tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13847855468404789992024-03-13T10:24:35.162-04:00Confessions of a Sports-Addict"Rehab Is For Quitters - Stay Addicted." - The Sports AddictTrent Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13430160191637895728noreply@blogger.comBlogger202125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1384785546840478999.post-45002115228204017272010-10-13T22:15:00.003-04:002010-10-13T22:18:07.441-04:00Body Parts That Don't Belong to FavreWe interrupt the 24-7 news coverage about Favre and his wiener to talk about something that actually matters, and no, we don’t mean the NBA season starting.<span style=""> </span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TLZn3o4f-YI/AAAAAAAACCg/c0fRb18EBP0/s1600/Sconnie+Girls.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TLZn3o4f-YI/AAAAAAAACCg/c0fRb18EBP0/s200/Sconnie+Girls.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527719798208723330" border="0" /></a>Everyone knows the NBA season doesn’t really start until after Christmas.<span style=""> </span>Do you really think a veteran Celtics team with Garnett, Allen, Pierce, Shaq and Jermaine O’Neal cares if they win 51 or 65 games?<span style=""> </span>Do they care if they are the #1 seed or the #4 seed?<span style=""> </span> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">And I’m not talking about the enormous Big Ten matchup in Madison this weekend between Wisconsin and Ohio State.<span style=""> </span>Wisconsin is going to have to play defense with their offense by playing a little keep-away from Terrell Pryor if they hope to upset the top-ranked Buckeyes.<span style=""> </span>The Badgers have the rushing offense to put points on the board, but the concern is that their defense has more holes than David Arquette’s explanation of his relationship with Jasmine Waltz.<span style=""> </span>Add to that their lack of discipline and poor<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TLZn4Z-UCAI/AAAAAAAACCw/xCjmO5RFQAA/s1600/Jasmine+Waltz.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TLZn4Z-UCAI/AAAAAAAACCw/xCjmO5RFQAA/s200/Jasmine+Waltz.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527719811386443778" border="0" /></a> special teams play, and it could be a scary Saturday for Brett Bielema two weeks before Halloween.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">What I actually think are the best events of the weekend are the playoff baseball games.<span style=""> </span>The ALCS and NLCS start on Friday and Saturday night and both series should be extremely entertaining, particularly the opening games.<span style=""> </span>Arguably the four best pitchers in all of baseball have led their teams to the league championship series – Roy Halladay of the Phillies, Tim Lincecum of the Giants, Cliff Lee of the Rangers and C.C. Sabathia of the Yankees.<span style=""> </span>Add in the other premiere starters: Roy Oswalt, Cole Hammels, Matt Cain, Jonathan Sanchez, Andy Pettitte, Phil Hughes, and CJ Wilson, and you have yourself the makings of a tremendously pitched series.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TLZn36yElEI/AAAAAAAACCo/aKlM7xIVvu0/s1600/Lincecum+Kid+From+Dazed+%26+Confused.PNG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 84px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TLZn36yElEI/AAAAAAAACCo/aKlM7xIVvu0/s200/Lincecum+Kid+From+Dazed+%26+Confused.PNG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527719803013600322" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">The year of the pitcher has continued in the playoffs with amazing performances one after another.<span style=""> </span>Even the teams that lost had stud pitchers that got them there: David Price, Francisco Liriano, Tim Hudson and Johnny Cueto.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">I wonder if the Brewers owner and general manager were watching the playoffs?<span style=""> </span>Dear Doug Melvin, I hope you can tell the difference between any pitcher that started a game this post season and pitchers that were on your roster named Bush, Parra, Doug Davis, Suppan, or Randy Wolf.<span style=""> </span>None of those guys would even make the roster of the playoff teams, more less actually see the field.<span style=""> </span>Upgrade the pitching whatever you have to do – and that includes trading Prince.<span style=""> </span>Sincerely, The Sports Addict</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">So sit back and get ready for some amazing pitching performances in the<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TLZn4Q9ObHI/AAAAAAAACC4/_QFfy8KWNAc/s1600/Roy+Halladay.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 148px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TLZn4Q9ObHI/AAAAAAAACC4/_QFfy8KWNAc/s200/Roy+Halladay.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527719808965962866" border="0" /></a> league championship series.<span style=""> </span>My baseball prognosticating is worse than my football picks (I picked the Mariners as the best odds bet to win the world series before the season…at least I had Cliff Lee right, just on the wrong team?), so I won’t bother trying to convince you who will win.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Ah, who am I kidding?<span style=""> </span>I’ll take the Rangers over the Yankees in 7 games with Lee winning games 3 and 7.<span style=""> </span>I’ll also take the Giants to beat the Phillies in 6 games, but that might be as much because of my hatred for the Phillies than any sound logic.</p>Trent Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13430160191637895728noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1384785546840478999.post-51342292022791188932010-10-12T00:27:00.005-04:002010-10-12T00:35:25.551-04:00Play It Again...Haven't we seen this act before? <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TLPk8UD7FlI/AAAAAAAACCQ/Pfykm4WOWwk/s1600/Jenn+Sterger+Jets.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 171px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TLPk8UD7FlI/AAAAAAAACCQ/Pfykm4WOWwk/s200/Jenn+Sterger+Jets.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527012892542178898" border="0" /></a> Terrible half the game, then rallies the team late. He milks a supposed injury for the cameras a little during the comeback. Then an off-balance, back-foot throw that never should be made for a terrible game icing interception. And at the end of it all, Brett Favre is left with his junk in his hand.......again. At least he's consistent.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TLPk8qXbjII/AAAAAAAACCY/9a6B7j_yKWc/s1600/Jenn+Sterger+wow.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TLPk8qXbjII/AAAAAAAACCY/9a6B7j_yKWc/s200/Jenn+Sterger+wow.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527012898529578114" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TLPk8Xa_v9I/AAAAAAAACCI/qvWcJSwAkHI/s1600/Deanna+Favre+%26+Jenn+Sterger.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 163px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TLPk8Xa_v9I/AAAAAAAACCI/qvWcJSwAkHI/s200/Deanna+Favre+%26+Jenn+Sterger.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527012893444259794" border="0" /></a>Trent Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13430160191637895728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1384785546840478999.post-27821868722968233942010-10-08T00:32:00.003-04:002010-10-08T00:41:11.257-04:00Degenerate Friday - Week 5Have you ever had that moment when you get too lazy to crop dust, so you just let one go in your office?<span style=""> </span>Without fail, the office<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TK6gnYdrFiI/AAAAAAAACCA/UVYJscyV19o/s1600/Teddy+Thompson+Sucks.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 197px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TK6gnYdrFiI/AAAAAAAACCA/UVYJscyV19o/s200/Teddy+Thompson+Sucks.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525530391272429090" border="0" /></a> “talent” always stops by within 30 seconds to show off her new engagement ring to your complete horror and embarrassment.<span style=""> </span>That’s the moment when you realize you stink.<span style=""> </span>Both figuratively and literally.<span style=""> </span>Well, that has to be how Ted Thompson is feeling right now in Green Bay.<span style=""> </span>He stayed in his office instead of making a move for Marshawn Lynch, and then the Vikings stop by to show off their shiny new toy, Randy Moss.<span style=""> </span>Now Teddy is left in his office smelling his own turds. <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Last week was a solid 8-6 week, putting me at 32-26-4 on the year.<span style=""> </span>Not spectacular, but good enough to feel better than Ted Thompson.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">The standard disclosures apply:<span style=""> </span>for recreational purposes only, lines from the NY Post, home teams in CAPS, etc.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">This week the games are broken down by the different stops in Randy Moss’s career.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u>The Vikings (Part I) Phase</u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Randy’s first stint in Minnesota was full of ups and downs – setting rookie records for touchdowns and gently tapping a traffic cop with his car.<span style=""> </span>These are the games that have<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TK6fLnqp0FI/AAAAAAAACBg/HVFnuGGRCls/s1600/Randy+Moss+Vikings+I.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 178px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TK6fLnqp0FI/AAAAAAAACBg/HVFnuGGRCls/s200/Randy+Moss+Vikings+I.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525528814805438546" border="0" /></a> potential to be good games despite having any real power teams involved.<span style=""> </span>And obviously with Randy’s fake moon during this part of his career, there is no question the 49ers game has to be in this category because of Mike Singletary’s allegedly de-pantsing himself at halftime of a game last year.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">BROWNS (+3) over Falcons</i></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Falcons are 3-1, yet without a Garrett Hartley shank and a Nate Clements brain fart, they’d be 1-3.<span style=""> </span>They have not shown the offensive fire power that was expected of them.<span style=""> </span>The Browns have battled to stay close in all of their games, and they may have found a stolen gem in Peyton Hillis.<span style=""> </span>Mangini fights off the sharks for a second straight week.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">RAIDERS (+6) over Chargers</i></p> <p class="MsoNormal">San Diego has feasted on bad teams thus far, and they get another one in the Raiders.<span style=""> </span>Yet something tells me the Raiders will finally show some progress, even with Michael Bush filling in for McFadden.<span style=""> </span>Zach Miller should be able to run wild in the secondary against the Chargers linebackers.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">49ERS (-3.5) over Eagles</i></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Is Vegas disrespecting Kevin Kolb that much by making him and the Eagles a 3.5 point dog against the winless Niners?<span style=""> </span>Probably.<span style=""> </span>Is it deserved?<span style=""> </span>Yup.<span style=""> </span>Kolb has looked awful – timid, noodle-armed and overmatched in his limited playing time.<span style=""> </span>Time for SF to get off the winless train at home against the punchless Iggles.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u>The Oakland Raiders Phase</u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Disinterested, lazy, distraction, non-factor, irrelevant.<span style=""> </span>All words that can <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TK6fL09iIXI/AAAAAAAACBo/jXXfgZyqhds/s1600/Randy+Moss+Raiders.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 144px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TK6fL09iIXI/AAAAAAAACBo/jXXfgZyqhds/s200/Randy+Moss+Raiders.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525528818374287730" border="0" /></a>describe Moss’s time in Oakland and these games.<span style=""> </span>Moss is second all-time in receiving TD’s (behind Jerry Rice) and imagine the stats he could have put up if he actually made an attempt to play hard or had an adequate quarterback during the years he wasted in Oakland.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">Jaguars (-1) over BILLS</i></p> <p class="MsoNormal">This might be the Bills best chance to avoid coming close to 0-16.<span style=""> </span>Did I mention Ryan Fitzpatrick is the quarterback?<span style=""> </span>It could be a classic letdown game for the Jags after their big win against the Colts, but they still have more playmakers with hyphens than the Bills.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">PANTHERS (+2.5) over Bears</i></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Is it really a question whether or not to bet against Todd Collins?<span style=""> </span>The last time he started a game was in 2007, and he was old and washed up then.<span style=""> </span>The Bears have won with smoke and mirrors thus far this season and the wind blew away the smoke and the mirror is one of those “fat mirrors” from the circus.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">LIONS (-3) over Rams</i></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Rams are leading their division and still underdogs against a winless team.<span style=""> </span>Such is life in the NFC West.<span style=""> </span>Lions have been competitive all season and finally break through with a win.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">Saints (-6.5) over CARDINALS</i></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Saints are a lifetime 87-5-1 when playing against a team that cut a former first round quarterback before the season, benched their awful backup, and are starting an undrafted rookie in his first start.<span style=""> </span>That seems like a made up stat that I don’t want to go against.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u>The Patriots Phase </u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The resurgent Randy reappears and starts setting records again.<span style=""> </span>Suddenly the locker room cancer that got run out of Minnesota <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TK6fMILGKaI/AAAAAAAACBw/vYQUAdVCjho/s1600/Randy+Moss+Pats+One-Handed+Catch.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 139px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TK6fMILGKaI/AAAAAAAACBw/vYQUAdVCjho/s200/Randy+Moss+Pats+One-Handed+Catch.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525528823531448738" border="0" /></a>and mercifully traded from Oakland was a great teammate, consummate professional and a key cog on successful teams.<span style=""> </span>Yet that dream didn’t last.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">TEXANS (-3) over Giants</i></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Which Giants team will show up?<span style=""> </span>The one that hammered the Panthers?<span style=""> </span>The one that got hammered by the Colts?<span style=""> </span>Or the suffocating defense that destroyed Jay Cutler?<span style=""> </span>Will it be the Texans team that tamed the Colts?<span style=""> </span>Or the team that had to scramble to come from behind against the Redskins?<span style=""> </span>Or the team that got ripped up by the Cowboys?<span style=""> </span>I guess I’ll side with the home team.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">Chiefs (+8) over COLTS</i></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Am I really going against a ticked off Colts team at home against a potentially fraudulent 3-0 young Chiefs team?<span style=""> </span>Yup, 8 points is too much for a team that can’t stop the run against a team that has a potent running attack with Thomas Jones & Jamaal Charles.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">Vikings (+4) over JETS</i></p> <p class="MsoNormal">While there is no doubt that Tom Brady throws a better deep ball than Brett Favre, and Moss is not as adept at the jump ball as he once was, Randy will still make a difference and be an outlet for the wiener-sexting old gunslinger.<span style=""> </span>There is the possibility that Moss catches 2 TDs and Favre throws 4 interceptions in every game.<span style=""> </span>The inspiration of thir new acquisition will be enough to overcome the loud-talking Jets on Monday night.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u>The Minnesota (Part II) Phase</u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">This is either going to be boom or bust.<span style=""> </span>It’s either going to be like Marisa Miller <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TK6fMVLCpBI/AAAAAAAACB4/HDEgYge9sIg/s1600/Marissa+Miller+Tight+Butt.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 152px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TK6fMVLCpBI/AAAAAAAACB4/HDEgYge9sIg/s200/Marissa+Miller+Tight+Butt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525528827020878866" border="0" /></a>or it’s going to be current Madonna.<span style=""> </span>There will be no in between.<span style=""> </span>These games could be gems like the Halladay no-hitter or the Lincecum 2-hitter (which by the way, I might argue that Big Time Timmy Jam’s game was more impressive as it came in a 1-0 game and he had 14 K’s – a MLB postseason debut record)<span style=""> </span>Or these games could end up a complete disaster, like a James Shields start for the Rays.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">BENGALS (-6.5) over Buccaneers</i></p> <p class="MsoNormal">This seems like quite a bit of points to lay against a 2-1 team coming off a bye week by a team that just lost to the Browns.<span style=""> </span>Yet the Bengals play much better at home and the 2-1 team is the Bucs.<span style=""> </span>Case closed.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">Packers (-2.5) over REDSKINS</i></p> <p class="MsoNormal">This is my least confident pick of the week.<span style=""> </span>The Packers lost another safety and linebacker Nick Barnett to season-ending injuries this week.<span style=""> </span>Add that to the emotional let down of not picking up a key running back and knowing they have the least intimidating running game in the league.<span style=""> </span>Yet the Redskins do not have the playmakers to take advantage of the huge holes that will be in the Dom Capers defense.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">RAVENS (-7) over Broncos</i></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Baltimore’s offense seems to be finding a little bit of rhythm and it will be much easier against the Broncos than it was against the Steelers.<span style=""> </span>The Broncos definitely won the Cutler-Orton trade, but they won’t win in Baltimore.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">COWBOYS (-6.5) over Titans</i></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Tennessee continues to struggle establishing the run and they don’t have a legit passing game to fall back on.<span style=""> </span>As a result, the Cowboys can get back to .500 and right back in the hunt to win their extremely average division.<span style=""> </span>After the game, Jeff Fisher might put on a Tony Romo jersey, since if the Cowboys falter this year, Wade Phillips will be fired and Jeff Fisher will be the top target for Jerry Jones.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p>Trent Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13430160191637895728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1384785546840478999.post-6172626258610982562010-10-04T07:02:00.003-04:002010-10-04T07:17:10.575-04:00Weekend Hangover: Love/Hate<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">LOVE</span> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Has there ever been a more ridiculous ending to a college football game than the LSU-Tennessee game this weekend?<span style=""> </span>LSU got <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TKm0heVjVLI/AAAAAAAACA4/11MuRWUMPJU/s1600/Cristina+Del+Basso+-+Tigers+Birdie.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TKm0heVjVLI/AAAAAAAACA4/11MuRWUMPJU/s200/Cristina+Del+Basso+-+Tigers+Birdie.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524144905118766258" border="0" /></a>down to the 3 yard line with under 30 seconds left and was completely confused and out of sorts trying to call a final play.<span style=""> </span>With the clock about to run out, the center snapped the ball past the quarterback who fell on the ball to seemingly give the Vols the win.<span style=""> </span>Only during the confusion of LSU substituting players and not knowing what play to call, the Vols were flagged for having 13 guys on the field.<span style=""> </span>LSU got another chance and punched it in for the game winning touchdown with no time on the clock.<span style=""> </span>A finish that was more unbelievable than Cristina Del Basso of Big Brother in Italy.<span style=""> </span>Rumor has it that she is another of Tiger’s birdies.<span style=""> </span>Wow.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>I love all the overdone hype surrounding the picture of Gisele at some European event and possibly kissing a dude that isn’t Tom Brady.<span style=""> </span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TKm0hgIdXJI/AAAAAAAACBI/XZeTz3ffQBw/s1600/Gisele+%26+unknown+dude.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 147px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TKm0hgIdXJI/AAAAAAAACBI/XZeTz3ffQBw/s200/Gisele+%26+unknown+dude.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524144905600720018" border="0" /></a>There are so many possibilities and explanations that don’t involve a scandal or anything illicit.<span style=""> </span>I mean, Gisele is Brazilian and they are all about kisses on the cheek for greetings and departures.<span style=""> </span>Is it really a stretch to think that the guy just pulled a middle-school trick and turned his face at the last minute so she planted one on his lips?<span style=""> </span>My brother asked me the most pertinent question that can be applied to this situation or the Dez Bryant dropping 55k on dinner:<span style=""> </span>Wouldn’t you?<span style=""> </span>If you were that guy and got that close to Gisele or if you were Dez Bryant and could afford to take an entire football team out to a steak dinner, wouldn’t you?</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>That sound you heard on Sunday was the Vick hype train jumping the rails and going down in flames faster than Mel Gibson’s career.<span style=""> </span>I haven’t seen how long Vick will be out, but the Eagles definitely need him.<span style=""> </span>Kevin Kolb looked scared and weak-armed as he took over the Eagles and couldn’t lead them back against McNabb and the Redskins.<span style=""> </span>The other lesson learned from this game:<span style=""> </span>The NFC East is wide open because all of the teams suck.<span style=""> </span>The Eagles were feeling good because they beat the Lions and the Jaguars.<span style=""> </span>This week showed their defense is awful.<span style=""> </span>The Redskins have two wins within the division, but have lost their two games outside the division.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>I love the slobber-fest that continues over Denard Robinson.<span style=""> </span>Yes, he put up more video-game-like stats this week and just looking at the stats, he has to be the Heisman <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TKm0hq2BfAI/AAAAAAAACBA/ebhKlqmwxKI/s1600/Denard+Robinson+Heisman.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 159px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TKm0hq2BfAI/AAAAAAAACBA/ebhKlqmwxKI/s200/Denard+Robinson+Heisman.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524144908476185602" border="0" /></a>front-runner.<span style=""> </span>Yet if you watch the game, he is not a very good passer and Michigan struggled to put away a poor Indiana team.<span style=""> </span>Read the post game summaries and they talk about how he “heaved a high-arching pass to Hemmingway” for 42 yards which set up the game-winning touchdown.<span style=""> </span>The reality is that he threw a terrible jump ball and Junior Hemmingway made a spectacular play to outjump and come down with the pass.<span style=""> </span>At the end of the day, all that matters is that the Wolverines remained unbeaten after a win on the road, but at some point Michigan is going to play some competent defensive teams and when they do, it will be interesting to see how Robinson plays.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">HATE</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Dear Ted Thompson, congratulations on building a championship contender in Green Bay.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TKm0iFXzmHI/AAAAAAAACBQ/sKJb52sucZM/s1600/Kelly+Brook+cleavage.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TKm0iFXzmHI/AAAAAAAACBQ/sKJb52sucZM/s200/Kelly+Brook+cleavage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524144915597203570" border="0" /></a><span style=""> </span>You have a top 5 quarterback, top 5 tight end, top 5 wide receiver, top 5 cornerback, top 5 linebacker, and adequate offensive and defensive lines.<span style=""> </span>However you have a glaring hole at running back that needs to be addressed if this team is going to win a championship.<span style=""> </span>I know you love draft picks more than I love Kelly Brook in a low-cut shirt, but this should be an easy decision.<span style=""> </span>Give a call to Buffalo and see what draft pick they want for Marshawn Lynch.<span style=""> </span>A 5<sup>th</sup> rounder?<span style=""> </span>Sure.<span style=""> </span>A 4<sup>th</sup> rounder?<span style=""> </span>Sure.