Everytime I turn on the TV to SportsCenter, I witness the dumbest questions they have. For instance, the day after a big game finishes, they ask the question "Did this team win or did the other team lose?" Are you serious?! What kind of idiots do you have working for you? When you have to stretch the media out that much it's time to stop. But my next example is by for one of the dumbest questions ESPN has ever asked.
As you all know, the Pittsburgh Steelers have won the Superbowl and it marks their sixth Superbowl victory in franchise history. Now, I love the Superbowl and everything to do with football, but the one thing I hate about it is the media that surrounds the weekend.
So, the day after the Superbowl I turned on SportsCenter and the show was 1st and 10. And if you know me already, I'm biased against Skip Bayless and anything he has to say. So the next question that was on the line-up was entitled "America's Team?" So of course I had to stick around to see what that was all about. Well I got exactly what I asked for by listening to the debate. The debate was whether the Steelers or the Cowboys are America's Team.
...?
Really? You want to know my opinon? Well here it goes. America's Team in my opinion is the Steelers. It's the Cowboys. It's the Packers. It's the Broncos. It's the Ravens. It's the Lions. It's the Raiders. The Saints, Falcons, Bengals, and the rest of the entire league. Why do we have to condense ourselves into saying that America has one team? Is that logical at all? We are the only country in the world that divides ourselves when it comes to sports. Look around the world and they all come together behind their one team that represents the entire country. The US has 32 different NFL teams, 30 MLB teams, 30 NBA teams, and 30 NHL teams. So again, I ask why we have to come behind one single team from one single league? I find it to be a pathetic way to say "My team is better than yours." What do you think?
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Championship Predictions
Well, I was 3-1 last week for the divisional week so let's hope I can have another successful week.
Sunday 3 pm NFC Championship Game
Philadelphia (-3)
@ Arizona
Philadelphia
I have said it for weeks now. They are the hottest team in the NFL right now. They took down the defending Superbowl Champions and what many called the best team in the NFL in the New York Giants. And they didn't do it off of controversial calls or bogus plays. They won hands down and dominated the game. Donovan McNabb has really proved to the sports nation why he belongs at a starting position. An example? A few weeks back Philly was calling for his head and "experts" were saying how he was done and couldn't throw the football anymore. Now? They are debating him for the Hall of Fame with Kurt Warner.
Arizona
I'm not sold. At all. They have the most explosive offense out of the remaining teams but as the saying goes, defense wins championships. The defense has stepped up the past two games and done an amazing job. But will they really be able to hold Westbrook and McNabb? Something is telling me it's not going to happen.
Prediction
Philly wins in a decisive fashion 27-13.
Sunday 6:30 pm AFC Championship Game
Baltimore
@ Pittsburgh (-4.5)
Baltimore
Wow. Anybody who wants to argue that Flacco isn't having the best rookie season is more than happy to argue it with me. He could become the only rookie quarterback to make the Superbowl in the history in the NFL. That's what you call amazing. If Suggs isn't playing though, that is a huge loss for the Ravens. But, as a Ravens fan myself, I would still be thrilled even if they lost. Who honestly expected the Ravens to be here at this moment in time? Nobody.
Pittsburgh
I'm not sure what's more impressive, the way they won or that they didn't fall in the trap all the other favorite teams did. I think they silenced a lot of people who still had questions about their offense but we will see how they do against the second best defense in the league. This team is a tough out to win everything. It seems they have everything in place and Tomlin is so far living up to the legacy of Pittsburgh.
Prediction
Since this is such a hard fought rivalry and I believe it will be very hard for the Steelers to take three straight over the Ravens, I will take the Ravens in the best game of the rivalry ever. The score will be 16-13.
Sunday 3 pm NFC Championship Game
Philadelphia (-3)
@ Arizona
Philadelphia
I have said it for weeks now. They are the hottest team in the NFL right now. They took down the defending Superbowl Champions and what many called the best team in the NFL in the New York Giants. And they didn't do it off of controversial calls or bogus plays. They won hands down and dominated the game. Donovan McNabb has really proved to the sports nation why he belongs at a starting position. An example? A few weeks back Philly was calling for his head and "experts" were saying how he was done and couldn't throw the football anymore. Now? They are debating him for the Hall of Fame with Kurt Warner.
Arizona
I'm not sold. At all. They have the most explosive offense out of the remaining teams but as the saying goes, defense wins championships. The defense has stepped up the past two games and done an amazing job. But will they really be able to hold Westbrook and McNabb? Something is telling me it's not going to happen.
