HEADLINES
1) The Indianapolis Colts won four straight games by a margin of ten points and had to rally from behind to to defeat the Houston Texans yesterday. Can the Colts continue to win these close games and reach 16-0?
Ben: I think they can, but I'm skeptical that it will continue. I think the Colts are going to be Super Bowl contenders, but the thought of keeping up 16-0 is to difficult. I think the ultimate goal should be to hoist the Lombardi Trophy, not going undefeated during the regular season -- and Peyton Manning will relay that to his teammates. I also think that Jim Caldwell might be overmatched if he is asked to "outcoach" someone late in games.
Boz: Yes they can, and the reason is because they have Peyton Manning under center. I think the man has ice running through his veins because nothing seems to rattle him at all. And because of his abilities to lead the team back from any deficit, it instills a sense of confidence in the rest of the team that they are never out of a game. I think that 16-0 is in reach for the Colts because they don't have too tough of a schedule remaining. They do have some teams that can pose some trouble for Indy (such as the Vince Young Titans, Broncos and Jaguars), but those teams are going to have to play a perfect game to beat Peyton Manning and the Colts.
2) Texas quarterback Colt McCoy threw for 304 yards and four touchdowns and carried the ball 18 times for 175 yards and a touchdown in the Longhorns' 49-39 win over Texas A&M. Did McCoy strengthen his chances at winning the Heisman?
Ben: He obviously strengthened them with a solid game, but I'm not sure its going to be enough, only because he played so mediocre (for a Heisman winner) during a stretch in the middle of the year. I like McCoy for a college player, but I don't think he's going to win the trophy this year.
Boz: It was definitely an impressive game. The rush yards was shocking because I didn't think he had that type of running ability. The problem for McCoy is that two other legit candidates had just as strong outings in their regular season finales. Tim Tebow threw for 221 yards and ran for 90 yards and had a total of five touchdowns. Toby Gerhart ran for 205 yards and three touchdowns and even threw an 18-yard touchdown pass in the Cardinal win over the Fighting Irish. So as good as McCoy was in the win over the Aggies, his competitors were just as good.
3) The ACC vs. Big Ten Challenge kicks off tomorrow with Wake Forest at Purdue and Michigan State at North Carolina. Who do you have winning the inter-conference battle?
Ben: It's gotta be the ACC. The Big Ten has to prove to me it has the horses to win this thing before I can pick them to win this weeks challenge. The losses for the Big Ten's top teams against far inferior opponents scare me, and I can't pick the Big Ten now.
Boz: Last week I was actually entertaining the idea that the Big Ten would finally win the ACC vs. Big Ten Challenge. I was so excited because every year I pay close attention to this event hoping that the Big Ten would finally pull a win. However, my enthusiasm quickly turned to despair when I saw Michigan State lose to Florida, Minnesota lose back-to-back games to Portland and Texas A&M, Michigan lose back-to-back games to Marquette and Alabama, and Illinois painfully lose back-to-back games to Utah and Bradley. The ACC is the much deeper conference and while the Big Ten might win the premeir matchups, the ACC will win more games.
4) The Florida State Police are asking for a search warrant to obtain hospital records on injuries treated on Tiger Woods after a one-car accident that Woods was in early Friday morning. The police want the records to help determine if the injuries were from the accident or domestic abuse. What do you make of this situation?
Ben: It is a crazy situation that is only going to get more crazy. Everything about this seems out of place, and I just can't believe all of this stuff that continues to come out. I like Tiger the golfer and want to see him make it through this, but right now -- I can't pick a side, because it just sounds so crazy.
Boz: I'm really undecided on what I think really happened in this situation. There was no alcohol involved in the crash which makes me wonder why he was leaving his house around 2:30 in the morning. Domestic abuse would be a legit reason why he was leaving and had cuts on his lip. If it were just a dumb driving mistake, then why wouldn't Tiger want to talk to the police? I hope that it was just a crash and that everything works out for Tiger. But things look sketchy right now.
ODDS
1) Alabama struggled to beat Auburn in their annual rivalry game. What are the odds that the Crimson Tide can knock off Florida in the SEC title game?
Ben: 50%. Both teams are good, and match up well with each other -- I can't pick for sure right now, but it should be a good game.
Boz: 20%. I just think that Florida is too good on both sides of the ball to give the Crimson Tide a good chance at winning this game. And with the recent injury to Mark Ingram, Alabama is going to have trouble putting up any points against the Flordia defense. The Gators go to the BCS title game.
2) Sources stated that Blue Jays pitcher Roy Halladay would waive his no-trade clause for a trade to the Yankees. What are the odds that Halladay ends up a Yankee?
Ben: 0%. I can't pick the Yankees to win anything and Halladay is too good to go there. They already have too many good, high-priced players.
Boz: 35%. The Yankees always go after the high-profile players and Halladay would be one of the high-profiled players. However, I don't think that the Yankees enought pieces that they want to part with to complete a trade with the Blue Jays. I think Halladay gets traded, but it'll be to the west coast.
3) Serena Williams was fined $82,500 and put on a two-year probation for her outburst on a lines-judge at the U.S. Open. What are the odds that Serena has another outburst during her probation?
Ben: 51%. I don't think Serena can keep it down. He competitive fire will flare up again and show it's ugly head. It might not be during such a big tournament, but it will happen again.
Boz: 10%. That is a pretty hefty fine and even though Serena can afford it, I don't think she is going to want to pay it again. However, it is Serena Williams and with her temper, anything is possible which is way I didn't say 0%.
HAPPY HOUR
Ben: Happy 4th Anniversary Boston Red Sox. On this date in 2005 you petitioned a judge to get the ball that made the last out of the 2004 World Series, which Doug Mientkiewicz was trying to keep. He has since loaned it to the team, but still claims ownership to the ball that ended the BoSox 86 year championship drought.
Boz: Happy 47th Birthday to Bo Jackson. The 1985 Heisman Trophy winner at Auburn went on to be the first player to be named an All-Star in two sports, starring with the Kansas City Royals and Los Angeles Raiders. Even though a hip-injury ended his pro football career after just three seasons, Jackson still ran for 2,700 yards and 16 touchdowns in his career. He only played eight seasons in the bigs but still hit 141 home runs and 415 RBIs. He could be one of the greatest athletes of all time.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Day 57: Albert Pujols, Warriors, Heisman choice and more
HEADLINES
1) Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols was the unanimous pick for the NL MVP award, winning his second straight MVP and his third overall. Do you agree with this pick?
Ben: Is this a serious question? He was obviously the best choice in the National League. The guy is a great player, and, unless a freak injury occurs, will probably be an automatic MVP for the next 4-5 years. He is a great power hitter, a great hit for average guy, a RBI guy, a great defensive player, and a generally nice guy in the media. Pujols, while he plays for the hated Cardinals, is a player just about every team in the majors would want. That, should be the definition of an MVP - a player who would dominate on any team.
Boz: Absolutely. I didn't even know who else was in the running until I read the article today. Pujols was so far above and beyond, not only any other player in the National League, but in the entire Major League. As much as I had to admit it as a Cubs fan, the man is a machine and is the best hitter on the planet. The real question is where will Pujols rank among the best all-time hitters in the history of the game when he is done. He has already won three MVP awards and he is only 29-years old.
2) The Golden State Warriors defeated the Dallas Mavericks, 111-103, despite only playing six players in the game. Was this impressive by the Warriors or pathetic by the Mavericks?
Ben: Both. It is impressive that the Warriors were able to get through an entire game, much-less win the game, with only six players. It is pathetic that the Mavericks were so unenthusiastic about playing this game that they let 6 worn out guys beat them up and down the floor for 48 minutes. It wasn't even like the Warriors tried to play a different style game -- THEY SCORED 110 POINTS!
If I were Rick Carilse I'd be pretty upset with my team.
Boz: It's pathetic on the part of the Mavericks. You are playing at home against a team playing six guys, with three of them playing all 48 minutes. If you want to be considered as a legit title contender you cannot lose these games. I know they are NBA players, but playing all 48 minutes had to get those guys tired. And why wasn't the game plan to draw fouls and get them in foul trouble? It really has to be a demoralizing loss for the Mavs and I am sure Mark Cuban isn't too happy.
What is really pathetic is the two other guys that dressed for the Warriors but didn't play in the game. Are they that bad that they don't even get used when their are only six other active players?
3) With college football season winding down, who is your pick to win the Heismann trophy?
Ben: As much as it pains me to say this, Tim Tebow. I just think that with all the records he's broken this year, and with all the national attention that Flordia gets, he'll have a pretty reasonable shot this year to get that trophy back. Plus he gets a vote -- who do you think he's voting for.
Boz: I'm taking Stanford's running back Toby Gerhart. He has the second-highest running total in the nation with 1,531 yards and leads all running backs with 23 touchdowns. He has almost single-handedly turned the Cardinal around and almost got them into the Rose Bowl. Alabama's running back Mark Ingram is a close second, making it nice to see running backs back in the running after a couple years with nothing but quarterbacks up for the award.
4) With the Lions and Cowboys set the host the Thanksgiving games once again, should the NFL consider giving the Thanksgiving games to better teams or keep with tradition?
Ben: Keep with tradition. Look, I know I am a Lions fan, so you can paint me with the homer brush, but these two teams stepped up when no one else would. The Lions have hosted the Thanksgiving game since 1934. They missed two years since then, 1939, 1940. They also told the NFL when they wanted to sponsor a Thanksgiving game -- Detroit and Dallas were the first two teams to step up and take the responsibility. Ever noticed which car company has the most commercials during NFL games? Ford does. Do you know who the same person owns Ford Motor Company and the Detroit Lions? Find it a coincidence that the NFL has stuck it out with them through this stretch.
Look, I want to see good games on TV too -- but I do not think that just because the Lions happen to be bad they should have the game stripped. Nobody would talk about this if it were the Cowboys, Giants, Jets, Patriots, or Packers terrible.
Boz: Despite not being a fan of either team, I want the NFL to keep the tradition alive and continue to allow the Lions and Cowboys to keep hosting the Turkey Day games. I'm a big stickler for tradition and I would hate to see this one change. Even though the Lions are bad and the Cowboys are playing the Raiders, people will still tune in to watch the games because that's what you do on Thanksgiving. You watch football. If the NFL wants to make better games then don't schedule the Raiders. They knew when making the schedule that they were terrible! They got one game right at least, scheduling a division foe for the Lions with the Packers. Regardless, I'm looking forward to watching both games.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL PICK 'EM
Last week Ben: 3-4 Boz: 3-4
Season Ben: 51-29 Boz: 44-36
1) Notre Dame at Stanford (Saturday, 7 p.m.)
Ben: STANFORD. Notre Dame doesn't beat anyone that is ranked.
Boz: STANFORD. It was a disappointing loss for the Cardinal last week, crushing their hopes for a Rose Bowl bid. They'll use the Irish as a good way to end the regular season on a high note.
2) Illinois at No. 5 Cincinnati (Friday, 11 a.m.)
Ben: Ill..........kidding...CINCINNATI. I can't pick Illinois here. But it would be a great upset.
Boz: CINCINNATI. This won't even be close unless the Bearcats are overlooking this game and are focusing on Pittsburgh next week. I just don't see it happening.
3) Arkansas at No. 15 LSU (Saturday, 6 p.m.)
Ben: LSU. The Tigers have lost a surprising number of games that were within their grasp this year. This will not be one of them.
Boz: LSU. The Tigers need to bounce back after dropping last week's game against Ole' Miss. If they want to keep a premeir bowl game then they need to beat Arkansas. They'll get it done in Baton Rouge.
4) No. 3 Texas at Texas A&M (Thursday, 7 p.m.)
Ben: TEXAS. Colt McCoy will get the Horn's through this one, and on to bigger and better things. Mike Sherman hasn't gotten things going in College Station yet.
Boz: TEXAS. I said a long time ago that Texas A&M could be trouble for the Longhorns. I'm taking Texas but I just wanted you to know I actually said that incase it happens.
5) No. 2 Alabama at Auburn (Friday, 1:30 p.m.)
Ben: ALABAMA. No way the Tide slip up here. Saban's defense is always strong and Auburn has been real quite since starting the season strong.
Boz: AUBURN. This a big trap game for Alabama and it's a even bigger rivalry game. The Tigers are going to be playing like they have nothing to lose...because they don't.
6) No. 17 Miami at South Florida (Saturday, 2:30 p.m.)
Ben: MIAMI. I'm going to take the 'Canes even though I don't think they are that good of a team. I'll take them to win this one, but they'll fall in the ACC championship game.
Boz: SOUTH FLORIDA. The Bulls want to be the second best team in the state of Florida and they need to win this game to prove that they are. The Hurricanes drop this game to continue the down fall of a once promising season.
7) No. 9 Pittsburgh at West Virginia (Friday, 6 p.m.)
Ben: PITTSBURGH. Pitt is way to good, and West Virginia still doesn't have a consistent team. Although, the Backyard Brawl has a way of turning contenders into spectators.
Boz: PITTSBURGH. This is a trap game for the Panthers also but I don't see them slipping up against West Virginia. They want the Big East championship and a BCS bowl game.
NFL PICK 'EM
Last week Ben: 7-0 Boz: 6-1
Season Ben: 38-26 Boz: 36-28
1) Green Bay (6-4) at Detroit (2-8)
Ben: DETROIT. I can't stop believing after last weeks win.
Boz: GREEN BAY. If Stafford was playing in this game then I would give the Lions a chance on Thanksgiving, but I don't think he is going to play. Plus, I need to pick up a game here.
2) Oakland (3-7) at Dallas (7-3)
Ben: DALLAS. How does Oakland ever win football games?
Boz: DALLAS. They are playing the Raiders. Yes they surprise the world once in a while, but not this week.
3) New York Giants (6-4) at Denver (6-4)
Ben: GIANTS. I think Denver has fallen and they can't get up. The season is spiraling out of control for them
Boz: NEW YORK GIANTS. Kyle Orton is going to be playing with a bum ankle and the Giants pass rush is going to really be getting after him. The Giants need to win two straight after losing those four straight games.
4) Indianapolis (10-0) at Houston (5-5)
Ben: INDIANAPOLIS. I don't bet against Mannings and Peyton is playing LIGHTS OUT football right now.
Boz: INDIANAPOLIS. I would have given the Texans a small shot at this if I didn't see all of the wind come out of the sails after last week's loss to the Titans.
5) Chicago (4-6) at Minnesota (9-1)
Ben: MINNESOTA. I hate to admit it, but the Vikings are really, really good. That and I'll need to get a game back because I took the Lions earlier.
Boz: CHICAGO. I'm only taking the Bears here because I have forced Ben to take the Lions week in and week out.
6) Pittsburgh (6-4) at Baltimore (5-5)
Ben: PITTSBURGH. I have faith in the Steelers and I think they'll pull of this win. The Ravens haven't played consistent Baltimore football all year, and I think that'll come back to bite them this week.
Boz: BALTIMORE. The Ravens need this win...BAD. Whether or not Big Ben plays in this one, the Ravens still get the win. The defense will really step up this week.
7) New England (7-3) at New Orleans (10-0)
Ben: NEW ORLEANS. At the Superdome. Loud. Drew Brees. Those are my reasons.
Boz: NEW ENGLAND. The Patriots already blew a chance to knock off one undefeated team, they won't let it happen again.
HAPPY HOUR
Ben: Happy 46th Birthday Bernie Kosar. The former Hurricane and Cleveland Brown has had some trouble post-professional career -- but has been rumored to be a potential candidate as GM of the Browns. I like Kosar and always thought he caught bad breaks during his career. So, this time, I'll give him a good break and give him a shout out on the blog.
Boz: Happy 28th Birthday to Jared Jeffries. The former Hoosier took Indiana to the 2002 NCAA title game before losing to Maryland. I hated Jeffries when he was in the Big Ten and I think I got my revenge because now Jeffries is on the lowly Knicks.
1) Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols was the unanimous pick for the NL MVP award, winning his second straight MVP and his third overall. Do you agree with this pick?
Ben: Is this a serious question? He was obviously the best choice in the National League. The guy is a great player, and, unless a freak injury occurs, will probably be an automatic MVP for the next 4-5 years. He is a great power hitter, a great hit for average guy, a RBI guy, a great defensive player, and a generally nice guy in the media. Pujols, while he plays for the hated Cardinals, is a player just about every team in the majors would want. That, should be the definition of an MVP - a player who would dominate on any team.
Boz: Absolutely. I didn't even know who else was in the running until I read the article today. Pujols was so far above and beyond, not only any other player in the National League, but in the entire Major League. As much as I had to admit it as a Cubs fan, the man is a machine and is the best hitter on the planet. The real question is where will Pujols rank among the best all-time hitters in the history of the game when he is done. He has already won three MVP awards and he is only 29-years old.
2) The Golden State Warriors defeated the Dallas Mavericks, 111-103, despite only playing six players in the game. Was this impressive by the Warriors or pathetic by the Mavericks?
Ben: Both. It is impressive that the Warriors were able to get through an entire game, much-less win the game, with only six players. It is pathetic that the Mavericks were so unenthusiastic about playing this game that they let 6 worn out guys beat them up and down the floor for 48 minutes. It wasn't even like the Warriors tried to play a different style game -- THEY SCORED 110 POINTS!
If I were Rick Carilse I'd be pretty upset with my team.
Boz: It's pathetic on the part of the Mavericks. You are playing at home against a team playing six guys, with three of them playing all 48 minutes. If you want to be considered as a legit title contender you cannot lose these games. I know they are NBA players, but playing all 48 minutes had to get those guys tired. And why wasn't the game plan to draw fouls and get them in foul trouble? It really has to be a demoralizing loss for the Mavs and I am sure Mark Cuban isn't too happy.
What is really pathetic is the two other guys that dressed for the Warriors but didn't play in the game. Are they that bad that they don't even get used when their are only six other active players?
3) With college football season winding down, who is your pick to win the Heismann trophy?
Ben: As much as it pains me to say this, Tim Tebow. I just think that with all the records he's broken this year, and with all the national attention that Flordia gets, he'll have a pretty reasonable shot this year to get that trophy back. Plus he gets a vote -- who do you think he's voting for.
Boz: I'm taking Stanford's running back Toby Gerhart. He has the second-highest running total in the nation with 1,531 yards and leads all running backs with 23 touchdowns. He has almost single-handedly turned the Cardinal around and almost got them into the Rose Bowl. Alabama's running back Mark Ingram is a close second, making it nice to see running backs back in the running after a couple years with nothing but quarterbacks up for the award.
4) With the Lions and Cowboys set the host the Thanksgiving games once again, should the NFL consider giving the Thanksgiving games to better teams or keep with tradition?
Ben: Keep with tradition. Look, I know I am a Lions fan, so you can paint me with the homer brush, but these two teams stepped up when no one else would. The Lions have hosted the Thanksgiving game since 1934. They missed two years since then, 1939, 1940. They also told the NFL when they wanted to sponsor a Thanksgiving game -- Detroit and Dallas were the first two teams to step up and take the responsibility. Ever noticed which car company has the most commercials during NFL games? Ford does. Do you know who the same person owns Ford Motor Company and the Detroit Lions? Find it a coincidence that the NFL has stuck it out with them through this stretch.
Look, I want to see good games on TV too -- but I do not think that just because the Lions happen to be bad they should have the game stripped. Nobody would talk about this if it were the Cowboys, Giants, Jets, Patriots, or Packers terrible.
