and leading them to their first non-losing season since the days of Icky Woods and the "Icky Shuffle"
Boz: On this day in 1991, USA Basketball announced the roster for the 1992 Olympics. This team, eventually named "The Dream Team" was the greatest collection of basketball players to play on one team. I loved watching these guys play as they beat everyone by at least 40 points.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Day 10: The U, Juwan Howard, Zack Grienke and more
HEADLINES
1) In a battle of ranked teams, Miami defeated Georgia Tech 33-14. Has Miami returned to the importance of NCAA football and has risen back to the top of the ACC?
Ben: I'm a little leary to say they've risen to the top of the ACC, I still think Virginia Tech is king of that conference. I will say that I think they have become a force once again on the national stage. If Miami can roll together a strong season this year, I think it will almost guarantee success next year.
The state of Flordia has some of the best football players in the nation, and those players want to go to a school like Miami, especially if it's going to be in the spotlight of the nation. They put up a 11-2 record this year, and Miami will dominate for a long stretch.
Boz: Yes and its nice to see. Miami was good for so long and then just had four or five bad years in a row. I like to see them being a factor again in college football. They're definitely a contender for the ACC title and a BCS bid. We'll find out next week if they are the best team in the ACC when they head to Virginia Tech to take on the Hokies. I'll go ahead and say that I'm jumping back on the Hurricane bandwagon. I love Jacory Harris and the running back Greg Cooper. All I know is that this year's team is making Jimmy Johnson and all of those great Hurricane players from back in the day proud.
2) The Portland Trail Blazers signed veteran Juwan Howard to a one-year deal. The question here is simply...WHY?
Ben: This doesn't make sense. The Trail Blazers have some of the most talented, young big men in the game with Oden and Aldridge and they want to bring in Juwan Howard to steal minutes from those two. I really do not understand why they would bring someone in like this. Portland has to be a dark horse to contend for the Western Conference next season and wasting a roster spot on someone who might be able to give you 10 minutes and 3 points a game just doesn't seem worth it.
Boz: My answer is simply...I have no clue. I didn't even know he played last year but apparently he averaged 4.1 points per game in 42 games with Denver and Charlotte. This will be his 16th NBA season and he is the only remaining player from Michigan's Fab 5 still playing (my apologies to Ray Jackson and Jimmy King if you are still playing pro basketball somewhere, I didn't want to take the time to look it up and just made a safe assumption). Does Howard qualify for the senior citizen discount when the team is on the road? My only reasoning for this is that they want a veteran to help guide all of their young players. The Blazers are a talented team, but they are young. However, I have to imagine there was a more talented veteran out there they could have signed.
The other thing is that you can't even say that Howard should be the veteran they should get to help show them how to win. He's never won! He's always been on bad teams. I just don't understand this at all. Ride off into the sunset Juwan Howard.
3) Zack Grienke pitched five scoreless innings against the Tigers yesterday to lower his ERA to 2.14. He only has 14 wins. Is he your AL Cy Young winner?
Ben: Yes. I think he's the best pitcher in the AL, and I think that W-L record is such a cop-out move to decide the Cy Young winner on. There are plenty of pitchers that have a high ERA that get wins simply because they get run support. Voters should not punish Grienke for playing for the pitiful Royals. He should be given bonus points for keeping focused all season. I say it's his to lose, and if he posts another scoreless start, they should start engraving the trophy.
Boz: It's hard to argue against a 2.14 ERA. He has probably two starts left and if he wins both of them he would still have one of the lowest win totals for a Cy Young winner in a long time. I think that I'm going to pick C.C. Sabathis because he has a chance to get to 20 wins and is still posting a 3.42 ERA while pitching most of his games in the home run launching pad that they call New Yankee Stadium. I know the argument for Grienke will be "if Grienke had the Yankees line-up instead of the Royals, he'd already have 25 wins." It's a valid argument but I still have Sabathia. The best pitcher on the best team in baseball.
4) According to the Boston Globe, the New England Patirots are debating calling Junior Seau to fill in while Jerrod Mayo is recovering from his injury. Seau said he only has about six games left in his body. Is this a good idea for the Patriots?
Ben: Nope. If Seau is guessing he has six games left, he doesn't even have that left. Players always over-estimate their abilities on the field. If Seau thinks he can do six, he can probably do 3 or 4. I don't think he's worth bringing in to play mediocre, and I think he might even be worse then that. I don't like bringing in old vets to spot start when young players hungry to make an impact are sitting on your bench itching to get a chance.
Play the young ones, don't waste your time with Seau.
