It's been a long tough summer and I'm getting back into this blogging mode. Let's just jump right in and catch up:
NBA:
Los Angeles Lakers: There have just got to be Jedi in the Lakers front office to get the deals that they get. First Pau Gasol for a hearty dinner (I used to say a ham sandwich, but that other Gasol brother turned out pretty good) and a 2 liter of Mountain Dew, but now they get Dwight Howard for what amounts to a turkey sandwich that someone left in a hot car for a day and 3 Caprisuns (not cold, just straight out the box). The Lakers must grow Jedis in their organization because these deals just don't happen for other teams. With Dwight, the Lakers have kept Kobe's window of opportunity for #6 open for 2 years.
Miami Heat: Juwan Howard may finally call it quits as a basketball player, but he may end up as a coach for the Miami Heat come this fall. Juwan is a good guy, and I'm glad that things are working out for him. He got his rang too.
OKC Thunder: After showing the love to Serge Ibaka in the form of a 4yr/$49M deal, the Thunder gotta figure out what to do about Harden. They know they gonna be a tax paying team, so let's just say it's gonna come down to how much more they gonna pay. IF they can get Harden for the same deal as Ibaka, I think it'll all be great for the Thunder. If not, Harden plays out next year and becomes a free agent in 2013. I'm really interested if they can sell Harden on the team and what they've built when he's staring at all them $$$s.
NFL:
New York Jets: As I sat watching the Jets last night, all I could keep saying is, 'the Jets better have a great dayum defense this year, or they in trouble'. The other thing that kept going through my mind was that if Tebow would have been the person to score or throw for the touchdown that would have given the Jets their first (and only TD) in the preseason,...Mark Sanchez was going to be on his way out of town today. I like Tebow, he has something about him, but he's not a starter in the NFL. But I will say this, I think he will be the starter for the Jets by Week 4 if they get off to a slow start. NY fans will have Sanchez on a fastboat outta there.
Seattle Seahawks: Hey, all isn't bad with Matt Flynn, at least his pockets straight. He got a 3yr/$26M deal that averages about $6M per year. That's great money if you can get it, but it's not NFL starter money. With Russell Wilson being named starter for the opener, it gives the Seahawks a chance to play the rookie and if he's good, they didn't really invest BIG money in Flynn. to Mr. Russell Wilson, get your game on brother. We'll be rooting for you here.
New England Patriots: I guess the one person that has to be unhappy right now is Wes Welker. We know he's a team guy, but the Patriots have essentially let Welker know where he stands in their plans by re-upping both Gronk and Hernandez (5yr/$40M, $12.5M signing bonus, $16.4M guaranteed). The Patriots will be running two TE sets until the dogs come home. The beuaty of it all is that many teams can't matchup with them when they have both TEs, Welker and Lloyd running around. I expect Brady to throw for about 40 TDs this year. I guess the only difference is that Welker knows he won't be there next year.
Philadelphia Eagles: Vick already hurt? Vick has a rib injury that, trust me, will linger for a while. If this team starts off slow again, I'm not sure what they can do to turn it around. We know they won't fire Andy Reid and the Eagles don't really have a seasoned backup QB. I've wanted this team to win big since the Reggie White and Jerome Brown days, since Cunnigham, since Carmichael, and for some reason they can't get it done. I hope this is their year.
Chicago Bears: Everyone is concerned that the Bears are limping into the season. Urlacher had his knee recently scoped and isn't back to full strength yet. Peppers is battling 'continual soreness' (plantar faciitis) and this defense is already one injury to the linebacking core from being seasoned to being old. But, just like every other Bear year in recent memory, the Bears have a problem on their offensive line. I think I just saw Mike Tice on Michigan Ave taking applications for left tackle for anyone over 6'5" (if you're in Chicago, just walk down the street, someone will approach you with an offer). It'll help that Cutler won't be taking as many deep drops this year, but they gotta find a way to give him time for him and Brandon Marshall to cook this year.
Golf:
Where or where has the Tiger that I once knew gone? Yes he was in contention on Friday after tweaking his back, but he went to hell in a hand basket after that. Each week, I wait to see the Tiger that dominated golf on a weekly basis and sadly to say, I'm not sure if that guy is ever coming back. But, I will be waiting and watching and hoping.
The 2012 Ryder Cup is coming to the Chicagoland Area and I plan on being there. We'll see how many photos I can get and maybe an interview or two. Should be fun.
More to come,......
