tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11537698315223789782024-03-12T19:21:21.969-07:00Joe's Sports but Mostly Football BlogJoeLaRohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06653108569795307573noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153769831522378978.post-37638050010350704422015-01-28T16:12:00.002-08:002015-01-28T16:43:00.002-08:00NFL Uniform RankingsA good way to kill some more time before Super Bowl XLIX... one man's take on all 32 uniforms. I welcome all assaults on this list and what I messed up! I grouped them into tiers because in all honesty, if you asked me this in six months I probably wouldn't be able to exactly duplicate the list but I would have definitive groups of what are best and worst.<br />
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Tier 1 - Nike's abortions<br />
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32. Jaguars<br />
31. Bucs<br />
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The decision on <a href="http://www.gridiron-uniforms.com/teams/2013_Jacksonville.html" target="_blank">which uniform</a> <a href="http://www.gridiron-uniforms.com/teams/2014_TampaBay.html" target="_blank">sucked a larger peen</a> was pretty tough. Do I select the Jaguars who have an awful set of colors that don't go together in black, teal, and gold or the Bucs who took what was a great uniform in <a href="http://www.gridiron-uniforms.com/images/2004_TampaBay.png" target="_blank">red & pewter</a> and turned it into the present joke that it currently is? Ultimately I can't get past the two tone helmet of the Jags which is such a shitty look. I honestly think this might be an inside job by the Jags owner to make the team sooooo sucky and soooo ugly that he can push aside all (any?) of the Jacksonville fans then move them to London. <br />
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30. Seahawks<br />
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The <a href="http://www.gridiron-uniforms.com/teams/2013_Seattle.html" target="_blank">Seahawks uniforms</a> to me seem like <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/18/oregon-ducks-football-uniforms_n_6006274.html" target="_blank">Oregon's </a>in that they are polarizing. You are either a total knob who loves bright colors and lame patterns or you have eyes that work. I will give this to the Seahawks, they were the first squad to embrace the Nike toolbag design while coupling it with a very successful team on the field. For my list and my opinion however.... these suck.<br />
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Tier 2 - Ohio's Uglyness<br />
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29. Bengals<br />
28. Browns<br />
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Did you know that Paul Brown was an iconic Cleveland Browns coach who later founded the Cincinnati Bengals? He basically was a part of the Brown's <a href="http://www.gridiron-uniforms.com/images/1993_Cleveland.png" target="_blank">bland/shitty orange & brown</a> scheme and thought they were so awesome (?) that he brought <a href="http://www.gridiron-uniforms.com/images/1968_Cincinnati.png" target="_blank">pretty much the same look to Cincy</a>. In 1981 the Bengals changed to the look that we all know them as - <a href="http://www.gridiron-uniforms.com/images/1981_Cincinnati.png" target="_blank">the stupid bengal striped helmet</a>. Either way, this state possesses some <a href="http://www.gridiron-uniforms.com/teams/2013_Cincinnati.html" target="_blank">ugly ass unis</a>.<br />
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* Note I THINK the Browns are redoing their unis for 2015. However, since Nike is designing them, that will likely move them backwards into the Jags/Bucs/Shawks category.<br />
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Tier 3 - Go back to the drawing board<br />
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28. Titans<br />
27. Falcons<br />
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These two uniforms pretty much represent what was edgy/cool around 2000. Wow the Titans have <a href="http://www.gridiron-uniforms.com/teams/2013_Tennessee.html" target="_blank">two tones on the shoulder</a>!!! Is this hockey??? Pick a blue and run with it! One blue! And the flaming T logo is lousy too.<br />
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The Falcons have some <a href="http://www.gridiron-uniforms.com/images/2010_Atlanta.png" target="_blank">OUTSTANDING</a> throwbacks when they wear the Red Helmet with the black simple jersey. A move back to this would probably vault them into the top 10. Go back to it!!!!!! <br />
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Tier 4 - My <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvNtGlBVihg" target="_blank">favorite show</a> can say this better than I.<br />
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25. Panthers<br />
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Oh the 1990's where teal ruled the world. The Panthers, Jaguars, San Jose Sharks, Florida Marlins, Pistons, Jazz, Hornets, and so many other teams embraced this very 90's look. Most of the teams got the memo that the era is over but <a href="http://www.gridiron-uniforms.com/teams/2013_Carolina.html" target="_blank">Carolina</a> might need to click that link above again.<br />
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Tier 5 - So-so redesigns.......<br />
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24. Vikings<br />
23. Dolphins<br />
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While not my favorite uniforms, the original <a href="http://www.gridiron-uniforms.com/images/1961_Minnesota.png" target="_blank">Vikings</a> and <a href="http://www.gridiron-uniforms.com/images/1967_Miami.png" target="_blank">Dolphins</a> uniforms from the Fran Tarkenton/Larry Csonka time were pretty decent. They each took on a unique color pallet. The Vikings wore purple with yellow trim while the Dolphins rocked the Floridian Blueish/Greenish & Orange. Each team then <a href="http://www.gridiron-uniforms.com/images/2006_Minnesota.png" target="_blank">reworked</a> their <a href="http://www.gridiron-uniforms.com/images/2001_Miami.png" target="_blank">uniforms</a> wicked crappily and were right to make a change. While the new unis are.... <a href="http://www.gridiron-uniforms.com/teams/2014_Minnesota.html" target="_blank">ok</a> (<a href="http://www.gridiron-uniforms.com/teams/2013_Miami.html" target="_blank">maybe?</a>) Outside of the Miami all whites at home they are mostly average at best.<br />
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Tier 6 - They are ok, sorta... I guess????<br />
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22. Broncos<br />
21. Ravens<br />
20. Texans<br />
19. Cardinals<br />
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The Broncos changed their unis in 1997 and my initial reaction was that they were the ugliest things on the planet. Since then I've softened my feelings and even kind of like the <a href="http://www.gridiron-uniforms.com/teams/2013_Denver.html" target="_blank">road look</a>. I'm not calling for throwbacks here since those <a href="http://www.gridiron-uniforms.com/images/1995_Denver.png" target="_blank">light blue/orange</a> John Elway unis were ugly as fuck. I do like the recent nod to the orange history but why do they have to go traffic cone-fluorescent ass-hunting gear-need my fucking sunglasses to watch the game-orange????<br />
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The Ravens have an ok look, it is at least unique (<a href="http://www.gridiron-uniforms.com/teams/2013_Baltimore.html" target="_blank">purple/black</a>). I think they can ditch the shadowy numbers and gold trim. Meh.<br />
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The Texans have the <a href="http://www.gridiron-uniforms.com/teams/2013_Houston.html" target="_blank">quintessential wimpiest most conservative</a> uni design ever but coming from a red state filled with fat white guys who like to play it safe it makes sense. <br />
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The Cardinals unis have some potential, the red really popped in <a href="http://www.xflmvp.com/images/holmes.jpg" target="_blank">SB 43</a> but there is just way too much going on in the sleeves and sides of the jersey. Simply man, simplify.<br />
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Tier 7 - C'mon go back to your throwbacks full time!!!!<br />
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18. Rams<br />
17. Eagles<br />
16. Patriots<br />
15. Lions<br />
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I really just wanted to group the Rams in this category, <a href="http://www.gridiron-uniforms.com/teams/2013_StLouis.html" target="_blank">their present uniforms blow</a>. They tried to ride that greatest show on turf crap into some slick new design when in fact their <a href="http://www.gridiron-uniforms.com/images/1998_StLouis.png" target="_blank">yellow/blue</a> look - the road uniform especially - were already a thing of beauty. A potential move back to Los Angeles gives me hope that the Rams will do the right thing.<br />
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The Eagles are also rumored to be going back to the <a href="http://www.gridiron-uniforms.com/images/1995_Philadelphia.png" target="_blank">Green/Silver</a> classic look that Randall Cunningham made famous. That too would be a strong upgrade over their <a href="http://www.gridiron-uniforms.com/teams/2013_Philadelphia.html" target="_blank">ok/decent/not terrible</a> design they presently wear. <br />
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I don't even think I have to mention how ridiculously awesome the <a href="http://www.gridiron-uniforms.com/images/1985_NewEngland.png" target="_blank">Pat-Patriot</a> throwback uniform and logo are. Some people say it is synonymous with the <a href="http://www.gridiron-uniforms.com/images/1990_NewEngland.png" target="_blank">sucky years</a> and it is hard to argue that. However, the NFL has also recently nixed wearing most throwbacks on account of teams needing to wear the same helmets every week (supposedly that will help fight concussions??? I know sounds like a load of crap to me too). So we can't get those beautiful red unis sprinkled in 2 or 3 times a year. Do we want to see the <a href="http://www.gridiron-uniforms.com/teams/2013_NewEngland.html" target="_blank">flying elvis</a> and a uniform design that is a B at best or these? Cmon!!!!<br />
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The Lions look hasn't changed a whole lot, they just made the <a href="http://www.gridiron-uniforms.com/teams/2013_Detroit.html" target="_blank">numbers look stupid and outlined everything in black</a>. No need, go back to <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=barry+sanders&es_sm=93&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=qFbJVLPzLMelNsOugYAH&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAg&biw=1366&bih=643#imgdii=_&imgrc=t2raJ89cbenO-M%253A%3BJrPFJjHihndVAM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.apse.net%252Fwp-content%252Fuploads%252F2011%252F01%252Fbarry-sanders-1.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.apse.net%252Fclient-roster%252Fbarry-sanders-2%252F%3B301%3B359" target="_blank">Barry's uni</a>.<br />
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Tier 8 - Juuuuuuuuuust a cut below the best<br />
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14. Chargers<br />
13. Bills<br />
12. Saints<br />
11. Giants<br />
10. Redskins<br />
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Dear Chargers, Powder Blue + Numbers on the White Helmet = <a href="http://www.gridiron-uniforms.com/images/1965_SanDiego.png" target="_blank">#1</a>. The <a href="http://www.gridiron-uniforms.com/teams/2013_SanDiego.html" target="_blank">Navy Blue</a> has only submarined the franchise.<br />
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The Bills <a href="http://www.gridiron-uniforms.com/images/2002_Buffalo.png" target="_blank">2002-2010ish</a> uniforms were so fucking ugly. They finally fired Stevie Wonder and went back to a look that is very reminiscent of their old <a href="http://www.gridiron-uniforms.com/teams/2014_Buffalo.html" target="_blank">AFL days</a> (and murdering RB days).<br />
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If the <a href="http://www.gridiron-uniforms.com/teams/2014_NewOrleans.html" target="_blank">Saints</a> ditch the black pants and just rock the gold they would be top 10. But the gold/black together, a thing of beauty, and also an outstanding logo.<br />
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The Giants changing back to their original unis in 2000 was a solid move. They even unveiled <a href="http://www.gridiron-uniforms.com/teams/2014_NYGiants.html" target="_blank">white pants at home</a> in 2012 or 2013. Go with this full time! <br />
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Let's set aside the naming controversy in Washington and just take a look at colors that go together beautifully. The <a href="http://www.gridiron-uniforms.com/teams/2014_Washington.html" target="_blank">maroon/yellow</a> (I don't call yellow, gold FYI) design is an outstanding look. The only thing Dan Snyder has done right in his ownership tenure is rock the yellow pants full time.<br />
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Tier 9 - The Classics<br />
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It should be painfully clear at this point that I like traditional uniforms and teams that don't need to fuck around with their design just so some dorky 15 y/o kids buy the unis. A billion bonus points if I watch NFL Network and see the <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=the+ice+bowl&es_sm=93&biw=1366&bih=643&tbm=isch&source=lnms&sa=X&ei=d3fJVKi9J5P7sAT_m4LQCw&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAg#imgdii=_&imgrc=uminvyXh-jvDDM%253A%3BplxWBbmGur7yYM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.bloomberg.com%252Fimage%252FiSTEA6OHOlTE.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.bloomberg.com%252Fnews%252F2014-01-03%252Fgreen-bay-cold-threatens-to-outfreeze-1967-nfl-ice-bowl-record.html%3B1200%3B816" target="_blank">Ice Bowl</a> Green Bay vs Dallas then turn to <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=the+ice+bowl+2&es_sm=93&biw=1366&bih=643&tbm=isch&source=lnms&sa=X&ei=rXfJVKmnOZL7sATXi4DQBw&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAw#tbm=isch&q=dez+bryant+no+catch&imgdii=_&imgrc=p6Rmx_HKJF4V9M%253A%3B7vS52hRpxs6EiM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fsports.cbsimg.net%252Fimages%252Fblogs%252FDez-Packers-361-LeBron-catch-01-11-15.png%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.cbssports.com%252Fnfl%252Feye-on-football%252F24954961%252Fdez-bryant-non-catch-lebron-and-odell-beckham-jr-shocked-by-call%3B640%3B361" target="_blank">Fox that afternoon</a> and see the same two teams with the same two uniforms. These top 9 are more or less how I feel at any given time so don't get your panties wrinkled if you don't quite agree here cuz there is a case to be made for all nine. If any of these nine teams play one another you are in for an aesthetically pleasing 3 1/2 hours.<br />
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9. Jets<br />
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I know we hate the Jets but their decision to go back to the <a href="http://www.gridiron-uniforms.com/teams/2014_NYJets.html" target="_blank">Broadway Joe</a> look over their <a href="http://www.gridiron-uniforms.com/images/1992_NYJets.png" target="_blank">bland green helmet era</a> was genius. Their all whites are definitely the best look and the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAp57G1hLn0" target="_blank">all greens</a> threaten to move them back into the 20's with shit bags like the Titans and Bengals.<br />
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8. Chiefs<br />
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A nice simple classic design that has pretty much <a href="http://www.gridiron-uniforms.com/images/1963_KansasCity.png" target="_blank">stayed the same</a> since the team moved to Kansas City. There is not much more red on this list so if it's your color the Chiefs vs any of the top tier teams is a nice sight. Their best look is the white uniforms with red pants.<br />
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7. Cowboys<br />
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The <a href="http://www.gridiron-uniforms.com/teams/2013_Dallas.html" target="_blank">Cowboys</a> can be a bit of a polarizing set of uniforms to uni enthusiasts. They generally wear their whites at home and because most other teams go color at home the Cowboys wear white 90% of the time. The white uniform, while a classic, is a little goofy in that the jersey blue doesn't match the helmet blue and their pants are like bluey/silvery in color. The "road" uniform is sharp like a mothafucka. All the blues match and the pants aren't a weird color. The logo/helmet are probably the best in the league.<br />
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6. Packers<br />
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Do <a href="http://www.gridiron-uniforms.com/images/2009_GreenBay.png" target="_blank">green and yellow</a> really go together all that well??? Eh, nah not really. Are these uniforms a mf'ing classic? Yes. Lombardi, Starr, Lambeau Field, all the championships... the Packers logo/uniforms are just as big a part of all this history. The home uniform is their best look.<br />
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5. Colts<br />
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Now since that dweeb Peyton Manning is gone we can really get back to focusing on just how <a href="http://www.gridiron-uniforms.com/teams/2014_Indianapolis.html" target="_blank">classic and clean</a> the Colts look is. Outside of their despicably cowardice midnight move from Baltimore to Indy this is a franchise with a ton of history but always the <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=johnny+unitas&espv=2&biw=1366&bih=643&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=-XjJVNSyKeSAsQS1pYKYBQ&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAg#imgdii=_&imgrc=Zk4JlUNg7iDDmM%253A%3BhpEx-6PV0_vGRM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.profootballhof.com%252Fassets%252FUnitas_Action_180x220.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.profootballhof.com%252Fhof%252Fmember.jsp%253FPLAYER_ID%253D219%3B180%3B220" target="_blank">same great look</a>. The home blues, and the lack of having 25,000 colors - blue/white, that's it - makes this a top 5 uniform.<br />
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4. Bears<br />
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While the Bears colors are a bit weird - navy blue and what.. is that orange? pinkish orange? brown? - they definitely match the image of a tough, hard nosed franchise with a killer defense playing in that <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=dick+butkus&espv=2&biw=1366&bih=643&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=R3nJVIbWEuOxsAT3yYLIBg&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAQ#imgdii=_&imgrc=Rytm4t4HmRNn3M%253A%3BSfjC2_6fvJjIJM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fmedia-1.web.britannica.com%252Feb-media%252F48%252F62048-004-AE5DB1AF.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.britannica.com%252FEBchecked%252Ftopic%252F86497%252FDick-Butkus%3B305%3B450" target="_blank">muddy shithole</a> Soldier Field. I can practically see Mike Ditka, Gale Sayers, Dick Butkus, and Walter Payton any time the Bears are on.<br />
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Note: Jay Cutler throwing 100 picks and sulking reminds me of none of the above, but just work with me here.<br />
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Sometimes the Bears try to be stupid and wear <a href="http://www.gridiron-uniforms.com/images/2002_Chicago.png" target="_blank">Blue on Blue</a> or an <a href="http://www.gridiron-uniforms.com/images/2007_Chicago.png" target="_blank">Orange Jersey</a> but really their simple <a href="http://www.gridiron-uniforms.com/images/1997_Chicago.png" target="_blank">home/road combos</a> are equally outstanding. One last thing, the Bears were the original unique numbering font team. Any team without blocky fonts owes this innovation to the Bears.<br />
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3. 49ers<br />
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The <a href="http://www.gridiron-uniforms.com/teams/2014_SanFrancisco.html" target="_blank">Red and Gold</a> 49ers colors are a thing of sheer beauty. Couple that with tons of super bowls and success and you have a top 3 uniform. It hasn't been all great, though, from 1996-2008 the 49ers went all <a href="http://www.gridiron-uniforms.com/images/2004_SanFrancisco.png" target="_blank">shadowy/blackish stupidness</a>. Is it any coincidence that when they went back to the classic look they began having success again? <br />
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Their best look is unquestionably the home reds. <br />
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2. Steelers<br />
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The <a href="http://www.gridiron-uniforms.com/images/2003_Pittsburgh.png" target="_blank">black and gold</a> (yellow) is a ridiculously nice look. Just donning this uniform instantly makes you a tough ass bastard who plays <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=the+steel+curtain&espv=2&biw=1366&bih=643&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=5HnJVK6nAvKQsQT55oHwDg&sqi=2&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAQ#imgdii=_&imgrc=kb0gJD5bQ6TNZM%253A%3BFJWAjmatpdtWbM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fi.cdn.turner.com%252Fsi%252Fmultimedia%252Fphoto_gallery%252F1106%252Fbest-nicknames%252Fimages%252Fsteel-curtain.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fpixgood.com%252Fsteel-curtain-wallpaper.html%3B641%3B477" target="_blank">ferocious defense</a> (or it makes you a rapist qb). Like the Boston Bruins, I like the white uniform best but both home/away are great.<br />
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The ridiculous <a href="http://www.gridiron-uniforms.com/teams/2013_Pittsburgh.html" target="_blank">pinstripe throwback</a> makes me wanna vom my tits off for days but thanks to our aforementioned helmet rules we aren't able to see some <a href="http://www.gridiron-uniforms.com/images/2009_Pittsburgh.png" target="_blank">much nicer classics</a>.<br />
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1. Raiders<br />
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Hey the Raiders may suck, they may cheat, they may have had a crypt keeper looking unlikable mothafucker owner who burned every conceivable bridge. They may have fans that really ought to be in prison rather than allowed into society, but gah-damn they got nice uniforms. Talk about an identify (pre-horrible suckage). <a href="http://www.gridiron-uniforms.com/teams/2014_Oakland.html" target="_blank">Silver & Black</a>.<br />
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<br />JoeLaRohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06653108569795307573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153769831522378978.post-53195328053062840602015-01-22T11:03:00.000-08:002015-01-22T11:03:15.044-08:00The Real Key to SB XLIXEnough with deflated balls. Hell, lost in all this is the deflated balls of the Seahawks secondary who all turned from 5th round picks into superstars. Let's discuss the real key for the Patriots... the achilles of their whole 14 year run... 4th quarter defense. <br />
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In victory and defeat alike, the Patriots 4th quarter defense in big playoff games has generally been leaky mcgee. As someone who has made a wager or two in his life, the 2nd half of NFL games - 4th quarters in particular - are bananas. Whether it's offensive desperation, defensive fatigue, coaches making adjustments, lousy situational play, or tightened sphincters, every team is affected to some degree. <br />