<span style=""> </span>The lack of running game leaves the defense on the field for too much time, which tires out our talented veterans like Charles Woodson and Cullen Jenkins.<span style=""> </span>Swallow your pride and fix the problem you created by not having more than Brandon Jackson behind Ryan Grant at the beginning of the year.<span style=""> </span>This isn’t hard, Ted.<span style=""> </span>You messed up when you didn’t get Randy Moss, so don’t be an ass-hat on this one.<span style=""> </span>Make the call and make the deal.<span style=""> </span>Sincerely, Trent</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Another big game for a Bielema-coached Wisconsin team, and another disappointment.<span style=""> </span>Coach Alvarez used to excel at getting his teams up for the biggest games and they would come out with focus and energy in all of their toughest road games and difficult opponents.<span style=""> </span>Coach Bielema just doesn’t seem to get the best out of his teams.<span style=""> </span>He has an unbelievable amount of talent with studs like James White, Lance Kendricks, JJ Watt and he can’t seem to put it all together to get the most out of his teams.<span style=""> </span>On Saturday, Michigan State beat the Badgers by doing exactly what the Badgers used to do with teams:<span style=""> </span>pound them with the run game which opens things up for the passing game.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>I’m going to miss Mike Singletary’s post games quotes.<span style=""> </span>Wait, he hasn’t been fired yet?<span style=""> </span>Give it time, as there is no way he makes it through the rest of this season.<span style=""> </span>He tried to deflect the shots by firing Jimmy Raye before this week, but now the scopes are set on the legendary linebacker.<span style=""> </span>His press conferences are awesomely intense and his quotes are memorable, but unfortunately it has not translated to any on-field success.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>It sure seems like the Oregon Ducks should be considered for a spot <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TKm0ikGdJLI/AAAAAAAACBY/1FrQYexbM7M/s1600/Oregon+Ducks.gif"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 184px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TKm0ikGdJLI/AAAAAAAACBY/1FrQYexbM7M/s200/Oregon+Ducks.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524144923845928114" border="0" /></a>in the national championship game if they continue to play the way they’re playing currently.<span style=""> </span>At least I think so, but it’s hard to tell because I couldn’t watch the Oregon-Stanford game even if I wanted to because of the ridiculous television programming decisions made by Time Warner and ABC.<span style=""> </span>Instead of watching a match up of two top-ten teams in prime time in one of the loudest stadiums in the country, ABC decided that the northeast would rather watch an awful Notre Dame team against an even-worse Boston College team.<span style=""> </span>Are you friggin’ kidding me?<span style=""> </span>Do you want to know why there is an east coast bias by voters?<span style=""> </span>They can’t actually see the best teams because of the morons at ABC who still can’t get it through their heads that Notre Dame hasn’t been relevant in 15 years and NO ONE CARES about them.<span style=""> </span>I don’t need to see another Notre Dame game for the next 5 years and I guarantee I won’t miss anything of importance.</p>Trent Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13430160191637895728noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1384785546840478999.post-33676767995233386682010-09-27T06:49:00.005-04:002010-09-27T06:54:54.735-04:00Weekend Hangover - Love/Hate<span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >LOVE</span> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;">Finally, the dumbest “strategy” move by a football coach </span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TKB285g_oMI/AAAAAAAACAw/LwdXfBegr_c/s1600/Sean+Payton+fingers+crossed.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 176px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TKB285g_oMI/AAAAAAAACAw/LwdXfBegr_c/s200/Sean+Payton+fingers+crossed.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521543931759665346" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;">backfired and cost his team the game.<span style=""> </span>I abhor when coaches call a timeout one second before the snap f</span><span style="font-size:100%;">or a game-winning field goal and make the team kick it twice.<span style=""> </span>It’s a bulls#it move that shouldn’t be allowed.<span style=""> </span>So it was great to see Sean Payton try that move against Atlanta only to negate a blocked field goal that would have prevented the Falcons from winning.<span style=""> </span>After getting a second shot, Matt Bryant nailed the kick and the Falcons stole a game in</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> New Orleans.<span style=""> </span>Calling that timeout is like when you were a little kid and you shook hands on something but then yelled “it doesn’t count because I had my fingers crossed behind my back!!”<span style=""> </span>And how long can Garrett Hartley’s NFC Championsh</span><span style="font-size:100%;">ip heroics buy him in New Orleans?<span style=""> </span>The Saints won in week 1 despite his missed kicks and he missed another short kick in overtime this week.<span style=""> </span>If I were Hartley, I’d start boxing up the house, just in case.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;">Does anyone know that baseball season is still going on?<span style=""> </span>Oh, and NBA training </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TKB28Hbm5cI/AAAAAAAACAY/ha9YCSU6ogI/s1600/Elisabetta+Canalis+bikini.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TKB28Hbm5cI/AAAAAAAACAY/ha9YCSU6ogI/s200/Elisabetta+Canalis+bikini.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521543918315300290" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:100%;">camps are about to start.<span style=""> </span>No one seems to notice or care about either sport when it’s football season.<span style=""> </span>We wasted more time this week hearing about Braylon Edwards than about the pennant races.<span style=""> </span>Lost in all the news this week was an incredible feat by Ichiro in Seattle – his 10<sup>th</sup> 200-hit season.<span style=""> </span>When you realize that he played his first 7 professional seasons in Japan, the streak is even more impressive.<span style=""> </span>Had he played those years in the US, he might have a legit shot at Pete Rose’s all-time hit list.<span style=""> </span>His ability at the plate is almost as impressive as George Clooney’s girlfriend in a bikini.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;">Is there a better advertising campaign out there than the E*Trade baby?<span style=""> </span>The lates</span><span style="font-size:100%;">t commercial has him in time-out because riding the dog like a horse is frowned up – awesome.<span style=""> </span>Those commercials are as good as the Redskins yellow mustard pants, and definitely better than those nasty neon orange jerseys in Miami.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">HATE</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;">Can we finally put to rest any thoughts that Notre Dame is a legit </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TKB28leRp0I/AAAAAAAACAg/wk0kg6ZQ7Rc/s1600/Lindsay+Lohan+Mugshot.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 160px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TKB28leRp0I/AAAAAAAACAg/wk0kg6ZQ7Rc/s200/Lindsay+Lohan+Mugshot.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521543926379554626" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:100%;">college football team?<span style=""> </span>It is blatantly obvious that the Irish are not on the level with any of the mid-level teams in the country, so why do teams get a boost in the rankings for beating them?<span style=""> </span>Stanford is the latest team to dismiss the Irish with ease and were rewarded with a jump from #16 to the top 10.<span style=""> </span>How does that math work?</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""> </span>You do what you’re supposed to do – beat a vastly inferior team - and jump over other teams that did what they were supposed to do (aka Wisconsin)?<span style=""> </span>It’s like the receivers that dance after a 7 yard catch – that’s your job, so stop celebrating what you’re supposed to do.<span style=""> </span>That has less logic than Lindsay Lohan remainin</span><span style="font-size:100%;">g out of prison.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;">After watching Ryan Mallett flush his Heisman hopes, and Arkansas’s </span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TKB2889BARI/AAAAAAAACAo/oTdyweC41zY/s1600/Ryan+Mallett.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 148px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TKB2889BARI/AAAAAAAACAo/oTdyweC41zY/s200/Ryan+Mallett.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521543932682502418" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;">conference title hopes down the toilet on Saturday afternoon, two thoughts came to mind:<span style=""> </span>(1) It’s been confirmed – NEVER trust a guy with a chin-strap beard, and (2) Mallett might be the next Ryan Leaf.<span style=""> </span>He is a big, strong-armed guy who can throw it all over the field.<span style=""> </span>Unfortunately, he is not clutch, and not very bright.<span style=""> </span>If he gets angry with the media and develops an addiction to oxycontin, he could actually become Ryan Leaf.<span style=""> </span>Beware Buffalo Bills – Jake Locker might not be the answer, but Mallett doesn’t look to be the solution either.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;">Carmelo Anthony as the center piece of the “new” Nets under the Russian billionaire?</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TKB28OPRkSI/AAAAAAAACAQ/T4FQaf08h2I/s1600/Carmelo+Anthony+%26+La+La.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 153px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TKB28OPRkSI/AAAAAAAACAQ/T4FQaf08h2I/s200/Carmelo+Anthony+%26+La+La.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521543920142618914" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""> </span>There is a 4-team trade that may happen that would send Anthony to the Nets, assuming the Nuggets don’t get cold feet and the Nets can sign Anthony to a long-term contract.<span style=""> </span>It would definitely be a shot across the bow of their neighbor Knicks if the Nets can land Anthony as their centerpiece when they move into Brooklyn in two years.<span style=""> </span>If the Nets can come up with a new color scheme, new uniforms and a new name, they could actually have a shot to become the most popular team in the New York metro area.<span style=""> </span>Getting Anthony would also go a long way towards improving upon their 12 wins last season.</span></p>Trent Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13430160191637895728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1384785546840478999.post-38531441209035707412010-09-23T22:44:00.005-04:002010-09-23T23:04:15.142-04:00Degenerate Friday - Week 3Computer issues saved you from losing money with my 8-8 picks last week, so you’re welcome for that.<span style=""> </span>Now we’re on to the next week, where teams find themselves on the verge of losing their seasons before they hit the one quarter mark of the season.<span style=""> </span>Are we ready to make conclusions about teams?<span style=""> </span>Probably not.<span style=""> </span>Remember last year when Josh McDaniels and the Broncos started 6-0 before the bottom fell out?<span style=""> </span>So let’s not get too ahead of ourselves after just a few weeks and then be surprised when the truth comes out.<span style=""> </span>Kind of like the categories for the games this week….celebrity surprises during the past couple weeks. <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal">Standard disclosures apply:<span style=""> </span>Picks are for recreational purposes only, spreads from the NY Post, and home teams in CAPS.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">The Paris Hilton Tier<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TJwTiO84BmI/AAAAAAAACAA/2nIMMoo0HEs/s1600/Paris+Hilton.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 140px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TJwTiO84BmI/AAAAAAAACAA/2nIMMoo0HEs/s200/Paris+Hilton.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520308722099291746" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Paris was rejected from Japan this week.<span style=""> </span>Not a major surprise, but then again, it was surprising that she was wearing clothes and wasn’t on a boat.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">PATRIOTS (-14) over Bills</p> <p class="MsoNormal">What happened to that dynamic CJ Spiller guy who was wearing a Bills jersey in the preseason?<span style=""> </span>The Bills offense has been absolutely horrendous, so while this is a ton of points to lay, it may only take three scores by the Patriots to cover.<span style=""> </span>So when Chan Gailey says that he doesn’t see much difference between Trent Edwards and Ryan Fitzpatrick, is that an insult to both of them?</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Raiders (+4) over CARDINALS</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I have been playing the Raiders all season and they’ve yet to pay off.<span style=""> </span>Is this the week with Bruce Gradkowski at quarterback?<span style=""> </span>Considering he’s up against the worst quarterback in the league outside of Buffalo in Derek Anderson, I think it is.<span style=""> </span>Is Larry Fitzgerald going to snap after yet another pass sails 5 yards over his head?</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">SEAHAWKS (+5.5) over Chargers</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Chargers laid the lumber last week to Jacksonville and their offense seemed to find the rhythm they couldn’t find in the rain in Kansas City in week 1.<span style=""> </span>So laying 5.5 against a Seattle team that lost to Denver last week shouldn’t be a problem, right?<span style=""> </span>Wrong.<span style=""> </span>Just like Paris Hilton, when the light is shined on them at the right angle (on the road in Seattle), the Chargers have some significant flaws and will be missing Ryan Matthews who has a banged up ankle.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Colts (-5.5) over BRONCOS</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Peyton Manning will let you know when it’s safe to bet against the Colts, and after last week’s dismantling of his little brother, the Colts look ready to roll.<span style=""> </span>Add to that the emotional week the Broncos have just had with the death of one of their wide receivers, and Denver could not have found a worse opponent.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">The Demi Moore Tier<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TJwThr8zzGI/AAAAAAAAB_o/AQLNxcLydyw/s1600/Brittney+Jones.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 192px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TJwThr8zzGI/AAAAAAAAB_o/AQLNxcLydyw/s200/Brittney+Jones.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520308712703773794" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Ashton Kutcher was busted for cheating on Moore with an extremely average looking girl.<span style=""> </span>Are we surprised that Kutcher is an idiot?<span style=""> </span>He made his career by acting like an idiot on That 70’s Show, acting like an idiot on Punk’d, and being a cougar-hunting idiot.<span style=""> </span>Maybe he was just never acting….</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Lions (+11) over VIKINGS</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Let me get this straight.<span style=""> </span>The Lions have lost on a terrible call to the Bears and by 3 to the Eagles, and they’re suddenly giving double digits to an 0-2 team that has scored 19 TOTAL points in two weeks?<span style=""> </span>There is a reason the casinos are so big in Vegas, but this is not one of them.<span style=""> </span>The Old Gunslinger hasn’t found a WR he can trust and the difference of philosophy between him and Coach Childress continues to widen.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">RAVENS (-10.5) over Browns</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Despite the Ravens offensive woes to start the season, the best medicine is playing against the woeful Browns.<span style=""> </span>The Ravens have gone up against the tough Jets defense and the underrated Bengals defense, so their struggles have been blown out of proportion.<span style=""> </span>And I didn’t even have to mention that Seneca Wallace is starting again for the Browns.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Bengals (-3) over PANTHERS<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TJwThjlaTmI/AAAAAAAAB_w/HvgjRBfz_eY/s1600/J-Woww+Playboy.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 158px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TJwThjlaTmI/AAAAAAAAB_w/HvgjRBfz_eY/s200/J-Woww+Playboy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520308710458150498" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Welcome to the NFL, Jimmy Clausen by taking on a Bengals defense that ate pre-season darling Joe Flacco’s lunch last week.<span style=""> </span>Clausen struggling in his debut is less surprising than J-Woww posing in Playboy.<span style=""> </span>Doesn’t it seem like Hugh is overpaying for her pictures?<span style=""> </span>Would it really take more than a bottle of booze and a couple of compliments whispered in her ear?</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Eagles (-3) over JAGUARS</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Michael Vick is the Boston Cream donut in the Eagles locker room and Andy Reid can’t get enough.<span style=""> </span>He’s so in love with his Boston Cream that he has smashed the chocolate sprinkles donut that he’s been telling everyone he loves for the past 6 months.<span style=""> </span>And that came after he dumped his first love – the Long John donut because it kept making him choke.<span style=""> </span>Maybe Reid just likes donuts.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Redskins (-3.5) over RAMS</p> <p class="MsoNormal">So do we look at the Redskins team that build a 17 point lead against the dangerous Texans or do we look at the Redskins team that blew a 17 point lead against the dangerous Texans?<span style=""> </span>I don’t know, nor do I care.<span style=""> </span>What I do care about is that a spread of barely over a field goal against one of the worst teams in the league should be covered.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">The Randy Quaid Tier</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Did you see the story where <a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5isQLnqsA-7h7w0fW4dkeEu3K5PTwD9IBQLHO2">Randy and his wife were arrested</a> for<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TJwTiv94pMI/AAAAAAAACAI/n2EeU-AZxhY/s1600/Randy+Quaid+Mugshot.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TJwTiv94pMI/AAAAAAAACAI/n2EeU-AZxhY/s200/Randy+Quaid+Mugshot.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520308730961896642" border="0" /></a> squatting in a house they used to own?<span style=""> </span>Uncle Eddie has definitely fallen on some tough times and he sure looks like it’s been a long, strange journey.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">CHIEFS (+2.5) over 49ers</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The 49ers are coming off a game in which they played very well against the Saints, but playing in Kansas City is a different story.<span style=""> </span>While Matt Cassel has played awful, the Chiefs will need to rely on their special teams and running game to generate points.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Titans (+3) over GIANTS</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Lost in all the attention that the Jets have generated the past few weeks is that the Giants are not very good.<span style=""> </span>They were able to beat a terrible Panthers team despite turning the ball over more times than Lindsay Lohan returns to rehab.<span style=""> </span>Then they got splattered by the Colts.<span style=""> </span>The Titans crushed the Raiders and then were shut down by what has thus far been the best defense in the league, the Steelers.<span style=""> </span>Look for Chris Johnson to get back much closer to his 2500 yard pace.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Steelers (-2.5) over BUCCANEERS</p> <p class="MsoNormal">It doesn’t matter who the Steelers start at quarterback as long as their defense remains as good as they have been.<span style=""> </span>The Josh Freeman leading the young Tampa squad is a nice story, but beating Carolina and Cleveland hardly gives them a boost in the BCS standings.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Jets (+2) over DOLPHINS</p> <p class="MsoNormal">This might be the toughest game of the week to pick.<span style=""> </span>The Jets are kind of like Randy Quaid, highly entertaining, but you have to wonder if there are some serious problems behind the outward shell.<span style=""> </span>The Dolphins are 2-0 and can build themselves a nice little lead in the division with a win over the Jets, but they have feasted on a poor Bills offense and a struggling Vikings offense.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">The Kelly McGillis Tier<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TJwTh9kyM7I/AAAAAAAAB_4/HY3MrFB8I7k/s1600/Kelly+McGillis+Before+%26+After.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 116px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TJwTh9kyM7I/AAAAAAAAB_4/HY3MrFB8I7k/s200/Kelly+McGillis+Before+%26+After.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520308717434844082" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal">This was the shocker of the week.<span style=""> </span>Kelly was everyone’s favorite military flight instructor in the 80’s blockbuster, Top Gun, and she got married this week…to a woman. <span style=""> </span>I mean, it really kind of changes all the news you have heard recently about “don’t ask, don’t tell.”<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">SAINTS (-6) over Falcons</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Even without Reggie Bush, the Saints offense has a ton of weapons.<span style=""> </span>The Falcons hammered the Cardinals last week and they are at home, but I think the Saints will have recovered from their trip out west in time.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">TEXANS (-3) over Cowboys</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I really can’t imagine the Cowboys starting the year 0-3.<span style=""> </span>Then again, I never imagined Kelly McGillis playing for the other team – not that there’s anything wrong with that.<span style=""> </span>The Texans have won their first two games, first with a dominant running game and then with a dominant passing game.<span style=""> </span>Look for them to light up the Cowboys in Houston.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Packers (-3) over BEARS</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Bears have proven to be legit thus far, and winning at Dallas last week was impressive.<span style=""> </span>Yet it’s starting to be apparent that the Cowboys may not be as good as we expected, so it does come with a grain of salt.<span style=""> </span>And the Bears should have lost in week 1 to Detroit.<span style=""> </span>If the Packers can generate any kind of running game to keep the Bears defense honest, expect Green Bay to blow them out.<span style=""> </span>Will Ted Thompson finally make a trade for a running back?<span style=""> </span>Here’s a great read about <a href="http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Randys-rant-was-almost-a-Packer-twice.html">his failed attempts to get Randy Moss</a> a few years back, which makes you think that TT may not be able to trade for Marshawn Lynch like he should.</p>Trent Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13430160191637895728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1384785546840478999.post-29929972969078414332010-09-15T22:20:00.007-04:002010-09-15T22:46:59.521-04:00NFL Power Rankings - Week 1Riding the subway in New York is brutal in the summer because if the air underground isn’t disgusting and stale to begin with, the heat adds an extra layer of stank to it.<span style=""> </span>On top of that, you add the <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TJF_UXL3xMI/AAAAAAAAB-A/tyP2PhOtci8/s1600/Discman.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 125px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TJF_UXL3xMI/AAAAAAAAB-A/tyP2PhOtci8/s200/Discman.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517331006303487170" border="0" /></a>overcrowded nature of rush hour and sprinkle in a solid mix of homeless people and you have a pretty nasty cocktail.<span style=""> </span>The other day I’m minding my own business on my way home, listening to my iPod when I catch this mangy dude stumbling through the train and I assume he’s begging for change.<span style=""> </span>I typically enjoy hearing some of the more creative signs and requests from the panhandlers, like outside of dinner last night when a guy said he needed 50 cents to fix the rotary engine on his helicopter.<span style=""> </span>That’s a good effort.<span style=""> </span>The guy on the subway wasn’t actually begging, but instead he was hoping to sell something:<span style=""> </span>Batteries.<span style=""> </span>He’s walking through the train with an open package of batteries yelling “Double-A’s, triple-A’s, C’s & D’s – I got your batteries right here - $1 for a battery.”