Boz: If Seau can still play then its a great idea. He says that he only has six games left in his body. Well Mayo is out for 6-8 weeks. Therefore when Mayo returns, Seau can just retire again. It'd be better than signing Derrick Brooks because when Mayo comes back then Brooks moves to the bench. I don't think Brooks wants to come back just to move to the bench when Mayo is healthy again. However, Seau is 40 years old and has been spending his time working on his reality tv show where he takes part in random sports jobs (he appeared at a Dodgers game as a ball boy) so you have to figure that he isn't in top shape. But whatever Bill Belicheck does I'll believe in, he always pulls the right strings.
NFL PICK 'EM
1) New Orleans (1-0) at Philidelphia (1-0)
Ben: NEW ORLEANS. They looked impressive, especially defensively last week, granted against the Lions, but I think Brees puts them up big, and an improved defense shuts down Kevin Kolb.
Boz: NEW ORLEANS. I think Philadelphia is a Super Bowl contender with Donovan McNabb behind the center. However, I don't think McNabb is going to be behind center this Sunday. They'll have to score a lot of points to keep up with the Saints and I don't think that'll happen with Kevin Kolb.
2) Minnesota (1-0) at Detroit (0-1)
Ben: DETROIT. Homer alert. First, AP is going to go nuts, the Lions have no answer. But, Matt Stafford CANNOT be worse then last week. I've got the Lions getting a late FG to win and ending the streak.
Boz: MINNESOTA. Adrain Peterson will run for over 150 yards with at least two touchdowns. Matthew Stafford will be worse than last week.
3) New England (1-0) at New York Jets (1-0)
Ben: NEW ENGLAND. Kerry Rhodes said stupid things, need I say more?
Boz: NEW ENGLAND. The Jets have done a lot of talking this week and they are only digging their own grave. The Patriots will work out those kinks in the offense they had early in the game against Buffalo and you'll see the old Patriots offense from 2007, putting up at least 35 points. Mark Sanchez can't lead the Jets to 36 points.
4) Baltimore (1-0) at San Diego (1-0)
Ben: SAN DIEGO. The Ravens have to go cross-country to play a very talented San Diego team. Rivers, LT, Vincent Jackson, and Antonio Gates take advantage of a tired Ravens D.
Boz: BALTIMORE. They scored a lot of points last week. Their defense gave up 24 points to the Chiefs but that will be straightened out this week. I didn't like the way the Chargers looked last week and if LT doesn't play, they'll have a lot harder time scoring against the Ravens than they did against the Raiders.
5) Pittsburgh (1-0) at Chicago (0-1)
Ben: PITTSBURGH. The defending champs D looked real good last week, and Chicago's offense looked real bad last week. Not a good combo for the Bears.
Boz: CHICAGO. I'm going to go with my Bears here because I would hate myself if they pulled out a W and I didn't pick it. I'm just going to hope and pray that Cutler will turn it around and throw for 300 yards and three touchdowns. I think the Steeler D will miss Polamalu more than they think.
6) New York Giants (1-0) at Dallas (1-0)
Ben: NEW YORK GIANTS. Dallas looked sluggish last week and the offense benefited from some HUGE plays. I think it's a slugfest, but I got the G-men pulling off another win against Big D.
Boz: DALLAS. Them Cowboys are opening up the Big House of the South and are anticipating a BIG crowd. The Cowboys will be fired up and Romo will have a big game despite the Giants' pass rush.
HAPPY HOUR
Ben: Happy 38th Birthday Lance Armstrong. Amazing story, amazing champion, and to top it all off, he's clean. I really like Lance and hopes he continues to amaze us for years to come.
Boz: Happy 50th Birthday to Ryne Sandberg. Ryno was my favorite baseball player in the 90s and one of the greatest 2nd baseman of all-time. I got to watch manage for two years with the Peoria Chiefs and I'm hoping he eventually manages 81 games at Wrigley Field.
I'm also honored to say that my future mother-in-law (Sheena's mom for all those who don't follow) was born on the same exact day as Ryne Sandberg. Happy 50th Birthday Cathy Anderson!
1) In a battle of ranked teams, Miami defeated Georgia Tech 33-14. Has Miami returned to the importance of NCAA football and has risen back to the top of the ACC?
Ben: I'm a little leary to say they've risen to the top of the ACC, I still think Virginia Tech is king of that conference. I will say that I think they have become a force once again on the national stage. If Miami can roll together a strong season this year, I think it will almost guarantee success next year.
The state of Flordia has some of the best football players in the nation, and those players want to go to a school like Miami, especially if it's going to be in the spotlight of the nation. They put up a 11-2 record this year, and Miami will dominate for a long stretch.