Prediction
Philly wins in a decisive fashion 27-13.
Sunday 6:30 pm AFC Championship Game
Baltimore
@ Pittsburgh (-4.5)
Baltimore
Wow. Anybody who wants to argue that Flacco isn't having the best rookie season is more than happy to argue it with me. He could become the only rookie quarterback to make the Superbowl in the history in the NFL. That's what you call amazing. If Suggs isn't playing though, that is a huge loss for the Ravens. But, as a Ravens fan myself, I would still be thrilled even if they lost. Who honestly expected the Ravens to be here at this moment in time? Nobody.
Pittsburgh
I'm not sure what's more impressive, the way they won or that they didn't fall in the trap all the other favorite teams did. I think they silenced a lot of people who still had questions about their offense but we will see how they do against the second best defense in the league. This team is a tough out to win everything. It seems they have everything in place and Tomlin is so far living up to the legacy of Pittsburgh.
Prediction
Since this is such a hard fought rivalry and I believe it will be very hard for the Steelers to take three straight over the Ravens, I will take the Ravens in the best game of the rivalry ever. The score will be 16-13.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Divisional Prediction
Wow it has been way too long since I've updated this. Well here goes nothing.
Saturday 4:30 AFC Divisional Playoff Game
Baltimore
@ Tennessee (-3)
Baltimore
Had it not been for Matt Ryan leading Atlanta out of the deepest sewer, Flacco was hands down the best rookie in the league. His stats are not that impressive but he does not make too many terrible mistakes. He looks very poised in the pocket and never seems to get flustered. In fact, if you put Flacco's stats up against Kerry Collins of Tennessee, he leads in every major category except Collins has thrown five less interceptions.
And as for the defense, wow is the only word. With names like Reed, Ray Lewis, Suggs, Ngata, Pryce, Scott, Rolle, and an emerging Leonhard, no wonder they are so good.
Tennessee
In my eyes, Collins deserved the comeback award for this year. No disrespect to Pennington but I'm not quite sure how you win this award twice. In fact, I would've voted Pennington as league MVP, but that's just my opinion. Collin's has reemerged as one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the league. Like Flacco, he doesn't have the most glitzy stats, but he doesn't make crucial mistakes.
Albert Haynesworth will have a decent outing in this game but I think the young offensive line in the Ravens will keep him at bay for most of the game. I know the Raven's offensive line is very young, the oldest one being only a four-year starter, but they have been able to stop the pass rush for most of the season and in very crucial games (see Baltimore vs. Dallas).
Prediction
Baltimore leads the series over Tennessee 4-3. Two of those four wins have come by one point. I say the Raven's extend their lead over the Titans with another one point victory and win the game 19-18.
Saturday 8:15 NFC Divisional Playoff Game
Arizona
@ Carolina (-9.5)
Arizona
With wide receivers like Boldin and Fitzgerald, it's hard to beat these guys. Especially when you have Kurt Warner throwing to them. But this team is really going to have to buckle down if they want a shot at this game. They led their first game with Carolina 17-3 at one point but started to crumble and the Panthers pounced. This team knows how to beat Carolina, now they have to learn how to finish them off.
No specialty here on defense. Hopefully they can find a way to stop the rushing attack that Carolina has.
Carolina
Jake Delhomme has been quietly putting together a very nice year. He has been very efficient and has not made too many crucial mistakes. He makes big plays when he needs to and let's DeAngelo Williams take care of the rest. He has an NFL second best of 5.5 yards per rush. But an even bigger stat? He has ZERO turnovers in his 273 attempts. He truly is an amazing running back and look for him to dominate this game.
As long as this defense can shut down Warner, Boldin, and Fitzgerald, they will be fine. Unfortunately, I don't see this happening as the Cardinal's are averaging nearly 300 yards a game through the air.
Prediction
Here's an amazing stat. Not only is Arizona an underachieving 3-5 on the road but Carolina is a staggering 8-0 at home. Let me repeat, 8-0. Carolina wins this one in an offensive shootout with a score of 34-26
Sunday 1:00 NFC Divisional Playoff Game
Philadelphia
@ New York Giants (-5)
Philadelphia
When McNabb and Westbrook are on all cylinders, no team in the NFL has an easy solution as to how to stop them. They are the hottest duo in the league. And I have said numerous times in the past couple of weeks that Philly is the hottest team in the NFL. Yes, even over Indy, or San Diego, and even over my beloved Ravens. The only question to answer now is which Eagles team is really going to show up? Is it going to be the team that laid an egg and tied the Bengals or the team that took a commanding control of against Dallas? Only time will tell.