<span style=""> </span>Who needs batteries while they’re on the subway?<span style=""> </span>Not to mention they likely are used/dead batteries that he’s selling.<span style=""> </span>Everyone on the train is using an iPod, iPhone, blackberry, kindle or reading the paper.<span style=""> </span>None of those activities require Duracells. <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">So how does this relate to the NFL Power Rankings after the opening weekend?<span style=""> </span>It probably doesn’t, but it made me think that while I don’t want to overreact to week 1 results, I have to stay with the times and not continue to proclaim that the teams at the top will remain at the top.<span style=""> </span>It also reminded me of the days back when people used to use those big clunky Discman to play CD’s while working out and you had to be careful not to make the CD skip constantly.<span style=""> </span>Well the Discman was released in 1984, so this week’s rankings are broken out by some of the top movies from that year.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><i style=""><u><span style="font-size:14pt;">The Terminator</span></u></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">1 – New Orleans</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Saints are the kings until someone knocks them off.<span style=""> </span>They <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TJGC2abDjYI/AAAAAAAAB_Q/mo8nmHdSo2k/s1600/Terminator.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TJGC2abDjYI/AAAAAAAAB_Q/mo8nmHdSo2k/s200/Terminator.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517334889822915970" border="0" /></a>proved that they could win a game on defense by handling the Vikings when their offense wasn’t clicking.<span style=""> </span>They have a very tough road test on Monday night to maintain the top spot.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">2 – New England</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Patriots were the cold, destroying terminators in week 1, laying the smack down on the Bengals.<span style=""> </span>They scored the most points in the league and despite the final score, their young defense shut down the Bengals early.<span style=""> </span>Tom Brady had a helluva ride last week, getting in a significant car accident but escaping injury, signing a huge contract extension, lighting up the Bengals and all the while getting to come home to Gisele every night.<span style=""> </span>I’d say that’s winning at life.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">3 – Green Bay</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Losing Ryan Grant is a significant blow for the Packers, and if GM Ted Thompson wasn’t so opposed to free agency or trades, they may have been able to add someone like Laurence Maroney (only cost the Broncos a 4<sup>th</sup> rounder), Marshawn Lynch, or Willie Parker.<span style=""> </span>Instead they signed someone off a practice squad.<span style=""> </span>If the running game struggles, you will see a return of the “Ted Thompson Ruined My Christmas” t-shirts.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">4 – Baltimore</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Ray Lewis remains the baddest terminator in the league.<span style=""> </span>That hit he laid on Dustin Keller was textbook and I’m pretty sure if he hit me like that, I would be dead.<span style=""> </span>Not in the figurative sense – they would have to peel me off the turf and just take me right to the cemetery.<span style=""> </span>The Ravens difficult schedule continues with another road game, this time at Cincinnatti where Palmer, Ochocinco and Owens will test their banged up secondary more than Mark Sanchez did.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">5 – Pittsburgh</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Don’t look now, but if Troy Palomalu stays healthy, the Steelers defense could return to its dominant form and it won’t matter who lines up under center.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><i style=""><u><span style="font-size:14pt;">Ghost Busters </span></u></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">6 – Houston</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Texans were finally able to rid themselves of their own <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TJF_UxH_sqI/AAAAAAAAB-I/bRnfSEJKJeo/s1600/Ghostbusters.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 168px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TJF_UxH_sqI/AAAAAAAAB-I/bRnfSEJKJeo/s200/Ghostbusters.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517331013266551458" border="0" /></a>personal Slimer – the ghost of the Indianapolis Colts.<span style=""> </span>They also could have quoted Bill Murray’s Dr. Venkman character:<span style=""> </span>“We came.<span style=""> </span>We saw.<span style=""> </span>We kicked it’s @ss!!”<span style=""> </span>Unfortunately all a week 1 win does is secure they won’t have a winless season.<span style=""> </span>The Texans haven’t had problems early in the season as much as they have had problems when they really have to win.<span style=""> </span>But for now, they have a dominant running game, a passing game that wasn’t needed, and an aggressive defense.<span style=""> </span>That’s enough for a top 6 position to me.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">7 – Indianapolis</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">On the other end of the spectrum are the Colts.<span style=""> </span>With their defense suddenly looking like more of a liability than planned and Bob Sanders likely out for the year, there are some real concerns in Indy.<span style=""> </span>I’m not sure a visit from the underachieving but talented Giants running game is the cure.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><i style=""><u><span style="font-size:14pt;">The Natural</span></u></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">8 – Tennessee</b><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TJGC2zqb-QI/AAAAAAAAB_Y/m0JHYUUWLqc/s1600/The+Natural.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 159px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TJGC2zqb-QI/AAAAAAAAB_Y/m0JHYUUWLqc/s200/The+Natural.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517334896598317314" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Chris Johnson is a natural when it comes to running the football.<span style=""> </span>I saw on halftime of the Monday night game that they clocked him at 22 mph during his 76 yard touchdown on Sunday.<span style=""> </span>Like Robert Redford knocked the cover off the ball, Johnson can run the cleats off his shoes.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><i style=""><u><span style="font-size:14pt;">Romancing the Stone</span></u></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">9 – Minnesota</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Brett Favre and Brad Childress are about as annoying as Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner.<span style=""> </span>In reality, since this is their second act together, maybe they should be connected to the sequel, The Jewel of the Nile, but that movie came out in 1985.<span style=""> </span>While losing to the Saints isn’t a disgrace, the lack of passion, energy and life from Old Man Favre is a definite concern.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">10 – New York Giants</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">There’s just something about Big Blue that I can’t get behind this year.<span style=""> </span>They are about as exciting as a stone.<span style=""> </span>Good enough to beat the bad teams (like Carolina) but will struggle against better competition (like Indy this week).</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><i style=""><u><span style="font-size:14pt;">Beverly Hills</span></u></i></b><b style=""><i style=""><u><span style="font-size:14pt;"> Cop</span></u></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">11 – New York Jets</b><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TJGAxzymjbI/AAAAAAAAB-g/1qpff2iWCWs/s1600/Ines+Sainz.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 139px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TJGAxzymjbI/AAAAAAAAB-g/1qpff2iWCWs/s200/Ines+Sainz.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517332611709963698" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal">This whole tier of teams fits into the Eddie Murphy quote:<span style=""> </span>“You arresting me for getting thrown out a window?”<span style=""> </span>And while the media gnashes its teeth about the way the team treated Ines Sainz, the team should be spending more time trying to figure out how wonderboy Mark Sanchez went from looking as good as Ms. Sainz to looking like George Lopez during the off-season.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">12 – Dallas</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Cowboys offense struggled mightily despite the presence of all those weapons.<span style=""> </span>Is that a credit to Washington’s defense?<span style=""> </span>Possibly.<span style=""> </span>But more likely, the Cowboys have to put it all together, shore up their offensive line play and only then can they even imagine playing a home game in the Super Bowl.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">13 – San Diego</b><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TJF_UEfDKQI/AAAAAAAAB94/IruqdWKnOVM/s1600/Beverly+Hills+Cop.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 145px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TJF_UEfDKQI/AAAAAAAAB94/IruqdWKnOVM/s200/Beverly+Hills+Cop.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517331001283651842" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal">While not part of the movie, it seems like San Diego used another Eddie Murphy line from his stand up routine:<span style=""> </span>“I’ll take the zero” (look up the routine about having a boner in class and getting called upon to come to the front of the class).<span style=""> </span>The Chargers took the zero in the rain against a young and feisty Chiefs team.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">14 – Atlanta</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Maybe the Falcons aren’t ready for prime time after all.<span style=""> </span>I do believe that the Steelers defense can be an elite unit, but to only manage field goals is unacceptable from an offense with Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez.<span style=""> </span>So I am arresting them for falling out the window.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">15 – Cincinnati</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Bengals got thrown out the window by the Patriots and they have the foot prints on their rear ends to prove it.<span style=""> </span>They better buckle down at home against the Ravens or the season could disintegrate quickly.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><i style=""><u><span style="font-size:14pt;">Karate Kid</span></u></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">16 – Washington</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I’m not sure how long the Redskins will stay in the upper half of the league, <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TJGAyqY2Y1I/AAAAAAAAB-w/NVCcl55ven8/s1600/Karate+Kid+Crane.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TJGAyqY2Y1I/AAAAAAAAB-w/NVCcl55ven8/s200/Karate+Kid+Crane.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517332626365899602" border="0" /></a>but after beating the Cowboys, they’ve earned this spot.<span style=""> </span>They are the upstart who beat the fancy dressed, fancy trained rich kids with a controlled and disciplined game.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">17 – Seattle</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Seahawks bought into Pete Carroll and Cheerleader Carroll used “the Crane” to kick the snot out of the 49ers in week one.<span style=""> </span>I fear that his act grows thin quickly, but for now, they deserve this ranking, probably 10 spots higher than I would have had them before the season started.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><i style=""><u><span style="font-size:14pt;">Gremlins</span></u></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">18 – Philadelphia</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Andy Reid had his nice fuzzy little mogwai in Kevin Kolb, but unfortunately <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TJF_WbhmRsI/AAAAAAAAB-Q/qY_v12P1t8I/s1600/Gremlins.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TJF_WbhmRsI/AAAAAAAAB-Q/qY_v12P1t8I/s200/Gremlins.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517331041828095682" border="0" /></a>he exposed him to water (aka the Packers defense) and it spawned a gremlin of a quarterback controversy.<span style=""> </span>Michael Vick looked back to his old speed against Green Bay and after he leads the Eagles to a victory over the Lions, the team is going to have a hard time stomaching a move back to Kolb.<span style=""> </span>Kolb looked timid, weak-armed and scared before Clay Matthews knocked him out of the game.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">19 – Arizona</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Kurt Warner’s retirement spawned a whole mess of gremlins in the desert, first with Matt Leinart and now with Derek Anderson.<span style=""> </span>While Anderson’s numbers looked respectable at the end of the game, he still has accuracy problems and the Cards barely held off the lowly Rams.<span style=""> </span>This may be the highest the Cards get ranked all season.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><i style=""><u><span style="font-size:14pt;">Sixteen Candles</span></u></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">20 – Kansas City</b><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TJGAzUkNqsI/AAAAAAAAB_A/RsnrNevvwEI/s1600/Sixteen+Candles.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TJGAzUkNqsI/AAAAAAAAB_A/RsnrNevvwEI/s200/Sixteen+Candles.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517332637687851714" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Chiefs pulled off a great upset against the Chargers riding the youth movement with rookies Dexter McCluster, Tony Moeaki and young running back Jamaal Charles.<span style=""> </span>They came of age a little in the Monday night game, so I guess that makes Matt Cassell equal to Molly Ringwald?</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><i style=""><u><span style="font-size:14pt;">Splash</span></u></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">21 – San Francisco</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Not only did the 49ers make a terrible splash with their <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TJGC2CQR_8I/AAAAAAAAB_I/zpXLdMVXLfY/s1600/Splash+-+Daryl+Hannah.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 122px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TJGC2CQR_8I/AAAAAAAAB_I/zpXLdMVXLfY/s200/Splash+-+Daryl+Hannah.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517334883335274434" border="0" /></a>pathetic performance at Seattle, they also have a lot in common with Darryl Hannah.<span style=""> </span>Both were huge in the 80’s and both are liked for some strange reason I can’t understand.<span style=""> </span>No matter how intense Coach Singletary stares at his players, the 49ers cannot be successful with the poor communication between their offensive coordinator and the quarterback that plagued them in week 1.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><i style=""><u><span style="font-size:14pt;">Indiana Jones & The </span></u></i></b><b style=""><i style=""><u><span style="font-size:14pt;">Temple of Doom</span></u></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">22 – Miami</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Dolphins get credit for winning, but there is doom ahead because their<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TJF_W5Di2vI/AAAAAAAAB-Y/bCZ_cGlzi78/s1600/Indiana+Jones.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TJF_W5Di2vI/AAAAAAAAB-Y/bCZ_cGlzi78/s200/Indiana+Jones.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517331049755106034" border="0" /></a> offense was stagnant against a poor Bills defense.<span style=""> </span>That huge stone that is chasing Indiana Jones – that’s the Patriots about to run down the Dolphins.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">23 – Jacksonville</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">This is another team that won, but in unconvincing fashion against an inferior opponent.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">24 – Carolina</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Boy am I glad that Carolina got rid of that turnover machine in Jake Delhomme and got a conservative game manager like Matt Moore because he won’t turn the ball over……wait, nevermind.<span style=""> </span>Moore basically melted in the bad weather and Giants pressure like the bad guy’s faces at the end of Indiana Jones.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">25 – Oakland</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Oakland reminds me of the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DzcOCyHDqc">scene in the movie where the bad guy stops Indiana Jones in the market and starts to wave his big sword all over the place in a huge display of power</a>.<span style=""> </span>Indy calmly pulls out his pistol and shoots the guy.<span style=""> </span>Well the Raiders had me convinced with their big sword trade of Jason Campbell and maturing wide receivers.<span style=""> </span>The Titans pulled out the pistol in week 1.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">26 – Detroit</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">No need to rehash it – the Lions were robbed by a terrible rule.<span style=""> </span>And that’s why they are ranked higher than the Bears despite losing to them.<span style=""> </span>Even though they lost Mattew Stafford and will likely plummet after this week, they get a bump for the effort in week 1.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><i style=""><u><span style="font-size:14pt;">Nightmare on Elm Street</span></u></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">27 – Chicago</b><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TJGAzAVj5qI/AAAAAAAAB-4/z3lWBaBrawM/s1600/Nightmare+on+Elm+Street.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 131px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TJGAzAVj5qI/AAAAAAAAB-4/z3lWBaBrawM/s200/Nightmare+on+Elm+Street.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517332632257685154" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Yes, Jay Cutler threw for a lot of yards, but he’s still a turnover machine and will be a nightmare for Chicago’s playoff chances.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">28 – Denver</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">What was more overhyped?<span style=""> </span>Tim Tebow’s debut or the ridiculous Bachelor spin-off, Bachelor Pad?<span style=""> </span>Tebow was a non-factor and Bachelor Pad was just a pairing up of sluts with meatheats.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">29 – Tampa Bay</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">They are the second team in this tier that won last week, but the team they beat was barely <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TJGEfuI4KFI/AAAAAAAAB_g/Zb4glPZGaQk/s1600/Natalie+Getz+Bachelor+Pad.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TJGEfuI4KFI/AAAAAAAAB_g/Zb4glPZGaQk/s200/Natalie+Getz+Bachelor+Pad.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517336699001645138" border="0" /></a>better than Notre Dame.<span style=""> </span>Raheem Morris has some potential on this team, but Bucs fans wish they could just sleep away the season.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">30 – St. Louis</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Rams showed a considerable amount of spunk against the Cardinals and Sam Bradford looks like he has the skills to be a franchise QB.<span style=""> </span>Unfortunately they will not win many games if they have to throw it 55 times a game and only give Steven Jackson 22 carries.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">31 – Cleveland</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Well that didn’t last long.<span style=""> </span>Did we really expect the Jake Delhomme experiment to work with the Browns?<span style=""> </span>Do you really expect Jennifer Lopez to be anything other than a monster pain in the ass as a judge on American Idol?<span style=""> </span>Do you really expect Jenn Brown to be famous for her sideline <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TJGAyUmgxLI/AAAAAAAAB-o/M1whVd2n61Q/s1600/Jenn+Brown.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TJGAyUmgxLI/AAAAAAAAB-o/M1whVd2n61Q/s200/Jenn+Brown.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517332620517622962" border="0" /></a>reporting or her looks?</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">32 – Buffalo</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">If Packers GM Ted Thompson wasn’t so opposed to trading, the smart move would be to tell Buffalo RB Marshawn Lynch to bring a few extra bags with him to Green Bay this weekend.<span style=""> </span>Instead Lynch will have to continue to suffer through a rough season while his former Cal teammate quarterbacks a contender without much of a running game.</p>Trent Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13430160191637895728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1384785546840478999.post-89321185333918948702010-09-13T00:01:00.007-04:002010-09-13T00:26:16.043-04:00Weekend Hangover - Love/Hate<b style=""><span style=";font-size:16pt;color:red;" >LOVE</span></b> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Congrats to Michigan for winning a huge game this weekend <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TI2mtC24DVI/AAAAAAAAB9U/b5SJvBAjyXE/s1600/Michigan+%26+Notre+Dame+Suck.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TI2mtC24DVI/AAAAAAAAB9U/b5SJvBAjyXE/s200/Michigan+%26+Notre+Dame+Suck.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516248411390086482" border="0" /></a>which should launch them……INTO the rankings?<span style=""> </span>Seriously, we’re supposed to be impressed by a victory against a team that was barely .500 last year and lost their starting quarterback for much of the game?<span style=""> </span>I don’t buy it.<span style=""> </span>Yes, Denard Robinson has put up monster stats the first two games…against Connecticut and Notre Dame.<span style=""> </span>Call me when he does something against a real team.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>I love the return of football season, but let’s not overreact too much too early in the season.<span style=""> </span>The sky is not falling in Indianapolis, Arian Foster will not rush for 3,000 yards this season and the Seahawks will not go undefeated. <span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>So much for Boise State’s chances of making the BCS Championship.<span style=""> </span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TI2mtuFhZZI/AAAAAAAAB9c/pW1g3mmsF2s/s1600/Jessica+Alba.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 176px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TI2mtuFhZZI/AAAAAAAAB9c/pW1g3mmsF2s/s200/Jessica+Alba.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516248422994240914" border="0" /></a>When you’re only marquee win is against a Virginia Tech team that then loses to James Madison (who knew they even fielded a football team?), you can forget playing for a national championship.<span style=""> </span>That would be like Jessica Alba trying to claim she should get a lifetime achievement for acting award with her highlight being Into The Blue.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Everyone knows I hate everything Philly.<span style=""> </span>Watching the Packers beat the Eagles brings me an inordinate amount of joy.<span style=""> </span>And while it is a big road win to start the season in Green Bay, there are definitely some major concerns, particularly on defense.<span style=""> </span>Dom Capers defense seems to be completely boom or bust.<span style=""> </span>They blitz and take chances and if they don’t get a sack or an interception, they give up a ton of wide open pass plays and gashing runs.<span style=""> </span>Perhaps Andy Reid’s sugar rush wore out by the end of the game, but he made some really questionable decisions down the stretch.<span style=""> </span>Using his timeouts with more than 5 minutes remaining left the Eagles without a way to stop the clock after the 2 minute warning.<span style=""> </span>And then on the critical 4<sup>th</sup> and 1 play, with the Packers struggling to keep up with Michael Vick, Reid chose to take the fastest guy on the field and run him straight ahead like a fullback rather than stretch the field and let him use his speed.<span style=""> </span>At least now we’ll get to watch the Eagles idiot fans whine about a quarterback controversy all season.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style=";font-size:16pt;color:red;" >HATE</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Can the media – particularly BSPN – finally stop trying to sell us the hype on Miami quarterback JaCorey Harris?<span style=""> </span>Much like the success of Glee, I just don’t understand the fascination with a show about the glee club or the fascination with a quarterback <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TI2mu6dathI/AAAAAAAAB9k/4JB7kQ3-mgc/s1600/Jacory+Harris+Interception.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 126px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TI2mu6dathI/AAAAAAAAB9k/4JB7kQ3-mgc/s200/Jacory+Harris+Interception.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516248443495560722" border="0" /></a>who can’t throw.