Boz: Yes and its nice to see. Miami was good for so long and then just had four or five bad years in a row. I like to see them being a factor again in college football. They're definitely a contender for the ACC title and a BCS bid. We'll find out next week if they are the best team in the ACC when they head to Virginia Tech to take on the Hokies. I'll go ahead and say that I'm jumping back on the Hurricane bandwagon. I love Jacory Harris and the running back Greg Cooper. All I know is that this year's team is making Jimmy Johnson and all of those great Hurricane players from back in the day proud.
2) The Portland Trail Blazers signed veteran Juwan Howard to a one-year deal. The question here is simply...WHY?
Ben: This doesn't make sense. The Trail Blazers have some of the most talented, young big men in the game with Oden and Aldridge and they want to bring in Juwan Howard to steal minutes from those two. I really do not understand why they would bring someone in like this. Portland has to be a dark horse to contend for the Western Conference next season and wasting a roster spot on someone who might be able to give you 10 minutes and 3 points a game just doesn't seem worth it.
Boz: My answer is simply...I have no clue. I didn't even know he played last year but apparently he averaged 4.1 points per game in 42 games with Denver and Charlotte. This will be his 16th NBA season and he is the only remaining player from Michigan's Fab 5 still playing (my apologies to Ray Jackson and Jimmy King if you are still playing pro basketball somewhere, I didn't want to take the time to look it up and just made a safe assumption). Does Howard qualify for the senior citizen discount when the team is on the road? My only reasoning for this is that they want a veteran to help guide all of their young players. The Blazers are a talented team, but they are young. However, I have to imagine there was a more talented veteran out there they could have signed.
The other thing is that you can't even say that Howard should be the veteran they should get to help show them how to win. He's never won! He's always been on bad teams. I just don't understand this at all. Ride off into the sunset Juwan Howard.
3) Zack Grienke pitched five scoreless innings against the Tigers yesterday to lower his ERA to 2.14. He only has 14 wins. Is he your AL Cy Young winner?
Ben: Yes. I think he's the best pitcher in the AL, and I think that W-L record is such a cop-out move to decide the Cy Young winner on. There are plenty of pitchers that have a high ERA that get wins simply because they get run support. Voters should not punish Grienke for playing for the pitiful Royals. He should be given bonus points for keeping focused all season. I say it's his to lose, and if he posts another scoreless start, they should start engraving the trophy.
Boz: It's hard to argue against a 2.14 ERA. He has probably two starts left and if he wins both of them he would still have one of the lowest win totals for a Cy Young winner in a long time. I think that I'm going to pick C.C. Sabathis because he has a chance to get to 20 wins and is still posting a 3.42 ERA while pitching most of his games in the home run launching pad that they call New Yankee Stadium. I know the argument for Grienke will be "if Grienke had the Yankees line-up instead of the Royals, he'd already have 25 wins." It's a valid argument but I still have Sabathia. The best pitcher on the best team in baseball.
4) According to the Boston Globe, the New England Patirots are debating calling Junior Seau to fill in while Jerrod Mayo is recovering from his injury. Seau said he only has about six games left in his body. Is this a good idea for the Patriots?
Ben: Nope. If Seau is guessing he has six games left, he doesn't even have that left. Players always over-estimate their abilities on the field. If Seau thinks he can do six, he can probably do 3 or 4. I don't think he's worth bringing in to play mediocre, and I think he might even be worse then that. I don't like bringing in old vets to spot start when young players hungry to make an impact are sitting on your bench itching to get a chance.
Play the young ones, don't waste your time with Seau.
Boz: If Seau can still play then its a great idea. He says that he only has six games left in his body. Well Mayo is out for 6-8 weeks. Therefore when Mayo returns, Seau can just retire again. It'd be better than signing Derrick Brooks because when Mayo comes back then Brooks moves to the bench. I don't think Brooks wants to come back just to move to the bench when Mayo is healthy again. However, Seau is 40 years old and has been spending his time working on his reality tv show where he takes part in random sports jobs (he appeared at a Dodgers game as a ball boy) so you have to figure that he isn't in top shape. But whatever Bill Belicheck does I'll believe in, he always pulls the right strings.
NFL PICK 'EM
1) New Orleans (1-0) at Philidelphia (1-0)
Ben: NEW ORLEANS. They looked impressive, especially defensively last week, granted against the Lions, but I think Brees puts them up big, and an improved defense shuts down Kevin Kolb.
Boz: NEW ORLEANS. I think Philadelphia is a Super Bowl contender with Donovan McNabb behind the center. However, I don't think McNabb is going to be behind center this Sunday. They'll have to score a lot of points to keep up with the Saints and I don't think that'll happen with Kevin Kolb.
2) Minnesota (1-0) at Detroit (0-1)
Ben: DETROIT. Homer alert. First, AP is going to go nuts, the Lions have no answer. But, Matt Stafford CANNOT be worse then last week. I've got the Lions getting a late FG to win and ending the streak.