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Let's take a trip down memory lane... we'll venture into memories both wonderful and terrifying. Did I say wonderful? I meant that time you had 71 panic attacks but it worked out in the end and you collapsed to the ground thankful the Patriots won.<br />
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* Yes some of these stats are cherry picked. Yes I didn't include some games where the Pats won and the D was fine. Nonetheless, you will see the trend.<br />
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<i>SUPER BOWL XXXVI - Patriots vs Rams</i><br />
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Score entering the 4th quarter: Patriots 17 - Rams 3<br />
4th quarter: Rams 14 - Patriots 3<br />
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Adam Vinatieri kicked a late 3rd quarter figgie to put the Pats up 17-3. The Rams then, after doing nothing all game, took the ball and went on a 17 play 77 yard drive that ate up seven minutes and pulled them within a touchdown. They were aided by a 4th and goal holding call on Willie McGinest that wiped a Patriots TD off the board. Sadly it was the right call and the Rams scored two plays later.<br />
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The next drive the Pats went three and out punting back to the Rams with 7:44 left. The Rams held the ball for another 4 minutes but had to punt back to New England. ANOTHER three and out for the Pats and by this time the defense was GASSED. The Rams tied the game in three plays. The Pats would obviously go on to win but only had the ball 4 mins 30 seconds of the 4th quarter. The spectacular defensive performance ran out of steam. <br />
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<i>SUPER BOWL XXXVIII - Patriots vs Panthers</i><br />
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The Panthers three 4th quarter drives: Touchdown, Touchdown, Touchdown<br />
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Super Bowl 38 was a pretty crazy game. The over/under was 38!!!! My fellow addicts know that today, even if you get Browns - Cardinals (Lindley Cards not Palmer Cards) the O/U is still 40ish. The first 27 minutes were scoreless. Then before the half TD, TD, TD, FG. Pats 14 - Panthers 10<br />
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The third quarter?<br />
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Scoreless. <br />
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The 4th quarter was 19-18 Carolina (slew of missed/made 2 pt conversions). Were these teams knocking the shit out of each other and the flood gates opened? Did the Pats suffer a rash of 4th quarter injuries? Did Jake Delhomme catch fire? Basically... yes, yes, and yes. The Pats went from best pass defense of the past 30 years to a total dumpster fire.<br />
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Sidenote: Imagine playing squares on this game? 0-0 (great numbers) won the 1st quarter, 4-0 (great numbers) took the 2nd and 3rd quarter, then 2-9 (about as bad as it gets) took the game. We all know that the guy who runs these at work gives himself and his buddies all the 7-4, 1-0 combos, but here's to the dorky older lady you tried to sabotage. Two and Nine baby!!!<br />
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<i>Super Bowl XXXIX - Patriots vs Eagles</i><br />
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Super Bowl 39 really doesn't belong on this list, BUT the Eagles 2nd to last drive is worth noting. With the score 24-14 the Eagles took the ball at their own 21 with 5:40 remaining. They then proceeded to go 59 yards in 3:40 seconds in the most head scratching, non-urgent drive in the history of the NFL (we later learned McNabb was honking in the huddle and couldn't call plays). So now it's the 2 minute warning with Philly on the 30. Make them keep dinking and dunking! Next play, Donovan McNabb 30 yard TD to Greg Lewis. Somebody didn't GTFB!!!!<br />
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The supremely coached Patriots went on to recover the onside kick as drawn up and punt the ball down to the Eagles 4 after three straight runs. McPukey went on to throw a game ending pick.<br />
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<i>2006 AFC Championship Game - Patriots vs Colts</i><br />
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2nd half score: Colts 32 - Patriots 13<br />
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Despite the grotesque beat down the Colts gave the Patriots in the 2nd half, 15 of those Colts points came in the first ten minutes of the 3rd quarter. The final 20 minutes of the game were a back and forth affair. Pats TD, Colts TD, Pats FG, Colts FG, Pats FG. <br />
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With 2:17 remaining from his own 20, Manning led a 7 play 80 yard drive that took 1:15. The Patriots never made a single play on this drive. They did strip Reggie Wayne (who recovered his own fumble) but on that same play Tully Banta-Cain got called for roughing the QB.<br />
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When the defense was needed most, it crumbled big time.<br />
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<i>Super Bowl XLII - Patriots vs Giants</i><br />
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Points allowed during the first 3 quarters: 3<br />
Points allowed in the 4th quarter: 14<br />
<br />
I don't think we need to rehash this one.<br />
<br />
<i>2010 Divisional Round - Patriots vs Jets</i><br />
<br />
4th quarter points allowed: 14<br />
<br />
Yes, the Patriots were behind all game and yes they were playing catch up, BUT the Patriots did have this game at 14-11 at the very start of the 4th quarter. Just get a stop, get the ball back to Brady, and ride that momentum. Wheellllllpppppppppp, the Jets INSTANTLY completed a short dump off pass to Cotchery for 58 yards. The Patriots then got the Jets into a 3rd and 4 from the 7 but a Sanchez to Holmes TD put the Jets in front 21-11 and that was ball game. The D, again, could not come up with a play late in a playoff game when they needed it.<br />
<br />
<i>Super Bowl XLVI - Patriots vs Giants</i><br />
<br />
After the gut wrenching Welker drop the Pats had to punt back to the Giants. 17-15 lead, 3:46 on the clock, ball at the Giants 12. Needing only a field goal, the universe knew the Patriots were porked the moment Welker dropped his pass. It would just be a matter of will it be...<br />
<br />
... a Giants FG....<br />
OR.... a Giants TD...<br />
AND... how much time will Brady have left<br />
<br />
The first play was a tear drop from Manning to Manningham for 38 yards. This allowed the Giants to really attack the third point of bleeding the clock and giving Brady no time to work with. Another fourth quarter defensive failure. This one, to me, felt the most predictable of any of the above. At least in the other ones I could delude myself into thinking the defense would make a play.<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>2012 AFC Championship Game - Patriots vs Ravens</i><br />
<br />
2nd half score: Ravens 21 - Patriots 0<br />
<br />
This game falls more into the category of the Jets game where you basically got your ass kicked all over. Nonetheless the defense was worn down and got completely owned by Baltimore in the second half.<br />
<br />
So this brings us to Super Bowl XLIX. Distraction bull crap aside, this looks like another tight game that is going to be decided in the fourth quarter. Is this defense different? Can we take any confidence from the defense's play late in the Ravens game or did Flacco just throw one up for grabs when it wasn't necessary? Are these just a small sample of games that we cannot draw conclusions from or is BB's bend but don't break defensive strategy more prone to get slapped in the yam bag come the 4th quarter?<br />
<br />
I'd be shocked if we don't find out on February 1st.<br />
<br />JoeLaRohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06653108569795307573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153769831522378978.post-73697669561122483672014-01-02T06:04:00.000-08:002014-01-02T06:04:33.567-08:00Wild Card Weekend PicksGrowing up as a kid Wild Card Weekend was <a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199301030buf.htm" target="_blank">fun enough</a>, <a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199712270nyg.htm" target="_blank">you may get some good games</a>, but all you were watching were the lambs that the <a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199801030sfo.htm" target="_blank">49ers</a>, <a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199701040gnb.htm" target="_blank">Packers</a>, <a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199601070dal.htm" target="_blank">Cowboys</a>, <a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199501070pit.htm" target="_blank">Steelers</a>, <a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199901090den.htm" target="_blank">Broncos</a>, or <a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199201050buf.htm" target="_blank">Bills</a> were going to slaughter the following week. Hell, I use to always defend the 1985 Patriots, who got smoked 46-10 in the Super Bowl, by saying 'hey mothafucka say what you will about them but they won three road games to get to the Super Bowl.' This really holds no credence any more cuz someone does that every other year now - 2005 Steelers, 2007 Giants, 2010 Packers.<br />
------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />
**Sidenote** Check out the turnover stats in the 1985 Patriots playoff run.<br />
<br />
Patriots 26 Jets 14 - Patriots 0 Turnovers (TO), Jets 4<br />
Patriots 27 Raiders 20 - Patriots 2 TO, Raiders 6 TO<br />
Patriots 31 Dolphins 14 - Patriots 2 TO, Dolphins 6 TO<br />
Bears 46 Patriots 10 - Patriots 6 TO, Bears 2 TO<br />
<br />
That's 28 combined turnovers in four games!! Jesus Christ were the playing games with a bar of soap?<br />
------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />
These days it's very <i>likely </i>that we are watching a team who is Super Bowl bound this weekend. The Wild Card round of playoffs was introduced in 1978. Here are your Wild Card teams who made the Super Bowl:<br />
<br />
* 1980 Raiders - Won Super Bowl<br />
* 1985 Patriots - Horribly Slaughtered<br />
* 1992 Bills - Horribly Slaughtered<br />
* 1997 Broncos - Won Super Bowl<br />
* 1999 Titans - Lost Super Bowl<br />
* 2000 Ravens - Won Super Bowl<br />
* 2005 Steelers - Won Super Bowl<br />
* 2006 Colts - Won Super Bowl<br />
* 2007 Giants - Won Super Bowl<br />
* 2008 Cardinals - Lost Super Bowl<br />
* 2010 Packers - Won Super Bowl<br />
* 2011 Giants - Won Super Bowl<br />
* 2012 Ravens - Won Super Bowl<br />
<br />
From 1978 to 1996 - 19 seasons, 3 Wild Card Super Bowl teams, 2 murder victims and 1 title. 7.9% of Super Bowl teams are WC and 5.3% of Super Bowl winners are WC.<br />
<br />
From 1997 to 2012 - 16 seasons, 10 Wild Card Super Bowl teams, 8 of them won, the other two lost in the final seconds of the game. 31.3% of Super Bowl teams are WC and 50<i>% of Super Bowl winners are WC</i>.<br />
<br />
Who this weekend is going to begin a Super Bowl run? The most obvious candidate is the 49ers but the 2012 Ravens have taught me not to write off anyone entirely. Looking over these eight teams I would put the likelihood in this order: <br />
<br />
Extremely Unlikely: Chargers<br />
Very Unlikely: Saints, Packers, Colts, Chiefs<br />
Crazier things have happened: Eagles, Bengals<br />
Quite Plausible: 49ers<br />
<br />
... we'll see.<br />
<br />
So here is a breakdown of every game and my predictions against the spread. Picking against the spread is brutal and essentially I am likely to just go .500 if I were to put money on every game. The key here is picking and choosing what we will put our money on (well monopoly money cuz of course gambling is illegal). At the end of this I will put my money where my mouth is and we'll see if we can make a few bucks in the playoffs. <br />
<br />
I'm taking lines from <a href="http://espn.go.com/nfl/lines">http://espn.go.com/nfl/lines</a> as of 7:00 AM Thursday 01/02.<br />
<br />
<u>11-5 Chiefs @ 11-5 Colts (-2.5) O/U 46</u><br />
<br />
We get to start with the game I feel least confident about. The Chiefs are 2-5 after starting 9-0 while the Colts have been playing better of late but have been all over the place this season. They have beat the Seahawks, 49ers, and Broncos but got smoked by the Rams, Cardinals, and Bengals. The Colts are 6-2 at home while the Chiefs are 6-2 on the road - they lost at Denver and at SD although they should have won that with their 2nd stringers.<br />
<br />
These two teams just met in week 16 at Kansas City where the Colts, with the help of 3 KC turnovers, <a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201312220kan.htm" target="_blank">won 23-7.</a><br />
<br />
So Indy just played in KC where they won, Chiefs 2-5 of late, Indy a ton of big wins. So why do I get the feeling that KC is going to win this? <br />
<br />
I feel that there is usually one game per playoff weekend that does not go to form. The 2008 Cardinals and 2012 Ravens have taught me to not just dismiss a team that bumbles down the stretch. I think that Alex Smith will play a turnover free game, Jamaal Charles will make one or two real big plays, but the key will be if Justin Houston or Tamba Hali can play and are effective.<br />
<br />
These teams have met three times in the playoffs with the Colts winning all three. <br />
<br />
1995 Divisional Round: Colts 10 - Chiefs 7<br />
2003 Divisional Round: Colts 38 - Chiefs 31<br />
2006 Wild Card Round: Colts 23 - Chiefs 8.<br />
<br />
<u>The Pick</u>: Chiefs (+2.5) 23 Colts 20<br />
<u>Any Bets to Consider?</u> I am going to pass on this game. A gun to my head I would include the Chiefs in a two team 6 pt tease and take 8.5 pts. I think this will be a one score game either way.<br />
<br />
<u>11-5 Saints @ 10-6 Eagles (-2.5) O/U 53.5</u><br />
<br />
Ah my beloved Saints. Oh wait, I hate the Saints. I can't stand dome teams who, when placed <i>outdoors, </i>let alone in bad weather, fold like tents. In typical Saints fashion they are great at home and blow on the road.<br />
<br />
Home: 8-0 34 PF 15.6 PA<br />
Away: 3-5 17.8 PF 22.4 PA<br />
-------------------------------------------------------------<br />
**Sidenote** Unless you get great <i>value</i>, stay away from Drew Brees in your fantasy leagues. He's a loser's bet. You have to blow a first or second round pick on a guy, that if your fantasy playoffs puts him on the road, will surely let you down. Week 15 @ Carolina Brees turned in 281 yards 1 TD 2 INT's. If you MUST pick him check out his week 15 & 16 schedule and pray those are home games. Otherwise have a Plan B and don't be a pussy about benching him! He is a stat collecting indoor QB!!! Give me Rodgers or Manning over him for early round FF purposes. If Brees somehow falls to the 3rd, 4th, 5th round, then yes clearly grab him.<br />
-------------------------------------------------------------<br />
The only thing the Saints are good for are teaser bets when they play at home (tease the over line down 6 pts - provided the opponent has a competent offense - and give the Saints 6 more pts, then sit back and collect).<br />
<br />
The Eagles come into their wild card game having won 7 of the past 8 games. I still don't love the defense all that much but Nick Foles doesn't make mistakes while Shady McCoy and DeSean Jackson can rip off a huge play at any moment. I feel that this is a team that if they can get some playmakers on defense, will be heard from in the next few years. <br />
<br />
These teams have split their two prior playoff matchups:<br />
<br />
1992 Wild Card: Eagles 36 Saints 20<br />
2006 Divisional Round: Saints 27 Eagles 24<br />
<br />
<u>The Pick</u>: Eagles (-2.5) 31 Saints 24<br />
<u>Any Bets to Consider?</u> Keep your eye on the weather. We know it will be cold but if it's windy and snowy then Eagles -2.5 is a solid bet. Also the O/U has come down from 55 to 53.5. I always find it interesting where the public's money is going.<br />
<br />
<u>9-7 Chargers @ 11-5 Benglas (-7) O/U 47</u><br />
<br />
All the things I just did to belittle the Saints on the road I am going to do to pump up the Bengals at home. Did you know that along with the Saints and Patriots, the Bengals were also 8-0 at home this season? We already discussed the Saints home resume and let's be honest about the Patriots, <a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201309120nwe.htm" target="_blank">ugly wins</a>, <a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201310130nwe.htm" target="_blank">improbable wins</a>, <a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201311240nwe.htm" target="_blank">dramatic wins</a>, and <a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201312080nwe.htm" target="_blank">downright insane wins</a>.<br />
<br />
The Bengals haven't needed the dramatics. As a matter of fact, they have been thrashing teams at home of late. Last 5 home games:<br />
<br />
10/27 - Bengals 49 Jets 9<br />
11/17 - Bengals 41 Browns 20<br />
12/8 - Bengals 42 Colts 28<br />
12/22 - Bengals 42 Vikings 14<br />
12/29 - Bengals 34 Ravens 17<br />
<br />
The only pause here is that the Bengals have blown donkey balls in the playoffs under Marvin Lewis (0-4). Andy Dalton has 0 TD's 4 INT's and a QB Rating of 48.6 in his two playoff appearances. <br />
<br />
The Chargers, are downright lucky to even be in the tournament. The Chiefs rested their starters, missed a potential game winning field goal, and (surprising to no one) the refs horribly dicked up a call that probably put San Diego in the playoffs while keeping Pittsburgh at home. Nonetheless, all you need is an opportunity. The <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4O5Dn-Pjh4A" target="_blank">2011 Giants</a> are aware of this (1:35 mark, a catch here puts them outta the playoffs).<br />
<br />
But let's be real here, Phil Rivers & co. are the same old Chargers. I don't see this game being very close.<br />
<br />
The one and only time these guys met in the playoffs it was the coldest game in NFL history.<br />
<br />
1981 AFC Championship Games: Bengals 27 Chargers 7<br />
<br />
<u>The Pick</u>: Bengals (-7) 34 Chargers 21<br />
<u>Any Bets to Consider?</u> I like both the Bengals and the over in this game. If this line falls to 6.5 I'd like the Bengals even more.<br />
<br />
<u>12-4 49ers (-2.5) @ 8-7-1 Packers O/U 46.5</u><br />
<br />
You won't find a bigger Aaron Rodgers fan than I. I've already watched <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eih5G0SMmWU" target="_blank">the play of the NFL season</a> about 83 times. 4th down and 8, 46 seconds left, season is on the line, Julius Peppers charging at you... ah no problem, I'll just dodge him, roll left, and flick a 50 yard strike for the win. Who else in the NFL makes that play??? Maaaaaaybe Russell Wilson, that's it. (Not to mention I won 140 monopoly dollars on my Packers futures bet too :) )<br />
<br />
That being said, this Packers squad isn't very good. Over their last 10 games the defense has allowed 31, 27, 27, 27, 26, 40, 21, 36, 38, 28. Woof. Rodgers and Cobb will help. Being home will help. But man, what a crappy draw. The 49ers have won six straight games. They lost to the Saints before that on the bull shit roughing the passer call and they lost to the Panthers 10-9. Those tough losses, aside they have won 11 of 13. It is likely they are 1a to Seattle's 1 in the current power rankings.<br />
<br />
The Packers defense also THOROUGHLY sucks against Kaepernick.<br />
<br />
Last season's divisional round game: 17-31 263 yards 2 TD's 1 INT, 16 rushes 181 yards 2 TD's<br />
Week 1 this year: 27-39 412 yards 3 TD's<br />
<br />
The last three meetings between these two have been very high scoring (all 49ers wins) 30-22, 45-31, 34-28. <br />
<br />
The forecast Sunday is suppose to be super cold but I have not heard of much snow or wind in the forecast. <br />
These two teams play all the time in the playoffs:<br />
<br />
1995 Divisional Round: Packers 27 49ers 17<br />
1996 Divisional Round: Packers 35 49ers 14<br />
1997 NFC Championship Game: Packers 23 49ers 10<br />
1998 Wild Card: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fKoEsMEi0E" target="_blank">49ers 30 Packers 27</a><br />
2001 Wild Card: Packers 25 49ers 15<br />
2012 Divisional Round: 49ers 45 Packers 31<br />
<br />
<u>The Pick</u>: 49ers (-2.5) 30 Packers 20<br />
<u>Any Bets to Consider?</u> I really like both the 49ers and the over. The Packers D is horrible and Rodgers is good enough to hang for a half or even three quarters.<br />
<br />
<u>Putting My Monopoly Money Where My Mouth Is</u><br />
<br />
$55 to win $50 on two team 6 pt tease: Bengals -1 & SF/GB Over 40.5<br />
$20 to $50 on two team parlay: Cincy/SD Over 47 & SF -2.5<br />
<br />
I ain't touching Saturday and will be all over Sunday. ATS I'll probably end up 2-2 but hopefully above I can take home 2-0.JoeLaRohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06653108569795307573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153769831522378978.post-35543360433476395232013-12-21T11:02:00.000-08:002015-08-22T06:47:51.593-07:00The Peyton Manning Myth, Part 1*Note this will need to be broken into several parts cuz I get wordy when shitting on Manning*<br />
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />
The title is pretty clear. There is a myth that surrounds Peyton Manning. The point of writing this is to explain that the way you think of Peyton Manning and the way he is portrayed is largely a load of crap. <br />
<br />
The myth is in no way shape or form Peyton Manning's fault. He just simply plays the game and does his thing year in and year out. I have tremendous respect for his professionalism, preparation, and ability.<br />
<br />
Before explaining the myth and providing mountains of evidence to support my case, let me state the following points:<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>I am not saying Peyton Manning sucks. </li>
<li>I am not saying he isn't worthy of many of the accolades he receives. </li>
<li>Peyton Manning is clearly a first ballot hall of famer and a top level QB of all time. </li>
<li>I think Peyton Manning the person is an impeccable role model and outstanding human being. </li>
<li>If a clone of Peyton Manning could be drafted by the Patriots when Brady retires I would be doing back flips.</li>
</ul>
<br />
Now to the myth. If you tune into the worldwide leader, any national broadcast, pregame show, network, or even just talk to the guy sitting at the bar, they treat Peyton Manning like he is this being meticulously created by God to play the quarterback position better than anyone who has walked the face of the earth. They speak of his knowledge of the game. They are amazed by his ability to play the role of offensive coordinator at the line of scrimmage then make the perfect throw to capitalize on his analysis. He has all the numbers, he has all the awards, his team wins 12+ just about every season. His records go from single game, single season, to career records. There has never been nor will ever be another like him they tell ya.<br />
<br />
And shit when it's week 4 and he's whooping up on the Jaguars, Chargers, or Bengals it is hard to argue with them.<br />
<br />
There is this one <i>little </i>flaw to his resume and these people know it and are forced to mutter to themselves when his team fails again in January. But worry not, because when next September rolls around and his team starts 6-0 every writer, network, broadcaster, and bar fly will wax poetic about the great Peyton Manning like that one <i>little </i>thing doesn't exist. It's like that episode of South Park where Kenny (Mysterion) reveals to the kids that he dies all the time but comes back to life. They are absolutely perplexed by this news like they have never once seen him die.<br />