<span style=""> </span>He is a great athlete but a terrible quarterback.<span style=""> </span>He was exposed against Wisconsin in the bowl game last season, so what made anyone think he would excel against an Ohio State team that was better than the Badgers and returned most of their starters?<span style=""> </span>Harris threw 4 interceptions against the Buckeyes, ensuring an easy win for Ohio State.<span style=""> </span>Looks like a reincarnation of Isiah “Juice” Williams at Illinois.<span style=""> </span>Who?<span style=""> </span>Exactly – another overhyped nobody quarterback.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;">While BSPN was hyping this as “Monster Saturday” they would have been more accurate to call it “Exposing the State of Florida” weekend – Miami and Florida State got hammered in so-called marquee games and the Florida Gators continued to show they have a long way to go to get past the ghost of Tim Tebow.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Went to the US Open on Saturday with tickets to the women’s final.<span style=""> </span>It’s a great atmosphere and <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TI2nn3IP7aI/AAAAAAAAB9s/ktiUnqFYg3A/s1600/Caroline+Wozniacki+hot.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TI2nn3IP7aI/AAAAAAAAB9s/ktiUnqFYg3A/s200/Caroline+Wozniacki+hot.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516249421854010786" border="0" /></a>we got there early and had drinks out in the gallery watching the end of the Roger Federer match on the multiple big screens available.<span style=""> </span>Then we settled into our seats and watched Kim Clijsters absolutely destroy her Russian opponent, 6-2 6-1 in exactly one hour.<span style=""> </span>As if I wasn’t disappointed enough that neither Venus Williams nor Caroline Wozniacki were in the finals, but then the match was a complete blow out.<span style=""> </span>Imagine how annoyed I would have been if I actually had to pay for the tickets.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>The Wisconsin Badgers have enough talent to win the Big Ten this year, but they seem to be plagued with the same thing that has been a staple of too many Bret Bielema teams – they are undisciplined.<span style=""> </span>They are careless with the football and make stupid plays which allow inferior opponents to stay in the game.<span style=""> </span>Opening weekend against UNLV they gave up more points than yards in the first half (14 points and 12 yards), and this week against a pathetic San Jose State team, the continued to turn the ball over with a chance to put the game away before halftime.<span style=""> </span>The Badgers have an awesome trio of tailbacks, a dynamic tight end, and an emerging receiving corps, yet if they play this way against a respectable opponent, they will get blown out.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Even if the call at the end of the Lions-Bears game was correctly interpreted, it sucks.<span style=""> </span>Calvin Johnson caught the winning touchdown in the final seconds but the ball came loose as he was bouncing up to celebrate.<span style=""> </span>It’s a shame because the Lions played well enough to win even after franchise QB Matt Stafford was injured.</p>Trent Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13430160191637895728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1384785546840478999.post-58406987780018669812010-09-10T00:19:00.007-04:002010-09-10T00:40:50.718-04:00I'm Back! NFL 2010 Preview MegaPost<span style="font-size:100%;">Well, I guess I’m like Brett Favre and </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TIm0CnfzGbI/AAAAAAAAB9M/sVc5mShzWEw/s1600/Wozniacki.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TIm0CnfzGbI/AAAAAAAAB9M/sVc5mShzWEw/s200/Wozniacki.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515137175746976178" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;">herpes….you just can’t get rid of </span><span style="font-size:100%;">me.<span style=""> </span>It’s been </span><span style="font-size:100%;">ages, but with football season about to kick off it’s time to get back at it and posting regularly.<span style=""> </span>This whole blog started last year with a season preview, so it’s only </span><span style="font-size:100%;">fitting to get back to work with a season </span><span style="font-size:100%;">preview/prediction column and wrap in a Degenerate Friday Week 1 picks.<span style=""> </span>And while it is easy on the eyes to watch Caroline Wozniacki play in the U.S. Open, it’s football that really gets u</span><span style="font-size:100%;">s fired up.<span style=""> </span>On a side note – I’m hoping Wozniacki makes the finals because I’ll be there Saturday night.<span style=""> </span>Let’s get right to it…..no gimmicks, no categories, just a full break down of how I see the NFL season playing out.<o:p></o:p></span> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">I break down the season slightly different than most people – most analysts go through and pick their Super Bowl teams and then back their way into records for every team.<span style=""> </span>I go through the entire league schedule and pick every game, then totaling up what records the teams will end up having.<span style=""> </span>The good part is that it doesn’t fall p</span><span style="font-size:100%;">rey to preconceived notions and it definitely allows a tough schedule to have an effect on a team’s final record.<span style=""> </span>Th</span><span style="font-size:100%;">e dow</span><span style="font-size:100%;">n side is that I end up with some surprises that I may not have made otherwise, as you’ll see with this year’s AFC playoff teams.<span style=""> </span>And I still ended up with 2 new playoff teams in each conference, which is close to the typical 5 teams that surp</span><span style="font-size:100%;">rise people.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Breaking it down by division then a playoff prediction, starting in the NFC</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><br /></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="">NFC East<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on"><i style=""><br /></i></st1:place></st1:city></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on"><i style="">Dallas</i></st1:place></st1:city><i style=""> (10-6)<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">The Cowboys have talked themselves into believing they are a Super Bowl favorite despite bringin</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">g back most of the team that got drubbed by the Vikings in last year’s playoffs.<span style=""> </span>I expect Marion Barber to have a big season – did you know the guy played last year with a hole in his quad muscle?<span style=""> </span>Think about that – a freaking HOLE in his quad!!<span style=""> </span>Now that he’s healthy, he’s a battering ram that will open up the field for Miles Austin to g</span><span style="font-size:100%;">o deep and Dez Bryant to be a monster.<span style=""> </span>The</span><span style="font-size:100%;">ir offense will be as good as any in the league and their attacking </span><span style="font-size:100%;">defense will be enough to carry them to the division crown.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i style=""><br /></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i style="">NY Giants (9-7)</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TImzrkAHCfI/AAAAAAAAB80/2DAk9rzBzHo/s1600/Kardashian+Sisters.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 128px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TImzrkAHCfI/AAAAAAAAB80/2DAk9rzBzHo/s200/Kardashian+Sisters.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515136779671767538" border="0" /></a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">I don’t actually think the Giants are that good.<span style=""> </span>Yet their schedule falls pretty nicely for them and I think they have enough pieces to be in the mix.<span style=""> </span>Nobody likes Eli Manning, but the guy threw for over 4,000 yards last yea</span><span style="font-size:100%;">r and obviously has the support of his team.<span style=""> </span>The NFC East is a lot like the Kardashians in that everyone thinks the</span><span style="font-size:100%;">y’re famous and are a big deal, but stop and think about it for a minute.<span style=""> </span>Kim has some incredible assets (like the Cowboys) </span><span style="font-size:100%;">and the rest of the family is </span><span style="font-size:100%;">only famous by association.<span style=""> </span>By association, I guess that makes the Giants equal to Courtney, the next best in the family.<span style=""> </span>And now it’s time to get to the ugly family members…..<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on"><i style=""><br /></i></st1:place></st1:city></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on"><i style="">Philadelphia</i></st1:place></st1:city><i style=""> (7-9)<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">So the equation that irrational Eagles fans are selling is Andy Reid equals a winning record.<span style=""> </span>Well when you subtract McNabb and Westbrook and defensive coordinator Jim Johnson, and add in a first year starter in Kevin Kolb, it changes things considerably.<span style=""> </span>Kolb may turn out to be a very good quarterback, but even Aaron Rodgers struggled in his first year as a starter.<span style=""> </span>I personally think Kolb does not have the dynamic fire needed to be a premiere quarterback in the league, but he does have enough physical skills to ensure the Eagles stay close.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on"><i style=""><br /></i></st1:place></st1:state></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on"><i style="">Washington</i></st1:place></st1:state><i style=""> (6-10)<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">I saw that the Sports Guy picked the Skins as his sleeper team and has them in the playoffs.<span style=""> </span>I’d like to see t</span><span style="font-size:100%;">hat</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> just to stick it to the Eagles and their ridiculous fans.<span style=""> </span>McNabb still has gas in the tank and will definitely be motivated, but he has no one to throw the ball to and the Skins are dealing with the pain in the ass that is Albert Haynesworth.<span style=""> </span>New Sheriff Shanahan will eventually lead them to success, but it won’t be this year.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><br /></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="">NFC South<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on"><i style="">New Orleans</i></st1:place></st1:city><i style=""> (11-5)<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">The Saints offense is still as dangerous as Dan Hampton on an open microphone.<span style=""> </span>(The former Bear Hampton is the one that said the Vikings should hit <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">New Orleans</st1:place></st1:city> “like Katrina” and that the Cowboys were “brokeback cowboys” in one show – that’s a helluva performance right up there with Mel Gibson)<span style=""> </span>They have a premiere quarterback, premiere coach, attacking defense and adaptable receiving and running threats.<span style=""> </span>That’s enoug</span><span style="font-size:100%;">h to be there dee</span><span style="font-size:100%;">p in the playoffs.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on"><br /></st1:place></st1:city></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" ><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Atlanta</st1:place></st1:city></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> (11-5)</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">I thought the Falcons would break out last year and they got bit by the injury bug slowing their quarterback, running back and slot receiver.<span style=""> </span>This year with a healthy Matt Ryan, Michael Turner and Harry Douglas, the Falcons look poised to challenge for the division title.<span style=""> </span>The Falcons could be that team to makes the leap to elite and makes a deep run in the playoffs.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:city style="font-style: italic;" st="on"><st1:place st="on"><br /></st1:place></st1:city></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:city style="font-style: italic;" st="on"><st1:place st="on">Carolina</st1:place></st1:city></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> (8-8)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Their biggest improvement was the removal of the Human Turnover Machine, Jake Delhomme as their starting quarterback.<span style=""> </span>However, Matt Moore will struggle now that teams can scheme to stop him.<span style=""> </span>They also lost Julius Peppers and Steve Smith hasn’t played since breaking his arm.<span style=""> </span>Oh, and don’t forget they have a lame duck coach that will be moving on after the season and despite the running tandem of DeAngelo Williams and Jona</span><span style="font-size:100%;">than Stewart, this smells like a .500 team.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:place style="font-style: italic;" st="on"><st1:placename st="on"><br /></st1:placename></st1:place></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:place style="font-style: italic;" st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Tampa</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Bay</st1:placetype></st1:place></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> (2-14</span>)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">The Bucs have some nice pieces in place for future success, but the immediate future looks painful.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">NFC West</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:city style="font-style: italic;" st="on"><st1:place st="on"><br /></st1:place></st1:city></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:city style="font-style: italic;" st="on"><st1:place st="on">San Francisco</st1:place></st1:city></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> (9-7)</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">They are the tallest midget.<span style=""> </span>The NFC West is hideous, and the Niners could run away with the division</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> by barely being over .500.<span style=""> </span>They have the defense that is the fiery design of Mike Singletary and offensive weapons in Frank Gore, Vernon Davis and Michael Crabree.<span style=""> </span>If Alex Smith can effectively use his VD and Crabs, it will open things up for Gore and a su</span><span style="font-size:100%;">ccessful season.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:state style="font-style: italic;" st="on"><st1:place st="on"><br /></st1:place></st1:state></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:state style="font-style: italic;" st="on"><st1:place st="on">Arizona</st1:place></st1:state></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> (8-8)</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">This text from my brother in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Phoenix</st1:place></st1:city> pretty much summed it up in the desert: “So do I really have to get behind Derek Anderson this season?<span style=""> </span>But I guess it’s better than Leinart.”<span style=""> </span><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Anderson</st1:place></st1:city> has a strong arm which could be beneficial to Larry Fitzgerald, but he has problems telling the difference between his receivers and defensive backs.<span style=""> </span>Having 4 cupcake games against <st1:city st="on">Seattle</st1:city> and <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">St. Louis</st1:place></st1:city> allows them to stay in the hunt, but Cardinal fans should start preparing for the Max Hall era which may start after a 1-4 start and a bye week.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:city style="font-style: italic;" st="on"><st1:place st="on">Seattle</st1:place></st1:city></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> (4-12)</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Pete Carroll was able to get out of Southern Cal before the shit hit the fan, but he managed to jump right</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> int</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">o another steaming pile when he went north up the coast.<span style=""> </span>He has almost completely turned over the roster which would be a good thing since the Seahawks were bad, but then when you factor in Carroll’s lack of success</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">in past NFL stints and the overall lack of success of college coaches in the pros, it is a pretty scary proposition.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:city style="font-style: italic;" st="on"><st1:place st="on"><br /></st1:place></st1:city></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:city style="font-style: italic;" st="on"><st1:place st="on">St. Louis</st1:place></st1:city></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> (2-14)</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Well, it does appear that Sam Bradford has many of the intangibles and that can help someday return the Rams to respectability.<span style=""> </span>Unfortunately that someday is not this year.<span style=""> </span>Strap on that helmet tight, Sam and live to fight another season.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">NFC North</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on"><br /></st1:place></st1:city></span></p><p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Green Bay</st1:place></st1:city></span><span style="font-size:100%;"> (11-5)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">The Packers have the favorite for league MVP at quarterback have a healthier offensive line</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> to give him more</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> time to use his considerable arsenal of Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, Jermichael Finley and James Jones.<span style=""> </span>The </span><span style="font-size:100%;">secondary will be tested early without Al Harris and Atari Bigby but they get a scheduling break playing p</span><span style="font-size:100%;">oor or less established passing games early in the year – Philly, <st1:city st="on">Buffalo</st1:city>, <st1:city st="on">Chicago</st1:city>, <st1:city st="on">Detroit</st1:city>, <st1:state st="on">Washington</st1:state> and <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Miami</st1:place></st1:city>.<span style=""> </span>That could allow the Packers to get off to a very fast start and could carry them to the division title and home field advantage throughout the playoffs.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:place style="font-style: italic;" st="on"><st1:state st="on"><br /></st1:state></st1:place></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:place style="font-style: italic;" st="on"><st1:state st="on">Minnesota</st1:state></st1:place></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> (9-7)</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">The Vikings are dealing with plenty of questions after a very successful previous season.<span style=""> </span>Can</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Favre hold up?<span style=""> </span>Who is going to be their receiving threat?<span style=""> </span>Is their defense too old?<span style=""> </span>Will the rest of the team resent the special treatment that Diva Favre has gotten?<span style=""> </span>Does anyone like Coach Childress?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""> </span>Hard to imagine a team going to the Super Bowl when the quarterback hates the coach and the rest of the team doesn’t like </span><span style="font-size:100%;">either one of them.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:city style="font-style: italic;" st="on"><st1:place st="on"><br /></st1:place></st1:city></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:city style="font-style: italic;" st="on"><st1:place st="on">Detroit</st1:place></st1:city></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> (5-11)</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Like Blake Lively, </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TImzpz1_UHI/AAAAAAAAB8c/-a3Y-L9Zk9U/s1600/Blake+Lively.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 112px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TImzpz1_UHI/AAAAAAAAB8c/-a3Y-L9Zk9U/s200/Blake+Lively.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515136749564547186" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:100%;">the Lions are bursting with young assets.<span style=""> </span>With the addition of Suh and VandeBos</span><span style="font-size:100%;">ch on the defensive line, the Lions could slow a few offenses, which will give Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson and Jahvid Best the opportunity to outscore some teams.<span style=""> </span>While 5-11 doesn’t seem like a big jump, when you’re in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Detroit</st1:city></st1:place>, it’s reason to celebrate.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:city style="font-style: italic;" st="on"><st1:place st="on"><br /></st1:place></st1:city></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:city style="font-style: italic;" st="on"><st1:place st="on">Chicago</st1:place></st1:city></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> (5-11)</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Coach on the hot seat? Check.<span style=""> </span>Overrated quarterback with an attitude problem?<span style=""> </span>Check.<span style=""> </span>Arrogant offensive </span><span style="font-size:100%;">coordinator with only one success in his career?<span style=""> </span>Check.<span style=""> </span>Overpaid for a notoriously lazy defensive lineman?<span style=""> </span>Check.<span style=""> </span>Get the fan base excited about signing a third down back?<span style=""> </span>Check.<span style=""> </span>Sounds like another crappy season in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Chicago</st1:place></st1:city>.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">AFC East</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:place style="font-style: italic;" st="on"><br /></st1:place></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:place style="font-style: italic;" st="on">New England</st1:place></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> (11-5)</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TImzrD91xwI/AAAAAAAAB8s/u6tT6H3HC-g/s1600/JWoww.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TImzrD91xwI/AAAAAAAAB8s/u6tT6H3HC-g/s200/JWoww.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515136771072313090" border="0" /></a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">The Patriots are back to where they prefer, under the radar.<span style=""> </span>And Randy Moss is in a contract year, which means he has the potential for a monster year.<span style=""> </span>After last season’s schedule, this year’s slate looks easier than J-Woww after a couple shots of tequila.<span style=""> </span>As long as Brady can keep his Bieber hair out of his eyes, he’ll have a solid arsenal of receiving weapons.<span style=""> </span>Can the Patriots stop anyone?<span style=""> </span>Maybe not, but they will have the offensive </span><span style="font-size:100%;">firepower to outscore most teams.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">NY Jets (10-6)</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">The Jets remind me of the Seinfeld episode about “The Race” when George pretends he hasn’t seen Jerry since high school and goes on a rant about the millions he made as an architect.<span style=""> </span>Jerry’s response:<span style=""> </span>“You really built yourself up into something, didn’t you?”<span style=""> </span>And that is extremely applicable to the Jets.<span style=""> </span>They were 9-7 last</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> year.<span style=""> </span>They brought in a bunch of big name veterans past their prime.<span style=""> </span>They got a break to even get into the playoffs.<span style=""> </span>Is that enough to make them Super Bowl favorites?<span style=""> </span>I don’t think so.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:city style="font-style: italic;" st="on"><st1:place st="on"><br /></st1:place></st1:city></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:city style="font-style: italic;" st="on"><st1:place st="on">Miami</st1:place></st1:city></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> (8-8)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">The Dolphins have addressed their biggest need, which was a playmaking wide receiver who could actu</span><span style="font-size:100%;">ally, you know, catch.<span style=""> </span>They got Brandon Marshall who when paired with Chad Henne give the Dolphins a very potent offense.<span style=""> </span>Unfortunately they face a deadly stretch of games at GB, Pit, at Cin, at Bal, and Ten.<span style=""> </span>If they go 2-3 during that stretch it would be a heck of a</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">n accomplishment.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Buffalo (5-11)</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">The Bills managed to find themselves a dynamic game changer in CJ Spiller, but unfortunately they still have Trent Edwards at QB, a leaky offensive line and a defensive line that can’t slow anyone.