The Cincinnati Reds announced today that they have picked up the 2008 option on LF Adam Dunn. The move will make Dunn the highest paid player on the Reds' roster for next year at $13 million dollars.
The Reds also picked up the 2008 option for 1B Scott Hatteberg for $1.85 million dollars and the 2008 option for C Javier Valentin for $1.35 million dollars.
The Reds also declined the $3.5 million dollar option on RP Eddie Guardado. Eddie is still trying to make a comeback from his shoulder surgery 13 months ago. General Manager Wayne Krivsky said the Reds are interested in trying to bring Eddie back at a lower salary if the opportunity arises.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
People Who Live In Glass Houses...............
In case you missed it, Field Marshall Stern decided to take a swipe at the New York Knicks organization in an ESPN interview that was broadcast on Tuesday. Stern was commenting on the Anucha Browne Sanders lawsuit against the Knick organization. Don't get me wrong. I think that what Mr. Stern said about the Knicks was absolutely true. I just think it was more than a little hypocritical for the statement to be coming from a guy who has basically mismanaged the NBA into the ground.
Read below to see what David had to say about the Knicks:
"It demonstrates that they're not a model of intelligent management. There were many checkpoints along the way where more decisive action would have eliminated this issue."
Tell me that isn't the pot calling the kettle black. That statement sounds more like something I would expect Mark Cuban to say to one of his friends in private when he was talking about the NBA and the Tim Donaghy situation.
If David Stern had decent checks and balances in place in the NBA he would have stopped the Tim Donaghy fiasco long before it ever started. Jeez, all the Commissioner had to do was listen to all the criticism of NBA referees that was coming from the players, owners, coaches, and fans over the last several years. But instead, Commissioner Stern chose to publicly patronize and belittle anyone who ever questioned the integrity of the officiating in the NBA. Time after time he would tell us that we were all stupid and that NBA referees were the most honest people in the world. Its not like there wasn't sufficient evidence to support many of the accusations about point shaving going on in the NBA. Have you watched an NBA game recently?
After the Tim Donaghy story broke I was convinced that David Stern would come out and apologize to the fans and take the full blame for what he had let the NBA become on his watch. But, that's not what happened.
Instead, he just belittled and patronized us some more. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't remember Mark Cuban getting any of his money back from all the ridiculous fines that he had to pay as a result of criticizing the officials over the years. I don't remember Stern giving Cuban any kind of public apology, either. Maybe if Stern had read one of those reports that Mark Cuban had compiled on the state of NBA refereeing this whole Donaghy thing could have been snuffed out before it ever got started.
It sounds to me like the NBA may not exactly be a "model of intelligent management."
I've said it before, and I'll say it again. David Stern IS the problem with the NBA. David Stern needs to resign so that the League can try to start working on rebuilding the relationship it used to have with its fans. I would imagine that there are a lot of sports fans out there who will never trust the NBA again as long as David Stern is in charge.
I say, "Fire the idiot and offer the job to Mark Cuban!"
Read below to see what David had to say about the Knicks:
"It demonstrates that they're not a model of intelligent management. There were many checkpoints along the way where more decisive action would have eliminated this issue."
Tell me that isn't the pot calling the kettle black. That statement sounds more like something I would expect Mark Cuban to say to one of his friends in private when he was talking about the NBA and the Tim Donaghy situation.
If David Stern had decent checks and balances in place in the NBA he would have stopped the Tim Donaghy fiasco long before it ever started. Jeez, all the Commissioner had to do was listen to all the criticism of NBA referees that was coming from the players, owners, coaches, and fans over the last several years. But instead, Commissioner Stern chose to publicly patronize and belittle anyone who ever questioned the integrity of the officiating in the NBA. Time after time he would tell us that we were all stupid and that NBA referees were the most honest people in the world. Its not like there wasn't sufficient evidence to support many of the accusations about point shaving going on in the NBA. Have you watched an NBA game recently?
After the Tim Donaghy story broke I was convinced that David Stern would come out and apologize to the fans and take the full blame for what he had let the NBA become on his watch. But, that's not what happened.
Instead, he just belittled and patronized us some more. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't remember Mark Cuban getting any of his money back from all the ridiculous fines that he had to pay as a result of criticizing the officials over the years. I don't remember Stern giving Cuban any kind of public apology, either. Maybe if Stern had read one of those reports that Mark Cuban had compiled on the state of NBA refereeing this whole Donaghy thing could have been snuffed out before it ever got started.
It sounds to me like the NBA may not exactly be a "model of intelligent management."
I've said it before, and I'll say it again. David Stern IS the problem with the NBA. David Stern needs to resign so that the League can try to start working on rebuilding the relationship it used to have with its fans. I would imagine that there are a lot of sports fans out there who will never trust the NBA again as long as David Stern is in charge.
I say, "Fire the idiot and offer the job to Mark Cuban!"
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Are The Patriots Running Up The Score?
Of course they are.
It doesn't matter why they are doing it. What matters is that it is starting to tick off the opposing teams.
If the Patriots keep running up the score I wouldn't be surprised to see somebody from an opposing team take a cheap shot on Tom Brady late in a game. I wonder how everyone would feel if Bill Belichick's arrogance caused Brady to get injured and miss the playoffs?
I'm not saying it is going to happen. I'm just saying that the Pats are lucky that the dirtiest player in the NFL (Rodney Harrison) is on their own team. I could easily see Rodney trying to take out an opposing quarterback's knee if the other team was running up the score on the Pats. But, don't think for a second that there aren't a lot of other "Rodney Harrisons" out there playing for different teams in the NFL.
Sometimes it only takes one play to end a team's season. Coach Belichick just needs to ask himself if it is worth the risk.
It doesn't matter why they are doing it. What matters is that it is starting to tick off the opposing teams.
If the Patriots keep running up the score I wouldn't be surprised to see somebody from an opposing team take a cheap shot on Tom Brady late in a game. I wonder how everyone would feel if Bill Belichick's arrogance caused Brady to get injured and miss the playoffs?
I'm not saying it is going to happen. I'm just saying that the Pats are lucky that the dirtiest player in the NFL (Rodney Harrison) is on their own team. I could easily see Rodney trying to take out an opposing quarterback's knee if the other team was running up the score on the Pats. But, don't think for a second that there aren't a lot of other "Rodney Harrisons" out there playing for different teams in the NFL.
Sometimes it only takes one play to end a team's season. Coach Belichick just needs to ask himself if it is worth the risk.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
My Week 8 Power Rankings
Everybody else is doing power rankings so I thought I would throw in my 2 cents.
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1) New England Patriots. You can say they haven't played anybody if you want to. But, they have the best coach and the best offense in the NFL.
2) Indianapolis Colts. They are 7-0 and they are beating better quality opponents than the Patriots, but they just don't look as sharp as they did last year on offense. Their slow starts every week make it look like their coaching staff doesn't have them prepared for their opponent's game plans. If that's the case, it doesn't look good for next week when the Colts face the Patriots and Bill Belichick.
3) Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers have the 6th ranked offense and the #1 ranked defense in the NFL. They've had some hiccups along the way against the Cardinals and the Broncos, but they lost both of those games by a combined 10 points and turnovers probably cost them both those games.
4) Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys haven't exactly played a tough schedule, but their 2nd ranked offense is good enough to score points on anybody. I think they are the team to beat in the NFC.
5) Tennessee Titans. They win ugly, but they win. They have a great coach and the 6th ranked defense in the NFL. I don't think they are good enough to beat any team I ranked ahead of them, but I think they are capable of beating everybody else.
6) Green Bay Packers. They have Brett Favre and an underrated defense. They just need some consistency. Denver should give them a test tomorrow night. If they don't beat the Broncos then I obviously overestimated their defense.
7) San Diego Chargers. I would rank them higher except they started out a little slow this year. We'll find out more about them in week 10 when they face the Colts. One thing is for sure, this isn't the same Charger team that started the season 1 -3.
8) NY Giants. It pains me to rank the Giants in the top 10 after their struggles with the Dolphins. But, their defense just keeps looking better every week.
9) Jacksonville Jaguars. I would have ranked them higher if David Garrard were still healthy. Jack Del Rio is a great coach and their defense has given up the 2nd fewest points in the NFL this season.
10) In my opinion there is no other team worthy of being ranked in my power rankings. Detroit, Carolina, Tampa Bay, and Seattle are close in the NFC. Cleveland, Kansas City, Baltimore, and Denver are close in the AFC. But, none of them have consistently impressed me enough to grab the #10 spot.
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1) New England Patriots. You can say they haven't played anybody if you want to. But, they have the best coach and the best offense in the NFL.
2) Indianapolis Colts. They are 7-0 and they are beating better quality opponents than the Patriots, but they just don't look as sharp as they did last year on offense. Their slow starts every week make it look like their coaching staff doesn't have them prepared for their opponent's game plans. If that's the case, it doesn't look good for next week when the Colts face the Patriots and Bill Belichick.
3) Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers have the 6th ranked offense and the #1 ranked defense in the NFL. They've had some hiccups along the way against the Cardinals and the Broncos, but they lost both of those games by a combined 10 points and turnovers probably cost them both those games.
4) Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys haven't exactly played a tough schedule, but their 2nd ranked offense is good enough to score points on anybody. I think they are the team to beat in the NFC.
5) Tennessee Titans. They win ugly, but they win. They have a great coach and the 6th ranked defense in the NFL. I don't think they are good enough to beat any team I ranked ahead of them, but I think they are capable of beating everybody else.
6) Green Bay Packers. They have Brett Favre and an underrated defense. They just need some consistency. Denver should give them a test tomorrow night. If they don't beat the Broncos then I obviously overestimated their defense.
7) San Diego Chargers. I would rank them higher except they started out a little slow this year. We'll find out more about them in week 10 when they face the Colts. One thing is for sure, this isn't the same Charger team that started the season 1 -3.
8) NY Giants. It pains me to rank the Giants in the top 10 after their struggles with the Dolphins. But, their defense just keeps looking better every week.
9) Jacksonville Jaguars. I would have ranked them higher if David Garrard were still healthy. Jack Del Rio is a great coach and their defense has given up the 2nd fewest points in the NFL this season.
10) In my opinion there is no other team worthy of being ranked in my power rankings. Detroit, Carolina, Tampa Bay, and Seattle are close in the NFC. Cleveland, Kansas City, Baltimore, and Denver are close in the AFC. But, none of them have consistently impressed me enough to grab the #10 spot.
NFL Week 8 Observations
I'm sorry I haven't posted anything for a few days. My wife and I decided to take the kids on a little vacation. But, I did make it back in time today to catch most of the NFL action.
So, here are a few of my thoughts and observations from week 8 in the NFL.
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1) The New England Patriots hung 52 points on the Washington Redskins defense which is still ranked 5th in the NFL in total defense even after their recent shellacking. The Redskins defense isn't that bad. The Patriots offense is that good.
2) OK. It's time for me to admit that I am wrong occasionally. Regular readers of this blog might remember that I stated earlier in the season that I thought Charlie Johnson should be starting at left tackle for the Colts. Well, I have now seen Charlie in 2 consecutive games at left tackle for the Colts and I can now say the Colts offense isn't near as effective with Charlie in there. I am truly hoping that Tony Ugoh is healthy for next week's match-up between the Colts and the Patriots.
3) Speaking of the Colts/Patriots match-up next week, I think the Colts better hope they get healthy before next week. Starters Tony Ugoh (LT), Marvin Harrison (WR), and Freddie Keiaho (LB) all missed today's game against the Panthers. The Colts will need a healthy roster to have any chance against the Pats.
4) I have a question for all the Patriot haters out there. Do you hate the New England Patriots team or do you actually just hate the New England Patriot fans? I am a Colts fan and I have to say that the only player for the Patriots that I really dislike is Rodney Harrison. But, I have never met a Patriot fan that liked or had any respect for.
5) I can't believe I'm actually going to say this, but I am beginning to think that Cleveland might actually have a chance to win 8 games this season. I don't think that will be enough to make the playoffs but it will be an improvement.
6) Look at the Steelers' schedule. They will probably be 10-2 when they play New England in week 14. There could be some playoff ramifications.
7) The Titans and Jaguars just keep chugging along beneath the radar. There is a good chance they will be the 2 AFC Wild Card teams.
8) The Rams still suck. But, they have a bye week next and then they play 4 games in a row where they actually have a decent chance of winning; at New Orleans, at San Francisco, Seattle at home, and then Atlanta at home.
9) I was starting to think the Giants might be getting better and then they played like crap against a winless Dolphins team today.
10) The Vikings should have drafted Brady Quinn.
11) I think we will find out something about the Packers and the Broncos tomorrow night.
So, here are a few of my thoughts and observations from week 8 in the NFL.
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1) The New England Patriots hung 52 points on the Washington Redskins defense which is still ranked 5th in the NFL in total defense even after their recent shellacking. The Redskins defense isn't that bad. The Patriots offense is that good.
2) OK. It's time for me to admit that I am wrong occasionally. Regular readers of this blog might remember that I stated earlier in the season that I thought Charlie Johnson should be starting at left tackle for the Colts. Well, I have now seen Charlie in 2 consecutive games at left tackle for the Colts and I can now say the Colts offense isn't near as effective with Charlie in there. I am truly hoping that Tony Ugoh is healthy for next week's match-up between the Colts and the Patriots.
3) Speaking of the Colts/Patriots match-up next week, I think the Colts better hope they get healthy before next week. Starters Tony Ugoh (LT), Marvin Harrison (WR), and Freddie Keiaho (LB) all missed today's game against the Panthers. The Colts will need a healthy roster to have any chance against the Pats.
4) I have a question for all the Patriot haters out there. Do you hate the New England Patriots team or do you actually just hate the New England Patriot fans? I am a Colts fan and I have to say that the only player for the Patriots that I really dislike is Rodney Harrison. But, I have never met a Patriot fan that liked or had any respect for.
5) I can't believe I'm actually going to say this, but I am beginning to think that Cleveland might actually have a chance to win 8 games this season. I don't think that will be enough to make the playoffs but it will be an improvement.
6) Look at the Steelers' schedule. They will probably be 10-2 when they play New England in week 14. There could be some playoff ramifications.
7) The Titans and Jaguars just keep chugging along beneath the radar. There is a good chance they will be the 2 AFC Wild Card teams.
8) The Rams still suck. But, they have a bye week next and then they play 4 games in a row where they actually have a decent chance of winning; at New Orleans, at San Francisco, Seattle at home, and then Atlanta at home.
9) I was starting to think the Giants might be getting better and then they played like crap against a winless Dolphins team today.
10) The Vikings should have drafted Brady Quinn.
11) I think we will find out something about the Packers and the Broncos tomorrow night.
Monday, October 22, 2007
16-0 Takes Another Hit
If you have been paying attention to the NFL season thus far you realize that the Steelers losing last night may have a dramatic impact on whether or not the Patriots or Colts finish the season 16-0 this season. If you haven't been paying attention then I guess you'll be wanting me to explain this to you. So, here goes.
The key to the Colts or Patriots going undefeated this year will really depend on whether another team within the AFC can keep the competition for home field advantage close until the end of the season.
With the Steelers losing yesterday that leaves the Jacksonville Jaguars as the only 1 loss team left in the AFC. So, if the Colts beat the Jaguars tonight then that means the Patriots and the Colts will both have a 2 game lead for home field advantage over every other team in the AFC. That's right, and the Titans and the Steelers are currently the only 2 loss teams left in the AFC. So, if the Colts beat the Jags tonight then that would mean that Jacksonville, Pittsburgh, and Tennessee will be tied for the 2nd best record in the AFC with each of those teams having 2 losses. Every other team in the AFC already has at least 3 losses.
We all know that the Colts and the Patriots have their big showdown with each other in week 9. If both of those teams enter week 9 still undefeated it means that the winner of that game will basically have a 2 game lead over the loser of that game by virtue of the head to head tie breaker and that the winner will also have at least a 2 game lead over everybody else in the AFC.
If everything plays out like I think it will then weeks 13 and 14 of the NFL season will be the next really important weekends to watch after week 9. The Colts will be playing the Jaguars again in week 13 and the Patriots will be playing the Steelers in week 14. Assuming that the Colts and Patriots are both still competing against each other for home field advantage I think it would be reasonable for the Patriots and the Colts to still be playing their starters in weeks 13 and 14. So, I think it would also be reasonable to assume that the Colts and Patriots will probably both have incentive to win those respective games and therefore probably will win those games. If that is indeed what happens, then it could mean that every team in the AFC besides Indy, New England, and possibly even the Titans will have at least 3 losses on the season after week 14. That is assuming that the loser of the week 9 showdown game doesn't slip up and lose another game or 2 along the way and that the Titans also don't lose another game between now and week 14.
If either the Colts or the Patriots are still undefeated after week 14 it will really start to get interesting. Both teams will have 3 games remaining after week 14. But, if either team is still undefeated after week 14 there will only be a few teams who could possibly be in a position to keep the battle for home field advantage close.
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If New England is still undefeated after week 14 they will be looking at Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Pittsburgh, and Tennessee.
Indianapolis: A 1 loss Indianapolis team could challenge an undefeated New England team for home field advantage through week 16. If the Patriots are still undefeated after week 16 then that would mean that they had already beaten Indy in week 9 and would therefore hold the tie breaker against a 1 loss Indy team if both teams finished the season with 1 loss. So, if Indy loses in week 9 and wins the rest of their games they can only challenge an undefeated Patriots team for home field through week 16.
Jacksonville: If Jacksonville wins the rest of their games they would finish the season with 1 loss. They also would only be able to challenge an undefeated New England through week 16 because New England plays their last game against the Giants. If New England would lose their last game to the Giants they would still hold the tie break advantage over a 1 loss Jacksonville team by virtue of the fact that Jacksonville lost their 1 game to an AFC opponent.
Pittsburgh: New England plays Pittsburgh in week 14. If New England beats Pittsburgh in week 14 and neither team loses any other games, then Pittsburgh will not be able to challenge the Patriots for home field after week 14 because New England could lose their last 3 games and still hold the tie breaker over a 3 loss Pittsburgh team by virtue of their head to head match up.