Boz: Despite not being a fan of either team, I want the NFL to keep the tradition alive and continue to allow the Lions and Cowboys to keep hosting the Turkey Day games. I'm a big stickler for tradition and I would hate to see this one change. Even though the Lions are bad and the Cowboys are playing the Raiders, people will still tune in to watch the games because that's what you do on Thanksgiving. You watch football. If the NFL wants to make better games then don't schedule the Raiders. They knew when making the schedule that they were terrible! They got one game right at least, scheduling a division foe for the Lions with the Packers. Regardless, I'm looking forward to watching both games.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL PICK 'EM
Last week Ben: 3-4 Boz: 3-4
Season Ben: 51-29 Boz: 44-36
1) Notre Dame at Stanford (Saturday, 7 p.m.)
Ben: STANFORD. Notre Dame doesn't beat anyone that is ranked.
Boz: STANFORD. It was a disappointing loss for the Cardinal last week, crushing their hopes for a Rose Bowl bid. They'll use the Irish as a good way to end the regular season on a high note.
2) Illinois at No. 5 Cincinnati (Friday, 11 a.m.)
Ben: Ill..........kidding...CINCINNATI. I can't pick Illinois here. But it would be a great upset.
Boz: CINCINNATI. This won't even be close unless the Bearcats are overlooking this game and are focusing on Pittsburgh next week. I just don't see it happening.
3) Arkansas at No. 15 LSU (Saturday, 6 p.m.)
Ben: LSU. The Tigers have lost a surprising number of games that were within their grasp this year. This will not be one of them.
Boz: LSU. The Tigers need to bounce back after dropping last week's game against Ole' Miss. If they want to keep a premeir bowl game then they need to beat Arkansas. They'll get it done in Baton Rouge.
4) No. 3 Texas at Texas A&M (Thursday, 7 p.m.)
Ben: TEXAS. Colt McCoy will get the Horn's through this one, and on to bigger and better things. Mike Sherman hasn't gotten things going in College Station yet.
Boz: TEXAS. I said a long time ago that Texas A&M could be trouble for the Longhorns. I'm taking Texas but I just wanted you to know I actually said that incase it happens.
5) No. 2 Alabama at Auburn (Friday, 1:30 p.m.)
Ben: ALABAMA. No way the Tide slip up here. Saban's defense is always strong and Auburn has been real quite since starting the season strong.
Boz: AUBURN. This a big trap game for Alabama and it's a even bigger rivalry game. The Tigers are going to be playing like they have nothing to lose...because they don't.
6) No. 17 Miami at South Florida (Saturday, 2:30 p.m.)
Ben: MIAMI. I'm going to take the 'Canes even though I don't think they are that good of a team. I'll take them to win this one, but they'll fall in the ACC championship game.
Boz: SOUTH FLORIDA. The Bulls want to be the second best team in the state of Florida and they need to win this game to prove that they are. The Hurricanes drop this game to continue the down fall of a once promising season.
7) No. 9 Pittsburgh at West Virginia (Friday, 6 p.m.)
Ben: PITTSBURGH. Pitt is way to good, and West Virginia still doesn't have a consistent team. Although, the Backyard Brawl has a way of turning contenders into spectators.
Boz: PITTSBURGH. This is a trap game for the Panthers also but I don't see them slipping up against West Virginia. They want the Big East championship and a BCS bowl game.
NFL PICK 'EM
Last week Ben: 7-0 Boz: 6-1
Season Ben: 38-26 Boz: 36-28
1) Green Bay (6-4) at Detroit (2-8)
Ben: DETROIT. I can't stop believing after last weeks win.
Boz: GREEN BAY. If Stafford was playing in this game then I would give the Lions a chance on Thanksgiving, but I don't think he is going to play. Plus, I need to pick up a game here.
2) Oakland (3-7) at Dallas (7-3)
Ben: DALLAS. How does Oakland ever win football games?
Boz: DALLAS. They are playing the Raiders. Yes they surprise the world once in a while, but not this week.
3) New York Giants (6-4) at Denver (6-4)
Ben: GIANTS. I think Denver has fallen and they can't get up. The season is spiraling out of control for them
Boz: NEW YORK GIANTS. Kyle Orton is going to be playing with a bum ankle and the Giants pass rush is going to really be getting after him. The Giants need to win two straight after losing those four straight games.
4) Indianapolis (10-0) at Houston (5-5)
Ben: INDIANAPOLIS. I don't bet against Mannings and Peyton is playing LIGHTS OUT football right now.
Boz: INDIANAPOLIS. I would have given the Texans a small shot at this if I didn't see all of the wind come out of the sails after last week's loss to the Titans.
5) Chicago (4-6) at Minnesota (9-1)
Ben: MINNESOTA. I hate to admit it, but the Vikings are really, really good. That and I'll need to get a game back because I took the Lions earlier.
Boz: CHICAGO. I'm only taking the Bears here because I have forced Ben to take the Lions week in and week out.
6) Pittsburgh (6-4) at Baltimore (5-5)
Ben: PITTSBURGH. I have faith in the Steelers and I think they'll pull of this win. The Ravens haven't played consistent Baltimore football all year, and I think that'll come back to bite them this week.
Boz: BALTIMORE. The Ravens need this win...BAD. Whether or not Big Ben plays in this one, the Ravens still get the win. The defense will really step up this week.
7) New England (7-3) at New Orleans (10-0)
Ben: NEW ORLEANS. At the Superdome. Loud. Drew Brees. Those are my reasons.
Boz: NEW ENGLAND. The Patriots already blew a chance to knock off one undefeated team, they won't let it happen again.
HAPPY HOUR
Ben: Happy 46th Birthday Bernie Kosar. The former Hurricane and Cleveland Brown has had some trouble post-professional career -- but has been rumored to be a potential candidate as GM of the Browns. I like Kosar and always thought he caught bad breaks during his career. So, this time, I'll give him a good break and give him a shout out on the blog.
Boz: Happy 28th Birthday to Jared Jeffries. The former Hoosier took Indiana to the 2002 NCAA title game before losing to Maryland. I hated Jeffries when he was in the Big Ten and I think I got my revenge because now Jeffries is on the lowly Knicks.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Day 56: Joe Mauer, Vince Young, Greg Oden and more
HEADLINES
1) Twins' catcher Joe Mauer was nearly unanimously chosen as the AL MVP, making him just the second catcher in 33 years to win the award. Did you agree with Mauer winning the MVP?
Ben: Yes. He was a fantastic all-around player, and even when the Twins were hit with some injuries, Mauer stepped up his game and kept them in the playoff race. It was unfair to think he could hit .400 or play 150 games at catcher, but I do think he was easily the best player in the American League and was the most crucial player to lead a team to the playoffs. He is definitely deserving of the award.
Boz: I'm perfectly fine with the fact that Mauer was named AL MVP. He always has the high batting average and this year he added the home runs and the RBIs to his resume. Not to mention that he is nearly perfect behind the dish. Teixiera and Jeter would have been nice choices but Mauer really deserved the award. Mauer led the league in batting average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage, making him the first to do so since George Brett in 1980. It's easy to see why he won the award.
What I think is funny is that Mauer earned a $100,000 bonus from the Twins for winning the award, while Miguel Cabrera earned $200,000 from the Tigers for finishing fourth.
2) Vince Young remained undefeated this season and helped the Titans win their fourth in a row after losing their first six games. The Titans are now 4-6. Do they have a shot at making the playoffs with Vince Young under center?
Ben: They probably don't have a shot at the playoffs, needing to win out -- but I do think they are a much more competitive and difficult team to play with Vince taking snaps. I realize he doesn't have the most diverse playbook from a passing standpoint, but the Titans can do so much more with him outside the pocket, like the option, and he makes teams accountable for a variety of plays as opposed to just dropping back and passing, like Kerry Collins.
I don't think they'll make the playoffs, but they are better with VY then with Kerry Collins.
Boz: It would be a fantastic story if they did. I just think that they dug themselves too big of a hole when Kerry Collins was starting at QB for the team. Vince Young can certainly win football games and will help the Titans get back to .500 and possible slightly above. I think with all of the tough teams in the AFC, they would have to win out in order to clinch a wild card spot. Their schedule is nice, but they still have to play the Colts and the Chargers. It's a great story to even finish at .500, but the playoffs are out of reach.
3) Greg Oden scored 24 points and pulled down 12 boards as the Portland Trail Blazers blew out the Chicago Bulls, 122-98. Is Oden finally playing up to his potential?
Ben: No. Not even close. He was pegged at the next great center. When I think of that I think of Hakeem the Dream. I don't think of a player struggling to reach 20 points in his 3rd season. I wouldn't call Oden a bust, but Kevin Durant is a much better scorer and go-to guy for the Thunder, and that's what you need in the NBA these days.
Boz: Not quite yet. It's one thing to have a good game every once in a while. It's another thing to consistently put up those numbers on a regular basis. If Greg Oden wants to show the Portland Trail Blazers and the NBA world why the Blazers took him with the first pick in the draft, he needs to put up these numbers night in and night out and become one of the dominant big men in the league. Dwight Howard has done so and Greg Oden should follow suit. If he stays healthy, with the right coaching such as Howard as received, Oden could eventually become one of those dominant big men.
4) Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen was reportedly sucker-punched outside of a South Bend bar early Sunday morning by a fan where he had apparently just finished eating dinner with a female acquaintance and his family. However, a South Bend police spokesman said that no police reports were filed concerning Clausen. What do you make of the situation?
Ben: I think South Bend is just as stupid as the rest of the country. Notre Dame wants to hold itself to a higher standard and consider itself better morally then the rest of the college football world, but yet they have the same crazed fans and psycho's supporting their team. Not something they can always control, but let's call a spade a spade -- South Bend is a loony bin, just like every other major college football town.
Boz: It doesn't really surprise me much. There are too many hardcore fans out there that were easing the pain of a loss to Connecticut with a Saturday night of drinking. That is a bad combination for a fan that comes across one of the players that people can pin the blame on for the loss. It's pathetic that fans can wrap themselves into the game that much and can't handle the loss with more maturity. I feel bad for Clausen and his family that they had to go through this and I'm sure it doesn't feel the best for Clausen that he has a big shiner this week while preparing for Stanford.
ODDS
1) What are the odds that Matthew Stafford will miss the Lions' annual Thanksgiving game on Thursday against the Packers?
Ben: 50%. It's his non-throwing shoulder and I imagine they'll try to get him out there to get the crowd juiced up for the rest of the game and season. He is their hero, and they'll try to get him out there for a hero's welcome.
Boz: 80%. The guy seperated is shoulder against the Browns and has only three days to heal before his next game. It's too bad because people are getting tired of watching the Lions on Thanksgiving and Stafford would have given some glammer to the Lions on Turkey Day for the first time since Barry Sanders.
2) What are the odds that Urban Meyer is telling the truth when he says he won't leave Florida for the soon-to-be vacant coaching position at Notre Dame?
Ben: 0%. He might stay at Florida, but he's not telling the truth now. He's only saying this now so that Notre Dame offers him tons of money, and then Florida has to come back with even more money. It's a ploy, coaches always do it.
Boz: 100%. Why would he leave the best football program in the nation for a struggling football program at Notre Dame. He's right to say that he wants to stay at Gainesville for as long as they'll have him.
3) What are the odds that the New Jersey Nets will lose 20 games in a row before picking up their first win of the season?
Ben: 12%. I just can't believe an NBA team has gone this long without running into a team on a back-to-back and tired legs. I can't see it continuing, but I can see them with a new coach by January.
Boz: 38%. I have them losing 19 straight games before a December 6th matchup against the Knicks in the Garden. However, it could end earlier the game before with a home game against the Bobcats.
HAPPY HOUR
Ben: Happy 37th Birthday Jamal Mashburn. Jamal used to be a force to be reckoned with and was definitely one of the top 8 players in the NBA back in his heyday -- but injuries have forced him into the booth, where I think he does a pretty good job.
Boz: Happy 71st Birthday to Oscar Robertson. The Big-O was the 1961 Rookie of the Year with the Cincinnati Royals after averaging 30.5 points per game in his first season and won the MVP in 1964. He won his only NBA Championship of his career in 1971 with the Bucks and finished his career with 26,710 points.
1) Twins' catcher Joe Mauer was nearly unanimously chosen as the AL MVP, making him just the second catcher in 33 years to win the award. Did you agree with Mauer winning the MVP?
Ben: Yes. He was a fantastic all-around player, and even when the Twins were hit with some injuries, Mauer stepped up his game and kept them in the playoff race. It was unfair to think he could hit .400 or play 150 games at catcher, but I do think he was easily the best player in the American League and was the most crucial player to lead a team to the playoffs. He is definitely deserving of the award.
Boz: I'm perfectly fine with the fact that Mauer was named AL MVP. He always has the high batting average and this year he added the home runs and the RBIs to his resume. Not to mention that he is nearly perfect behind the dish. Teixiera and Jeter would have been nice choices but Mauer really deserved the award. Mauer led the league in batting average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage, making him the first to do so since George Brett in 1980. It's easy to see why he won the award.
What I think is funny is that Mauer earned a $100,000 bonus from the Twins for winning the award, while Miguel Cabrera earned $200,000 from the Tigers for finishing fourth.
2) Vince Young remained undefeated this season and helped the Titans win their fourth in a row after losing their first six games. The Titans are now 4-6. Do they have a shot at making the playoffs with Vince Young under center?
Ben: They probably don't have a shot at the playoffs, needing to win out -- but I do think they are a much more competitive and difficult team to play with Vince taking snaps. I realize he doesn't have the most diverse playbook from a passing standpoint, but the Titans can do so much more with him outside the pocket, like the option, and he makes teams accountable for a variety of plays as opposed to just dropping back and passing, like Kerry Collins.
I don't think they'll make the playoffs, but they are better with VY then with Kerry Collins.
Boz: It would be a fantastic story if they did. I just think that they dug themselves too big of a hole when Kerry Collins was starting at QB for the team. Vince Young can certainly win football games and will help the Titans get back to .500 and possible slightly above. I think with all of the tough teams in the AFC, they would have to win out in order to clinch a wild card spot. Their schedule is nice, but they still have to play the Colts and the Chargers. It's a great story to even finish at .500, but the playoffs are out of reach.
3) Greg Oden scored 24 points and pulled down 12 boards as the Portland Trail Blazers blew out the Chicago Bulls, 122-98. Is Oden finally playing up to his potential?
Ben: No. Not even close. He was pegged at the next great center. When I think of that I think of Hakeem the Dream. I don't think of a player struggling to reach 20 points in his 3rd season. I wouldn't call Oden a bust, but Kevin Durant is a much better scorer and go-to guy for the Thunder, and that's what you need in the NBA these days.
Boz: Not quite yet. It's one thing to have a good game every once in a while. It's another thing to consistently put up those numbers on a regular basis. If Greg Oden wants to show the Portland Trail Blazers and the NBA world why the Blazers took him with the first pick in the draft, he needs to put up these numbers night in and night out and become one of the dominant big men in the league. Dwight Howard has done so and Greg Oden should follow suit. If he stays healthy, with the right coaching such as Howard as received, Oden could eventually become one of those dominant big men.
4) Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen was reportedly sucker-punched outside of a South Bend bar early Sunday morning by a fan where he had apparently just finished eating dinner with a female acquaintance and his family. However, a South Bend police spokesman said that no police reports were filed concerning Clausen. What do you make of the situation?
Ben: I think South Bend is just as stupid as the rest of the country. Notre Dame wants to hold itself to a higher standard and consider itself better morally then the rest of the college football world, but yet they have the same crazed fans and psycho's supporting their team. Not something they can always control, but let's call a spade a spade -- South Bend is a loony bin, just like every other major college football town.
Boz: It doesn't really surprise me much. There are too many hardcore fans out there that were easing the pain of a loss to Connecticut with a Saturday night of drinking. That is a bad combination for a fan that comes across one of the players that people can pin the blame on for the loss. It's pathetic that fans can wrap themselves into the game that much and can't handle the loss with more maturity. I feel bad for Clausen and his family that they had to go through this and I'm sure it doesn't feel the best for Clausen that he has a big shiner this week while preparing for Stanford.
ODDS
1) What are the odds that Matthew Stafford will miss the Lions' annual Thanksgiving game on Thursday against the Packers?
Ben: 50%. It's his non-throwing shoulder and I imagine they'll try to get him out there to get the crowd juiced up for the rest of the game and season. He is their hero, and they'll try to get him out there for a hero's welcome.
Boz: 80%. The guy seperated is shoulder against the Browns and has only three days to heal before his next game. It's too bad because people are getting tired of watching the Lions on Thanksgiving and Stafford would have given some glammer to the Lions on Turkey Day for the first time since Barry Sanders.
2) What are the odds that Urban Meyer is telling the truth when he says he won't leave Florida for the soon-to-be vacant coaching position at Notre Dame?
Ben: 0%. He might stay at Florida, but he's not telling the truth now. He's only saying this now so that Notre Dame offers him tons of money, and then Florida has to come back with even more money. It's a ploy, coaches always do it.
Boz: 100%. Why would he leave the best football program in the nation for a struggling football program at Notre Dame. He's right to say that he wants to stay at Gainesville for as long as they'll have him.
3) What are the odds that the New Jersey Nets will lose 20 games in a row before picking up their first win of the season?
Ben: 12%. I just can't believe an NBA team has gone this long without running into a team on a back-to-back and tired legs. I can't see it continuing, but I can see them with a new coach by January.
Boz: 38%. I have them losing 19 straight games before a December 6th matchup against the Knicks in the Garden. However, it could end earlier the game before with a home game against the Bobcats.
HAPPY HOUR
Ben: Happy 37th Birthday Jamal Mashburn. Jamal used to be a force to be reckoned with and was definitely one of the top 8 players in the NBA back in his heyday -- but injuries have forced him into the booth, where I think he does a pretty good job.
Boz: Happy 71st Birthday to Oscar Robertson. The Big-O was the 1961 Rookie of the Year with the Cincinnati Royals after averaging 30.5 points per game in his first season and won the MVP in 1964. He won his only NBA Championship of his career in 1971 with the Bucks and finished his career with 26,710 points.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Day 55: Jimmy Johnson, Brett Favre, Tim Lincecum and more
HEADLINES
1) Jimmy Johnson won his fourth straight Sprint Cup Championship by finishing fifth at the Homestead-Miami Speedway. Neither of us claim to be NASCAR fans, but how impressed are you with Johnson's accomplishment?
Ben: I was just about ready to type "impressed" in here, but I'm going the other way and saying it barely moves me. I'm ready for some competition in NASCAR. I hate The Chase, and I dislike Jimmy Johnson because he is boring and I'd like to see some of the other drivers get wins.
It's nice to win these, but I feel like NASCAR has lost something with Johnson winning these.
Boz: It's an impressive feat to win four straight championships in any professional sport. It's really impressive for Jimmy Johnson to win four straight titles in a sport where a little nudge can knock you out of any competition. Professional racing is the most dangerous sport out there and Jimmy Johnson has been one of the best to get behind the wheel of a car. I know that racing isn't the same as it was back in the days of Dale Earnhardt, Richard Petty and others, but you have to think about Jimmy Johnson as one of the best racers of all time.
2) Brett Favre was 22 of 25 for 213 yards and four touchdowns in the Viking's in the 35-9 win over the Seahawks. He already has 21 touchdown passes on the year and a 112.1 QB rating. Should Favre be considered in the MVP talks?
Ben: Nope. Strictly because of what he did this offseason. I cannot give him any awards because of the games he played earlier this season.
I always felt like the MVP should go to players on middle of the road teams. Teams that struggle but make the playoffs because of the stellar play of their superstar.