<span style=""> </span>Could Spiller be a poor man’s Barry Sanders? </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">AFC South</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:city style="font-style: italic;" st="on"><st1:place st="on"><br /></st1:place></st1:city></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:city style="font-style: italic;" st="on"><st1:place st="on">Indianapolis</st1:place></st1:city></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> (13-3)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Every year you start with Indy at 12 wins and then adjust it up or down a game or two.<span style=""> </span>I ex</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">pect Peyton to bounce back from his Super Bowl pick-6 and be in F-U mode most of the season.<span style=""> </span>Add to that the embarrassment of weapons he has at his disposal and the Colts will blast through the regular season like Justi</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">n Timberlake blew through the hottest women in Hollywood before settling on Jessica Biel.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:city style="font-style: italic;" st="on"><st1:place st="on"><br /></st1:place></st1:city></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:city style="font-style: italic;" st="on"><st1:place st="on">Houston</st1:place></st1:city></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> (11-5)</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TImzr9zJ58I/AAAAAAAAB88/We-8UftAEYc/s1600/Lohan+Boxing.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 146px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TImzr9zJ58I/AAAAAAAAB88/We-8UftAEYc/s200/Lohan+Boxing.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515136786596751298" border="0" /></a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Every year people expect the Texans to break through.<span style=""> </span>Every year they let </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">everyone down.<span style=""> </span>It’s kind of like sending Lindsay Lohan to rehab – when are we finally going to give up on her putting it all together? Well, I’m giving the Texans one last chance because if they just do the simple things, they have the talent to be successful.<span style=""> </span>They have a great wide receiver in Andre Johnson and a strong defense to go with a QB who is solid in the regular season.<span style=""> </span>That should be enough with their schedule.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:state style="font-style: italic;" st="on"><st1:place st="on"><br /></st1:place></st1:state></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:state style="font-style: italic;" st="on"><st1:place st="on">Tennessee</st1:place></st1:state></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> (7-9)</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">I have no clue what to expect from this team.<span style=""> </span>Two years ago they went 13-3.<span style=""> </span>Last year they started 0-8 and got blasted 59-0 by the Patriots.<span style=""> </span>Yet they have one of the fastest RBs in the league in Chris Johnson who expects to get 2,500 yards this season.<span style=""> </span>Vince Young and his “Uncle Rico” motion isn’t pretty, but he has been able t</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">o lead the team to wins.<span style=""> </span>Yet I don’t see this team keeping up with the elite in their division.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:city style="font-style: italic;" st="on"><st1:place st="on">Jacksonville</st1:place></st1:city></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> (4-12)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Can’t we just move this team to LA and get it over with?<span style=""> </span>No one in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Jacksonville</st1:place></st1:city> would even notice if they were</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">gone.<span style=""> </span>They might be the most non-descript team in the league with their only star a running back with a knee extremely close to needing a scope that will knock him out for 2-3 weeks at a minimum.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">AFC West</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:city style="font-style: italic;" st="on"><st1:place st="on"><br /></st1:place></st1:city></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:city style="font-style: italic;" st="on"><st1:place st="on">San Diego</st1:place></st1:city></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> (11-5)</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">I expected to have this team fall off considerably this year with a rookie bell cow running back and the loss of Vincent Jackson to a hold out.<span style=""> </span>Yet their schedule is so soft, even Norv Turner can lead this team to double-digit wins.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:city style="font-style: italic;" st="on"><st1:place st="on"><br /></st1:place></st1:city></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:city style="font-style: italic;" st="on"><st1:place st="on">Oakland</st1:place></st1:city></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> (9-7)</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">The Raiders are a lot better than people think.<span style=""> </span>Despite the crazy Al Davis, they have quietly put tog</span><span style="font-size:100%;">ether a great offseason with the drafting of a game changing linebacker and the trade for a serviceable quarterback in Jas</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">on Campbell.<span style=""> </span><st1:city st="on">Campbell</st1:city> relied heavily on his TE, Chris Cooley in <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Washington</st1:place></st1:state>, which bodes well for the stats of Zach Miller this season.<span style=""> </span>Look for the Raiders to surprise some people this year and be in the hunt for a playoff spot for most of the year.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:city style="font-style: italic;" st="on"><st1:place st="on"><br /></st1:place></st1:city></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:city style="font-style: italic;" st="on"><st1:place st="on">Kansas City</st1:place></st1:city></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> (8-8)</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Thomas Jones will be key to keeping Jamaal Charles fresh, yet the Chiefs still have too many holes defensively to get over the .500 hump.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:city style="font-style: italic;" st="on"><st1:place st="on"><br /></st1:place></st1:city></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:city style="font-style: italic;" st="on"><st1:place st="on">Denver</st1:place></st1:city></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> (6-10)</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">It now seems pretty obvious that the 6-0 start last year was the aberration.<span style=""> </span>Josh McDaniels put himself in the cross-hairs with his love affair with Tim Tebow, but that is dangerous considering Timmy T is not ready to be the starter.<span style=""> </span>Without Brandon Marshall and with a banged up Knowshon Moreno, the offense will struggle and their defense wasn’t good to begin with.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">AFC North</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TImzq9QP98I/AAAAAAAAB8k/PJZhtbZ2XYQ/s1600/Britney+Spears+blue+bikini.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 162px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TImzq9QP98I/AAAAAAAAB8k/PJZhtbZ2XYQ/s200/Britney+Spears+blue+bikini.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515136769270478786" border="0" /></a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:city style="font-style: italic;" st="on"><st1:place st="on"><br /></st1:place></st1:city></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:city style="font-style: italic;" st="on"><st1:place st="on">Cincinnati</st1:place></st1:city></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> (11-5)</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">The Bengals boast an attacking defense and a powerful running game.<span style=""> </span>And with the addition of TO, Jermaine Gresham and Jordan Shipley, Carson Palmer has run out of excuses.<span style=""> </span>It’s time for his resurgence like recent pictures of Britney Spears in a bikini and utilize his assets.<span style=""> </span>Despite wearing down at the end of last season, I expect the Bengals to get it done.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:place style="font-style: italic;" st="on"><st1:city st="on"><br /></st1:city></st1:place></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:place style="font-style: italic;" st="on"><st1:city st="on">Pittsburgh</st1:city></st1:place></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> (11-5)</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TIm0Cc2XZ4I/AAAAAAAAB9E/bdh3PZoGYZQ/s1600/Salma+Hayek.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TIm0Cc2XZ4I/AAAAAAAAB9E/bdh3PZoGYZQ/s200/Salma+Hayek.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515137172888840066" border="0" /></a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">This may have been my biggest surprise.<span style=""> </span>I have them starting 1-3 with Dennis Dixon as the starter but the schedule for the Steelers provides a softer landing for Big Ben than landing on the chest of Salma Hayek.<span style=""> </span>With a recommitment to the run, the Steelers have the ability to slug it out with anyone.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:place style="font-style: italic;" st="on"><st1:city st="on"><br /></st1:city></st1:place></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:place style="font-style: italic;" st="on"><st1:city st="on">Baltimore</st1:city></st1:place></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> (10-6)</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">I was expecting to have the Ravens in the mix for a Super Bowl birth.<span style=""> </span>Unfortunately, while they improved their offensive weapons with the additions of Anquan Boldin, Donte Stallworth and TJ Houshmandzadeh, their defensive secondary is a mess with the injuries to Ed Reed and Dominique Foxworthy.<span style=""> </span>That does not bode well to compete with the receiving threats in Cincy and games at <st1:city st="on">Atlanta</st1:city>, at <st1:city st="on">Houston</st1:city> and at <st1:place st="on">New England</st1:place>.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">AFC Playoff Teams:<span style=""> </span>(1) Colts, (2) Patriots, (3) Chargers, (4) Bengals, (WC) Texans, (WC) Steelers<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">NFC Playoff Teams:<span style=""> </span>(1) Packers, (2) Saints, (3) Cowboys, (4) 49ers, (WC) Falcons, (WC) Vikings<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">hAFC Championship:<span style=""> </span>Colts over Patriots<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">NFC Championship:<span style=""> </span>Packers over Saints<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">SUPER BOWL CHAMPION:<span style=""> <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> </span></span><st1:city style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" st="on"><st1:place st="on">Green Bay</st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> Packers over Colts</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Maybe I’m just a homer, but I think all the parts are there for Aaron Rodgers to establish his own legacy in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Green Bay</st1:place></st1:city>.<span style=""> </span>My head says the Colts are the pick to beat the Packers, but I can’t put the Packers that close and not have them pull it off.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">QUICK HITS for DEGENERATE FRIDAY – Week 1<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Thursday pick:<span style=""> </span>Saints (-5) over Vikings<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Falcons (-2) over STEELERS – the Matt Ryan rebound begins<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Dolphins (-3) over BILLS – Spiller isn’t enough<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Lions (+6.5) over BEARS – Misery begins in the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Windy</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:placetype></st1:place><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">GIANTS (-6.5) over Panthers – G-men get revenge on <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Carolina</st1:place></st1:city> for ruining the closing of old stadium.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">PATRIOTS (-4.5) over Bengals – Brady celebrates new contract with big opener<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Browns (+3) over BUCCANEERS – who cares?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">JAGUARS (-2.5) over Broncos – barely more interesting than the previous suck-fest<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Colts (-2) over TEXANS – Texans not quite ready for prime time<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Raiders (+6) over TITANS – Raiders may not win but that spread is too big for the resurgent Raiders<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Packers (-3) over EAGLES – easiest game to pick this week<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">49ers (-3) over SEAHAWKS – welcome to the big leagues Coach Carroll<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Cardinals (-4) over RAMS – someone has to win this game<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Cowboys (-3.5) over REDSKINS – McNabb gets a rude welcome in DC<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">JETS (-2.5) over Ravens – break in the new stadium in style<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;">CHIEFS (+4) over Chargers – <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">San Diego</st1:place></st1:city> never starts fast</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <span style="font-size:10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span>Trent Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13430160191637895728noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1384785546840478999.post-23286040062706258642010-08-08T22:14:00.005-04:002010-08-08T22:21:02.661-04:00Weekend Hangover - Love/Hate - Defending Isiah?!?<span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >LOVE</span> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Knicks fans are up in arms about the return of Isiah Thomas to the front office as a special consultant.<span style=""> </span>Knicks fans have been calling into talk shows and bragging about how they are canceling their season tickets with the return of Thomas, <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TF9k4lhJR7I/AAAAAAAAB7s/bnQ5xoRT5wE/s1600/Isiah+Thomas.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 152px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TF9k4lhJR7I/AAAAAAAAB7s/bnQ5xoRT5wE/s200/Isiah+Thomas.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503228192976619442" border="0" /></a>and are quoting George Costanza:<span style=""> </span>“It’s like an onion, the more layers you peel, the more it stinks!”<span style=""> </span>While Thomas does have an impressive track record as the “Bizarro World” King Tut – everything he touches turns into a turd instead of gold – the Indiana Pacers, the CBA, the Knicks and now <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Florida</st1:placename> <st1:placename st="on">International</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">U.</st1:placetype></st1:place><span style=""> </span>Yet I actually think there is a value to having Thomas return to the Knicks.<span style=""> </span>During the recruitment of this summer’s free agent class, it was obvious who the biggest winners were – those teams where the owners, presidents, or GMs could flash championship bling at the young players.<span style=""> </span>Riley was able to convince Prince James and Chris Bosh to bring their talents to <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">South</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Beach</st1:placetype></st1:place>.<span style=""> </span>Jerry Reinsdorf and his Jordan-fueled rings were able to get Carlos Boozer and Kyle Korver.<span style=""> </span>And the Lakers were able to add Kevin Martin and resign Derek Fisher based on the recruiting of <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Kobe</st1:place></st1:city> and Phil Jackson.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;">The Knicks were going into the meetings with these free agents with an aging Donnie Walsh (who never won a championship with the Pacers), James Dolan (who has a reputation as a bumbling fool) and Allan Houston (a solid player that couldn’t get a ring with the Knicks).<span style=""> </span>None of those people could inspire today’s young free agents that they know what it takes to win an NBA championship.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;">Thomas does that.<span style=""> </span>Thomas has credibility with the players because he was an amazing player and he has the hand jewelry to prove that he knows what it takes to win it all.<span style=""> </span>As long as Walsh and Houston control the personnel decisions, the Knicks can benefit from having Isiah as an ambassador for the team when they recruit Carmelo Anthony next summer.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TF9k5QW5gvI/AAAAAAAAB70/zwzLVlZjtu8/s1600/Emmitt+Smith.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 170px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TF9k5QW5gvI/AAAAAAAAB70/zwzLVlZjtu8/s200/Emmitt+Smith.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503228204476367602" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Loved having football back on television on Sunday night – even if it was pre-season.<span style=""> </span>But the football highlights of the weekend were the Hall of Fame speeches.<span style=""> </span>I didn’t see all of them, but my personal favorite was Emmitt Smith.<span style=""> </span>Emmitt was a trainwreck when ESPN put him on the air with no training, leading to classic comments like being “blowed up” among many other lowlights.<span style=""> </span>So I was ready for the Hall speech to be off the charts in unintentional comedy.<span style=""> </span>Yet the NFL’s all-time leading rusher was tremendous, sounding smooth, confident and emotional.<span style=""> </span>And his thanking of Darryl Johnston was awesome.<span style=""> </span>Well done, Emmitt.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:180%;">HATE</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Fans who think that because Lance Armstrong raised money for a good cause, he can’t <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TF9k9i1bTpI/AAAAAAAAB8M/ZDnUcZN66Wg/s1600/Lance+Armstrong+%26+Sheryl+Crow.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 124px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TF9k9i1bTpI/AAAAAAAAB8M/ZDnUcZN66Wg/s200/Lance+Armstrong+%26+Sheryl+Crow.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503228278155726482" border="0" /></a>be a cheater and a bad person.<span style=""> </span>Whether or not he took steroids does not take away from his remarkable drive and determination to beat cancer.<span style=""> </span>What it does change is that he cheated to be successful at his sport – just like Barry Bonds, Alex Rodriguez, Roger Clemens, Raphael Palmeiro, Mark McGwire, Jose Conseco and many, many more athletes.<span style=""> </span>Combined with the stories about how he was kind of a prick in his break up with Sheryl Crow, you realize that despite his humanitarian efforts to raise money for cancer research, he has some ugly traits – just like all those other cheaters.<span style=""> </span>Keep them separated – praise him for raising money for a good cause and for being driven enough to recover and inspire others, but be realistic and realize that it is becoming overwhelming evidence that he didn’t win all of those Tour de France races on simple sweat effort.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->What is the deal with the Tampa Bay Rays?<span style=""> </span>They have the <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TF9k58howkI/AAAAAAAAB78/gnIGnGWUG64/s1600/Jenn+Sterger.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TF9k58howkI/AAAAAAAAB78/gnIGnGWUG64/s200/Jenn+Sterger.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503228216332567106" border="0" /></a>second-best record in all of baseball but they seem to put it on cruise control for random games.<span style=""> </span>They have been no-hit twice this year, thrown a no-hitter themselves (Matt Garza) and then they were completely dominated by Brandon Morrow yesterday.<span style=""> </span>Morrow was one out from a perfect game and struck out 17 Rays along the way.<span style=""> </span>So why do the Rays forget to show up every couple weeks and will that be a problem in the playoffs?<span style=""> </span>Probably not, but they have the potential to be less reliable than a story from Jen Sterger about Brett Favre’s texting habits.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->It was a tough weekend for Tigger on the golf course, shooting the worst final round he has ever shot, 77 and finishing in 78<sup>th</sup> place at 18 over par.<span style=""> </span>Ouch.<span style=""> </span>I’ll leave it to the gold experts to <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TF9k7OC0yfI/AAAAAAAAB8E/8ySHfyDlrfA/s1600/Rachel+Uchitel+Golfing.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 188px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TF9k7OC0yfI/AAAAAAAAB8E/8ySHfyDlrfA/s200/Rachel+Uchitel+Golfing.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503228238215039474" border="0" /></a>determine how much of his problems are physical and how much are mental, but there is no doubt that he has completely lost his mojo.<span style=""> </span>Maybe he is simply stressed because Mistress #1, Rachel Uchitel had to check herself into rehab again this weekend.</p>Trent Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13430160191637895728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1384785546840478999.post-50964924494227182342010-08-06T00:26:00.007-04:002010-08-06T00:31:20.907-04:00Degenerate Friday - Bucks Fans as Bad as Philly Fans?<div><div><div>You would think that living on the East Coast for the past 5 years I would be used to insane and clueless fans. <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TFuPbDjMCXI/AAAAAAAAB7U/3DbZGxnwkUU/s1600/Yankees+Fan.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502149064735328626" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 132px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TFuPbDjMCXI/AAAAAAAAB7U/3DbZGxnwkUU/s200/Yankees+Fan.jpg" border="0" /></a>Living in Boston, Sully and O’Malley continually solved the Red Sox pitching woes and knew exactly how to get Manny Ramirez to play hard. Living in New York, Vinny from Staten Island and Tony from Queens know more about how to develop a young pitcher like Joba Chamberlain than Joe Girardi, Brian Cashman or the Steinbrenners could ever know. And in both cities I was in close proximity to the most irrational and moronic fans of them all – Philadelphia fans. They have no self-awareness and are the most fair-weather fans I’ve ever seen.<br /><br />So imagine my surprise when I’m perusing the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel and read an article on <a href="http://www.jsonline.com/sports/bucks/99998524.html">Keyon Dooling joining the Bucks</a> and the ways in which he can help Brandon Jennings. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TFuPbgDs3iI/AAAAAAAAB7c/FXKEI673C40/s1600/Keyon+Dooling.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502149072387890722" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 136px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TFuPbgDs3iI/AAAAAAAAB7c/FXKEI673C40/s200/Keyon+Dooling.jpg" border="0" /></a>A very nice article by Charles Gardner about the 10 year veteran who once was a top ten pick and seems to finally have found his groove in the NBA.<br /><br />At the end of the article, the first couple of comments from fans almost knocked me out of my chair. Here were the Milwaukee fans, typically a little over-optimistic, but not as cynical or insane as the fans in many other cities, declaring that Kenyon Dooling has nothing to teach Brandon Jennings. Really? Are you serious? There is nothing that Jennings, an offensive dynamo but horrendously bad defender, can learn from a very good on-ball defender who has been around the league for 10 times as many seasons? The fans’ reasons were all based on the fact that Jennings has more talent than Dooling, so there is nothing he can learn.<br /><br />Did Kobe Bryant learn things from Derek Fisher? Who on the Lakers controls Bryant’s temper, competitiveness and has his ear continually? Fisher. And there is no doubt that Fisher has much less given talent than Kobe. And Kobe’s coach? Phil Jackson was a solid, but not spectacular NBA player, so having less talent than Kobe, I guess he can’t teach him anything……oh wait, they’re positioned to win their second three-peat together.<br /><br />-------------------------------------<br /><br />In other news, since it is Degenerate Friday…here are the things not to bet on this weekend:<br /><br />Don’t Bet On:<br />- Fat Albert Haynesworth passing his conditioning test<br />- Brett Favre staying out of the headlines for the next week </div><div>- Tiger Woods winning the Bridgestone tournament this weekend<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TFuPb0ZfVRI/AAAAAAAAB7k/XGsnZ_eymy8/s1600/Nolan+Ryan+Robin+Ventura.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502149077847987474" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 155px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TFuPb0ZfVRI/AAAAAAAAB7k/XGsnZ_eymy8/s200/Nolan+Ryan+Robin+Ventura.bmp" border="0" /></a><br />- Darrelle Revis being in training camp anytime soon<br />- ESPN not cramming the Red Sox – Yankees series down our throats when it’s pretty obvious the Red Sox are not going to catch the Yanks or Rays<br />- Every story you read about Nolan Ryan and his financial backers buying the Texas Rangers will have a picture of Nolan giving a noogie to Robin Ventura.