Monday, December 29, 2008

NFL Week 17 Wrap Up

(Long sigh) Well, I guess that dream of having a perfect week is done. Way too many surprises this week and with all of those surprises, some folks got left out of the playoffs. Let's take a look.

St. Louis @ Atlanta - Not much else to say. This Falcons team has done it, they made the playoffs and they have an opportunity to win their first playoff game in a long time. This has been a tough year for them with the loss (by his own stupidity) of Mike Vick and the skipping town of Bobby Petrino. They get a top flight QB in Matt Ryan and he goes out (with a great running game from Michael Turner) and leads them to an 11-5 record. I will have to say that the Rams played well throughout this game and almost pulled it out at the end. Inquisitive Mind 1 - 0 for the week.

New England @ Buffalo - Can I take this one back? The Bills are officially off my list of picks until the middle of next year. Yes, it was windy during this game, but the lack of desire showed the most. Dick Jauron, you have one year to turn this around or you are gone. Inquisitive Mind 1 - 1 for the week.

Kansas City @ Cincinnati - I did flip a coin on this one. If Cedric Benson would have played like this in Chicago, he'd still be there. I think both of these teams are glad the season is over. Inquisitive Mind 1 - 2 for the week.

Detroit @ Green Bay - Well Aaron Rodgers didn't let his team lose to the Lions. They tried, but they didn't. The Lions are the only team to go 0-16 in the NFL, EVER!!!! Just take that in for a little bit. Rod Marinelli was given his walking papers shortly there after. I can say this, the Lions didn't quit, they just got beat by a better team. Inquisitive Mind 2 - 2 for the week.

Tennessee @ Indianapolis - Well, the Colts did what they were supposed to do and beat the Titans. People better not forget that this team just won the Super Bowl a few years back and they are hitting their stride right now. Very dangerous. Inquisitive Mind 3 - 2 for the week.

New York Giants @ Minnesota - This game came down to the last second and the Vikings won on a field goal. Peterson had a good game and should garner at least some MVP votes. He carried this team figuratively. This win, coupled with the stinker the Bears showed, put the Vikings in the playoffs. Brad Childress, your job is safe for at least another year. Inquisitive Mind 3 - 3 for the week.

Carolina @ New Orleans - The Panthers put their foot on the Saints early but they ended up letting off a little and had there been about 20 seconds left on the clock, they could have lost by a field goal. Nevertheless, the Panthers won, and take their spot in the playoffs. Inquisitive Mind 4 - 3 for the week.

Cleveland @ Pittsburgh - Bye bye Phil Savage and Romeo Crennel, hello Scott Pioli (maybe). Inquisitive Mind 5 - 3 for the week.

Oakland @ Tampa Bay - The Bucs don't deserve to go to the playoffs. They lost to the Raiders. I mean THE sorriest team in the NFL (well the Lions get a nod over them). If you would have told me that the Bucs would lose their last 3 games due to bad tackling, I would have told you that you are crazy. The Bucs tackle, that's what they hang their hats on. Chuckie has to go. Inquisitive Mind 5 - 4 for the week.

Chicago @ Houston - All you have to do is win this game and you are most likely in (the Vikings game was at the same time). These bamas from the Bears were checking their blackberries on the sideline to check the Vikings/Giants score instead of actually going out and winning a game. That's all I have to say. Lovie has to go, Ron Turner has to go, and some of these over the hill defensive players (yes Brian Urlacher, that's you) have to go too. Inquisitive Mind 6 - 4 for the week.

Jacksonville @ Baltimore - The Ravens beat the team in front of them and surprise, the Ravens get to play next weekend. Joe Flacco has played pretty well for a rookie and that team is led by their defense. They have a chance against any team in the AFC. Dangerous!!! Inquisitive Mind 7 - 4 for the week.

Washington @ San Francisco - I flipped a coin on this one too. (That was a bad luck coin) Finally the Redskins season is over and I for one am glad. They peaked way too early (like week 5) and they have been all downhill since then. I actually expect some off season change for the Redskins. Inquisitive Mind 7 - 5 for the week.

Miami @ New York Jets - Talk about a dish served cold. Chad Pennington had to enjoy this win. He beats the guy that they brought in to take his job and he beats the organization that gave up on him. A little added bonus is that he knocked the Jets out of the playoffs while taking his team TO the playoffs. Irony is all over the place. Mangini gets fired and life is what it is in New York these days. Inquisitive Mind 7 - 6 for the week.

Dallas @ Philadelphia - (hahahahahahahahahahaha) I needed that one. Talk about the biggest collapse of a team over a season. The Cowboys knew coming in to this game that if they win, they are in. What do they do? They come in and get their a$$ handed to them. I'm talking about it was served up to them on nice white tablecloths, with fine china. The Eagles dominated this game from the 2nd quarter on. The Cowboys got beat 44 - 6 in a game where they had to win to make the playoffs. Expect some changes in Dallas. Inquisitive Mind 8 - 6 for the week.

Seattle @ Arizona - Finally a win since clinching the playoffs. The Cardinals haven't looked good over the last week, but they did beat the Seahawks. For all of that hard work, they get the Eagles next week. Congrats!!!! Inquisitive Mind 9 - 6 for the week.

San Diego @ Denver - Cutler was real quiet at the end of this game. Doesn't feel good to get blasted 52 - 21, huh? Well, the Chargers make the playoffs. That's the hardest sentence that I have put together today. The Chargers have sucked all year long and then they win this game and win the AFC West. Life isn't fair. Inquisitive Mind 10 - 6 for the week.

Friday, December 26, 2008

NFL Week 17 Match Up

This is my last chance. Looking for that perfect week.

St. Louis @ Atlanta - Well, the Falcons are in the playoffs and the Rams aren't playing for anything. I don't even think they are playing to win this week. The Falcons still have a chance for the NFC South title. Winner - Falcons

New England @ Buffalo - You'll have all of the NYJ fans rooting for the Bills. The Patriots are going to be without some of their defensive stalwarts (read: old guys) and a chance to win the AFC East is waiting for them. Let me say this, I don't like Belicheat, but this would be a hell of a coaching job if he gets this team into the playoffs. Buffalo has surprised over the last two weeks. Let's see if they can do it again. Winner - Bills

Kansas City @ Cincinnati - Can we just flip a coin and give the win to one of these teams? I mean, there's nothing about this game that many people will want to watch. Let's see (flipping coin). Winner - Bengals

Detroit @ Green Bay - All I have to say is that Aaron Rodgers can NOT lose this game. If he has to play both sides of the ball, he has to make sure the Lions go winless. Winner - Packers

Tennessee @ Indianapolis - This ought to be a good game. The Titans come to Indy and the Colts are looking marvelous darling. This is a statement game for the Colts, they win this, and people are going to forget about the Steelers at least for a while. Winner - Colts

New York Giants @ Minnesota - The only reason that the Giants will win this game is because Tom Coughlin won't let his guys relax. They gotta go into the playoffs winning and hope that it translates. The Vikings need this game to lock up the NFC North, can they do it? Winner - Giants

Carolina @ New Orleans - Another statement game for the Panthers. The last one they lost (to the Giants) and now they have a chance to right that wrong. Drew Brees needs 402 yards to break Dan Marino's passing record, if he gets it, the Panthers are done. Winner - Panthers

Cleveland @ Pittsburgh - No chance. That's what the Browns have. Game 17, at Heinz Field, with the Steelers coming off a loss. Winner - Steelers

Oakland @ Tampa Bay - The Bucs have a chance to get into the playoffs but they have to beat the team in front of them and right now, that's a good thing. The Bucs get the reeling Raiders and they get them at home, where that Tampa defense plays well. I expect the them to. Winner - Bucs

Chicago @ Houston - I want the Bears to win, but this game really scares me. They don't have the weather (from playing in Chicago) to help, they are having some problems on both sides of the ball, and the Texans are playing well. This is almost a coin flip too. Winner - Texans

Jacksonville @ Baltimore - So you're telling me you have a rookie QB and all he has to do is help you win this one game and you make the playoffs? You're playing at home and you have Ray Lewis and that defense. Winner - Ravens

Washington @ San Francisco - Well, Singletary is coming back next year and Jim Zorn has turned his team from a winner to something else. Neither of these teams are going to the playoffs. I'm rooting for Jason Campbell to play well. This is another coin flip. Winner - Redskins

Miami @ New York Jets - This is it. Brett Favre, this is why you came out of retirement. This is why you came to the J-E-T-S. This is it. You win this game and the Packers have to eat some crow, right? Winner - Jets

Dallas @ Philadelphia - Whew!!! This is the game that I want to be sitting at and watching. TO comes to town with a need to win to get into the playoffs. Donovan needs to win in order to keep the Eagles slim playoff hopes alive. Dallas has to win this game or heads will roll. Winner - Eagles

Seattle @ Arizona - Ok Cardinals, you made the playoffs a few weeks ago but since then you haven't done a thing. Show us that you can win a game, I mean just one game to make us feel like you will be a playoff threat. Please?!?!! Winner - Cardinals

Denver @ San Diego - I'm so pissed about this game. You mean to tell me as bad as the Chargers have played the entire year, that if they win this game, they are going to the playoffs?!?!? That has got to be some luck or just destiny. I guess we'll see. Winner - Chargers

NFL Week 16 Wrap Up

Great week, lots of catching up.