This team will have it's hands full with the best rushing team in the NFL, but no worries here, this defense can hang. They are only allowing 92.3 rushing yards per game, ranking fourth in the NFL. Eli could hurt them though as he is averaging nearly 245 yards per game.
New York
A Super Bowl MVP at quarterback, 7-1 record at home, one of the best rushing attacks in the NFL, playing a division rival for the chance of a second straight Super Bowl appearance. Now that makes for some exciting football. For New York fans, this is truly one of the best matchups of the year. But this will be no easy win and advance situation. The Eagles have a lot to prove. Look for Jacobs to make some huge gains to setup the Giants to some nice scoring drives. Manning will have a decent day with Toomer being a big part of the offense.
This defense will also have a lot to handle with Westbrook running at them but they also have a great run defense ranking ninth in the league. If I were the Giants though, I'd be worried about McNabb as the Giants are giving up almost 300 yards a game to opposing quarterbacks.
Prediction
This will be a good ol' fashioned NFC East matchup showcasing good defenses and effective offenses. It won't be a blowout by any means but I'm predicting the upset here, as Philly will win on a last minute drive with the score being 24-23
Sunday 4:45 AFC Divisional Playoff Game
San Diego
@ Pittsburgh (-6)
San Diego
Wow. I keep watching that replay of Sproles' winning TD run and I am amazed every single time. That guy is fast. The way he moves his feet is incredible. After watching that performance on Indy, that guy will have a contract somewhere as the starting running back. He's just too good to be a backup. As for Rivers, he is by far the best quarterback of the year. Despite what the probowl voting says, despite what the AP thinks, just look at the stats. He finished the year with a 105.5 QB rating. Who was second? Chad Pennington with a 97.4. And now, he gets a second chance to show the probowl voters why they got it wrong.
There should be no worries in the defense on stopping the run, although in their last meeting with Pittsburgh, they did have trouble stopping Willie Parker, who rushed for 115 yards. What this team needs to worry about is controlling the game clock. If they can do that against this team, they are putting themselves in the best position to win.
Pittsburgh
Not much to say with Pittsburgh's offense. They are only averaging 312 yards per game on offense but they are doing enough to score points and let the defense do their job. Roethlisberger will be forced into some bad decisions in this game and will have a couple of turnovers. Willie Parker will have an effective day on the ground but will not gain 100 yards on this defense like he did the last time.
This defense is absolutely smothering. If this team goes up early, it will be very hard to come back against this defense at all. As long as this defense doesn't fall asleep like they did against the Titans, they will be fine at stopping the very effective offense of San Diego.
Prediction
This game will be the lowest scoring of the four games this weekend but Pittsburgh will prevail at the end forcing key turnovers. This game will take a toll on everybody on the field but the score will be 16-13
Saturday 4:30 AFC Divisional Playoff Game
Baltimore
@ Tennessee (-3)
Baltimore
Had it not been for Matt Ryan leading Atlanta out of the deepest sewer, Flacco was hands down the best rookie in the league. His stats are not that impressive but he does not make too many terrible mistakes. He looks very poised in the pocket and never seems to get flustered. In fact, if you put Flacco's stats up against Kerry Collins of Tennessee, he leads in every major category except Collins has thrown five less interceptions.
And as for the defense, wow is the only word. With names like Reed, Ray Lewis, Suggs, Ngata, Pryce, Scott, Rolle, and an emerging Leonhard, no wonder they are so good.
Tennessee
In my eyes, Collins deserved the comeback award for this year. No disrespect to Pennington but I'm not quite sure how you win this award twice. In fact, I would've voted Pennington as league MVP, but that's just my opinion. Collin's has reemerged as one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the league. Like Flacco, he doesn't have the most glitzy stats, but he doesn't make crucial mistakes.
Albert Haynesworth will have a decent outing in this game but I think the young offensive line in the Ravens will keep him at bay for most of the game. I know the Raven's offensive line is very young, the oldest one being only a four-year starter, but they have been able to stop the pass rush for most of the season and in very crucial games (see Baltimore vs. Dallas).
Prediction
Baltimore leads the series over Tennessee 4-3. Two of those four wins have come by one point. I say the Raven's extend their lead over the Titans with another one point victory and win the game 19-18.