Boz: MINNESOTA. Adrain Peterson will run for over 150 yards with at least two touchdowns. Matthew Stafford will be worse than last week.
3) New England (1-0) at New York Jets (1-0)
Ben: NEW ENGLAND. Kerry Rhodes said stupid things, need I say more?
Boz: NEW ENGLAND. The Jets have done a lot of talking this week and they are only digging their own grave. The Patriots will work out those kinks in the offense they had early in the game against Buffalo and you'll see the old Patriots offense from 2007, putting up at least 35 points. Mark Sanchez can't lead the Jets to 36 points.
4) Baltimore (1-0) at San Diego (1-0)
Ben: SAN DIEGO. The Ravens have to go cross-country to play a very talented San Diego team. Rivers, LT, Vincent Jackson, and Antonio Gates take advantage of a tired Ravens D.
Boz: BALTIMORE. They scored a lot of points last week. Their defense gave up 24 points to the Chiefs but that will be straightened out this week. I didn't like the way the Chargers looked last week and if LT doesn't play, they'll have a lot harder time scoring against the Ravens than they did against the Raiders.
5) Pittsburgh (1-0) at Chicago (0-1)
Ben: PITTSBURGH. The defending champs D looked real good last week, and Chicago's offense looked real bad last week. Not a good combo for the Bears.
Boz: CHICAGO. I'm going to go with my Bears here because I would hate myself if they pulled out a W and I didn't pick it. I'm just going to hope and pray that Cutler will turn it around and throw for 300 yards and three touchdowns. I think the Steeler D will miss Polamalu more than they think.
6) New York Giants (1-0) at Dallas (1-0)
Ben: NEW YORK GIANTS. Dallas looked sluggish last week and the offense benefited from some HUGE plays. I think it's a slugfest, but I got the G-men pulling off another win against Big D.
Boz: DALLAS. Them Cowboys are opening up the Big House of the South and are anticipating a BIG crowd. The Cowboys will be fired up and Romo will have a big game despite the Giants' pass rush.
HAPPY HOUR
Ben: Happy 38th Birthday Lance Armstrong. Amazing story, amazing champion, and to top it all off, he's clean. I really like Lance and hopes he continues to amaze us for years to come.
Boz: Happy 50th Birthday to Ryne Sandberg. Ryno was my favorite baseball player in the 90s and one of the greatest 2nd baseman of all-time. I got to watch manage for two years with the Peoria Chiefs and I'm hoping he eventually manages 81 games at Wrigley Field.
I'm also honored to say that my future mother-in-law (Sheena's mom for all those who don't follow) was born on the same exact day as Ryne Sandberg. Happy 50th Birthday Cathy Anderson!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Day 9: Fenway Fright, LeBron's Movie, Kerry Rhodes and more
HEADLINES
1) LeBron James is set to play himself in an upcoming movie called "Fantasy Basketball Camp" where five guys from different backgrounds attend James' basketball camp. Is King James' ego getting too big?
Ben: I would say, yes. If winning a championship is what's most important to King James, then I think he should get that out of the way first, before he goes on to other activities. When you started doing other things in your career before you have accomplished your ultimate goal, I think that's when superstars "disappoint" their fans. If you aren't 100% committed to winning a championship, and if you are doing movies, you aren't committed fully, then you will disappointed the fans. If you are trying to make a name for yourself with TV appearances, then your ego is HUGE.
Boz: Lets put it this way, his head still fits through the doorway...barely. I don't know how big the role in the movie is but it seems kind of rediculous that LeBron is doing this. I know he has acting "experience" by doing some commercials, some bits at the ESPYs and he did host SNL once, but this is just too much to soon. Michael Jordan did "Space Jam" but that was after he had already accomplished about everything in the NBA. I think that LeBron is beginning to think that he is bigger than the game of basketball and that started to show when James refused to shake hands with the Magic and then didn't want to talk to the media afterwards.
On a side note, I hope the movie (which takes place at his basketball camp) has someone dunking over LeBron and then LeBron trying to keep the video from getting out to the public. But then I guess that would be more of a documentary.
2) After blowing a save and eventually losing the game against the Red Sox, Angels' closer Brian Fuentes suggested that the umpires are too timid and afraid to make calls against the sellout home crowds at Fenway. Fuentes appeared to have Nick Green struck out twice before walking him and giving up the game-winning hit to Alex Gonazalez. Is Fuentes complaint a valid argument?
Ben: Sounds like someone has sour grapes. Every umpire has missed a call at a crucial point in the game, it is not Boston that causes umps to miss calls, it's human error. Maybe if you would have made better pitches, or your teammates hustled after lazy fly balls, or you didn't throw your hands up in disgust throughout the at-bats, your team would have got the win. Instead, you are Mr. Grumpy and blaming everyone else. Every call was borderline and could have gone either way, lets get over it and move on.