<br />
There are a lot of things that perpetuate the Peyton Manning myth. First off, he is sort of close to the "perfect" quarterback. At least the case can be made in terms of his make up. A human computer who can read any defense and make any throw... except of course for that one <i>little </i>thing. You <i>want </i>him to be this mythical perfect quarterback sooo badly and you have enough evidence to kinda sorta talk yourself into it and make your case.<br />
<br />
Sadly the little thing isn't <i>little </i>at all. It's a deal breaker, but we won't start there.<br />
<br />
<u>Part 1: The Catch All Award Winner</u><br />
<br />
Peyton Manning's shelf is loaded with awards. It is inclusive of, but not limited to, five NFL MVP's (2013 is coming), a Super Bowl MVP, and most recently the 2013 Sports Illustrated sportsman of the year. It is this last award that sent me over the edge. I then read Bill Simmons response to a question as to why in the hell he was named sportsman of the year over David Ortiz:<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #fafbfb; color: #4e5665; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">SG: The problem is that they already wrote the Sportsman of the Year story in early November, when they wrote about David Ortiz, the 2013 Red Sox and the 2013 Boston Marathon. They couldn't run it back. And since there wasn't another logical pick, they went into "let's just pick a decent candidate who's due for a cover story from us," and they landed on Manning while hoping he eventually breaks the touchdown record to justify it.</span><br />
<br />
This explanation affirmed what I have thought for a long while, Peyton Manning is the 'Catch All' choice to win awards. I blow at programming and rules based things but even I know that you always create a rule at the end which is a 'catch all.' Just in case you missed anything, this rule will capture your value. If no candidate really sticks out for the award, we'll just hand it to Manning. Chances are he had a good enough season to justify our choice and shit, he's a great dude so I feel ok if he wins.<br />
<br />
Sports Illustrated awarded Manning the catch all sportsman of the year nod and I'm hear to tell you that NFL writers have awarded Peyton Manning with several catch all MVP's. Manning was the NFL MVP in 2003, 2004, 2008, 2009, and will be in 2013.<br />
<br />
I will not argue 2004 nor 2013 whatsoever. In those seasons Peyton Manning is the NFL MVP.<br />
<br />
Hmm, how to approach this should we go chronologically or most egregious? Let's go egregious.<br />
<br />
In 2009 we have four MVP candidates. A, B, C, and D. Naturally they are all quarterbacks because the NFL MVP has long been the "top quarterback award unless a running back has a season so good we simply can't ignore him." That's not Manning nor any quarterback's fault. <br />
<br />
A - 4202 yards 33 TD's 7 INT's 107.2 rating 68.4% completion<br />
B - 4500 yards 33 TD's 16 INT's 99.9 rating 68.8% completion<br />
C - 4254 yards 28 TD's 9 INT's 104.4 rating 65.2% completion<br />
D - 4388 yards 34 TD's 11 INT's 109.6 rating 70.6% completion<br />
<br />
All four Quarterback's teams won at least 12 games and earned a bye.<br />
<br />
This is awfully close, right? Just eyeballing it I think you have to go A or D. B is the worst of a very good bunch... too many INT's and the lowest rating of all.<br />
<br />
At the very least a close vote, right? Nope. Wasn't close. (These are not listed as A, B, C, D below but instead in order of how many votes they received so pay attention to the letter so you can match it up above.)<br />
<br />
A is Brett Favre. He got 1 vote.<br />
C is Philip Rivers. He got 2 votes.<br />
D is Drew Brees. He got 7.5 votes.<br />
B is Peyton Manning. He got a whopping 39.5 of 50 votes.<br />
<br />
Sadly by 2009 the Peyton Manning myth was an utter freight train. When in doubt just vote for the cyborg created by God himself. What a joke, right? As I said earlier, eyeballing it we had to go A or D. Well that year Favre turned into a sour ball bag distraction towards the end of the year. So therefore your 2009 MVP is Drew Brees.<br />
<br />
2003 and 2009 are tied together in another way. Now you remember earlier how I said the MVP <i>can </i>go to a running back if they force you to vote for them, right? Like say, maybe, a 2,000 yard season?<br />
<br />
Here is a list of your 2,000 yard seasons in order:<br />
<br />
1973 - OJ Simpson 2,003 yards - NFL MVP<br />
1984 - Eric Dickerson 2,105 yards. Dan Marino is named MVP. I will allow the greatest single quarterback season in NFL history to edge Dickerson here but wow crazy year to have to vote.<br />
1997 - Barry Sanders 2,053 yards - NFL Co-MVP<br />
1998 - Terrell Davis 2,008 yards - NFL MVP<br />
<br />
I'll stop right there. What the writers also have as a rule is that if you rush for 2,000 yards <i>BUT </i>Peyton Manning is on the ballot you probably won't win.<br />
<br />
2003 - Jamal Lewis 2,066 yards on 10-6 playoff bound Ravens receives 5 MVP votes. He loses out to co-MVP's Peyton Manning and Steve McNair (16 votes each). Manning threw for 4,267 yards 29 TD's 10 INT's with a rating of 99.0. I guess Lewis's season 2,000 yard season was not good enough to beat out Manning's 9th best year.<br />
<br />
2009 - Chris Johnson 2,006 yards on an 8-8 Titans team. He also set an NFL record for yards from scrimmage. He received zero votes as the four QB's I mentioned above got them all. I guess with the Titans being a mediocre team I can buy that much.<br />
<br />
Since we are talking 2,000 yard rushers let's just touch upon 2012 as well. This one is very much in our memory banks, right? Adrian Peterson rushed for 2,097 yards and carried a sad sack of shit Vikings team to 10-6 and a playoff berth. Shit, 19.5 votes <i>STILL </i>went to Peyton Manning. People can't help themselves, it's Peyton Manning!!!!<br />
<br />
Player A - 4,659 yards 37 TD's 11 INT's 105.8 rating 68.6% completion<br />
Player B - 5,038 yards 41 TD's 16 INT's 97.2 rating 63.5% completion<br />
<br />
Player A is 2012 Peyton Manning who received 19.5 MVP votes. Player B is 2011 Matt Stafford who received 0 votes and this season is the poster boy that quarterback stats cannot be taken seriously anymore. My fucking gahd!!!!!<br />
<br />
2008 was a trickier year. There really was no <i>great </i>candidate in a mediocre year for the league. Well, shit, we know what happens when there is no good candidate, right? Captain Catch All to the rescue!!!!!<br />
<br />
Peyton Manning led his <i>second place</i> Colts with 4,002 yards 27 TD's 12 INT's and a 95.0 rating. Look it's a nice year but that's it, nothing more. Hell it's a down year for Manning. Here is how the year stacks up for Manning<br />
<br />
His 11th best season in TD's. 13th best in yards. 9th in rating. <br />
<br />
So who should have won? I have Manning definitively behind two players. One is Kurt Warner - 4,583 yards 30 TD's 14 INT's and a rating of 96.9. Warner brought the Cardinals to their first division title in 684 years (estimated) and later to their only Super Bowl. The other is Chad Pennington. Pennington, who is wildly underrated for a noodle arm by the way, turned the 1-15 Dolphins into 11-5 division champs. Although his numbers don't pop, he was MVP worthy in my eyes, 3653 yards 19 TD's 7 INT's and a 97.4 rating. Let's also remember Pennington was throwing to Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne, Dallas Clark, Joe Addai... oh wait, that's right he had no weapons.<br />
<br />
I personally go with Pennington. The voters? Pfff. Manning in a runaway. When Peyton Manning has his 11th best season in TD's that yells MVP. Got it!?!?!<br />
<br />
Manning - 32 votes, Pennington, Michael Turner - 4 votes, Adrian Peterson, James Harrison - 3 votes, Phillip Rivers - 2 Votes, Chris Johnson, Kurt Warner - 1 vote.<br />
<br />
If you do not know who to vote for people I want you to always just pencil in Captain Catch All. <br />
<br />
So now the next time Bob Costas has to stop for a second to jizz down his leg when talking about Manning's 5 MVP awards you will be educated enough to know that three were simply catch all's because of the Peyton Manning myth.<br />
<br />
This is already getting lengthy as hell but I do want to point out that Manning even won a catch all Super Bowl MVP. Nobody on the Colts had a slam dunk MVP game so we already know what voters do in that case. Here were your candidates. Manning, then the two superior choices.<br />
<br />
Manning 25-38 247 yards 1 TD 1 INT<br />
Dominic Rhodes 21 carries 113 yards 1 TD<br />
Kelvin Hayden 1 INT 56 yards, game clinching TD<br />
<br />
Whatever.JoeLaRohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06653108569795307573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153769831522378978.post-88927646371056670232012-10-29T18:18:00.000-07:002012-10-29T18:18:11.866-07:00Ranking the 32 NFL team's Quarterbacks (Quarterback situation for the crappy ones)<br />
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Throughout the year I've been keeping ranks on the top 10 QB's at the present moment. I have been <span style="font-family: inherit;">inspired to *try* and rank all 32 teams. I can't make it the top 32 QB's as some of the lousier teams have quarterback situations. If there is a team on the list where I legitimately have to evaluate the backup quarterback then chances are you are in the bottom third of the league. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Some of the questions I asked myself were:</span><br />
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Can he drag a sorry team to be competitive by himself?<br />
Can you at least win with him even if he's a caretaker?<br />
With the game on the line would I be stunned if he came through?<br />
With the right team, no extremes - we aren't talking about 85 Bears or 2000 Ravens defense, could you win a Super Bowl with him?<br />
What's the future for this team at QB?<br />
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The last question didn't factor into my right now rankings but will give you a sense of what direction that team is headed. You will also see that 1st and 2nd year starting QB teams aren't very high yet. It doesn't mean I think they suck, we just have to wait and see since there is not a large sample size of games to go on.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I made a list, confined in a few opinion</span>s and have tweaked the list to a point where I feel good about it for now.<br />
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32. Kansas City Chiefs - The Chiefs quarterback situation is absolutely positively wretched. Matt Cassell is not a starting caliber quarterback and will be released following this season. Brady Quinn is nothing more than a mediocre backup. How they didn't make a play for Peyton Manning is stunning. I doubt Manning would have gone there but for gahd sake give it a try. The arrow here can't go any lower but Matt Barkley or Geno Smith will more than likely be a Chief in 2013.<br />
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31. Jacksonville Jaguars - Blaine Gabbert's abysmal pocket presence doesn't give much hope to the Jags having a long term answer at quarterback. He does have a very strong arm unfortunately on the list of must haves for a quarterback this simply isn't that critical. Jeff George, Drew Bledsoe, and Billy Joe Tolliver had hoses. Chad Henne is nothing more than an average backup. I want to say the Jaguars needle can only go up but they should think about drafting a quarterback early if they get a chance to compete with Gabbert in 2013. <br />
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30. Cleveland Browns - Brandon Weeden has had a couple of ok moments and he definitely has a very strong arm, but what the hell are the Browns doing drafting a 29 year old rookie when the team is very very far from contending? Colt McCoy proved the past two seasons that he is not a starting caliber quarterback. The Browns have recently changed owners and GM so I really have no idea what direction they are going in. Like the Jags and Chiefs I'd suggest snagging a QB early in the draft if the right guy is there.<br />
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29. New York Jets - Coming into the season I would have given Sanchez more respect for his past success. However, Sanchez is regressing in a big way. At this point I'd suggest Rex Ryan turns the season over to Tim Tebow. I would expect ridiculously ugly games similar to the Broncos last year but you'd turn a 6-10 year into maybe an 8-8 one. The Jets need to ditch Tebow if they aren't going to go to him and bring in some serious competition for Sanchez. <br />
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28. Arizona Cardinals - This is the slightly less poor man's version of Kansas City. Kevin Kolb and John Skelton are marginally better than Brady Quinn and Matt Cassell. Kolb has poor pocket presence and has been historically brittle. Skelton nuts up a bit more but is simply not very talented. The needle here is pretty much status quo until Kolb emerges as what the Cardinals think they traded for two years ago or they acquire a new quarterback.<br />
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27. Seattle Seahawks - The Seahawks have an intriguing QB situation but ultimately a fairly crappy one. Yes Russell Wilson seems like a great guy and a leader but he doesn't quite have the tools or size to be a pro bowl caliber quarterback. Then they spend all sorts of money to get the top free agent (not named Peyton Manning) in Matt Flynn but instead turn the offense over to their 3rd round rookie. More alarming however is that Flynn couldn't beat out Wilson for the job. The Seahawks have an outstanding defense and home field advantage but shoddy quarterback play will keep this a .500 team. I suppose the arrow can only point up but I'm just not sure how much higher they will ultimately get as currently constructed.<br />
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26. Tennessee Titans - If Matt Hasselbeck wants to hang around another few years then in my mind that is an excellent BACKUP quarterback to have. I was certainly intrigued by Jake Locker last year but his poor accuracy and inability to stay healthy thus far are reasons for concern. The Titans should absolutely stick with him and the arrow should be pointing up as he gets more experience in the league.<br />
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25. St Louis Rams - After a very strong rookie season where Sam Bradford was rookie of the year, it's been mostly turd salads since. The Rams did get a HAUL in trading last year's #2 pick to the Redskins but I think the argument can at least be made that they should have just drafted Robert Griffin. The argument for Bradford is that he has NOTHING around him. The next two or so years where the Rams cash in all these draft picks will be telling if Bradford is the solution. Right now the arrow isn't really pointing up or down.<br />
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24. Miami Dolphins - Before Dolphins fans have a conniption the arrow is more than likely pointing up. Thus far Ryan Tannehill has been pretty good for a rookie. They've been in every game thus far this season except for the Texans game week 1. I would have argued that Matt Moore should have started the year while Tannehill learned for a season. I can say with confidence that Moore is the best backup quarterback in the league. Note: I can't say this with confidence but for the sake of this article I can.<br />
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23. Buffalo Bills - Ryan Fitzpatrick is the type of quarterback who can put up ok numbers, win you a few games, tantalize you into thinking playoffs is a possibility then crap all over himself in an ugly blowout loss. Fitzpatrick is simply a .500 quarterback at best unless he's surrounded with elite talent. The Bills love to draft 1st round running backs but one of these seasons they should throw their chips in on a quarterback. I give them credit for aggressively trying to build their team but under center they need to get better.<br />
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22. Philadelphia Eagles - We've hit our first team with a quarterback whose arrow is pointing straight the eff down. Mike Vick's days in Philly are officially numbered and perhaps his career as a starting quarterback is as well. With Vick's contract bonus that kick in this offseason, it basically assures that he will be released following this year. The Nick Foles era will soon be starting which most likely means the Eagles have not yet bottomed out in these rankings. <br />
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21. Minnesota Vikings - Christian Ponder intrigues me but I wonder if his ceiling is that of Alex Smith, caretaker extraordinaire. Ponder is a sneaky good athlete and is surrounded by some intriguing young talent in Harvin, Peterson, and Rudolph. I do think you can compete with Ponder on his current growth rate but with good coaching I expect more from him than middle of the line quarterback play. His arrow should continue to point up.<br />
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20. Carolina Panthers - This season Cam Newton has been a complete and utter mess. In his career as a starter he is 7-16. I know as a fantasy football player Newton has immense value but this is real life. Newton's tremendous athletic ability will only carry him so far. Until he improves his crappy attitude and leadership skills, a porous win/loss record will more than likely follow him. HOWEVER, I do think this is rock bottom for Newton. With a stronger, disciplinary coach and skilled offensive coaches, Cam Newton can guide the Panthers to success for years to come. The needle has crashed and burned in my opinion so now we will see if he can dust himself off and get better.<br />
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19. San Diego Chargers - For all his career we've watched Philip Rivers throw a football like he's tossing a shot put. Nonetheless year after year he threw arguably the best deep ball in the NFL and enjoyed a good measure of success. The past two seasons Rivers arm strength seems to have dipped noticeably. Those deep shot put tosses are now being underthrown and picked off. He's only 30 years old but I certainly am beginning to think we've seen the best of Rivers. At the very least, if he can't throw the deep ball as well anymore then Rivers will need to reinvent himself in some capacity. The needle has probably bottomed out but I don't think Rivers will reach top 10 QB status again either.<br />
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18. Oakland Raiders - Carson Palmer was arguably the toughest quarterback for me to rank. I certainly don't think he's worth all the draft picks the Raiders forked up for him but at the same time, that steamy mess that is the Raiders clouds one's vision of what Palmer is as a quarterback. Palmer is absolutely positively mediocre. I would expect many of the younger quarterbacks on this list to leap frog him in the next year or two. That being said, with the right team around him, Palmer could lead the Raiders into the playoffs. Moving forward the Raiders will want to address their quarterback position pretty soon. Maybe instead of drafting blazing fast wide receivers with early picks they will go QB.<br />
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17. Cincinnati Bengals - Raise your hand if you predicted Dalton to be the most successful of the 2011 rookie quarterbacks thus far.... (crickets chirping). The Red Rifle may not have the most natural talent of this bunch but his maturity and leadership should be commended this early in his career. I also think it will help him tremendously that he's began his career winning games and reaching the playoffs. I'm not sure if Dalton will ever be a top 10 quarterback but he should become a consistent starter for many years. The arrow points a little bit up.<br />
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16. Dallas Cowboys - Tony Romo is the ultimate trick or treat quarterback. I'm getting the sense that the national opinion on Romo is that he's a bum/choker and that the Cowboys are going to need to move on from him. I would argue that the problem in Dallas is Jerry Jones. Jones likes to meddle and run his team. This includes hiring a soft coach he can beat around and drafting players to create a buzz. As a result he has a coach who can't lead men while making brutal coaching gaffes, and has a soft team incapable of closing games. Both Wade Philips and Jason Garrett have been a disservice to Romo. I'm no Romo fan or backer, but I feel his talent level could have been maximized better away from the circus that is the Cowboys. All that being said, if the Cowboys continue to flop again this year there will be changes. We know Jerry Jones isn't going to fire himself or back off. The reality is that in Dallas you can't win consistently with Romo's up and down play. This arrow points down. <br />
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15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Josh Freeman's career through four seasons has been a bit of a roller coaster ride. In 2010 he turned in a gem of a stat line with 25 td's to just 6 int's yet in 2011 he played like a used ball bag throwing 22 interceptions. Like many of these guys I've commented on, coaching has a great deal to do with realizing their potential. Under Greg Schiano thus far Freeman has looked much more like the 2010 version. With the right team around him Freeman can lead a team to the playoffs and his arrow points up. I would say his ceiling is that of a borderline top 10 QB.</div>
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14. San Francisco 49ers - Alex Smith is the ultimate caretaker quarterback. Surrounded by an excellent team, Smith was an overtime away from going to the Super Bowl last season. While some may argue that many to most of the quarterbacks below Smith could have done the same with this team, I would like to remind you that he led the 49ers to not one but TWO game winning drives against the Saints last January. Having an excellent coach in Jim Harbaugh allows Smith to get the most out of his ability. More than likely we've seen the best Alex Smith can do making his arrow flat lined for now.</div>
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13. Chicago Bears - Smokin' Jay Cutler is 23-9 as a starter the past three seasons. Although his body language is epicly poor, the Bears do play hard for Cutler. He has an absolute cannon and can make any throw you require. Even if Cutler will never be a top five quarterback you can win with him and the Bears nearly made the Super Bowl in 2010. I'm not sure if Cutler's pouting will always be overlooked by his teammates but for now he is more than viable to remain starter in the windy city. <br />
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12. Baltimore Ravens - I go back and forth on Joe Flacco just about every week. However the fact of the matter is Flacco has won five playoff games and was a Lee Evans dropped pass away from reaching last season's Super Bowl. Although I think Flacco will never truly be elite you can absolutely win with him. I'm not sure though if Cam Cameron is the coach to lead the Ravens offense to its highest level of success. I think Flacco has the ability to crack the top 10 but for now his arrow will continue to meander week to week.</div>
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11. Indianapolis Colts - Having watched the Colts through the first half of the season you can totally understand why they sucked so hard for Luck last season. As excellent as Manning is do you want to surround a previously injured 36 year old quarterback with an aging, hole filled roster or turn the keys over to a 23 year old stud who has the tools to be your next Manning? It was a no brainer and Luck may reward the Colts with a wild card berth in season one. This is besides the point though as Luck should enjoy a great career where his potential is to become a top five quarterback in the NFL. </div>
