Some thoughts.....

While I try to wait for a good topic to come to mind here are a few random thoughts......

- NFL Networks top 100 players of 2012 got the top player right for the second consecutive season with Aaron Rodgers being #1 for this upcoming season.  Rodgers accuracy, athleticism, and overall skill set really set him apart from the rest of the league and in time could set him apart from many of the all time greats.

Rodgers' career quarterback rating is a ridiculous 104.1 while number 2 all time is Tony Romo at 96.9 (really Romo is #2????).  Let's remember that Rodgers plays half his games at Lambeau where the weather can often be absolutely brutal - not to mention he heads to Chicago every year too.  In addition to this mark, his career playoff qb rating is 105.5 - which even includes that stinker vs the Giants last January.  You may have guessed it but this too is #1 all time with Bart Starr's 104.8 being #2.  Rodgers has thrown 93 career touchdowns to just 38 interceptions.  Where does his TD/INT ratio place him? Number 1.  Anyone who speaks of Favre being better simply has their eyes shut or is trying to be a contrarian.  Volume and durability, although impressive, does not touch  laser sharp efficiency.  There is no reason to think that Rodgers doesn't slap together at least 8-10 more solid to excellent seasons.  I also expect him to get another ring or two.

He is the number 1 player for 2012 and frankly it isn't even close.

Sure I'm a Tom Brady honk but I think being placed #4 behind Calvin Johnson was incorrect.  I will grant you that Megatron is the best non-QB in the league, however, the 2006 Patriots made up of absolute BUM receivers went 12-4 and should have played in the super bowl if not for a late collapse versus the Colts.  Megatron, on the other hand, has played for one 10-6 team.  Wide Receivers are a sexy glamour position but you can't tell me that you would start your team for 2012 (and 2012 only) with Calvin Johnson over Tom Brady, it simply isn't true.

Darrelle Revis was ranked as the highest defensive player at #5 which I don't have a problem with.  I do waffle back and forth on the shut down corner or dynamite pass rusher.  Having followed the Patriots my whole life and having my heart torn out in two super bowls versus a team who can get after the quarterback I think I, by the slimmest of margins, would take the pass rusher.  Give me Demarcus Ware, Jared Allen, or Jason Pierre-Paul who can get pressure without the need to blitz.

- I thought I would be more upset about the Heat winning the title but to be honest I'm not.  LeBron grew tremendously these playoffs.   He took the Heat, placed them on his shoulders and simply would not be denied.  James averaged 30+ with 10+ boards and probably played some of the greatest defense of all time.  Think about this, who else can guard all five positions?  He's unreal.  Yes I agree he's still a shmuck and says some stupid things but on the court you have to respect what he did.

No they won't win 7 or 8 titles like he said on that embarrassing evening when he first arrived to Miami but I think there is little doubt he'll win 3 or 4.

- This postseason the NHL broadcasted every playoff game whether it be on NBC Sports, NBC, NHL Network, etc.  This was a tremendous decision and for the first round of the playoffs I found myself watching just about every series.  However once the Bruins got bounced my interest started to die down.  I will undoubtedly give this another shot next season and maybe the non-Bruins run will become more appealing.  For now, however, I'd still put the NFL and NBA ahead of the NHL for me in terms of being able to watch two random teams play in the playoffs.

- My friends are hosting a tecmo tourney on July 21st for anyone interested.  I'm not certain yet that I can go but gah damn that's a great game.  The simplistic left to right play, the players and their ratings going up and down through the season, statistics finally being kept... all these reasons make this a one of a kind game.  I'm not much of a gamer anymore and it's my love of NES and its simple yet fun approach that is probably the reason.

I still have the trophy from the last time this tournament was held in March of 2006.  We do a double elimination tournament where all 28 teams (28 teams in 1991) are written onto ping pong balls and placed into a jar.  Before you square off both players pull a team from the jar.  You are allowed to manipulate your teams playbook in case it is absolutely rotten (looking at you Cardinals).  Also the season must be reset prior to playing your games so that everyone's condition is average.

If I remember correctly - and my wife will tell you I absolutely do not - I beat Glassman, Gumby, Cannata, Witz, then Gumby again in the title game.  The game against Witz was an absolute nail biter where I *believe* I was the Cowboys and he was the Lions (it could be vice versa but those were the teams).  He was driving down by 4 or 5 and made it inside the 10 when time expired.

Anyways I've rambled far too long.  Tecmo rules!

Comeback!!!

The blog has been dormant for too long... I'll be making a comeback so my 9 readers please stay tuned!