Showing posts with label Seattle Seahawks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Seattle Seahawks. Show all posts
Monday, August 27, 2012
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
NFL 2010 Divisional Playoff Wrap Up
Baltimore @ Pittsburgh - How happy was I as this game went in to halftime? The Ravens had driven down the field against the Steelers and scored, caused some turnovers and scored, and basically rendered the Steelers useless. Then after halftime, a fumble by Ray Rice (12 carries, 32 yards, 7 receptions, 32 yards), an interception by Flacco, and the next thing you know the Steelers are tied, and would end up winning this game. What a turn of events. The biggest play was the 3rd and 19 that the Steelers had and somehow with only 8 guys rushing the Ravens allowed Antonio Brown (3 catches for 75 yards) to get behind them and catch the game clinching 58 yard reception. I still can't believe that Webb let ANYONE get deeper than he was and throw the safety in their too. This all came down to the Ravens offense not being able to throw (and catch) the ball. Flacco had a pedestrian outing along with Housh (3 catches for 38 yards, and the biggest drop in recent playoff history), Boldin (1 catch for -2 yards), and Mason (0 catches). Flacco even had time for the majority of the game, but they were just off.
Yes, the Steelers won, but the Ravens gave this game away. Big Ben (19 of 32, with 2 TDs) had 226 yards passing and the Steelers as a team were held to 71 yards rushing (Mendenhall 20 carries for 46 yards, 2 TDs). That tells you that there was a lot of defense when there weren't those big plays. I saw Ray Lewis' interview after the game and you could tell he wanted to blow a fuse. Sad way to end a nice playoff run. Inquisitive Mind 0 - 1 for the week.
Green Bay @ Atlanta - Whatever Aaron Rodgers had for a pre-game meal, please give me several servings of that. Rodgers (31 of 36 for 366 yards, 3 TDs) torched the Falcons en route to a playoff high for the Packers in points (48 points). The Falcons looked good right before halftime and then Tramon Williams' INT return for a TD sealed the deal. Yes, it was only 28 to 14 at that time, but it was over. The Falcons couldn't get it going. I think there's something about getting the bye that works against the team that has it. Matt Ryan looked lost and even the strength of the Falcons team (rushing the ball) was only able to amass 45 yards. The Atlanta defense looked outclassed and this was a terrible showing, especially at home. Inquisitive Mind 0 - 2 for the week.
Seattle @ Chicago - This was the perfect game by the Bears up until that ill advised pass by, no not Cutler (15 of 28 for 274 yards, 2 TDs, 8 carries for 43 yards, 2 TDs), but Matt Forte (0 for 1 for 0 yards, 1 INT, 25 carries for 80 yards). Why not just run the ball out of the Wildcat if there's no one to throw to? Why even call that play? You're handing the beatdown out to the Seahawks, but you decide to confuse them and run the Wildcat? The best part of this was watching the Mike Martz react on the sideline. (blank stare) Cutler had a great game, and almost made you think that he should be in the backfield as he danced into the end zone twice. The Bears defense kept the Seahawks at 34 yards rushing for the game and spent enough time in the Seahawks backfield to become drinking buddies with Hasselbeck (26 of 46 for 258 yards, 3 TDs).
After the game, I happened to be listening to some sports talk radio and one caller called in saying that he was happy the Bears won, but he was upset with the play of Julius Peppers. I almost ran off the road, because either he didn't watch the game or he just doesn't know any better. Peppers is the one guy on that defensive line that team game plan against. He was double teamed the majority of the game and in some cases there were 3 people that he had to deal with. This allowed people like Tommie Harris, Urlacher, and Briggs to make all the plays. That won't show up on the stat sheet, but I'll bet you no one in the Bears locker room will say anything differently. Inquisitive Mind 1 - 2 for the week.
New York Jets @ New England - The Jets talked the talk and they walked the walk by jumping on the Patriots and never letting up. Maybe the ghost of Randy Moss finally caught up to the Pats. After falling behind early, they weren't able to stretch the field as the Jets found ways to stop that dink and dunk offense. Mark Sanchez (16 of 25 for 194 yards, 3 TDs) looked like an NFL QB and the Jets continued to pound the ball with both LT (10 carries for 43 yards) and Greene (17 carries for 76 yards, 1 TD). Brady was sacked 5 times and hit numerous times. That's the blueprint for beating the Patriots, get Brady (29 of 45 for 299 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT) uncomfortable and run the ball.
There was a lot of talk going on, with even Welker (7 catches, 57 yards) sitting at the beginning of the game for his 'foot' diatribe to the media a few days earlier. I wonder how it must feel to beat those guys, because you know it has to be something if your starting wide receiver is doing a cartwheel after the game. The week off really effected the timing of that Patriots offense, that's all I'll say. Inquisitive Mind 2 - 2 for the week.
It was a fun week, always fun when the Patriots lose, but I'm crying on the inside about my Ravens. I'm still not sure how they lost that game. We'll see what next week brings.