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10. Detroit Lions - Matt Stafford has all the tools to be an elite quarterback. I'd argue that the only quarterback with more physical gifts is Aaron Rodgers. Stafford throws ropes and has the tightest spiral you'll see. However early in his career he was extremely injury prone. Additionally he's off to a rough start in 2012. While he probably opened the season as the #6 or 7 QB, Stafford does remain in the top 10. His arrow is flat lined for now with the ability to move back up to that 7ish area or meander back into middle of the road territory. Nonetheless the Lions have their man for the foreseeable future.</div>
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9. Washington Redskins - The Redskins swapped their first round pick in 2012 with the Rams in addition to giving them two more first rounders and another 2nd round pick. All this was given up in order to draft Robert Griffin. Although they paid out the ass, I feel that the Redskins won this trade. The NFL has simply turned into a quarterback league. After years of Jason Campbell, Mark Brunell, Gus Frerotte, Patrick Ramsey, and many others, the Redskins had simply had enough. Griffin has thus far demonstrated the athletic ability of both Mike Vick and Cam Newton but with much more guile, poise, and maturity. RG3, like Andrew Luck, is destined for perennial top five status. In the nation's capital they could give a shit about who gets elected president, they get to watch Griffin play the next 12+ years!</div>
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8. Houston Texans - Matt Schaub has very quietly turned into an upper echelon quarterback. For those who think he's simply a better version of Alex Smith I do remind you that he threw for a league leading 4700+ yards in 2009. Schaub doesn't put up the gaudy numbers anymore because the Texans don't ask him to. Remember, football is about winning, even if it's at the expense of us fantasy owners. The Texans formula to win is great defense, an excellent running game, and Matt Schaub's ability to strike downfield in play action. For the Texans' fan sake I would have liked to have seen Schaub get his playoff legs last year but injuries will delay that until this year where we'll find out if he can meet their Super Bowl aspirations. Schaub should be plenty good for the next three to five seasons.</div>
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7. Atlanta Falcons - Even though my contemporary David Glassman doesn't believe in Matt Ryan nearly as much as me, I do have to point out that Ryan is 50-19 in his NFL career. The Falcons had never been over .500 in consecutive years in their franchise history. This year they are on their way to doing that for a fifth straight year. The red flag on Ryan's resume is his 0-3 playoff record where his teams have been outscored 102-47. His career passer rating is 90.1 while his playoff rating is 71.2. In addition, two of his three losses were home games. However, this is the first year where the Falcons aren't going to rely on a fat, old, worn down RB come playoff time. They have turned the keys 100% over to Matt Ryan and the passing game. I do think this is the year he wins a playoff game but until that happens and happens consistently, Ryan can't get much higher than his current position. </div>
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6. New Orleans Saints - Drew Brees will help owners win many fantasy leagues nationwide but unfortunately it isn't going to be a great year in New Orleans. Bountygate and Goodell's sanctions have cost Brees his head coach/offensive guru for the entire 2012 season in Sean Payton. As a result Brees, although putting up gaudy numbers, hasn't been as sharp particularly in late games. Nonetheless Brees is only 33 years old, plays in a dome, and should be very effective for another five plus seasons. I'd expect that he won't fall much further than this in 2012 but that he can reclaim top three status in future seasons.</div>
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5. Pittsburgh Steelers - Shhhhh, we need to be very quiet. Nobody can know that Roethlisberger is sporting a 14-3 TD/Int rate and a rating of 101.4. Although the Steelers defense may be aging a bit, its quarterback has been outstanding. Roethlisberger has always played above his raw numbers by extending plays and throwing the best deep ball in football (now that Rivers stinks). I also feel pretty dirty having used the words 'raw', 'extending', and 'deep ball' to describe Roethlisberger. I'm not sure if nationally Roethlisberger will ever get his due as a top two or three quarterback but another Super Bowl win coupled with strong playoff performances would put him there for me. At 30 years old Roethlisberger will continue to be a great quarterback another five plus years.</div>
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4. Denver Broncos - Peyton Manning is completely back. Quite frankly I no longer care if his arm strength returns as Manning has proved he doesn't need it to have success. He leads the league in passer rating at 109.0 and provided his health holds up should break many of that cock smoker Brett Favre's records. I'm certainly pulling for him to do so. I can definitively say that Peyton Manning is the greatest regular season quarterback in NFL history... I can, Patriots fans. Unfortunately his post season resume doesn't match his regular season brilliance. Manning, though, has motivation out the arse. In no particular order, the Colts traded him, many suggested he should retire, most said his arm was too weak when he came back, his brother has one upped him in Super Bowl titles, and Brady separated himself further in the all time rankings with another Super Bowl appearance. I think Manning will be effective another two or three years and the NFL is better off for it.</div>
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3. New England Patriots - If you include the playoffs Tom Brady's career record is 145-44. Until Brady came along Bill Belichick was nothing more than a borderline head coach more than likely a lifetime defensive coordinator. Until Tom Brady came along the New England Patriots were an up and down but mostly bungling franchise. At this juncture, even at 35 years old, Brady is still in his prime (even if it's possibly the end of his prime). If his skills were to deteriorate some, Brady relies on his noggin more than anything else and is a player I do think could be effective into his early 40's. Some of you may think I'm hard on him but the reason is simply this... The 2001-present New England Patriots are in the neighborhood of greatest team runs in NFL history. Tom Brady is in the neighborhood of the greatest QB in NFL history. The Brady-Belichick duo is in the neighborhood of top duos in NFL history. As a fan, I'm a selfish cock sucker. I don't want in the neighborhood, I want the best. I hold these Patriots against the 60's Packers, 70's Steelers, and 80's 49ers. I hold Tom Brady against Joe Montana, Otto Graham, Johnny Unitas, and Bart Starr. I hold the duo against Montana-Walsh, Starr-Lombardi. There is work to do for him to reach that. So if some of you get pissy that I don't tongue his balls at every turn, well sue me.</div>
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2. New York Giants - If the ball is on your own 8 yard line with 2:51 remaining in the game down by 4 in a playoff or must win game I absolutely want Eli Manning over any other quarterback in that situation. The reason is that with him I don't have to say, well, is it outdoors and crappy out? Are you playing at home or on the road? Is the defense he's playing against elite? How has he played the previous 57+ minutes? These questions do not matter whatsoever with Eli. You are going to get a completely unphased, unafraid, stupid but for his own good quarterback. Eli may have the occasional regular season stinker where the Giants get smoked at home by some shmuck team but when stakes are high he is at his best. Manning is 31 years old and I'd argue just now hitting his prime. He should be plenty good the next seven plus years.</div>
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1. Green Bay Packers - Talent-wise Aaron Rodgers is so much better than the rest of the league it isn't funny. The Packers dumbness in coaching and Rodgers toeing the assured/arrogant line are the only things that could hold him back. I would bet anything that Rodgers will retire a top 10 and probably top 5 all time QB. He should win a few more MVP's. I believe Rodgers will reach a couple more Super Bowls while winning at least one more. He's only 28 years old and will remain the class of league for atleast five to seven more years if not longer. </div>
JoeLaRohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06653108569795307573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153769831522378978.post-68090173487285310172012-10-15T16:26:00.002-07:002012-10-15T16:30:23.032-07:00Let's Take a Deep BreathFact, the 2012 New England Patriots are a flawed team. Their defensive backs are an utter mess, Belichick's game management has been spotty and arrogant at best, and they close games about as poorly as any team could.<br />
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However, and I write this for my own therapy too, there are many reasons to remain positive.<br />
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Patriots reasons....<br />
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<li>The Patriots are young. This is the youngest team in Belichick's 13 years in New England. Young teams notoriously have a tough time closing games and winning tight games. I'll take you back to the 1993 Patriots. This team started 1-11 losing games by a score of 19-16, 17-14, 10-9, 9-6, 13-10, 17-13, 6-0, and 17-14. The 93 Pats then figured it out as they went on to win their final four games then rode that momentum into 1994 where they went 10-6 and made the playoffs. <br /><br />You want a more recent example? The 2010 Detroit Lions started 2-10 losing games by a score of 19-14, 35-32, 28-26, 23-20, 14-12, and 24-20. They then ripped off four wins to close the year and rode that momentum into a 10-6 playoff season in 2011.<br /><br />Do you think a young team with Tom Brady, several key veterans, and Bill Belichick coaching can gain similar momentum in a quicker time frame by figuring out how to win close games? I do too.</li>
<li>Josh McDaniels will figure out how to best use his offensive weapons. It's his first year coaching this specific Patriots team. The play calling may still be maddening at times but it will get better.</li>
<li>After dishing out money to Gronkowski and Hernandez, they HAVE to begin getting utilized better. Those contracts indicate that these two guys is what the Patriots are building around. Hernandez has been hurt and Gronkowski is far too talented to stay on his current pace of an 80 catch, 900 yard season .</li>
<li>Chandler Jones has been a beast. No reason to think he won't keep that up.</li>
<li>The one part of Belichick that drives me nuts is his arrogance. It's like he wants to do things differently so that NFL Films can wax poetically about how much of a genius he is. You know what kills arrogance and breeds humility/humbleness? Losing. Get back to better clock and game management, Bill.</li>
<li>The Patriots have lost two NFC games. These mean less than dick when it comes to end of the year tie-breakers.</li>
<li>It's not like the Patriots are getting smoked. They've lost three games by a total of four points. They could be similarly flawed yet 6-0 and I wouldn't be typing this up.</li>
<li>The secondary CAN'T play worse.... right?</li>
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AFC East reasons for optimism....<br />
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<li>Although I do think the entire AFC East is feisty enough to beat the Patriots any Sunday and I truly don't see any of these teams as door knobs, the division is still not very good. I see the Jets, Dolphins, and Bills as teams that will win in the neighborhood of 6 to 9 games. </li>
<li>The Patriots will win 10 games.</li>
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AFC reasons for optimism......</div>
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<li>The AFC stinks. If Denver beats San Diego tonight then the only teams above .500 will be the Texans and Ravens who are both 5-1.</li>
<li>Have you watched the Ravens? That defense is getting very old. They have won games by the score of 31-30 and 31-29. Oh and the lost Ray Lewis and Lardarius Webb for the season yesterday.</li>
<li>Not to mention T-Sizzle is still out. The Ravens are flawed.</li>
<li>Aaron Rodgers shredded the bijesus out of the Texans at Houston on SNF. So much for that great defense.</li>
<li>Do Matt Schaub and Gary Kubiak scare you? Me either.</li>
<li>Who else is in the AFC? Denver? Manning, albeit still a genius, has a noodley arm and his defense stinks. San Diego? Pfff, I won't waste my breath. The Steelers? You can't rule them out but they are 2-3 with no running game and an aging defense. The AFC East we discussed isn't there yet and the AFC South minus Houston is garbage. The Raiders, Chiefs, and Browns are total door knobs. The Bengals? They lost to the Browns!</li>
<li>Seriously, the AFC stinks.</li>
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NFL reasons for optimism....<br />
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<li>Getting through the NFC playoffs will be an utter gauntlet. Giants, Bears, Packers, Falcons, and 49ers are all legit teams to win the super bowl in 2012. They will have to beat one another to make it.</li>
<li>I'd argue the Eagles, Vikings, Seahawks, and possibly the Cardinals or Cowboys will be in contention and WOULD make the playoffs in the AFC. </li>
<li>The last two Super Bowl champions were very flawed and had uneven regular seasons. The <a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/gnb/2010.htm" target="_blank">2010 Packers</a> were 8-6 at one point and only made the playoffs thanks to the<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddTacY83qBk" target="_blank"> Eagles miracle win against the Giants</a>. You know what happened then? They played their best football in the playoffs rolling their way to a championship. I have a high school friend who's a Packers fan. What do you think he'd say to me if I said to him, "Hey you may have won Super Bowl XLV but your team was flawed and you only made it cuz of that Giants-Eagles game." He'd say, fahk you, we won the Super Bowl. Then he'd watch his SB DVD.<br /><br />The <a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nyg/2011.htm" target="_blank">2011 Giants</a> were actually outscored on the season. They scored 394 points and allowed 400. They went 9-7. Statistically they are by far the worst Super Bowl champion ever. * Side note, statistically they were, but as an actual SB winner, they were not the worst, hell to the no. * They lost twice to the shitastic Redskins. They had a stretch where they lost five of six games. I have a friend who I played flag football with who likes the Giants. Do you know what he'd say if I told him, "the Giants were flawed and statistically the worst super bowl champion ever." He'd say fahk you. Then he'd rub it in my face that they've beaten the Patriots in two super bowls. Then he'd go watch his SB DVD.</li>
<li>And let's say the Patriots remain flawed and happen to make the Super Bowl anyway due to the stinkyness of the AFC. From that point you just have to win a single game even if it's against a better team. And you know what? If Wes Welker holds onto the ball then the 2011 Patriots would have played out just how the 2012 Patriots could play out. A good team with many flaws winning a championship.<br /><br />It ain't about the style points people so let's allow the season to unfold.... except I will still post on fb incessantly each week how we are porked.</li>
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JoeLaRohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06653108569795307573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153769831522378978.post-434331171804690852012-07-04T18:24:00.005-07:002012-07-04T18:25:08.687-07:00Brooklyn Nets.... Really?Really, the Brooklyn Nets? That's the next hopeful super team? The Nets? Of all the great franchises Dwight Howard could try to land on, he wants to join up with Deron Williams and Joe Johnson to bring the historic Nets franchise their first NBA Crown?<br />
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It started with the Boston Celtics pulling Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and Kevin Garnett together. At the time this seemed organic - three veterans teaming up via trades to make a push for a title - but little did we know this would become the new NBA. The young guys of the league took notice. Why wait until you are 32 years old to make this move? After all, this is a league with a handful of contenders (that's being generous), about six to eight teams who can top out in the second round of the playoffs, and finally another 15 or so who just flat out suck and are waiting for their break - either through the lottery (Sonics/Thunder), or in the case of a sweet city, a free agent who wants to bring his services there (New York/Los Angeles).<br />
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While the young players took notice of what the Celtics did, other teams <i>had </i>to take notice. And by teams I mean ownership. You have to land/possess that true superstar and fight your balls off to lure his pals to team up.<br />
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Obviously the Heat took this strategy to a, very clearly premeditated, extreme. James, Wade, and Bosh teamed up guaranteed a billion titles, blah blah blah blah blah. You know the story. This was undoubtedly the most effective super-team creation due to the sheer talent and youth of these three players. What it has now created is even more wannabes. I don't particularly like it but at the same time I really can't blame players/teams for going in this direction. If you don't try to go super team then your options are to either take lots of time and energy to carefully put together a team like the Spurs, Pistons (earlier 2000's), or Pacers. <u>OR</u> ruthlessly tank, gather a ton of picks, and expiring contracts in hopes of pulling off a nasty trade or luring a free agent.</div>
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There is one caveat though for getting free agents. Your city better be desirable. Sorry Minnesota, Milwaukee, Sacramento, Portland, Toronto, Cleveland, Washington, Charlotte, Denver, Utah, Golden State, and New Orleans. You guys are all doomed to suck unless you go the Sonics/Thunder route and win a franchise changing player in the lottery. THAT BEING SAID, don't fuck it up with incompetent management.... Cleveland..... otherwise your free agent will head to a more desirable city to join up with another superstar. If he doesn't leave through free <span style="background-color: white;">agency then he'll probably try and force a trade.... Denver.... so that he can play in a more desirable city with another superstar.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
So where does it leave us? It leaves us with the New York Knicks trying to slap together Amare Stoudemire, Carmelo Anthony while (last year) hoping to lure Chris Paul. It leaves us with the Los Angeles Lakers all but having Chris Paul to team up with Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum. And now it supposedly leaves us with the fucking <i>NETS </i>being a desirable team to piece together our next super team. <br />
<br />
Now any of us with half a brain know that the Knicks aren't contending for shit. We also know that a team of Dwight Howard and Joe Johnson as two of your best three players is about as mentally tough as an overtired 5 year old girl. Nonetheless, the stars of the league have made it very clear where THEY want to form their team.<br />
<br />
Is it San Antonio with the best coach in the league and tons of wily vets? Nah, too low key.<br />
Is it Detroit with lots of great history and a reputation of tough teams? It's cold and crappy there.<br />
Is it Boston who has the most championships and impeccable tradition? Eff that I'm not going to get seen enough there...<br />
<br />
Nope. Trade me to the <i>NETS</i>!!!!!</div>JoeLaRohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06653108569795307573noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153769831522378978.post-73476628301067842862012-06-29T05:01:00.000-07:002012-06-29T05:01:44.721-07:00Some thoughts.....While I try to wait for a good topic to come to mind here are a few random thoughts......<br />
<br />
- 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.<br />
<br />
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. <br />
<br />
He is the number 1 player for 2012 and frankly it isn't even close.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
- 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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
- 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. <br />
<br />
- 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.<br />
<br />
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. <br />
<br />
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. <br />
<br />