</div></div></div>Trent Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13430160191637895728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1384785546840478999.post-59142878775469251142010-08-03T22:34:00.004-04:002010-08-03T22:45:41.638-04:00Brett Favre is NOT Retiring<div><div><div><div>Haven’t we seen this act before? Brett Favre is supposedly retiring…for the third time (officially the third time – unofficially it is 432,132 times). Like the Rocky movies, they keep making sequels <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TFjSlkQwqnI/AAAAAAAAB68/X5Koj25xTlk/s1600/Favre+-+Delusional.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501378487664028274" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 154px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TFjSlkQwqnI/AAAAAAAAB68/X5Koj25xTlk/s200/Favre+-+Delusional.jpg" border="0" /></a>and while the first couple times it was entertaining, at some point it just becomes an old guy who can’t let it go. And that’s where things currently stand. Two years ago he forced a trade to the Jets in July. Last year it was the boy who cried wolf when Favre waited until July to go back and forth before suiting up for the Vikings. This year, no one believes him. Just like if Sylvester Stallone decided to make a final Rocky movie more than 15 years after Rocky V…..wait, that actually happened. And then Stallone made a Rambo IV movie 20 years after Rambo III. Maybe him and Favre are related?<br /><br />I feel bad for Vikings fans, because now they understand what it is like to have your franchise hi-jacked by Brett Favre, held hostage and potentially left for dead. If Favre stays retired, the Vikings will be lucky to win 8 games with Tavaris Jackson at quarterback. Yet if Favre had told the team back in March or April that he was going to retire, don’t you think the Vikings would have made a major push to get Donovan McNabb? Or at least drafted Jimmy Clausen. Instead, Brett took a big, steaming dump on another franchise who had bent over backwards to please him.<br /><br />So why don’t I believe Favre is really retired? Simple: Favre is an attention whore, a greedy ego-driven diva and the king of excuses.<br /><br /><u><strong>Attention Whore</strong></u><br />He loves the attention from the media and the fans. He likes to be the <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TFjSlWx9R3I/AAAAAAAAB60/FSVVDU-3bUk/s1600/Paris+Hilton.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501378484045170546" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 167px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TFjSlWx9R3I/AAAAAAAAB60/FSVVDU-3bUk/s200/Paris+Hilton.jpg" border="0" /></a>center of all the storylines and loves to pose for the cameras more than Paris Hilton. He loves the specials about whether he will or won’t retire. He wants the reporters camped out at the end of his driveway so he can put on his old Wrangler jeans, beat up baseball hat, and smirk into the camera “Aw, shucks. I just play football.” Yeah right, Brett. You just love everyone begging you to play and using your “power” to get Coach Childress to pick you up from the airport himself. He also knows that Vikings fans will drop a deuce in their pants when they realize how bad the Vikings will be without him, and therefore they will love him even more when he rides in on his white horse just before the start of the regular season. And he will love the slobbering that ESPN will lavish on him from Chris Berman, Chris Mortensen (Favre might as well pay him as his personal PR person) and Sal Paolotonio.<br /><br /><strong><u>Greedy Ego-Driven Diva</u></strong><br />There is no doubt that a part of Brett’s ploy is to get more than the<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TFjSme6BsqI/AAAAAAAAB7M/yPET_6g3obw/s1600/Favre+&+Berman.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501378503406367394" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 152px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TFjSme6BsqI/AAAAAAAAB7M/yPET_6g3obw/s200/Favre+%26+Berman.jpg" border="0" /></a> $13 million currently on his contract. He sees the enormous contract Sam Bradford signed. He sees that Peyton Manning and Tom Brady are about to break the bank. And he wants his piece of the pie. So he’s going to put the pressure on the Vikings to add another year and a few million more in his contract. He doesn’t need the money. He already has enough to buy most of Mississippi. But Brett sees it as a sign of respect to be paid among the elite quarterbacks in the league and he needs the attention and what he believes is his due respect.<br /><br />Yet this is the same Brett Favre that called out Sterling Sharpe and Javon Walker when they held out because they had outplayed their current contract. No wants to talk about that. Yet what Favre is doing is basically holding out for more money and to avoid training camp. Way to be a team player, Brett.<br /><br /><strong><u>King of Excuses</u></strong><br />Favre’s toughness cannot be questioned. Yet every time he fails, there is always an excuse as to why it’s not Brett’s fault. When the Packers struggled from 2005-2006 it was always blamed on a poor supporting cast. Yet the reality is that Favre was out of shape, unprepared and undisciplined and as a result he threw a ton of interceptions. It would not have mattered who was lining up wide for him. When he cost the Packers the 2007-08 NFC Championship with a hideous game, it was because of the cold. It couldn’t have been because he locked on to a receiver and threw a horrendous interception, could it? When he faded terribly down the stretch with the Jets in 2008-09, it was because of a torn biceps tendon. And when he threw another unconscionable interception that cost the Vikings a trip to the Super Bowl in 2009-10, what was the excuse? Oh yeah, it was his ankle injury, not his terrible decision-making.<br /><br />So by announcing his retirement because his ankle hasn’t healed correctly, he is creating his built-in excuse in case he fails with the Vikings when he makes his way back to the team during the preseason. If the Vikings don’t get to or win the Super Bowl, it won’t be Brett’s poor decision-making or deteriorating skills that are the problem. It will be the ankle that didn’t allow him to play at full strength and he was a hero just for trying to gut it out.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TFjSmDCUp8I/AAAAAAAAB7E/6FvYw2pZ9WQ/s1600/Favre.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501378495924971458" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 147px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TFjSmDCUp8I/AAAAAAAAB7E/6FvYw2pZ9WQ/s200/Favre.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Listen, I loved watching Favre play when I was growing up, and I consider myself extremely lucky to have had one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time leading my favorite team throughout all of my formative years. But enough is enough. Unfortunately his amazing playing ability has been eclipsed by his pathetic ego-driven diva act.</div></div></div></div>Trent Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13430160191637895728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1384785546840478999.post-12901647818844077132010-07-28T08:07:00.003-04:002010-07-28T08:12:53.591-04:00Getcha Popcorn Ready!<div><div><div><div>With camps getting started all over the NFL, it’s time to turn more and more of our attention to Lord Football. And I will not be wasting any space on whether or not the league’s biggest diva will or won’t play (we all know he’s coming back, but not until he plants enough doubt with his personal mouthpiece, Chris<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TFAd8IxCvSI/AAAAAAAAB6U/sCQdShq6G7E/s1600/Ali+Fedotowsky.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498928064001916194" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TFAd8IxCvSI/AAAAAAAAB6U/sCQdShq6G7E/s200/Ali+Fedotowsky.jpg" /></a> Mortensen of ESPN, so that in case he fails, he has some built in excuses). What other stories are of interest? Dez Bryant refusing to carry Roy Williams’ pads and then backing off because he “didn’t know it was a tradition” with the Cowboys? More boring than the drama surrounding The Bachelorette, Ali. And as Tim Cowlishaw of the Dallas Morning News perfectly pointed out – if that’s the ‘Boys big problem, they are going to have a great season. Instead, we learned today that Terrell Owens had signed on to play with the Bengals this season. Well, Cincy – Getcha Popcorn Ready!!<br /><br />I may be as crazy as the Timberwolves GM, but I actually think this could work very, very well for the Bengals. If Owens can keep his ego in check, he has a chance to put up really good numbers on a team that has the potential to be a factor in the playoffs. Here are the reasons it will not implode:<br /><br /><strong>1 – Carson Palmer<br /></strong>No quarterback in the league has dealt with more “entertainers” at the wide receiver position than Palmer. His main target has been the always-entertaining Chad Ochocinco, and previously he was teamed up with the always-outspoken T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Palmer is as well-prepared as any quarterback in the league to block out egos and just try to make plays. While his numbers were very pedestrian as he came back from missing most of 2008 with an arm injury, he<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TFAd8jnl7TI/AAAAAAAAB6k/WU1yIcddwKo/s1600/Katy+Perry.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 134px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498928071210036530" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TFAd8jnl7TI/AAAAAAAAB6k/WU1yIcddwKo/s200/Katy+Perry.jpg" /></a> remains a cerebral quarterback and if his arm strength returns, he could be the comeback player of the year.<br /><br /><strong>2 – The Fit</strong><br />Owens is not nearly as fast as he once was, and he does not have the most reliable hands in the league, but he has the potential to find quite a few openings with Ochocinco stretching the field and rookie TE Jermaine Gresham attracting the attention of linebackers or safeties. It has the potential to fit the same way Katy Perry fits in a bikini – snug and very flattering.<br /><br /><strong>3 – Owens’ Maturity</strong><br />Has T.O. really matured? It’s hard to say, but despite his previous track<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TFAd8XlWUgI/AAAAAAAAB6c/JC3kv7_Xfi4/s1600/Carrie+Underwood.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498928067979399682" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TFAd8XlWUgI/AAAAAAAAB6c/JC3kv7_Xfi4/s200/Carrie+Underwood.jpg" /></a> record of being an enormous headache, he was very tame last season. Despite playing for a horrendous Bills team with quarterbacks that were more useless than Carrie Underwood in a Chelsea bar, Owens did not ruffle feathers. He posted his weakest season totals since he was a rookie, yet he was almost a model citizen. Has he realized that winning is more important than his diva act? Perhaps. Or was it just but on the back burner until he had the proper spotlight to promote himself? I want to believe that he will be entertaining, yet will play hard and not be a locker room cancer.<br /><br /><strong>4 – The Competition</strong><br />The AFC North should be extremely compelling this season, with Baltimore, Cincinnati and Pittsburgh all eyeing the division title. Yet the Ravens are dealing with a banged up secondary – particularly Ed Reed. The Steelers could find themselves in a hole early without Big Ben under center, and their defense was not as strong in 2009 as typical Pittsburgh defenses. Add that to the very young secondary in Cleveland and the Bengals look to have<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TFAd83rVXbI/AAAAAAAAB6s/QqHbh29_fy4/s1600/TO+Popcorn.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498928076594437554" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TFAd83rVXbI/AAAAAAAAB6s/QqHbh29_fy4/s200/TO+Popcorn.jpg" /></a> a very good chance to improve upon their poor 26th ranked passing offense.<br /><br />Owens will no doubt form the most entertaining wide receiver combo with Chad Ochocinco, and when you add Antonio Bryant to the mix (whatever short time he is healthy), the Bengals could have a very potent passing offense that could help to balance the Cedric Benson-led running game. That could make the Bengals very dangerous, so you better getcha popcorn ready. </div></div></div></div>Trent Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13430160191637895728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1384785546840478999.post-26326954468001040372010-07-26T06:59:00.003-04:002010-07-26T07:03:48.757-04:00Weekend Hangover - Love/Hate<div><div><div><div><strong>LOVE</strong><br /><br />- Training Camp starts!! As much as I enjoy baseball, the boys <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TE1rDAk9XqI/AAAAAAAAB50/0lTSIWwkKbY/s1600/Training+Camp.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 146px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498168419528040098" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TE1rDAk9XqI/AAAAAAAAB50/0lTSIWwkKbY/s200/Training+Camp.jpg" /></a>of summer cannot compete with the grid iron in the fall. As camps start, there will be a ton of talk about position battles, who wants a new contract, what rookie is picking up the game quickly (once the rookies other than Dez Bryant finally start signing), and what aging veteran looks like he ran out of gas. Predictions will be made based on last season and hopes of a new season, and then finally in another month, real games will start to be played. And this morning the month-long heat and humidity in New York finally broke and the air had just the slightest chill to it…..almost like mother nature even decided to give a little head nod to football.<br /><br />- The intriguing contract situation between Tom Brady and the Patriots. <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TE1rDTjlLtI/AAAAAAAAB58/hX5haYN66kM/s1600/Don+Draper.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 181px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498168424622534354" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TE1rDTjlLtI/AAAAAAAAB58/hX5haYN66kM/s200/Don+Draper.jpg" /></a>The Pats have always been ruthless in dealing with aging veterans, allowing players to walk or trading them instead of paying them large contracts. And yet, Brady has been the face of the franchise for the past decade and has been a great company man, taking below-market contracts to allow the team more flexibility to sign other players around him. Well, coming off some injuries and being likely in the second half of his career, Tommy had his Don Draper realization (great episode of Mad Men last night) that it’s time to own who he is and take what is rightfully his. There is almost no chance that Brady will hold out or cause any ripples because the guy loves to play football, but it will be interesting to see how the team handles the situation. Also keeping a close eye on the contract will be Peyton Manning, who can take the Brady contract to the Colts and say “This plus 10% is our starting point” next season.<br /><br />- Loved seeing Andre Dawson get inducted to the Hall of Fame. The Hawk <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TE1rD-MkOaI/AAAAAAAAB6E/cKIO1gjMd9k/s1600/Andre+Dawson.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 171px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498168436068727202" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TE1rD-MkOaI/AAAAAAAAB6E/cKIO1gjMd9k/s200/Andre+Dawson.jpg" /></a>was among my favorite players growing up. Growing up a Brewers fan when the Brewers were in the AL, it made it okay to be a Cubs fan in the NL. And with almost every Cubs game on WGN – most during the day – it was easy to root for guys like Dawson, Ryne Sandberg, Shawon Dunston and Lee Smith, even if they never did win. Dawson went in as an Expo, which is a good thing considering there are no other Expos in the Hall of Fame and with the franchise moved, there likely will never be another.<br /><br /><strong>HATE</strong> </div><div><br />- Talk about the looming lockout in the NFL. We get it. The owners want lower salaries for the players. The players don’t. Of course they’re going to argue over it and threaten to have no football next season. In the end, they’ll work it out because both sides know their meal tickets get punched when the games are played on the field. Even if there is a lockout, we’ll survive. College football will still be there, and hell half the players in college are getting paid more than the league minimum anyway, so it’s barely even amateur sports.<br /><br />- The Angels pretty much stole Dan Haren from the Diamondbacks, <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TE1rEErmx4I/AAAAAAAAB6M/dLPUs6E5YpM/s1600/Betty+Draper.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 147px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498168437809530754" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TE1rEErmx4I/AAAAAAAAB6M/dLPUs6E5YpM/s200/Betty+Draper.jpg" /></a>and it does not start the baseball trading season with a bang. The Angels are still 6 games behind Texas in the AL West and even with Haren are unlikely to make up the ground on the strong-pitching Rangers. Yet it was still a good trade for them, not giving up many prospects and trading a middle of the rotation guy for Haren who has the stuff to be a top of the rotation guy. The Diamondbacks just pulled a Betty Draper and managed to find a replacement, but one not nearly as interesting as the stud they originally were working with. </div></div></div></div>Trent Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13430160191637895728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1384785546840478999.post-15545809241928097282010-07-16T06:59:00.005-04:002010-07-16T07:04:40.875-04:00Degenerate Friday! 2nd Half Predictions<div><div><div>Since my baseball futures bet of the Mariners went so well in the first half of the season, I figured I’d make some predictions for the second half of<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TEA8GpmuFmI/AAAAAAAAB5c/uQ0c0qMEsM0/s1600/ESPN+Jen+Brown.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 148px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494457630337144418" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TEA8GpmuFmI/AAAAAAAAB5c/uQ0c0qMEsM0/s200/ESPN+Jen+Brown.jpg" /></a> the season. I mean, I believe I wrote that the addition of Milton Bradley combined with the veteran leadership of Ken Griffey Jr. would carry the M’s offense. Yeah, that didn’t work out all that well – it’s hard to lead when you’re sleeping in the clubhouse and retiring before the all-star break, and it’s hard to provide offensive punch when you’re taking time off for mental instability. Anyway, let’s hope my second half thoughts can burst on the scene like Jen Brown – the next Erin Andrews chosen to be the ESPN sideline princess during college football season. She seems to have all the assets, understands her role and judging by her outfit at the ESPY’s, is not afraid of the limelight.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">AL Playoff Teams:</span></strong><br /><em>AL East: Yankees<br />AL Central: Twins<br />AL West: Rangers<br />AL Wildcard: Red Sox</em><br /><br />It’s a pretty boring picture in the AL, without many surprises. The Yankees have the best team in baseball, with a pitching staff capable of carrying them through even without their potent offensive line up. It’s a bad sign when you know that they will be<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TEA8HZFmRMI/AAAAAAAAB5s/XI-P9Ljav98/s1600/Brooklyn+Decker+ESPYs.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 144px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494457643083121858" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TEA8HZFmRMI/AAAAAAAAB5s/XI-P9Ljav98/s200/Brooklyn+Decker+ESPYs.jpg" /></a> involved before the trading deadline and all they are looking for is middle relief or set up help in the bullpen. It’s like having the assets of Brooklyn Decker and only having to worry about finding the right dress for the ESPY’s to showcase her talent – it’s not really fair to anyone else around.<br /><br />The Red Sox have been fighting the injury bug all season and the continued absence of Dustin Pedroia will hamper the offense as they try to stay with the Rays for the wildcard. If they can get him and Josh Beckett back healthy and effective, they will reel in the Rays and pass them for the last playoff spot. The Sox pitching with Lester, Lackey and a healthy Beckett could make them a nightmare in the playoffs if they can qualify.<br /><br />The Twins will be able to outlast the Tigers & White Sox in the Central and the Rangers will run away the west with the addition of Cliff Lee. Lee can carry the Rangers to the AL Championship Series and gives them a fighting chance with his dominance of the Yankees. Unfortunately the Yankees veterans will prove too much for the Rangers, despite the playoff experience of Lee & Vladamir Guerrero.<br /><br /><strong>Divisional Round:</strong><br /><em>Yankees over Twins<br />Rangers over Red Sox</em><br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">AL Champ: Yankees over Rangers</span></em></strong><br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">NL Playoff Teams:<br /></span></strong><em>NL East: Braves<br />NL Central: Reds<br />NL West: Rockies<br />NL Wildcard: Mets</em><br /><br />The Braves made a smart trade getting rid of the immensely talented but mercurial Yunel Escobar for Alex Gonzalez. In Bobby Cox’s final season, the team is all pulling in the same direction and can’t afford the distraction of the often-disinterested shortstop. With the return to health of Jason Heyward and Nate McClouth, the Braves offense will be able to match their strong pitching and hold off the Mets and Phillies for the division crown.<br /><br />The Reds have been among the surprises in baseball this season. While they had the talent to compete, no one knew if the youth would finally come through. They are much like the 2008 Brewer team in that they have a young core of<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TEA8HJPcusI/AAAAAAAAB5k/p-GIV4F-nXU/s1600/Rachel+Reilly.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 105px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494457638829472450" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TEA8HJPcusI/AAAAAAAAB5k/p-GIV4F-nXU/s200/Rachel+Reilly.jpg" /></a> talent that should be able to carry them, but they could definitely use an extra pitcher to give them the leverage to hold off the Cardinals. They should try to get involved in the Roy Oswalt sweepstakes, yet it might be more difficult to get a division foe to trade with than it would be to get a Vegas VIP hostess job without frontcourt enhancements.<br /><br />The Padres have been a tremendous story during the first half of the year with a pitching staff that has kept them at or near first place most of the season. Yet the Rockies have been coming on as of late and all the experts seem to think they are still the team to beat in the NL West.<br /><br />The Mets will also be heavily involved in the Roy Oswalt sweepstakes and may be the team capable of taking on his big contract. Also look for them to be there to get Ted Lilly from the Cubs. That addition of a pitcher combined with the return of Carlos Beltran, even if he is not at full strength, should be enough to hold off the injury-riddled Phillies for the Wildcard.<br /><br /><strong>NL Divisional Round<br /></strong><em>Braves over Reds<br />Mets over Rockies</em><br /><br /><strong>NL Championship:</strong> <em>Braves over Mets<br /></em><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#000099;">World Series: Yankees over Braves </span></em></strong></div></div></div>Trent Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13430160191637895728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1384785546840478999.post-67857245354874649432010-07-13T22:28:00.004-04:002010-07-13T22:35:26.767-04:00Site Update & All-Star Thoughts<div><div><div><strong><em>SITE UPDATE:</em></strong> I’ve officially re-entered the real<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TD0hbvF7nOI/AAAAAAAAB5E/lGoSGqBOOjI/s1600/Kramer+-+TCB.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493583880843402466" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TD0hbvF7nOI/AAAAAAAAB5E/lGoSGqBOOjI/s200/Kramer+-+TCB.jpg" /></a> working world this week, so there will be some changes to the schedule for posting on the site. The goal is to still put up 3 posts a week – The Weekend Hangover, Wednesday and Degenerate Friday. I plan on using a combination of the Kramer (TCB, Jerry – Takin’ Care of Business) and the Peter Gibbons from Office Space (I typically show up an hour late, sneak in the back door and then space out for a couple hours) to quickly move my way up the corporate ladder. Who am I kidding? I’ll be humping it for the man, just like everyone else. So wish me luck and expect posts at least three times a week.<br /><br /><strong><u>All-Star Thoughts<br /></u></strong><br />- RIP Mr. Steinbrenner. From a few of the stories I read, he appeared to be nicer to the people he served (the city of NY) than he was to those he worked for. As a fan, you couldn’t ask for more as an owner – a guy who wanted to win and it didn’t matter what it cost him or who he offended as long as he won. As an employee, you couldn’t have a worse boss – an emotional, irrational and micromanaging nightmare. Yet he was able to put Gene Michaels in control during his two year suspension, and Michaels helped to lay the groundwork for the current Yankee title-winning core. Nothing like a great parody clip of “Big George” from Seinfeld to send him off.