Boz: Looking at the numbers, I don't see why not. He has just as many touchdown passes at both Peyton Manning and Drew Brees, just as many yards as Brees, and a better QB rating than both of them. Sure Brees and Manning are undefeated at the time, but Favre only has one loss and that was to the defending champs in Pittsburgh. The only thing is that the 40-year old has to be able to keep this up for another seven weeks of the season. But as of right now, I think he deserves to be in the talks.
3) Since we didn't have a full blog on Friday, we missed talking about Tim Lincecum winning the NL Cy Young, edging out Cris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright. Did you agree with this decision?
Ben: I agree with Boz here and say that none of the three candidate were bad choices. I wills ay that Carpenter and Wainwright probably stole votes from one another and that's why they didn't win the Cy Young, but Lincecum was lights out as well, and just straight dominating throughout stretches of the season.
I agree with the decision, but I don't think it would've been bad with any of them.
Boz: I think that any one of them were very deserving to win the award, so I would have been alright with any one of them bringing home the trophy. I think it was probably hard for voters to vote for either Wainwright or Carpenter because you could say that Carpenter didn't even lead his time in wins and that Wainwright didn't even lead his team in ERA. They are both talented pitchers but they most likely took votes away from one another. Lincecum is a freak and I can't wait to see how many Cy Yong awards he has at the end of his career.
4) It's almost Thanksgiving and college football still has six undefeated teams. What teams are going to be screwed most by the BCS system?
Ben: Boise State. So far, they are the odd man out in the rankings and if given the chance, the Bowls will SCREW the smallest school. They don't want Boise State to match up against Alabama/Flordia. They don't want the terrible TV ratings that come with Broncos football to mess up the earnings they typically get from BCS games.
It's disappointing, and saddening.
Boz: TCU and Boise State. I don't think Cincinnati is going to remain undefeated as I see them losing at Pittsburgh in a couple of weeks. Obviously it's going to be the winner of the SEC Championship game in the BCS title game. I don't see Texas losing to either Texas A&M or Nebraska which means that they get into the title game as well. TCU has the biggest beef because I think that they are actually capable of knocking off Florida or Alabama in the championship game. I'm not saying that I would bet on them, but definitely have the ability to do so.
TOSS-UP
1) Which upset in the NFL was more surprising? The Chiefs beating the Steelers or the Raiders knocking off the Bengals?
Ben: Raiders beating the Bengals. Anytime the Raiders win is surprising, and especially against a good team like the Bengals.
Boz: The Chiefs beating the Steelers is more surprising to me. The Raiders have already shown that they can knock off a good team at home when they beat the Eagles.
2) Who has been the better addition this year to their team? Vince Carter or Ron Artest?
Ben: Ron Ron. I'm not 100% sure why I feel this way, but I like what Artest offers, and I think he's been a much better compliment to the Lakers, whereas Vince has forced himself into the scoring role for the Magic.
Boz: I have Vince just edging out Artest in this one. While Artest has brought a much needed defensive presence to the Lakers, Vince has given the Magic a prolfic scorer that can consistently put up 20+ points.
3) Which quarterback injury is more crucial to their team? Kyle Orton's ankle or Ben Roethlisberger's concussion?
Ben: Ben's concussion. The Steelers also lost backup Charlie Batch, and therefore will have to go with Dennis Dixon until Roethlisberger gets healthy, putting them in serious trouble until Big Ben gets back.
Boz: Ben's concussion. Anytime you are talking about a concussion with any player it has to be very concerning. Orton showed yesterday that he can at least get out there and drop back and pass. It's not like he was very fast in the first place anyways.
HAPPY HOUR
Ben: Happy 1 day Anniversary Matt Stafford. Yesterday you threw for 422 yards, 5 touchdowns, one of which was a game winner at the last second against the Cleveland Browns. I don't care if it was against the pitiful Browns, in my eyes, you have to learn to win before you can become consistently successful. Matt Stafford helped the Lions learn to win on Sunday. A small step/game for most franchises, but a giant leap for my team that has struggled to climb out of the cellar for over a decade.
Boz: Happy 38th Birthday Vin Baker. The pride of the University of Hartford was the 8th overall pick in the 1993 draft by the Milwaukee Bucks. Baker had a good career with the Bucks and Sonics before falling apart with the Celtics. He also played with the Knicks, Rockets and Clippers. He played in an NBA Final with the Sonics but lost in six games to the Bulls.
1) Jimmy Johnson won his fourth straight Sprint Cup Championship by finishing fifth at the Homestead-Miami Speedway. Neither of us claim to be NASCAR fans, but how impressed are you with Johnson's accomplishment?
Ben: I was just about ready to type "impressed" in here, but I'm going the other way and saying it barely moves me. I'm ready for some competition in NASCAR. I hate The Chase, and I dislike Jimmy Johnson because he is boring and I'd like to see some of the other drivers get wins.
It's nice to win these, but I feel like NASCAR has lost something with Johnson winning these.
Boz: It's an impressive feat to win four straight championships in any professional sport. It's really impressive for Jimmy Johnson to win four straight titles in a sport where a little nudge can knock you out of any competition. Professional racing is the most dangerous sport out there and Jimmy Johnson has been one of the best to get behind the wheel of a car. I know that racing isn't the same as it was back in the days of Dale Earnhardt, Richard Petty and others, but you have to think about Jimmy Johnson as one of the best racers of all time.
2) Brett Favre was 22 of 25 for 213 yards and four touchdowns in the Viking's in the 35-9 win over the Seahawks. He already has 21 touchdown passes on the year and a 112.1 QB rating. Should Favre be considered in the MVP talks?
Ben: Nope. Strictly because of what he did this offseason. I cannot give him any awards because of the games he played earlier this season.
I always felt like the MVP should go to players on middle of the road teams. Teams that struggle but make the playoffs because of the stellar play of their superstar.
Boz: Looking at the numbers, I don't see why not. He has just as many touchdown passes at both Peyton Manning and Drew Brees, just as many yards as Brees, and a better QB rating than both of them. Sure Brees and Manning are undefeated at the time, but Favre only has one loss and that was to the defending champs in Pittsburgh. The only thing is that the 40-year old has to be able to keep this up for another seven weeks of the season. But as of right now, I think he deserves to be in the talks.
3) Since we didn't have a full blog on Friday, we missed talking about Tim Lincecum winning the NL Cy Young, edging out Cris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright. Did you agree with this decision?
Ben: I agree with Boz here and say that none of the three candidate were bad choices. I wills ay that Carpenter and Wainwright probably stole votes from one another and that's why they didn't win the Cy Young, but Lincecum was lights out as well, and just straight dominating throughout stretches of the season.
I agree with the decision, but I don't think it would've been bad with any of them.
Boz: I think that any one of them were very deserving to win the award, so I would have been alright with any one of them bringing home the trophy. I think it was probably hard for voters to vote for either Wainwright or Carpenter because you could say that Carpenter didn't even lead his time in wins and that Wainwright didn't even lead his team in ERA. They are both talented pitchers but they most likely took votes away from one another. Lincecum is a freak and I can't wait to see how many Cy Yong awards he has at the end of his career.
4) It's almost Thanksgiving and college football still has six undefeated teams. What teams are going to be screwed most by the BCS system?
Ben: Boise State. So far, they are the odd man out in the rankings and if given the chance, the Bowls will SCREW the smallest school. They don't want Boise State to match up against Alabama/Flordia. They don't want the terrible TV ratings that come with Broncos football to mess up the earnings they typically get from BCS games.
It's disappointing, and saddening.
Boz: TCU and Boise State. I don't think Cincinnati is going to remain undefeated as I see them losing at Pittsburgh in a couple of weeks. Obviously it's going to be the winner of the SEC Championship game in the BCS title game. I don't see Texas losing to either Texas A&M or Nebraska which means that they get into the title game as well. TCU has the biggest beef because I think that they are actually capable of knocking off Florida or Alabama in the championship game. I'm not saying that I would bet on them, but definitely have the ability to do so.
TOSS-UP
1) Which upset in the NFL was more surprising? The Chiefs beating the Steelers or the Raiders knocking off the Bengals?
Ben: Raiders beating the Bengals. Anytime the Raiders win is surprising, and especially against a good team like the Bengals.
Boz: The Chiefs beating the Steelers is more surprising to me. The Raiders have already shown that they can knock off a good team at home when they beat the Eagles.
2) Who has been the better addition this year to their team? Vince Carter or Ron Artest?
Ben: Ron Ron. I'm not 100% sure why I feel this way, but I like what Artest offers, and I think he's been a much better compliment to the Lakers, whereas Vince has forced himself into the scoring role for the Magic.
Boz: I have Vince just edging out Artest in this one. While Artest has brought a much needed defensive presence to the Lakers, Vince has given the Magic a prolfic scorer that can consistently put up 20+ points.
3) Which quarterback injury is more crucial to their team? Kyle Orton's ankle or Ben Roethlisberger's concussion?
Ben: Ben's concussion. The Steelers also lost backup Charlie Batch, and therefore will have to go with Dennis Dixon until Roethlisberger gets healthy, putting them in serious trouble until Big Ben gets back.
Boz: Ben's concussion. Anytime you are talking about a concussion with any player it has to be very concerning. Orton showed yesterday that he can at least get out there and drop back and pass. It's not like he was very fast in the first place anyways.
HAPPY HOUR
Ben: Happy 1 day Anniversary Matt Stafford. Yesterday you threw for 422 yards, 5 touchdowns, one of which was a game winner at the last second against the Cleveland Browns. I don't care if it was against the pitiful Browns, in my eyes, you have to learn to win before you can become consistently successful. Matt Stafford helped the Lions learn to win on Sunday. A small step/game for most franchises, but a giant leap for my team that has struggled to climb out of the cellar for over a decade.
Boz: Happy 38th Birthday Vin Baker. The pride of the University of Hartford was the 8th overall pick in the 1993 draft by the Milwaukee Bucks. Baker had a good career with the Bucks and Sonics before falling apart with the Celtics. He also played with the Knicks, Rockets and Clippers. He played in an NBA Final with the Sonics but lost in six games to the Bulls.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Day 54: NFL Picks
Another busy Friday for me which leads just to NFL picks today. Full blog on Monday.
NFL PICK 'EM
Last week Ben: 4-2 Boz: 2-4
Season Ben: 31-26 Boz: 30-27
1) Cleveland (1-9) at Detroit (1-9)
Ben: DETROIT. I have to believe that they're slowly improving -- even if it's beating teams that are worse. Winning games you are suppose to is a sign of positive things.
Boz: DETROIT. The last time I picked the Lions they lost to the Rams. It won't happen this time.
2) Indianapolis (9-0) at Baltimore (5-4)
Ben: INDIANAPOLIS. I don't bet against Peyton Manning.
Boz: INDIANAPOLIS. I really liked the guts that the Colts showed in their comeback win over the Patriots. I didn't like the mere 16 points that the Ravens put up against the Browns. Manning takes the Colts to 10-0.
3) Atlanta (5-4) at New York Giants (5-4)
Ben: GIANTS. They HAVE to win this game. They've lost 4 games in a row and are coming of their bye week. This is a huge must win for them.
Boz: NEW YORK GIANTS. This is a matchup of two reeling NFC teams. I think the Giants used their bye week to iron out the rinkles they've seen lately and get a HUGE win.
4) New York Jets (4-5) at New England (6-3)
Ben: NEW ENGLAND. Boz and I are picking too many of the same teams. I've got the Patroits because Brady and the offense are strong, and Sanchez and the Jets have been bad.
Boz: NEW ENGLAND. The Patriots and Bill Belichick will be out to make everyone forget about the 4th and 2 call. The Jets defense is still good, but their offense is not.
5) San Diego (6-3) at Denver (6-3)
Ben: SAN DIEGO. Denver never beats the Chargers when it matters, and the Bolts running game is taking off.
Boz: SAN DIEGO. I'm glad that I never jumped on the Denver bandwagon completely because I think the bandwagon is sinking.
6) Philadelphia (5-4) at Chicago (4-5)
Ben: PHILADELPHIA. Chicago plays these games tough (like beating Pitt early this year) but I just think there is too much anxiety around Cutler right now to have any confidence in him.
Boz: CHICAGO. Yes, I am a Bears fan so this a homer pick. But this is a must win for the Bears and hopefully they can play like it.
7) Tennessee (3-6) at Houston (5-4)
Ben: TENNESSEE. I'm a Vince Young supporter and thing he's done a fantastic job of getting the Titans back to a competitive status. I'm pulling for him, and the Titans to go on a run to finish the year.
Boz: TENNESSEE. I like what Vince Young is doing with the Titans. He just shows that he is a winner even without the big stats.
NFL PICK 'EM
Last week Ben: 4-2 Boz: 2-4
Season Ben: 31-26 Boz: 30-27
1) Cleveland (1-9) at Detroit (1-9)
Ben: DETROIT. I have to believe that they're slowly improving -- even if it's beating teams that are worse. Winning games you are suppose to is a sign of positive things.
Boz: DETROIT. The last time I picked the Lions they lost to the Rams. It won't happen this time.
2) Indianapolis (9-0) at Baltimore (5-4)
Ben: INDIANAPOLIS. I don't bet against Peyton Manning.
Boz: INDIANAPOLIS. I really liked the guts that the Colts showed in their comeback win over the Patriots. I didn't like the mere 16 points that the Ravens put up against the Browns. Manning takes the Colts to 10-0.
3) Atlanta (5-4) at New York Giants (5-4)
Ben: GIANTS. They HAVE to win this game. They've lost 4 games in a row and are coming of their bye week. This is a huge must win for them.
Boz: NEW YORK GIANTS. This is a matchup of two reeling NFC teams. I think the Giants used their bye week to iron out the rinkles they've seen lately and get a HUGE win.
4) New York Jets (4-5) at New England (6-3)
Ben: NEW ENGLAND. Boz and I are picking too many of the same teams. I've got the Patroits because Brady and the offense are strong, and Sanchez and the Jets have been bad.
Boz: NEW ENGLAND. The Patriots and Bill Belichick will be out to make everyone forget about the 4th and 2 call. The Jets defense is still good, but their offense is not.
5) San Diego (6-3) at Denver (6-3)
Ben: SAN DIEGO. Denver never beats the Chargers when it matters, and the Bolts running game is taking off.
Boz: SAN DIEGO. I'm glad that I never jumped on the Denver bandwagon completely because I think the bandwagon is sinking.
6) Philadelphia (5-4) at Chicago (4-5)
Ben: PHILADELPHIA. Chicago plays these games tough (like beating Pitt early this year) but I just think there is too much anxiety around Cutler right now to have any confidence in him.
Boz: CHICAGO. Yes, I am a Bears fan so this a homer pick. But this is a must win for the Bears and hopefully they can play like it.
7) Tennessee (3-6) at Houston (5-4)
Ben: TENNESSEE. I'm a Vince Young supporter and thing he's done a fantastic job of getting the Titans back to a competitive status. I'm pulling for him, and the Titans to go on a run to finish the year.
Boz: TENNESSEE. I like what Vince Young is doing with the Titans. He just shows that he is a winner even without the big stats.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Day 53: Managers of the Year, Mike Shanahan, Dolphins and more
HEADLINES
1) Jim Tracy and Mike Scioscia were named the NL and AL Managers of the Year. Do you agree with these winners?
Ben: Yes. To have your team go through what the Angels went through this season, a nd still produce is a sign of great leadership. Scioscia deserves all the recognition for what they've been able to do since he's taken over that top job. They are a fantastic team that is able to develop players in great supporting roles, or sometimes even superstars. Jim Tracy did a good job of turning the Rockies around, but I'd like to see him be able to do that for more then one season. I think the Rockies are very talented, but I'm not sure how much of this was Tracy, and how much of it was the talent finally playing up to it's potential. I'd say Tracy, or even LaRussa would have been fine selections.
Boz: Yes I do. Jim Tracy did a great job with the Rockies turning them around after taking over from Clint Hurdle during the season. The Rockies were 18-28 and 14 1/2 game back in the NL West. Tracy turned the Rockies around to not only win the NL Wild Card but compete for the NL West all the way to the final weekend of the series. Scioscia did a great job managing a team that was dealing with an awful death of one of their top young arms and guide them to their third straight division title. I also wouldn't have been upset if Joe Girardi won the AL award, but Scioscia had to manage through those unbearable circumstances, which helped him win the award.
2) Just a couple days after firing Dick Jauron, the Buffalo Bills have contacted Mike Shanahan about their vacant coaching position. Would Mike Shanahan be a good fit in Buffalo?
Ben: No. I don't think Buffalo needs a high profile coach - and I don't think Shanahan would be able to handle the limited exposure Buffalo offers. Look, Shanahan is a great coach, but he had the benefit of John Elway during those successful years in Denver, and hasn't done much since then. I also think that Buffalo just needs to start fresh, bring a new face in their, let them set up a plan to succeed, and then follow that plan. They don't need to bring in a guy who will spit the same stuff at the players.
Boz: It would be a good fit for Buffalo, but not a good fit for Mike Shanahan. Shanahan is a great coach and I think, if he is paired with a good defensive coordinator, will once again be a very successful head coach in the NFL. He is an offensive guru and I would actually like to have him in Chicago and reunited with Jay Cutler. However, Buffalo would not be a good fit for Shanahan because the Bills are a bad team and won't be a good team for quite some time. They don't have a quarterback and a volatile player at receiver. Don't bank on Shanahan being at the helm of the Bills.
3) Miami Dolphins's running back and key to the wildcat formation Ronnie Brown has been placed on IR and will miss the remaining of the season. Will the Dolphins still run the wildcat formation and can they still make a run at the playoffs?
Ben: Yes to both. The Dolphins have the benefit of having two quality starting running backs and when one goes down, the other can fill the spot. I think Ricky Williams will hold up just fine in helping them get to the playoffs. I think it's obviously an uphill climb getting there, but if they finished 9-7 they have a shot, and I think with the way they are playing, they'll get to that mark.
Boz: They'll still run the wildcat formation because it is such a major part of their offense. They'll insert Pat White into Brown's spot in the wildcat formation and will continue running the wildcat. The problem with it is that White isn't an inside runner like Brown and only tries to get around the outside corner, which won't make the wildcat as successful. Which means that if the Dolphins want to continue to make a push for the playoffs, Ricky Williams will need to be able to handle to majority of the workload. He's had a great season season so far as a compliment to Ronnie Brown and he'll be depended on the rest of the year. My prediction is that the Dolphins make a push for the playoffs, but come up short.
4) As of this morning, a pair of NBA teams, the Suns and Hawks, have the league's best record at 10-2. Who do you believe is the best team in the NBA?
Ben: Well, it's not the Suns and Hawks. I don't watch enough day to day basketball to say for sure. I'd say there is a group of teams, Lakers, Celtics, Mavs, and Spurs that are within shouting distance of each other for that top spot. I think all of those teams are extremely talented and deep on the bench. I think they have a perfect combination of veteran leadership and youthful athleticism. I'd say those 4 teams are probably the best group, but I can't choose between them.
Boz: As much as I would love to say the Suns and as much as I would hate to say the Lakers, I'll say the Lakers. Kobe has added a post-up game which makes him more dangerous than before, Andrew Bynum has become a strong low-post force and they have posted a 9-3 record without Pau Gasol. Once Gasol is back in the mix, they'll most likely take over the best record in the NBA.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL PICK 'EM
Last week Ben: 5-1 Boz: 5-1
Season Ben: 48-25 Boz: 41-32
1) No. 16 Wisconsin at Northwestern (Saturday, 2:30 p.m.)