Indianapolis @ Jacksonville - The Colts seem to hitting their stride now. The Jaguars gave the Colts all they can handle, but the Colts pulled it out. Inquisitive Mind 1 - 0 for the week.

Baltimore @ Dallas - Talk about putting the kids to bed. This was a great game made even funnier by listening to Marshall Faulk and Deion Sanders on the NFL Network. All I got to say is you let the Ravens run the same play (basically) twice, one for a 77 yard score and the next for a 82 yard score. Dallas is done folks. Yes, done. Inquisitive Mind 2 - 0 for the week.

Cincinnati @ Cleveland - This is sad. The Bengals shut you out. Bye bye Romeo. Inquisitive Mind 3 - 0 for the week.

San Francisco @ St. Louis - Two bad teams, but actually a good game. Good stops by both defense and the offenses at least put up 16 points a piece. Mike Singletary will have a job next year. Inquisitive Mind 4 - 0 for the week.

New Orleans @ Detroit - Wow. Butt whuppin and you are 0-15. This is sad. The Lions don't have a chance next week to even get a win. 0-16 here we come. Inquisitive Mind 5 - 0 for the week.

Pittsburgh @ Tennessee - I said that the Steelers don't lose these games and then they do. The Titans showed us that although they got beat by a lowly team, they are still a force to reckon with. Inquisitive Mind 5 - 1 for the week.

Miami @Kansas City - They waited till the end of the game, but they did pull it out. Miami might mess around and win the AFC East. They do have a chance. Inquisitive Mind 6 - 1 for the week.

Arizona @ New England - A doughnut. A fat zero. Matt Cassel for President. Well, maybe not President, but this guy has shown that he can play. 47 - 7 is very decisive. Arizona made the playoffs, but they do not look good. Inquisitive Mind 6 - 2 for the week.

San Diego @ Tampa Bay - Wow, another home loss? What happened to the Bucs? They are getting it handed to them every week. They now don't control their destiny for the playoffs which is dangerous. Inquisitive Min 6 - 3 for the week.

Houston @ Oakland - They didn't win the game that they are supposed to win. Disappointing. Very disappointing. Inquisitive Mind 6 - 4 for the week.

Buffalo @ Denver - What is going on? The Bills haven't played football for weeks. And then they go and do this?!?!? This keeps the Chargers in the playoff hunt. Amazing. Inquisitive Mind 6 - 5 for the week.

New York Jets @ Seattle - Excuse me while I throw up in my mouth. You have really got to be kidding me. You go west and lose this game? I mean you really don't even show up AND you mess around to put your playoff chances in jeopardy. Inquisitive Mind 6 - 6 for the week.

Atlanta @ Minnesota - And the people in Chicago are happier for this win than anyone else. Please applaud this Falcons team because no one, and I mean NO ONE thought they would make the playoffs with a rookie QB and all of the stuff that has been the Falcons over the last year. Inquisitive Mind 7 - 6 for the week.

Philadelphia @ Washington - Another $hitty performance by the Eagles. Now, they have to beat the Cowboys next week in order to even have a chance. That last second catch would have been a touchdown if the right referee crew would have been working. Inquisitive Mind 7 - 7 for the week.

Carolina @ New York Giants - I don't know why I even do this on a weekly basis. This really sucks. The Giants ended up running all over the Panthers. The Giants are for real and now next week is a worthless game for them. Inquisitive Mind 7 - 8 for the week.

Green Bay @ Chicago - The Bears needed overtime, but they pulled it off. They live yet another week, although they are on life support. Mike Brown is out for the year and the Bears offense is struggling. Inquisitive Mind 8 -8 for the week.

Monday, December 22, 2008

NYSTOM Top Ranked Player Index

Ok, it's that time and NYSTOM has given us his updated rankings (a little late I might add, just jokes man) and there may be a few surprises. Let us know what you think.

Is NYSTOM crazy? Is your favorite player where you thought he'd be on this list? Was there someone that was left off?

Friday, December 19, 2008

NFL Week 16 Match Up

(Yes this post will go on even though the Colts /Jags game was already played. But I couldn't pick the Jaguars by any means. I'm honest folks)

Indianapolis @ Jacksonville - This is a game that the Colts have to win. The Jaguars normally scare them at least once a year. I gotta go with Peyton Manning and give the Colts this win as they head towards the playoffs. Winner - Colts

Baltimore @ Dallas - This is the biggest game of the Ravens season with that terrible loss to the Steelers still hanging not so freshly in the air. This is the last game at Texas Stadium and I hope the Ravens close it out in grand style. This is a heart pick. Winner - Ravens

Cincinnati @ Cleveland - I guess one of these teams has to win right? Nope, they could get a tie. I'd imagine that would be the best way for this game to end. Who do you pick? This is really a hard one. Winner - Bengals

San Francisco @ St. Louis - Another game with two bad teams. This one is for Mike Singletary. Winner - 49ers

New Orleans @ Detroit - 0-15 here we come. This could actually be a win for the Lions too. I might actually watch this one because if the Lions lose they play Green Bay the last game of the season and I guarantee you that the last thing Aaron Rodgers wants to go down in history for is losing to a defeated team. Winner - Saints

Pittsburgh @ Tennessee - This is a whopper. Do the Titans bounce back from their terrible outing against Houston or do they continue to falter down the stretch. This is for home field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs. The Steelers don't lose these games. Never. Winner - Steelers

Miami @ Kansas City - This is easy pickins for the Dolphins if they can hold up in the cold. How windy will it be in KC? Chad Pennington doesn't have that strong an arm. Always go with the better coached team. Winner - Dolphins

Arizona @ New England - Another warm weather team visiting some cold weather. Yes, Kurt Warner has some MVP votes, but if they don't turn it around soon, it could be a quick out for the Cardinals in the playoffs. The New England defense is dead, or at least very hurt and they are still ancient. I gotta go with the Cards in a close one. I may regret this pick though. Winner - Cardinals

San Diego @ Tampa Bay - In past years this would be a marquee matchup, especially this late in the season. For now, the Bucs have their playoff fate in their hands and they can't get run on 3 games in a row. I will not be crying on Sunday afternoon after this game. Winner - Bucs

Houston @ Oakland - Win the games that you're supposed to win. Winner - Texans

Buffalo @ Denver - Weren't these two playoff teams a few weeks ago? This was a stinker for the Bills when they first met and I expect much of the same this time around too. Winner - Broncos

New York Jets @ Seattle - Mike Holmgren's last game in Seattle and he gets Brett Favre. This can't even be written any better, even if someone tried. The Jets, all feelings aside, HAVE to win this game in order to win their division and go to the playoffs. I mean HAVE like if they lose this game, Bill Belicheck will be considered a genius for guiding that Patriots team into the playoffs. Winner - Jets

Atlanta @ Minnesota - Interesting for all NFC Central players. If the Vikings win, they hold their own destiny in their hands and they pretty much kill the Bears chances of doing anything but ending the season early. I'll just say that you'll see a lot of people rooting for the Falcons in Chi-town. Winner - Falcons

Philadelphia @ Washington - With their season pretty much a wrap, the Redskins are playing for their coach Jim Zorn. Don't know if that's a good thing or not. The Eagles seem to be on a train of destiny to at least make it interesting to see if they can make the playoffs. I'm riding with them. Winner - Eagles

Carolina @ New York Giants - Should be another whopper. The Giants still need to prove that they are the juggernaut that we thought they were and that will help with Brandon Jacobs returning to the lineup. Two good/great defenses, and I gotta go with the one that you'd never thought would win this game. Winner - Panthers

Green Bay @ Chicago - With the weather scheduled to be in the minuses on Monday in Chicago, this is going to be a great game. I'll watch it on TV, that stadium is cold when it's 50 degrees outside, and I won't step into to it in negative territory. The Bears have to win to keep their playoff hopes alive although their fate may already be sealed prior to kickoff. At least Aaron Rodgers can say that he beat the Bears, right? Winner - Bears

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

NFL Week 15 Wrap Up

Another good batch of games. 10 and 6 from last week. Cumulative coming soon.