Anyways I've rambled far too long. Tecmo rules!JoeLaRohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06653108569795307573noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153769831522378978.post-76633584593555232422012-06-28T14:46:00.000-07:002012-06-28T14:46:17.973-07:00Comeback!!!The blog has been dormant for too long... I'll be making a comeback so my 9 readers please stay tuned!JoeLaRohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06653108569795307573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153769831522378978.post-85910973285757597152010-10-02T07:25:00.000-07:002010-10-02T10:22:08.597-07:00An Overhyped LegacyI've been watching the NFL Network's top 100 players of all time and was greatly disappointed to see that Bart Starr was ranked #51. This means that presumably the experts feel that the following group of players were better: Joe Montana, Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Dan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Marino</span>, John <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Elway</span>, Roger <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Staubach</span>, Otto Graham, Sammy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Baugh</span>, Johnny Unitas, Brett <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Favre</span> (pukes), and possibly Terry Bradshaw. Some of them sure, some <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">meh</span>, some hell no.<br /><br />I'm not going to debate this though, none of us watched Starr play, and if you've read my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">facebook</span> statuses over the past few years you are probably sick of hearing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Glassman</span> and myself circle jerk to him. <br /><br />So whose legacy am I going to attack for the next 5,000 words??? <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Favre</span>??? Too predictable, too easy. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Marino</span>??? Nah, I think his legacy is about right among the experts. Some of the old guys like Graham, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Baugh</span>, Unitas, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Staubach</span>, or Bradshaw??? Let's keep it current, someone we all saw. Montana??? I should slit my wrists and light myself on fire if the thought ever crept into my head. Manning & Brady will retire as two of the top five ever so it's dumb to go there either.<br /><br />This leaves us with my boy John <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Elway</span>. <a href="http://mostlyfootball.blogspot.com/2009/10/john-elway-is-huge-douche.html">It's not really a mystery how I feel about <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Elway</span></a>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Elway</span> though is pretty damn overrated. I've seen lists that put him as a top 3 quarterback which is asinine. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Elway</span> is probably a top 15 all time quarterback at best and I'm going to tell you why he's not even really all that much better than Buffalo Bill great Jim Kelly who gets about one <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">zillionth</span> as much praise.<br /><br />Both <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Elway</span> and Kelly came out of the 1983 draft. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Elway</span> was the 1st selection overall taken by the Baltimore Colts while Kelly went 14<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">th</span> to the Bills. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Elway</span> was a star athlete who was also drafted by the Yankees and debated playing baseball for a living. He put up a huge <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">snivelly</span> stink about the Colts and forced his way out like a bitch, similar to Eli Manning. All of this immediately put <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Elway</span> on the map.<br /><br />Kelly on the other hand didn't make his way over to Buffalo until 1986, instead opting to play two seasons in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">USFL</span> where he was 1984 league MVP and in those two years amassed 9,842 passing yards and 83 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">TD's</span> (granted against a bunch of shit bums, but still, Jesus Christ). <br /><br />From 1986 to 1996 both men played in the NFL at the same time and both the Broncos and Bills owned the AFC - which, as we'll get to, isn't saying a whole lot. The 4 or 5 best teams each season were in the NFC.<br /><br />So what's the two biggest reasons why everyone strokes it to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Elway</span>? What does he got that Kelly doesn't.<br /><br />1. He has a signature, all time moment - The Drive. In the 1986 AFC Championship Game <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Elway</span> led the Broncos on a 98 yard touchdown drive at the end of the 4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">th</span> quarter to tie the game and force overtime. The Broncos obviously went on to win.<br /><br />Now anytime a team has the ball with only a few minutes left every announcer parallels the moment to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Elways</span>. It's hard to argue that this wasn't one of the great playoff moments in NFL history, shit was sick, but it makes everyone think "4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">th</span> quarter comebacks" and "John <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Elway</span>" like they are <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">synonomous</span>. (In Kelly's first AFC Championship game the Bills were too busy raping the Raiders 51-3 so there wasn't a moment like this).<br /><br />2. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">Elway</span> won 2 Super Bowls, Kelly didn't win any. We'll get back to this....<br />---------------------------------------------------------------------<br />From 1986 to 1993 the Broncos and Bills represented the AFC in 7 of the 8 Super Bowls (they went 0-7). Here's a breakdown of how their numbers match up in this stretch:<br /><br />Pro Bowls: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">Elway</span> 5, Kelly 5 - EVEN<br />First Team All Pro: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">Elway</span> 0, Kelly 1 (1991) - ADVANTAGE KELLY<br />Passing Yards: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">Elway</span> 26,094 Kelly 26,413 - DEAD ASS EVEN<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">TD's</span> & <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">INT's</span>: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">Elway</span> 136-115, Kelly 179-126 - BIG ADVANTAGE KELLY (I was pretty shocked at how badly Kelly rolled him here)<br />Win-Loss record: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">Elway</span> 71-45-1, Kelly 76-42 - EVEN<br />Playoff W/L record: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">Elway</span> 7-5, Kelly 8-6 - EVEN<br />Super Bowl Performances: Both fucking blew - EVEN<br /><br />Let's get one caveat out of the way. The Buffalo Bills in this stretch were more talented than the Denver Broncos... easily. Thurman Thomas, Andre Reed, Bruce Smith, Darryl Talley, etc, etc<br /><br />The argument could be said that John <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">Elway</span> CARRIED a sad group to 3 Super Bowls and all this success. I can't dispute that, he did. However these two teams didn't quite peak at the same time in this eight year stretch. This wasn't like Brady and Manning having to go through one another to get to the Super Bowl. The Broncos owned the first half of this run, the Bills had the second. They only met in the playoffs once which was the 1991 AFC Championship Game won by Buffalo 10-7. Had they peaked at the same time, I'm sorry to say Broncos fans, your boy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">Elway</span> doesn't get to a single Super Bowl. The Bills would have squashed them. They were just a much better team.<br /><br />This leads to another question, who exactly did <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">Elway</span> defeat in the AFC to make this run of dominance in the conference? Talk about STINK. I guess their big rivals were the Browns and big bad Bernie <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44">Kosar</span>. Miami was decent in the mid 80's, besides that though who else????<br /><br />Like I said earlier the top 4 or 5 teams were in the NFC every year. This was about the 49<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45">ers</span>, Bears, Redskins, Giants, and Cowboys. In this time frame, 1984 to 1996 in fact, the NFC won 13 straight Super Bowls - 11 blow outs and 2 close games. One of those close games featured the only AFC team who was probably better and should have beaten their NFC counterpart.... the 1990 Buffalo Bills.<br /><br />In Super Bowl XXV, the Bills allowed Bill <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46">Parcells</span> and Bill <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_47">Belichick</span> to dictate the way this game was played. It was a hard hitting, grind em out, and sustaining drives kind of game. EXACTLY up the Giants alley and not what the high scoring Bills wanted. Nonetheless, Kelly led a nice little drive himself to put the Bills within a Scott <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_48">Norwood</span> 47 yard field goal of winning the game. We know how it ended... wide right and the only time the Bills would sniff a chance at a title.<br /><br />In the end though, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_49">Elway</span> and Kelly played each other to a draw during this stretch - the PRIME of both players.<br />---------------------------------------------------------------------<br />Kelly went on to play 3 more seasons. He never made another pro bowl but he had decent years in 1994 & 1995. In 1995 & 1996 the Bills reached the playoffs but by this time their dominant nucleus was growing old. Kelly started to suck in his final year throwing 14 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_50">TD's</span> and 19 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_51">INT's</span> and it was time to hang em up.<br /><br />In 1990, 91, and 92 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_52">Elway</span> threw for 15, 13, and 10 touchdowns, yes 10. His ratings were 78.5, 75.4 and a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_53">Jamarcus</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_54">Russelesque</span> 65.7.<br /><br />In 1993 and 1994 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_55">Elway</span> bounced back with two nice years as the Broncos started to get him a few weapons but they were still pretty ordinary going 16-16. They weren't anything close to a Super Bowl contender.<br /><br />Then from 1995 to 1998 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_56">Elway</span> (and the Broncos) had a resurgence. By this point he was 35 years old. Had he hooked up with Barry Bonds folks at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_57">Balco</span>??? What exactly happened from 1995 to 1998??<br /><br />Terrell Davis. That's what happened.<br /><br />Besides <a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/CampEa00.htm">Earl Campbell </a>and <a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/D/DickEr00.htm">Eric Dickerson </a>, no running back has had a four year run to start his career like <a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/D/DaviTe00.htm">Terrell Davis</a>. No running back in NFL History was better in the playoffs. I won't argue this and anybody who tries to tell me another running back will be yelled down until I lose my voice. Terrell Davis played in 8 playoff games.... here are his numbers (get some tissues).<br /><br />1996 Loss to Jacksonville: 14 carries 91 yards 1 TD<br /><br />1997 Win vs Jacksonville: 31 carries 184 yards 2 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_58">TD's</span><br />1997 Win vs Kansas City: 25 carries 101 yards 2 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_59">TD's</span><br />1997 Win vs Pittsburgh: 26 carries 139 yards 1 TD<br />1997 Win vs Green Bay: 30 carries 157 yards 3 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_60">TD's</span> - Super Bowl MVP<br /><br />1998 Win vs Miami: 21 carries 199 yards 2 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_61">TD's</span><br />1998 Win vs NY Jets: 32 carries 167 yards 1 TD<br />1998 Win vs Atlanta: 25 carries 102 yards<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_62">Gooooood</span>.... <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_63">Loooorrrrd</span>!!!! In 8 games he totalled 1,140 yards, 5.6 yards per carry, and 12 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_64">TD's</span>. If you only count the two Super Bowl years (7 games) he had 1,049 yards and 11 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_65">TD's</span>. If you stretched this pace out over 16 games (and let's not ignore that this was done against presumably the best teams the NFL had to offer when everyone knew he was getting the rock) he would have 2,398 yards and 25 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_66">TD's</span>.<br /><br />How did <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_67">Elway</span> do in this time???<br /><br />1997 Win vs Jacksonville: 16-24 223 yards 1 TD<br />1997 Win vs Kansas City: 10-19 170 yards<br />1997 Win vs Pittsburgh: 18-31 210 yards 2 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_68">TDs's</span> 1 INT<br />1997 Win vs Green Bay: 12-22 123 yards 1 INT, 1 TD Run<br /><br />1998 Win vs Miami: 14-23 182 yards 1 TD<br />1998 Win vs NY Jets: 13-34 (yikes) 173 yards 1 TD<br />1998 Win vs Atlanta: 18-29 336 yards 1 TD 1 INT, 1 TD Run - Super Bowl MVP<br /><br />These numbers certainly aren't bad, NY Jets game aside, but he wasn't asked to win games. I'll give him credit that ending his hall of fame career as a Super Bowl MVP is a pretty nasty way to do so (but TD wasn't exactly minced meat in that game either).<br /><br />Pat <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_69">Bowlen</span>, Denver Broncos owner, has the famous line upon receiving Super Bowl <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_70">XXXII's</span> trophy: "This one's... for John!" What he really meant to say was: "This one's... for John... courtesy... of TD!"<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_71">Elway's</span> longevity was impressive. He was fine taking a back seat in order to get to the promised land which I can only applaud. He remained very effective until the end, BUT he NEVER sniffs even another Super Bowl APPEARANCE, let alone win, without Terrell Davis, one of the greatest <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_72">RB's</span> of all time.<br /><br />Thanks to this fortune, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_73">Elway</span> has transformed in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_74">everyone's</span> mind from the guy who always got rolled in lopsided Super Bowls to a "top 3 quarterback" while poor Jim Kelly has night terrors thinking about Norwood's shank which cost him and his legacy. He will NEVER be mentioned in the same echelon as Elway, a place where he belongs (or where Elway should be?). Drives me nuts....JoeLaRohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06653108569795307573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153769831522378978.post-6829050060238531922010-09-08T17:33:00.000-07:002010-09-09T11:32:42.670-07:002010 NFL PredictionsWelcome to what will hopefully be the first of many blogs regarding the 2010 season. I've been a lazy fuck since the NBA Finals but baseball is wicked boring so I'm sure no one would have cared had I written anything anyway.<br /><br />Before getting to my predictions a lot of teams and story lines intrigue the hell out of me. I'm definitely teetering between considering myself a bigger fan of the Patriots or of the NFL in general. At the moment I think the latter is winning out. A combination of having seen titles in my lifetime, witnessing a few straight terrible drafts, BB making crappy transactions or lack thereof in other cases, and gambling/fantasy/survivor/blogging/CFL makes being a fan of the league more appealing. I mean I get it BB, why would you want to improve your team around a top 10 NFL player of all time still in his prime, instead please keep trading back in the draft and passing up on impact players. And by all means play hard ball with players who will help you compete for Super Bowls.<br /><br />In no particular order I find myself really interested in watching the following teams and would like to see them do well<br /><ul><li>49ers - You all know the boner this <a href="http://mostlyfootball.blogspot.com/2009/11/top-dynasty-of-my-lifetime.html">franchise</a> gives me. It'll be good to see them playing in January again. How can you not like Singletary either?<br /></li><li>Packers - When you hate Favre as much as me, it's really easy to pull for Rodgers & Co. I was going to throw a ton of money on them to win the SB but their odds fell from 11 to 1 down to 8 to 1 in Vegas, guess I wasn't alone. Still tossed $20 on 'em anyway.<br /></li><li>Chiefs - The Patriots-West. Charlie Weis may be a fat-ass crappy college coach but he calls a good offense. That and I got Charles in two leagues.</li><li>Eagles/Redskins - Reid completely made the right decision, it's time to roll the dice with Kolb with all that young talent but man, trading McNabb to the 'Skins... will be crazy.</li><li>Raiders - I'll admit, their Defense and lack of JaMarcus has me wondering if they can approach .500 or better with their soft schedule (play the NFC West this year)</li><li>Texans - I feel for the former Oiler fans who haven't seen a playoff game since 1993. </li></ul>The following teams could experience a breakout of the ebola virus for all I'm concerned<br /><ul><li>Jets - Yeah, yeah, yeah we always hate the Jets anyway this isn't earth shattering. The thing is I'm beginning to become jealous of how they choose to approach player transactions (it doesn't help that Felger drives this point home every day on my car ride home). They trade up in the draft to take big time players, open their wallets to top shelf talent, and have a fuck you attitude. What's not to like about that? Would be nice to shut em up and hold them off another year.</li><li>Dolphins - Quick how many teams have won a Super Bowl with a complete pussy ass diva WR instead of lunch pale guys who just do their thing? Quick, quick, quick rack your brain!!! Answer: Two. 2002 Bucs had Keyshawn Johnson who really wasn't all that instrumental in their success and the 2007 Giants had Plaxico Burress (If you said Michael Irvin smash your face into the ground for heresy. The playmaker was flamboyant and eccentric, but no diva). So don't count me in the group who is giddy to see Brandon Marshall in town. For all the hype you hear around Chad Ochocinco, TO, Marshall, Randy Moss, or any other prima donna wide receiver the fact is all they do is flap their gums and put up regular season stats... it's all they care about. Now Ochocinco is a harmless diva but Marshall has some big time problems. It's very disturbing that deceased former teammate Darrent Williams was murdered by people who intended and thought they were firing at Marshall. Have fun Dolphins fans.... it ain't gonna end well.</li><li>Colts - Duh.</li><li>Cowboys - Enough already we know they are hosting the Super Bowl. Guess what, the mothafuckas ain't going to be there. Talk about a franchise who, in recent years, walks with their chests out while having accomplished jack shit. The roster does look good, I'll admit that much, but I'm not throwing my chips anywhere near the center with Romo and Phillips as my QB and Coach. </li><li>Vikings - Another year of the media Brett Favre circle jerk. I'll save you the drama. He has some gun slinging moments where he throws an under hand pass and Jon Gruden creams his pants in the booth, they win some games, maybe approach last year's success, then when it all matters Favre will brown out his pants and subtly avoid all blame in post game and any other interviews down the road. The media will make excuses and Sportscenter will cover it 24/7.</li></ul>Alrighty time to get to the predictions. These are guaranteed to be very wrong. Here's the thing with predicting the NFL: You always want to pretty much pick the same group of teams who had success the prior year but you KNOW that in all likelihood there will be over 50% new division winners and playoff teams. There will be entirely different conference championship teams and a Super Bowl winner will be crowned that kind of comes out of no where, but not COMPLETELY out of no where.<br /><br />Quick Example:<br /><br />2008 Division Winners: Dolphins, Steelers, Titans, Chargers, Giants, Vikings, Panthers, Cardinals<br />2009 Division Winners: Patriots, Bengals, Colts, Chargers, Cowboys, Vikings, Saints, Cardinals - 3 of 8 were the same<br /><br />2008 Playoff Teams: AFC: Titans, Steelers, Dolphins, Chargers, Colts, Ravens. NFC: Giants, Panthers, Vikings, Cardinals, Falcons, Eagles<br />2009 Playoff Teams: AFC: Colts, Chargers, Patriots, Bengals, Jets, Ravens. NFC: Saints, Vikings, Cowboys, Cardinals, Packers, Eagles - 6 of 12 were the same<br /><br />2008 Conference Championship Games: Steelers vs Ravens, Cardinals vs Eagles<br />2009 Conference Championship Games: Colts vs Jets, Saints vs Vikings - Entirely Different<br /><br />2008 Super Bowl Champion: Steelers<br />2009 Super Bowl Champion: Saints - Neither team was a huge stretch but we weren't exactly expecting them to be hoisting the Lombardi Trophy either.<br /><br />So here goes... try not to predict based on 2009 results but don't be a complete dildo and pick a Browns-Lions Super Bowl either. Let's walk this fine line.....<br /><br />AFC East<br /><br />1st. Miami Dolphins - The AFC East has a brutally tough schedule this year. They play the AFC North and NFC North. The two strength of schedule games is what I feel determines this very tight division. The Patriots play Indianapolis & San Diego, the Jets play Houston & Denver, while the Dolphins play Tennessee & Oakland. I think this plays out a lot like 2008 where the Dolphins just scrap out enough wins to find themselves at 10-6 come season end. Two points to make on Miami.<br /><ol><li>I was talking to Nagle last night and he was scared about the Bills game for obvious trap reasons. When I told him I figure Miami pulls away in the 4th quarter and wins 24-13 or so, he said he didn't care if the final was 3-2, just wants the win. This is <span style="font-style: italic;">exactly </span>their philosophy right through to Sparano. Who the hell cares what the score is just keep winning. I wouldn't be surprised if they finish 10-6 and their PF/PA is close to 0. No style points with these guys.</li><li>Remember, in 2007 the Dolphins went 1-15. The 2008 record of 11-5 was a bit inflated. The schedule was very easy that season. The 2009 step back was predictable. It was probably one of the strongest 7-9 seasons (had the Saints and Colts both on the ropes but blew each game) I've seen and injuries aside it was probably a better team in 2009. Sometimes you have to take one step back before you take two forward. The 1993 Patriots went 5-11 and were among the crummier teams in the league. In 1994 they came out of no where to rip off a winning streak and go 10-6 while making the playoffs for the first time in a long while. We all figured 1995 would be a coming out party but they had injuries and took a step back going 6-10. 1996 turned out to be that party with an 11-5 record and Super Bowl berth. Both those Pats and these Dolphins got the Parcells connection going on... hmm....</li></ol>2nd. New England Patriots - Up until the Leigh Bodden injury I had the Patriots winning the division. Nobody has finished with a better record than the Pats in the AFC East since 2000 and 2010 will be no different. I would say 10-6 but because of those two strength of schedule games the Patriots will finish with a worse inter-conference record than the Dolphins. I also get the feeling, just like 2009, that it will be a bit maddening when you see the Patriots PF/PA differential. The Patriots will destroy some teams and lose a ton of tight games.<br /><br />3rd. New York Jets - I like Rex Ryan's attitude, I love the way they sign their own impact players, I love the swagger, I really love the bamboozle job they did in getting Holmes for a 5th rounder, I like the Cromartie acquisition (17 illegitimate kids and all), I'm not crazy about signing LT the washed up dingleberry, and lastly how can you not love the defense. You're thinking, "Really, Joe, 3rd place, wtf is up with that?"<br /><br />There are a few things that are going to hold the Jets back. First off, the expectations on Mark Sanchez are completely too high and unachievable. In year two he is still going to struggle at times and flat out lose a game or two for you. It's simply part of the growing process. If this team's expectations were 10-6 and they were under the radar a bit (like the Dolphins) I'd feel better, but they aren't. From Hard Knocks to the countless Super Bowl predictions the bar is wicked high for the Jets. I also think Shonn Greene is injury prone. I don't think they will be able to give him the same number of carries that Thomas Jones was able to provide. If they need to run the rock with LT for a 2 or 3 game stretch this season it's going to end up falling on Sanchez's shoulders. He's a QB that will be most effective throwing 20 passes a game or so, not 40. Lastly, could the Jets have a bigger X on their backs going into this season? To boot the Jets open the season with Baltimore, New England, Miami, Buffalo, Minnesota, Denver, Green Bay. I don't think a 3-4 or 2-5 start is out of the question.<br /><br />4th. Buffalo Bills - I can tell this blog is going to be long enough as is, let's not spend any time on the Bills. Mark them down for a top 5 pick in the 2011 draft.