Yes, the Steelers won, but the Ravens gave this game away. Big Ben (19 of 32, with 2 TDs) had 226 yards passing and the Steelers as a team were held to 71 yards rushing (Mendenhall 20 carries for 46 yards, 2 TDs). That tells you that there was a lot of defense when there weren't those big plays. I saw Ray Lewis' interview after the game and you could tell he wanted to blow a fuse. Sad way to end a nice playoff run. Inquisitive Mind 0 - 1 for the week.
Green Bay @ Atlanta - Whatever Aaron Rodgers had for a pre-game meal, please give me several servings of that. Rodgers (31 of 36 for 366 yards, 3 TDs) torched the Falcons en route to a playoff high for the Packers in points (48 points). The Falcons looked good right before halftime and then Tramon Williams' INT return for a TD sealed the deal. Yes, it was only 28 to 14 at that time, but it was over. The Falcons couldn't get it going. I think there's something about getting the bye that works against the team that has it. Matt Ryan looked lost and even the strength of the Falcons team (rushing the ball) was only able to amass 45 yards. The Atlanta defense looked outclassed and this was a terrible showing, especially at home. Inquisitive Mind 0 - 2 for the week.
Seattle @ Chicago - This was the perfect game by the Bears up until that ill advised pass by, no not Cutler (15 of 28 for 274 yards, 2 TDs, 8 carries for 43 yards, 2 TDs), but Matt Forte (0 for 1 for 0 yards, 1 INT, 25 carries for 80 yards). Why not just run the ball out of the Wildcat if there's no one to throw to? Why even call that play? You're handing the beatdown out to the Seahawks, but you decide to confuse them and run the Wildcat? The best part of this was watching the Mike Martz react on the sideline. (blank stare) Cutler had a great game, and almost made you think that he should be in the backfield as he danced into the end zone twice. The Bears defense kept the Seahawks at 34 yards rushing for the game and spent enough time in the Seahawks backfield to become drinking buddies with Hasselbeck (26 of 46 for 258 yards, 3 TDs).
After the game, I happened to be listening to some sports talk radio and one caller called in saying that he was happy the Bears won, but he was upset with the play of Julius Peppers. I almost ran off the road, because either he didn't watch the game or he just doesn't know any better. Peppers is the one guy on that defensive line that team game plan against. He was double teamed the majority of the game and in some cases there were 3 people that he had to deal with. This allowed people like Tommie Harris, Urlacher, and Briggs to make all the plays. That won't show up on the stat sheet, but I'll bet you no one in the Bears locker room will say anything differently. Inquisitive Mind 1 - 2 for the week.
New York Jets @ New England - The Jets talked the talk and they walked the walk by jumping on the Patriots and never letting up. Maybe the ghost of Randy Moss finally caught up to the Pats. After falling behind early, they weren't able to stretch the field as the Jets found ways to stop that dink and dunk offense. Mark Sanchez (16 of 25 for 194 yards, 3 TDs) looked like an NFL QB and the Jets continued to pound the ball with both LT (10 carries for 43 yards) and Greene (17 carries for 76 yards, 1 TD). Brady was sacked 5 times and hit numerous times. That's the blueprint for beating the Patriots, get Brady (29 of 45 for 299 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT) uncomfortable and run the ball.
There was a lot of talk going on, with even Welker (7 catches, 57 yards) sitting at the beginning of the game for his 'foot' diatribe to the media a few days earlier. I wonder how it must feel to beat those guys, because you know it has to be something if your starting wide receiver is doing a cartwheel after the game. The week off really effected the timing of that Patriots offense, that's all I'll say. Inquisitive Mind 2 - 2 for the week.
It was a fun week, always fun when the Patriots lose, but I'm crying on the inside about my Ravens. I'm still not sure how they lost that game. We'll see what next week brings.
Friday, September 17, 2010
NFL 2010 Week 2 Picks
We definitely started the season off with a bang with our 7-9 record, so let's see if we can make less noise and some better picks.
Pittsburgh @ Tennessee – Well Dennis Dixon gets his next test in Tennessee. We all know from Week 1 that the Steelers defense can get them out of a lot of trouble, but the offense is going to have to step it up this time around. The Titans will give the Steelers large doses of Chris Johnson, and I imagine that VY is going to have to throw the ball more than 17 times. This ought to be quite the game. Winner – Steelers.
Miami @ Minnesota – Miami travels all the way to Minnesota and I imagine that their ground game will be ready to test the Vikings front 7. The Saints seemed to run well against them in Week 1 and I think the Dolphins have a more dynamic group of runners. I hope someone in Minny tells Childress that Chris Johnson got 27 carries in a laugher of a game last week for the Titans,…….give AP his carries!!!! Winner – Vikings.
Arizona @ Atlanta – After giving away last week’s game to the Steelers, the Falcons are at home and hopefully they’ve implemented more than one pass play and more than 4 running plays or it’s going to be a long season. The Cardinals can be tough against the run upfront, but I expect the home cooking to work in favor of the Falcons and give them their first win of the season. Winner – Falcons.