Ben: WISCONSIN. Northwestern's not bad, but Wisconsin is a good football team that will pound Northwestern for 60 minutes.
Boz: WISCONSIN. Northwestern has been a good story this season and has already gotten bowl eligible with a 7-4 record, but the Badgers are too tough for the Wildcats.
2) No. 14 Penn State at Michigan State (Saturday, 2:30 p.m.)
Ben: PENN STATE. Michigan State has been a major flop this season, and truly a disappointment in the hunt for the Big Ten title. I'll take the athletes of Penn State and Joe Pa, to take it to East Lansing and get a win.
Boz: MICHIGAN STATE. This is my upset pick of the week. The Spartans are at home and need an upset win to get a better bowl game.
3) Minnesota at No. 13 Iowa (Saturday, 11 a.m.)
Ben: IOWA. The Hawks should still be in the title game hunt -- I feel bad for Stanzi and the rest of the Hawks, a healthy Hawks are still undefeated.
Boz: IOWA. The Hawkeyes are still playing for a BCS Bowl despite losing out on the Rose Bowl. Kirk Ferentz showed that he can put together a good game plan for the back up quarterback last week and will do it again against the Gophers.
4) No. 8 LSU at Mississippi (Saturday, 2:30 p.m.)
Ben: LSU. Ole Miss is the flop of the year, and LSU is always fighting for a BCS stop. Even though they won't get it this year, LSU is way to good for Ole Miss to get a win.
Boz: LSU. It's hard to imagine that Ole Miss was once in the top five. They've really fallen apart and LSU will get a big win on the road to stay in the hopes for a BCS bowl.
5) No. 11 Oregon at Arizona (Saturday, 7 p.m.)
Ben: OREGON. Besides Boise State and Stanford, they've played well all season, and Arizona, won't stand in their way.
Boz: OREGON. Arizona isn't as good as everyone thought. They had a good record in the Pac-10 by playing all of the bottom teams. The Ducks roll in this one.
6) No. 25 California at No. 17 Stanford (Saturday, 6:30 p.m.)
Ben: STANFORD. The Cardinal is deadly and they are ROLLING right now. I love that Harbaugh went for 2, up 27 against USC. Stanford is not going to back down to anyone right now, and I think they're playing like one of the best 12-14 teams in the country right now.
Boz: STANFORD. I love what the Cardinal are doing and I am really pulling for them to win the Pac-10. They have one of the best running backs in the nation and he'll continue to push for Heisman hopes.
7) No. 10 Ohio State at Michigan (Saturday, 11 a.m.)
Ben: MICHIGAN. At home, at the end of a tough year, I think Denard Robinson will help Big Blue get a much needed win, and help Rich Rod hold off the alumni for another year.
Boz: OHIO STATE. Michigan will be inspired by the rivalry, but it won't be enough for the Wolverines to get past the Buckeyes.
HAPPY HOUR
Ben: Happy 38th Birthday Michael Strahan and Happy 89th Birthday Stan Musial. Strahan the former defensive end for the New York Giants was a sack machine and helped the Giants have one of the most dominanting front four's in recent memory in the NFL. He also got a pity record when Brett Farve "fell" at his feet to break the NFL single-season sacks record. Really Brett, another reason not to like you. And Stan Musial was one of the best hitters of all time, and while he played for the Cardinals, a rival of my Cubbies, he was truly a great player - and I love good baseball.
Boz: Happy 29th Birthday Vladimir Radmonavic. The former Supersonic and Laker probably thought he was getting a good birthday gift when the Charlotte Bobcats told him he was traded, but then he found out that he was traded to the Warriors, who are just as bad as the Bobcats. Radmonavic was traded by the Lakers before the Lakers won the championship, making Radmonavic miss out on probably his final chance at a ring.
1) Jim Tracy and Mike Scioscia were named the NL and AL Managers of the Year. Do you agree with these winners?
Ben: Yes. To have your team go through what the Angels went through this season, a nd still produce is a sign of great leadership. Scioscia deserves all the recognition for what they've been able to do since he's taken over that top job. They are a fantastic team that is able to develop players in great supporting roles, or sometimes even superstars. Jim Tracy did a good job of turning the Rockies around, but I'd like to see him be able to do that for more then one season. I think the Rockies are very talented, but I'm not sure how much of this was Tracy, and how much of it was the talent finally playing up to it's potential. I'd say Tracy, or even LaRussa would have been fine selections.
Boz: Yes I do. Jim Tracy did a great job with the Rockies turning them around after taking over from Clint Hurdle during the season. The Rockies were 18-28 and 14 1/2 game back in the NL West. Tracy turned the Rockies around to not only win the NL Wild Card but compete for the NL West all the way to the final weekend of the series. Scioscia did a great job managing a team that was dealing with an awful death of one of their top young arms and guide them to their third straight division title. I also wouldn't have been upset if Joe Girardi won the AL award, but Scioscia had to manage through those unbearable circumstances, which helped him win the award.
2) Just a couple days after firing Dick Jauron, the Buffalo Bills have contacted Mike Shanahan about their vacant coaching position. Would Mike Shanahan be a good fit in Buffalo?
Ben: No. I don't think Buffalo needs a high profile coach - and I don't think Shanahan would be able to handle the limited exposure Buffalo offers. Look, Shanahan is a great coach, but he had the benefit of John Elway during those successful years in Denver, and hasn't done much since then. I also think that Buffalo just needs to start fresh, bring a new face in their, let them set up a plan to succeed, and then follow that plan. They don't need to bring in a guy who will spit the same stuff at the players.
Boz: It would be a good fit for Buffalo, but not a good fit for Mike Shanahan. Shanahan is a great coach and I think, if he is paired with a good defensive coordinator, will once again be a very successful head coach in the NFL. He is an offensive guru and I would actually like to have him in Chicago and reunited with Jay Cutler. However, Buffalo would not be a good fit for Shanahan because the Bills are a bad team and won't be a good team for quite some time. They don't have a quarterback and a volatile player at receiver. Don't bank on Shanahan being at the helm of the Bills.
3) Miami Dolphins's running back and key to the wildcat formation Ronnie Brown has been placed on IR and will miss the remaining of the season. Will the Dolphins still run the wildcat formation and can they still make a run at the playoffs?
Ben: Yes to both. The Dolphins have the benefit of having two quality starting running backs and when one goes down, the other can fill the spot. I think Ricky Williams will hold up just fine in helping them get to the playoffs. I think it's obviously an uphill climb getting there, but if they finished 9-7 they have a shot, and I think with the way they are playing, they'll get to that mark.
Boz: They'll still run the wildcat formation because it is such a major part of their offense. They'll insert Pat White into Brown's spot in the wildcat formation and will continue running the wildcat. The problem with it is that White isn't an inside runner like Brown and only tries to get around the outside corner, which won't make the wildcat as successful. Which means that if the Dolphins want to continue to make a push for the playoffs, Ricky Williams will need to be able to handle to majority of the workload. He's had a great season season so far as a compliment to Ronnie Brown and he'll be depended on the rest of the year. My prediction is that the Dolphins make a push for the playoffs, but come up short.
4) As of this morning, a pair of NBA teams, the Suns and Hawks, have the league's best record at 10-2. Who do you believe is the best team in the NBA?
Ben: Well, it's not the Suns and Hawks. I don't watch enough day to day basketball to say for sure. I'd say there is a group of teams, Lakers, Celtics, Mavs, and Spurs that are within shouting distance of each other for that top spot. I think all of those teams are extremely talented and deep on the bench. I think they have a perfect combination of veteran leadership and youthful athleticism. I'd say those 4 teams are probably the best group, but I can't choose between them.
Boz: As much as I would love to say the Suns and as much as I would hate to say the Lakers, I'll say the Lakers. Kobe has added a post-up game which makes him more dangerous than before, Andrew Bynum has become a strong low-post force and they have posted a 9-3 record without Pau Gasol. Once Gasol is back in the mix, they'll most likely take over the best record in the NBA.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL PICK 'EM
Last week Ben: 5-1 Boz: 5-1
Season Ben: 48-25 Boz: 41-32
1) No. 16 Wisconsin at Northwestern (Saturday, 2:30 p.m.)
Ben: WISCONSIN. Northwestern's not bad, but Wisconsin is a good football team that will pound Northwestern for 60 minutes.
Boz: WISCONSIN. Northwestern has been a good story this season and has already gotten bowl eligible with a 7-4 record, but the Badgers are too tough for the Wildcats.
2) No. 14 Penn State at Michigan State (Saturday, 2:30 p.m.)
Ben: PENN STATE. Michigan State has been a major flop this season, and truly a disappointment in the hunt for the Big Ten title. I'll take the athletes of Penn State and Joe Pa, to take it to East Lansing and get a win.
Boz: MICHIGAN STATE. This is my upset pick of the week. The Spartans are at home and need an upset win to get a better bowl game.
3) Minnesota at No. 13 Iowa (Saturday, 11 a.m.)
Ben: IOWA. The Hawks should still be in the title game hunt -- I feel bad for Stanzi and the rest of the Hawks, a healthy Hawks are still undefeated.
Boz: IOWA. The Hawkeyes are still playing for a BCS Bowl despite losing out on the Rose Bowl. Kirk Ferentz showed that he can put together a good game plan for the back up quarterback last week and will do it again against the Gophers.
4) No. 8 LSU at Mississippi (Saturday, 2:30 p.m.)
Ben: LSU. Ole Miss is the flop of the year, and LSU is always fighting for a BCS stop. Even though they won't get it this year, LSU is way to good for Ole Miss to get a win.
Boz: LSU. It's hard to imagine that Ole Miss was once in the top five. They've really fallen apart and LSU will get a big win on the road to stay in the hopes for a BCS bowl.
5) No. 11 Oregon at Arizona (Saturday, 7 p.m.)
Ben: OREGON. Besides Boise State and Stanford, they've played well all season, and Arizona, won't stand in their way.
Boz: OREGON. Arizona isn't as good as everyone thought. They had a good record in the Pac-10 by playing all of the bottom teams. The Ducks roll in this one.
6) No. 25 California at No. 17 Stanford (Saturday, 6:30 p.m.)
Ben: STANFORD. The Cardinal is deadly and they are ROLLING right now. I love that Harbaugh went for 2, up 27 against USC. Stanford is not going to back down to anyone right now, and I think they're playing like one of the best 12-14 teams in the country right now.
Boz: STANFORD. I love what the Cardinal are doing and I am really pulling for them to win the Pac-10. They have one of the best running backs in the nation and he'll continue to push for Heisman hopes.
7) No. 10 Ohio State at Michigan (Saturday, 11 a.m.)
Ben: MICHIGAN. At home, at the end of a tough year, I think Denard Robinson will help Big Blue get a much needed win, and help Rich Rod hold off the alumni for another year.
Boz: OHIO STATE. Michigan will be inspired by the rivalry, but it won't be enough for the Wolverines to get past the Buckeyes.
HAPPY HOUR
Ben: Happy 38th Birthday Michael Strahan and Happy 89th Birthday Stan Musial. Strahan the former defensive end for the New York Giants was a sack machine and helped the Giants have one of the most dominanting front four's in recent memory in the NFL. He also got a pity record when Brett Farve "fell" at his feet to break the NFL single-season sacks record. Really Brett, another reason not to like you. And Stan Musial was one of the best hitters of all time, and while he played for the Cardinals, a rival of my Cubbies, he was truly a great player - and I love good baseball.
Boz: Happy 29th Birthday Vladimir Radmonavic. The former Supersonic and Laker probably thought he was getting a good birthday gift when the Charlotte Bobcats told him he was traded, but then he found out that he was traded to the Warriors, who are just as bad as the Bobcats. Radmonavic was traded by the Lakers before the Lakers won the championship, making Radmonavic miss out on probably his final chance at a ring.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Day 52: Dick Jauron, Zack Grienke, LeBron and more
HEADLINES
1) After a 3-6 start to the season and a 24-33 record over his tenure, the Buffalo Bills have fired head coach Dick Jauron. Is it a good move to fire a head coach during the season?
Ben: No. It is never a good idea to fire the coach in the middle of the season. By doing that, you are basically telling your players and fanbase, that the season is over and you are giving up. I don't think Dick Jauron is a great coach, or even should have been the head coach for this long in Buffalo, but it doesn't help you in any way to let him go now.
Now Buffalo has no viable head coach on staff, they could be a potential laughing stock for the next 7 games, and are still searching for enough good players to put together a good team. It's just not a good move.
Boz: I don't always agree with firing head coaches in the middle of the season for any sport. However, I will say that this firing wasn't a bad move. It was clear that the Bills were going nowhere this season and that Jauron, who has been very unsuccessful with the Bills, wasn't going to be retained for the next season. There are a lot of talented and wanted coaches available and by firing Jauron, the Bills are getting a leg up on talking to these coaches and trying to get them interested in Buffalo (they'll need all the time they can get).
2) After posting a 16-8 record with a 2.16 ERA, Royals ace Zack Grienke was awarded with the AL Cy Young Award. Do you agree with the decision?
Ben: Yes. Grienke was, hands down, the most dominant pitcher in all of baseball last year. I would have been upset had it been given to the pitcher with the most wins. Wins are the worst way to judge how good a pitcher is, look at Jason Marquis. Grienke had his ups and downs this season, but his downs were better then 95% of pitchers good days.
He's a fantastic choice, and I'm glad they got it right.
Boz: Absolutely. I understand that he didn't lead the AL with wins, but he was only three wins shy of the leader and he played for the Royals, who only won 65 games all year! I would have loved to have seen how many games Grienke would have won had he played for a better baseball team. He had the best ERA in baseball and deserved to be recognized as one of baseball's best pitchers of the year despite playing for a crummy team.
3) LeBron James has stated that if he had put all of his time and commitment into it, if he dedicated himself to the game of football, that he could succeed in the NFL as a tight end/wide receiver mold. Do you think LeBron could succeed in the NFL?
Ben: No. At 6'8" he couldn't play wide receiver/tight end. He'd have to add weight to his frame to play defense, probably an end, and I don't think he'd have the overall ability to make enough plays to be an effective end. He's not a mauler or a speed guy, so he'd kind of that in-between, type that just hums along for a good 8 year career.
Boz: He's extremely athletic but he would have to show that he could take all of the hits and physical pain that comes along with playing in the NFL. However, I think he would be more successful than Big Baby Davis, who recently said he actually wants to make an attempt at playing in the NFL. If there were a basketball player that could make the transition it would be LeBron. The man is 6'8", 260 pounds and not to mention if he was dedicated himself to football, he would probably put on 20 more pounds of pure muscle. He was an all-state wide receiver in high school, but there are plently of all-state players that don't make it to the NFL. But I have to say, he could be fun to watch.
4) Kansas' athletic director met with several football players to talk about an altercation about head coach Mark Mangino grabbing, yelling and pointing his finger into the chest of a player laughing during a team walk-through. Is this a serious altercation?
Ben: No. Coaches always get in players faces and try to assert force. Now, granted, if things got more physical, it comes a serious situation, but poiting, grabbing, and yelling do not sound like serious incidents to me -- and I think that if you are complaining about this after you've left school -- you are in need of some tough love, because you're kind of cowardly.
Boz: No. The player was laughing during a walk-through, he deserved to be yelled at and everything else. If every coach was fired for yelling, grabbing and pointing a finger into the chest of a player, he wouldn't have any coaches around. The player was disrespecting the coach and the walk-through, so to me he got what he deserved. I once got bear hugged by my sophomore basketball coach for blowing a defensive assignment. And I didn't even disrespect the coach. It's a part of the game. Everyone at Kansas needs to relax.
OVER/UNDER
1) A pair of 1-9 teams square off this Sunday with the Browns and Lions. Over or under 30 points scored between the two teams?
Ben: Under. Neither team is good on offense, and the Browns are especially terrible.
Boz: Under. You know the Browns can't put up any points against any team. The Lions won't put up points because the Browns defense isn't half bad. Lions 17, Browns 6.
2) The Gators have a break from the SEC schedule with a game against Florida International. Over or under 35 point margin of victory for the Gators?
Ben: OVER. FIU can't keep up. The only way is if Tebow doesn't play the 2nd half.
Boz: Under. It'll be close to 35 points but I have to figure that there is no reason to run up the score against Florida International. No starter for the Gators should be playing in the second half.
3) It seems like we do this every single week, but over or under three interceptions for Jay Cutler against the Eagles on Sunday night?
Ben: Over. I think the Eagles secondary is pretty solid, and will make him pay for some errant throws. And I honestly think that confidence is dwindling on the Cutler front and wide receivers are helping the cause by being in the bottom 3 of the league as a unit.
Boz: Under. Maybe it's just hope for my team to pick up a much needed win. Maybe it's just hope that I want Lovie Smith to know that the Bears need to run the ball more often.
HAPPY HOUR
Ben: Happy 50th Birthday Ahmad Rashad. WOW! What a find? Rashad was all over the TV for about a decade doing basketball specials and helping out all sports. He was also a solid wide receiver for the Vikings, before going into television. Where is he now?
Boz: Happy 40th Birthday to Sam Cassell. The former NBA point guard won three NBA Championships, two with the Rockets and one with the Celtics in 2008. Sammy Cassell had the best pump-fake and draw the foul move that I adored growing up. He's now an assistant coach with the Wizards and I think will eventually be an NBA head coach. Steve Nash said that Cassell was the one who really taught him to be the point guard he is today. Now thats a recommendation to have when trying to get an NBA head coaching position.
1) After a 3-6 start to the season and a 24-33 record over his tenure, the Buffalo Bills have fired head coach Dick Jauron. Is it a good move to fire a head coach during the season?
Ben: No. It is never a good idea to fire the coach in the middle of the season. By doing that, you are basically telling your players and fanbase, that the season is over and you are giving up. I don't think Dick Jauron is a great coach, or even should have been the head coach for this long in Buffalo, but it doesn't help you in any way to let him go now.
Now Buffalo has no viable head coach on staff, they could be a potential laughing stock for the next 7 games, and are still searching for enough good players to put together a good team. It's just not a good move.
Boz: I don't always agree with firing head coaches in the middle of the season for any sport. However, I will say that this firing wasn't a bad move. It was clear that the Bills were going nowhere this season and that Jauron, who has been very unsuccessful with the Bills, wasn't going to be retained for the next season. There are a lot of talented and wanted coaches available and by firing Jauron, the Bills are getting a leg up on talking to these coaches and trying to get them interested in Buffalo (they'll need all the time they can get).
2) After posting a 16-8 record with a 2.16 ERA, Royals ace Zack Grienke was awarded with the AL Cy Young Award. Do you agree with the decision?
Ben: Yes. Grienke was, hands down, the most dominant pitcher in all of baseball last year. I would have been upset had it been given to the pitcher with the most wins. Wins are the worst way to judge how good a pitcher is, look at Jason Marquis. Grienke had his ups and downs this season, but his downs were better then 95% of pitchers good days.
He's a fantastic choice, and I'm glad they got it right.
Boz: Absolutely. I understand that he didn't lead the AL with wins, but he was only three wins shy of the leader and he played for the Royals, who only won 65 games all year! I would have loved to have seen how many games Grienke would have won had he played for a better baseball team. He had the best ERA in baseball and deserved to be recognized as one of baseball's best pitchers of the year despite playing for a crummy team.
3) LeBron James has stated that if he had put all of his time and commitment into it, if he dedicated himself to the game of football, that he could succeed in the NFL as a tight end/wide receiver mold. Do you think LeBron could succeed in the NFL?