Tennessee: If Tennessee wins the rest of their games they will finish with 2 losses. They could only challenge an undefeated New England team for home field advantage through week 15 because New England could lose their last 2 games of the season and still hold the tie breaker over Tennessee by virtue of a better win percentage against common opponents.
If Indianapolis is still undefeated after week 14 then they will be watching New England, Pittsburgh, Jacksonville, and Tennessee.
New England: If New England loses to Indy in week 9 and the Patriots win the rest of their games they can challenge an undefeated Colts team for home field advantage through week 16. If the Colts are still undefeated after week 16 then that would mean that they had already beaten New England in week 9 and would therefore hold the tie breaker against a 1 loss New England team if both teams finished the season with 1 loss. So, if the Patriots lose in week 9 and win the rest of their games they can only challenge an undefeated Colts team for home field through week 16.
Pittsburgh: If Pittsburgh wins the rest of their games they will finish the season with 2 losses. They could challenge an undefeated Indy team for home field advantage through week 16 because if Indy were to lose their last 2 games a 2 loss Pittsburgh team would hold the tie breaker over Indy because Indy would have lost their 2 games against Conference opponents, whereas Pittsburgh would have lost only 1 game to an AFC opponent and 1 game to an NFC opponent.
Jacksonville: If Indy is still undefeated after week 14 then that will mean that Indy will have beaten the Jaguars twice which would leave Jacksonville with 3 losses at best. The Colts could then lose their last 3 games and still win home field advantage over the Jaguars by virtue of the head to head meetings.
Tennessee: The Titans could possibly challenge an undefeated Colts team for home field advantage through week 16. If the Titans were to enter week 16 with only 2 losses then an undefeated Colts team would have to beat Houston in week 16 to ensure that their week 17 match up against a 2 loss Tennessee team didn't have the possibility of deciding the AFC South Champion.
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Of course all of the scenarios mentioned above are dependent on at least 1 of those "other" teams winning the rest of their games this season. After watching the first 7 weeks of the NFL season I doubt very much that Pittsburgh, Jacksonville, or Tennessee are capable of winning out. So, it will probably come down to whether or not the team that loses the week 9 match up between the Patriots and the Colts can win the rest of their games in order to keep the battle for home field advantage close until the end of the season. Even if that happens, there isn't much chance of an undefeated Colts or an undefeated Patriots team playing all their starters in week 17. And let's face it, both the Colts and the Patriots have some pretty tough games in week 17. The Patriots will be facing a New York Giants team who will probably be playing for playoff seeding and the Colts will be playing against a Tennessee team who will probably be doing the same.
Anything could happen, but the sooner an undefeated team clinches home field advantage throughout the playoffs, the worse chance we have of seeing a perfect season.
The key to the Colts or Patriots going undefeated this year will really depend on whether another team within the AFC can keep the competition for home field advantage close until the end of the season.
With the Steelers losing yesterday that leaves the Jacksonville Jaguars as the only 1 loss team left in the AFC. So, if the Colts beat the Jaguars tonight then that means the Patriots and the Colts will both have a 2 game lead for home field advantage over every other team in the AFC. That's right, and the Titans and the Steelers are currently the only 2 loss teams left in the AFC. So, if the Colts beat the Jags tonight then that would mean that Jacksonville, Pittsburgh, and Tennessee will be tied for the 2nd best record in the AFC with each of those teams having 2 losses. Every other team in the AFC already has at least 3 losses.
We all know that the Colts and the Patriots have their big showdown with each other in week 9. If both of those teams enter week 9 still undefeated it means that the winner of that game will basically have a 2 game lead over the loser of that game by virtue of the head to head tie breaker and that the winner will also have at least a 2 game lead over everybody else in the AFC.
If everything plays out like I think it will then weeks 13 and 14 of the NFL season will be the next really important weekends to watch after week 9. The Colts will be playing the Jaguars again in week 13 and the Patriots will be playing the Steelers in week 14. Assuming that the Colts and Patriots are both still competing against each other for home field advantage I think it would be reasonable for the Patriots and the Colts to still be playing their starters in weeks 13 and 14. So, I think it would also be reasonable to assume that the Colts and Patriots will probably both have incentive to win those respective games and therefore probably will win those games. If that is indeed what happens, then it could mean that every team in the AFC besides Indy, New England, and possibly even the Titans will have at least 3 losses on the season after week 14. That is assuming that the loser of the week 9 showdown game doesn't slip up and lose another game or 2 along the way and that the Titans also don't lose another game between now and week 14.
If either the Colts or the Patriots are still undefeated after week 14 it will really start to get interesting. Both teams will have 3 games remaining after week 14. But, if either team is still undefeated after week 14 there will only be a few teams who could possibly be in a position to keep the battle for home field advantage close.
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If New England is still undefeated after week 14 they will be looking at Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Pittsburgh, and Tennessee.
Indianapolis: A 1 loss Indianapolis team could challenge an undefeated New England team for home field advantage through week 16. If the Patriots are still undefeated after week 16 then that would mean that they had already beaten Indy in week 9 and would therefore hold the tie breaker against a 1 loss Indy team if both teams finished the season with 1 loss. So, if Indy loses in week 9 and wins the rest of their games they can only challenge an undefeated Patriots team for home field through week 16.
Jacksonville: If Jacksonville wins the rest of their games they would finish the season with 1 loss. They also would only be able to challenge an undefeated New England through week 16 because New England plays their last game against the Giants. If New England would lose their last game to the Giants they would still hold the tie break advantage over a 1 loss Jacksonville team by virtue of the fact that Jacksonville lost their 1 game to an AFC opponent.
Pittsburgh: New England plays Pittsburgh in week 14. If New England beats Pittsburgh in week 14 and neither team loses any other games, then Pittsburgh will not be able to challenge the Patriots for home field after week 14 because New England could lose their last 3 games and still hold the tie breaker over a 3 loss Pittsburgh team by virtue of their head to head match up.
Tennessee: If Tennessee wins the rest of their games they will finish with 2 losses. They could only challenge an undefeated New England team for home field advantage through week 15 because New England could lose their last 2 games of the season and still hold the tie breaker over Tennessee by virtue of a better win percentage against common opponents.
If Indianapolis is still undefeated after week 14 then they will be watching New England, Pittsburgh, Jacksonville, and Tennessee.
New England: If New England loses to Indy in week 9 and the Patriots win the rest of their games they can challenge an undefeated Colts team for home field advantage through week 16. If the Colts are still undefeated after week 16 then that would mean that they had already beaten New England in week 9 and would therefore hold the tie breaker against a 1 loss New England team if both teams finished the season with 1 loss. So, if the Patriots lose in week 9 and win the rest of their games they can only challenge an undefeated Colts team for home field through week 16.
Pittsburgh: If Pittsburgh wins the rest of their games they will finish the season with 2 losses. They could challenge an undefeated Indy team for home field advantage through week 16 because if Indy were to lose their last 2 games a 2 loss Pittsburgh team would hold the tie breaker over Indy because Indy would have lost their 2 games against Conference opponents, whereas Pittsburgh would have lost only 1 game to an AFC opponent and 1 game to an NFC opponent.
Jacksonville: If Indy is still undefeated after week 14 then that will mean that Indy will have beaten the Jaguars twice which would leave Jacksonville with 3 losses at best. The Colts could then lose their last 3 games and still win home field advantage over the Jaguars by virtue of the head to head meetings.
Tennessee: The Titans could possibly challenge an undefeated Colts team for home field advantage through week 16. If the Titans were to enter week 16 with only 2 losses then an undefeated Colts team would have to beat Houston in week 16 to ensure that their week 17 match up against a 2 loss Tennessee team didn't have the possibility of deciding the AFC South Champion.
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Of course all of the scenarios mentioned above are dependent on at least 1 of those "other" teams winning the rest of their games this season. After watching the first 7 weeks of the NFL season I doubt very much that Pittsburgh, Jacksonville, or Tennessee are capable of winning out. So, it will probably come down to whether or not the team that loses the week 9 match up between the Patriots and the Colts can win the rest of their games in order to keep the battle for home field advantage close until the end of the season. Even if that happens, there isn't much chance of an undefeated Colts or an undefeated Patriots team playing all their starters in week 17. And let's face it, both the Colts and the Patriots have some pretty tough games in week 17. The Patriots will be facing a New York Giants team who will probably be playing for playoff seeding and the Colts will be playing against a Tennessee team who will probably be doing the same.
Anything could happen, but the sooner an undefeated team clinches home field advantage throughout the playoffs, the worse chance we have of seeing a perfect season.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
NFL Week 7 Observations
I usually say that by week 8 of the NFL season you usually have a pretty good idea of which teams are for real. But, as week 7 comes to a close I don't think I am anywhere near knowing which teams are real and which are not. I know the Colts and the Patriots are good teams but I'm not too sure where everybody ranks after them. I'm starting to think the Cowboys aren't near as good as everybody thinks they are. The Steelers have looked good at times, but they make a lot of costly mistakes at inopportune times. Are the Jaguars any good? How about the Packers? I think after week 8 I might start listing my own "Power Rankings" just for the fun of it.