Baltimore @ Cincinnati – When I look at this game, the one thing that comes to mind is that Cedric Benson was the first back in 61 games to get 100 yards on this Baltimore defense. That’s a gauntlet being thrown down to this defense. The Ravens on offense looked pretty good with Boldin last week and I expect some more work for Houshmandzadeh this week. Which receiving core are you going to pick, Ocho and Owens or Boldin and TJ? Winner – Bengals.
Kansas City @ Cleveland – The Chefs, they got their ‘i’ back so I’ll say the Chiefs surprised last week with a pretty good performance by beating the Chargers. Cassel looked decent and the surprised play from the defense shocked me. The Browns are already on quarterback number two with Seneca Wallace getting the start. I can’t say much more about the Browns. I think this one is closer than most expect, but I imagine that the Chiefs come out on top. Winner – Chiefs.
Chicago @ Dallas – One team got a W with an asterisk (Bears) and the other got an ‘L’ for not showing up (Cowboys), so something’s got to give. Hillenmeyer is out for the year with the Bears with a concussion, and DeMarcus Ware is coming back from a mild concussion himself. What’s the over/under on the number of games Urlacher plays before he gets hurt? There’s no way the Cowboys let the Bears come in and spoil the home opener for them, right? Lots of running by the Cowboys and I expect Dez Bryant to show out. Winner – Cowboys.
Philadelphia @ Detroit – Mike Vick, glad to see you back in the saddle. The Eagles finally announces that Vick would start (we knew this was going to happen, right?) and he has been practicing with the 1st team all week long. Vick should be a lot better prepared and the game plan should be wide open. Shaun Hill will get the start for the Lions, so I expect that he’ll see a lot of blitzing from the Eagles, but they will double Calvin Johnson (they are smarter than the Bears), so this one may end up being a blowout. Winner – Eagles.
Buffalo @ Green Bay – The tundra isn’t quite frozen yet, but the Packers are feeling a little sick from losing their starting RB, Ryan Grant, in their first game. Because of Aaron Rodgers, they can pretty much insert running back X and keep that machine moving. The Packers defense seems to be close to mid-season form and the Bills don’t have anyone. Winner – Packers.
Tampa Bay @ Carolina – Well, Week 2 and it seems as though Matt Moore will start this game, but if he does, I don’t expect him to end it on the field. We will probably end up with a Jimmy Clausen sighting preparing for his Week 3 start. Neither team is loaded but I bet against the Bucs last week and lost. Winner – Bucs.
Seattle @ Denver – I don’t think many people outside of Pete Carroll’s office thought they would play like they did last week. Is this a sign of things to come or an anomaly? They go to Denver who may be able to provide them with some issues on the defensive side of the ball, but I’m not sure anywhere else. I don’t actually believe this, but I’m going with,…..Winner – Seahawks.
St. Louis @ Oakland – Talk about two bad teams (at least right now). The Raiders will once again turn to Darren McFadden to see if he can pull the load, which he should against this defense. Maybe they’ll even open things up a little for Jason Campbell and this one should be over by halftime. Winner – Raiders.
Houston @ Washington – This is the test for the Texans. You come off a game where many thought you couldn’t beat the Colts and now you get a team in the Redskins that everyone expects you to beat. Are the Texans going to step up? We know Arian Foster won’t get 231 in this game, but I expect a better performance out of Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson. I liked the Redskins on defense last week and if they can keep that up, this won’t be the cakewalk that many think it will be. This is the Texans year. Winner – Texans.
New England @ New York Jets – I love the trash talk. We all know that Moss plays when he wants and this is probably one of those where he plays. Revis has a built in excuse with his sore hammy, but this will come down to whether the Pats can protect Brady. As we saw in their game against the Ravens, they are going to bring it all day. The Jets are just limited on offense with Shonn Greene (the dropsies) and Sanchez not wanting to complete a pass for more than 9 yards. Winner – Patriots.
Jacksonville @ San Diego – Chargers, are you ready to start the season yet? You are already looking up to the Chiefs in your division, and that should never happen. Jacksonville surprised last week with a decent performance, but I expect the Chargers to be extra motivated after that debacle last week. Winner – Chargers.
New York Giants @ Indianapolis – I guess this is Manning Bowl Part Deux. Normally the better Manning should win this game and I think that holds. Note to insurance agents, if an individual named Bob Sanders applies for any type of insurance, you probably want to deny him, he’s accident prone. The Colts defense will be okay with Bullitt back there, but Peyton seemed to be already in mid-season form. I’m just not a believer in Eli. Winner – Colts.
New Orleans @ San Francisco – I can already see it, Mike Singletary addressing the media after this game,…’I’d like to thank the Saints for kicking our a$$ like that because it’s something we need to learn from’. Winner – Saints.
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