Are You Ready For Some Football?

Yes I know that this isn't opening week in football but so what. That said lets just get right into it. First, we break down Jets vs. Patriots.

The Jets are coming off of a solid win against the Texans. To be honest, I had a feeling that they would win that game, but not in the fashion that they did. The defense was solid and the rookie QB Mark Sanchez looked good. He did make some bad passes but they go unnoticed because only one of them was intercepted. I'm not saying that he is the next Joe Montana but Jets fans have something to be excited about for the first time in a long time. But it was the defense that really was the story for me. They put pressure on Matt Shaub all day and never let up, which was done without two of their best pass rushers in Calvin Pace and Shaun Ellis because of suspensions. The overall defense didn’t let up a single point either, yet another reason to be excited. But this week, the mighty Patriots come in to town and look to upset the good feelings that were built up since the NFL Draft back in April. As obvious as this sounds its true, this will be a much harder game to win. The Texans have really one legitimate receiver in Johnson and then the drop-off is massive, the Patriots have Randy Moss as the #1 but then Wes Welker to go to in the slot and is extremely dangerous in the open field. Ask the Giants secondary from the Super Bowl. The Bills confirmed what the Giants showed the world in Super Bowl XLII, if you can pressure Tom Brady, things can happen. However, in the blitz happy Ryan defense, that usually leaves a one-on-one downfield. This is where the lock down corner Darelle Revis will come into play. One week after shutting down Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson, is confident in his ability to duplicate that feat against New England Patriots star wide receiver Randy Moss. Keep in mind the Patriots have won eight straight when visiting the Jets since a 20-19 loss Sept. 11, 2000, during Belichick's first season at the helm. That streak continued with a 19-10 win Sept. 14 but New England lost 34-31 in overtime at home to New York on Nov. 13. The Patriots might be without linebacker Jerod Mayo, last season's team leader with 139 tackles, due to a knee injury suffered Monday. His status isn't quite clear as Belichick would only confirm the reigning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year won't miss the rest of the season. I’m picking the Patriots to win this game but not in blowout fashion. Something that will hold key to the game is how well Mark Sanchez will read the Belichick style defense. They never line up the same way and it can be very confusing to someone who has very little experience.

The Bottom Line: If the Jets can maintain constant pressure on Brady, I give them a shot to win, but Sanchez needs to have another mistake-free game.

The Pick: I’m taking the Patriots to win the game but not in blowout fashion because the Jets defense is good enough to keep it close. Patriots 27 – Jets 17

Now we move to the Giants vs. Cowboys.

If the New York Giants are going to spoil the regular season christening of Dallas’ new billion-dollar stadium, then Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw must bring their A-game. Both teams won last week’s season opener, but the Cowboys were gashed by Tampa Bay on the ground for 174 yards in the 34-21 victory. Carnell “Cadillac” Williams picked up 97 yards on only 13 carries while former Giants running back Derrick Ward gained another 62 yards on 12 attempts. Each scored a touchdown. If New York gets that kind of productivity and the defense plays as it did against Washington, we could see an upset in Big D. The G-Men have history against them, however. Dallas has won four of the last five meetings, and three of the last four in Dallas. The only Dallas loss however was the one that mattered most, the 2007 Divisional Playoff game. If the Giants are unable to get anything going on the ground, DeMarcus Ware and Co. will be able to pin their ears back and head right for Manning. Surprisingly, Dallas was unable to register a sack last week in Tampa after Ware led the NFL with 20 sacks a season ago. Tampa quarterback Byron Leftwich completed 61 percent of his passes and threw for 276 yards as the Buccaneers totaled 450 yards of offense. For Dallas, the recipe for success is eerily similar. The Cowboys have their own one-two punch in the backfield. Establishing Marion Barber and Felix Jones on the ground will open things up for Tony Romo. Dallas rushed for 118 yards against the Bucs, led by Barber, who had 79 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries. Romo enjoyed a superb opener, throwing for 353 yards and three touchdowns, including seven passes to Patrick Crayton and Roy Williams for a combined 221 yards. It’s clear that the Cowboys don’t miss Terrell Owens. Romo’s efforts this past Sunday made up for the lackluster defensive performance in the Sunshine State. While Dallas’ defense was underwhelming in victory, New York’s unit overwhelmed Jason Campbell and the Redskins. They held the Redskins to 272 yards, 85 rushing, and forced two turnovers with three sacks, including one and one-half by NFC defensive player of the week Justin Tuck. Defensive end Osi Umenyiora, back after missing last year with a knee injury added a sack and a forced fumble of Campbell. He then returned the fumble 37 yards for a score in the 23-17 win. Manning was not spectacular against Washington, but was efficient, going 20 of 29 for 256 yards with one touchdown and one interception, completing passes to seven different receivers. That kind of efficiency begins with pass protection and a solid running game. Both teams have basically the same strengths. It’s just a matter of which squad can establish the ground game early, pressure the quarterback, and create a turnover, something Dallas has struggled to do the last few years. The clubs have already begun the war of words, with Jacobs and Ware both saying they “hate” the other team. It would seem the passion on the field in this storied NFC East rivalry has finally caught up to the passion in the stands. The passionate ones in the seats could be the difference in this game, if Dallas can feed off its crowd in the home opener. The Giants will do all they can to silence the expected sell-out crowd. That could be easier to do with their 260-pound tailback on the field. With Jacobs in the lineup, this is a completely different Giants team, and New York just might be leaving Big D with a big W.