<br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/KV-GJ9iNX8g&hl=en_US&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><br /><br /><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/KV-GJ9iNX8g&hl=en_US&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />- RIP Captain Phil from the Deadliest Catch on the Discovery Channel. I am<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TD0hb_6kasI/AAAAAAAAB5M/n0Qhjn7acS0/s1600/Captain+Phil+Harris.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 133px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493583885359147714" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TD0hb_6kasI/AAAAAAAAB5M/n0Qhjn7acS0/s200/Captain+Phil+Harris.jpg" /></a> not the show’s biggest fan, nor did I make sure to DVR every episode. But on the few occasions when I did see the show, it was always entertaining to watch him run the ship. He kept his crew loose and obviously cared about his sons, and he was definitely one hard working s.o.b. Good luck as the captain of that ship in the sky.<br /></div><div>- The heat and humidity in New York the past week has been more insufferable than trying to keep up with Mel Gibson's latest psychotic tirade. Just walking down the street has me sweating like Travis Henry and Shawn Kemp on Father's Day. </div><div><br />- I can’t decide what is more annoying, the arrogance of Joe Buck, or the fact that he is so smug that he thinks he can make fun of himself for being arrogant. Listening to him announce the all-star game is insufferable as he reminds us all how smart he is and how great his life is. He has a great voice for announcing and had an amazing announcer of a father, but I wish he would just go away.<br /><br />- The only redeeming quality of Joe Buck annoucncing? It is a reminder that football<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TD0hcNmLgGI/AAAAAAAAB5U/-DbROCPg5_g/s1600/Big+Hit.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493583889031725154" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TD0hcNmLgGI/AAAAAAAAB5U/-DbROCPg5_g/s200/Big+Hit.jpg" /></a> season is just around the corner. Training camps are typically running by the end of the month and opening day is just under 2 months away – September 12. And the start of the season will be interesting with many teams filling in for suspended stars…the Steelers and Roethlisberger, the Jets and Santonio Holmes, and the Chargers and Vincent Jackson. It sure will make fantasy football values interesting. Remember when everyone stayed away from Brandon Marshall because he was going to miss the first few games of the season? He then went on to produce awesome fantasy points the rest of the season. </div></div></div>Trent Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13430160191637895728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1384785546840478999.post-29695187307871656092010-07-09T10:52:00.004-04:002010-07-09T10:56:58.440-04:00Quick Hits on "The Decision"<div><div><div>What does it mean that LeBron signed in Miami?<br /><br />- Cavs owner Dan Gilbert acted like a spurned<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TDc38rz0RZI/AAAAAAAAB4s/qx8vKw3qwfs/s1600/Dan+Gilbert.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 156px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491919786293347730" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TDc38rz0RZI/AAAAAAAAB4s/qx8vKw3qwfs/s200/Dan+Gilbert.jpg" /></a> teenage girl with an open letter to the Cavs fans that rips LeBron for being cowardly, narcissitic, etc. While it is understandable that he feels that way, it was not the best approach to lure other high profile players to come play for him in Cleveland. It would have been much better for him to simply state that he was disappointed in his decision, and believes it didn’t show loyalty, but that the Cavs are moving forward in trying to win a title. It is another example of a time when you’re wrong, even when you’re right.<br /><br />- LeBron proved once and for all that he does not have that killer <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TDc39Dj3GNI/AAAAAAAAB40/Tjde8Kjtlm0/s1600/Robin.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 124px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491919792668874962" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TDc39Dj3GNI/AAAAAAAAB40/Tjde8Kjtlm0/s200/Robin.jpg" /></a>instinct that Jordan, Bird, and Bryant. He wants to be a second fiddle. This is the end of the “King James” nickname. From this point forward, he should be “Prince James” because he doesn’t want the crown. He is a freak of an athlete, but he doesn’t have that extra gear and that ability to completely take over a game. James doesn’t have that. He never did. And he never will. He has decided to be the glorified Scottie Pippen to Wade’s Jordan. Time to trade in that Batman jersey, LeBron and make sure they make a Robin costume in XL.<br /><br />- The Milwaukee Bucks benefit from the LeBron decision. The Bucks finished second in the Central division last season behind Cleveland. With the additions of Corey Maggette and Drew Gooden to go with resigning John Salmons, the Bucks look to have improved considerably during the off-season. The<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TDc39q3BSFI/AAAAAAAAB48/6SRJ8LTYblY/s1600/Bucks+Energee+Dancer.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 144px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491919803218217042" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TDc39q3BSFI/AAAAAAAAB48/6SRJ8LTYblY/s200/Bucks+Energee+Dancer.jpg" /></a> Bucks look to be in position to battle the improved Bulls (adding Boozer, a defensive coach and maturing Derrick Rose & Joakim Noah) for the Central Division title. The Bucks appear to be as deep as any team in the east, with talent on the bench to compliment the starters. Unfortunately they do not have the superstar to get the calls in crunch time, and that is what it takes to win in the playoffs in the NBA. The Bucks look poised to be a 50 win team that cannot get past the second round of the playoffs. Which is better than they have been in a while.<br /><br />- Does the ESPN hype-machine have any boundaries? I mean, they were willing to drop any programming they had scheduled to do a 1 hour hype show to allow LeBron to rip out the hearts of the Cavalier fans in an extremely public forum. They then sat there and spent the first 20 minutes of the show bouncing around the same rumors and theories that have been out there for the past 2 months. It was a slurp-fest about how great LeBron is….even though he folded in every big game and never won a title. It was a new low for the World-Wide Leader in Sports.<br /><br />- Since it is Degenerate Friday, my bet is that Miami will not win the NBA title next year. The Heat have 4 guys under contract currently, with 3 second round picks to add to the mix. They then have to add 5 players at the league minimum just to fill out the roster. They think that guys will be willing to take the league minimum “for a chance to win.” We’ll see how it plays out, but I don’t see crucial role players – guys like a Derek Fisher, Robert Horry or Bruce Bowen taking minimum contracts. </div></div></div>Trent Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13430160191637895728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1384785546840478999.post-48505485847549491102010-07-08T11:22:00.004-04:002010-07-08T11:27:29.695-04:00Durant Over LeBron<div><div><div>I am now rooting 100% more for Kevin Durant than I ever will for LeBron James. Just based<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TDXtT3LKP3I/AAAAAAAAB4U/jVdF4qPRKl8/s1600/Kristin+Cavallari.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 141px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491556246132244338" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TDXtT3LKP3I/AAAAAAAAB4U/jVdF4qPRKl8/s200/Kristin+Cavallari.jpg" /></a> on the actions of these two superstars in the past few days, Durant has surpassed King James in class, maturity and overall likeability. LeBron James is like Kristin Cavallari – all the physical tools and a tremendous amount of assets, but just doesn’t get it and spends all their time trying to be popular instead of focusing on anything important. Durant, on the other hand, is like Jessica Alba – again blessed with all the physical tools to dominate, but she just goes about her business without drawing too much attention to herself other than for just being insanely hot.<br /><br />Yesterday LeBron announced that he would reveal his free agency decision on a one hour television special to be aired on ESPN. It is the most ridiculous, immature and attention-<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TDXtUH3OxmI/AAAAAAAAB4c/fnZW9gW3f9M/s1600/Jessica+Alba.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 186px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491556250612057698" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TDXtUH3OxmI/AAAAAAAAB4c/fnZW9gW3f9M/s200/Jessica+Alba.jpg" /></a>seeking thing I’ve ever seen. And on the other end of the spectrum is Kevin Durant, who quietly tweeted that he signed a 5 year contract extension to stay with Oklahoma City. No press conference. No television specials. No dog and pony shows requiring the Russian billionaire owner to come visit him. The one thing that the Durant announcement was dripping with? CLASS. Something LeBron obviously doesn’t understand, which is surprising for a guy with an image as closely manicured as his.<br /><br />And my opinion is that Chris Bosh’s decision to join Wade in Miami rather than join James in Cleveland speaks volume about what other players throughout the league may think of King James. Even if James decides to join him in Miami, Bosh made the decision to join Wade and not to join James in Cleveland (via sign and trade). If James was as good of a teammate as is portrayed by the media, wouldn’t Bosh want to team up with him, even if it was in Cleveland? And by doing a sign and trade with Cleveland, Bosh<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TDXtUhxofgI/AAAAAAAAB4k/5zCyDadhsj0/s1600/Durant.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 186px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491556257567899138" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TDXtUhxofgI/AAAAAAAAB4k/5zCyDadhsj0/s200/Durant.jpg" /></a> would have been able to get an extra year and roughly $27 million more. Yet Bosh gave up that money to sign directly with Miami and play alongside Wade….and no one else. They have 4 guys under contract – including Wade & Bosh! Yet that was more appealing than joining James in Cleveland. Interesting? </div></div></div>Trent Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13430160191637895728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1384785546840478999.post-77150454029532488652010-07-01T10:41:00.003-04:002010-07-01T10:48:47.137-04:00Recruiting LeBron Through CaddyshackWith all of the media tripping over themselves to determine what each team’s recruiting strategy is for recruiting LeBron James, I think it’s pretty simple. And each team’s recruiting ploy can be described with a scene from Caddyshack.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#000099;">Knicks</span> – <span style="color:#ff9900;">Ty Webb’s love song</span><br /></strong><br />The Knicks claim that LeBron is perfect for the big stage of New York – that he was born to love them. The Knicks were born to lick his face. They were born to rub each other…..you get the idea. <object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/7H22q1iDOKA&hl=en_US&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/7H22q1iDOKA&hl=en_US&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br /><strong>Bulls – <span style="color:#ff0000;">Ty Webb Wisdom</span><br /></strong><br />The Bulls claim they provide James with the best opportunity to win now. Because much like a superstar without a ring is no superstar, a donut without a hole…is a danish. <object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/4xNFPaPor8A&hl=en_US&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/4xNFPaPor8A&hl=en_US&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br /><strong>Heat – <span style="color:#ff6600;">We’re All Gonna Get Laid!<br /></span></strong><br />The Heat are trying to assemble 3/5 of the All-Star team in South Beach. And so the allure is the beach, the weather, and winning. Sounds like everybody is getting laid! <object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/xxvdvoQgAy8&hl=en_US&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/xxvdvoQgAy8&hl=en_US&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Nets </span>– <span style="color:#ff0000;">Play Through</span><br /></strong><br />The Nets are much like Carl Spackler – entertaining, definitely a loose cannon, and despite poor living conditions presently, the future looks bright. Once Spackler becomes head greenskeeper, he’ll move into a nicer place. But in the mean time, would you be surprised if the Russian owner provided James with something to smoke the bejezuz out of?<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/AmxcmpR1GQA&hl=en_US&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/AmxcmpR1GQA&hl=en_US&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#000099;">Clippers</span> – <span style="color:#ff0000;">Hey Smails – my dingy is bigger than your whole boat!<br /></span></strong><br />The Clippers, like Judge Smails boat, is very nice. They have some pieces in place to enjoy a nice sail together. Until Al Cervik’s yacht (aka the Lakers with Kobe at the controls) comes crashing in and reminding King James that their dingy is bigger than the King’s entire boat.<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/cGD-tUsySPs&hl=en_US&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/cGD-tUsySPs&hl=en_US&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>Trent Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13430160191637895728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1384785546840478999.post-5501841836617557092010-06-30T11:16:00.003-04:002010-06-30T11:21:28.216-04:00LeBron Is DEFINITELY Signing In Chicago<div><div>…or Miami…or New York…or New Jersey…or Cleveland. Enough already! The entire LeBron watch has become more annoying than<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TCtgQoqYp-I/AAAAAAAAB4M/C4kpdyeHaTk/s1600/James+%26+Wade.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488586409790449634" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TCtgQoqYp-I/AAAAAAAAB4M/C4kpdyeHaTk/s200/James+%26+Wade.jpg" /></a> the annual “Brett Favre Retirement Watch.” A source says it is a done deal that James and Bosh are joining Derrick Rose in Chicago. Another source says Miami is the favorite. A different source says the Knicks are poised to explain to LeBron that they have the most flexibility to build around him for the next 5 years, something the other teams can’t offer. Listen, LeBron has not told anyone where he is going to sign. His inner circle probably doesn’t even know with certainty at this point. So all of these sources are full of it. No one knows and no one will until it is official. Thankfully that date is approaching soon – but keep in mind that he will declare for free agency tomorrow (July 1st) but he cannot officially sign until the 8th, so we will have a full week of bogus stories and sources from random people who claim to have a friend’s cousin’s brother’s girlfriend’s sister that knows.<br /><br />-----------------------------------------<br /><br />What is the deal with teams that I bag on suddenly making runs <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TCtgQVqmvLI/AAAAAAAAB4E/d-IW25r9b-k/s1600/Larissa+Riquelme.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488586404691098802" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TCtgQVqmvLI/AAAAAAAAB4E/d-IW25r9b-k/s200/Larissa+Riquelme.jpg" /></a>deep into tournaments? It happened with college basketball when I declared before the tournament that <a href="http://sportsconfessions.blogspot.com/2010/03/breaking-down-tourney-prospects-part-1.html">Butler had no chance to win it all</a>. They promptly make it to the final game and came within a half court shot of winning it all. Fastforward to a few weeks ago when I questioned whether <a href="http://sportsconfessions.blogspot.com/2010/06/somewhat-insensitive-thoughts-on-world.html">anyone was actually from Paraguay</a>. And all they did was make their way to the quarterfinals of the World Cup after their penalty kick win over Japan.<br /><br />The bright spot about Paraguay? This girl continues to get more and more attention and she has decided that if Paraguay wins the World Cup, she will run naked through the streets to celebrate. I don’t know about you, but that’s enough to make me a fan….at least of Larissa Requilme. (and here’s a link to <a href="http://fotografia.folha.com.br/galerias/175-larissa-riquelme">more pictures </a>of the only person I have ever heard of from Paraguay) </div></div>Trent Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13430160191637895728noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1384785546840478999.post-59702585771970015612010-06-24T08:08:00.006-04:002010-06-24T08:17:48.428-04:00Donovan Saves US Soccer!!<div><div><div>Quick Hits for a hot & humid Thursday…..<br /><br />- Ho-ly S#!t. That U.S. soccer game was among<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TCNLut2WWoI/AAAAAAAAB30/Yg0rn9NkxLw/s1600/Donovan+Goal.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486312037021014658" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 126px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TCNLut2WWoI/AAAAAAAAB30/Yg0rn9NkxLw/s200/Donovan+Goal.jpg" border="0" /></a> the most intense and amazing sporting events I have ever watched in my life. Anyone who says soccer games are boring after watching that game has absolutely no appreciation for true sports effort, intensity and athletic stamina. It was a game filled with scoring chances and plenty of sitting on the edge of my seat. I’m pretty sure that my neighbors may think I’m torturing Algerian hostages in my apartment after the the screaming and banging on furniture I did during the game. Jozy Altidore played the game of his life, Clint Dempsey put himself in the mix continually, and Landon <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TCNMia5pvmI/AAAAAAAAB38/2cLcYUd_2Tc/s1600/Tim+Howard.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486312925287792226" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 178px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TCNMia5pvmI/AAAAAAAAB38/2cLcYUd_2Tc/s200/Tim+Howard.jpg" border="0" /></a>Donovan – after remaining quiet most of the second half – picked the perfect time to get himself a spot in U.S. soccer lore. An incredible effort by a team that doesn’t seem to wake up until after it takes a punch to the face – Algeria hit the crossbar in the first ten minutes. And once again, Tim Howard was the key to it all, making a huge save on a dangerous header and throwing a strike out to a streaking Donovan to get the game-winning play started.<br /><br />Now all the U.S. has to do is rid themselves of the Ghana-rians. I think they just need to find the ointment that will make the entire team disappear.<br /><br />- In addition to that great sporting event, did anyone happen to catch <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TCNLt2hiUbI/AAAAAAAAB3k/LsbHESts8Ek/s1600/Anna+Kournikova.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486312022169768370" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 154px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TCNLt2hiUbI/AAAAAAAAB3k/LsbHESts8Ek/s200/Anna+Kournikova.jpg" border="0" /></a>what happened (and is still happening) at Wimbleton? I’m not big into tennis other than to mention Andy Roddick so I can post a picture of Brooklyn Decker, or to mention Maria Sharapova or the girl with the breast reduction. Yet this match yesterday between some 6’9” American and a French guy was/is unreal. They have been playing for nearly 10 hours, and in the fifth set they are tied at 59 apiece. They started the match on Tuesday, had it suspended due to darkness and played all day today only to have it suspended again due to darkness without a winner being determined. It is the most fight put up by anything French…..ever. It has been an epic battle of will to stay standing and competing this long. So to honor them, I probably should post a picture of one or both of them. Instead I’m going to post a picture of Anna Kournikova because much like this match, it won’t win a championship, but you’ll still be in awe of it.<br /><br />- It is yet to be determined how the latest moves from the Milwaukee Bucks will turn out going forward, but as of right now, I am impressed with the moves that GM John <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TCNLuAz5ShI/AAAAAAAAB3s/_E5bMySJH3Y/s1600/Corey+Maggette.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486312024931125778" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 122px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TCNLuAz5ShI/AAAAAAAAB3s/_E5bMySJH3Y/s200/Corey+Maggette.jpg" border="0" /></a>Hammonds has been making. He traded dead weight for Corey Maggette, a legit scoring threat at the small forward position and also acquired a second-year guard, Chris Douglas-Roberts, that has shown flashes of being a Richard Hamilton-like player in the league. And after all of that, he still is sitting on 4 draft picks, including 3 second rounders. The Bucks have a dynamic point guard in Brandon Jennings and a post presence in Bogut already, so the addition of a swingman in Maggette, and the potential resigning of John Salmons gives them a nice position as one of the stronger teams in the East – probably somewhere behind the aging Celtics, the Magic, the Bulls (with or without LeBron) and potentially the Heat (if they resign Wade and convince James or Bosh to join him).</div></div></div>Trent Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13430160191637895728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1384785546840478999.post-88608947267154618542010-06-23T09:06:00.008-04:002010-06-23T09:25:53.662-04:00NBA Draft - Best & Worst Picks This Decade<div><div><div><div><div><div><div>With the NBA Draft on Thursday night, every site out there is putting together their mock drafts with tons of insight into team needs and best fits based on what the teams have said. Considering the teams are all currently bluffing each other to try and manipulate other teams into taking a guy too early, letting a guy slip, or trading up when it wasn’t needed, it seems like a huge waste of time. Instead, let’s look at who were the best and worst picks at each draft position (Picks 1-10, I don’t have all day. Well, maybe I do, but 1-10 is plenty) over the past 10 years.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;"><u>#1 Pick</u><br /></span></strong><br /><strong><em>Best - LeBron James (2003 by Cleveland)<br />Worst – Greg Oden (2007 by Portland)<br /></em></strong><br />Really not a tough decision here. While James has a ton of potential to <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TCIKtZR0lsI/AAAAAAAAB3c/ot_lalAZ2wc/s1600/LeBron+&+Gisele.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485959071086712514" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 146px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TCIKtZR0lsI/AAAAAAAAB3c/ot_lalAZ2wc/s200/LeBron+%26+Gisele.bmp" border="0" /></a>be the next Dominique Wilkins until he finally gets that championship ring, he is still a freak of an athlete. He has size and court vision like Magic Johnson and athleticism like Dominique. Once he learns to be a finisher like Jordan or Kobe, he will be completely unstoppable. And we will find out this summer if he wants to be a champion (signing with the Bulls), a celebrity (signing with the Knicks) or a loyal contender (re-upping with the Cavs). His multiple MVPs, a trip to the Finals and scoring title make this a pretty easy selection as the best #1 pick of the decade – well ahead of Dwight Howard, Yao Ming and Derrick Rose.<br /><br />It’s unfortunate to list Oden here because injuries have been his downfall more than poor play. Yet the guy has barely seen the floor during his first two seasons, so even though Kwame Brown was mostly ineffective when he played, at least he was on the court. The highlight of Oden’s career has actually been when a picture of his wang was leaked on the internet.<br /><br /><strong><u><span style="font-size:180%;">#2 Pick<br /></span></u></strong><br /><strong><em>Best – Kevin Durant (2007 by Oklahoma City)<br />Worst – Darko Milicic (2003 by Detroit)<br /></em></strong><br />Durant has proven to be one of the best scorers in the league in only his second season. He still has to mature and get tougher if he wants to lead his team to championships, but he has a ton of young talent around him in Oklahoma City and based on his short record of success and potential to be among the league’s best players, he ranks as the top #2 of the past 10 years, ahead of a very weak class of second picks – LaMarcus Aldridge, Marvin Williams or Emeka Okafor.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TCIKs85MThI/AAAAAAAAB3M/mLYmD1LVDq8/s1600/Jennifer+Aniston+Pink+Bikini.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485959063467216402" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 197px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TCIKs85MThI/AAAAAAAAB3M/mLYmD1LVDq8/s200/Jennifer+Aniston+Pink+Bikini.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Milicic will basically be seen as the worst #2 pick since Sam Bowie. And much like Bowie, Darko was not a horrible player, but the fact that superstars were taken after them (Bowie before Jordan and Wade, Anthony & Bosh after Milicic) make the picks look even worse than they would on their own. Basically it would be similar to if you had to draft a girl after only watching the pilot of Friends and you chose Phoebe, allowing your buddies to take Rachel and Monica with the next two picks. Phoebe went on to a below average career, getting parts in movies like Analyze This or Romy & Michele’s High School Reunion. While Jenifer Anniston’s movie career has not been great, her photo shoots for GQ most certainly have.