<br /><br />AFC North<br /><br />1st. Baltimore Ravens - For the first time in 76 years (more like 14), the Baltimore Ravens will have a better offense than defense. I like that Flacco has already gotten his sea legs with a pretty impressive 3-2 playoff record to start his career. Couple that with the addition of Anquan Boldin (ugghhhh at least Taylor Price should make a huge impact for the Pats this season, oh wait), the studliest of running backs in Ray Rice, and I think we are looking at a team who scores 400+ points and wins the AFC North fairly easily.<br /><br />2nd. Pittsburgh Steelers - Had Big Ben not gone out and unleashed his shlong then allegedly rape a girl, I'd have picked the Steelers to bounce back big time in 2010. Much like the Patriots losing Rodney Harrison in 2005, the Steelers (even moreso) were porked without Troy Polamalu. Now that the long haired, soft spoken, animal is back that defense should be flying around again.<br /><br />Nonetheless it all comes back to Roethlisberger really letting this franchise down. I can't say it any better than Glassman in his predictions, "Remember when Manning missed the preseason in 08? He was bad for like 6 or 7 games before he got going. Big Ben is going to miss 4 games before he even gets to start. Too much to overcome."<br /><br />3rd. Cincinnati Bengals - The offense is relying on a noodle armed QB, a couple of crazy receivers, a trouble making running back, and a rookie TE. They will NOT go 6-0 in the division again. Mark them down at 8-8.<br /><br />4th Cleveland Browns - It's really too bad Hardesty went down for the year, he looked sick in the 4th preseason game before he got hurt. Mangina won't make it beyond this season, but at least Holmgren is calling the shots - I would think they become competitive in the next 2 or 3 years.<br /><br />AFC South<br /><br />1st. Indianapolis Colts - The other team I threw money on in Vegas. The over under on wins was 11.5 and the over paid +170. It would totally be my luck that the Colts crap out once I put money on them but doesn't 12 or more wins seem like an absolute mortal lock?<br /><br />I think it's about time that this is now accepted as fact.... Peyton Manning is the greatest regular season quarterback of all time. Is this even debatable anymore after 2009? He was an artist out there. Every close game he came through. Manning pretty much runs the offense (and quite possibly more than that). You can put him down for a 13-3 record, 4,000+ yards, and 30+ TD's. Sure he's had a good team around him but there is no debate or comebacks to be made, the man is the greatest regular season QB ever, period. Part of me thinks Favre continues to play so that Manning might not break all his records - ain't happenin' Brett. Mark it down, come 2016 or 2017 when Manning hangs them up he'll have smoked all of Favre's records.<br /><br />Now are the Colts approaching the greatest regular season run in NFL history?<br /><br />2003-2009: 12-4, 12-4, 14-2, 12-4, 13-3, 12-4, 14-2 - Total 89-23 (.795 win %)<br /><br />Here are a few more 7 year runs:<br /><br />Patriots (2001-2007) 11-5, 9-7, 14-2, 14-2, 10-6, 12-4, 16-0 -- Total 86-26 (.768 win %) *If you actually go from 2003 to 2009 the Patriots are 1 game better but then you are cutting out a Super Bowl year... I just can't acknowledge it that way<br /><br />49ers (1984-1990) 15-1, 10-6, 10-5-1, 13-2, 10-6, 14-2, 14-2 -- Total 86-24-1 (.779 win %)<br /><br />49ers (1992-1998) 14-2, 10-6, 13-3, 11-5, 12-4, 13-3, 12-4 -- Total 85-27 (.759 win %)<br /><br />Steelers (1973-1979) 10-4, 10-3-1, 12-2, 10-4, 9-5, 14-2, 12-4 -- Total 77-24-1 (.755 win %)<br /><br />Quick, what's the difference between the Colts 7 year run and all these other teams? Yup, you got it 1 Super Bowl title vs multiple titles (You didn't think I'd just praise the Colts here did you?)<br /><br />2nd. Houston Texans - I'm surprised there isn't a bit more hype around the Texans. The offense is going to score a ton of points again with Schaub, Johnson, Foster, Jones, Walter, and Daniels once his knee is good. The defense has quite a few playmakers in Mario Williams, Brian Cushing, DeMeco Ryans, Bernard Pollard (just puked), and rookie CB Kareem Jackson. Mark them down at 10-6.<br /><br />3rd. Tennessee Titans - I don't like teams that can't pass their way back into a game. If the Titans fall behind by 10+ points I'm sticking a fork in them 9 times out of 10. They need to get ahead in games they play. It reminds me a lot of the 2009 Dolphins. They will be competitive in every game but Manning will have a few game winning drives at their expense while VY won't be able to answer in the reverse situation.<br /><br />4th. Jacksonville Jaguars - Calling it now. The Los Angeles Jaguars (or potentially a name change) will begin play somewhere around 2013. What a lousy NFL city, what was the league thinking granting them a franchise over Baltimore, St. Louis, or Tennessee who also put in bids at the time?<br /><br />AFC West<br /><br />1st. San Diego Chargers - Losing the horribly overrated (at least the past 2 or 3 years) LT (and the painful obligation to give him 20+ touches when he didn't deserve 10), playing their division in 6 games + the NFC West = a pretty sick season. If they don't clinch the division by week 12 I'll be shocked.<br /><br />Another thing worth noting is that travel tends to be brutal for west coast teams since the majority of the NFL lies on the east coast. Since the Chargers are playing the NFC West they won't have those short week cross-country flights. Look for them to challenge for the #1 seed.<br /><br />Speaking of cross country flights the Patriots fly to San Diego this season, mark that L down already.<br /><br />2nd. Oakland Raiders - I don't know why but I think the Raiders could be pretty good this year. Maybe the law of averages and sucking so putridly for 7 years has made me delusional about their potential turn around... almost as if they're just due because you can't suck this much forever?<br /><br />Remember the best 7 year runs I listed above? Let's check out the Raiders from 2003 to 2009:<br /><br />4-12, 5-11, 4-12, 2-14, 4-12, 5-11, 5-11 -- 29-83... Goooood.... Lorrrrrd!<br /><br />3rd. Kansas City Chiefs - If Charlie Weis can make something of Cassel I think the Chiefs could turn around fairly quickly. There is a LOT to like about the roster. Jamaal Charles is a stud, Thomas Jones is the perfect compliment, Ponch has informed me that Dwayne Bowe attended Fitz's offseason camp and lost 30 lbs (look for a big year from him), they drafted McClusterfuck & Tony Moeaki, and this is just on offense. Then on defense Eric Berry has been compared to Ed Reed and fellow rookie Kendrick Lewis may be starting at the opposite safety position. I'm sensing another crappyish 6-10 year, but come 2012 or so they should be fighting for a wild card spot.... that is unless they have to start over at QB.<br /><br />4th. Denver Broncos - Hmm so I'm not quite sure where Josh McDaniels is going with this. He's turned Cutler and Marshall into a pu pu platter of Kyle Orton/Brady Quinn/Tim Tebow (and his Nolan Ryan windup delivery) and Demarius Thomas. I'm not sure he's going to survive long enough for this to potentially pan out & turn around.<br /><br />AFC PLAYOFF SEEDS<br /><br />1. Colts<br />2. Chargers<br />3. Ravens<br />4. Dolphins<br />5. Patriots<br />6. Texans<br /><br />Last team out: Steelers<br /><br />Wild Card Round: Patriots over Dolphins (c'mon did you really think I'd give the final word in the AFC East to another team?), Ravens over Texans<br /><br />Divisional Round: Colts over Patriots (I'm not sure who will cover Wayne, Clark, Garcon, Collie, Gonzalez, Addai, Raymond Berry, John Mackey, or anyone else), Ravens over Chargers (San Diego is unseating Indy who unseated the Steelers as playoff choke artists)<br /><br />Conference Championship: Colts over Ravens - Manning leads a last minute game winning drive. All of New England throws up.<br /><br />NFC East<br /><br />1st. New York Giants - They may not be a very popular pick this year but I think the Giants have a nice bounce back season. Let's look at why they fell apart last year:<br /><ul><li>New defensive coordinator that TOTALLY didn't pan out - He got shit-canned. D-Line is now back and completely healthy after Umenyiora missed all last season.<br /></li><li>Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw were dinged up all year - Both 100% healthy and raring to go this year.<br /></li><li>Wide Receiver play was good but a bit erratic - Steve Smith is your possession guy and Hakeem Nicks is going to be a bona-fide stud. Huge breakout year, I'm calling it.</li><li>The Eagles finished higher last season but the transition year to Kolb will probably cost them a few games. The Redskins got better but are still weak at some skill positions. The Cowboys are the chief competition but for whatever reason the Giants own them.</li></ul>On top of that, man I hate to say this, Eli Manning isn't that bad of a QB. You can at least win with him... and his pubey demeanor.<br /><br />2nd. Dallas Cowboys - Every time the Cowboys are hyped up to compete for a Super Bowl they crap down their legs. The NFC East is a TOUGH division. The Cowboys play the NFC North and AFC South to boot. I just don't see Romo or Phillips being mentally tough enough to grind out challenging stretches in the season. It seems you always hear about Dallas having 3 game losing streaks mid-year. Tony Romo is a great fantasy QB but I would never want him leading my potential Super Bowl run.<br /><br />3rd. Philadelphia Eagles - In my opinion, this is pretty much the Green Bay Packers. Long time QB is leaving a good playoff team. There is no debating that the correct move was made to transition the team to your younger QB. I think McNabb will be good in Washington and may kick Philly in the newtons once or twice head to head, but Kolb is going to thrive. It just isn't going to show in the standings in 2010. I do like the Eagles a lot though in 2011 and 2012 as far as a legit Super Bowl contender.... kind of like how I stroke it to the Packers in 2010.<br /><br />4th. Washington Redskins - Fourth place in the NFC East is probably 7-9 or 8-8. Put the Redskins in the NFC West and they may take the division. McNabb could be the most underrated player of the 2000's and Mike Shannahan instead of Jim Zorn at head coach is like going from Rosie O'Donnell to Scarlett Johanson in a porno with Redskins fans as the lead actor.<br /><br />I just don't like the rest of that offense at all. The offensive line is terrible, the running backs are geyzers, and I'm not sure there are enough threats at wide receiver. Santana Moss and Chris Cooley should have nice years but will McNabb have enough time to consistently get them the ball?<br /><br />NFC North<br /><br />1st. Green Bay Packers - The Packers are going to be nasty this season. Once Sydney Rice was put on the PUP list they pretty much clinched the division right then and there. I liked them to split with the Vikings, go 12-4, and win the division anyway, but now it's a slam dunk. Aaron Rodgers should probably already be called a top 5 quarterback but for dink analysts who still like to put Favre, Roethlisberger, or Rivers ahead of him, they won't be able to after 2010. <br /><br />2nd. Minnesota Vikings - Brett Favre had a career season at the age of 40 in his 19th season. He had the highest QB Rating, completion percentage, yards per attempt, and fewest Int's in all his years. Can you believe that?<br /><br />Actually, yes I can. This is marked proof, and one of the best arguments for pro-Brady people in a Brady versus Manning debate, that it is approximately 17,472,183 times easier to play quarterback in a dome than outside in a cold weather environment. Brett Favre didn't get any better. Anyone who says or thinks that is a fucking idiot. You don't get better at age 40. Playing in a controlled environment for at least 8 games a year makes accumulating statistics much easier. That is all that's been proven. Gee, throw a 30 yard pass into snowy wind when it's 10 degrees out or in a 68 degree dome? <br /><br />I know I already proclaimed Manning the greatest regular season QB ever but what would Brady have done playing >50% of his games in a dome. Shit, what would Favre have done? Would he have 100 more TD's and 100 fewer Int's???? Maybe...<br /><br />3rd. Chicago Bears - Here is a team that I have had a hard time predicting. Will Martz make Cutler better? Will Cutler keep acting like a wicked pube daddy? Will Forte bounce back? Will any of their wide receivers break out? Will Martz ever throw to Olsen? Is this defense still good? <br /><br />I'm thinking.... not really, most definitely, not really, probably one of them, probably not, no. Mark them down for 7-9... I think.<br /><br />4th. Detroit Lions - It's bad but I like a lot of this Lions offense. Fantasy wise I found myself grabbing Jahvid Best, Calvin Johnson, and Matt Stafford in mock drafts. Why in god's name would I want to rely on the shittiest team the past 10 years? But I think they are going to put up some points. The Lions may only win 4 or 5 games but I think they are finally on the right path and will become competitive.<br /><br />NFC South<br /><br />1st. New Orleans Saints - No love for the Saints from Vegas. They are 12-1 to win the Super Bowl. The PATRIOTS are 10-1!!! What dingleberry made those lines?<br /><br />Then again that defense last year had approximately 935 turnovers and 261 defensive touchdowns. Those stats are a bit fluky. They allowed a ton of yards and a lot of points. Those stats aren't fluky. I think the Saints offense is still good enough to win 11 games and take the NFC South, but I don't foresee a repeat.<br /><br />2nd. Atlanta Falcons - This has become a trendy team to pick to win the division and conference. Anytime booger eating John Clayton backs a team I go in the opposite direction. Has any other burn victim been given a cushier job that he sucks at more than him? ..... what's that? He's <span style="font-style: italic;">not</span> a burn<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>victim?! Fuck, he's ugly.<br /><br />I remember Clayton coming out each week and picking the Patriots to lose in 2001. Granted this team came out of no where but he was an obnoxious turd about it. His lead story on espn.com was, "The Patriots are a Team of Destiny... Destined to lose to the Rams." Fahk you, Clayton. Why don't you get more sources off of hearsay. <br /><br />I wonder how he feels now that he has Adam Schefter tossing his salad every day with spot on breaking news? <br /><br />3rd. Carolina Panthers - The youngest team in the NFL, your Carolina Panthers. It's weird, just two seasons ago they went 12-4 and were legit contenders to reach the Super Bowl. That's what Jake Delhomme will do to you. Now they are a bunch of rookies with Steve Smith at wideout and two studs at running back.<br /><br />Panthers fans, if they exist, are probably in for 2 or 3 crummy years while they try to turn this ship around. I would imagine they also won't be able to keep D'Angelo Williams & Jonathan Stewart together much beyond this year (which is outstanding fantasy news).<br /><br />4th. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Here is a youth movement I'm liking a lot. If Raheem Morris didn't seem so completely unqualified to do an adequate coaching job I'd have them ahead of Carolina. <br /><br />They are rolling out quite a few rookie or 2nd year players who are going to play a pretty significant roll on the team (Josh Freeman, Kareem Huggins, Mike Williams, Gerald McCoy, and Brian Price). It may result in taking a few lumps in 2010 but it can only make them that much stronger in the next few years.<br /><br />NFC West<br /><br />1st. San Francisco 49ers - I can't even conjure up a scenario where the 49ers don't take the division by 2 or 3 games. Six games against the Seahawks, Cardinals, and Rams - absolute worst they will do is 5-1. Four games against the AFC West, Chargers, Raiders, Chiefs, Broncos - that looks like 3-1. I won't even bother looking at who else they play. If they go 3-3 in those games they are 11-5. I think they could end up as one of those wicked soft 12-4 first round bye teams just through that soft schedule - a lot like how the Bears were in 2001 and 2005, the Falcons in 2004, or the Titans in 2008.<br /><br />Welcome back to relevance San Francisco.<br /><br />2nd. Seattle Seahawks - I commented previously that 4th place in the NFC East is like 7-9 or 8-8. Well, 2nd place in the NFC West is probably like 5-11 or 6-10. How early could the 49ers clinch this division? Week 9?<br /><br />I love that people have talked up Pete Carroll like he's going to be a good pro coach. There isn't a single thing he did at USC that makes me think he won't continue to suck in the NFL. <br /><br />Let's look at what Carroll does exceptionally well:<br /><ul><li>Schmooze recruits and work endlessly to get them to commit to USC - In the NFL you have a draft. You either take the player or you don't when it's your pick.</li><li>Fires his team up with a lot of energy and rah rah spirit - Do you really see established veterans rallying around that? Me either.</li></ul>Carroll left simply because shit is falling over the USC Football program. He knows god damn well all the illegal things that went on and he may as well cash in on a pro job instead of staying for that shit storm.<br /><br />3rd. Arizona Cardinals - First off, fare thee well to Kurt Warner. My five or six loyal blog readers know how much I like Warner. Definitely sad to see him go since he can still perform at a high level but kudos in getting out before you end up getting rolled - especially when you have 19 children.<br /><br />On the other side, good riddance Matt Leinart. What a whiny little bitch. Crying everywhere about being outplayed by Derek Anderson and furthermore, <span style="font-style: italic;">getting </span>outplayed by Derek Anderson. Did everyone see Anderson last year? The guy is fucking horrible. Leinart is just another college qb who had no business being drafted as high as he was in the NFL.<br /><br />He joins the likes of: Brady Quinn, Heath Shuler, Danny Wuerfel, Ken Dorsey, and in two years, Colt McCoy - I'd name more QB's but I don't know shit about college football. Any sport that relies on computers to determine a championship game is pretty dumb and not worth my while.<br /><br />4th. St Louis Rams - Now that I've told everyone how little I know about college football I have to be a complete hypocrite and pretend that I know what I'm talking about.<br /><br />That being said, I think the Rams struck gold with Sam Bradford. The kid has a great arm, is very poised, has a good quick delivery, and seems to have that swagger a NFL quarterback will require. The Rams have very little talent around him and this isn't going to turn around over night, but for the first time in four or five years I think things could be looking up in St Louis.<br /><br />NFC PLAYOFF SEEDS<br /><br />1. Packers<br />2. 49ers, yes the 49ers<br />3. Saints<br />4. Giants<br />5. Falcons<br />6. Cowboys<br /><br />Last team out: Vikings<br /><br />Wild Card: Giants over Falcons, Cowboys over Saints<br />Divisional Round: Packers over Cowboys, Giants over 49ers<br />Conference Championship: Packers over Giants - The game goes to overtime but Aaron Rodgers shows everyone what a good QB does in OT (i.e. doesn't throw a pick in his own end of the field)<br /><br />Offensive Rookie of the Year: CJ Spiller - the only good thing in Buffalo<br />Defensive Rookie of the Year: Rolando McClain<br />Coach of the Year: Mike Singletary<br />MVP: Aaron Rodgers <----- Take this one to the bank<br />Offensive Player of the Year: Rodgers<br />Defensive Player of the Year: Troy Polamalu<br /><br />Super Bowl Prediction: Green Bay Packers over Indianapolis Colts<br />MVP: Aaron Rodgers<br /><br />So how did I do? <br /><br />Did I pick at least 50% new division winners? 2009 - Patriots, Bengals, Colts, Chargers, Cowboys, Vikings, Saints, Cardinals. My picks - Dolphins, Ravens, Colts, Chargers, Giants, Packers, Saints, 49ers. 5 new teams out of 8: CHECK<br /><br />Did I pick at least 50% new playoff teams? 2009 - Colts, Chargers, Patriots, Bengals, Jets, Ravens, Saints, Vikings, Cowboys, Cardinals, Packers, Eagles. My picks - Colts, Chargers, Ravens, Dolphins, Patriots, Texans, Packers, 49ers, Saints, Giants, Falcons, Cowboys. 5 new teams out of 12: NOPE, but not terrible.<br /><br />New Conference Championship teams? 2009 - Colts vs Jets, Saints vs Viking. My picks - Colts vs Ravens, Packers vs Giants: NOPE, 1 repeat team which isn't awful and out of the question<br /><br />Surprising but not so surprising champions? Green Bay Packers: Hell no, this isn't going out on a limb at all.<br /><br />So there you have it, my terrible predictions in which I can't even follow my own guidelines. Hope you enjoyed all 50,000 words of it.JoeLaRohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06653108569795307573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153769831522378978.post-2542502287860743352010-06-18T16:54:00.001-07:002010-06-18T18:57:35.346-07:00Game 7 & Other Dick-Punch LossesA lot of my views are pretty in line with Glassman's but I wouldn't say quite that harsh. I don't think the game was fixed nor do I think Stern benefited in any way with one team winning or losing. Had this happened in Game 6 to get us to a Game 7 then I would be a bit more on board.<br /><br />My thing is this... through 3 quarters of the game last night the two teams were allowed to bang. Dave says it perfectly when he mentions the amount of free throws attempted by each side. The sudden urge to call a tight game in the 4th quarter was ridiculous. As a matter of fact, I told Nagle before Game 7 that if the game is called tight the Lakers would win in a rout whereas if the teams were allowed to play it would be much more beneficial to the Celtics (which it was). <br /><br />Basically had refs called the entire game the way they called the 4th quarter the Lakers would have won by 25 points. <br /><br />I could make up my own analogy about this situation, but I heard Tony Massarotti say it perfectly this afternoon. This is equivalent to watching a baseball game where through the first 7 innings the strike zone was very big, but then at the end of the game the ump decides, ok, I'm taking over, and shrinking it down to nothing. You just don't see that, why <span style="font-style: italic;">would</span> you see that?<br /><br />I have absolutely no problems with the Lakers beating the Celtics legitimately, and they may have anyways if the refs swallowed the whistles. But.... we'll never know, and it's a god damn shame.<br /><br />So now where does this rank in dick-punch losses for New England teams in recent memory..... I got it ranked #4....<br /><br />Ladies and Gentlemen, your top 3 brutal losses (in reverse order).<br /><br />#3. 2006 AFC Championship Game. Colts 38 - Pats 34<br /><br />Patriots beating the Colts 21-3 then the Colts offense goes bananas in the second half, there are a few rotten PI's, Tom Brady & Troy Brown doesn't convert a game clinching 3rd down, Reggie Wayne fumbles right to himself, then Brady ends the game with a pick. To make matters worse douche bag Peyton Manning won the Super Bowl two weeks later and held up what should have been Brady's fourth trophy.<br /><br />#2. 2007 Super Bowl. Giants 17 - Pats 14<br /><br />To this day I would honestly say I think about this game a few times a week. It will haunt me until the day that I die that the Patriots didn't cap off their historic amazing season. Finally a team with the balls to go for perfection (unlike the pussy Colts - how'd that work out Pollian?) then losing it in the final 90 seconds of the Super Bowl cuz some 5th string WR caught a desperation quacker off the side of his helmet. Historically this is the worst loss in my lifetime since history was on the line. However.....<br /><br />#1. 2003 ALCS Game 7. Yankees 6 - Red Sox 5<br /><br />The only game to make me cry like a little girl. Absolutely agonizing defeat when all we knew as Red Sox fans was 85 years of this very same crap.