The Bottom Line: The Giants running game. If they can establish the run with Jacobs and then change pace with Bradshaw I can see a win for the Giants, if not it will be a long day for the offensive line and Eli Manning. The Giants defense also has to put pressure on Tony Romo. The Giants secondary is banged up and may not be able to keep up with Roy Williams and Patrick Crayton for very long.

The Pick: I’ll take the Giants in a modest scoring game. Defense will be there on both sides but since it is a divisional game, points will be put on the board. Giants 27 – Cowboys 21.

More of the same really...

So, I know I missed last week but hey, I'm only human.  Since I missed last week I'll give you two topics this week to make up for some lost ground.  First and foremost, if you are going to comment on this blog, please state who you are.  I am open to criticism, and I encourage it, but to give it under an anonymous alias is unfair.  Anyone can criticize anything without giving a name but it shows no backbone.  Now with that said, on to business.

Oh the J-E-T-S Jets Jets Jets.  It can never be easy for them.  I really am starting to wonder if they love their fans or not.  They sign a decent-to-very good offensive line, bring in Brett the Jet and get nowhere.  This off season, they bring in some very good players in Bart Scott and Justin Leonhard on defense.  Only this time, they really don't have a quarterback.  I know some fans are saying that the Jets don't need a star quarterback because the defense this year will be lock down.  Since that is the feeling, games MUST proceed as follows: running the football for the majority of the game and the defense will have to keep opponents to 14 points or less EVERY GAME.  There really are two glaring problems, the previously mentioned QB issue and a lack of a number one receiver.  I wasn't shocked when Laveranues Coles was released. Coles wants to be paid as a number one wide receiver and he simply isn't. His age has finally caught up to him and was not the same after Pennington was released by the Jets.  Since the Jets got rid of Coles, you would think they would pursue a free agent receiver and look very hard at Percy Harvin or Jeremy Maclin in the first round.  Just be warned that pro corners and safeties will not respect rookie receivers.  I also expect the Jets to try to extend the contracts of Leon Washington and Nick Mangold, who are both coming off pro-bowl years.   I would be very disappointed if the Jets drafted USC QB Mark Sanchez.  This kid made the biggest mistake of his life leaving USC and Pete Carroll.  He is one the greatest minds in college football and runs a pro offensive scheme on his team.  And FYI to all fans in need of a head coach(Cowboys) he will never leave the college system.  Sanchez should have stayed at least 2 more years, the reason behind him leaving is greed.  I don't want to hear that he wants to help a team win.  He wants his money and is skipping the college portion of his life.  I feel that he did not have the vision to see that he would have been king of USC for the entire time he was there.  In the NFL if you don't make a splash, you get criticized to on end and then cast aside.  

And finally, the Jay Cutler saga seems to me like it is coming to an end.  I never thought the Jets would trade for him for one simple reason.  They did not have the pieces to acquire him.  Also, I have a gut feeling that he is not cut out for the microscope that his New York.  Here in the limelight of limelights, every move is talked about every possible second.  It also seems that rookie head coach Josh Mcdaniels wants to now patch things up and Cutler has agreed to meet with him.  I felt that Cutler acted very immature and this would make him even more undesirable because the Jets coach, Rex Ryan, is also a rookie.  If Cutler thinks that if he cries enough about something, he will get his way.  From what I've seen from Ryan, it doesn't seem like he is the one to take anything.  I think Rex Ryan will do a good job but time will tell.

Now to switch gears, since we are in the dead zone of the sports year, I will fall victim to the new New York stadium chatter.  As we all know, there are two very nice new stadiums being built in The Bronx and Queens.  Also, the subject of ticket pricing has been a hot topic in the recent months.  What most fans fail to realize is that the Mets and Yankees have set their prices and they will not change.  The only way to make the tickets go down in price was to boycott them from the beginning.  It would be impossible for either team to lower prices now because it is not fair for the people who have bought tickets regardless of price.  The amount of class action lawsuits would circle around the block 15 times over.  We all know the prices are insane but it is still a business and they are there to make money.  No one has the gun to our heads to go to games.  We as fans have to make the conscious decision to choose to go or not.  With the season just 2 weeks away, there are still great seats at not so great prices available. Lets see how much they can sell.

