Wednesday, December 14, 2011
No Article Today
There won't be a written article for now at least since I ultimately can't think of anything to write about. If I can clear my mind and focus on what to write about later on, I'll do so. But for now, this is just one of those days where I ultimately can't think of anything to write about.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
A Penguin's Headache
Truth be told I'm not a big fan of Sidney Crosby or the Pittsburgh Penguins. In fact, they're one of only two sports franchises that I legitimately hate, the other being the Dallas Cowboys. Crosby got his first concussion on January 1, 2011 against the Washington Capitals on New Year's Day. 48 hours afterwards, he was back on the ice again where he suffered yet another concussion. After that, he was on IR for the last 10 months.
When he came back, he came back in style, looking as if he hadn't lost a step. However, against the Boston Bruins a week ago, we sustained a blow to the head that has once again left him out indefinitely, this time leading many to wonder if the NHL's Golden Boy will ever return. First I'd like to ask a question: Why was Pittsburgh's Head Coach given the coach of the year award last year? Despite making the Playoffs with a shorthanded roster, he's ultimately the one responsible for putting Crosby on the disabled list. It was the by far the worst coaching decision any coach made over the last 12 months. While most people don't blame the Penguins coach for Crosby's headache, they probably should.
When he came back, he came back in style, looking as if he hadn't lost a step. However, against the Boston Bruins a week ago, we sustained a blow to the head that has once again left him out indefinitely, this time leading many to wonder if the NHL's Golden Boy will ever return. First I'd like to ask a question: Why was Pittsburgh's Head Coach given the coach of the year award last year? Despite making the Playoffs with a shorthanded roster, he's ultimately the one responsible for putting Crosby on the disabled list. It was the by far the worst coaching decision any coach made over the last 12 months. While most people don't blame the Penguins coach for Crosby's headache, they probably should.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Tebowmania
Tim Tebow has done it again. After last week's heroism against the Vikings, Tebow seemingly willed his team to yet another miracle win at home against the Chicago Bears, winning in Overtime 13-10.
The script, while different in circumstances, seemed oddly familiar. Down 10 late to the Bears, Tebow led the Broncos down the field for a late touchdown to put them down three with less than two minutes to play. After an onside kick that they almost recovered, the Broncos forced the Bears to punt after Marion Barber stepped out of bounds, leaving Tebow and crew with 56 seconds left to play. Since neither team had a timeout left at that point, if Barber went down instead of trying to get a couple of extra yards, while they would've had to punt, would've left the Broncos with much less time on the clock.
Tebow put his team in field goal range, allowing Prater, the Broncos kicker to tie the game with :02 remaining on a 59-yard field goal. The crowd had seen Tebow work his magic before, three weeks prior against the Jets, when people started taking Tebow seriously in his 4th quarter magic. In overtime, the Bears got the ball first, and drove down into field goal territory rather quickly. Then on a run up the middle, Marion Barber once again gave Tebow another chance at a miracle, by fumbling the ball, which Denver recovered.
After a few plays, Prater kicked a 51-yard field goal to give Broncos their 6th win in a row, 7 of their previous 8, all with Tebow under Center. With the exception of a 14 point win over Oakland, all of their wins in this stretch have been by 7 points or less, 3 of which happened coming in Overtime. While I'm not a numbers guy, these numbers do get people excited since the games are close and Tebow is a fun Quarterback to watch. When games are close, Tebow and the Broncos step up and make plays, shinning when the game is on the line, something good teams thrive at.
Tim Tebow, whether he deserves all of the credit or not, isn't what's important here. What's important here is that people are flocking to Tebow over these situations. Whether it's to mock his religious nature, to watch him thrive, fail, etc. Tim Tebow has become a media darling in a few weeks time due to the way the Broncos are winning games. Tebow has won games with his arm, his legs and with the help of everyone around him. This is a phenomena. The way the Broncos are winning shouldn't be happening, but they are. Will it end in a Super Bowl? I don't think it will, but it's certainly fun to watch, at least for this season.