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;"><u>#3 Pick</u></span></strong><br /><br /><strong><em>Best – Pau Gasol (2002 by Memphis)<br />Worst – Adam Morrison (2006 by Charlotte)<br /></em></strong><br />The ironic part is that they both have collected back-to-back championships with the Lakers the past two years. Gasol gets the nod but just barely as the top #3 pick in the past 10 drafts, but just barely ahead of other superstars like Derron Williams and Carmelo Anthony. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TCIKr6rHVMI/AAAAAAAAB28/1xngypvpqwE/s1600/Adam+Morrison.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485959045691430082" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 145px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TCIKr6rHVMI/AAAAAAAAB28/1xngypvpqwE/s200/Adam+Morrison.jpg" border="0" /></a>Gasol is among the top 2-3 big men in the game today as he has matured into a player tough enough to bang around inside and still step back and knock down an outside shot. He also plays tremendous defense and his passing is underrated, which puts him ahead of Carmelo’s selfish game. Gasol’s rings are probably the only thing that separate him from Williams, who is among the top 5 point guards in the game today and still has time to improve even more.<br /><br />Morrison’s game is about as awful as his mustache. Scoring 7.5 points per game on 37% shooting through your first three years in the league is pretty painful. It also just acts as a reminder to teams never to waste a draft pick on a college player that cries like a teenage girl. Consider that a lesson learned in Charlotte and everywhere else in the NBA. At least I saw that he was auctioning off his game jersey from the Finals this year. Did he even wear a jersey? I thought he was in a suit on the bench the entire series. Does his jersey just have a large “NO” instead of a number on it?<br /><br /><strong><u><span style="font-size:180%;">#4 Pick</span></u></strong><br /><br /><strong><em>Best – Chris Paul (2004 by New Orleans)<br />Worst – Marcus Fizer (2000 by Chicago)<br /></em></strong><br />Paul is right there with Derron Williams as the best young point guards in the league. I’m thoroughly confused by the rumors circulating that the Hornets are shopping him, and would consider trading him to the Nets for Devin Harris and the #3 pick in Thursday’s draft. Paul was outstanding in leading the Hornets deep into the playoffs two years ago and was banged up last season, leading to the sinking of the Hornet’s season. His toughest competition for the best #4 spot since 2000 are also point guards, Tyreke Evans and Russell Westbrook, taken during the past two drafts.<br /><br />Fizer was a bruiser at Iowa State and was part a streak of horrendous picks by the Bulls, including Eddie Curry, Tyson Chandler and Jay Williams. Just over 5 seasons in the league, averaging less than 10 points and 5 rebounds was quite a disappointment from the 4th pick in the draft. Although in his defense, the 2000 draft was extremely weak, so who would the Bulls have been better off taking – Chris Mihm or Joel Pryzbilla?<br /><br /><strong><u><span style="font-size:180%;">#5 Pick</span></u></strong><br /><br /><strong><em>Best – Dwyane Wade (2003 by Miami)<br />Worst – Nikoloz Tskitishvili (2002 by Denver)<br /></em></strong><br />Wade has established himself as one of the best players in the game today<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TCIKtOEGG6I/AAAAAAAAB3U/YyrDPQLuFQw/s1600/Katy+Perry.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485959068076350370" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 184px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TCIKtOEGG6I/AAAAAAAAB3U/YyrDPQLuFQw/s200/Katy+Perry.jpg" border="0" /></a> and he has that elusive championship ring that has eluded all of the other marquee free agents this summer. Will he get the help he needs to stay in Miami? Will he continue to mature and develop his outside shooting so he doesn’t have to subject his body to the abuse of crashing to the rim over and over? He may never win an MVP award because of that LeBron guy, but he has proven to be much more valuable than the next best #5 picks, Jason Richardson or Devin Harris.<br /><br />Nikoloz Tskitishvilil? Yeah, I barely remember him either. But that’s because he averaged 11 minutes a game and less than 3 points per game during his illustrious 4 year career. Ouch. That was a bigger bust than Katy Perry.<br /><br /><strong><u><span style="font-size:180%;">#6 Pick<br /></span></u></strong><br /><strong><em>Best – Brandon Roy (2006 by Portland)<br />Worst – DaJuan Wagner (2002 by Cleveland)<br /></em></strong><br />Roy has been an extremely solid leader for the young Trailblazers and looks poised for a Clyde Drexler-type of career. Roy might actually be the best player taken in the first half of the 2006 draft, and he is easily better than the other #6 picks during the decade – Shane Battier or Danillo Galliari. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TCIKsJ-3JtI/AAAAAAAAB3E/NCvxhRCV90M/s1600/DaJuan+Wagner+Draft.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485959049800787666" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 148px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TCIKsJ-3JtI/AAAAAAAAB3E/NCvxhRCV90M/s200/DaJuan+Wagner+Draft.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Wagner was drafted out of Memphis on the coattails of his father, Milt Wagner and expected to be a star point guard for Cleveland. Unfortunately the only thing that Wagner did for the Cavs was assure them of enough ping pong balls in the following year’s lottery to draft the hometown hero, LeBron James in 2003. The worst part for the Cavs is that if their front office had been smarter in 2002, they could have drafted Amare Stoudemire with the Wagner pick, and they wouldn’t have had to trade for Antwan Jamison this year.<br /><br /><strong><u><span style="font-size:180%;">#7 Pick<br /></span></u></strong><br /><strong><em>Best – Stephen Curry (2009 by Golden State)<br />Worst – Eddie Griffin (2001 by New Jersey – traded to Houston)<br /></em></strong><br />Despite his lack of size, Curry has continued his assault on nets all over the NBA with his deadly range and quick release. While his sample size is currently small, his upside is huge and that puts him ahead of a group of solid #7 picks – Luol Deng, Kirk Hinrich, Nene Hilario or Randy Foye.<br /><br />Rest in Peace, Eddie Griffin. The story of Eddie Griffin unfortunately went from sad comedy to just plain sad with his death in 2007 when he was drunk driving and tried unsuccessfully to beat a train across the tracks. However, that unfortunate event doesn’t take away from the events in 2006 when he was still in the league but got busted for drunk driving when he hit a parked car with his SUV because he was watching porn on the DVD player in the car and spanking the monkey. Not exactly the legacy you would hope for from a talented 7th pick in the draft.<br /><br /><strong><u><span style="font-size:180%;">#8 pick</span></u></strong><br /><br /><strong><em>Best – Jamal Crawford (2000 by Cleveland - traded to Chicago)<br />Worst – Joe Alexander (2008 by Milwaukee)<br /></em></strong><br />Crawford might be the second best pick behind Kenyon Martin in a pathetic 2000 draft. He has scored over 50 points in a game twice in his career and was a valuable sixth man for the Atlanta Hawks this past season. Despite a career that could be be described as average, it’s the best of a pathetic pool of #8 picks. Which might be bad news for the Clippers, because in addition to having the poor drafting record of being the Clippers, the 8th pick has proven to<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TCIIIMlW13I/AAAAAAAAB2s/CuouBUl5rMY/s1600/AnnaLynne+McCord.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485956233000572786" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 148px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TCIIIMlW13I/AAAAAAAAB2s/CuouBUl5rMY/s200/AnnaLynne+McCord.jpg" border="0" /></a> be one of the most unsuccessful picks in the draft. The next best players after Crawford are Channing Frye and Rudy Gay – not very impressive.<br /><br />Alexander has been hampered by injuries which has prevented him from living up to the Bucks expectations. Although, it’s still unclear what the expectations were considering that the only attribute that garnered attention for a top pick was his jumping ability. That is like claiming AnnaLynne McCord is the hottest girl in Hollywood because she has a special skill of allowing paparazzi to photograph her constant wardrobe malfunctions.<br /><br /><strong><u>#9 Pick</u></strong><br /><br /><strong><em>Best – Amare Stoudemire (2002 by Phoenix)<br />Worst – Patrick O’Bryant (2006 by Golden State)<br /></em></strong><br />Stoudemire is likely going to opt out of his contract this summer with the Suns because some team is going to overpay for him – hello NY Knicks!! Yet Stoudemire has established himself as a great athlete with the ability to finish around the rim on great passes from Steve Nash. His defense is worse than Lindsay Lohan trying to explain yet another time her SCRAM bracelet went off, but he remains among the top 25 players in the league today.<br /><br />O’Bryant was able to leverage a sweet 16 run at Bradley into the Warriors overreaching to draft him in the top 10. In his 3 seasons, he has bounced back and forth from the D-League and has averaged less than 5 minutes a game. Him being a disappointment takes the heat off of the Knicks, who drafted Mike Sweetney with the 9th pick and he also has been a huge disappointment.<br /><br /><strong><u><span style="font-size:180%;">#10 Pick</span></u></strong><br /><br /><strong><em>Best – Joe Johnson (2001 by Boston)<br />Worst – Mouhamed Sene (2006 by Seattle)<br /></em></strong><br />To give you a sense of the depth in this year’s free agency group, 4 of the guys I picked as the top draft pick at that position this decade are in the market for new teams – Johnson, Stoudemire, Wade & James. Johnson is a tremendous scorer, but there are questions <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TCIIIkyqKmI/AAAAAAAAB20/t4MmdaqXXrk/s1600/Jessica+Hart.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485956239498816098" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 142px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TCIIIkyqKmI/AAAAAAAAB20/t4MmdaqXXrk/s200/Jessica+Hart.jpg" border="0" /></a>whether he has the drive or fire to be a marquee leader. That was proven during this year’s playoffs when the Hawks rolled over against the Magic. Johnson will need to pair up with another superstar if he wants to win. Yet he is the best #10 pick, ahead of Caron Butler, Andrew Bynum and Brandon Jennings.<br /><br />Sene was a big man from Senegal who never panned out. As evidenced in this list, picking a guy purely because he is big and hoping that he will develop basketball skills is the exact opposite of drafting an Australian model and hoping she looks good in a bikini.<br /><br />So enjoy the NBA Draft tomorrow night and hope that your team finds the next Chris Paul, Dwayne Wade or Amare Stoudemire and avoids the Joe Alexander or DuJuan Wagner. </div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Trent Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13430160191637895728noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1384785546840478999.post-87256462097069502582010-06-21T11:49:00.004-04:002010-06-21T11:57:49.521-04:00Weekend Hangover - Love/Hate<div><div><div><div><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">LOVE<br /></span></strong><br />- The British announcers for the World<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TB-LgL0cZBI/AAAAAAAAB2E/32Yt_93SuJo/s1600/Argentina+Soccer+Fan.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 148px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485256256205382674" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TB-LgL0cZBI/AAAAAAAAB2E/32Yt_93SuJo/s200/Argentina+Soccer+Fan.jpg" /></a> Cup have been absolutely fantastic. In addition to their accent giving the games an air of importance, they have a way of perfectly painting a picture and saying direct things without coming across as independent. In one of the games a player completely whiffed on a shot attempt and the announcer declared that it was a “disappointing fresh air effort by the striker.” Awesome. The next time Prince Fielder strikes out, I expect Brian Anderson to call it a “fresh air effort” by the rotund first baseman.<br /><br />- New Zealand, the 78th ranked team in the world played Italy, the 5th ranked team, to a draw on Saturday. It was an enormous moment for the team known as the Kiwis, and was their second draw of the tournament. However, in the closing minutes of the game, I found myself constantly looking at the score to see if I was missing something. The announcers were crawling all over themselves to talk about what a dramatic upset the game was and comparing to the biggest upsets in World Cup history. Is a tie really an upset? I understand that New Zealand has never won a World Cup match and were not supposed to tie Italy. But calling it an upset just seems incorrect. Maybe this actually belongs in the “hate” section, but oh well, I’m too lazy to do anything about it now.<br /><br />- And people from New Jersey wonder why everyone makes fun of them? They themselves declare that they <a href="http://blogs.wsj.com/metropolis/2010/06/17/life-in-new-jersey-now-more-dissatisfying-than-ever/">are extremely dissatisfied </a>so why would anyone else respect them?<br /><br />- I tried to find a link online, but haven’t been able to for this insane story. Reading the NY Times on Saturday morning, a<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TB-Lg0ES69I/AAAAAAAAB2U/TzrsU_sVwNQ/s1600/Rat.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 144px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485256267009289170" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TB-Lg0ES69I/AAAAAAAAB2U/TzrsU_sVwNQ/s200/Rat.jpg" /></a>nd on page A14 there is a note about the responses from readers regarding the city’s plan to eliminate the rats in the subway stations. The author was surprised by the love for the rats from the citizens of New York. So I breeze through the letters and come to this one, which likely came from some senile 150-year old lady named Katherine Conant….enjoy.<br /><br />“I had a pet rat for more than two years. She was one of the sweetest animals I have owned. She would sit with me when I watched TV in an old robe I would later wash. She was cuddly and would lick me when I stroked her, etc. When she was very old and had trouble walking, she would nonetheless drag herself toward me when I entered the room…….”<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">HATE</span></strong> <strong><br /></strong><br />- That was an amazing choke job by Dustin Johnson at the U.S. Open on Sunday at Pebble<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TB-Lgq1cEgI/AAAAAAAAB2M/aOBi9oyWVdI/s1600/Dustin+Johnson.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 122px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485256264531055106" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TB-Lgq1cEgI/AAAAAAAAB2M/aOBi9oyWVdI/s200/Dustin+Johnson.jpg" /></a> Beach. Guy goes into Sunday in the final grouping and promptly puts up an 82 closing round. Ouch. It was hard to watch. I had never heard of the guy and probably will never hear from him again, but I think the problem might have been his dopey hat. How the heck did he expect to win a major golf tournament looking like that?<br /><br />- Why do news organizations try to stuff square pegs in round<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TB-LiQXEn5I/AAAAAAAAB2k/vDqgT_1C_W8/s1600/Peter+King+%26+Favre.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 179px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485256291784105874" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TB-LiQXEn5I/AAAAAAAAB2k/vDqgT_1C_W8/s200/Peter+King+%26+Favre.jpg" /></a> holes? Peter King, the veteran Sports Illustrated columnist is covering the World Cup this summer. Why? He has no insight to the sport, no connections to anyone involved with the sport, and has a penchant for spouting off ill-informed opinions on twitter. So why would be be surprised when he tweets an insensitive comment about the African referee who struggled in the USA-Slovenia game? He shouldn’t be anywhere near covering a soccer tournament that he self-admittedly is painfully ill-prepared for. Reading his thoughts on soccer is the equivalent of me turning this blog into coverage of New York’s fashion week and breaking down women’s dresses.<br /><br />- Along the same lines, Friday afternoon I had some down time and <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TB-Lho3TJNI/AAAAAAAAB2c/NGnFIdsQVIw/s1600/Berman+girls.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 162px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485256281181856978" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TB-Lho3TJNI/AAAAAAAAB2c/NGnFIdsQVIw/s200/Berman+girls.jpg" /></a>flipped on ESPN’s coverage of the US Open golf. I love the Pebble Beach area on the Monterrey Peninsula, and was looking forward to some relaxing golf action. Instead I get greeted by the blithering idiot that is Chris Berman in the booth. It is a horrible matching of personality and event. While I respect the hell out of him for putting ESPN on the map more than 30 years ago and his style was original in the 1980’s, Berman’s loud and overdone shtick is long past its expiration date and having him cover a golf tournament, where he doesn’t have the knowledge and worse, the personal awareness to know that he doesn’t have the knowledge, is shameful. Just stick to the desk on NFL Countdown and collect those checks that are fatter than your waistline. </div></div></div></div></div>Trent Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13430160191637895728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1384785546840478999.post-84043727543062750742010-06-17T09:33:00.004-04:002010-06-17T09:59:15.041-04:00Game 7 - Does It Get Better Than This?<div><div><div><div>David Stern is absolutely glowing today. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TBopk2x5lPI/AAAAAAAAB1k/U56gUC0uf8I/s1600/David+Stern+Mustache.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 133px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483741209433838834" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TBopk2x5lPI/AAAAAAAAB1k/U56gUC0uf8I/s200/David+Stern+Mustache.jpg" /></a>The guy probably has a smile bigger than the joker himself. He has the two marquee franchises in his sport squaring off in a Game 7 to determine the NBA Championship. The Lakers and all their tradition and the Celtics and all of their own tradition. The hype machine should be bursting at the seems. The only thing that is screwing this up is the fact that the game is on a Thursday night instead of a weekend (with all the time off between games, they couldn’t figure this out??).<br /><br />Unfortunately for Stern, the build up to the game might actually be better than the game itself. The Lakers pounded the Celtics in game 6 in LA, so in theory they have all the momentum. However momentum has not been much of a factor in the series, as the Celtics wins in games 4 & 5 were the only<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TBoplLqPusI/AAAAAAAAB1s/G5T3Iyq5F3Q/s1600/Bird+%26+Magic.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483741215038880450" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TBoplLqPusI/AAAAAAAAB1s/G5T3Iyq5F3Q/s200/Bird+%26+Magic.jpg" /></a> consecutive wins thus far. The bigger issue is the loss of Kendrick Perkins. Perkins brings a defensive presence and some size to match up with Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol. Big Baby Davis brings big time energy, but is best suited to come off the bench. Rasheed Wallace is an experienced veteran, but he doesn’t have the mental capacity to play through or turn things around when they start to go bad.<br /><br />While Kobe doesn’t want to think about his legacy at this point, this game is a chance for him to really put his own personal stamp on a championship, even more so than last year. Random, <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TBoplevbvgI/AAAAAAAAB10/xbKG6j0Pi1c/s1600/Kobe+%26+Vanessa.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483741220160912898" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TBoplevbvgI/AAAAAAAAB10/xbKG6j0Pi1c/s200/Kobe+%26+Vanessa.jpg" /></a>but unexpected, fact is that Jordan never won a championship in a game 7. Kobe has a chance to get his 5th ring by stepping up in the biggest game possible. I’m expecting around 30 points, 8 rebounds and 9 assists from the Black Mamba. I’m also expecting one technical on Rasheed, 15 flops by Paul Pierce and a few big-league chest thumps from Kevin Garnett in the first quarter. And I would project the over/under for clips of Magic, Bird, McHale, Rambis and Jabbar is somewhere around 9 and I’ll take the over.<br /><br />So enjoy the excitement of the pregame and all the build up to the game. Unfortunately the game may not live up to the expectations. We can hope for a close game, but in the end, we’re going to see Jack Nicholson with that creepy beard smiling like the real joker. Let’s just hope<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TBoplhytqtI/AAAAAAAAB18/bUEjANgg36I/s1600/Bar+Refaeli.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 139px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483741220979976914" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TBoplhytqtI/AAAAAAAAB18/bUEjANgg36I/s200/Bar+Refaeli.jpg" /></a> that Leonardo DiCaprio brings Bar Refaeli to sit courtside with him. </div></div></div></div>Trent Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13430160191637895728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1384785546840478999.post-85000211798547380812010-06-15T08:54:00.005-04:002010-06-15T09:01:42.616-04:00Somewhat Insensitive Thoughts on the World CupRandom thoughts while watching the opening days of the World Cup 2010 in South Africa…..<br /><br />- Does anyone actually know (or have heard of) anyone from Paraguay or Uruguay? I never hear anything about either country or even <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TBd4eLUvWqI/AAAAAAAAB1M/yOl_f7v8pDU/s1600/Paraguay+Girl.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482983531178056354" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TBd4eLUvWqI/AAAAAAAAB1M/yOl_f7v8pDU/s200/Paraguay+Girl.jpg" /></a>stories about people from those countries. I thought perhaps they were made up countries just for the World Cup. I even read the entire Wikipedia page on Paraguay hoping to get something interesting…..and all I found out was that it’s a land-locked country in South America with a river and all the the people live by the one city. So I was still in the camp that it was a made-up place until I saw this picture which completely changed my mind……..they’re real, and they’re spectacular.<br /><br />- Enough whining about the vuvuzela horns. Honestly. Why are<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TBd4eeSa03I/AAAAAAAAB1U/3SEcY5Du4eo/s1600/S+Africa+Vuvuzela.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 120px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482983536268596082" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TBd4eeSa03I/AAAAAAAAB1U/3SEcY5Du4eo/s200/S+Africa+Vuvuzela.jpg" /></a> people so worried about the background noise during a broadcast? It’s a South African tradition, so who is to say they can’t blow their own horns if they want to? There are a ton of ridiculous US traditions at sporting events that are extremely annoying and no one tries to ban them: the rally monkey? Thunderstix? Dodger fans showing up in the 4th inning? Cubs fans preening and posing and being more aware of who is at the game than the fact that the team sucks again? All annoying traditions that aren’t going to change – just like the vuvuzela.<br /><br />- I am a fan of soccer, having played it most of my life, but I absolutely hate the flopping and overdramatics of many of the teams – particularly the South American teams (the Europeans rank second in flopping). These guys are such great and tough athletes, but they act like the French when war breaks out any time a defender is within two feet of them. It’s pathetic and annoying.<br /><br />- I’ve never been to South Africa (but it’s on my list), so I don’t really know what it is like there. However, judging by the ESPN presentation, I’m left to think it’s just like The Lion King. The dramatic, majestic music and continual pictures of zebras, rhinos and giraffes.<br /><br />- The NY Times soccer blog is a great way to follow the games if you can’t watch them live. The amount of information during a live game in pretty impressive, keeping stats for touches by each and every player, and the heat map that shows minute-by minute where the action has been focused is awesome.<br /><br />- This is another good site for all scheduling information for the World<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TBd4e0HpnQI/AAAAAAAAB1c/FNtAiN0D3hc/s1600/Alex+Curran.bmp"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 176px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482983542129007874" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_olsFfdGggLA/TBd4e0HpnQI/AAAAAAAAB1c/FNtAiN0D3hc/s200/Alex+Curran.bmp" /></a> Cup to find out when the US plays again or who is playing each day. It’s also a good way to check when Team England is playing again, which is your next time to see some of the WAGs in the stands, like Abbey Clancy. By the way, they play Friday at 2:30 pm (EST), so set your DVR and hope for some shots of Clancy, Coleen Rooney or Alex Curran.Trent Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13430160191637895728noreply@blogger.com0