I've been obsessed with Battlestar Galactica, so I'll be keeping myself busy with that.

Celebrate at you own risk...

Anyone who follows baseball remotely knows who Jose Reyes is.  And Met fans especially know his celebration tactics.  Sometimes it can be looked at as a great thing, others just tolerated.  But towards the end of last year, it was pretty much frowned upon.  

Now the question is, is this really bad for him and the team?  My answer is the kind that nobody likes but I think its good and bad.  I know most people want a one or the other answer, but this case is bigger than that.  Its a good thing because it is something that brings excitement to the game and to the team.  It can almost be seen as something that gives him his drive and what makes him go full speed.  Sometimes it is very entertaining to watch and makes the game of baseball fun.

And now for part two of the answer.  His celebrations can be possibly bad for the team and the game.  Reason being is that sometimes the dancing around is beyond the realm of good taste(sorry Mr. Pike).  Especially if the team is losing and he hits a home run, he dances in the dugout like he just saved the world.  I also believe that sometimes his celebrations motivate the other team.  To be honest, I really am surprised that someone hasn't thrown at him.  I don't in anyway condone intentionally hitting someone with the baseball, but the ultimate and easiest way for a pitcher to get even is to bean them with the ball.  I played baseball for almost 14 years, and I know when a pitcher wants you on the ground.  And I'm not the only one who feels this way about Reyes, just ask any Mets fan.

I don't want people to just stop celebrating achievements in the game but sometimes it's just unnecessary.  Like in football, after the running back gains 7 yards on a play and then is tackled, the linebacker gets up and starts doing a dance.  You're getting paid millions of dollars to play a game.  Just handle business and then when it really matters you can celebrate.  

And I know some people won't like this but I have to mention Joba Chamberlain.  He is also very emotional.  Like I said about Reyes, I don't mind it when it is in good taste and the moment means something.  Sometimes he comes off the mound after striking out a batter and it looks like he just struck out Mickey Mantle to win the World Series.  What he should be worried about is staying healthy and making his starts.  And can we please stop babying these pitchers.  The reason they have arm trouble is because they're only allowed to pitch on certain days with a certain number of pitches.  Give me a break. 

Well anyway, thats gonna do it... posted just before midnight...so it counts as Thursday!!

Better Late Than Never I Suppose...

Again, my apologies to my loyal fans but school last week was pretty busy.  As promised, a post on Sunday.  As I sit here watching Speed Pool on ESPN, I sit back and try to remember the last week in the sports world only to come to the conclusion that there were really only 2 things that were pretty serious.  Terrel Owens was cut from the Cowboys and about 3 days later he signs a one year deal with the Buffalo Bills.  For me, a Giants fan, first and foremost, I'm glad that he didn't sign with the team.  Yes, I know how good be his but I also know how much of a pain in the ass he his and what he can do to a locker room.  The Giants right now don't need anymore distractions.  I'd be perfectly happy is Plaxico stays out of jail and comes back.  The only problem is that its up to the legal system to help him out right now, so well see.  Second, the story with Johan Santana's pitching issues and evertything with his elbow was starting to get old.  One day he can pitch, next day he can't, he needs arm surgery, and now the latest is that hes fine and is actually ahead of schedule to pitch Opening Day.  This is actually great news but to be honest it gets annyoing when every other day the story changes and you don't know who to believe.  The problem is the media.  I really do hate the media sometimes.  Things are always blown out of proportion and its usually inaccurate.  Especially with ESPN, they are the most guilty of anyone.  But, whatever, the media is a part of the sports culture and to be honest sometimes, and the operative word here is sometimes, the media can keep things interesting but all I'm asking for is some conisitancy with the stories.  

Thats it really...a quick short post to keep this thing rolling...

Goodnight all.

I'm sure anyone in college will understand...

I'm terribly sorry to disappoint all 5 people who read this thing...but this week has been rather busy for me and I will issue a new post on Sunday evening...

Jerry Manuel, Superstar!

It really is amazing.  Who could've possibly thought that the Mets could choke away leads in the division and wild card two years in a row.  When it happened in 2007 it hurt, but afterwards I thought, everyone hits a streak of crappy luck now and then.  But then 2008 started.  The Mets didn't exactly light the world on fire the whole season, but at the end all they needed was to win one more game and they would have been in the playoffs and the collapse of 2007 would have been forgotten.  But if you had a pulse in the last year and were remotely involved in sports the Mets collapsed again and missed clinching by a game.  Willie Randolph got fired, too soon in my opinion and it was handled terribly.  So Jerry Manuel took over.  In my opinion, he did a good job.  I'm glad they brought him back for at least two more years.  He knows how to handle the media,  keeps his interviews interesting and is not afraid of answering the question.  He has a fire about him that can really motivate a team(just watch a game where he got all up in the face of an umpire against Atlanta I believe).