The script, while different in circumstances, seemed oddly familiar. Down 10 late to the Bears, Tebow led the Broncos down the field for a late touchdown to put them down three with less than two minutes to play. After an onside kick that they almost recovered, the Broncos forced the Bears to punt after Marion Barber stepped out of bounds, leaving Tebow and crew with 56 seconds left to play. Since neither team had a timeout left at that point, if Barber went down instead of trying to get a couple of extra yards, while they would've had to punt, would've left the Broncos with much less time on the clock.
Tebow put his team in field goal range, allowing Prater, the Broncos kicker to tie the game with :02 remaining on a 59-yard field goal. The crowd had seen Tebow work his magic before, three weeks prior against the Jets, when people started taking Tebow seriously in his 4th quarter magic. In overtime, the Bears got the ball first, and drove down into field goal territory rather quickly. Then on a run up the middle, Marion Barber once again gave Tebow another chance at a miracle, by fumbling the ball, which Denver recovered.
After a few plays, Prater kicked a 51-yard field goal to give Broncos their 6th win in a row, 7 of their previous 8, all with Tebow under Center. With the exception of a 14 point win over Oakland, all of their wins in this stretch have been by 7 points or less, 3 of which happened coming in Overtime. While I'm not a numbers guy, these numbers do get people excited since the games are close and Tebow is a fun Quarterback to watch. When games are close, Tebow and the Broncos step up and make plays, shinning when the game is on the line, something good teams thrive at.
Tim Tebow, whether he deserves all of the credit or not, isn't what's important here. What's important here is that people are flocking to Tebow over these situations. Whether it's to mock his religious nature, to watch him thrive, fail, etc. Tim Tebow has become a media darling in a few weeks time due to the way the Broncos are winning games. Tebow has won games with his arm, his legs and with the help of everyone around him. This is a phenomena. The way the Broncos are winning shouldn't be happening, but they are. Will it end in a Super Bowl? I don't think it will, but it's certainly fun to watch, at least for this season.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Changing Things Up
I've decided that I'll start writing more often here. Because of this, at least early on, the quality of the writing will most likely suffer a bit and be shorter as well. I'll also be talking about sports more, since the NFL, NHL and NBA are going to be in full swing very soon. While I consider to be an expert of the NFL, I feel I am confident enough in my writing in regards to the NHL. For the NBA, while I know some fundamentals, I'm not what anyone would consider to be an expert.
Sports, by and large, are the same for me. While they're inherently different, I can still gauge if games can go certain ways or not and see where it changes. Statistics are superficial at best to me, as a superstar can only do so much to make their team a winner. They're only as good as their weakest link, and by and large, even the strongest teams have a gigantic target on their back that others can exploit to make the game theirs. To me, sports are about flow and momentum instead of hard numbers. While some say numbers don't lie, I say the opposite since statistics can say anything you want them to say in order to make an argument that is, by and large coincidental. So while I may not delve into a lot of stats, I'm hopeful you'll be able to see the game through my eyes when I do write about them.
Sports, by and large, are the same for me. While they're inherently different, I can still gauge if games can go certain ways or not and see where it changes. Statistics are superficial at best to me, as a superstar can only do so much to make their team a winner. They're only as good as their weakest link, and by and large, even the strongest teams have a gigantic target on their back that others can exploit to make the game theirs. To me, sports are about flow and momentum instead of hard numbers. While some say numbers don't lie, I say the opposite since statistics can say anything you want them to say in order to make an argument that is, by and large coincidental. So while I may not delve into a lot of stats, I'm hopeful you'll be able to see the game through my eyes when I do write about them.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Pujols Ascending
Albert Pujols, the most dominant baseball player of the past decade has left the St. Louis Cardinals for greener pastures with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim for $254 million over 10 years. Pujols helped the Cardinals win 2 World Series in his tenure there, becoming one of the most feared players in recent memory. Pujols now looks to add to his already impressive numbers, 445 Home Runs, .328 batting average and 1300 RBI's; with the possibility of him becoming a designated hitter over the next 2-3 seasons, he can do so with minimal wear and tear on his body.
The impact of Pujols leaving St. Louis will be felt immediately, leaving the Cardinals with the task of filling the hole at 1st base, the position Pujols played, with a competent bat to be able to compete again for the World Series. With a newly incoming manager, the Cardinals will more than likely fill the position with a glove since a bat is not really available at the current time, and hope for a better bat next off-season.