Ben: No. At 6'8" he couldn't play wide receiver/tight end. He'd have to add weight to his frame to play defense, probably an end, and I don't think he'd have the overall ability to make enough plays to be an effective end. He's not a mauler or a speed guy, so he'd kind of that in-between, type that just hums along for a good 8 year career.
Boz: He's extremely athletic but he would have to show that he could take all of the hits and physical pain that comes along with playing in the NFL. However, I think he would be more successful than Big Baby Davis, who recently said he actually wants to make an attempt at playing in the NFL. If there were a basketball player that could make the transition it would be LeBron. The man is 6'8", 260 pounds and not to mention if he was dedicated himself to football, he would probably put on 20 more pounds of pure muscle. He was an all-state wide receiver in high school, but there are plently of all-state players that don't make it to the NFL. But I have to say, he could be fun to watch.
4) Kansas' athletic director met with several football players to talk about an altercation about head coach Mark Mangino grabbing, yelling and pointing his finger into the chest of a player laughing during a team walk-through. Is this a serious altercation?
Ben: No. Coaches always get in players faces and try to assert force. Now, granted, if things got more physical, it comes a serious situation, but poiting, grabbing, and yelling do not sound like serious incidents to me -- and I think that if you are complaining about this after you've left school -- you are in need of some tough love, because you're kind of cowardly.
Boz: No. The player was laughing during a walk-through, he deserved to be yelled at and everything else. If every coach was fired for yelling, grabbing and pointing a finger into the chest of a player, he wouldn't have any coaches around. The player was disrespecting the coach and the walk-through, so to me he got what he deserved. I once got bear hugged by my sophomore basketball coach for blowing a defensive assignment. And I didn't even disrespect the coach. It's a part of the game. Everyone at Kansas needs to relax.
OVER/UNDER
1) A pair of 1-9 teams square off this Sunday with the Browns and Lions. Over or under 30 points scored between the two teams?
Ben: Under. Neither team is good on offense, and the Browns are especially terrible.
Boz: Under. You know the Browns can't put up any points against any team. The Lions won't put up points because the Browns defense isn't half bad. Lions 17, Browns 6.
2) The Gators have a break from the SEC schedule with a game against Florida International. Over or under 35 point margin of victory for the Gators?
Ben: OVER. FIU can't keep up. The only way is if Tebow doesn't play the 2nd half.
Boz: Under. It'll be close to 35 points but I have to figure that there is no reason to run up the score against Florida International. No starter for the Gators should be playing in the second half.
3) It seems like we do this every single week, but over or under three interceptions for Jay Cutler against the Eagles on Sunday night?
Ben: Over. I think the Eagles secondary is pretty solid, and will make him pay for some errant throws. And I honestly think that confidence is dwindling on the Cutler front and wide receivers are helping the cause by being in the bottom 3 of the league as a unit.
Boz: Under. Maybe it's just hope for my team to pick up a much needed win. Maybe it's just hope that I want Lovie Smith to know that the Bears need to run the ball more often.
HAPPY HOUR
Ben: Happy 50th Birthday Ahmad Rashad. WOW! What a find? Rashad was all over the TV for about a decade doing basketball specials and helping out all sports. He was also a solid wide receiver for the Vikings, before going into television. Where is he now?
Boz: Happy 40th Birthday to Sam Cassell. The former NBA point guard won three NBA Championships, two with the Rockets and one with the Celtics in 2008. Sammy Cassell had the best pump-fake and draw the foul move that I adored growing up. He's now an assistant coach with the Wizards and I think will eventually be an NBA head coach. Steve Nash said that Cassell was the one who really taught him to be the point guard he is today. Now thats a recommendation to have when trying to get an NBA head coaching position.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Day 51: Browns, Iverson, Pedro and more
HEADLINES
1) The Browns were shutout by the Baltimore Ravens on Monday Night Football, 16-0, and ran a hook and ladder play on the final play where wide receiver and kick returner Josh Cribbs was injured. Are the Browns the worst team in the league and why were they running a latteral play when they were down 16-0?
Ben: They are the worst team, beacuse they have been so terrible both on offense and defense, in the owners box, the front office, coaches meetings -- that they aren't even putting a watchable product on the field. Granted, I'm a Lions fan and have watched my share of terrible football over the last decade, but they've always made it interesting. The Browns aren't even creating a buzz. They are terrible at so many positions that there isn't even a "superstar" player to watch. It's really bad from top to bottom there.
And I have no idea why they are running a hook and ladder play down 16 points -- it makes no sense.
Boz: Well the worst team in the NFL comes down to the Browns and the Raiders and I'm looking forward to when the two teams battle it out for the first pick in the draft in week 16. If I have to pick one team right now, I'll take the Browns since the Raiders at least picked up a win at home over the Eagles. As far as the latteral play, does Eric Mangini believe that there is a 17-point play in football that no one else knows about? That was possible the dumbest thing that I've ever witnessed in football. The only thing I could imagine is that he just didn't want to get shut out. But he put one of his best players' health in jeopardy and I have to think that Mangini is on his way out the door in Cleveland.
2) After playing just three games and leaving the team on Nov. 7 to deal with family matters, Allen Iverson and the Grizzlies have reached a deal to end his contract. Where is A.I. going to end up?
Ben: I'm guessing Cleveland, but I'm actually starting to doubt that. He could end up anywhere, but the only other dysfunctional team that could take him on would be the Warriors or the Knicks. Both teams are screwed up and I highly doubt that they would even notice a character like Iverson running around.
Boz: The Knicks have already stated interest in Allen Iverson, but I don't think Iverson would leave one struggling NBA team for an even more struggling NBA team. The plus side in New York would be that Iverson would be starting and would get a lot of shots in Mike D'Antoni's fast-paced system. I think Ben hit on the head when we previously discussed Iverson by saying that he is going to be headed to Cleveland. With Delante West's head appearing to be elsewhere this season, the Cavs need another shooter from the perimeter. You can slide West to the bench and insert Iverson in the starting line-up, which makes him happy.
3) After being an important part of the Phillies playoff run, Pedro Martinez has stated that he wants to pitch the entire 2010 season. Can Martinez last an entire season at 38 years of age?
Ben: No. He'll end up on the DL with some ailment, because that's what old people do, they get hurt and they can't play. There is a reason that the only 38 year old players you see are relievers who get 35 appearances in a season.
Boz: I'm going to say no. The last time that he tried to pitch an entire season was with the Mets and it didn't go very well. He has a lot of miles on that arm and I don't think it'll hold up over an entire season. If the Phillies want to sign Pedro for the entire season, I think they might have to get creative and be able to give him more than the usual five days rest during certain points of the season. That might include carrying someone in the bullpen that can make a spot start here and there during the season.
4) Sources have said that Larry Johnson has agreed on terms for a contract with the Cincinnati Bengals. Is this a good place for Larry Johnson?
Ben: Sure. He gets paycheck and gets to keep playing football. Cincy isn't the greatest place on Earth, Disney World is, but it'll do for the remainder of this season.
Boz: I don't think that it is the worst place he could have signed. The Bengals have turned around their perception of having trouble makers. With Cedric Benson starting to get banged up a bit from a lof of physical running, the Bengals could use a decent back up running back. Marvin Lewis has said that he would be fourth-string, but there isn't another proven running back on the roster, which makes me think that he is really "fourth-string". The usual two-back system is a thunder back with a quick back, and even though Benson and Johnson don't fit that mold, I think LJ will work out in Cincinnati.
TOSS-UP
1) Who is the better NBA rookie? Tyreke Evans or Brandon Jennings?
Ben: JENNINGS. Dude's a baller.
Boz: JENNINGS. Both are good. But Jennings is putting up huge numbers, including a 55-point effort in just his seventh game (not to mention he scored 32 the game before). He's also making the Bucks relevant and could help get them to the playoffs in the East. I'm not happy he is doing well because I don't want to see players skip college to play a year overseas. But he's been impressive so far.
2) What was the more shocking result in college basketball last night? Kentucky nearly being upset by Miami-Ohio or UCLA actually getting upset by Cal-State Fullerton?
Ben: UCLA. Cal-State Fullerton, really?
Boz: I'm picking Kentucky nearly being upset by Miami-Ohio. I didn't expect UCLA to be very good this season because they are a very young team and lost a lot of talent from last years team. Kentucky is a top-5 team and they have a lot of expectations this season. They were down 18 points early in the game.
3) Who is more likely to keep their job? Charlie Weis or Rich Rodriguez?
Ben: RICH ROD. He's only got 2 season under his belt, and he's shown he can coach -- Charlie Weis is outtie 5000.
Boz: Rich Rodriguez. He's only had two years at Michigan and I think that he showed glimpses early in this season that he is getting the right players to Michigan. They have relly faultered down the stretch but that will happen to a young team in a major conference. Charlie Weis has had plenty of time to turn it around and hasn't done so.
HAPPY HOUR
Ben: Happy Birthday Warren Moon. Guy played in the CFL and NFL and threw for like a million yards. True athlete and a pretty solid QB.
Boz: Happy 65th Birthday to Tom Seaver. The 300 game winner was named both the Rookie of the Year and a three-time NL Cy Young winner. He recorded over 3,000 strikeouts and a career ERA of 2.86. He is considered by many as the greatest New York Met of all time.
1) The Browns were shutout by the Baltimore Ravens on Monday Night Football, 16-0, and ran a hook and ladder play on the final play where wide receiver and kick returner Josh Cribbs was injured. Are the Browns the worst team in the league and why were they running a latteral play when they were down 16-0?
Ben: They are the worst team, beacuse they have been so terrible both on offense and defense, in the owners box, the front office, coaches meetings -- that they aren't even putting a watchable product on the field. Granted, I'm a Lions fan and have watched my share of terrible football over the last decade, but they've always made it interesting. The Browns aren't even creating a buzz. They are terrible at so many positions that there isn't even a "superstar" player to watch. It's really bad from top to bottom there.
And I have no idea why they are running a hook and ladder play down 16 points -- it makes no sense.
Boz: Well the worst team in the NFL comes down to the Browns and the Raiders and I'm looking forward to when the two teams battle it out for the first pick in the draft in week 16. If I have to pick one team right now, I'll take the Browns since the Raiders at least picked up a win at home over the Eagles. As far as the latteral play, does Eric Mangini believe that there is a 17-point play in football that no one else knows about? That was possible the dumbest thing that I've ever witnessed in football. The only thing I could imagine is that he just didn't want to get shut out. But he put one of his best players' health in jeopardy and I have to think that Mangini is on his way out the door in Cleveland.
2) After playing just three games and leaving the team on Nov. 7 to deal with family matters, Allen Iverson and the Grizzlies have reached a deal to end his contract. Where is A.I. going to end up?
Ben: I'm guessing Cleveland, but I'm actually starting to doubt that. He could end up anywhere, but the only other dysfunctional team that could take him on would be the Warriors or the Knicks. Both teams are screwed up and I highly doubt that they would even notice a character like Iverson running around.
Boz: The Knicks have already stated interest in Allen Iverson, but I don't think Iverson would leave one struggling NBA team for an even more struggling NBA team. The plus side in New York would be that Iverson would be starting and would get a lot of shots in Mike D'Antoni's fast-paced system. I think Ben hit on the head when we previously discussed Iverson by saying that he is going to be headed to Cleveland. With Delante West's head appearing to be elsewhere this season, the Cavs need another shooter from the perimeter. You can slide West to the bench and insert Iverson in the starting line-up, which makes him happy.
3) After being an important part of the Phillies playoff run, Pedro Martinez has stated that he wants to pitch the entire 2010 season. Can Martinez last an entire season at 38 years of age?
Ben: No. He'll end up on the DL with some ailment, because that's what old people do, they get hurt and they can't play. There is a reason that the only 38 year old players you see are relievers who get 35 appearances in a season.
Boz: I'm going to say no. The last time that he tried to pitch an entire season was with the Mets and it didn't go very well. He has a lot of miles on that arm and I don't think it'll hold up over an entire season. If the Phillies want to sign Pedro for the entire season, I think they might have to get creative and be able to give him more than the usual five days rest during certain points of the season. That might include carrying someone in the bullpen that can make a spot start here and there during the season.
4) Sources have said that Larry Johnson has agreed on terms for a contract with the Cincinnati Bengals. Is this a good place for Larry Johnson?
Ben: Sure. He gets paycheck and gets to keep playing football. Cincy isn't the greatest place on Earth, Disney World is, but it'll do for the remainder of this season.
Boz: I don't think that it is the worst place he could have signed. The Bengals have turned around their perception of having trouble makers. With Cedric Benson starting to get banged up a bit from a lof of physical running, the Bengals could use a decent back up running back. Marvin Lewis has said that he would be fourth-string, but there isn't another proven running back on the roster, which makes me think that he is really "fourth-string". The usual two-back system is a thunder back with a quick back, and even though Benson and Johnson don't fit that mold, I think LJ will work out in Cincinnati.
TOSS-UP
1) Who is the better NBA rookie? Tyreke Evans or Brandon Jennings?
Ben: JENNINGS. Dude's a baller.
Boz: JENNINGS. Both are good. But Jennings is putting up huge numbers, including a 55-point effort in just his seventh game (not to mention he scored 32 the game before). He's also making the Bucks relevant and could help get them to the playoffs in the East. I'm not happy he is doing well because I don't want to see players skip college to play a year overseas. But he's been impressive so far.
2) What was the more shocking result in college basketball last night? Kentucky nearly being upset by Miami-Ohio or UCLA actually getting upset by Cal-State Fullerton?
Ben: UCLA. Cal-State Fullerton, really?
Boz: I'm picking Kentucky nearly being upset by Miami-Ohio. I didn't expect UCLA to be very good this season because they are a very young team and lost a lot of talent from last years team. Kentucky is a top-5 team and they have a lot of expectations this season. They were down 18 points early in the game.
3) Who is more likely to keep their job? Charlie Weis or Rich Rodriguez?
Ben: RICH ROD. He's only got 2 season under his belt, and he's shown he can coach -- Charlie Weis is outtie 5000.
Boz: Rich Rodriguez. He's only had two years at Michigan and I think that he showed glimpses early in this season that he is getting the right players to Michigan. They have relly faultered down the stretch but that will happen to a young team in a major conference. Charlie Weis has had plenty of time to turn it around and hasn't done so.
HAPPY HOUR
Ben: Happy Birthday Warren Moon. Guy played in the CFL and NFL and threw for like a million yards. True athlete and a pretty solid QB.
Boz: Happy 65th Birthday to Tom Seaver. The 300 game winner was named both the Rookie of the Year and a three-time NL Cy Young winner. He recorded over 3,000 strikeouts and a career ERA of 2.86. He is considered by many as the greatest New York Met of all time.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Day 50: Pats gamble, Bengals sweep, Michelle Wie wins and more
1) Up six against the Colts, the Patriots went for it on 4th and 2 from their own 28 yard line. They failed to convert and the Colts scored with thirty seconds left to win 35-34. What was Bill Belichick thinking?
Ben: NO IDEA. Why do coaches try to outsmart themselves? All Belichick had to do was kick the football and play defense for 1:45, but decided not to. Granted that is a lot of time on the clock for Peyton Manning, but all throughout the history of this rivalry the Patriots have had an answer for Peyton. I just don't understand risking the win, on picking up two yards when the Colts know you aren't going to run, and you're going to run a short route.
Note to coaches: stop trying to outsmart youselves and make smart decisions.
Boz: I understand what he was thinking. He has one of the best quarterbacks on the planet and an offense that has put up 450 yards of offense in the game and that he thinks they can pick up two more yards. With that being said, I completely disagree with the decision to go for it. I know that any Peyton Manning-led offense is dangerous and you want to keep him off the field, but you have to punt the ball and trust your defense from keeping Manning from going 75 yards for the game-winning touchdown. The other problem was that the Patriots didn't run enough time off the clock. Had they trusted the running game and ran more time off the clock, punting would have been a much easier decision that it already was.
2) The Cincinnati Bengals finished off their second sweep in as many weeks over the top two teams in their division, the Ravens and the Steelers. Are the Bengals a legit contender to reach the Super Bowl?
Ben: No. They are playing some physical football now and that will take it's toll shortly and they will begin to fade. I like the Bengals, and think they can get to and make an impact on the playoffs, but I don't think they have what it takes to make the Super Bowl.
Boz: I guess so. I've really underestimated the Bengals and picked them to lose each of those four games they've won against the Ravens and Steelers. The Bengals have proved that they are a contender to reach Miami in February by sweeping the defending champs. I'm not ready to put them ahead of the Colts, or possible even the Patriots despite having a better record, but they are playing good football right now. Palmer is a top quarterback again, Ochocinco is a team leader again and Cedric Benson is running the football like he has something to prove, since he does. Despite being 5-0 in the division they still are only a game up on the Steelers, so they aren't quite running away with the AFC North quite yet. But they are a playoff team and have shown they'll be tough to beat in the postseason.
3) Michelle Wie won the Lorena Ochoa Invitational to record her first win on the LGPA Tour in her 65th career tournament. Do you still think Wie will fulfill all of the promise that many put on her career years ago?
Ben: Nope. She doesn't have the mental game, and she has disappointed for all these years. Granted, the expectations were too high when she first broke onto the scene, but there have been stretches of his career where she has played terribly. There have been years were she has disappeared and played so bad, that she was almost an afterthought in LPGA circles. I don't think she can get back on top.
Boz: Yes. Absolutely. People were putting all of that promise and expectations upon her when she was 14 years old. Here's the newsflash...she's only 20 years old! She's not even old enough to drink the beer that two others golfers poured on her to help her celebrate the win. I'm not trying to compare her to Tiger Woods, but Tiger won his first event when he was 20 as well. She'll be playing on the tour for probably another 20 years and will win many more tournaments, including some majors, during her career.
4) The Stanford Cardinal football program has had a great two weeks, defeating Oregon and USC in back-to-back games. Is Stanford the best team in the Pac-10?
Ben: Yes. Had they not been so up-and-down at the beginning of the season, they could be more entrenched in the BCS standings. I like Stanford, I like Harbaugh, I like their running back, I like their offense, and they are much improved from recent years. They are hammering teams, and playing fantastic football - fear the Cardinal.
Boz: I think that they are the best team in the Pac-10. Not only did they beat Oregon at home, but they went into LA and beat USC in their own backyard...easily. If they could have avoided one of the two losses on the road to Oregon State or Arizona, they could have already clinched their trip to the Rose Bowl. They still could clinch the Pac-10 title with the Ducks having to play at Arizona and against Oregon State, both ranked teams. The Cardinal have one of the best running backs in the nation and I'm pulling for them to make it to the Rose Bowl.
ODDS
1) The Warriors finally rid themselves of Stephen Jackson, sending him and guard Acie Law to the Bobcats for Raja Bell and Vladimir Radmonovic. What are the odds that Stephen Jackson can get the Bobcats to the playoffs in the Eastern Conference?
Ben: 0%. Jackson is a headcase, and the Bobcats are not good enough yet to compete.
Boz: 0%. If this were the Eastern Conference of 2-3 years ago then I would give it a better chance to make the playoffs. However, the Eastern Conference is much stronger this season and the Bobcats aren't strong enough to compete. They have a lot of young talent on the roster but also has some holes to fill and inexperience to deal with. Jackson will improve the team but not solve all of those problems.
2) Notre Dame lost at Pittsburgh on Saturday night moving their record to 6-4. What are the odds that Charlie Weis is fired at the end of the season?