New Orleans @ Chicago - Overtime. In the cold. Pierre Thomas, welcome back to the Chi. Bears escape with one and keep their slim playoff hopes alive. I'm talking Calista Flockhart slim. Inquisitive Mind 1 - 0 for the week.

Tampa Bay @ Atlanta - Again? That's two weeks in a row of not being able to stop the run. Tony Dungy is crying on the inside somewhere. And they lose Jermaine Phillips for the year. Times are hard on the boulevard for the Bucs. Inquisitive Mind 1 - 1 for the week.

Detroit @ Indianapolis - There is some fight left in that dog or in this case lion. The Lions gave the Colts all they could handle before losing the game late. The Colts looked meticulous at times, but still off kilter a little bit. Inquisitive Mind 2 - 1 for the week.

San Diego @ Kansas City - Talk about cutting it close. I almost wanted the Chiefs to win this game because the Chargers seem to have this air about them that teams should just lay down and not play them. It almost cost them in this game. Again, the Chiefs are showing that they do know how to play football. Inquisitive Mind 3 - 1 for the week.

Seattle @ St. Louis - Well Big Game Torry Holt had a decent game but the defense let Seneca Wallace close them out. Well Rams, there's always next year, but that doesn't look good either. Inquisitive Mind 3 - 2 for the week.

San Francisco @ Miami - A 14-9 game? All I can say is that I'm glad that I picked the Dolphins. After you beat the Jets, you lay an egg the next week. Inquisitive Mind 4 - 2 for the week.

Buffalo @ New York Jets - It was a sluggfest, but the Jets came out on top. Thank God for defense. Brett, study your team jerseys so you know who to throw to. Marshawn Lynch finally had a decent game, but no TDs. Inquisitive Mind 5 - 2 for the week.

Tennessee @ Houston - Well, I was right and wrong. This Texans team has something good going for them. I was wrong when I said this week, we wouldn't see it. They shocked the Titans by taking away the running game. Did anyone see this? They took away the Titans running game and then beat them. Inquisitive Mind 5 - 3 for the week.

Green Bay @ Jacksonville - Finally some life in Jacksonville, or some terrible play in Green Bay. I think a little of both. The Packers haven't won a game in weeks and Jacksonville is playing out the string. Inquisitive Mind 5 - 4 for the week.

Minnesota @ Arizona - Tavaris Jackson with 4 TD passes? You can't even do that on Madden. That's all I got to say. Inquisitive Mind 5 - 5 for the week.

Denver @ Carolina - No contest. I'm surprised that Cutler made it out of NC in a vertical position. Inquisitive Mind 6 - 5 for the week.

Pittsburgh @ Baltimore - THAT WASN'T A TD!!!! There's no conclusive evidence that refutes that. What are these referees smoking?!?!?! This one hurt. I mean you hate to play that hard and then have a zebra take the game from you. Yes, the Steelers moved the ball on that possession, but not a TD. Inquisitive Mind 6 - 6 for the week.

New England @ Oakland - The only thing that surprised me in this game was that Oakland put up 26 points. I didn't think that they could. I mean, they are a baaaad team. Inquisitive Mind 7 - 6 for the week.

New York Giants @ Dallas - TO, do you want to know why people think that you're the source of a lot of this drama? Because you are. You act like a jilted girlfriend and then want to come out and clear things up about how you never said this, you never initiated this meeting, you just told your teammate that you didn't want to talk anymore about the issue, you berate your QB (then cry for him in the same breathe), and you still wonder why the media characterizes you in a negative manner. Dude, it's YOU!!!!!! Inquisitive Mind 8 - 6 for the week.

Cleveland @ Philadelphia - I'm happy for the Eagles keeping their slim playoff hopes alive, but that will mean more Andy Reid next year, not a good thing. Romeo is gone, and I'm hoping that the Philly fans pay attention to what happened in Green Bay this year. They got rid of Favre and went with Aaron Rodgers. I don't even think Kevin Kolb is as good as Aaron Rodgers. Inquisitive Mind 9 - 6 for the week.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Another One Bites the Dust

Wow,....looks like it's a bad time to be a black head coach in the NBA. Reggie Theus has been ousted by the Sacramento Kings. What's the deally with all of these firings? C-O-N-SPIRACY!!!! I guess the message in all of this is don't lose to the Knicks.

Kenny Natt has been promoted to interim head coach.

NBA Round Up 12-15-08

Memphis - Free Antoine!!!! Maybe this will happen soon. Walker is expecting a buy out from the Grizzlies soon. After that, he's a free agent who could still give you some quality minutes a night. Any takers?

Golden State - Buyer's remorse? The Warriors are already trying to trade one of their most prized free agent pickups in Corey Maggette. Why? You just paid him $50M over 5 years and he's one of your best players. Me thinks that this one doesn't get much farther than the feelers that the Warriors put out. Why is this dude always slept on when you have a team that needs scoring?
Denver - With the Nuggets looking for another big to go along with Nene and Kenyon Martin, Linas Kleiza definitely has his bags packed. Who can use a 6'10" forward with a propensity to shoot the ball from 3? There should be lots of takers for Kleiza, especially in the West.

Golden State - On the comeback. This is the week that Monta Ellis will be coming off the suspended list. Another cog to be added to the Warriors backcourt. This issue is who are the Warriors going to let go in order to put him on the roster? DeMarcus Nelson, Rob Kurz, or Marcus Williams, one of them should have their bags packed.

Sacramento - Brad Miller's time with the Kings may be coming to an end. With the play of Spencer Hawes and the rest of the rookies (Jason Thompson) playing well, the Kings may part with their veteran center. Miller has always been a decent center and I expect the line to be long for a guy who can rebound and bury the jumper from 15 ft.

Los Angeles - A fresh start? Seems that Darius Miles has worked out for the Clippers in hopes of a reunion with the team that drafted him. If Miles is healthy and can play, he'll have to serve a suspension first, but he'd be able to continue his career in LA. If Doc Rivers didn't think he could play anymore, I doubt that this will really happen. But we shall see. **It seems Miles has been signed by the Grizzlies. Thanks to AverageBro for hitting us up with that information.

Philadelphia - Another coach gone? Why? I mean Mo Cheeks has done everything that the organization asked him to do. The Sixers haven't meshed well with the new addition of Elton Brand, but isn't some of that karma and the way Brand left the Clippers? I didn't want to see Cheeks gone and it's just a rough vocation to be in now with all of these firings. Good luck Mo, we'll see you coaching again soon.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Catching Up

It's been a tough few days. Got this cold and it has really put me down for the count. Just coming out of it and I have so much to catch up on. Let's see what we've missed.

Lucky Man - Seems that Sheldon Williams and Cadace Parker have eloped and are now married. At least we know he can score (yes it was cheap, but c'mon).


B$#(% Move - TO is upset because he feels that Romo and Witten spend all of their time coming up with plays for Romo to go to Witten. Ok, I like TO, but this is some jealous b#$@( stuff. If he was a woman, you'd have to be done with him. Too much DRAMA.


Diamond in the Rough
- If you haven't seen Stephen Curry play yet, you're missing a treat. Curry plays for Davidson who made a splash last year in the NCAAs and this year Curry has moved to the point instead of his natural shooting guard position. This kid has no conscious and tends to take good shots for his team to win. Davidson isn't as talented as they were last year, but take some time to watch this kid before he goes to the NBA next year.