The Angels on the other hand, who finished finished 10 games behind the Texas Rangers in the AL West last year, took away pitcher C.J. Wilson from them, strengthening a rotation that will undoubtedly make them the odds on favorite to win the division, and go onto the World Series.
The impact of Pujols leaving St. Louis will be felt immediately, leaving the Cardinals with the task of filling the hole at 1st base, the position Pujols played, with a competent bat to be able to compete again for the World Series. With a newly incoming manager, the Cardinals will more than likely fill the position with a glove since a bat is not really available at the current time, and hope for a better bat next off-season.
The Angels on the other hand, who finished finished 10 games behind the Texas Rangers in the AL West last year, took away pitcher C.J. Wilson from them, strengthening a rotation that will undoubtedly make them the odds on favorite to win the division, and go onto the World Series.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
The NHL's Radical Realignment
Earlier this week the NHL Governors approved a makeover for the League's Conferences. This was brought about, by and large because the Atlanta Thrashers became the Winnipeg Jets over the off-season. Instead of two conferences housing three divisions each, starting next season there will be four conferences, two housing eight team while two house seven. While the Conferences don't have names yet, one has teams across the western part of North America, one is across Central North America, while the other two consist of Atlantic Teams and Northeast Southeast Teams.
The only surprising change appears to be that Tampa Bay and Florida will be with teams in the Northeast instead of being with Washington, Carolina and perhaps even Nashville who will be in the Atlantic, Atlantic and Central conferences, respectively. They're really the only teams left out in the cold with Atlanta becoming Winnipeg since they're not close to any potential Conference rivals. The only rationale I have for this realignment is a potential expansion for the league soon down the line, potentially trying again with Atlanta and maybe expanding to Oklahoma City.
What's not up for debate is the new Playoffs Format, which will by and large stay the same. Each "Conference" will have four Playoff teams instead of eight since there are twice as many Conferences now, for the normal amount of 16. Once each Conference Champion is crowned the final two rounds will be 1 v. 4 and 2 v. 3 and then the inevitable Stanley Cup Finals. It sounds more complicated than it actually is, but making it look like they're changing the formula when they're not will be a clever marketing tool for them. Not only that, it will probably allow for more Washington v. Pittsburgh Playoff Matchups in the near future.
The only surprising change appears to be that Tampa Bay and Florida will be with teams in the Northeast instead of being with Washington, Carolina and perhaps even Nashville who will be in the Atlantic, Atlantic and Central conferences, respectively. They're really the only teams left out in the cold with Atlanta becoming Winnipeg since they're not close to any potential Conference rivals. The only rationale I have for this realignment is a potential expansion for the league soon down the line, potentially trying again with Atlanta and maybe expanding to Oklahoma City.
What's not up for debate is the new Playoffs Format, which will by and large stay the same. Each "Conference" will have four Playoff teams instead of eight since there are twice as many Conferences now, for the normal amount of 16. Once each Conference Champion is crowned the final two rounds will be 1 v. 4 and 2 v. 3 and then the inevitable Stanley Cup Finals. It sounds more complicated than it actually is, but making it look like they're changing the formula when they're not will be a clever marketing tool for them. Not only that, it will probably allow for more Washington v. Pittsburgh Playoff Matchups in the near future.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Making "Me" Happy
Whenever I'm asked 'what makes you happy?' it always seems to involve another person. I'm someone who always seems to put others needs above my own, regardless of my happiness. Even when I ask myself now 'what makes me happy?' I always picture someone else in my head before me. I don't get it. I'm sure someone else out like is like me and can tell me these things and what I should do, but at this point, I'm just lost.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
There are no Immortals
Yesterday it was announced that Al Davis had passed away. The long time Raiders owner, while controversial and often eccentric, gave passion to the sport and organization he loved. While many look on in disbelief, mostly due to the perception that Davis looked older than time itself, we have to realize that no one in this world is immortal. Our time will come. We cannot, under any circumstances escape our inevitable fate that binds us together as a world.
Steve Jobs said death was the best part of life, as it was the ultimate destiny of us all. He asked us to stay hungry and foolish as we pursue our life-long goals to make us happy and fulfilled with everyday day life. Al Davis, while he didn't look the part, excelled at life. In football he was a giant, a towering figure that excelled at utilizing talent to its' greatest extent. He used his gifts well, and so should we as we try to reach whatever goal we want.