Ben: 99.7%. The only thing that saves Weis is his buyout and ridiculous contract numbers. The ONLY thing Notre Dame wants, is wins. Weis can't do that.
Boz: 95%. They have clinched a bowl game for the second straight year, but for the second straight year it will be a lackluster bowl game played before January. They're going to suffer another loss when they play at Stanford in the regular season finale. A 7-5 record doesn't cut it for Notre Dame. Weis will be out as soon as their bowl game is over.
3) The Broncos lost to the Washington Redskins on Sunday running their losing streak to three games. What are the odds that the Broncos miss the playoffs this season?
Ben: 50%. The Chargers are coming on strong, and while I think the Broncos are running out of steam I still think there is too much time left in the season to completely write them off.
Boz: 70%. Looking at their remaining schedule, I have the Broncos finishing at 9-7. With the AFC, I don't think 9-7 is strong enough to clinch one of the two wild card spots. The Bengals/Steelers will grab one of those spots and I think the other goes to Houston.
HAPPY HOUR
Ben: Happy 45th Birthday Tom Gooden. He was a Rookie of the Year, youngest-ever Cy Young (at age 22), and won the pitching Triple Crown. Then, his career declined because of drug and alcohol abuse. Doc Gooden had 3 dominant years, then some problems for a year, another dominant year and then disappeared from the Majors. He would be classified as a headcase, disappointment, and drug addict -- but an extremely talented player.
Boz: Happy 27th Birthday to Amare Stoudemire. The former Rookie of the Year is a four-time all-star and has led the Suns to the best record in the NBA to start this young season. He should be in good spirits on his birthday after scoring 30 points in the Suns win over the Raptors last night.
Ben: NO IDEA. Why do coaches try to outsmart themselves? All Belichick had to do was kick the football and play defense for 1:45, but decided not to. Granted that is a lot of time on the clock for Peyton Manning, but all throughout the history of this rivalry the Patriots have had an answer for Peyton. I just don't understand risking the win, on picking up two yards when the Colts know you aren't going to run, and you're going to run a short route.
Note to coaches: stop trying to outsmart youselves and make smart decisions.
Boz: I understand what he was thinking. He has one of the best quarterbacks on the planet and an offense that has put up 450 yards of offense in the game and that he thinks they can pick up two more yards. With that being said, I completely disagree with the decision to go for it. I know that any Peyton Manning-led offense is dangerous and you want to keep him off the field, but you have to punt the ball and trust your defense from keeping Manning from going 75 yards for the game-winning touchdown. The other problem was that the Patriots didn't run enough time off the clock. Had they trusted the running game and ran more time off the clock, punting would have been a much easier decision that it already was.
2) The Cincinnati Bengals finished off their second sweep in as many weeks over the top two teams in their division, the Ravens and the Steelers. Are the Bengals a legit contender to reach the Super Bowl?
Ben: No. They are playing some physical football now and that will take it's toll shortly and they will begin to fade. I like the Bengals, and think they can get to and make an impact on the playoffs, but I don't think they have what it takes to make the Super Bowl.
Boz: I guess so. I've really underestimated the Bengals and picked them to lose each of those four games they've won against the Ravens and Steelers. The Bengals have proved that they are a contender to reach Miami in February by sweeping the defending champs. I'm not ready to put them ahead of the Colts, or possible even the Patriots despite having a better record, but they are playing good football right now. Palmer is a top quarterback again, Ochocinco is a team leader again and Cedric Benson is running the football like he has something to prove, since he does. Despite being 5-0 in the division they still are only a game up on the Steelers, so they aren't quite running away with the AFC North quite yet. But they are a playoff team and have shown they'll be tough to beat in the postseason.
3) Michelle Wie won the Lorena Ochoa Invitational to record her first win on the LGPA Tour in her 65th career tournament. Do you still think Wie will fulfill all of the promise that many put on her career years ago?
Ben: Nope. She doesn't have the mental game, and she has disappointed for all these years. Granted, the expectations were too high when she first broke onto the scene, but there have been stretches of his career where she has played terribly. There have been years were she has disappeared and played so bad, that she was almost an afterthought in LPGA circles. I don't think she can get back on top.
Boz: Yes. Absolutely. People were putting all of that promise and expectations upon her when she was 14 years old. Here's the newsflash...she's only 20 years old! She's not even old enough to drink the beer that two others golfers poured on her to help her celebrate the win. I'm not trying to compare her to Tiger Woods, but Tiger won his first event when he was 20 as well. She'll be playing on the tour for probably another 20 years and will win many more tournaments, including some majors, during her career.
4) The Stanford Cardinal football program has had a great two weeks, defeating Oregon and USC in back-to-back games. Is Stanford the best team in the Pac-10?
Ben: Yes. Had they not been so up-and-down at the beginning of the season, they could be more entrenched in the BCS standings. I like Stanford, I like Harbaugh, I like their running back, I like their offense, and they are much improved from recent years. They are hammering teams, and playing fantastic football - fear the Cardinal.
Boz: I think that they are the best team in the Pac-10. Not only did they beat Oregon at home, but they went into LA and beat USC in their own backyard...easily. If they could have avoided one of the two losses on the road to Oregon State or Arizona, they could have already clinched their trip to the Rose Bowl. They still could clinch the Pac-10 title with the Ducks having to play at Arizona and against Oregon State, both ranked teams. The Cardinal have one of the best running backs in the nation and I'm pulling for them to make it to the Rose Bowl.
ODDS
1) The Warriors finally rid themselves of Stephen Jackson, sending him and guard Acie Law to the Bobcats for Raja Bell and Vladimir Radmonovic. What are the odds that Stephen Jackson can get the Bobcats to the playoffs in the Eastern Conference?
Ben: 0%. Jackson is a headcase, and the Bobcats are not good enough yet to compete.
Boz: 0%. If this were the Eastern Conference of 2-3 years ago then I would give it a better chance to make the playoffs. However, the Eastern Conference is much stronger this season and the Bobcats aren't strong enough to compete. They have a lot of young talent on the roster but also has some holes to fill and inexperience to deal with. Jackson will improve the team but not solve all of those problems.
2) Notre Dame lost at Pittsburgh on Saturday night moving their record to 6-4. What are the odds that Charlie Weis is fired at the end of the season?
Ben: 99.7%. The only thing that saves Weis is his buyout and ridiculous contract numbers. The ONLY thing Notre Dame wants, is wins. Weis can't do that.
Boz: 95%. They have clinched a bowl game for the second straight year, but for the second straight year it will be a lackluster bowl game played before January. They're going to suffer another loss when they play at Stanford in the regular season finale. A 7-5 record doesn't cut it for Notre Dame. Weis will be out as soon as their bowl game is over.
3) The Broncos lost to the Washington Redskins on Sunday running their losing streak to three games. What are the odds that the Broncos miss the playoffs this season?
Ben: 50%. The Chargers are coming on strong, and while I think the Broncos are running out of steam I still think there is too much time left in the season to completely write them off.
Boz: 70%. Looking at their remaining schedule, I have the Broncos finishing at 9-7. With the AFC, I don't think 9-7 is strong enough to clinch one of the two wild card spots. The Bengals/Steelers will grab one of those spots and I think the other goes to Houston.
HAPPY HOUR
Ben: Happy 45th Birthday Tom Gooden. He was a Rookie of the Year, youngest-ever Cy Young (at age 22), and won the pitching Triple Crown. Then, his career declined because of drug and alcohol abuse. Doc Gooden had 3 dominant years, then some problems for a year, another dominant year and then disappeared from the Majors. He would be classified as a headcase, disappointment, and drug addict -- but an extremely talented player.
Boz: Happy 27th Birthday to Amare Stoudemire. The former Rookie of the Year is a four-time all-star and has led the Suns to the best record in the NBA to start this young season. He should be in good spirits on his birthday after scoring 30 points in the Suns win over the Raptors last night.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Day 49: Cutler's interceptions, LeBron's number change, Ochocinco's fine and more
HEADLINES
1) Jay Cutler threw five interceptions last night, including two in the redzone, in the 10-6 loss at San Francisco to bring his season interception total to 17 on the year, the highest in the NFL. Are the Bears regretting trading for Jay Cutler?
Ben: I highly doubt the Bears are regretting it, because the trade did several things for them in the offseason. It rejuvanated their fanbase that was a little upset about such a disappointing season the year before, it gave them a marketable offensive player, and a future QB they could count on. Now, Cutler has to play better then he did last night, but I think that you see games like this from time to time with risk-taking QB's. Even great QB's, Peyton Manning, have thrown 5+ interceptions in one game.
I don't think the Bears, or Bears fans' should be regretting the trade, but I do think that Cutler needs to get his attitude on the field together before he can take the next step in becoming a great leader, and ultimately a great QB.
Boz: As a gunslinger, Cutler has shown in the past that he'll throw a lot of touchdowns and throw quite a bit of interceptions as well, but this is getting out of hand. I would say that three of the interceptions last night weren't all of his fault, but the two that were his fault were awful throws. Kyle Orton might not have had the strongest arm or had been the flashiest quarterback, but at least he took care of the ball. Now to answer the question, I don't think they regret the trade yet. Cutler is still a franchise quarterback and will eventually guide the Bears to the playoffs in future seasons. Orton is a solid quarterback but he isn't the guy a franchise hangs their hat on. He'll fade out of the picture eventually in Denver, while Cutler will eventually get the Bears to where they want to be.
2) LeBron James stated that he is going to start the movement of getting Michael Jordan's #23 retired throughout the NBA by switching the #6 next season. Do you like this idea by LeBron?
Ben: Not really. I mean, it's a neat idea, but I don't feel like Michael Jordon should be honored as someone who broke barriers. He was a fantastic player, potentially the greatest of all-time, but he really didn't have to go up against the racial discrimination that Jackie Robinson fought threw, or what Bill Russell had to go through in a city that, at the time, did not embrace African-American stars.
Jordon was the greatest player by far of my generation and, therefore, LeBron's generation -- but let's not pretend like he was a savior of basketball, or that every fan of the NBA thinks that MJ is the greatest player of all-time.
Boz: I do actually. When Jordan went into the Hall of Fame, I stated on this blog that I agreed with the idea of retiring #23 throughout the entire league. I thought that the one road block would be LeBron James. I figured that, even though LBJ respects the history of the game, he would be too wrapped up in his image to want to change his number. I like the switch to #6 and I see others wearing MJ's number following suit and eventually David Stern making the retirement official.
3) Chad Ochocinco has been fined $20,000 for flashing a $1 bill at an official as a bribe during a replay in a joking matter. Do you agree with the fine?
Ben: No. I understand the idea behind it -- you want to keep the integrity of the game pure and don't want people even joking about bribes, or things of that nature, but 20 g's, that seems a little steep and I think the NFL is taking itself way to seriously.
Goddell should fine himself for bringing Michael Vick on stage at the draft a few years ago knowing he was arrested for possession and was under investigation for dog-fighting. The NFL has done plenty of stupid things or allowed plenty of childish behavior and done nothing -- ease up on Ochocinco.
Boz: I've never been a big fan of fines for touchdown celebrations because I think that the NFL needs to keep some of the fun in the league. But I agree with this fine because it was during a replay for just a regular catch. Ochocinco was just trying to draw attention to himself, like usual. I think that Ochocinco is just trying to have as much fun as possible during a very successful season for the Bengals. He'll have no problem paying the fine and I'm sure we'll see something happen during the Steelers game on Sunday.
4) The Washington Natinals took away the interim part of Jim Riggelman's title, making him the manager for the Nationals. Good move for the Nationals?
Ben: Sure. They won't win, so what does it matter? They have 2 great players and several good players, but they can't compete with the Marlins, Braves, Mets, and Phillies in that division. They won't compete for 5-7 years, even if everything goes well. So, I guess it's a good move, but will it even be noticed?
Boz: I guess it's a good move for the Nationals. Riggelman has had stints as a manager but has never really been successful. But he looked like he fired up the ballclub last season despite being WAY out of any playoff race. However, this is not a good move for Riggelman. As a former skipper for the Cubs, I feel for Riggelman a bit because no one can turn the Nationals around even with Stephen Strasburg on the roster next season. They are the worse team in the major leagues and they will be for quite some time, especially in the MLB where the rich get richer.
NFL PICK 'EM
Last week Ben: 4-3 Boz: 4-3
Season Ben: 27-24 Boz: 28-23
1) Detroit (1-7) at Minnesota (7-1)
Ben: DETROIT. I'm not sure why.
Boz: MINNESOTA. I'm not sure if I'll pick up a game on Benji here. I'm not even sure if he would pick Detroit in this matchup.
2) Cincinnati (6-2) at Pittsburgh (6-2)
Ben: PITTSBURGH. Mendenhall and Big Ben will set the Steelers up for a close 4-7 point win at home.
Boz: PITTSBURGH. I think the Steelers are playing some of the best football right now. The Bengals proved a lot by sweeping the season series against the Ravens but I can't see them getting a win at Heinz Field.
3) Atlanta (5-3) at Carolina (3-5)
Ben: CAROLINA. I think the Panthers are playing better, and if they keep handing it off to their two good stud runners, they'll be in the game late.
Boz: ATLANTA. These are the games the Falcons need to win if they want to stay in the playoff hunt. They'll shut down the Panthers run attack and make Jake Delhomme beat them, which he won't.
4) Dallas (6-2) at Green Bay (4-4)
Ben: GREEN BAY. If for nothing else then because they absolutely have to win this game to have a chance.
Boz: DALLAS. I use to think that the Cowboys couldn't win a big game on the road. But after last week's win in Philly, I believe that the Cowboys will win at Lambeau.
5) Philadelphia (5-3) at San Diego (5-3)
Ben: SAN DIEGO. I rarely teams can travel cross country and win on the road -- so I'll take the Chargers against a struggling Eagles team.
Boz: SAN DIEGO. The Chargers are playing much better and will benefit from having this one at home. The Eagles still have some issues on offense.
6) New England (6-2) at Indianapolis (8-0)
Ben: INDIANAPOLIS. I like Peyton, and I don't like Tom. I like Caldwell and I don't like Belichik. I'm bias, what can I say?
Boz: NEW ENGLAND. It seems like Bill Belichik always has a good game plan for Peyton Manning and the Colts. The Indy offense hasn't been putting up big numbers the last couple weeks and they'll have to in order to keep up with the Pats.
HAPPY HOUR
Ben: Happy 42nd Birthday Greg Anthony. The former Grizzles and SuperSonics guard is now a pretty good announcers on several networks for NBA and college basketball. Every-once-in-a-while, he'll be funny -- but I'm more impressed with his insight then anything.
Boz: Happy 42nd Birthday to Steve Christie. The former Buffalo Bills placekicker was 78% over his career on field goals and was the first ever kicker to recover his own on-side kick during a playoff game. He also was one of the best field goal kickers on Tecmo Super Bowl.
1) Jay Cutler threw five interceptions last night, including two in the redzone, in the 10-6 loss at San Francisco to bring his season interception total to 17 on the year, the highest in the NFL. Are the Bears regretting trading for Jay Cutler?
Ben: I highly doubt the Bears are regretting it, because the trade did several things for them in the offseason. It rejuvanated their fanbase that was a little upset about such a disappointing season the year before, it gave them a marketable offensive player, and a future QB they could count on. Now, Cutler has to play better then he did last night, but I think that you see games like this from time to time with risk-taking QB's. Even great QB's, Peyton Manning, have thrown 5+ interceptions in one game.
I don't think the Bears, or Bears fans' should be regretting the trade, but I do think that Cutler needs to get his attitude on the field together before he can take the next step in becoming a great leader, and ultimately a great QB.
Boz: As a gunslinger, Cutler has shown in the past that he'll throw a lot of touchdowns and throw quite a bit of interceptions as well, but this is getting out of hand. I would say that three of the interceptions last night weren't all of his fault, but the two that were his fault were awful throws. Kyle Orton might not have had the strongest arm or had been the flashiest quarterback, but at least he took care of the ball. Now to answer the question, I don't think they regret the trade yet. Cutler is still a franchise quarterback and will eventually guide the Bears to the playoffs in future seasons. Orton is a solid quarterback but he isn't the guy a franchise hangs their hat on. He'll fade out of the picture eventually in Denver, while Cutler will eventually get the Bears to where they want to be.
2) LeBron James stated that he is going to start the movement of getting Michael Jordan's #23 retired throughout the NBA by switching the #6 next season. Do you like this idea by LeBron?
Ben: Not really. I mean, it's a neat idea, but I don't feel like Michael Jordon should be honored as someone who broke barriers. He was a fantastic player, potentially the greatest of all-time, but he really didn't have to go up against the racial discrimination that Jackie Robinson fought threw, or what Bill Russell had to go through in a city that, at the time, did not embrace African-American stars.
Jordon was the greatest player by far of my generation and, therefore, LeBron's generation -- but let's not pretend like he was a savior of basketball, or that every fan of the NBA thinks that MJ is the greatest player of all-time.
Boz: I do actually. When Jordan went into the Hall of Fame, I stated on this blog that I agreed with the idea of retiring #23 throughout the entire league. I thought that the one road block would be LeBron James. I figured that, even though LBJ respects the history of the game, he would be too wrapped up in his image to want to change his number. I like the switch to #6 and I see others wearing MJ's number following suit and eventually David Stern making the retirement official.
3) Chad Ochocinco has been fined $20,000 for flashing a $1 bill at an official as a bribe during a replay in a joking matter. Do you agree with the fine?
Ben: No. I understand the idea behind it -- you want to keep the integrity of the game pure and don't want people even joking about bribes, or things of that nature, but 20 g's, that seems a little steep and I think the NFL is taking itself way to seriously.
Goddell should fine himself for bringing Michael Vick on stage at the draft a few years ago knowing he was arrested for possession and was under investigation for dog-fighting. The NFL has done plenty of stupid things or allowed plenty of childish behavior and done nothing -- ease up on Ochocinco.
Boz: I've never been a big fan of fines for touchdown celebrations because I think that the NFL needs to keep some of the fun in the league. But I agree with this fine because it was during a replay for just a regular catch. Ochocinco was just trying to draw attention to himself, like usual. I think that Ochocinco is just trying to have as much fun as possible during a very successful season for the Bengals. He'll have no problem paying the fine and I'm sure we'll see something happen during the Steelers game on Sunday.
4) The Washington Natinals took away the interim part of Jim Riggelman's title, making him the manager for the Nationals. Good move for the Nationals?
Ben: Sure. They won't win, so what does it matter? They have 2 great players and several good players, but they can't compete with the Marlins, Braves, Mets, and Phillies in that division. They won't compete for 5-7 years, even if everything goes well. So, I guess it's a good move, but will it even be noticed?
Boz: I guess it's a good move for the Nationals. Riggelman has had stints as a manager but has never really been successful. But he looked like he fired up the ballclub last season despite being WAY out of any playoff race. However, this is not a good move for Riggelman. As a former skipper for the Cubs, I feel for Riggelman a bit because no one can turn the Nationals around even with Stephen Strasburg on the roster next season. They are the worse team in the major leagues and they will be for quite some time, especially in the MLB where the rich get richer.
NFL PICK 'EM
Last week Ben: 4-3 Boz: 4-3
Season Ben: 27-24 Boz: 28-23
1) Detroit (1-7) at Minnesota (7-1)
Ben: DETROIT. I'm not sure why.
Boz: MINNESOTA. I'm not sure if I'll pick up a game on Benji here. I'm not even sure if he would pick Detroit in this matchup.