Saturday 8:15 NFC Divisional Playoff Game
Arizona
@ Carolina (-9.5)
Arizona
With wide receivers like Boldin and Fitzgerald, it's hard to beat these guys. Especially when you have Kurt Warner throwing to them. But this team is really going to have to buckle down if they want a shot at this game. They led their first game with Carolina 17-3 at one point but started to crumble and the Panthers pounced. This team knows how to beat Carolina, now they have to learn how to finish them off.
No specialty here on defense. Hopefully they can find a way to stop the rushing attack that Carolina has.
Carolina
Jake Delhomme has been quietly putting together a very nice year. He has been very efficient and has not made too many crucial mistakes. He makes big plays when he needs to and let's DeAngelo Williams take care of the rest. He has an NFL second best of 5.5 yards per rush. But an even bigger stat? He has ZERO turnovers in his 273 attempts. He truly is an amazing running back and look for him to dominate this game.
As long as this defense can shut down Warner, Boldin, and Fitzgerald, they will be fine. Unfortunately, I don't see this happening as the Cardinal's are averaging nearly 300 yards a game through the air.
Prediction
Here's an amazing stat. Not only is Arizona an underachieving 3-5 on the road but Carolina is a staggering 8-0 at home. Let me repeat, 8-0. Carolina wins this one in an offensive shootout with a score of 34-26
Sunday 1:00 NFC Divisional Playoff Game
Philadelphia
@ New York Giants (-5)
Philadelphia
When McNabb and Westbrook are on all cylinders, no team in the NFL has an easy solution as to how to stop them. They are the hottest duo in the league. And I have said numerous times in the past couple of weeks that Philly is the hottest team in the NFL. Yes, even over Indy, or San Diego, and even over my beloved Ravens. The only question to answer now is which Eagles team is really going to show up? Is it going to be the team that laid an egg and tied the Bengals or the team that took a commanding control of against Dallas? Only time will tell.
This team will have it's hands full with the best rushing team in the NFL, but no worries here, this defense can hang. They are only allowing 92.3 rushing yards per game, ranking fourth in the NFL. Eli could hurt them though as he is averaging nearly 245 yards per game.
New York
A Super Bowl MVP at quarterback, 7-1 record at home, one of the best rushing attacks in the NFL, playing a division rival for the chance of a second straight Super Bowl appearance. Now that makes for some exciting football. For New York fans, this is truly one of the best matchups of the year. But this will be no easy win and advance situation. The Eagles have a lot to prove. Look for Jacobs to make some huge gains to setup the Giants to some nice scoring drives. Manning will have a decent day with Toomer being a big part of the offense.
This defense will also have a lot to handle with Westbrook running at them but they also have a great run defense ranking ninth in the league. If I were the Giants though, I'd be worried about McNabb as the Giants are giving up almost 300 yards a game to opposing quarterbacks.
Prediction
This will be a good ol' fashioned NFC East matchup showcasing good defenses and effective offenses. It won't be a blowout by any means but I'm predicting the upset here, as Philly will win on a last minute drive with the score being 24-23
Sunday 4:45 AFC Divisional Playoff Game
San Diego
@ Pittsburgh (-6)
San Diego
Wow. I keep watching that replay of Sproles' winning TD run and I am amazed every single time. That guy is fast. The way he moves his feet is incredible. After watching that performance on Indy, that guy will have a contract somewhere as the starting running back. He's just too good to be a backup. As for Rivers, he is by far the best quarterback of the year. Despite what the probowl voting says, despite what the AP thinks, just look at the stats. He finished the year with a 105.5 QB rating. Who was second? Chad Pennington with a 97.4. And now, he gets a second chance to show the probowl voters why they got it wrong.
There should be no worries in the defense on stopping the run, although in their last meeting with Pittsburgh, they did have trouble stopping Willie Parker, who rushed for 115 yards. What this team needs to worry about is controlling the game clock. If they can do that against this team, they are putting themselves in the best position to win.
Pittsburgh
Not much to say with Pittsburgh's offense. They are only averaging 312 yards per game on offense but they are doing enough to score points and let the defense do their job. Roethlisberger will be forced into some bad decisions in this game and will have a couple of turnovers. Willie Parker will have an effective day on the ground but will not gain 100 yards on this defense like he did the last time.
This defense is absolutely smothering. If this team goes up early, it will be very hard to come back against this defense at all. As long as this defense doesn't fall asleep like they did against the Titans, they will be fine at stopping the very effective offense of San Diego.
Prediction
This game will be the lowest scoring of the four games this weekend but Pittsburgh will prevail at the end forcing key turnovers. This game will take a toll on everybody on the field but the score will be 16-13
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