Boston is a tough place to play, their fans are sometimes overbearing, but they do not help contribute to umpires calls.
Boz: No. What's the worst that could happen if they made a call against the Red Sox? They get booed? Every umpire has been booed at every ballpark that they've been in. They're not afraid of getting booed. Fuentes claims that he has heard it from other players as well, but I just don't believe that umpires are afraid to make calls against the Red Sox because of their crowd. It appeared that Fuentes probably had Green struck out at least once, if not twice, but umpires are human and they make mistakes. This is not the first time in the history of baseball that an umpire missed a call.
If the Angels want to look at why they lost the game maybe they should look in left field where Juan Rivera let a bloop flyball drop in front of him with two outs. Rivera at least has to make an attempt at diving at that ball and trying to make the catch. The worst case scenario is that he dives, doesn't get it and the Angels still lose anyways.
3) New York Jets free safety Kerry Rhodes stated that the Jets are going to try to not just beat the Patriots, but embarass them and that he wants to leave after the game feeling bad. Is this bulletin board material for the Patriots? Do you believe that bulletin board material works for the Patriots?
Ben: D-U-M-B. Why would you do this? The Patroits have basically owned that division for a decade. I can't get over how stupid some NFL player can be. Kerry Rhodes is a great player, and one of the leagues best safeties, BUT he cannot play all 11 positions on defense at a time, and can't play all 11 positions on offense. He cannot predict how his rookie QB will fare against the Pats, and doesn't know what Tom Brady will be like after a year without seeing him. Why go and give them a reason to work extra hard during the week to embarass you?
In summary, yes it is bulletin board material (although in general I feel that term in overrated and overused). And yes it works for the Patriots.
Boz: This is bulletin board material for the Patriots. This will motivate the Patriots, who were already going to beat the Jets, to know embarass the Jets. But the Patriots don't talk about it in the locker room and in the media, they take care of their business on the field. Mark my words, this will motivate the Patriots.
I also believe that bulletin board material absolutely motivates the Patriots. In 2007, Steelers' free safety Anthony Smith gaurenteed a win over the then 12-0 Patriots. Tom Brady came out and as if it was on purpose threw touchdowns over Smith. I wouldn't be surprised if you see Kerry Rhodes real close to a couple touchdown passes on Sunday.
4) Two male teens have admitted to defacing Leodis McKelvin's yard after he had a costly fumble in the season opening 25-24 loss to the Patriots. McKelvin does not want to press charges but its still up to the Erie County DA to press charges against the two subjects. What should the punishment be for these two teens?
Ben: I think they should spend some time doing community service and have a permenant mark put on their records. Since it was only teens I think it should be a lighter sentence since everyone (definitely count me in this group) have done stupid things during our teen years. That being said, I think they should be affected in the future because of this decision, and if colleges look at this on their record and decide not to accept them it will serve as a reminder.
Athletes have a right to privacy as well, and just because they happen to live in your town or neighborhood does not give you unlimited access to effecting their life. This type of behavior should be stopped and if someone wants to make an example of these teens, I probably wouldn't disagree.
Boz: When I first heard about this I was in agreement with a lot of people when thinking that the two culprits should get jail time for taking way the feeling of privacy and security from Leodis McKelvin and his family. Now that I find out that it was a couple of teens (most likely under the age of 16 since their names were not released) that probably didn't understand the full repricautions of their actions. I know that McKelvin wants to move on from this awful display but I feel that these teens do need some discipline. I would give them A LOT of community service. If they like spray paint so much, have them go around the city of Buffalo cleaning up all of the grafitti. Is there any grafitti in Buffalo?
On a lighter note, the neighbor that got out his mower in order to mow the lawn and remove the spray-painted message should be commended. What a nice guy!
COLLEGE FOOTBALL PICK'EM
Last week: Ben: 5-1 Boz: 2-4
Season: Ben: 8-4 Boz: 6-6
1) Arizona at Iowa (Saturday, 2:35 p.m.)
Ben: IOWA. I'm going to stick with the Hawks, and hope they can carry the momentum of last week into this week. Kinnick will be a rockin' on Saturday, and I think Iowa will jump on the Wildcats early. I think it'll be a close game, but the Hawks will get the benefit of a home crowd and pull out a late win.
Boz: ARIZONA. Somehow Iowa has opened up 2-0 but has still fallen out of the rankings. They picked up wins over two not-so-good teams in Northern Iowa and Iowa State. The Hawkeyes finally play someone out of state. This is going to be a close one since its in Iowa City, but I still have the Wildcats delivering the Hawkeyes their first loss of the season.
2) Michigan State at Notre Dame (Saturday, 2:30 p.m.)