Melo Out
- I always knew Melo could score, but matching the Ice Man, George Gervin's record for most points in a quarter (33 points). Congrats Melo, and maybe the sadder part is they needed those points to beat the Timberwolves. I'm with Charles Barkley on this one,....you won't score 33 points on me in a quarter without me getting thrown out of the game. Someone should have laid Melo out.


NBA Trades -

Suns get Jason Richardson and Jared Dudley for Boris Diaw, Sean Singletary, and Raja Bell. Not sure why this one was even done? I mean Richardson is a good scorer, but the Suns gave up their top reserve and a defensive specialist. I have to like this for the Suns for that reason, but it's not much of an upgrade. I expect Sean Singletary to be released, maybe he returns to the Suns in a few weeks.

Wizards get Mike James and Javaris Crittendon, the Hornets get Antonio Daniels (plus a conditional second round pick), and the Grizzlies get a pick (future first). You can never turn down a two for one, right? (Actually, NYSTOM, you can). But in this case, I'd have to say that the Wizards and the Hornets came out on top. I still like Crittendon and just feel he needs an opportunity. Daniels gives the Hornets a good back up for Chris Paul who can score as well as make plays for others.

NFL Week 15 Matchup

Let's see what we have. The last two weeks have been teerrible, so we'll see if we can't right the ship.

New Orleans @ Chicago - This ought to be interesting, the Bears finally get some kind of home field advantage. It'll be cold and that will mean that the Saints will need to rely on their passing game. There are a few people hurt on each side and still some Duce in NO. Always pick the cold weather team in the cold, right? Winner - Bears

Tampa Bay @ Atlanta - After getting run on by the Panthers to the tune of 299 yards, the Bucs get a good Falcons team which is just as dangerous. That AFC South title just got more interesting if the Bucs win this game. The issue is, it's a home game for the Falcons and they play well at home while the Bucs defense doesn't play well on the road. We know the Bucs are small up front and have problems against bigger running/pounding teams. I'm going with my heart on this one, the Bucs won't let last week happen again. Winner - Bucs

Detroit @ Indianapolis - Can we just go ahead and give them 0-16? I mean last week was really their only chance to win a game. The Colts have this game at home and there is no way they lose this game. The Lions should be looking at their final game against Green Bay, who should be out of the playoff push by then, as their only possible win. Winner - Colts

San Diego @ Kansas City - How bad of a year can it be for the Chargers? Would losing to the Chiefs just be the end of it? There's a chance that could happen. The Chiefs are playing better and the Chargers are still missing something (lots of talent, but no way to tie it together). Pride is on the line here. LT may retire if they lose this game. With that said, I want to see him play next year. Winner - Chargers

Seattle @ St. Louis - Two very bad teams on carpet. Even Matt Hasselbeck deserves a good performance this year. Maybe he can make it back for this game or it's Seneca Wallace again for the Seahawks. I think the Rams finally show up for the season. Look for a big game from BIG GAME Torry Holt. Winner - Rams

San Francisco @ Miami - This ought to be fun. The Dolphins are fighting for the division and the 49ers are fighting for Mike Singletary's job security. This will come down to whether the 49ers can stop the Dolphins ground game. Winner - Dolphins

Buffalo @ New York Jets - This is a must have for the JETS. They have to win this game or the season is over. That's what it comes down to. What are you going to do? Winner - Jets

Tennessee @ Houston - Houston surprised me last week and there's something about that team that I like. They are going to be a team to recon with in the near future. Just not this Sunday. Winner - Titans

Green Bay @ Jacksonville - When do the Jaguars win a game that they need to win? I know that they are out of the playoff hunt, but where's the pride? I'll go with Aaron Rodgers on this one. Winner - Packers

Minnesota @ Arizona - The only thing that keeps the Vikings in this is if someone misses a block and Matt Leinart gets lots of playing time. The Vikings have a terrible pass defense and they are going against some of the best receivers in the game with a 92 1/2 year old (yes that's a joke) quarterback who is playing lights out. But the Cardinals can't stop the run. Hmmmm, tough pick here, but I'll go with the better passing team. Winner - Cardinals

Denver @ Carolina - After last weeks destruction of my Bucs, the Panthers get another team coming into Panthers Stadium. All they need to do is play like they did last week and this one is in the history books. Can the Panthers put two wins in a row? I'm betting on it. Winner - Panthers

Pittsburgh @ Baltimore - Talk about a game that you want to be at, just for the intense nature of it. This is going to be out doors in the cold, two teams that don't like each other, and both teams fighting for the playoffs. It doesn't get much better. Who's defense wins this game for them? It's a toss up, so I gotta go with the home team and take the Ravens. Memo to Ray Lewis, Big Ben sent a text message out saying how he was going to dominate you guys this week. Just an FYI. Winner - Ravens

New England @ Oakland - First off, a moment for Matt Cassel on the loss of his father. That's a tough pill to swallow. They are playing on the west coast, and I expect that Cassel puts on a great performance against the Raiders. Winner - Patriots

New York Giants @ Dallas - Big game. Infighting between Romo and TO. The Giants are trying to get past the Plaxico Burress situation. Both teams fighting for the playoffs. This is also a tough one. I guess, TO being pissed will up his game, but is he a distraction? The Giants are reeling and they have lost some mojo. I'm going with the Cowboys. This ought to be fun. Winner - Cowboys

Cleveland @ Philadelphia - Who would have thunk the Eagles would still be in the playoff hunt. Well they are and they have to win these games out to have a chance. I trust Donovan and the Browns are just terrible. Winner - Eagles

NFL Week 14 Wrap Up

Another bad week, but many exciting games. Let's see how I did.

Oakland @ San Diego - Sacrificial lambs. That's about what this amounted to. The Raiders are that bad and the Chargers are much better, at least this one night. Inquisitive Mind 1 - 0 for the week.

Jacksonville @ Chicago - No frozen fields and stuff, but still cold. The Bears did what they had to do and beat the Jaguars. How sad is it for the Jaguars to have played so well last year and just lay down this year. Yes, they had lot's of injuries, but someone has to play well at least one game. Inquisitive Mind 2 - 0 for the week.

Minnesota @ Detroit - They almost did it. The Lions almost got their win. The Williamses did play and they still almost did it. There is nothing worse than losing to a defeated team. Inquisitive Mind 3 - 0 for the week.

Houston @ Green Bay - Wow!!!!! This Houston team may be close. They came into Lambeau and beat the Packers. I mean, they beat them handily. That's impressive. Will it last longer than a week though? Inquisitive Mind 3 - 1 for the week.

Cleveland @ Tennessee - How bad are the Browns? Romeo, your job is in jeopardy. Better yet, just resign now. I hate saying that because I thought Crennel could turn it around for them. Just too many knuckleheads. This would be a primetime team to take over at this point because they do have some talent. Inquisitive Mind 4 - 1 for the week.

Cincinnati @ Indianapolis - No contest. Inquisitive Mind 5 - 1 for the week.

Atlanta @ New Orleans - Just when I thought the Falcons were for real. They lose this game to a team that isn't going anywhere!!!! Ryan even outplayed Brees and they still lost. D-E-F-E-N-S-E Atlanta, learn something about it. Inquisitive Mind 5 - 2 for the week.

Philadelphia @ New York Giants - I was wrong about this game, but I was happy to be wrong. I've always been an Eagles homer since the days of Harold Carmichael, and then later the Reggie Whites, Brian Dawkins, etc. Great game by the Eagles. Too much drama for the Giants right now. They have to right this ship. Inquisitive Mind 5 - 3 for the week.

Kansas City @ Denver - Like I said Denver does offense, and that's about it. Decent game, but the Chiefs showed some spunk, albeit too late in the season to matter. Inquisitive Mind 6 - 3 for the week.

Miami @ Buffalo - How quickly has it gone downhill for the Bills? Their wagons are done for the year. Chris Berman (from ESPN) should definitely stop picking them. I'm crying on the inside. Inquisitive Mind 7 - 3 for the week.

New York Jets @ San Francisco - You're kidding me right?!?!?! You go to San Fran and lose to that team? When you want to make the playoffs and are in a dogfight in your own division. (Nodding head). Sad. Inquisitive Mind 7 - 4 for the week.