2) Cincinnati (6-2) at Pittsburgh (6-2)
Ben: PITTSBURGH. Mendenhall and Big Ben will set the Steelers up for a close 4-7 point win at home.
Boz: PITTSBURGH. I think the Steelers are playing some of the best football right now. The Bengals proved a lot by sweeping the season series against the Ravens but I can't see them getting a win at Heinz Field.
3) Atlanta (5-3) at Carolina (3-5)
Ben: CAROLINA. I think the Panthers are playing better, and if they keep handing it off to their two good stud runners, they'll be in the game late.
Boz: ATLANTA. These are the games the Falcons need to win if they want to stay in the playoff hunt. They'll shut down the Panthers run attack and make Jake Delhomme beat them, which he won't.
4) Dallas (6-2) at Green Bay (4-4)
Ben: GREEN BAY. If for nothing else then because they absolutely have to win this game to have a chance.
Boz: DALLAS. I use to think that the Cowboys couldn't win a big game on the road. But after last week's win in Philly, I believe that the Cowboys will win at Lambeau.
5) Philadelphia (5-3) at San Diego (5-3)
Ben: SAN DIEGO. I rarely teams can travel cross country and win on the road -- so I'll take the Chargers against a struggling Eagles team.
Boz: SAN DIEGO. The Chargers are playing much better and will benefit from having this one at home. The Eagles still have some issues on offense.
6) New England (6-2) at Indianapolis (8-0)
Ben: INDIANAPOLIS. I like Peyton, and I don't like Tom. I like Caldwell and I don't like Belichik. I'm bias, what can I say?
Boz: NEW ENGLAND. It seems like Bill Belichik always has a good game plan for Peyton Manning and the Colts. The Indy offense hasn't been putting up big numbers the last couple weeks and they'll have to in order to keep up with the Pats.
HAPPY HOUR
Ben: Happy 42nd Birthday Greg Anthony. The former Grizzles and SuperSonics guard is now a pretty good announcers on several networks for NBA and college basketball. Every-once-in-a-while, he'll be funny -- but I'm more impressed with his insight then anything.
Boz: Happy 42nd Birthday to Steve Christie. The former Buffalo Bills placekicker was 78% over his career on field goals and was the first ever kicker to recover his own on-side kick during a playoff game. He also was one of the best field goal kickers on Tecmo Super Bowl.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Day 48: Vols arrested, Mike Tyson, Cavs and more
HEADLINES
1) Three freshman Tennessee football players were arrested and charged with armed robbery Thursday morning. Two of the three players were a pair of Lane Kiffin's prized recruits in wide receiver Nu'Keese Richardson and starting safety Janzen Jackson. What do you make of this situation?
Ben: WOW. I saw this note when I was at lunch today and my jaw about dropped. I cannot believe the stupidity that some athletes partake in. Seriously, how stupid was this? Some might say it was immature kids acting like immature kids (all players being under 20 years old) and I'll say that there are plenty of under 20 kids NOT being given a free ride to college committing armed robbery. These kids get money from the school for books, for food while they are on campus during breaks, and no tuition costs. Yet, they felt compelled to attempt to steal money from a gas station. When was the last time you actually used cash at the gas station? I've used a debit card everytime for the last year and a half.
I really don't think it says anything about Kiffin, because you can't monitor these kids 24/7 -- but I think that all college coaches recruit these types of kids -- ones teetering on the edge of criminal behavior -- but great coaches are able to control those wild players. Kiffin hasn't proven to have that type of control.
Boz: This obviously doesn't look good for the Vols program or head coach Lane Kiffin. Apparently Kiffin had spent Wednesday morning on a conference call talking up how his team had stayed away from trouble. Tennesee is already having a rough season. These three must be the biggest idiots in the world because not only did they committ armed robbery, but got away from the gas station without barely any money. It's too bad that some athletes take their talents for granted and throw it all away by acting this way. I would give anything to have the talent to make a major Division I football team. God gave these kids a gift and they are throwing it away.
2) After a scuffle broke out between Mike Tyson and a freelance photographer, both men were booked and released on suspicision of misdemeanor battery? What do you make of this situation?
Ben: I think photographers are going too far. Is Mike Tyson's picture outside of a car, really worth that much money? I think that the paparazzi take it too far, then make the athlete/celebs look bad after they react. Who allowed these people to constantly hound other human beings? I side with Tyson on this 100%, I would have done the same thing if I felt like my family was in danger.
Boz: The photographer is stating that Tyson struck him and cut open his forehead. Tyson is stating that the photographer was over aggressive and that he was protecting his family. There are witnesses that support both arguments. Tyson's background doesn't help support his cause, however, a lot of celebrities, along with others as well, know that the paparazzi can be too overwhelming at times and wind up being overaggressive. I hate the paparazzi and I'm no where near famous, so I'm siding with ol' Mike Tyson on this one.
3) The Cavaliers beat the Magic last night in Cleveland, 102-93, led by LeBron's 36 points. Was this a statement win for the Cavs?
Ben: No. It's game 9 of the season for the Cavs, the Magic were playing the second game of a back-to-back , and were without their second best player (Rashard Lewis). I don't think the Cavs can say they are a better team this year then last just because of this win, but it probably makes them feel better.
Boz: Yes and no. It's a statement win based on the fact that they picked up a victory over another top team in the Eastern conference and a team that knocked them out of the playoffs last season. However, the reason why I say that it's not quite a statement game is because of the fact that Rashard Lewis has yet to return from his suspension. He played a major role in the Magic taking the Cavs out of the playoffs last season. It's not the same Magic team right now and it might be a different outcome when Lewis is back in the lineup.
4) After a twenty point loss to my Phoenix Suns, the Hornets have made the first coaching move of the young season, firing head coach Byron Scott after a 3-6 start. Was this a good move by the Hornets?
Ben: No. How is firing someone 9 games into the season a good move? Do the Hornets really feel like they've learned something about Scott in these 9 games that they didn't already know in the previous season/recent summer while he was still under their employment? I think it was a panic move and a stupid move.
Boz: I disagree with the firing of Byron Scott. I think that he is a good coach and he has shown that with his time with the New Jersey Nets and the Hornets. He won Coach of the Year award in 2008 after taking the Hornets within one game of the Western Conference finals. He hasn't done much since with the Hornets but the GM hasn't given him much to work with. The roster has gotten worse since that 2007-08 season. They traded Tyson Chandler for Emeka Okafor and there isn't much to support Chris Paul besides the aging Peja Stojakovic. Now that Kurt Rambis is with the Timberwolves, I think you'll see Scott next with the Lakers when Phil Jackson finally retires.
COLLEG FOOTBALL PICK 'EM
Last week Ben: 2-4 Boz: 3-3
Season Ben: 43-24 Boz: 36-31
1) Northwestern at Illinois (Saturday, 11 a.m.)
Ben: ILLINOIS. I believe again.
Boz: NORTHWESTERN. Don't take too much out of the Illini's win over Minnesota. The Gophers have had injuries to some of their best players. The Wildcats are trying to get bowl eligible and they'll be ready to play in Champaign.
2) No. 25 West Virginia at No. 5 Cincinnati (Friday, 7 p.m.)
Ben: CINCINNATI. I really want the BCS to fail this year, and Cincy going undefeated helps that cause. Plus, it's at home for the Bearcats.
Boz: CINCINNATI. We all know about the amount of points that either quarterback can put up for the Bearcats. However, their defense gives up a lot of points. So does West Virginia.
3) Texas Tech at No. 19 Oklahoma State (Saturday, 7 p.m.)
Ben: OKLAHOMA STATE. I'll go with Gundy and the Cowboys to get the win at home. Red Raiders aren't the power they were last year with Graham Harrell and Michael Crabtree.
Boz: OKLAHOMA STATE. The Cowboys offense is too high powered for the Red Raiders whose defense has struggled this season.
4) Notre Dame at No. 12 Pittsburgh (Saturday, 7 p.m.)
Ben: PITTSBURGH. Notre Dame is overrated and bad on defense. Claussen is good, but Charlie Weis is not. Pitt gets the win.
Boz: NOTRE DAME. This is my upset pick because I think that the Irish are going to be looking for a big win after losing to Navy. A win over a ranked team could keep Charlie Weis his job.
5) No. 16 Utah at No. 4 TCU (Saturday, 6:30 p.m.)
Ben: TCU. I love the Horned Frogs and they are at home. That defense will shut down the Utes.
Boz: TCU. This will just be another quality win for TCU to have on their resume when trying to a shot at the BCS title. They just need Texas and Florida/Alabama to pick up a loss.
6) No. 10 Iowa at No. 11 Ohio State (Saturday, 2:30 p.m.)
Ben: OHIO STATE. A week ago, I would've picked Iowa without a second thought, but things have changed. Stanzi being out means they can't win this game without some scores on defense. It's possible, but I have to go with the safe money here.
Boz: OHIO STATE. If the Hawkeyes couldn't put up points with the backup QB against Northwestern, how are they going to put up any points against the Buckeyes defense? Terrelle Pryor's critics get off his back with a trip to the Rose Bowl.
HAPPY HOUR
Ben: Happy 39th Birthday Tonya Harding. Have anyone hit recently?
Boz: Happy 64th Birthday Al Michaels. The Arizona State alum is most known for his famous "Do you believe in miracles!?" quote at the end of the 1980 U.S. hockey win over Russia in the Olympics. After partnering with John Madden for years, he is now on Sunday Night Football with Cris Collinsworth. He's one of the best broadcasters of his time and will cover the 2010 Winter Olympics.
1) Three freshman Tennessee football players were arrested and charged with armed robbery Thursday morning. Two of the three players were a pair of Lane Kiffin's prized recruits in wide receiver Nu'Keese Richardson and starting safety Janzen Jackson. What do you make of this situation?
Ben: WOW. I saw this note when I was at lunch today and my jaw about dropped. I cannot believe the stupidity that some athletes partake in. Seriously, how stupid was this? Some might say it was immature kids acting like immature kids (all players being under 20 years old) and I'll say that there are plenty of under 20 kids NOT being given a free ride to college committing armed robbery. These kids get money from the school for books, for food while they are on campus during breaks, and no tuition costs. Yet, they felt compelled to attempt to steal money from a gas station. When was the last time you actually used cash at the gas station? I've used a debit card everytime for the last year and a half.
I really don't think it says anything about Kiffin, because you can't monitor these kids 24/7 -- but I think that all college coaches recruit these types of kids -- ones teetering on the edge of criminal behavior -- but great coaches are able to control those wild players. Kiffin hasn't proven to have that type of control.
Boz: This obviously doesn't look good for the Vols program or head coach Lane Kiffin. Apparently Kiffin had spent Wednesday morning on a conference call talking up how his team had stayed away from trouble. Tennesee is already having a rough season. These three must be the biggest idiots in the world because not only did they committ armed robbery, but got away from the gas station without barely any money. It's too bad that some athletes take their talents for granted and throw it all away by acting this way. I would give anything to have the talent to make a major Division I football team. God gave these kids a gift and they are throwing it away.
2) After a scuffle broke out between Mike Tyson and a freelance photographer, both men were booked and released on suspicision of misdemeanor battery? What do you make of this situation?
Ben: I think photographers are going too far. Is Mike Tyson's picture outside of a car, really worth that much money? I think that the paparazzi take it too far, then make the athlete/celebs look bad after they react. Who allowed these people to constantly hound other human beings? I side with Tyson on this 100%, I would have done the same thing if I felt like my family was in danger.
Boz: The photographer is stating that Tyson struck him and cut open his forehead. Tyson is stating that the photographer was over aggressive and that he was protecting his family. There are witnesses that support both arguments. Tyson's background doesn't help support his cause, however, a lot of celebrities, along with others as well, know that the paparazzi can be too overwhelming at times and wind up being overaggressive. I hate the paparazzi and I'm no where near famous, so I'm siding with ol' Mike Tyson on this one.
3) The Cavaliers beat the Magic last night in Cleveland, 102-93, led by LeBron's 36 points. Was this a statement win for the Cavs?
Ben: No. It's game 9 of the season for the Cavs, the Magic were playing the second game of a back-to-back , and were without their second best player (Rashard Lewis). I don't think the Cavs can say they are a better team this year then last just because of this win, but it probably makes them feel better.
Boz: Yes and no. It's a statement win based on the fact that they picked up a victory over another top team in the Eastern conference and a team that knocked them out of the playoffs last season. However, the reason why I say that it's not quite a statement game is because of the fact that Rashard Lewis has yet to return from his suspension. He played a major role in the Magic taking the Cavs out of the playoffs last season. It's not the same Magic team right now and it might be a different outcome when Lewis is back in the lineup.
4) After a twenty point loss to my Phoenix Suns, the Hornets have made the first coaching move of the young season, firing head coach Byron Scott after a 3-6 start. Was this a good move by the Hornets?
Ben: No. How is firing someone 9 games into the season a good move? Do the Hornets really feel like they've learned something about Scott in these 9 games that they didn't already know in the previous season/recent summer while he was still under their employment? I think it was a panic move and a stupid move.
Boz: I disagree with the firing of Byron Scott. I think that he is a good coach and he has shown that with his time with the New Jersey Nets and the Hornets. He won Coach of the Year award in 2008 after taking the Hornets within one game of the Western Conference finals. He hasn't done much since with the Hornets but the GM hasn't given him much to work with. The roster has gotten worse since that 2007-08 season. They traded Tyson Chandler for Emeka Okafor and there isn't much to support Chris Paul besides the aging Peja Stojakovic. Now that Kurt Rambis is with the Timberwolves, I think you'll see Scott next with the Lakers when Phil Jackson finally retires.
COLLEG FOOTBALL PICK 'EM
Last week Ben: 2-4 Boz: 3-3
Season Ben: 43-24 Boz: 36-31
1) Northwestern at Illinois (Saturday, 11 a.m.)
Ben: ILLINOIS. I believe again.
Boz: NORTHWESTERN. Don't take too much out of the Illini's win over Minnesota. The Gophers have had injuries to some of their best players. The Wildcats are trying to get bowl eligible and they'll be ready to play in Champaign.
2) No. 25 West Virginia at No. 5 Cincinnati (Friday, 7 p.m.)
Ben: CINCINNATI. I really want the BCS to fail this year, and Cincy going undefeated helps that cause. Plus, it's at home for the Bearcats.
Boz: CINCINNATI. We all know about the amount of points that either quarterback can put up for the Bearcats. However, their defense gives up a lot of points. So does West Virginia.
3) Texas Tech at No. 19 Oklahoma State (Saturday, 7 p.m.)
Ben: OKLAHOMA STATE. I'll go with Gundy and the Cowboys to get the win at home. Red Raiders aren't the power they were last year with Graham Harrell and Michael Crabtree.
Boz: OKLAHOMA STATE. The Cowboys offense is too high powered for the Red Raiders whose defense has struggled this season.
4) Notre Dame at No. 12 Pittsburgh (Saturday, 7 p.m.)
Ben: PITTSBURGH. Notre Dame is overrated and bad on defense. Claussen is good, but Charlie Weis is not. Pitt gets the win.
Boz: NOTRE DAME. This is my upset pick because I think that the Irish are going to be looking for a big win after losing to Navy. A win over a ranked team could keep Charlie Weis his job.
5) No. 16 Utah at No. 4 TCU (Saturday, 6:30 p.m.)
Ben: TCU. I love the Horned Frogs and they are at home. That defense will shut down the Utes.
Boz: TCU. This will just be another quality win for TCU to have on their resume when trying to a shot at the BCS title. They just need Texas and Florida/Alabama to pick up a loss.
6) No. 10 Iowa at No. 11 Ohio State (Saturday, 2:30 p.m.)
Ben: OHIO STATE. A week ago, I would've picked Iowa without a second thought, but things have changed. Stanzi being out means they can't win this game without some scores on defense. It's possible, but I have to go with the safe money here.
Boz: OHIO STATE. If the Hawkeyes couldn't put up points with the backup QB against Northwestern, how are they going to put up any points against the Buckeyes defense? Terrelle Pryor's critics get off his back with a trip to the Rose Bowl.
HAPPY HOUR
Ben: Happy 39th Birthday Tonya Harding. Have anyone hit recently?
Boz: Happy 64th Birthday Al Michaels. The Arizona State alum is most known for his famous "Do you believe in miracles!?" quote at the end of the 1980 U.S. hockey win over Russia in the Olympics. After partnering with John Madden for years, he is now on Sunday Night Football with Cris Collinsworth. He's one of the best broadcasters of his time and will cover the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Day 47: Ken Griffey, Jr., Ricky Stanzi, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and more
HEADLINES
1) The Seattle Mariners and Ken Griffey, Jr. have agreed to a one-year deal that will allow Griffey to play his 22nd season in the MLB. Should Griffey have retired or was this a good idea for Griffey?
Ben: I would have preferred he retired, but he's still a decent hitter, and a good name for a struggling team to bring in fans. Griffey has earned the right to retire when he wants, so if the Mariners offered him a contract, I support Junior coming back and playing. I doubt he's anything more then a 100 game starter, with something around 350 at bats -- but he's got my support on one more season.
Boz: I have to lean towards the side of saying that Ken Griffey, Jr. should have probably retired. He only hit .214 with 11 home runs last season and he will be turning 40 this month. I loved watching Griffey play in his prime and no one knows what his career numbers would have been had he avoided all of those injuries he had while playing his heart out on the field. He's become a part-time DH and fourth outfielder for the Mariners and I have to wonder if his desire to win a championship is keeping him in the game.
For the Mariners, it's actually not a bad move. Griffey has seemed to have accepted his limited role and hasn't complained about not getting as much playing time. It can't hurt to have the veteran leadership in the locker room and have him to give some guys a day off or provide a pinch-hit at-bat.
2) Iowa quarterback Ricky Stanzi has been listed as doubtful for the remaining two games of the season. Can the Hawkeyes still win the Big Ten and secure a spot in the Rose Bowl without Stanzi?
Ben: I doubt it. If they hang in the beginning of that game this weekend, there is a chance the defense holds strong and forces a few big turnovers then they might have a good chance of pulling off the upset and almost guarentee Iowa the Big Ten title.
Boz: I'm in between, but I am leaning towards no. Redshirt freshman James Vandenberg (don't get him confused with the guy from Varsity Blues) didn't look real good against Northwestern at home when he took over after Stanzi's injury. Now he has to go into Columbus and take on a tough Buckeye defense. I can't see them getting past Ohio State. However, the reason why I am in between on this is because it seems like Kirk Ferentz is the Tony LaRussa of college football, meaning he gets more out of lesser talent. My prediction is that I'll be welcoming the Hawkeyes to the Valley of the Sun for the Fiesta Bowl.
3) Former Laker great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar publicly stated that he is being treated for a rare form of leukemia, being diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia in December. What are your thoughts on this serious news?
Ben: I'm sad to hear Kareem is afflicted with this disease, but happy to hear its treatable and there is a good chance he could pull through. Again, it's sad news -- but Magic Johnson has stayed strong through HIV and Kareem can do it to.
Boz: You obviously start by wishing the best for Abdul-Jabbar and I'm sure everyone sends their thoughts and prayers to him and his family, I know that the Sports Desk definitely does. The positive is that the doctors said that CML is treatable with the proper medication and monitoring, which is encouraging. It's also good to see that Abdul-Jabbar is going to become a spokesman to create awareness for the disease. Kareem was a great player and a better embassador for the game of basketball. The NBA would benefit from him being around as long as possible.
4) Jeff Jordan was suspended for two games by the NCAA for playing in a non-sanctioned event this summer, which was apparently a 3-on-3 tournament, while he wasn't officially on the team. Is this a fair suspension?