Ben: I want to pick MSU, but I can't, NOTRE DAME. I'm taking the Irish because they are at home, and have a more experienced QB who knows how to bounce back after a loss. Clausen will have the Irish offense ready to play, and I think MSU has constantly struggled to show up in big games.
Boz: NOTRE DAME. I'm giving this my Greg Bouslog Gaurentee. Both teams are coming off loses but the Spartans' loss was at home against Central Michigan. The Fighting Irish had a tough loss to a so-far-impressive team in Michigan at the Big House. Notre Dame's offense outscores the Spartans in the win.
3) Tennessee at No. 1 Florida (Saturday, 2:30 p.m.)
Ben: FLORDIA, big. This could turn into an Ole Miss style upset if Tennessee pulls it out, but I can't even fathom that happening. Flordia's offense is to talented and fast. Flordia's defense is to talented and fast. Flordia's special teams are to talented and fast. Flordia's cheerleaders are to talented and fast. Everything about Flordia is better, and they win big.
Boz: FLORIDA. I would give this the gaurentee but that's too obvious. We talked about bulletin board material earlier in the blog and you better believe that the Gators have a bulletin board full of material from Lane Kiffin. The Vols lost last week to a mid-level UCLA team at home and are just too inconsistent on offense to compete with the good teams. Florida will run it up as much as possible.
4) Texas Tech at No. 2 Texas (Saturday, 7 p.m.)
Ben: TEXAS. Texas doesn't have to worry about Micheal Crabtree or Graham Harrell and the Longhorns are a more complete team this year compared to last year. I think the Red Raiders put up a better fight then Tennessee does against Flordia, but Texas prevails by 2 scores.
Boz: TEXAS. I got the Longhorns in a rematch of last year's instant classic that cost Texas their shot at the national championship. I know that the Red Raiders are leading the nation in passing but they've done it against North Dakota and Rice. They haven't seen a tough defense like they'll see this weekend in Austin. Colt McCoy has a big game in the win.
5) No. 3 USC at Washington (Saturday, 2:30 p.m.)
Ben: WASH U. I'm taking the Huskies only because of that one Pac-10 team a year trend USC has set. I have no real evidence to back this up, but I'm holding out hope. Heck, I have a 2 game lead, I'll risk one of those games on this one.
Boz: USC. I know that Matt Corp is starting at QB in place of the injured Barkley, but Pete Carrol will design a game plan where Corp can manage the game and help the Trojans get the road win just like last week at Ohio State. It won't be a pretty game and I know that USC always loses a Pac-10 game to an unranked team, but it won't be this week.
6) No. 19 Nebraska at No. 13 Virginia Tech (Saturday, 2:30 p.m.)
Ben: VT. Tech won last year in Nebraska, and they've got this one at home. Nebraska is improved, but VT has gained experience from last year (losing minimum talent from last year's team) and Lane Stadium is a tough place to win for an opposing team. And "Hokies" is a great nickname.
Boz: NEBRASKA. I'm taking the upset in this one. I'm still not sold on Tyrod Taylor and even though the Hokie defense is tough, I still see the Huskers pulling out a gritty win.
HAPPY HOUR
Ben: Happy 35th Birthday Rasheed Wallace. At one point, the most volatile player in the NBA, finally morphed into a dangerous offensive player as well as a solid defender upon arriving in Detroit. Although his time in Detroit ended in disappointing fashion, he still helped them win a title and calmed down and helped his reputation enough to get a 3-year deal with the Celtics.
Boz: On this day in 1947, Jackie Robinson was named Rookie of the Year by Sporting News. Robinson, along with the efforts of Branch Rickey, broke down color barriers not only in baseball but in professional sports. He is now honored by having his baseball number retired throughout the entire league.
1) LeBron James is set to play himself in an upcoming movie called "Fantasy Basketball Camp" where five guys from different backgrounds attend James' basketball camp. Is King James' ego getting too big?
Ben: I would say, yes. If winning a championship is what's most important to King James, then I think he should get that out of the way first, before he goes on to other activities. When you started doing other things in your career before you have accomplished your ultimate goal, I think that's when superstars "disappoint" their fans. If you aren't 100% committed to winning a championship, and if you are doing movies, you aren't committed fully, then you will disappointed the fans. If you are trying to make a name for yourself with TV appearances, then your ego is HUGE.
Boz: Lets put it this way, his head still fits through the doorway...barely. I don't know how big the role in the movie is but it seems kind of rediculous that LeBron is doing this. I know he has acting "experience" by doing some commercials, some bits at the ESPYs and he did host SNL once, but this is just too much to soon. Michael Jordan did "Space Jam" but that was after he had already accomplished about everything in the NBA. I think that LeBron is beginning to think that he is bigger than the game of basketball and that started to show when James refused to shake hands with the Magic and then didn't want to talk to the media afterwards.