Oh well, here are some of my random thoughts and observations from week 7.
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1) If I was an Eagles fan I would be really pissed off. How the hell do the refs miss the blatant holding by Fred Miller on the Bears last touchdown pass? It was more of an outright tackle than a block. That one missed call changed the outcome of that game.
2) New England won convincingly again, but the Pat defense gave up 382 yards and 25 first downs to an anemic Dolphin offense. Most of the Dolphins yards were gained in the second half after the game was already decided, but it still makes you wonder just how good that Pat defense really is. On the bright side for Pats fans, the Pats offense may be so good that the strength of their defense doesn't really matter.
3) I actually fell asleep watching the Texans/Titans game and missed the Texans' incredible comeback. I woke up just in time to see Kerry Collins move the Titans offense 69 yards on 6 plays to set up the game winning field goal. It was a pretty exciting 4th quarter. Too bad the first 3 quarters were so boring.
4) The pathetic Titans offense put up their best offensive showing of the year with Vince Young on the bench. Hmmmm.
5) The Buffalo Bills became the first team from the AFC Least Division not named the New England Patriots to beat a team outside of their own Division. The Bills beat the Ravens 19-14.
6) Tavaris Jackson just flat out sucks. Tavaris has a 45.9% completion percentage with a quarterback rating of 48.7 this season. The Vikings would be better off just snapping the ball directly to Adrian Peterson and running it on every play.
7) Speaking of just flat out sucking, how 'bout those St. Louis Rams? The Rams have now been outscored 192 -79 after 7 games. They have played 4 games where they have failed to score more than 7 points.
8) The Arizona Cardinals had 364 total yards of offense compared to the Redskins' 160 total yards of offense in their week 7 matchup. Unfortunately the Cardinals also committed 3 turnovers, had an extra point blocked, had an interception returned for a touchdown, and missed a 55 yard game winning field goal at the buzzer. Redskins win.
9) The Redskins play the Patriots next week. Can you imagine what the final score will be if Washington only manages 160 total yards in that game? Every time I start to think that Jason Campbell might be the real deal he turns in a game like this. 12 of 18 passing for 95 yards and an interception against the Cardinals.
10) From top to bottom the AFC South is the best Division in football. The NFC East is a close second.
11) I predict the Jacksonville Jaguars will beat the Indianapolis Colts on Monday night. My predicted final score is Jaguars 27, Colts 17.
Oh well, here are some of my random thoughts and observations from week 7.
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1) If I was an Eagles fan I would be really pissed off. How the hell do the refs miss the blatant holding by Fred Miller on the Bears last touchdown pass? It was more of an outright tackle than a block. That one missed call changed the outcome of that game.
2) New England won convincingly again, but the Pat defense gave up 382 yards and 25 first downs to an anemic Dolphin offense. Most of the Dolphins yards were gained in the second half after the game was already decided, but it still makes you wonder just how good that Pat defense really is. On the bright side for Pats fans, the Pats offense may be so good that the strength of their defense doesn't really matter.
3) I actually fell asleep watching the Texans/Titans game and missed the Texans' incredible comeback. I woke up just in time to see Kerry Collins move the Titans offense 69 yards on 6 plays to set up the game winning field goal. It was a pretty exciting 4th quarter. Too bad the first 3 quarters were so boring.
4) The pathetic Titans offense put up their best offensive showing of the year with Vince Young on the bench. Hmmmm.
5) The Buffalo Bills became the first team from the AFC Least Division not named the New England Patriots to beat a team outside of their own Division. The Bills beat the Ravens 19-14.
6) Tavaris Jackson just flat out sucks. Tavaris has a 45.9% completion percentage with a quarterback rating of 48.7 this season. The Vikings would be better off just snapping the ball directly to Adrian Peterson and running it on every play.
7) Speaking of just flat out sucking, how 'bout those St. Louis Rams? The Rams have now been outscored 192 -79 after 7 games. They have played 4 games where they have failed to score more than 7 points.
8) The Arizona Cardinals had 364 total yards of offense compared to the Redskins' 160 total yards of offense in their week 7 matchup. Unfortunately the Cardinals also committed 3 turnovers, had an extra point blocked, had an interception returned for a touchdown, and missed a 55 yard game winning field goal at the buzzer. Redskins win.
9) The Redskins play the Patriots next week. Can you imagine what the final score will be if Washington only manages 160 total yards in that game? Every time I start to think that Jason Campbell might be the real deal he turns in a game like this. 12 of 18 passing for 95 yards and an interception against the Cardinals.
10) From top to bottom the AFC South is the best Division in football. The NFC East is a close second.
11) I predict the Jacksonville Jaguars will beat the Indianapolis Colts on Monday night. My predicted final score is Jaguars 27, Colts 17.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Stephen Murray Family Fund
I was running the channels today looking for the best football game on TV when I stumbled across the end of an interview that was being conducted with Stephen Murray. If your an extreme sports fan then you know about Stephen Murray.
If you're not an extreme sports fan then you probably don't remember Murray suffering a horrendous crash at the AST Dew Tour BMX Dirt Finals back in June in Baltimore, Maryland. Stephen crashed his bike while trying to perform a double back flip and suffered severe damage to his spinal cord. As a result of his injuries Stephen is currently paralyzed and is in the battle of his life. You can find out more about Stephen's current condition here.
Anyway, I am writing this entry into my blog because I was shocked to find out today that the AST Dew Tour doesn't have any kind of insurance or monetary help available to it's participants who suffer catastrophic injuries while competing in their sanctioned events. What that means is that Stephen and his family are having a difficult time paying for his escalating medical bills.
Stephen's family and friends have set up a website where people can make monetary donations to try to help the family pay Stephen's medical bills. The website is called The Stephen Murray Family Fund. If you can't afford to make a donation the family is asking that you please keep Stephen in your prayers. I know he will be in mine.
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While I'm on the subject I will also mention that you can make a donation to help Tara Llanes on her Road To Recovery as well.
Tara suffered through a terrible crash back in September while competing in the Jeep King of the Mountain finale in Beaver Creek, Colorado. She is currently paralyzed from the waist down and could also use some help with her medical bills.
If you don't know who Tara is you can find out more about her on her Myspace page.
If you're not an extreme sports fan then you probably don't remember Murray suffering a horrendous crash at the AST Dew Tour BMX Dirt Finals back in June in Baltimore, Maryland. Stephen crashed his bike while trying to perform a double back flip and suffered severe damage to his spinal cord. As a result of his injuries Stephen is currently paralyzed and is in the battle of his life. You can find out more about Stephen's current condition here.
Anyway, I am writing this entry into my blog because I was shocked to find out today that the AST Dew Tour doesn't have any kind of insurance or monetary help available to it's participants who suffer catastrophic injuries while competing in their sanctioned events. What that means is that Stephen and his family are having a difficult time paying for his escalating medical bills.
Stephen's family and friends have set up a website where people can make monetary donations to try to help the family pay Stephen's medical bills. The website is called The Stephen Murray Family Fund. If you can't afford to make a donation the family is asking that you please keep Stephen in your prayers. I know he will be in mine.
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While I'm on the subject I will also mention that you can make a donation to help Tara Llanes on her Road To Recovery as well.
Tara suffered through a terrible crash back in September while competing in the Jeep King of the Mountain finale in Beaver Creek, Colorado. She is currently paralyzed from the waist down and could also use some help with her medical bills.
If you don't know who Tara is you can find out more about her on her Myspace page.
Friday, October 19, 2007
10/19/07: Kentucky Basketball Update
It is being reported that Billy Gillespie has pulled his scholarship offer to Ralph Sampson III. You can read a little more here.
Apparently Garrett Stutz was impressed with Big Blue Madness. It is being reported that Kentucky may now be the front runner for Garrett's services. The question that seems to exist right now is whether Billy Clyde has even offered Stutz a scholarship yet? I can only wonder if maybe Garrett's sudden interest might have something to do with Gillespie pulling the offer to Sampson III.
Initial reports seem to be pretty positive for Chris Singleton's recent visit as well. Matt Jones is reporting that Chris enjoyed the welcome he received in Lexington and seemed to really like Patrick Patterson and Alex Legion.
Ramon Harris and Perry Stevenson both apparently broke their noses in practice this week.
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I found all of the above info on the A Sea Of Blue website. If you're a UK fan and you're not visiting their site, you should be ashamed of yourself.
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Apparently Garrett Stutz was impressed with Big Blue Madness. It is being reported that Kentucky may now be the front runner for Garrett's services. The question that seems to exist right now is whether Billy Clyde has even offered Stutz a scholarship yet? I can only wonder if maybe Garrett's sudden interest might have something to do with Gillespie pulling the offer to Sampson III.
Initial reports seem to be pretty positive for Chris Singleton's recent visit as well. Matt Jones is reporting that Chris enjoyed the welcome he received in Lexington and seemed to really like Patrick Patterson and Alex Legion.
Ramon Harris and Perry Stevenson both apparently broke their noses in practice this week.
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I found all of the above info on the A Sea Of Blue website. If you're a UK fan and you're not visiting their site, you should be ashamed of yourself.