New England @ Seattle - Matt Cassel showing once again that someone is going to pay him after the season is over. This guy is quietly putting up nice backup (for now) QB numbers. I expect him to cash in next year. Inquisitive Mind 8 - 4 for the week.

St. Louis @ Arizona - Blowout!!! Good for the Cardinals to finally show us that they can be for real, even if it's only against the lowly Rams. Stepping stone or fools gold? We'll see. Inquisitive Mind 9 - 4 for the week.

Dallas @ Pittsburgh - Tony Romo meet Neil O'Donnell. That's about what you looked like in this game. The Cowboys had this game won and then Romo decides to give it away. This one hurt. Inquisitive Mind 9 - 5 for the week.

Washington @ Baltimore - This was the last game that the Redskins needed if they were going to try and make the playoffs. Something about Ray Lewis and that Baltimore defense this time of year. The difference is that the Baltimore offense is playing well too. Inquisitive Mind 10 - 5 for the week.

Tampa Bay @ Carolina - (grabbing tissues and crying as I type this) I've never seen an offense treat the Bucs defense like this. NEVER!!!!! Not even when they were bad. This had to hurt the Bucs chances for the playoffs, but it probably demoralized them a little too. I know it did that to me. Inquisitive Mind 10 - 6 for the week.

Thursday, December 04, 2008

Catching Up

The day job is killing me folks. I need some more money. Anyway in an effort to catch up on pretty much everything, here we go.

NFL Suspensions - I told ya'll something wasn't right. These guys are probably going to win their appeals against the NFL and then get blackballed or something. I can't believe that the NFL doctors wouldn't put information out that they knew StarCaps should have been on the banned supplements list. Montez and Cinco, you guys were wrong. (or at least we'll see).


ACC / Big Ten Challenge - Can we stop calling this a challenge until the Big Ten wins one? I mean it's close some years, but dayum, this ain't football. This is basketball, Tobacco Road. This is where the game is played at a high level (until the kids bolt early for the NBA). My Dukies have never lost in this challenge and they won a tough game in a tough arena. UNC should be outlawed for killing the Spartans the way they did. At one point I thought they were pulling people out of the stands and putting them in UNC jerseys so they could play.


Former Star Paralyzed - This one hits home people. I know Rodney Rodgers and this is a tough pill to swallow. This was one of the biggest guys in the world with a big heart. His accident while riding a ATV will paralyze him from the neck down. At least he can still be in his kids life, but it'll be tough when you were as athletically gifted as he was. All our prayers go out to Rodney.


Good Coach Gone - Sam Mitchell was let go as coach of the Toronto Raptors. Why? I mean he's been a good coach and that team isn't healthy. How much better do you think they can be? It sounds like a reason to get the coach that the organization wanted into the mix.


A Leprechaun and a Rabbits Foot
- Charlies Weis has got to have that and more. I mean how can this guy keep his job? He has a worst winning record than the two previous coaches and he just doesn't give me that confidence that anything is going to change.

Retirement - Cuttino Mobley may be retiring tomorrow. This is sad. He was just traded but medical tests showed an enlarged heart. He has been seeing every specialist that he can to see if the issue can be resolved, but it doesn't look good for him. This would be a sad end to a decent career. Good luck Cuttino.


It's Over!!! Just Finish it NOW!! - The Knicks still won't just pay Marbury to go away. WHY?!?!?!? I think the more games they lose, the longer they keep him around so that the fans have a whipping boy. The Knicks need to make a decision soon or they take a chance at alienating future free agents (Yes, LeBron is watching this).

The Best? - I don't really talk about boxing, but I hope that Manny Pacquiano beats the living isht out of Oscar De La Hoya this Saturday.

What have you been catching up with? What have you been watching?

NFL Week 14 Match Up

Well, after a terrible week last week (8-8), I haven't had time to wallow in the mire of my bad week, so I'll just try and forget it and move forward. Here we go, wish me luck.


Oakland @ San Diego - Who freakin cares? I mean two bad teams and I never thought I'd say that about the Chargers. It's on Thursday night and on the NFL Network, I betcha this is one of the lowest rated game of the year. San Diego is better and they are at home. Other than that, I wouldn't know whom to pick. Winner - Chargers.

Jacksonville @ Chicago - A bad team against a so so team. Jacksonville has fallen far from where we thought they would be this year. Chicago has a good offense and their defense has played decently this year but not as dominating as most have wanted. Matt Forte should get some votes for Rookie of the Year. Winner - Bears.

Minnesota @ Detroit - Hmmmm, could it happen this week? The Lions are at home and they play well there. The Williams may be out while they are fighting their suspensions. The biggest question is whether they do play. The Vikings lose a big part of their defense if they don't play, and the Lions just need a break. I can't in good confidence call this game for the Lions. Winner - Vikings.


Houston @ Green Bay - Great game on Monday night Texans. Now you get an all expenses paid trip to Green Bay. The Packers need this game and they love playing at home. You'll probably have some frozen tundra, so let's hope that the Packers can dig one out at home. Winner - Packers.

Cleveland @ Tennessee - I don't see anything good coming out of this game. Nothing at all. Cleveland is signing QBs off the street and they weren't playing well prior to that. Winner - Titans.

Cincinnati @ Indianapolis - Colts. Do I need to say anything else? Winner - Colts.

Atlanta @ New Orleans - This is going to be a good game. One team on the way to the playoffs and the other going home. I feel bad for Duce McAllister, because after this suspension, I'm not sure where he plays next year. Atlanta is playing some good football. Very balanced and if they could make a few more stops on defense, you are looking at a team going very deep in the playoffs. Winner - Falcons.

Philadelphia @ New York Giants - An athlete in trouble with an opportunity to redeem himself. Sounded like McNabb a few weeks ago, but now it's Antonio Pierce. I expect Pierce and the Giants defense to handle their business. The Eagles looked great last game, but I don't think that they have enough left in the tank to make the run that they would need to make to be in the playoffs. Winner - Giants.

Kansas City @ Denver - Can they make it two in a row? Denver is at home and the only thing they do well is offense. It's sad because the thing that the Chiefs do the worst is defense. What's the over under on this one? Gotta go with the Broncos on this one. Winner - Broncos.

Miami @ Buffalo - This ought to be a good game to watch. The Bills have been disappointing to say the least and now they get a team that is always prepared. Can't pick the Bills this week. Winner - Dolphins.

New York Jets @ San Francisco - They better win. They can't go to sleep at the wheel like they did against the Broncos last week. It's a long trip to the Bay Area, but it's the 49ers fellas. Gotta be a win, right? Winner - Jets.

New England @ Seattle - I picked these Pats against the Steelers last week and got killed. The Seahawks aren't the Steelers. Winner - Patriots.

St. Louis @ Arizona - The Rams at least get to travel to exotic places, well if you consider Arizona exotic. Does anyone believe that they can win this game against the Cardinals, even with Stephen Jackson in the game? Part of me says they can. The other part of me remembers last week. Winner - Cardinals.

Dallas @ Pittsburgh - Talk about two different styles. Dallas is the flashy team going against the all business Steelers. I gotta watch this one because it'll be good. How banged up is Big Ben? Willie Parker? It's going to be cold and probably wet this weekend, and the Cowboys may be limited with Marion Barber's hurt foot. I can't pick the Steelers, eventhough it's a home game. Just something telling me go with the Cowboys. Winner - Cowboys.

Washington @ Baltimore - I feel for the entire Redskins team. Everyone is hurt and they have a semi-home game against the Ravens this weekend. Baltimore is going to rip them a new one. Winner - Ravens.

Tampa Bay @ Carolina - Which team shows up for the Panthers? The defensive team we saw early in the year? The lucky team from last week? Which one? Tampa Bay has been as consistent as almost any team this year. They win with their defense and at times Jeff Garcia puts that offense on his back. The Bucs go to North Cakalac for a tough win. Winner - Bucs.
More to come later tonight,............