On a side note, I hope the movie (which takes place at his basketball camp) has someone dunking over LeBron and then LeBron trying to keep the video from getting out to the public. But then I guess that would be more of a documentary.
2) After blowing a save and eventually losing the game against the Red Sox, Angels' closer Brian Fuentes suggested that the umpires are too timid and afraid to make calls against the sellout home crowds at Fenway. Fuentes appeared to have Nick Green struck out twice before walking him and giving up the game-winning hit to Alex Gonazalez. Is Fuentes complaint a valid argument?
Ben: Sounds like someone has sour grapes. Every umpire has missed a call at a crucial point in the game, it is not Boston that causes umps to miss calls, it's human error. Maybe if you would have made better pitches, or your teammates hustled after lazy fly balls, or you didn't throw your hands up in disgust throughout the at-bats, your team would have got the win. Instead, you are Mr. Grumpy and blaming everyone else. Every call was borderline and could have gone either way, lets get over it and move on.
Boston is a tough place to play, their fans are sometimes overbearing, but they do not help contribute to umpires calls.
Boz: No. What's the worst that could happen if they made a call against the Red Sox? They get booed? Every umpire has been booed at every ballpark that they've been in. They're not afraid of getting booed. Fuentes claims that he has heard it from other players as well, but I just don't believe that umpires are afraid to make calls against the Red Sox because of their crowd. It appeared that Fuentes probably had Green struck out at least once, if not twice, but umpires are human and they make mistakes. This is not the first time in the history of baseball that an umpire missed a call.
If the Angels want to look at why they lost the game maybe they should look in left field where Juan Rivera let a bloop flyball drop in front of him with two outs. Rivera at least has to make an attempt at diving at that ball and trying to make the catch. The worst case scenario is that he dives, doesn't get it and the Angels still lose anyways.
3) New York Jets free safety Kerry Rhodes stated that the Jets are going to try to not just beat the Patriots, but embarass them and that he wants to leave after the game feeling bad. Is this bulletin board material for the Patriots? Do you believe that bulletin board material works for the Patriots?
Ben: D-U-M-B. Why would you do this? The Patroits have basically owned that division for a decade. I can't get over how stupid some NFL player can be. Kerry Rhodes is a great player, and one of the leagues best safeties, BUT he cannot play all 11 positions on defense at a time, and can't play all 11 positions on offense. He cannot predict how his rookie QB will fare against the Pats, and doesn't know what Tom Brady will be like after a year without seeing him. Why go and give them a reason to work extra hard during the week to embarass you?
In summary, yes it is bulletin board material (although in general I feel that term in overrated and overused). And yes it works for the Patriots.
Boz: This is bulletin board material for the Patriots. This will motivate the Patriots, who were already going to beat the Jets, to know embarass the Jets. But the Patriots don't talk about it in the locker room and in the media, they take care of their business on the field. Mark my words, this will motivate the Patriots.
I also believe that bulletin board material absolutely motivates the Patriots. In 2007, Steelers' free safety Anthony Smith gaurenteed a win over the then 12-0 Patriots. Tom Brady came out and as if it was on purpose threw touchdowns over Smith. I wouldn't be surprised if you see Kerry Rhodes real close to a couple touchdown passes on Sunday.
4) Two male teens have admitted to defacing Leodis McKelvin's yard after he had a costly fumble in the season opening 25-24 loss to the Patriots. McKelvin does not want to press charges but its still up to the Erie County DA to press charges against the two subjects. What should the punishment be for these two teens?
Ben: I think they should spend some time doing community service and have a permenant mark put on their records. Since it was only teens I think it should be a lighter sentence since everyone (definitely count me in this group) have done stupid things during our teen years. That being said, I think they should be affected in the future because of this decision, and if colleges look at this on their record and decide not to accept them it will serve as a reminder.
Athletes have a right to privacy as well, and just because they happen to live in your town or neighborhood does not give you unlimited access to effecting their life. This type of behavior should be stopped and if someone wants to make an example of these teens, I probably wouldn't disagree.
Boz: When I first heard about this I was in agreement with a lot of people when thinking that the two culprits should get jail time for taking way the feeling of privacy and security from Leodis McKelvin and his family. Now that I find out that it was a couple of teens (most likely under the age of 16 since their names were not released) that probably didn't understand the full repricautions of their actions. I know that McKelvin wants to move on from this awful display but I feel that these teens do need some discipline. I would give them A LOT of community service. If they like spray paint so much, have them go around the city of Buffalo cleaning up all of the grafitti. Is there any grafitti in Buffalo?