Steve Jobs said death was the best part of life, as it was the ultimate destiny of us all. He asked us to stay hungry and foolish as we pursue our life-long goals to make us happy and fulfilled with everyday day life. Al Davis, while he didn't look the part, excelled at life. In football he was a giant, a towering figure that excelled at utilizing talent to its' greatest extent. He used his gifts well, and so should we as we try to reach whatever goal we want.
Monday, October 3, 2011
NFL '11: Surprises Thus Far
The 2011 NFL Season is just about a quarter of the way finished, a fifth of the way if you want to count the Playoffs. With that in mind, it's time to take a look at the surprising starts thus far, both good and bad, in addition to how those teams will fair in the Season ahead.
Buffalo Bills (3-1)
I think this surprise will come as no surprise to anyone so far. While they lost yesterday, they've been impressive thus far. They came back against Oakland and New England while dominating Kansas City in week 1. Looking ahead though, their season looks bleak with 2 games against the Jets as well as a rematch with the Patriots in New England. While a Playoff Spot isn't assured, a .500 record is since they have 2 more games with Miami. It'd be a great season for Buffalo relatively if that happened. But look for them to be great in seasons to come if they don't go to the playoffs this season.
Pittsburgh Steelers (2-2)
Coming into the Season, the Steelers were once again favorites among some to win the Super Bowl. To their surprise in Week 1, Baltimore cleaned their clocks, forcing them to win 2 games in a row against poor teams before getting demolished by Houston yesterday, despite the score being so close. Looking ahead, their schedule is favorable, and as long Roethlisberger stays healthy, the team still looks like a Playoff team. They just may not make it there because of the fierce competition the AFC East is currently giving them. Not to mention the rest of the AFC North is either 3-1 or 2-2.
Philadelphia Eagles (1-3)
Coming into the season 8 out of 10 people thought this team was the heavy favorite. With a lot of weight on their shoulders, along with a poor offensive line the Eagles have started rather slow. While the losses to Atlanta (lost lead in the 4th after Vick went out) and the Giants (revenge for last year's games) weren't entirely out of the realm of possibility, the loss to San Francisco yesterday was. They had a lot of pressure on their shoulders this season, and like the Miami Heat early last season, couldn't handle it. It's unknown at this point if they will pull through, but a 10 win season would require a 9-3 finish at this point, so unless they can win 2 of their next 3 games to get things going, it looks like the Dream Team will falter.
Detroit Lions (4-0)
The Lions ended last season with 4 straight wins. They won all 4 pre-season games, and are now 4-0. That's 12 straight games. The last two they've won have been by large comebacks, caused more by the other teams ineptitude than skill. Right now, they remind me of the 2009 New Orleans Saints, which had a great offense and an opportunistic defense that allowed them to win games they had no business of winning. While the '11 Lions have a better Defense, their schedule going forward is going to be a bit tougher than the Saints had two seasons ago. They face the Packers twice, including at Home on Thanksgiving, the Bears twice, the Chargers and Saints. While they are almost assured a Playoff spot barring injury to Stafford, it'll be interesting to see just how far they take it.
Buffalo Bills (3-1)
I think this surprise will come as no surprise to anyone so far. While they lost yesterday, they've been impressive thus far. They came back against Oakland and New England while dominating Kansas City in week 1. Looking ahead though, their season looks bleak with 2 games against the Jets as well as a rematch with the Patriots in New England. While a Playoff Spot isn't assured, a .500 record is since they have 2 more games with Miami. It'd be a great season for Buffalo relatively if that happened. But look for them to be great in seasons to come if they don't go to the playoffs this season.
Pittsburgh Steelers (2-2)
Coming into the Season, the Steelers were once again favorites among some to win the Super Bowl. To their surprise in Week 1, Baltimore cleaned their clocks, forcing them to win 2 games in a row against poor teams before getting demolished by Houston yesterday, despite the score being so close. Looking ahead, their schedule is favorable, and as long Roethlisberger stays healthy, the team still looks like a Playoff team. They just may not make it there because of the fierce competition the AFC East is currently giving them. Not to mention the rest of the AFC North is either 3-1 or 2-2.