Tuesday, December 02, 2008

It's Just a Weight Loss Pill


Several NFL players have been suspended for 4 games without pay for violating the league's anti-doping policy. They are Duce McAllister (Saints), Charles Grant (Saints), Will Smith (Saints), Pat Williams (Vikings), Kevin Williams (Vikings), and Bryan Pittman (Texans). These suspensions come at a time that makes these players miss the regular season, but players will be available for the playoffs if their teams make it. The Vikings lose their starting defensive tackles that anchor their run stopping defense and the Saints lose two defensive players and their backup running back.


I'm a little confused. Something isn't right. The initial reports claimed that NFL doctors cleared StarCaps for use by players. Some of the athletes mentioned have actually filed suit against StarCaps for unfair business practices and false advertising because StarCaps contained Bumetanide, which can act as a mask for steroids. The NFL claims that it sent a letter to the league and the Players Association in December of 2006 saying that StarCaps was added to the prohibited list of dietary supplement companies. If all of this is true, how can any of these guys knowingly sure StarCaps? Why would they continue to use it? Something is fishy here. Hopefully more comes out. Pat Williams' agent, Angelo Wright is filing a motion to put off his client's suspension. We'll see what happens from this one. I for one thought the NFL was going to let these guys off the hook, but I was wrong.






If these guys didn't test positive for a steroid, should they be suspended? Do the games that these players have played in (most notably the Vikings win over Chicago) count? What's the next shoe to drop?

NFL Week 13 Wrap Up

Bad week. Lots of work (the day job) and lots of bad picks this week. Let's see what happened. (I'm already crying)



Tennessee @ Detroit - Talk about Happy Thanksgiving. The Titans pummelled the Lions on turkey day and it wasn't even close. Not even a smidgen. The Titans found their running game and the defense played like they were playing against a jayvee high school team. Inquisitive Mind 1 - 0 for the week.

Dallas @ Seattle - Another blowout. The Cowboys showed that they are a much much better team with Romo behind center. The scary thing is that Marion Barber got hurt. They need him if they are going to do anything in the playoffs. Inquisitive Mind 2 - 0 for the week.

Philadelphia @ Arizona - Anyone remember last week? Who cares about overtime rules now? Donovan McNabb showed the type of quarterback he really is and he looks like the better man out of this whole deal. Andy Reid, how do you look now? Inquisitive Mind 3 - 0 for the week.

San Francisco @ Buffalo - 'You won ugly' is what Mike Singletary told his crew and he wasn't lying. The 49ers beat a lethargic Bills team who has fallen from grace after a great start to the year. Trent Edwards was knocked out of the game and only Marshawn Lynch showed up. Inquisitive Mind 3 - 1 for the week.

Baltimore@ Cincinnati - The Ravens are good but are they THAT good? The Bengals were destroyed. I don't even know what else to say. Inquisitive Mind 4 - 1 for the week.

Indianapolis @ Cleveland - Do moral victories save your job? I'm not sure, but this sure seemed like a moral victory. The Browns played about as well as they could, held the Colts to 10 points and no offensive touchdowns. I hope Romeo Crennel's residence is rented. Inquisitive Mind 5 -1 for the week.

Carolina @ Green Bay - I can't believe that Steve Smith caught that ball. I mean that had to be one of the best catches in the league this year. By making that he salvaged the blistering that the Panthers were going to get from me for losing this game. The Packers look like they are done for the year. They just seem to be running out of gas. We'll see next week. Inquisitive Mind 5 - 2 for the week.

Miami @ St. Louis - This game was closer than I imagined. The Dolphins couldn't really shake the Rams and thus the close score. A late Dan Carpenter field goal finally put the game away. Inquisitive Mind 6 - 2 for the week.

Tampa Bay @ New Orleans - I was sweating, when the Saints came back to tie this game, I just thought that the Bucs had given this one away. Cadillac Williams got a touchdown and we're happy since it's been almost 15 months since his last. The defense sealed the game with an INT after a Matt Bryant field goal. Inquisitive Mind 7 - 2 for the week.

New York Giants @ Washington - I will say this again, the Redskins seem to tailor their play calling all the way back when they play the Giants. It's like playing Madden and instead of being able to use an entire playbook, you have like 6 plays. Whatever those 6 plays are, they definitely need to rework them. Clinton Portis gets hurt, and Jason Campbell is making me throw up in my own mouth. Inquisitive Mind 8 - 2 for the week.

Atlanta @ San Diego - I wonder if the Chargers are thinking they got rid of the wrong back? Yes, LT is a HOFamer in the making, but he's been hurt the last two seasons and hasn't played well for a long time. Michael Turner is burning through the league. I told you that the Chargers were missing 'something',...that something is the playoffs. Inquisitive Mind 8 - 3 for the week.

Pittsburgh @ New England - I said that defense wins games and then went against the better defense. Shame on me. The Steelers dismantled the Pats and made Cassel look like the scrub that I thought he was. Well, not a scrub, but definitely not the guy he has been resembling on the field over the last few weeks. Inquisitive Mind 8 - 4 for the week.

Denver @ New York Jets - Well, when you're up, you pile on. That's what the Broncos did all day in a rainy Giants Stadium. The Jets looked like the team that lost to the Raiders. Yes, those Raiders. The Jets have to regroup after this loss. Inquisitive Mind 8 - 5 for the week.

Kansas City @ Oakland - Even the Chiefs beat the Raiders. What happened to the Jets? Anyway, Larry Johnson in pads made this at least worth the watch. He gave the Chiefs the running game that Tyler Thigpen needed and they pulled off this win. Inquisitive Mind 8 - 6 for the week.

Chicago @ Minnesota - What were the Bears thinking? All they had to do win this game and they are leading their division with a few games left. They go to the Vikings and get whupped. Bernard Berrian (99 yard TD reception) and Jared Allen (3 sacks) made the Bears day hell. This is going to haunt the Bears when it comes down to winning the Norris. Inquisitive Mind 8 - 7 for the week.

Jacksonville @ Houston - Talk about a team that has taken several steps back. This Jaguars team was supposed to win this year. I know they lost their entire offensive line to injury this year, but they really can't get it together. No running game and no passing game. They can play spoiler for the rest of the year, but I'm not sure if they can even do that. Inquisitive Mind 8 - 8 for the week.

Plaxico Update

The Giants have suspended Plaxico Burress for 4 games and put him on the reserve non-injury list which means two things: 1) He's done for the year with Giants, including the playoffs. 2) He won't be getting a check for the rest of the year.

Burress attended practice today, which was for injured players to receive their treatment. The team doctors concluded the gun shot wound would take him out of football for 4-6 weeks anyway.

This looks to get worse for Plaxico, Antonio Pierce, and Ahmad Bradshaw. Friends, don't let friends go to the club with a gun in their pants.
-
What would you have done if you were Antonio Pierce? Would you have just called the police and waited for them to get there?

Monday, December 01, 2008

NYSTOM Power Rankings

NYSTOM is back with his Power Rankings. Nothing too out of the ordinary, but that's me.

Is NYSTOM crazy? Is your team ranked where they should be?

NYSTOM Top Ranked Player Index

Here's the updated Top Ranked Player Index (top 50 players) and I have issues with this. I'm just letting you know before I put this one up. Hopefully you all have some issues with his logic/method too. Here it is:

Who's your favorite player? Is he on the list? Should he be on the list? Let NYSTOM hear it.

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Again Plaxico?

If it walks like a duck, talks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, it's gotta be a duck. Plaxico Burress and teammate, Antonio Pierce, were out at a Manhattan night club. Somehow, Plaxico shoots himself in the leg with his own gun. His teammate Antonio Pierce tried to hide the gun (in New Jersey) as Burress was taken to a local NYC hospital. Since Burress didn't have a permit to carry in New York he will be brought up on felony weapon charges. The mandatory sentence in New York is 3 1/2 years.

What are these guys thinking? I mean Burress is married to an attorney. Shouldn't he have some sense? This story is still unfolding as we speak. Burress is scheduled to turn himself into New York police on Monday. His attorney, Ben Brafman, who represented P. Diddy a few years back said that Burress will cooperate with officials. With all of the problems Burress has caused in NY this year, and a possible mandatory sentence, I doubt you'll be seeing that #17 jersey on the field anytime soon.



What do you think is going to happen to Plaxico? Do you think that he actually shot himself unloading the gun for security before entering the Latin Quarter? Should you mix alcohol and guns together?