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Monday, October 15, 2007
Great Story on Rod Beck
I just wanted to give everyone a heads up about a great story that Amy Nelson wrote about the late Rod Beck.
You can find the story on ESPN. com.
You can find the story on ESPN. com.
Dusty Baker??????
That's the best the Reds could do? Dusty Baker? I don't understand how a team with a very fragile pitching staff could go out and hire a manager with a proven history of mishandling pitching staffs.
I was a Dusty Baker fan way back in the day when Dusty was playing ball for the Dodgers. But, I have not been impressed with his managerial skills. I am already predicting Aaron Harang and Bronson Arroyo will end next season on the DL. I wouldn't even be surprised if at least one of them has season ending shoulder surgery next season.
I do not understand why Pete Mackanin wasn't given an opportunity to manage this club full time. Pete went 41-39 after taking over for Jerry Narron back in July. And its hard telling what Pete's record would have been if the Reds hadn't brought up so many prospects late in the season.
Has everybody in the Reds' organization already forgotten why Jerry Narron failed as the Reds' manager? Jerry failed because he couldn't figure out the pitching staff.
Dusty Baker??? Oh, come on!! That is not an improvement.
I was a Dusty Baker fan way back in the day when Dusty was playing ball for the Dodgers. But, I have not been impressed with his managerial skills. I am already predicting Aaron Harang and Bronson Arroyo will end next season on the DL. I wouldn't even be surprised if at least one of them has season ending shoulder surgery next season.
I do not understand why Pete Mackanin wasn't given an opportunity to manage this club full time. Pete went 41-39 after taking over for Jerry Narron back in July. And its hard telling what Pete's record would have been if the Reds hadn't brought up so many prospects late in the season.
Has everybody in the Reds' organization already forgotten why Jerry Narron failed as the Reds' manager? Jerry failed because he couldn't figure out the pitching staff.
Dusty Baker??? Oh, come on!! That is not an improvement.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
And Then There Were Two
New England whips Dallas which leaves only the Patriots and the Colts undefeated. Next week the Colts face a very tough task against a 1 loss Jacksonville team. New England gets to pad their record setting stats next week against 0-6 Miami.
Here are some of my thoughts and observations from NFL week 6:
1) The Patriots looked like the better team against Dallas. But, I was very disappointed in the officiating during the game. It seemed like every time the Cowboys got some momentum there would be a penalty called against them. I'm not saying the Cowboys weren't committing the penalties, I'm just saying the Patriots were holding just as much as the Cowboys but they weren't getting called for it. I actually found myself wondering aloud whether any of the officials on the field were friends of Tim Donaghy. 12 penalties for Dallas and only 5 for New England. Not so much the number of penalties as much as the timing, though.
2) When did the Cleveland Browns become an offensive juggernaut?
3) Brett Favre throws 2 interceptions and the Packers only gain 56 yards on the ground, but Green Bay still manages to beat the Redskins. I'm thinking the Packers could really be dangerous if they ever find a way to establish the running game. I can't wait for week 13 to see Green Bay play Dallas.
4) The Titans lost to Tampa Bay this weekend. If you read my previous post about the possibility of a team going 16-0 this season you will understand the significance of the Titans losing their 2nd game. Now all eyes are on 1 loss Pittsburgh and 1 loss Jacksonville.
5) New England is still the only team in the AFC East to have beaten a team outside of their own Division.
6) Don't look now but San Diego is suddenly tied with Denver for the lead in the AFC West.
7) I think New England is the best team I have seen this season but I also think their defense may be overrated. Cleveland moved the ball pretty easily against New England for 22 first downs and 353 yards last week. This week the Cowboys had times when they moved the ball fairly effortlessly against New England. If Cleveland and Dallas can do it, I'm pretty sure that Indy will be able to do it as well. The question will be whether Indy's defense can stop Tom Brady and the Patriot offense. I can't wait for week 9!
8) The Bears defense isn't good enough this year to overcome their offensive ineptitude. The Vikings rushed for 311 yards on 43 carries against the Bears this weekend. That is a 7.2 yards per rush average.
9) How old is Vinny Testaverde? Vinny joined the Panthers on Wednesday and threw for 206 yards and a touchdown on Sunday. Wow! I wonder how many guys could do that at any age.
10) I'm thinking St. Louis should probably start thinking about who they might take with the number 1 overall pick in next year's draft. I figure its going to come down to the Rams or the Dolphins for the worst record this season, but the Dolphins may actually win a game or 2 because they get to play the Jets one more time and the Bills twice.
11) The Giants against the Falcons on Monday night. Why?
Here are some of my thoughts and observations from NFL week 6:
1) The Patriots looked like the better team against Dallas. But, I was very disappointed in the officiating during the game. It seemed like every time the Cowboys got some momentum there would be a penalty called against them. I'm not saying the Cowboys weren't committing the penalties, I'm just saying the Patriots were holding just as much as the Cowboys but they weren't getting called for it. I actually found myself wondering aloud whether any of the officials on the field were friends of Tim Donaghy. 12 penalties for Dallas and only 5 for New England. Not so much the number of penalties as much as the timing, though.
2) When did the Cleveland Browns become an offensive juggernaut?
3) Brett Favre throws 2 interceptions and the Packers only gain 56 yards on the ground, but Green Bay still manages to beat the Redskins. I'm thinking the Packers could really be dangerous if they ever find a way to establish the running game. I can't wait for week 13 to see Green Bay play Dallas.
4) The Titans lost to Tampa Bay this weekend. If you read my previous post about the possibility of a team going 16-0 this season you will understand the significance of the Titans losing their 2nd game. Now all eyes are on 1 loss Pittsburgh and 1 loss Jacksonville.
5) New England is still the only team in the AFC East to have beaten a team outside of their own Division.
6) Don't look now but San Diego is suddenly tied with Denver for the lead in the AFC West.
7) I think New England is the best team I have seen this season but I also think their defense may be overrated. Cleveland moved the ball pretty easily against New England for 22 first downs and 353 yards last week. This week the Cowboys had times when they moved the ball fairly effortlessly against New England. If Cleveland and Dallas can do it, I'm pretty sure that Indy will be able to do it as well. The question will be whether Indy's defense can stop Tom Brady and the Patriot offense. I can't wait for week 9!
8) The Bears defense isn't good enough this year to overcome their offensive ineptitude. The Vikings rushed for 311 yards on 43 carries against the Bears this weekend. That is a 7.2 yards per rush average.
9) How old is Vinny Testaverde? Vinny joined the Panthers on Wednesday and threw for 206 yards and a touchdown on Sunday. Wow! I wonder how many guys could do that at any age.
10) I'm thinking St. Louis should probably start thinking about who they might take with the number 1 overall pick in next year's draft. I figure its going to come down to the Rams or the Dolphins for the worst record this season, but the Dolphins may actually win a game or 2 because they get to play the Jets one more time and the Bills twice.
11) The Giants against the Falcons on Monday night. Why?
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Kentucky's Big Blue Madness!!!
A record crowd of 23,313 attended Big Blue Madness on Friday night. Unfortunately, I wasn't one of them. But, I'm pretty sure I'll get over it.
The highlights of the evening included:
1) Patrick Patterson won the slam dunk contest.
2) Jodie Meeks led all players with 14 points in the 16 minute scrimmage.
3) Freshman Alex legion scored 11 points in the scrimmage.
4) 6'11" freshman Morakinyo Williams apparently looked pretty impressive.
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UK basketball recruits who were reportedly planning to attend Big Blue Madness:
1) Dakotah Euton, (PF) Ashland, KY 6'8" 2010 (Verbal Commit) *
2) Jon Hood (SF, SG)Madisonville, KY 6'6" 2009 (Scholarship Offered) ***
3) Chad Jackson (SG, SF) Ashland, KY 6'4" 2010 *
4) Verdell Jones (PG) Champaign, Ill. 6'4" 2008 ***
5) DeAndre Liggins (SF, SG) Chicago 6'6" 2008 (Verbal Commit) *****
6) Darius Miller (SF, PF) Maysville, KY 6'6" 2008 (Verbal Commit) ****
7) J'Mison Morgan (C) Dallas, TX 6'10" 2008 (Scholarship Offered) ****
8) Ralph Sampson III (C) Duluth, Ga. 6'10" 2008 (Scholarship Offered) ****
9) Chris Singleton (PF, SF) Dunwoody, Ga. 6'8" 2008 (Scholarship Offered) ****
10) Garrett Stutz (C) Kansas City, Mo. 7'0" 2008 ***
11) J.T. Terrell (SG, SF) Burlington, N.C. 6'5" 2010 *
12) John Wall (PG, SG) Raleigh, N.C. 6'3" 2009 (Scholarship Offered) *****
The highlights of the evening included:
1) Patrick Patterson won the slam dunk contest.
2) Jodie Meeks led all players with 14 points in the 16 minute scrimmage.
3) Freshman Alex legion scored 11 points in the scrimmage.
4) 6'11" freshman Morakinyo Williams apparently looked pretty impressive.