On a lighter note, the neighbor that got out his mower in order to mow the lawn and remove the spray-painted message should be commended. What a nice guy!
COLLEGE FOOTBALL PICK'EM
Last week: Ben: 5-1 Boz: 2-4
Season: Ben: 8-4 Boz: 6-6
1) Arizona at Iowa (Saturday, 2:35 p.m.)
Ben: IOWA. I'm going to stick with the Hawks, and hope they can carry the momentum of last week into this week. Kinnick will be a rockin' on Saturday, and I think Iowa will jump on the Wildcats early. I think it'll be a close game, but the Hawks will get the benefit of a home crowd and pull out a late win.
Boz: ARIZONA. Somehow Iowa has opened up 2-0 but has still fallen out of the rankings. They picked up wins over two not-so-good teams in Northern Iowa and Iowa State. The Hawkeyes finally play someone out of state. This is going to be a close one since its in Iowa City, but I still have the Wildcats delivering the Hawkeyes their first loss of the season.
2) Michigan State at Notre Dame (Saturday, 2:30 p.m.)
Ben: I want to pick MSU, but I can't, NOTRE DAME. I'm taking the Irish because they are at home, and have a more experienced QB who knows how to bounce back after a loss. Clausen will have the Irish offense ready to play, and I think MSU has constantly struggled to show up in big games.
Boz: NOTRE DAME. I'm giving this my Greg Bouslog Gaurentee. Both teams are coming off loses but the Spartans' loss was at home against Central Michigan. The Fighting Irish had a tough loss to a so-far-impressive team in Michigan at the Big House. Notre Dame's offense outscores the Spartans in the win.
3) Tennessee at No. 1 Florida (Saturday, 2:30 p.m.)
Ben: FLORDIA, big. This could turn into an Ole Miss style upset if Tennessee pulls it out, but I can't even fathom that happening. Flordia's offense is to talented and fast. Flordia's defense is to talented and fast. Flordia's special teams are to talented and fast. Flordia's cheerleaders are to talented and fast. Everything about Flordia is better, and they win big.
Boz: FLORIDA. I would give this the gaurentee but that's too obvious. We talked about bulletin board material earlier in the blog and you better believe that the Gators have a bulletin board full of material from Lane Kiffin. The Vols lost last week to a mid-level UCLA team at home and are just too inconsistent on offense to compete with the good teams. Florida will run it up as much as possible.
4) Texas Tech at No. 2 Texas (Saturday, 7 p.m.)
Ben: TEXAS. Texas doesn't have to worry about Micheal Crabtree or Graham Harrell and the Longhorns are a more complete team this year compared to last year. I think the Red Raiders put up a better fight then Tennessee does against Flordia, but Texas prevails by 2 scores.
Boz: TEXAS. I got the Longhorns in a rematch of last year's instant classic that cost Texas their shot at the national championship. I know that the Red Raiders are leading the nation in passing but they've done it against North Dakota and Rice. They haven't seen a tough defense like they'll see this weekend in Austin. Colt McCoy has a big game in the win.
5) No. 3 USC at Washington (Saturday, 2:30 p.m.)
Ben: WASH U. I'm taking the Huskies only because of that one Pac-10 team a year trend USC has set. I have no real evidence to back this up, but I'm holding out hope. Heck, I have a 2 game lead, I'll risk one of those games on this one.
Boz: USC. I know that Matt Corp is starting at QB in place of the injured Barkley, but Pete Carrol will design a game plan where Corp can manage the game and help the Trojans get the road win just like last week at Ohio State. It won't be a pretty game and I know that USC always loses a Pac-10 game to an unranked team, but it won't be this week.
6) No. 19 Nebraska at No. 13 Virginia Tech (Saturday, 2:30 p.m.)
Ben: VT. Tech won last year in Nebraska, and they've got this one at home. Nebraska is improved, but VT has gained experience from last year (losing minimum talent from last year's team) and Lane Stadium is a tough place to win for an opposing team. And "Hokies" is a great nickname.
Boz: NEBRASKA. I'm taking the upset in this one. I'm still not sold on Tyrod Taylor and even though the Hokie defense is tough, I still see the Huskers pulling out a gritty win.
HAPPY HOUR
Ben: Happy 35th Birthday Rasheed Wallace. At one point, the most volatile player in the NBA, finally morphed into a dangerous offensive player as well as a solid defender upon arriving in Detroit. Although his time in Detroit ended in disappointing fashion, he still helped them win a title and calmed down and helped his reputation enough to get a 3-year deal with the Celtics.
Boz: On this day in 1947, Jackie Robinson was named Rookie of the Year by Sporting News. Robinson, along with the efforts of Branch Rickey, broke down color barriers not only in baseball but in professional sports. He is now honored by having his baseball number retired throughout the entire league.
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