NBA Round Up 11-30-08

New York Knicks - 22 assists!!! I would have thought that it would come with Jason Kidd in the game or even Chris Paul. This feat was attained by none other than Chris Duhon against the Golden State Warriors. Duhon finished with 12 pts, 22 asts, 4 rebs, 1 stl, and 2 TOs. Not only that, but David Lee and Al Harrington had monster games too. Harrington finished with 36 pts and 12 rebs, while David Lee had 37 pts, 21 rebs, 2 asts, 3 stls, and 1 blk. This would mean much more if it were against a good team, but you gotta play the games that are on your schedule. Duhon goes into the record books with this one.

Oklahoma City Thunder - Finally a win!!!!! The Thunder had a 14 game losing streak stop with a 111-103 win against the Grizzlies. All the big time guys (for both teams) showed up. OJ Mayo had 30 pts and 7 rebs. Jeff Green had 22pts, while Kevin Durant had 30 pts and 7 rebs. Can the Thunder keep this going?


New York Knicks - The circus that is the Knicks and Stephon Marbury will hopefully end on Monday when Walsh, the NBA Players Association rep, and Marbury meet to discuss a buyout. I am not sure why the Knicks let this go this long. They should have just offered the dude a buyout amount and then paid him to get out of New York. Instead, you make your head coach look like a liar/a$$ and you keep the drama going on with the team. Please let Stephon go. Get it over with.
Did we miss anything? You got anything to add to the round up?

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Happy Thanksgiving

I hope all of you make time to spend with your families or close friends for this Thanksgiving Weekend. Enjoy and be safe.

What are you thankful for on this wonderful holiday?

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

NFL Week 13 Match Up

103-57-1 for the year before Week 12 games (12-4). so that brings us to a total of 115-61-1 for the year. We're getting close as a lot of team will see their playoffs hopes diminish after losses this week. Let's see what's on the table for this Thanksgiving Weekend of games.



(No pictures this week due to sands of the hour glass running out)


Tennessee @ Detroit - Well, well, well, this is how you congratulate a Lions team that is finally starting to put things together. A meeting with the once undefeated juggernaut of the Titans. It's not Christmas yet, but I think this game is at least entertaining. The Titans aren't the Patriots team from last year where they can come out and just put 20+ on the board in the first quarter. They like to run the ball (which they will do) and play defense. The Lions showed life last week against the Bucs, but couldn't overcome the Bucs defense. At the end of the day, defense wins. Winner - Titans.


Seattle @ Dallas - I was wrong, TO still #itched and whined even though he had one of the best performances by a Cowboy. What are you to do with some people? Dallas has a home game where they will be going up against a resurgent Seahawks squad with Matt Hasselbeck in the lineup. I think we see the Cowboys defense find themselves and take some pressure off of the offense. Can someone please remind the Cowboys that they still have Marion Barber on their team? He's kind of good. Winner - Cowboys.


Arizona @ Philadelphia - McNabbgate returns to the field. We all know, McNabb shouldn't have been benched in a 10-7 game at half time, let's just get that out of the way. It was a lame attempt of his coach to justify putting Kolb in the game. Let's face it, it may be the last time we see McNabb and Reid in Eagles gear. They get to see the Cardinals defense that got bruised and beaten by the Giants last week. I'm not saying McNabb will come out and throw from 300 yards and 3 TDs, but I see a good game from him. The Eagles defense saves the day. Winner - Eagles.


San Francisco @ Buffalo - This is a difficult game to predict. Trent Edwards went off last week for 4 TDs and the Bills looked great. I'm still not sold on Shaun Hill, but Gore should be able to open that passing game up with his running. The Bills are still banged up on defense and they have to be glad that this is a home game. If the Bills regress from last week, they lose. If they play as well as last week, they win. They're going to fall somewhere in between. Winner - Bills.


Baltimore @ Cincinnati - This is a trap game for the Ravens. They can't go to Cincy and lose. I doubt Ray Lewis let's his boys come down after that demolishing of the Eagles last week. Ryan Fitzpatrick beware. Winner - Ravens.


Indianapolis @ Cleveland - Well, I guess it's the return of Derek Anderson to the rescue? Brady Quinn is out for the year and Anderson is auditioning for his new job next year (they can't pay both Anderson and Quinn). Against this Colts defense, this may be an audition that he would want to skip. I think, the Colts get their leader on D, Bob Sanders, back this week and he always brings it. I'm sorry, I forgot to mention that Peyton Manning is in his groove again too. Winner - Colts.


Carolina @ Green Bay - I was on the Panthers bandwagon there for a second until it abruptly stopped in Atlanta last week (how do you lose that game if you're Carolina?). The Panthers' offense needs to show up and get some big time play from Jake Delhomme. Well, maybe they just need to run the ball a whole lot, I'm not sure what needs to happen. Green Bay got embarrassed by the Saints on Monday night and the quick turnaround will have them hungry for a win. I'm kind of torn with this one since it could go either way. Winner - Packers.


Miami @ St. Louis - After the Bears completely dominated the Rams last week, I expect them to play a lot better this week. Even if they do, I doubt they beat the Dolphins. The Dolphins have found ways to win (normally the mark of a Parcells team) and they have an underrated defense. This in the dome, so a heavy dose of Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams should do the trick. Winner - Dolphins.


New Orleans @ Tampa Bay - Can anyone stop Drew Brees? I guess when they're at home, the answer is no. Brees still has a ways to go to break Marino's single season passing record, but it seems almost like he's destined to do this. The Saints have endured injuries on the offensive side of the ball that would normally limit the production of a quarterback, but Brees is still throwing the ball. They go to Tampa Bay to play the Bucs, a place where offenses go to die. I think I said it earlier, defense wins games. Winner - Bucs.



New York Giants @ Washington - Didn't they play this game about two weeks ago? I have to believe that the Redskins haven't gotten much better and unless they change their offense, this one is over before the game even starts. The Giants should get back Brandon Jacobs. Winner - Giants.



Atlanta @ San Diego - That's one long trip for the Falcons to get to the land of sun and fun. It just may provide the cooling off time needed to give the Chargers a chance, even at home. I think the Falcons are the better team, they are more balanced, and they are actually headed somewhere besides home at the end of the regular season. But,.......Winner - Chargers.



Pittsburgh @ New England - Matt Cassel, maybe you are ready for primetime? I apologize for not giving you the benefit of the doubt about your abilities and the time on the field to show them off. The Pats look good without having any semblance of a running game. They are going against the #1 defense in the league when they play the Steelers this week. Somethings got to give. The Steelers (I keep saying this every week) are banged up, but they still somehow come out and compete. Winner - Patriots.



Denver @ New York Jets - This is another trap game. You just beat the only team that hadn't lost a game and now you get an on again, off again Broncos team at home. All signs point to a Jets loss, but I think that the Elder (Brett Favre) finds a way to motivate his team and they win this game. Winner - Jets.





Kansas City @ Oakland - The Chiefs were able to put up some numbers last week and that was against a better defense than what they'll be playing against this week. Can they keep it rolling? The Raiders are still banged up everywhere, but they seem to be playing harder or something, let's just say that change is afoot in Oakland. Maybe we get a Larry Johnson siting (on the field). Winner - Chiefs.





Chicago @ Minnesota - This is the biggest game of the year for the Bears. If they win, they are numero uno in their division. They hold their own fate in their hands. They had a great game all over the field last week against the Rams on that indoor carpet and they get to play in a similar stadium this week. Can the Bears provide 2 dominating performances in a row? Winner - Bears.





Jacksonville @ Houston - This would normally be a good and easy pick, I'd say Jacksonville, but they aren't playing worth a dayum right now. Houston gets the home game and they normally play well at home. They still have Rosenfels behind center, which could be problematic, but they have Andre Johnson. Winner - Jaguars.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

NBA TV

I can't make all the games every night so I get to watch my fair share on TNT, NBA TV, and local channels (across the country). Lately I have been finding myself watching more NBA TV until I go to sleep. I just have a few observations about NBA TV:


  • I have no idea where they found Ahmad Rashad, but they probably should have left him there. Everytime I see him, I just always think about his coattail riding of 'my main man Michael Jordan'.