I really didn't notice his genius until this off-season.  Like I said before, the Mets are fresh off of 2 end of season collapses but have you read a written story about it this off-season?  I haven't.  I don't count the Philles players talking about it because, I feel that they should celebrate the fact they won.  Its like how I felt after the Giants won Super Bowl XLII.  I didn't worry about shoving it in the Patriots faces.  I soaked it up as much as possible because who knows when or if they will get back there again in my lifetime(see Boston Red Sox 1918-2003).  But anyway, Jerry has caused some "controversy" this off-season.  He has done everything in his power NOT to have the collapses come up.  He talked about having Luis Castillo hit leadoff to jump start his season, and then the attention shifted to Reyes to get his reaction.  Not to get crazy over spring training games but Castillo has seemed to respond, which is a positive sign.

Jerry also made Daniel Murphy the everyday leftfielder.  For those that don't know, Murphy is going into his first full season.  Ryan Church is a veteran and will be platooning in right field.  Now, that can't be the best feeling to him, but its keeping negative stories about the Mets out of the news, which for all intensive purposes, is great. 

I do have to give credit to A-Rod for keeping the Mets under the radar as well.  But Jerry really seems to know how to run this team and so far its working.  I look forward to seeing where this team goes.  But I've learned not to count them chickens before they hatch....

No injuries through Spring Training and Lets go Mets!

I'm Back...and this time its serious business...

I know it has been a long time since the last post.  It has been almost a year and much has happened since then.  The Giants won the Super Bowl.  Brett Favre retired, came back, and retired again.  The Mets collapsed again.  I could go on and on .  But if you had a pulse within the last 2-3 weeks the sports bombshell hit.  The news broke as I was driving to work.  I couldn't believe my ears.  Alex Rodriguez tested positive in 2003 for performance enhancing drugs.  This one hurts the most because A-Rod was looked at as the savior of the game.  When he passes Barry Bonds for the all-time home run record, us fans and sports writers said that the record would return to being clean.  But now there really is no escaping the fact he did steroids.  People may forget for a while but when he comes closer to the record(and theres no doubt he will come close, if not pass it, barring some injury) the talks will begin about how they are tainted.  The problem is Alex has had two times to come clean.  I mean totally get everything out about what he did, and without missing a beat, he didn't.  There are so many holes in this story.  I was going to write about the "cousin" but in recent days "my cousin vinnie" has been found.  But what gets me is,  the drugs came into this country illegally, first off.  So there will be some kind of investigation coming with that.  Because now this is a federal case because now it deals with border security.  Second, he got them, didn't think he was doing anything wrong, but didn't tell anyone about it.  Now I realize that he might have said that so he didn't have teammates asking favors to get more of the drugs, but at 25 years old, you know what you are doing and getting yourself into.  Third, he said he wasn't sure that he was taking them correctly, or what the effects were.  You just signed a $252 million contract, how in the world do you not know what you are putting into your body and the effects that were to come out of it.  But, lets say thats the truth, why would he keep doing it for 3 YEARS???? If anyone had a cough, and after 2 days you would throw the medicine out and get something else.  Don't insult our intelligence by saying you didn't know  what the effects where when you took them regularly.  Steroids need to be taken in cycles.  You don't take them when you feel like it.  Fourth, why would Alex say when asked if he had any thoughts that this was wrong that he would say, "well i knew we weren't doing tic tacs".  Now this point really hasn't been brought up and to be honest when I heard it, I didn't think much of it.  But now that I think of it, wouldn't that be an indirect reference to pills.  He said he was injected but, Pimobolin is ususally supplemented with testosterone.  So maybe he was doing both.  

Now this next part is a shot at the Yankees.  I realize this coming from a Mets fan is a bit cliche because supposedly thats all we do.  I had no problem with the Yankees saying Alex would do no one-on-one interviews, totally understandable.  That press conference  was tough enough.  The problem I have is, NO FOLLOW UP QUESTIONS.  And as a fan, that pissed me off.  I don't want to be fed the excuse that there isn't enough time.  All there had to be was one follow up question.  As soon as that was said, the interview was almost not worth it.  To me the Yankees are guilty of aiding and embedding. 

Lastly as a side note: for all us non spanish speakers, what did that woman say.  And why didn't it need a translation.

That is all see you next week.