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UK basketball recruits who were reportedly planning to attend Big Blue Madness:
1) Dakotah Euton, (PF) Ashland, KY 6'8" 2010 (Verbal Commit) *
2) Jon Hood (SF, SG)Madisonville, KY 6'6" 2009 (Scholarship Offered) ***
3) Chad Jackson (SG, SF) Ashland, KY 6'4" 2010 *
4) Verdell Jones (PG) Champaign, Ill. 6'4" 2008 ***
5) DeAndre Liggins (SF, SG) Chicago 6'6" 2008 (Verbal Commit) *****
6) Darius Miller (SF, PF) Maysville, KY 6'6" 2008 (Verbal Commit) ****
7) J'Mison Morgan (C) Dallas, TX 6'10" 2008 (Scholarship Offered) ****
8) Ralph Sampson III (C) Duluth, Ga. 6'10" 2008 (Scholarship Offered) ****
9) Chris Singleton (PF, SF) Dunwoody, Ga. 6'8" 2008 (Scholarship Offered) ****
10) Garrett Stutz (C) Kansas City, Mo. 7'0" 2008 ***
11) J.T. Terrell (SG, SF) Burlington, N.C. 6'5" 2010 *
12) John Wall (PG, SG) Raleigh, N.C. 6'3" 2009 (Scholarship Offered) *****
Why George Gipp's Body Was Exhumed
Everybody has heard of George Gipp. You may not know much about him, but you have probably heard his name before. George was the legendary football player from Notre Dame who died in 1920 from complications of pneumonia and strep throat. You can read a little biography about George here.
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On October 4th of this year George's body was exhumed from a Michigan cemetery to undergo DNA testing. You can read the story about the exhumation here.
What you will not find in that story is the reason why the Gipper's body was dug up for DNA testing. It doesn't take much imagination to figure out the possibilities. But, I'll make it easy for you and tell you what I think is going on.
I think George's body was exhumed for DNA testing because there is a very real possibility that George may have fathered an illegitimate child in the months before his death. Check out this post from August 2005 on Genforum.
Be sure you check out the replies to that post as well. Specifically, be sure to read the post by "mike bynum." That post was dated August of 2007. Hmmmm.
You might recognize the name "Mike Bynum" as being the same name of the "close family friend" of the Gipps in the story about George's exhumation. You might also recognize Bynum's name because he is an author who is about to release a book about George Gipp.
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Bynum's book was supposed to be released this fall, but the release date has been pushed back. I'm betting that Mike Bynum is waiting on the results of the DNA testing to confirm whether George Gipp was in fact the father of Bette L. Bright.
It wouldn't surprise me if George did father a child out of wedlock. George was a great athlete, but he was also famous for being pretty wild.
After doing some reading about the Gipper I'd have to say that he sounds like my kind of guy.
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On October 4th of this year George's body was exhumed from a Michigan cemetery to undergo DNA testing. You can read the story about the exhumation here.
What you will not find in that story is the reason why the Gipper's body was dug up for DNA testing. It doesn't take much imagination to figure out the possibilities. But, I'll make it easy for you and tell you what I think is going on.
I think George's body was exhumed for DNA testing because there is a very real possibility that George may have fathered an illegitimate child in the months before his death. Check out this post from August 2005 on Genforum.
Be sure you check out the replies to that post as well. Specifically, be sure to read the post by "mike bynum." That post was dated August of 2007. Hmmmm.
You might recognize the name "Mike Bynum" as being the same name of the "close family friend" of the Gipps in the story about George's exhumation. You might also recognize Bynum's name because he is an author who is about to release a book about George Gipp.
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Bynum's book was supposed to be released this fall, but the release date has been pushed back. I'm betting that Mike Bynum is waiting on the results of the DNA testing to confirm whether George Gipp was in fact the father of Bette L. Bright.
It wouldn't surprise me if George did father a child out of wedlock. George was a great athlete, but he was also famous for being pretty wild.
After doing some reading about the Gipper I'd have to say that he sounds like my kind of guy.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
More NFL Thoughts
1) Mike Vrabel's dive at Joe Thomas' knees looked malicious. I'm gonna give Vrabel the benefit of the doubt because Mike usually doesn't play that way. If it happens again then I am going to have to assume that maybe Mike has just been around Rodney Harrison too long.
2) Trent Green needs to retire. He's 37 years old and his best football is behind him. Its simply not worth the risk to his long term health. Trent's a smart guy so I think he will make the right decision.
3) Speaking of Trent Green. I've thought for years that the league should address the viciousness of blindside hits in the NFL. The League has rules to protect quarterbacks and receivers who are in "defenseless" positions, and I think the League needs to take a look at some of these blindside blocks that are being delivered with excessive force on defensive players as well. Trent could have easily ended Travis Johnson's season and/or career with that block. With that being said, it is my opinion that Travis Johnson could have handled the whole situation a lot better. The League needs to do what is right and protect everybody before somebody gets killed.
4) The Cowboys didn't exactly impress me last night. I bet the Patriots are salivating right now just thinking about what kind of mistakes they can force Tony Romo into next week. My prediction: Patriots 31 Cowboys 17
5) It has been a pleasure watching Mack Strong play for the last 15 years. I'm sorry to see Mack retiring but I'm glad he's healthy enough to walk away. I'd like to wish Mack the best and I hope I get to see him in a broadcast booth someday.
2) Trent Green needs to retire. He's 37 years old and his best football is behind him. Its simply not worth the risk to his long term health. Trent's a smart guy so I think he will make the right decision.
3) Speaking of Trent Green. I've thought for years that the league should address the viciousness of blindside hits in the NFL. The League has rules to protect quarterbacks and receivers who are in "defenseless" positions, and I think the League needs to take a look at some of these blindside blocks that are being delivered with excessive force on defensive players as well. Trent could have easily ended Travis Johnson's season and/or career with that block. With that being said, it is my opinion that Travis Johnson could have handled the whole situation a lot better. The League needs to do what is right and protect everybody before somebody gets killed.
4) The Cowboys didn't exactly impress me last night. I bet the Patriots are salivating right now just thinking about what kind of mistakes they can force Tony Romo into next week. My prediction: Patriots 31 Cowboys 17
5) It has been a pleasure watching Mack Strong play for the last 15 years. I'm sorry to see Mack retiring but I'm glad he's healthy enough to walk away. I'd like to wish Mack the best and I hope I get to see him in a broadcast booth someday.
Monday, October 8, 2007
10/08/07: Kentucky Basketball Update
It is being reported by the Courier Journal that Billy Gillespie has offered a scholarship to Madisonville's 6'6" SF/SG Jon Hood.
Hood is a 180 pound junior at Madisonville High School. Scout.com lists Hood as a 3 Star recruit and reports that Jon has also been offered scholarships from Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Western Kentucky.
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Billy Gillespie is apparently in the running for the services of former Maryland commit Terrence Jennings. It is being reported that Louisville may be the front runner to sign Jennings, but Kentucky has made Terrence's short list of schools that he is considering. Jennings is a 6'10" center who is rated as a 4 Star recruit by Scout.com.
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Jerry Tipton did a nice little story on Kentucky Basketball's highly regarded freshman class. You can read it here.
Hood is a 180 pound junior at Madisonville High School. Scout.com lists Hood as a 3 Star recruit and reports that Jon has also been offered scholarships from Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Western Kentucky.
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Billy Gillespie is apparently in the running for the services of former Maryland commit Terrence Jennings. It is being reported that Louisville may be the front runner to sign Jennings, but Kentucky has made Terrence's short list of schools that he is considering. Jennings is a 6'10" center who is rated as a 4 Star recruit by Scout.com.
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Jerry Tipton did a nice little story on Kentucky Basketball's highly regarded freshman class. You can read it here.
NFL Week 5 Observations
There are now only 3 undefeated teams left and after next week there will be only 2. I don't think it is a coincidence that the Cowboys, Patriots, and Colts rank 1-2-3 in total offense in the NFL. So, what else is worth mentioning after week 5?
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1) The New England Patriots are good and they are on pace to set some records. But, does their record setting pace have anything to do with the quality of their opponents? The Patriots have beaten the Jets, the Chargers, the Bills, the Bengals, and the Browns. Those teams have a combined record of 7 wins and 16 losses. In terms of yards allowed the Jets defense ranks 28th in the NFL, the Chargers rank 22nd, the Bills rank 32nd, the Bengals rank 30th, and the Browns rank 31st. So, the Pats have faced 4 of the 5 worst defenses in the league thus far. The Pats' number 2 ranked defense has faced the Jets' 29 ranked offense, the Chargers' 18 ranked offense, the Bills' 31st ranked offense, the Bengals' 4th ranked offense, and the Browns' 8th ranked offense. We'll find out a little more about New England when they play Dallas next week.
2) So what about the Colts opponents this year? The Colts have beaten the Saints, the Titans, the Texans, the Broncos, and the Buccaneers. Those teams have a combined record of 11 wins and 12 losses. In terms of yards allowed the Saints have the 16th ranked defense in the NFL, the Titans rank 5th, the Texans rank 11th, the Broncos rank 20th, and the Buccaneers rank 12th. The Colts defense ranks 6th in the NFL. They have piled up their defensive statistics against the Saints 22nd ranked offense, the Titans 24th ranked offense, the Texans 15th ranked offense, the Broncos' 5th ranked offense, and the Buccaneers' 25th ranked offense. The Colts have a bye week this week but face 3-1 Jacksonville in week 7.