Philadelphia Eagles (1-3)
Coming into the season 8 out of 10 people thought this team was the heavy favorite. With a lot of weight on their shoulders, along with a poor offensive line the Eagles have started rather slow. While the losses to Atlanta (lost lead in the 4th after Vick went out) and the Giants (revenge for last year's games) weren't entirely out of the realm of possibility, the loss to San Francisco yesterday was. They had a lot of pressure on their shoulders this season, and like the Miami Heat early last season, couldn't handle it. It's unknown at this point if they will pull through, but a 10 win season would require a 9-3 finish at this point, so unless they can win 2 of their next 3 games to get things going, it looks like the Dream Team will falter.
Detroit Lions (4-0)
The Lions ended last season with 4 straight wins. They won all 4 pre-season games, and are now 4-0. That's 12 straight games. The last two they've won have been by large comebacks, caused more by the other teams ineptitude than skill. Right now, they remind me of the 2009 New Orleans Saints, which had a great offense and an opportunistic defense that allowed them to win games they had no business of winning. While the '11 Lions have a better Defense, their schedule going forward is going to be a bit tougher than the Saints had two seasons ago. They face the Packers twice, including at Home on Thanksgiving, the Bears twice, the Chargers and Saints. While they are almost assured a Playoff spot barring injury to Stafford, it'll be interesting to see just how far they take it.
Monday, September 5, 2011
NFL Predictions - 2011-12
It's that time again where Football season is about to start and predictions are flying everywhere. So it is time I take a crack at it again like I do every year. Now these will be short and sweet with no records, but it's just an overview of things to come this season!
NFC East
1 - Dallas
2 - Philadelphia
3 - Washington
4 - NY Giants
NFC North
1 - Green Bay
2 - Detroit
3 - Chicago
4 - Minnesota
NFC South
1 - New Orleans
2 - Tampa Bay
3 - Atlanta
4 - Carolina
NFC West
1 - St. Louis
2 - San Francisco
3 - Arizona
4 - Seattle
AFC East
1 - New England
2 - NY Jets
3 - Miami
4 - Buffalo
AFC North
1 - Pittsburgh
2 - Baltimore
3 - Cleveland
4 - Cincinnati
AFC South
1 - Houston
2 - Indianapolis
3 - Jacksonville
4 - Tennessee
AFC West
1 - San Diego
2 - Oakland
3 - Kansas City
4 - Denver
NFC Playoffs
1 - Green Bay
2 - New Orleans
3 - Dallas - vs. - 6 - Detroit
4 - St. Louis - vs. - 5 - Philadelphia
NFC Champions: Dallas Cowboys
AFC Playoffs
1 - Pittsburgh
2 - New England
3 - San Diego - vs. - 6 - NY Jets
4 - Houston - vs. - 5 - Baltimore
AFC Champions: New England Patriots
Super Bowl Champions: New England Patriots
NFC East
1 - Dallas
2 - Philadelphia
3 - Washington
4 - NY Giants
NFC North
1 - Green Bay
2 - Detroit
3 - Chicago
4 - Minnesota
NFC South
1 - New Orleans
2 - Tampa Bay
3 - Atlanta
4 - Carolina
NFC West
1 - St. Louis
2 - San Francisco
3 - Arizona
4 - Seattle
AFC East
1 - New England
2 - NY Jets
3 - Miami
4 - Buffalo
AFC North
1 - Pittsburgh
2 - Baltimore
3 - Cleveland
4 - Cincinnati
AFC South
1 - Houston
2 - Indianapolis
3 - Jacksonville
4 - Tennessee
AFC West
1 - San Diego
2 - Oakland
3 - Kansas City
4 - Denver
NFC Playoffs
1 - Green Bay
2 - New Orleans
3 - Dallas - vs. - 6 - Detroit
4 - St. Louis - vs. - 5 - Philadelphia
NFC Champions: Dallas Cowboys
AFC Playoffs
1 - Pittsburgh
2 - New England
3 - San Diego - vs. - 6 - NY Jets
4 - Houston - vs. - 5 - Baltimore
AFC Champions: New England Patriots
Super Bowl Champions: New England Patriots
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