  • Gary Payton, you are not Charles Barkley, you never will be. Gary does bring that, 'I have no idea what he's going to say at any time' quality to the show. The difference is that Charles Barkley comes off funny and some of that is the setups he gets from Kenny Smith.

  • Chris Webber, I'm actually surprised by his on air personality. He's taken a lot of what he's learned by being on TNT a few times last year I'm a little impressed.

  • Eric Snow is just too vanilla. He knows the game but his personality doesn't come out on TV. He's as quiet as he is on The Real Housewives of Atlanta.

  • Steve Smith brings it every night. He's like a mix (out of this list) of Webber and Snow. He knows the game and he can give bring that personality out to entertain.

About the funniest show was Rashad, Payton, and Webber going through the NBA All-Star ballot and pointing out the people that have been left off the ballot. Gary Payton's crowning moment was when he said that there is someone on the ballot that shouldn't even be in the league. That person was Nick Collison. (I can't find the footage on youtube.com, but I'm still looking. Let me know if you find it).


Have you watched NBA TV? What do you think? Should Gary Payton be collecting a check for this work?

Trust No One

Brady Quinn is out for the year with a broken finger. The Cleveland Browns doctors checked out Quinn and cleared him to play. Quinn chose to go to Alabama and see renowned specialist Dr. James Andrews. After this visit, the team announces that he's out for the year. What could Dr. Andrews have seen that the Cleveland Browns staff didn't? These athletes have to know that these teams are looking out for themselves. Quinn has to be more concerned about his career and the way that the Browns have acted this year as it relates to it's players and staph infection, I wouldn't trust them to inflate my tires, much less diagnose an injury for me. I hope Quinn gets healthy and gets an opportunity to play.

Sunday, November 23, 2008

NFL Week 12 Wrap Up

So close but yet so far. Let's see how we did this week.

Cincinnati @ Pittsburgh - Well this was an easy one to pick and yes it was one of my GUARANTEED Winners but basically the Steelers' defense dominated the Bengals and this wasn't even much of a game to watch. Inquisitive Mind 1 - 0 for the week.

Tampa Bay @ Detroit - This almost put a damper on my picks again this week. The Lions jumped out to a 17 point lead and I was really getting a little nervous. At the end of the 2nd it was 21-17 Bucs and from there, it got out of hand. The same thing each week, good defense along with timely offense and the Bucs won this game. The Lions can say this, they are getting better or at least they are playing better. They have a quick turnaround this week because of Thanksgiving, but the Lions are going to get a win this year. Inquisitive Mind 2 - 0 for the week.

New York Jets @ Tennessee - The Jets played their best game of the year. They held the ball for 40 plus minutes and they were able to run the ball against the run stopping Titans defense. I told you guys that I trust Brett Favre a lot more than I trust Kerry Collins and Favre made one mistake (1 INT), but for the rest of the game he played great. This puts the Jets as the team to beat. Inquisitive Mind 3 - 0 for the week.

Buffalo @ Kansas City - Talk about a break out game. Trent Edwards combined for 4 TDs (2 run, 2 pass) and the Bills won in a shootout in Kansas City. The Chiefs were still able to put up 31 points which was a feat within itself. Is this a wake up call for the Bills or just an anomaly? Inquisitive Mind 4 - 0 for the week.

Chicago @ St. Louis - This is the game that the Bears needed for comfort. The Bears were able to get a semi-home game this week and their defense stopped the Rams cold. Kyle Orton looked good and Matt Forte showed us the same things that he did in the Bears game against the Colts. He ended the game with 132 yards and 2 TDs. The Bears have to know that this performance was great, but it was the Rams. This is like beating your nephew in Madden or something. It's a win, but consider the opponent. Inquisitive Mind 5 - 0 for the week.

New England @ Miami - Wow. This one shocked me. A shootout in Miami. Maybe more shocking was the fact that the Dolphins actually singled up Randy Moss for most of the day with a 'I dare you to throw to him' attitude. That's different when you are hitting Matt Cassel, but when he has a pretty clean jersey, you get 3 TDs to Moss. Inquisitive Mind 6 - 0 for the week.

Minnesota @ Jacksonville - Talk about being disappointed. When are these Jaguars going to wake up? Maybe next year is my guess. They turned the ball over and just played horribly and let the Vikings run all over them. I really don't know what else to say. Inquisitive Min 6 - 1 for the week.

Philadelphia @ Baltimore - Can you bench your coach? I understand that McNabb wasn't playing that well, but even with that, the Eagles were still in the game. For Andy Reid to bench McNabb and not even have the nuts to tell him personally, this just pisses me off. That Eagles line couldn't stop the Ravens yesterday, not at all. This wasn't a simple change like McNabb is immobile so you put in a mobile QB, this was a slap in the face. McNabb finished with a lost fumble, 8 of 18 for 59 yards and 2 INTs. You put Kolb in there and he goes 10 of 23 for 73 yards, and 2 INTs (one of them on a 2nd and goal that led to the longest INT return in the history of the game). Congrats to Baltimore, but Andy Reid just made my sh@# list. Inquisitive Mind 7 - 1 for the week.

Houston @ Cleveland - After a decent first outing as the Browns QB, Brady Quinn has gone from sugar to nothing in 3 weeks. Yes, he has a fractured finger on his throwing hand, but he seems to already have been figured out. Two very uninspiring teams (both 4-7) and the outcome said about the same. Inquisitive Mind 8 - 1 for the week.

San Francisco @ Dallas - It's good to see TO catch some balls, because at least we know we won't hear him itchin' and moaning for the rest of the week. I still think this team will live and die by Marion Barber, but for some reason the offensive coordinator has other ideas. This was a good tune up for the Cowboys as they continue to hold out hopes of making the playoffs and redeeming their terrible play that we've seen over the past 5 weeks. Inquisitive Mind 9 - 1 for the week.

Oakland @ Denver - I'm sorry for picking on the Raiders. Well, not really. They finally put together a good game against a rival that dates back for years. Even Al Davis smiled (no that wasn't a wrinkle you saw). The Raider's ground game led the way while JaMarcus Russell was 10 of 11 for 152 yards and 1 TD. With this many athletes, you gotta be able to stretch the field. Nnamdi Asomugha is that good ladies and gentlemen, yes he is. Inquisitive Mind 9 - 2 for the week.

Washington @ Seattle - They almost lost this game. Can't believe that they did, but they almost lost it. Jason Campbell played his normal, nothing past 10 yards passing game, and the ground game led the way to this win. The final play with former Seahawk, Shawn Springs (send me pics of the new little one, he should be a lot bigger now), pulling down the INT to end the game just had to be icing on the cake. Inquisitive Mind 10 - 2 for the week.

New York Giants @ Arizona - This was hyped as an opportunity for the Cardinals to finally show up and shock the world. Brandon Jacobs was out and Plaxico Burress was out after the first quarter, but they still couldn't do anything against that Giants' front four. Eli Manning had a great day with 3 TDs and the Giants win again in the desert. Inquisitive Mind 11 - 2 for the week.

Carolina @ Atlanta - For ever step taken forward, the Panthers seem to take two steps back. How could they lose this game? This would have been the difference maker for their season. This would have put them on the map. Well, it did,....they got thumped by the Atlanta Falcons. Michael Turner had 4 TDs as the Panthers were totally dominated from the jump. Inquisitive Mind 11 - 3 for the week.

Indianapolis @ San Diego - I told you that the Chargers are just missing something. I can't put my finger on it. I know they don't have Merriman, but it's something else on the offensive side of the ball. There's no swagger, no confidence, no nothing. They lost this game on a last second kick by Adam Vinatieri as the Colts showed everyone that they still have that killer instinct. Can someone from the Charger cover Antohony Gonzalez? He's still running free. Inquisitive Mind 12 - 3 for the week.

Green Bay @ New Orleans - This was a blowout but the team that I expected to blown out was wrong. This game was all offense and there was nothing that the Packers defense could do stop the bleeding. I think everyone on the Saints team scored, but the most important was Deuce McAllister who may have scored his last TD in the dome. Deuce has come back from 3 knee surgeries, still has this whole StarCaps thing to deal with, and he isn't a spring chicken anymore. Let's hope that he's cleared (along with all the other NFL players) for taking StarCaps and we'll hope to see him playing somewhere next year. Inquisitive Mind 12 - 4 for the week.