Ben: Yes. You break the rules, you should be punished. This is a Dez Bryant situation. I don't care how stupid the rule is -- it is in place for a reason. Jordan is not going to be missed in the two games, but I'm still happy they enforced the suspension.
Boz: Jordan left the team after last season and then decided to rejoin the team this season. He played in the 3-on-3 tournament during that time that he decided he was done with basketball. The rules are the rules and it's not like Jordan will be dearly missed during the first two games of the season against SIU-Edwardsville and Northern Illinois.
OVER/UNDER
1) Brady Quinn makes the start for the Browns this week. Over or under 1.5 touchdowns for Quinn on Monday night?
Ben: UNDER. The Browns haven't scored two touchdown this season as a whole.
Boz: UNDER. He's still on the Browns and he's going against the Ravens defense. That's all I need to say.
2) Tom Brady and Peyton Manning square off against one another on Sunday night. Over or under five total touchdowns between the two of them?
Ben: OVER. Best QB's in the league with pass-first offenses. High scoring.
Boz: OVER. These are two of the best quarterbacks in the league and I think the two of them light up the scoreboard on national tv.
3) The SEC referees have been under fire the last couple weeks for missed calls. Over or under two missed calls for the SEC refs this weekend?
Ben: OVER. The SEC refs are TERRIBLE -- they will mess something up.
Boz: UNDER. I got to imagine that the SEC wants to get this problem under control and will put the referees under a close eye. The refs will get it right this weekend.
HAPPY HOUR
Ben: I want to say thanks to family members that are currently overseas - specifically my cousin PFC Andrew Tarchinski who has been back and forth between Afghanistan and homeland over the last 3 years or so. I really appreciate everyone serving in the armed forces, especially my cousin because we miss him and hope he comes home safe.
Boz: Instead of wishing anyone a happy birthday today, I want to thank anyone who has served, will serve or is currently serving in war. I want to thank them for laying their lives on the line for our country.
1) The Seattle Mariners and Ken Griffey, Jr. have agreed to a one-year deal that will allow Griffey to play his 22nd season in the MLB. Should Griffey have retired or was this a good idea for Griffey?
Ben: I would have preferred he retired, but he's still a decent hitter, and a good name for a struggling team to bring in fans. Griffey has earned the right to retire when he wants, so if the Mariners offered him a contract, I support Junior coming back and playing. I doubt he's anything more then a 100 game starter, with something around 350 at bats -- but he's got my support on one more season.
Boz: I have to lean towards the side of saying that Ken Griffey, Jr. should have probably retired. He only hit .214 with 11 home runs last season and he will be turning 40 this month. I loved watching Griffey play in his prime and no one knows what his career numbers would have been had he avoided all of those injuries he had while playing his heart out on the field. He's become a part-time DH and fourth outfielder for the Mariners and I have to wonder if his desire to win a championship is keeping him in the game.
For the Mariners, it's actually not a bad move. Griffey has seemed to have accepted his limited role and hasn't complained about not getting as much playing time. It can't hurt to have the veteran leadership in the locker room and have him to give some guys a day off or provide a pinch-hit at-bat.
2) Iowa quarterback Ricky Stanzi has been listed as doubtful for the remaining two games of the season. Can the Hawkeyes still win the Big Ten and secure a spot in the Rose Bowl without Stanzi?
Ben: I doubt it. If they hang in the beginning of that game this weekend, there is a chance the defense holds strong and forces a few big turnovers then they might have a good chance of pulling off the upset and almost guarentee Iowa the Big Ten title.
Boz: I'm in between, but I am leaning towards no. Redshirt freshman James Vandenberg (don't get him confused with the guy from Varsity Blues) didn't look real good against Northwestern at home when he took over after Stanzi's injury. Now he has to go into Columbus and take on a tough Buckeye defense. I can't see them getting past Ohio State. However, the reason why I am in between on this is because it seems like Kirk Ferentz is the Tony LaRussa of college football, meaning he gets more out of lesser talent. My prediction is that I'll be welcoming the Hawkeyes to the Valley of the Sun for the Fiesta Bowl.
3) Former Laker great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar publicly stated that he is being treated for a rare form of leukemia, being diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia in December. What are your thoughts on this serious news?
Ben: I'm sad to hear Kareem is afflicted with this disease, but happy to hear its treatable and there is a good chance he could pull through. Again, it's sad news -- but Magic Johnson has stayed strong through HIV and Kareem can do it to.
Boz: You obviously start by wishing the best for Abdul-Jabbar and I'm sure everyone sends their thoughts and prayers to him and his family, I know that the Sports Desk definitely does. The positive is that the doctors said that CML is treatable with the proper medication and monitoring, which is encouraging. It's also good to see that Abdul-Jabbar is going to become a spokesman to create awareness for the disease. Kareem was a great player and a better embassador for the game of basketball. The NBA would benefit from him being around as long as possible.
4) Jeff Jordan was suspended for two games by the NCAA for playing in a non-sanctioned event this summer, which was apparently a 3-on-3 tournament, while he wasn't officially on the team. Is this a fair suspension?
Ben: Yes. You break the rules, you should be punished. This is a Dez Bryant situation. I don't care how stupid the rule is -- it is in place for a reason. Jordan is not going to be missed in the two games, but I'm still happy they enforced the suspension.
Boz: Jordan left the team after last season and then decided to rejoin the team this season. He played in the 3-on-3 tournament during that time that he decided he was done with basketball. The rules are the rules and it's not like Jordan will be dearly missed during the first two games of the season against SIU-Edwardsville and Northern Illinois.
OVER/UNDER
1) Brady Quinn makes the start for the Browns this week. Over or under 1.5 touchdowns for Quinn on Monday night?
Ben: UNDER. The Browns haven't scored two touchdown this season as a whole.
Boz: UNDER. He's still on the Browns and he's going against the Ravens defense. That's all I need to say.
2) Tom Brady and Peyton Manning square off against one another on Sunday night. Over or under five total touchdowns between the two of them?
Ben: OVER. Best QB's in the league with pass-first offenses. High scoring.
Boz: OVER. These are two of the best quarterbacks in the league and I think the two of them light up the scoreboard on national tv.
3) The SEC referees have been under fire the last couple weeks for missed calls. Over or under two missed calls for the SEC refs this weekend?
Ben: OVER. The SEC refs are TERRIBLE -- they will mess something up.
Boz: UNDER. I got to imagine that the SEC wants to get this problem under control and will put the referees under a close eye. The refs will get it right this weekend.
HAPPY HOUR
Ben: I want to say thanks to family members that are currently overseas - specifically my cousin PFC Andrew Tarchinski who has been back and forth between Afghanistan and homeland over the last 3 years or so. I really appreciate everyone serving in the armed forces, especially my cousin because we miss him and hope he comes home safe.
Boz: Instead of wishing anyone a happy birthday today, I want to thank anyone who has served, will serve or is currently serving in war. I want to thank them for laying their lives on the line for our country.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Day 46: The Broncos, Andre Agassi, Jim Boeheim and more
HEADLINES
1) The Denver Broncos lost at home on Monday Night Football to the Steelers, dropping their second game in a row after starting 6-0. Can the Broncos hold off the charging Chargers?
Ben: No way. The Chargers are more talented and have always seemingly found a way to beat the Broncos when it counts. I think Orton is a solid quarterback for them, but he will not be able to keep up the level of play he's been on -- and neither will the defense. I think it's just a matter of time before the Chargers catch and pass the Bronocs for the division lead.
Boz: No. Kyle Orton and the Broncos offense is coming back to earth and it showed last night as the offense was only able to put up three points. The Chargers are playing good football and there is only two quarterbacks playing better than Phillip Rivers (Brees and Peyton Manning). The Broncos get a win this Sunday since they are playing the Redskins, but they host the Chargers in two weeks. Denver is only a game up on the Chargers and I don't think that the Broncos will win the division. I'm not even ready to guarentee them a spot in the playoffs.
2) Marat Safin has stated that he feels that Andre Agassi should give back all of his career winnings and titles to the ATP for failing a drug test and lying about it to get the positive test thrown out? Do you agree with Safin?
Ben: Seriously Safin? I guess giving back all his winnings from that season and the titles during that year would make sense, I guess. But, it turns out that Agassi didn't benefit at all from those addicitons and was actually on the worst stretch of his career when these incidents were taking place. If it was something you really, really wanted to pursue Safin, I'm not going to say its terrible -- but look at the results, Agassi was playing terrible and not winning money because of the drugs, they were not helping him in any way.
Boz: No. First of all, Marat Safin needs to take a look in the mirror and examine his career. He's not exactly the type of guy that needs to be judging another player. As far as Agassi giving back his career winnings and titles, I completely disagree. We've already covered on this blog that Agassi's addiction and failed drug test were during his worst year of his career where he didn't win any titles. It's not like he was taking a performance enhancer, but the exact opposite. A lot of people are being critical of Agassi, but it was your average guy that became addicted to a dangerous drug and kicked his addiction, we'd be applauding him for turning his life around. I'm not saying to applaud Agassi's decision to use crystal meth, but I am saying applaud his willpower to turn his life around.
3) Syracuse defeated Albany, 75-43, to clinch the 800th win of Jim Boeheim's career, becoming just the eighth division I coach to reach the 800 plateau. Where does Boeheim rank among the all-time greats?
Ben: He's a good coach, and probably in the top 20 of all-time coaches, but just because he amasses a lot of victories doesn't mean he's a good coach. He coaches at a BCS school that is able to recruit the New York area. He should win games. He has perfected the 3-2 zone and he has coached some fantastic teams, but to put him in a category with Bobby Knight or Coach K -- would just be wrong.
Boz: I would probably put Boeheim fifth all-time, which is saying a lot because there have been a ton of very good coaches in college basketball. My top five would be: (1) Dean Smith, (2) Bobby Knight, (3) Adolph Rupp, (4) Coach K and (5) Jim Boeheim. I've been a big Jim Boeheim fan over the years and it's been fun to watch a team succeed so much by playing a zone defense. When playing rec basketball leagues, I love to scheme with different defenses, going from man to zone. Boeheim has shown that he is the master of scheming defenses and I hope that he remains in the game for more years to come.
4) Two sources have stated that the Cleveland Browns will start Brady Quinn (once again) for the Browns' Monday Night Football game at home against the Ravens. Is it a good move for the Browns to keep switching quarterbacks?
Ben: Nothing the Browns do is a good move anymore. Switching QB's, trading WR's, releasing DT, it's all terrible for the Browns, and I don't see it improving in the next 2-3 years. They are bad, and I don't even see a glimpse of a rebuilding plan. There is no way that any move relating to the QB's will turn out good -- and this move falls under that category.
Boz: No. They've already benched Brady Quinn for Derek Anderson. Now they're benching Derek Anderson for Brady Quinn. The Browns offense is awful and the decisions being made for the offense are even more pitiful. I do think that Quinn is the better choice at quarterback for the Browns. Quinn is a talented quarterback and can be successful in the NFL, but he doesn't have a strong enough offensive line and not enough weapons around him to help him succeed with the Browns. Not many quarterbacks in the NFL would succeed with the Browns at this point.
TOSS-UP
1) Who will be the better rookie quarterback? Josh Freeman, Mark Sanchez or Matthew Stafford?
Ben: Matt Stafford. I like Stafford and actually think he and Sanchez will have comparable rookie seasons. I'm being a homer and picking Stafford, but I think he's learning more about every facet of the game from his time with the Lions because of their struggles at every facet of the game.
Boz: This is a tough call. Freeman is the flavor of the month right now and Sanchez was the flavor of the month earlier in the season. And I think that Stafford as the best arm. However, I'm sticking with Sanchez because he has the better team around him and with that defense, he doesn't have to be fantastic to win football games.
2) Which quarterback is having the better season? Kyle Orton or Jay Cutler?
Ben: Orton. Wins are the only thing that matters for QB's. Orton has it right now, and he's also been more careful with the football this season committing fewer turnovers.
Boz: Right now, Kyle Orton. Plain and simple...Orton is 6-2, Cutler is 4-4. Cutler has more yards and more touchdowns, but it all comes down to winning games. Ask me this question again in week 14 and the answer might be different.
3) Which mid-major football team is the better team? TCU or Boise State?
Ben: Boise State. I like the Broncos, and while I think TCU will be a better BCS team and probably bump the Broncos from a BCS bowl, I think Boise has been soild, if unspectacular this season.
Boz: TCU. Boise State has beaten Oregon, but TCU has a win at Clemson and at BYU. The Horned Frogs are tough on defense and I am actually now hoping that they get a shot at the BCS title shot.
HAPPY HOUR
Ben: Happy 38th Birthday Steve Young. Young was a fantastic QB for the 49ers, but also spent time with the Bucs and the USFL. He is one of the few QB's that have followed a legend (Montana) and became a legend themselves. Very few have been able to do it, survive the pressure and have a successful career. It might have caused him 20 concussions, but he was the perfect fit for San Fran at the time.
Boz: Happy 41st Birthday Sammy Sosa. Apparently you received a skin rejuvenation kit for your birthday because that was your explanation for why you looked ghostly in a recent picture. Sosa use to be one of my favorite players, but now I don't miss him one bit and I didn't even feel bad that Jason Marquis and Milton Bradley have since worn his #21 jersey.
1) The Denver Broncos lost at home on Monday Night Football to the Steelers, dropping their second game in a row after starting 6-0. Can the Broncos hold off the charging Chargers?
Ben: No way. The Chargers are more talented and have always seemingly found a way to beat the Broncos when it counts. I think Orton is a solid quarterback for them, but he will not be able to keep up the level of play he's been on -- and neither will the defense. I think it's just a matter of time before the Chargers catch and pass the Bronocs for the division lead.
Boz: No. Kyle Orton and the Broncos offense is coming back to earth and it showed last night as the offense was only able to put up three points. The Chargers are playing good football and there is only two quarterbacks playing better than Phillip Rivers (Brees and Peyton Manning). The Broncos get a win this Sunday since they are playing the Redskins, but they host the Chargers in two weeks. Denver is only a game up on the Chargers and I don't think that the Broncos will win the division. I'm not even ready to guarentee them a spot in the playoffs.
2) Marat Safin has stated that he feels that Andre Agassi should give back all of his career winnings and titles to the ATP for failing a drug test and lying about it to get the positive test thrown out? Do you agree with Safin?
Ben: Seriously Safin? I guess giving back all his winnings from that season and the titles during that year would make sense, I guess. But, it turns out that Agassi didn't benefit at all from those addicitons and was actually on the worst stretch of his career when these incidents were taking place. If it was something you really, really wanted to pursue Safin, I'm not going to say its terrible -- but look at the results, Agassi was playing terrible and not winning money because of the drugs, they were not helping him in any way.
Boz: No. First of all, Marat Safin needs to take a look in the mirror and examine his career. He's not exactly the type of guy that needs to be judging another player. As far as Agassi giving back his career winnings and titles, I completely disagree. We've already covered on this blog that Agassi's addiction and failed drug test were during his worst year of his career where he didn't win any titles. It's not like he was taking a performance enhancer, but the exact opposite. A lot of people are being critical of Agassi, but it was your average guy that became addicted to a dangerous drug and kicked his addiction, we'd be applauding him for turning his life around. I'm not saying to applaud Agassi's decision to use crystal meth, but I am saying applaud his willpower to turn his life around.
3) Syracuse defeated Albany, 75-43, to clinch the 800th win of Jim Boeheim's career, becoming just the eighth division I coach to reach the 800 plateau. Where does Boeheim rank among the all-time greats?
Ben: He's a good coach, and probably in the top 20 of all-time coaches, but just because he amasses a lot of victories doesn't mean he's a good coach. He coaches at a BCS school that is able to recruit the New York area. He should win games. He has perfected the 3-2 zone and he has coached some fantastic teams, but to put him in a category with Bobby Knight or Coach K -- would just be wrong.
Boz: I would probably put Boeheim fifth all-time, which is saying a lot because there have been a ton of very good coaches in college basketball. My top five would be: (1) Dean Smith, (2) Bobby Knight, (3) Adolph Rupp, (4) Coach K and (5) Jim Boeheim. I've been a big Jim Boeheim fan over the years and it's been fun to watch a team succeed so much by playing a zone defense. When playing rec basketball leagues, I love to scheme with different defenses, going from man to zone. Boeheim has shown that he is the master of scheming defenses and I hope that he remains in the game for more years to come.
4) Two sources have stated that the Cleveland Browns will start Brady Quinn (once again) for the Browns' Monday Night Football game at home against the Ravens. Is it a good move for the Browns to keep switching quarterbacks?
Ben: Nothing the Browns do is a good move anymore. Switching QB's, trading WR's, releasing DT, it's all terrible for the Browns, and I don't see it improving in the next 2-3 years. They are bad, and I don't even see a glimpse of a rebuilding plan. There is no way that any move relating to the QB's will turn out good -- and this move falls under that category.
Boz: No. They've already benched Brady Quinn for Derek Anderson. Now they're benching Derek Anderson for Brady Quinn. The Browns offense is awful and the decisions being made for the offense are even more pitiful. I do think that Quinn is the better choice at quarterback for the Browns. Quinn is a talented quarterback and can be successful in the NFL, but he doesn't have a strong enough offensive line and not enough weapons around him to help him succeed with the Browns. Not many quarterbacks in the NFL would succeed with the Browns at this point.
TOSS-UP
1) Who will be the better rookie quarterback? Josh Freeman, Mark Sanchez or Matthew Stafford?
Ben: Matt Stafford. I like Stafford and actually think he and Sanchez will have comparable rookie seasons. I'm being a homer and picking Stafford, but I think he's learning more about every facet of the game from his time with the Lions because of their struggles at every facet of the game.
Boz: This is a tough call. Freeman is the flavor of the month right now and Sanchez was the flavor of the month earlier in the season. And I think that Stafford as the best arm. However, I'm sticking with Sanchez because he has the better team around him and with that defense, he doesn't have to be fantastic to win football games.
2) Which quarterback is having the better season? Kyle Orton or Jay Cutler?
Ben: Orton. Wins are the only thing that matters for QB's. Orton has it right now, and he's also been more careful with the football this season committing fewer turnovers.
Boz: Right now, Kyle Orton. Plain and simple...Orton is 6-2, Cutler is 4-4. Cutler has more yards and more touchdowns, but it all comes down to winning games. Ask me this question again in week 14 and the answer might be different.
3) Which mid-major football team is the better team? TCU or Boise State?
Ben: Boise State. I like the Broncos, and while I think TCU will be a better BCS team and probably bump the Broncos from a BCS bowl, I think Boise has been soild, if unspectacular this season.
Boz: TCU. Boise State has beaten Oregon, but TCU has a win at Clemson and at BYU. The Horned Frogs are tough on defense and I am actually now hoping that they get a shot at the BCS title shot.
HAPPY HOUR
Ben: Happy 38th Birthday Steve Young. Young was a fantastic QB for the 49ers, but also spent time with the Bucs and the USFL. He is one of the few QB's that have followed a legend (Montana) and became a legend themselves. Very few have been able to do it, survive the pressure and have a successful career. It might have caused him 20 concussions, but he was the perfect fit for San Fran at the time.
Boz: Happy 41st Birthday Sammy Sosa. Apparently you received a skin rejuvenation kit for your birthday because that was your explanation for why you looked ghostly in a recent picture. Sosa use to be one of my favorite players, but now I don't miss him one bit and I didn't even feel bad that Jason Marquis and Milton Bradley have since worn his #21 jersey.
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