3) How 'bout those Cowboys? The Cowboys don't play their 5th game until tonight against Buffalo. But so far the Cowboys have beaten the Giants, the Dolphins, the Bears, and the Rams. Those teams have a combined record of 5 wins and 15 losses. In terms of yards allowed the Giants have the 13th ranked defense in the NFL, the Dolphins rank 24th, the Bears rank 23rd, and the Rams rank 27th. Dallas' defense currently ranks 9th in the NFL and they have piled up those statistics against the Giants' 16th ranked offense, the Dolphins' 19th ranked offense, the Bears' 30th ranked offense, and the Rams' 27th ranked offense. The Cowboys should pad their statistics again tonight against a really bad 1-3 Buffalo team.
4) I included the info above just to show that the Patriots, Colts, and Cowboys haven't really had to play a really tough team so far. Of the 3 undefeated teams, it appears the Colts have probably played the toughest schedule so far, and the Patriots have probably played the easiest schedule in the entire NFL.
5) I'm sure hoping the Dallas vs. New England game next week is televised.
6) Tampa and Seattle both lost this week. If you read my previous post last week about the possibility of a team going 16-0 this season you'll understand that both of those teams losing may end up playing a significant role in whether Dallas goes 16-0 this season.
7) Did anyone else think Cleveland moved the ball pretty well against New England? That game could have been a lot closer if not for Cleveland's 4 turnovers. Thanks a lot Derek Anderson.
8) How good are the Steelers? They have the number 1 ranked defense and the 7th ranked offense. But, their opponents haven't been that strong. And, they lost to Arizona. We''ll find out more about Pittsburgh in week 14 when they play the Patriots.
9) I've decided that Detroit isn't very good. Yes, they have 3 wins but they have been shellacked by Philadelphia and Washington.
10) Don't look now, but I think somebody out in San Diego might have finally figured out the problem.
11) I know its still early but I think Washington may be a pretty good football team. We'll find out more about them next week when they play at Green Bay and in week 8 when they play at New England.
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1) The New England Patriots are good and they are on pace to set some records. But, does their record setting pace have anything to do with the quality of their opponents? The Patriots have beaten the Jets, the Chargers, the Bills, the Bengals, and the Browns. Those teams have a combined record of 7 wins and 16 losses. In terms of yards allowed the Jets defense ranks 28th in the NFL, the Chargers rank 22nd, the Bills rank 32nd, the Bengals rank 30th, and the Browns rank 31st. So, the Pats have faced 4 of the 5 worst defenses in the league thus far. The Pats' number 2 ranked defense has faced the Jets' 29 ranked offense, the Chargers' 18 ranked offense, the Bills' 31st ranked offense, the Bengals' 4th ranked offense, and the Browns' 8th ranked offense. We'll find out a little more about New England when they play Dallas next week.
2) So what about the Colts opponents this year? The Colts have beaten the Saints, the Titans, the Texans, the Broncos, and the Buccaneers. Those teams have a combined record of 11 wins and 12 losses. In terms of yards allowed the Saints have the 16th ranked defense in the NFL, the Titans rank 5th, the Texans rank 11th, the Broncos rank 20th, and the Buccaneers rank 12th. The Colts defense ranks 6th in the NFL. They have piled up their defensive statistics against the Saints 22nd ranked offense, the Titans 24th ranked offense, the Texans 15th ranked offense, the Broncos' 5th ranked offense, and the Buccaneers' 25th ranked offense. The Colts have a bye week this week but face 3-1 Jacksonville in week 7.
3) How 'bout those Cowboys? The Cowboys don't play their 5th game until tonight against Buffalo. But so far the Cowboys have beaten the Giants, the Dolphins, the Bears, and the Rams. Those teams have a combined record of 5 wins and 15 losses. In terms of yards allowed the Giants have the 13th ranked defense in the NFL, the Dolphins rank 24th, the Bears rank 23rd, and the Rams rank 27th. Dallas' defense currently ranks 9th in the NFL and they have piled up those statistics against the Giants' 16th ranked offense, the Dolphins' 19th ranked offense, the Bears' 30th ranked offense, and the Rams' 27th ranked offense. The Cowboys should pad their statistics again tonight against a really bad 1-3 Buffalo team.
4) I included the info above just to show that the Patriots, Colts, and Cowboys haven't really had to play a really tough team so far. Of the 3 undefeated teams, it appears the Colts have probably played the toughest schedule so far, and the Patriots have probably played the easiest schedule in the entire NFL.
5) I'm sure hoping the Dallas vs. New England game next week is televised.
6) Tampa and Seattle both lost this week. If you read my previous post last week about the possibility of a team going 16-0 this season you'll understand that both of those teams losing may end up playing a significant role in whether Dallas goes 16-0 this season.
7) Did anyone else think Cleveland moved the ball pretty well against New England? That game could have been a lot closer if not for Cleveland's 4 turnovers. Thanks a lot Derek Anderson.
8) How good are the Steelers? They have the number 1 ranked defense and the 7th ranked offense. But, their opponents haven't been that strong. And, they lost to Arizona. We''ll find out more about Pittsburgh in week 14 when they play the Patriots.
9) I've decided that Detroit isn't very good. Yes, they have 3 wins but they have been shellacked by Philadelphia and Washington.
10) Don't look now, but I think somebody out in San Diego might have finally figured out the problem.
11) I know its still early but I think Washington may be a pretty good football team. We'll find out more about them next week when they play at Green Bay and in week 8 when they play at New England.
Friday, October 5, 2007
10/05/07: Kentucky Basketball Update
University of Kentucky point guard Michael Porter suffered a concussion during workouts on Monday. Porter was apparently diving on the floor for a loose ball when he suffered the injury. The sophomore should be back at full speed by October 12th when the Kentucky basketball team begins practice.
Big Blue Madness is scheduled to start at 9:00 pm in Rupp on Friday October 12th.
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Former UK center Shagari Alleyne signed with the 76ers on Tuesday and has joined the team for training camp in North Carolina.
Big Blue Madness is scheduled to start at 9:00 pm in Rupp on Friday October 12th.
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Former UK center Shagari Alleyne signed with the 76ers on Tuesday and has joined the team for training camp in North Carolina.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Is 16-0 A Possibility This Year?
After 4 weeks of games there are still 4 teams sitting with a perfect record of 4-0. So, will this be the year that a team finally steps up and matches the 1972 Dolphins by turning in an undefeated season? I do think it is possible that it might happen this year. I'm not saying I believe it will happen, but I do think there is a chance.
I think the key to a team going undefeated this year will really depend on whether another team within the undefeated team's Conference can keep the competition for home field advantage close until the end of the season. For that to happen all the way through the end of the season we will have to see one of the current 1 loss teams go undefeated for the rest of the season. In the AFC we need to watch Pittsburgh, Jacksonville, and Tennessee. In the NFC we need to watch Washington, Tampa, and Seattle.
Below I have broken down what I think each currently undefeated team's chances are of finishing the season 16-0. I have also tried to explain what the possible scenarios might be at the end of the season which might give each undefeated team some incentive to remain undefeated instead of just resting their starters for the final game or two.
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1) New England Patriots. I think New England has the best chance of any team to go undefeated this year mostly because they have an enormous chip on their shoulder after the whole spygate controversy. They want to prove to the world they are legitimate champions and they are going to give it everything they have. There are a few bumps in their schedule that will make it difficult for them, however. The Pats have to play at Dallas in week 6 and at Indy in week 9. They also have home games against Philadelphia in week 12 and Pittsburgh in week 14 that could be a challenge. The rest of New England's schedule doesn't look too tough. If the Pats are undefeated after the Pittsburgh game I think they may have it made. Their last three games would be at home against the Jets and the Dolphins, and then on the road for the season finale at the Giants. The Pats could probably rest most of their starters and still beat the Jets and the Dolphins. The Giants game could be difficult if the G-men are still fighting for a playoff spot.
If New England is still undefeated after week 14 then that means they have already beaten Pittsburgh and Indianapolis which equates into at least a two game lead for home field advantage over both of those teams. So, with three games remaining on the Pats schedule after week 14 they will not have much of an incentive to play their starters as the season winds down unless there is another AFC team out there who could possibly beat them for home field advantage. The only two teams who could possibly be in a position to challenge the Pats for home field at that point of the season would be either Jacksonville or Tennessee. And that challenge would only be good through week 16 because the Pats will have already wrapped up the tiebreakers for home field over Jacksonville and Tennessee if New England is still undefeated after week 16. So, if New England is undefeated after week 16 there will be no team left who could possibly beat New England for home field advantage throughout the playoffs. So, would the Pats play their starters in their final game if they already had home field wrapped up? Probably not.
2) Green Bay Packers. I think Green Bay has the next best chance of going undefeated this year. I don't think they are that great of a team, but I think they have a favorable schedule. They have to play at Dallas in week 13 which will be their toughest game and may decide home field advantage for the NFC throughout the playoffs. The rest of Green Bay's schedule is very winnable. If they beat Dallas in week 13 they will be looking pretty good. Their last 4 games are against Oakland in Lambeau, then at St. Louis and at Chicago, and then at home against Detroit to finish the season.
If Green Bay is still undefeated toward the end of the season they will be watching either Tampa Bay or Seattle. Green Bay won't be worried about home field advantage over Dallas or Washington because in order for Green Bay to still be undefeated after week 13 they would have already had to have beaten both the Cowboys and the Redskins. So, an undefeated Green Bay team's only competition left for home field advantage at the end of the season would have to come from either a one loss Tampa or a one loss Seattle. Again, the tiebreakers could get complicated so there is a chance that an undefeated Packer team will probably have incentive to win their final game if either Tampa or Seattle enters the final week with only one loss. If both of those teams have 2 or more losses then an undefeated Green Bay has no reason to play its starters in week 17.
3) Dallas Cowboys. If Dallas beats New England and Green Bay I think they have a legitimate shot at winning the rest of their games. In my opinion, however, I think Dallas is a long shot to go undefeated because of the Division they play in. If Dallas is still undefeated after they play Green Bay in week 13 they should be very close to wrapping up home field advantage. That means they probably won't have much to play for against Philadelphia in week 15, at Carolina in week 16, and at Washington in week 17. Those could all be tough games for Dallas if any of those teams are still fighting for a playoff spot and Dallas decides to rest some starters.
If the Dallas Cowboys approach the end of the season undefeated they will basically be looking at the same scenario that I discussed above for an undefeated Green Bay team. Dallas won't have to worry about Green Bay or Washington because they would have already beaten both teams. So, Dallas will be watching Tampa or Seattle. If either of those teams still only has one loss entering week 17 then Dallas will probably play their starters against Washington in week 17. If not, they probably won't.
4) Indianapolis Colts. I don't think the Colts have much of a chance to go undefeated for several reasons. First and foremost is that Tony Dungy has an established history of resting his starters at the end of the season. Secondly, I think the Colts play in the toughest Division in football. And thirdly, if things shake out the way I think they are going to then there is a good chance the Colts last 5 games might be against at least 4 teams fighting for playoff spots. Their last 5 games are at home against Jacksonville, on the road against Baltimore and Oakland, and then at home against Houston and Tennessee. That's a pretty tough way to end a season.
If the Colts beat New England and are still undefeated towards the end of the season then the two other AFC teams to watch will be Pittsburgh and Tennessee. This could go all kinds of different directions because the Colts could possibly be playing a one loss Titans team in week 17. If that would be the case, the only loss the Titans would have entering that game would be their week 2 loss to the Colts. So, an undefeated Colts team might have to play to win their final game against a one loss Titans team because the tiebreaker between the Colts and Titans may be complicated. Also, if the Steelers would have only one loss at the end of the season they would hold the tiebreaker advantage over both a one loss Indy and a one loss Tennessee by virtue of a better won/loss percentage inside the Conference. So, an undefeated Indy team would have the incentive to play their starters in their final game if either Pittsburgh or Tennessee enters the final week with only one loss.
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I think the key to a team going undefeated this year will really depend on whether another team within the undefeated team's Conference can keep the competition for home field advantage close until the end of the season. For that to happen all the way through the end of the season we will have to see one of the current 1 loss teams go undefeated for the rest of the season. In the AFC we need to watch Pittsburgh, Jacksonville, and Tennessee. In the NFC we need to watch Washington, Tampa, and Seattle.
Below I have broken down what I think each currently undefeated team's chances are of finishing the season 16-0. I have also tried to explain what the possible scenarios might be at the end of the season which might give each undefeated team some incentive to remain undefeated instead of just resting their starters for the final game or two.
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1) New England Patriots. I think New England has the best chance of any team to go undefeated this year mostly because they have an enormous chip on their shoulder after the whole spygate controversy. They want to prove to the world they are legitimate champions and they are going to give it everything they have. There are a few bumps in their schedule that will make it difficult for them, however. The Pats have to play at Dallas in week 6 and at Indy in week 9. They also have home games against Philadelphia in week 12 and Pittsburgh in week 14 that could be a challenge. The rest of New England's schedule doesn't look too tough. If the Pats are undefeated after the Pittsburgh game I think they may have it made. Their last three games would be at home against the Jets and the Dolphins, and then on the road for the season finale at the Giants. The Pats could probably rest most of their starters and still beat the Jets and the Dolphins. The Giants game could be difficult if the G-men are still fighting for a playoff spot.
If New England is still undefeated after week 14 then that means they have already beaten Pittsburgh and Indianapolis which equates into at least a two game lead for home field advantage over both of those teams. So, with three games remaining on the Pats schedule after week 14 they will not have much of an incentive to play their starters as the season winds down unless there is another AFC team out there who could possibly beat them for home field advantage. The only two teams who could possibly be in a position to challenge the Pats for home field at that point of the season would be either Jacksonville or Tennessee. And that challenge would only be good through week 16 because the Pats will have already wrapped up the tiebreakers for home field over Jacksonville and Tennessee if New England is still undefeated after week 16. So, if New England is undefeated after week 16 there will be no team left who could possibly beat New England for home field advantage throughout the playoffs. So, would the Pats play their starters in their final game if they already had home field wrapped up? Probably not.
2) Green Bay Packers. I think Green Bay has the next best chance of going undefeated this year. I don't think they are that great of a team, but I think they have a favorable schedule. They have to play at Dallas in week 13 which will be their toughest game and may decide home field advantage for the NFC throughout the playoffs. The rest of Green Bay's schedule is very winnable. If they beat Dallas in week 13 they will be looking pretty good. Their last 4 games are against Oakland in Lambeau, then at St. Louis and at Chicago, and then at home against Detroit to finish the season.
If Green Bay is still undefeated toward the end of the season they will be watching either Tampa Bay or Seattle. Green Bay won't be worried about home field advantage over Dallas or Washington because in order for Green Bay to still be undefeated after week 13 they would have already had to have beaten both the Cowboys and the Redskins. So, an undefeated Green Bay team's only competition left for home field advantage at the end of the season would have to come from either a one loss Tampa or a one loss Seattle. Again, the tiebreakers could get complicated so there is a chance that an undefeated Packer team will probably have incentive to win their final game if either Tampa or Seattle enters the final week with only one loss. If both of those teams have 2 or more losses then an undefeated Green Bay has no reason to play its starters in week 17.
3) Dallas Cowboys. If Dallas beats New England and Green Bay I think they have a legitimate shot at winning the rest of their games. In my opinion, however, I think Dallas is a long shot to go undefeated because of the Division they play in. If Dallas is still undefeated after they play Green Bay in week 13 they should be very close to wrapping up home field advantage. That means they probably won't have much to play for against Philadelphia in week 15, at Carolina in week 16, and at Washington in week 17. Those could all be tough games for Dallas if any of those teams are still fighting for a playoff spot and Dallas decides to rest some starters.
If the Dallas Cowboys approach the end of the season undefeated they will basically be looking at the same scenario that I discussed above for an undefeated Green Bay team. Dallas won't have to worry about Green Bay or Washington because they would have already beaten both teams. So, Dallas will be watching Tampa or Seattle. If either of those teams still only has one loss entering week 17 then Dallas will probably play their starters against Washington in week 17. If not, they probably won't.
4) Indianapolis Colts. I don't think the Colts have much of a chance to go undefeated for several reasons. First and foremost is that Tony Dungy has an established history of resting his starters at the end of the season. Secondly, I think the Colts play in the toughest Division in football. And thirdly, if things shake out the way I think they are going to then there is a good chance the Colts last 5 games might be against at least 4 teams fighting for playoff spots. Their last 5 games are at home against Jacksonville, on the road against Baltimore and Oakland, and then at home against Houston and Tennessee. That's a pretty tough way to end a season.
If the Colts beat New England and are still undefeated towards the end of the season then the two other AFC teams to watch will be Pittsburgh and Tennessee. This could go all kinds of different directions because the Colts could possibly be playing a one loss Titans team in week 17. If that would be the case, the only loss the Titans would have entering that game would be their week 2 loss to the Colts. So, an undefeated Colts team might have to play to win their final game against a one loss Titans team because the tiebreaker between the Colts and Titans may be complicated. Also, if the Steelers would have only one loss at the end of the season they would hold the tiebreaker advantage over both a one loss Indy and a one loss Tennessee by virtue of a better won/loss percentage inside the Conference. So, an undefeated Indy team would have the incentive to play their starters in their final game if either Pittsburgh or Tennessee enters the final week with only one loss.
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Wednesday, October 3, 2007
10/03/07: Kentucky Basketball Update
The University of Kentucky basketball team will NOT be having their annual Blue-White scrimmage game this season. Coach Gillespie has apparently decided that with their first exhibition game scheduled for October 31st the team needs all the practice time they can get. So, there will be no Blue-White game to kick off the UK basketball season for the first time in at least 40 years.
There was no mention whether the Blue-White game will return next season. You can read the Lexington Herald-Leader story here.
There was no mention whether the Blue-White game will return next season. You can read the Lexington Herald-Leader story here.
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