<br /><br />So in conclusion Celtics fans.... well I don't really know where I am going with this, but now I'm going to go pop in the 2001 Patriots America's Game DVD... I need to cheer myself up.JoeLaRohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06653108569795307573noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153769831522378978.post-73205160128817989952010-06-18T08:39:00.000-07:002010-06-18T08:43:24.649-07:00Game 7 Venting.... GlassmanAnyone who needs to vent after Game 7 feel free and I'll post it... I know Dave needed to, so without further ado, here's his take:<br /><br />THE NBA: WHERE FIXED CHAMPIONSHIPS HAPPEN<br /><br /><br /><br />The Fakers. It's not exactly a clever nickname but it couldn't be more fitting really could it? Fake people, fake fans, fake city full of fake boobs, a fake team in a fake league run by a fake commissioner, and most importantly, fake championships.<br /><br />With that said, here my exact words entering the 4th quarter:<br /><br />"The refs are actually calling this game even right now. There's been maybe 1 or 2 bad calls either way"<br /><br />Given what happened, it's amazing that I actually made this statement. But should we really be surprised?<br /><br />Flashback to January. LA at Boston. Boston up by 1. Seconds to play. Pierce goes to his step back shot but has a hand on Artest as he stops a la Michael Jordan on Bryon Russell. Money and the foul. C's up 3 and will win. Oh wait.. why is Artest in the 3rd row? Huh? The foul was on Pierce. I recently watched this game deciding call on YouTube and it was an even more putrid call than I remember. Artest deserves an emmy for that flop and the ref deserves to be executed for calling it.<br /><br />Now let's go back to game 7. I had just made my bold statement. C's were up 6 I believe. Gasol takes a jump shot with Glenn Davis in his face. There is no contact. Swish and one. Ugh, AWFUL call. Ok, no big deal. It's just one bad call right? Kobe has the ball behind the 3 point line with Allen defending. Kobe does the move where a player tries to get a foul because Allen's right hand was in the air over Kobe's arm. Foul. 3 shots. Are you fucking kidding me? They call that? In this game?<br /><br />After everything they've let go? Artest shoulder tackle into Pierce and banks it in. Foul. What the FUCK is going on? And now here it comes...<br /><br />With 4 minutes left in the 4th quarter, Llama Gasol had the ball on the baseline and was being guarded by KG. KG put his arms in the fetal position and turned his side to Gasol as Gasol rose up over him and missed a shot. Foul.<br /><br />It was with this shot that game 7 was decided. Not because LA had the lead. Not because it was a great shot. No. It was because that call was the 4th awful, attrocious call in a row that favored the Lakers. In a game where players were ripping each others heads off for 3 quarters, suddenly standing next to a player was enough to committ a foul - as long as you were wearing green while standing there.<br /><br />At that point, I realized the Celtics would not be allowed to win this game. I refused to watch another second of this debacle. With 4 minutes left, I simply walked outside and waited until the game ended. Yep, you read that right and many friends can confirm it. I absolutely, positively refused to watch anymore of a game that was so obviously fixed. I almost went back in once but was told a 100% clean block on Kobe Bryant had been called a foul.<br /><br />What is even more mind boggling about all of this is that the Lakers were taking jump shots. They weren't being aggressive. 3 of the 4 rotten fouls I named above were JUMP SHOTS!!!!<br /><br />For 3 quarters, these teams played the same way. Tough defense and desparate, bad offense. Not one thing changed in the 4th quarter and yet take a look at the Free Throw numbers.<br /><br />1st - 3rd Quarter: LA 14, Boston 11 (rough average of 5/Quarter & 3.7/Quarter)<br />4th Quarter: LA 23, Boston 6<br /><br />These numbers are staggering. 23 to 6 in the 4th versus 14 to 11 for the first 3 quarters. Any rational, respectable, human being with half an ounce of common sense can absolutely agree that that reeks of fix. Had Jack Nicholson been officiating, there would've been less foul calls on the Celtics. Yet despite not changing their style of play one bit, the Lakers received more than QUADRUPLE the FT'S in the 4th quarter as they did in any other quarter.<br /><br />What I want to know is why? I want to find David Stern and beat this information out of him. Why Stern? Why fix this game?<br /><br />How could you do this to all those diehard Celtic fans who poured their heart and soul into every game? Who lost sleep every night before a game and every night after a loss? To hand another title to the arrogant, bandwagon, cocky, undeserving, condescending, assholes that are the LA Lakers is despicable.<br /><br />Now hard working, good guys like KG, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen will end their competitive careers as losers while evil, whiny, arrogant pricks like Phil Jackson, Kobe Bryant, and Derek Fisher walk out as winners? Whatever happened to good things happen to good people?<br /><br />What's worse is that most of their faggot fans are so busy sucking Kobe's dick that they won't admit that any of their titles were fixed. ARE YOU FUCKING BLIND? 23 FTs to 6?? SIX!!! Sound familiar Kings fans? Until your team is on the wrong end of a fix, you'll never know how it feels. I always thought I understood what happened to the 2002 Kings. I was wrong. It wasn't<br />until last night that I finally got it.<br /><br />I will never again watch a live NBA game. I will always secretly root for the Celtics and against the Lakers but I will not watch. This is after 23 years of watching my Celtics faithfully every year. I will never acknowledge this Lakers title or their 2002 one. Ask me how many titles they have and I will answer 14.<br /><br />In 27 years, I have never, EVER felt this cheated in any walk of life. Everywhere you turn, people are talking about it. I checked countless forums, facebook, and even yahoo answers last night. Every other question is about the refs and the fact that this game was fixed. I guess it is comforting to know that people all over the country are just as outraged and that somewhere... 3,000 miles away... there are millions of people in Sacremento who truly understand.JoeLaRohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06653108569795307573noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153769831522378978.post-25765146962863094512010-06-03T09:43:00.000-07:002010-06-03T14:11:12.898-07:00NBA Finals and more random thoughtsWarning: I'm pretty jacked up for tonight's game so everything written below has a bunch of swears and foul language... if this offends you, too fuckin' bad :)<br /><br />The NBA Finals kick off tonight after another ridiculous 76 day lay off. Hopefully by August the season will be wrapped up... here's a list of some random thoughts and opinions to help ya kill a little time at work.<br /><br />- The 2-3-2 playoff format really ought to go away in all sports, and especially in basketball where home court means more. I could argue that the road team has a tougher challenge to wrap things up at home since game 5 is at home instead of game 6 but then again eff the road team, how about you earn home court advantage. Instead I'll steal this directly from Larry Bird, the home team *should* play game 5 at their place. This is often a tremendously important game that can tip a series in one team's favor. It's stupid that this game is played by the team with the worse win/loss record. All NBA series up to this point follow the much better 2-2-1-1-1 format. From what I understand the reasoning is for the national media to travel less. If I were David Stern I'd hold a press conference announcing the cancellation of the 2-3-2 format. When the first whiny ass media member stated to me that this isn't fair for them, I'd pause, cough gently, clear my throat for a solid 30 seconds then calmly say, too fucking bad you pussy... then walk away.<br /><br />- I was watching a show on the 1960's Boston Celtics and really I couldn't be more impressed. You look back and see 11 titles in 13 years and you just figure, well they had the best team and players therefore back then you just plow through the competition. However the Celtics didn't always have the best record in their own division. They twice finished 2nd and in 1969 finished 4th. During this time frame though the Celtics went a perfect 9-0 in Game 7's. SICK<br /><br />Just about every season in this run they had to go through Wilt Chamberlain the most dominant scorer in NBA history.<br /><br />The best moment to me is in this clip after the 1969 NBA Championship: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j26xl9HP758<br /><br />If you skip to the 7:06 mark you can see abc's interview with Bill Russell. You can tell the man poured his guts out as he's at a loss for words to start the interview. This was Russell's final game and just hearing him speak I can't see how any teammate wouldn't want to run through a brick wall for the man.<br /><br />I rescind my Lakers post as the greatest dynasty in NBA history!!!!<br /><br />- Just kidding about the last remark, it's definitely a very open debate. I thought of a point that I missed in my write up....<br /><br />Basically everyone (especially in this area) has to realize the question is NOT who has had the better of the Celtics-Lakers rivalry. We know this answer, but instead which team has had the most success in franchise history....<br /><br />always think of the good stuff afterward, oh well<br /><br />- Turning my attention to a few things in baseball that piss me off....<br /><br />1. Jim Joyce - I won't beat this to death, just call the guy out, a fucking perfect game trumps you trying to call a close play safe. It's not about you ya tard. You shouldn't have had to even apologize, just call him out to begin with.<br /><br />2. Bud Selig - Not overturning the call... pretty good decision (thick sarcasm)... baseball is so gay, I hate hate hate hate the stupid purist bull shit.... Pitchers hitting is worse than watching nascar, the lack of replay is unacceptable, the lack of accountability in the steroid era both in the game and in the media is a joke... I still love the game but I kind of feel until I have kids of my own who start playing little league or softball, baseball may slide down and stay at #3 or #4 on my sports radar...<br /><br />3. I heard Bobby Valentine on ESPN boasting about the wonderful parity in the MLB. Which is fine, he's right a lot of teams are doing really well. He then pointed out that the last 5 world series champs have been different (White Sox, Cardinals, Red Sox, Phillies, Yankees)... sure that's great<br /><br />Then the dink says well the NFL has the same teams every year... pauses... except the Saints last year....<br /><br />Well, Mr. Valentine <adjusts> ... The year before we had the Cardinals in the SB for the first time ever, 2 years before that the Bears and Colts for the first time in a trillion years, the year before that the Seahawks for the first time, the year before that the Eagles for the first time in forever, the year before that the Panthers for the first time ever, the year before that the Bucs for the first time ever and Raiders first time in forever, 2 years before that the Ravens first time ever, year before that Titans first time ever and Rams first in a while, year before that Falcons first time ever....<br /><br />As a matter of fact here are the NFC Champs going backwards... I'll stop once the same team has been there on my list 3 times... Saints, Cardinals, Giants, Bears, Seahawks, Eagles, Panthers, Bucs, Rams, Giants (there's 2), Rams (2), Falcons, Packers, Packers (2), Cowboys, 49ers, Cowboys (2), Cowboys (3).... 18 years it takes and 13 diff teams played in the SB<br /><br />Translation... shaddup Bobby<br /><br />- I guess it's always relative but man right now the Lakers are so far #1 in my team hatenicity it isn't even funny... then again football is about 3 months away... the Colts will probably reclaim this spot... as for the Yankees - read above, baseball is fading mcgee in my mind<br /><br />- My prediction for the finals is the Celtics will win in 6... the Lakers are still a soft, fruity, snively, showtime wannabe, lame ass, oooh look at us we are a celeb team... I don't want to hear about how they dismantled the big bad tough Suns or the Jazz...<br /><br />And if I'm wrong... Nagle... I will come back here and write a big long post about how horribly wrong I was and how great the Lakers are... I don't expect to write anything, go celts!JoeLaRohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06653108569795307573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153769831522378978.post-75761077891247515102010-05-26T13:20:00.000-07:002010-05-27T04:34:57.014-07:00Greatest Franchise in NBA History DebateThe two greatest franchises in NBA history are the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers. There is no arguing this statement. However there is plenty to argue about regarding which of these two is the best. Below is Glassman's argument for the Celtics and my argument for the Lakers. Enjoy!<br /><br />Boston Celtics - by Glassman<br /><br />THE NBA'S BEST FRANCHISE: BOSTON or LA?<br /><br />When you look at these two teams, it's immediately obvious that they are the two best teams in NBA history by light years. Combined, they have 50 finals appearances and 32 championships. More than 50% of all NBA champions are either from Boston or LA. That's just insane.<br /><br />The Lakers are a finesse team. They play offense. They score points and they look good doing it. It's cool to be a Lakers fan. The Celtics are a team built on hard work and effort. They play defense. They're clutch. They play ugly, scrappy games and find ways to win them.<br /><br />But the obvious question becomes - Which franchise is better?<br /><br />The simple way to answer this is to say that Boston has 17 titles to LA's 15 and therefore they are better. Afterall, it's all about winning the title. Fans don't care about the details as much such as: regular season win % or playoff appearances - both of which the Lakers have more of.<br /><br />Rather than take the easy way out, let's examine how these two great franchises arrived at their respective titles.<br /><br />As you will see, the Lakers have been handed success time and time again in the form of hall of famers falling into their laps, while the Celtics have had to earn all of their titles through hard work and good draft picks. I'm not saying the Lakers didn't work for their titles but given the amount of opportunities they've been given, they have severely underachieved. Read on and you will see what I mean. Further, Boston is clutch in the playoffs. They are 17-3 in the finals. LA finds as many ways to choke in the finals as to win. They are 15-15 in the finals.<br /><br /><br />So let's begin...<br /><br /><br />THE EARLY YEARS 1950-1969<br /><br />The 50's Lakers were the 1st NBA dynasty and they owe it all to George Mikan, the most dominant center of his time. Thing is, the Lakers didn't draft Mikan. He had already been playing professional basketball for years and was the best player hands down. When his original team (the American Gears) folded, its players were put into a draft for the 11 NBA teams to select from. Every team had a 9% chance of winning the rights to Mikan and wouldn't you know it, the Lakers won that pick. As a result, they won 5 titles in 6 years.<br /><br />The Celtics took over as the powerhouse team in the late 50's with GM and coach Red Auerbach building a team the old fashioned way. Good trades, great drafts, and hard work. Auerbach's system was revolutionary and completely changed the game of basketball. He invented the fast break, tough defense, and the 6th man. When you combine this system, the best coach in NBA history, and extremely talented players it's a recipe for success. The Celtics would win 11 of the next 13 championships including 8 in a row. I can't put into words how impressive that is, so I won't try.<br /><br />During this great run of titles, Auerbach drafted the following:<br /><br />1956- Bill Russell*, Tom Heinsohn, KC Jones (probably the absolute most sickest draft any NBA team ever had)<br />1957- Sam Jones<br />1960- Tom "Satch" Sanders<br />1962- John Havlicek aka "Hondo"<br />1969- Jo Jo White<br />1970- Dave Cowens<br />*Bill Russell was technically acquired in a trade on draft day. Red traded future hall of famer and all-star Center Ed Macauley for Russell. I point this out only because the trade was seen at the time as a balanced one. It wasn't Dickfuck McGee for Wilt Chamberlain like all the Laker trades were.<br /><br />All of these draft picks have had their numbers retired and most are in the hall of fame. It's incredible that a team that was so dominant could actually find this kind of talent in the draft.<br /><br />The Celtics didn't beat just anybody for their 11 titles though, a staggering 7 of the 11 titles came against the Lakers. In fact, the Lakers did not win a single title in the 60's. They lost EVERYTIME. The worst of these HAS to be 1969 though.<br /><br />In 1969, the power of the league shifted when reigning MVP Wilt Chamberlain, the most dominant center of his time, was traded to the Lakers for... get ready for it now... Darrall Imhoff (the Knicks center who Chamberlain scored 100 points on), Jerry Chambers, and Archie Clark. I'll sum it up like this: 3 stinkin' piles of garbage were traded for the best scorer/rebounder the game had ever seen. What it came down to is that Chamberlain wanted out of Philly and he wanted to go to a winner. This gave the Lakers, Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, and Wilt Chamberlain. There are 3 major positions in basketball and one could argue that the Lakers had the best player at all 3. Surely that would be enough to beat the now older than dirt Celtics? Nope. The Celtics defeated these Lakers 4-3 in a huge upset. LA led 2-0 and had home court. No team had EVER lost a finals series with a 2-0 lead but the Lakers managed to find a way. Boston took game 7 on LA's home court in a wild finish 108-106.<br /><br /><br />THE MIDDLE AGES 1970-1995<br /><br />After 1969, many of the Celtics retired including Bill Russell. Boston fell to Earth in 1970 but they still had a core of guys leftover - Havlicek, White, and Cowens. Despite having a stacked team, LA won just one title in 1972 while also losing 2 more in 1970 and 1973.<br /><br />Boston rose again in the mid 70's and won 2 more titles in 1974 and 1976 with Auerbach as the GM and Heinsohn as the coach running Red's system. The players and coach that led this charge were all drafted and developed by the Celtics.<br /><br />In 1975, reiging MVP Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the most dominant center of his time, was lured from the Bucks for a big contract and the chance to play for the Lakers. At this point he already had won 3 MVP awards. He was traded for... (drum roll) Walt Wesley, Elmore Smith, Brian Winters, Dave Meyers, and Junior Bridgeman. In summary: 5 rotten pieces of shit for the best center in NBA history (in my opinion).<br /><br />The 80's saw the rivalry renewed. The Celtics drafted Larry Bird in 1979. In 1980, Red traded the 1st and 13th picks in the draft for 2nd year big man Robert Parish and the 3rd pick. With the 3rd pick he drafted Kevin McHale. Again, you see Boston acquiring top talent via the draft and smart trades.<br /><br />These Celtics would win 3 titles in 5 tries with both losses coming to the Lakers. LA was certainly the better team of the decade taking 5 titles in 8 tries. LA's 1985 victory over Boston marked the first time that the Lakers had beat the Celtics in the finals. The 1987 rubber match was marred by the fact that Len Bias - who many compared to Michael Jordan - had died of a drug overdose when he was drafted by Boston in 1986.<br /><br />Boston met tragedy again when another star player died. This time it was Reggie Lewis. The deaths of Bias and Lewis set Boston back by decades and it would be a long time before they would win the finals again.<br /><br />Neither franchise would win in the 90's. LA made it there in 1991 but they were old and soundly beaten by Chicago.<br /><br /><br />THE CURRENT ERA 1996 to PRESENT<br /><br />In 1996, Shaquille O'Neal, the most dominant Center of his time (anyone else notice a pattern here?) was traded to the Lakers... oh wait, no he wasn't traded... he just went there "because". For some odd reason, players in the NBA love to go to LA. Especially, big dominant centers. O'Neal led the Lakers to 3 titles in 4 appearances in 2000, 2001, and 2002.<br /><br />Had it not been for an arrogant, enormously huge prick, LA could have more titles. However, Kobe Bryant just couldn't stand that Shaq was "the man" and his constant bitching, crying, and whining was all Shaq could take. Even the reserved Phil Jackson left briefly.<br /><br />However, after another early playoff exit in 2006, Kobe was now crying, bitching, and whining about not having enough help. You gotta love irony, haha. In 2007, LA stole - er, I mean traded for - Pau Gasol. Gasol was already an established, dominant Center, blah blah blah, you know the deal. In return LA sent future hall of famers Kwame Brown, Javaris Crittenton, Aaron McKie, and some draft picks. Except that none of those bums will be in the hall of fame and I'd bet my life that none of them are even in the NBA anymore.<br /><br />However, in 2007, the Celtics did some trading of their own. Old veterans Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett were looking to play for a winner and the Celtics were shopping. The C's essentially traded away their whole team and all of their draft picks to form "the big 3".<br /><br />Naturally, in 2007, Boston played LA in the finals. EVERYONE was picking LA in 4 or 5. 9 out of 10 experts picked LA. What a bunch of fucking idiots. Boston beat LA in 6, just as every C's fan had predicted, and they closed it out with the ultimate "fuck you, in your face" game beating LA by 39 in the clincher in Boston. To add insult to injury, Boston pulled off the biggest finals comeback ever in LA in game 4 in front of their arrogant, annoying fans by coming back from a 24 point deficit. Yet another finals choke job by the Fakers.<br /><br /><br />I'll end this with 5 quick reasons why the Celtics are better.<br /><br />1) The Celtics are more successful. They have 17 titles and 31 hall of famers. The Lakers have 15 championships and 16 in the HOF. Boston owns a dominating 9-2 edge over LA in the finals, a 40-27 edge in the playoffs, and a hefty 152-120 edge in the regular season.<br /><br />2) The Celtics are one of the original franchises. Their best talent (Bird, Russell, Cousy, Havlicek, Pierce, McHale, Auerbach) was drafted or traded for at a young age and developed in the C's system.<br /><br />The Lakers, by contrast, are nothing but hired guns. They would have EXACTLY ZERO CHAMPIONSHIPS if they didn't pay top dollar to lure Kareem, Chamberlain, Shaq, Gasol, and Phil Jackson away from their original teams to live in Hollywood. Hell, even the team itself was stolen from it's original city.<br /><br />3) Russell is the Jackie Robinson of basketball. One of the pioneers who broke the color barrier. First black coach in sports. The Celtics were the first team to start 5 black players.<br /><br />4) Boston is a better sports town. Blue collar diehard fans. LA is filled with transplants and celebrities and the team priced real fans out of the Staples center long ago.<br /><br />5) Kobe Bryant is easily the most hateable player the NBA has ever known. Outside of LA fans does anyone like him? If you're not a Laker fan, then you most likely hate the Lakers. They're the Yankees of basketball.<br /><br /><br /><br />Los Angeles Lakers - by yours truly<br /><br />Let me begin my post by letting it be known throughout the legion of my 7 or 8 blog readers that I am a Celtics fan through and through. More than just a Celtics fan though, I despise the Lakers. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7r6vXeOfyQ">Kevin McHale clotheslining that turd Kurt Rambis</a> is something I could watch forever on a loop. There is an endless list of the things I hate about the Lakers. I hate how rooting for the Lakers is cool. I hate their stupid colors. I hate that going to a Lakers game seems to be more about who you'll see in attendance than watching the team play. I hate that no matter what city you watch on tv there are 4 or 5 random pubes wearing a Kobe jersey even though the Lakers aren't playing. I hate how the Lakers are always a soft fruity finesse team. I hate how the team clearly had the name Lakers because of all the lakes in Minnesota but now it makes about as much as sense as the Utah Jazz. I hate that I still think "Lakers" is a pretty cool team name anyway. I hate that big time free agents always want to be in LA over any other city. I hate the absolutely attrocious calls I'd see in the Kobe/Shaq playoff era. I hate <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XmeA5VmhX4">that it is basically fact that the refs took the 2002 NBA title away from the Sacremento Kings</a> and gave it to the Lakers yet the douche bag Laker fans still have the nerve to call them the Queens. And I especially hate that the Minneapolis/Los Angeles Lakers are the greatest franchise in NBA history.<br /><br />I know you are probably muttering to yourself, "But wait a minute, Joe, the Celtics have 17 championships to the Lakers 15. Head to head in the finals the Celtics are 9 - 2 against the Lakers. "<br /><br />The fact of the matter is of the Celtics 17 championships 11 of them came between 1957 and 1969. In this time the Celtics were 7 - 0 against the Lakers. Any Laker fan or rational human being on the planet can absolutely positively agree that the Celtics dynasty during this time is the greatest in all sports history. There is just no disputing the incredible dominance.<br /><br />However, the Celtics team history stretches from 1946 to 2010, while the Lakers is from 1948 to 2010. If you cut out this thirteen year stretch of dominance you are left with 51 more Celtics seasons and 49 Lakers. In this time frame, it isn't even close who is the better team.<br /><br />Nonetheless, I cannot pick and choose which years to count and which to avoid in my argument. I will give you the cold, hard facts of the Celtics 64 year history and the Lakers 62 year history.<br /><br />Fact #1 - The Boston Celtics have won 17 NBA Championships. The Los Angeles Lakers have won 15.<br /><br />Of the Celtics 17 NBA titles 2 came in the 1950's, 9 in the 1960's, 2 in the 1970's, 3 in the 1980's, 0 in the 1990's, and 1 in the 2000's. This includes a 22 year gap between titles in 1986 and 2008.<br /><br />Of the Lakers 15 NBA titles 1 came in the 1940's, 4 in the 1950's, 0 in the 1960's, 1 in the 1970's, 5 in the 1980's, 0 in the 1990's, and 4 in the 2000's.<br /><br />The number of teams in the BAA/NBA from 1946-1947 to 1968-1969 ranged from 8 to 14. In the 1970's this grew from 14 to 22 teams. In the 1980's this reached 25 teams. In the 1990's there were 29 teams. Then in the 2000's the Charlotte Bobcats made it 30 teams.<br /><br />Couldn't we all agree that it is far easier to win an NBA title when you are 1 of 8 teams as opposed to 1 of 20 something or even 30? I also would assume that free agency and salary caps didn't loom over every franchise back then either.<br /><br />I'm sure we'd all agree that the New England Patriots winning 3 titles in the 2000's when they competed against 32 teams in a free agent/salary cap era was more impressive than the Green Bay Packers of the 1960's who basically could keep players throughout their career. It's not to say we don't tip our cap to Green Bay but there are just far fewer obstacles.<br /><br />Jumping back to the Celtics - Lakers, the Celtics won 11 titles when the league was miniscule in size to the Lakers 5 titles. Since this time (1970 and forward) the Celtics have won an additional 6 titles to the Lakers 10.<br /><br />Fact #2 - The Celtics have made 20 NBA finals while the Lakers have made it to 30 (these numbers do not include 2010 - both teams could notch another appearance).<br /><br />It's easy to crap on the Lakers for losing so many NBA finals but wouldn't reaching the finals be greater than not reaching the finals? The 10 fewer seasons the Celtics did not make the finals correlate to them having lost sometime BEFORE the finals.<br /><br />Here's an example of what I mean. The Celtics made the finals in 1984, 1985, 1986, and 1987. The Lakers made it in 1984, 1985, and 1987. Each team won 2 titles and the Lakers went 2 - 1 against the Celtics over these 4 years. So who had the better run.... THE CELTICS!!!!! The head to head didn't matter, the Lakers forgot to show up in 1986!!! They lost to the effin' Rockets before reaching the finals!!! Reaching the finals > Not reaching the finals.<br /><br />I can make the same argument for 2008 & 2009. The Celtics had 1 title (over LA), the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Lakers</span> had 1 title but made it both years. Who had the better two year period? The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">LAKERS</span>!!!! In my opinion it is always best to have made it as far as you could!!!<br /><br />Also think about this, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Lakers</span> have made 30 (possibly 31) NBA Finals in there 62 year history. Wouldn't one be impressed with a team who made the playoffs 50% of the time, let alone the finals?<br /><br />Fact #3 - The Celtics have made the playoffs 48 times while the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Lakers</span> have made it 57 times.<br /><br />To put this in perspective the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Lakers</span> have NOT made the playoffs 5 times!!! That's just stupid. They failed to reach the playoffs in 1958, 1975, 1976, 1994, and 2005. The longest stretch not making it was 2 seasons. Year after year, generation after generation you can always count on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Lakers</span> to be a dominant force. From <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Mikan</span>, to West, to Baylor, to Chamberlain, to Magic, to Kareem, to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Shaq</span>, and to Kobe the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Lakers</span> have just trotted out absolute superstars for 62 years!<br /><br />The Celtics have made the playoffs in 48 of 64 seasons which certainly is outstanding as well. However since the 1986 title the C's have fielded some pretty <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">craptacular</span> teams - many of which were strung together for years at a time. This includes teams that lost 50, 49, 67, 46, 31 (in a strike year of 50 games), 47, 46, 49, and 58 games.<br /><br />There is no disputing that the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Lakers</span> have never had a lull in their dominant franchise history. The Celtics were a bit top heavy in that their former years were by far and away their most formidable.<br /><br />Fact #4 - Lady luck sometimes needs to be on your side.<br /><br />I'm by no means attributing either team's success entirely on luck but you do need to get some good breaks along the way. The Celtics had to deal with the tragic loss of two immensely talented players that could have helped extend their run into the late 1980's. Losing Len Bias and Reggie Lewis were two very large blows to the Celtics success. In the Celtics 67 loss season of 1997, they had two lottery draft picks. All anyone could envision was how good Tim Duncan and Keith Van Horn would look in Celtics green. Low and behold the C's ended up with the 3rd and 5<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">th</span> picks that year.<br /><br />Lady luck was kind to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Lakers</span> when Chris Wallace and the Memphis Grizzlies traded <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Pau</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Gasol</span> to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Lakers</span> for a bag of pubes and some used toilet paper. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Lakers</span> were also pretty fortunate that the Charlotte Hornets felt it was smart to trade Kobe Bryant for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Vlade</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Divac</span> & a bin of beard grooming kits.<br /><br />All in all, when you comb through the facts - fuck I hate to say it - the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Lakers</span> are the greatest franchise in NBA history. And what makes me even more miserable is that this 62 year run of dominance isn't going to stop any time soon, unless that slut Lady Luck decides to stop sleeping with those bastards out west.JoeLaRohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06653108569795307573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153769831522378978.post-86584412124680968572010-05-05T13:35:00.000-07:002010-05-05T14:05:23.016-07:00Quit Being a BitchI will admit this. I'm very late in coming over to the Lebron James hateration club. As a matter of fact I didn't really hate Lebron at all. I will always of course root for the Celtics but should they fall I would probably rest my rooting interests on "The King."<br /><br />There are a number of reasons for this:<br /><br />1. I hate Kobe, I hate the Lakers, and I hate their stupid fans a ton - This is the NBA. It's a league where your Cinderella feel good teams may win one round but they sure as shit aren't winning a championship. Therefore to stave off another Lakers gay ass championship I will put my alliance with a team and star player who I think could beat them. So out of necessity I would pull for, wouldn't quite say root for, the Cavs n James.<br /><br />2. Cleveland deserves a title - If you think New England was ever down on its sports luck you haven't met our friends in Ohio. Cleveland has three professional sports teams: Indians, Browns, and Cavaliers. Of these three teams the Browns were the tits in the 50's and 60's. That's it. The 1964 Browns are the last Cleveland team to win a title. Since that time these fans have dealt with: John Elway raping them in the 1986 AFC Championship with <span style="font-style: italic;">The Drive</span>, Earnest Byner blowing the AFC Championship game the next year with <span style="font-style: italic;">The Fumble</span>, a boner of a loss to the Raiders in I believe either 1980 or 1983 where they were down a point and instead of running to set up a FG threw an INT, the Browns being moved to Baltimore, no football from 1996 to 1998, the New Browns coming in and sucking for 10+ years, the Ravens (the old Browns) winning a Super Bowl and being a perennial playoff team, the Indians getting good directly as a result from the strong vibes of the <span style="font-style: italic;">Major League</span> movies, the Indians then blowing the 1995 World Series to the inferior Braves, the 1997 Indians & namely Jose Mesa REALLY blowing the World Series to the Marlins, the 1990's Indians in general never winning a championship despite being so dominant, the 2007 Indians blowing a 3 games to 1 lead to the Red Sox where a win left them against the inferior Rockies, the Cavs losing in 1989 on Michael Jordan's famous buzzer beater over Craig Ehlo, the team sucking giants balls for a good 10 years, then landing a franchise saving first pick in James, who still hasn't delivered because he hasn't really stepped up the last two years in the playoffs, AND TO BOOT the Cavs could lose this year and legitimately see James go on to the Knicks or Bulls. Needless to say I sympathize with these fans.<br /><br />3. James' game, in my opinion, is much more likable than Kobe's. He's a phenomenal teammate, great passer, jokes with the guys, and doesn't call them out publicly although it's pretty apparent he hasn't really had the talent he needs around him and no one would really blame him if he were to bitch. Whereas Kobe is just a giant pube of a human being.<br /><br />However these feelings changed just about a week ago. Sure, I still feel sorry for the Cleveland fans but that sally-ass, pussy-elbow, left handed free throw shooting bull shit was some of the lamest nonsense I've ever seen.<br /><br />All James is accomplishing by crying about his wimpy "injury" is he gets to protect the Lebron James product. It's pretty friggin expected that this man will win multiple NBA championships. Maybe his elbow is a little sore (I'm sure just about every player is at this point) but what's there to gain by faking this lame injury???<br /><br />Basically Sportscenter and reporters who take turns giving him HJ's will make the story even bigger than it already deserves to be. Then when (not if) the Cavs blow it - whether it'd be to the Celtics, Magic, or Lakers - James can fall back on his sore wittle elbow as the excuse to why he STILL hasn't delivered.<br /><br />Is it just me or does this seem as if it is becoming a trend?? James and the Cavs look unbeatable in the regular season, and hell I admit I was ready to hand them the trophy the past TWO seasons, then in the playoffs they look very ordinary. They are lucky to not be down 2-0 to the aging freaking Celtics!! <br /><br />We will have our answer in about a month, but if I were to bet I would say an NBA Finals loss to the Lakers and an offseason filled with mysterious elbow excuses & Lebron James free agency tour is what's in store.<br /><br />At least the Cleveland fans have Mike Holmgren in town to turn around the Browns, right?JoeLaRohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06653108569795307573noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153769831522378978.post-27476478880836568472010-02-15T07:28:00.000-08:002010-02-19T08:40:37.007-08:00Top 5'sThis time of year sucks. No football for a good five months and no meaningful football for about seven months. So here's a bunch of top 5's... mostly football but with a few other lists sprinkled in...<br /><br />Super Bowl Favorites for 2010<br /><br />5. Dallas - Had only they canned Wade Phillips for a Bill Cowher/Jon Gruden/Mike Shannahan type coach<br />4. Green Bay - Love Rodgers and where that shit is going<br />3. Indianapolis - I sniff a hangover but then again they'll win 12+ games and take that division<br />2. San Diego - I think losing LT and the obligation to feed his old ass the rock will be a weight off the Chargers shoulders<br />1. New Orleans - Drew Brees is a pimp<br /><br />Teams that will make the playoffs after a 2009 miss<br /><br />5. Panthers - Hog tie Jake Delhomme and launch him off a cliff... Start Matt Moore (anyone really who won't fuck it up)<br />4. Titans - They aren't as good as the 2008 13-3 record but they don't nearly suck as much as the 0-6 start... I'd peg them at 10-6 and a wild card spot<br />3. 49ers - Kurt Warner's retirement opens the door for San Fran to take that craptacular division<br />2. Giants - Waaaaay too good to be finishing 8-8<br />1. Steelers - Keep... Polamalu... HEALTHY!!!<br /><br />Teams to fall off after making the playoffs in 2009<br /><br />5. Patriots - The Dolphins and the Jets are younger and getting better n better each year... the Pats need to make some noise this offseason<br />4. Eagles - This team should be in the playoffs again but I'm afraid of how they'll handle the McNabb situation. The right move would be to ship him off and start the Kevin Kolb reign in Philly but who knows what they'll do.<br />3. Jets - I love the Jets roster but you just never know with young teams. They could fall off a bit in year 2 of the Sanchize era or they could go 12-4. Neither would shock me.<br />2. Cardinals - I'm not a Matt Leinart believer<br />1. Bengals - Will NOT be going 6-0 in the division again<br /><br />If I started an expansion team and could have 1 QB for 1 Year it would be...<br /><br />5. Aaron Rodgers - The only blemish I see so far is that he takes far too many sacks..<br />4. Ben Roethlisberger - Classic case of taking your stats and shoving em up your ass... Man has intangibles through the roof<br />3. Tom Brady - I'm thinking year 2 after the injury is more like the Brady of old and less like Carson Palmer after his knee injury<br />2. Peyton Manning - hmmm well where will this expansion team play? In a dome, maybe I put Manning #1... in a cold wintery city he may drop to 3 or 4<br />1. Drew Brees - The man put on a clinic at the Super Bowl with good, but not great talent around him.<br /><br />If I could pick a QB and have him at least a good 5-7 years...<br /><br />5. Tom Brady - A teeny weeny bit fearful of how it'll play out for Tom... I should be struck down for such blasphemy<br />4. Philip Rivers - Like I said above, losing LT is going to be huge for the Chargers... just wait and see<br />3. Peyton Manning - Manning will age gracefully and still be very effective right down to the end of his career<br />2. Drew Brees - 31 years old and should be plenty good this decade to come<br />1. Aaron Rodgers - I'm the conductor of the Aaron Rodgers train... hop aboard<br /><br />Top 5 NBA Title contenders this season (just for the record 3 through 5 don't matter on this list)<br /><br />5. Spurs - Eh maybe they have a big upset in em<br />4. Magic - Still a tough matchup for the Cavs<br />3. Mavs - Sure... why not...<br />2. Cavs - Regular season is paralleling last season... gotta not shit the bed before the finals this time<br />1. Lakers - Champs til someone knocks em off<br /><br />Top 5 best uniforms in the NFL... I always go for <a href="http://i.a.cnn.net/si/2004/writers/michael_silver/10/01/open.mike.niners/tx_montana_getty.jpg">simple</a> over <a href="http://i.a.cnn.net/si/2004/writers/don_banks/03/04/ravens.owens/p1_owens_getty.jpg">too much shit going on</a>... <a href="http://i.a.cnn.net/si/2006/writers/jeffri_chadiha/08/11/raiders.postcard/T1_Jordan_Getty.jpg">fewer colors is a huge plus</a> and I don't like teams who have like <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/d1/AFCS-Uniform-Combination-TEN.PNG">19 variations</a> of <a href="http://www.colourlovers.com/uploads/2008/10/nfcs-uniform-atl.PNG">their uniform</a>... I also like uniforms that are <a href="http://www.ssur.org/research/CK_NFLUniforms/images/chibears.jpg">tried and true</a> lasting <a href="http://sportsfullcircle.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/aaron-rodgers.jpg">years and years</a><br /><br />5. <a href="http://cdn.bleacherreport.com/images_root/slideshows/955/slideshow_95579/display_image.jpg">Jets</a> - <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/0a/AFC-Throwback-Uniform-NYJ.PNG">Ditching the all greens</a> and going back to the <a href="http://img.fannation.com/upload/si_blog_post_images/21161/joe-namath-si.jpg">Joe Namath unis</a> was a great move... probably have the best helmet in the NFL<br />4. 49ers - Losing the busy maroon unis that I linked above for the cherry red Joe Montana 1980's look was very smart... more teams need to take notice<br />3. <a href="http://cdn.bleacherreport.com/images_root/slideshows/1051/slideshow_105196/display_image.jpg">Colts</a> - I hate them with every fiber of my being but they look good out there... <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:AFCS-Uniform-IND.PNG">Royal blue and white</a>, simple as hell and you'd think <a href="http://i.cdn.turner.com/sivault/si_online/covers/images/1972/0710_large.jpg">Johnny Unitas</a> was running out of the tunnel onto the field.<br />2. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:AFCW-Uniform-OAK.PNG">Raiders</a> - It's too damn bad they <a href="http://assets.espn.go.com/photo/2008/0610/nfl_g_russell_300.jpg">suck</a> so much cuz that is a nice looking uniform. Remember when the <a href="http://cache3.asset-cache.net/xc/81801676.jpg?v=1&c=IWSAsset&k=2&d=77BFBA49EF8789215ABF3343C02EA548A15E72C7B058C852DB420DDC0B0BEB298BDC5D193F25CDE3">silver and black</a> meant something?<br />1. <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/1/10/NFCS-Uniform-NO.PNG/275px-NFCS-Uniform-NO.PNG">Saints</a> - Black and Gold are so solid together. Simple design and I love the <a href="http://www.pollsb.com/photos/o/9812-new_orleans_saints.jpg">logo n helmet</a><br /><br />I also like the <a href="http://www.hellopittsburgh.com/Images/Photos/972005Jerome_Bettis_steelers-sm.jpg">Steelers</a>, <a href="http://cowboys.beloblog.com/archives/emmitt.jpg">Cowboys</a>, <a href="http://www.kcchiefsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/DerrickThomas1.jpg">Chiefs</a>, Browns (<a href="http://onlinesportshandicappers.com/news/images/stories/new-york-giants-vs-cleveland-browns-monday-night-football-preview-10-13-2008.jpg">home</a>), Packers, and Bears<br /><br />5 Worst Uniforms...<br /><br />5. <a href="http://www.sportssoundoff.net/zone/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/washington-redskins.jpg">Redskin</a>s - Just a dumb team name and dumb logo... imagine if they had a derogatory name/logo for any other ethnic group? People be up in arms...<br />4. Rams - Here is a classic case of trying to <a href="http://i.a.cnn.net/si/2004/writers/michael_silver/07/30/faulk/p1_faulk_getty.jpg">modernize</a> something that <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/d/d1/NFC-Trowback-Uniform-STL.PNG/250px-NFC-Trowback-Uniform-STL.PNG">already looked great</a> and <a href="http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/30uicvZU-om/St+Louis+Rams+v+New+York+Jets/64A1pEJbdNY/Marc+Bulger">failing</a><br />3. Bengals - Just ugly crappy uniforms... and another team with 76 different variations... <a href="http://img32.imageshack.us/i/cincinnatibengals.png/">each of them sucking</a><br />2. Seahawks - I admit that the Seahawks uniforms <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqbN9NanHM_DknviSZWx35gMEng2GoMLRE81sONnfU76VQ9SW1CRYAtS1Qc3KFArEydKlqZE2MO6EPjMOHqtFEuemPRWT1udQTvGwveSgNE9RozgO9RAHoCGOqlPWJ1g8A73h1MCPxVoQ/s1600/gallowayseattle.JPG">needed an update</a> but the <a href="http://cdn.bleacherreport.com/images_root/slideshows/904/slideshow_90420/display_image.jpg">blue on blue with a tint of lime green</a> is awful... and those <a href="http://www.totalprosports.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/seattle-green-goblins.jpg">alternate unis</a> they wore against the Bears were the worst atrocity in NFL history... the man who decided to put that out there should be killed<br />1. Bills - Here is a team with a <a href="http://images.usatoday.com/sports/football/_photos/2005-06-04-bills-uniforms.jpg">fantastic throwback uniform</a> and a <a href="http://www.classicbuffalo.com/images/JimKelly.jpg">decent former uniform</a> but instead decided on this <a href="http://www.billszone.com/gallery2/d/4410-1/76359926GS010_BUFFALO_BILLS_20070830193345_gallery_600.jpg">heinous look</a><br /><br />I also hate the <a href="http://i2.cdn.turner.com/si/2008/writers/richard_deitsch/05/07/tomlinson_qa/p1_tomlinson.jpg">Chargers</a>, <a href="http://thestartingfive.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/am-i-about-to-get-fired.jpg">Broncos</a>, <a href="http://www.austincarty.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/steve_smith.jpg">Panther</a>s, <a href="http://www.jaguarsgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/capt_1409bd3457b947af8bdbf8aa48bdf063_raiders_jaguars_football_flpc204.jpg">Jaguars</a>, and Titans<br /><br />Top 5 Running Backs of my lifetime - In other words if I could pick a player and have him for the duration of his career on the Pats<br /><br />5. LT - He's a snivelly bitch but I can't leave him off the list he was a sick player<br />4. Marshall Faulk - He could run, catch, block, was smart as hell, scored a ton of touchdowns, and from what I gather was a good teammate too<br />3. Barry Sanders - I don't know that Barry Sanders fits the bill of a running back I'd build a championship team around... he'd run for 2 yards, -4 yards, then bust one for 35... however it would have been friggin sick to have seen him play in person during his prime<br />2. Terrell Davis - Crazy how quickly he has been forgotten but I'd match TD's prime with any running back in NFL history... a shame injuries ended his career so soon<br />1. Emmitt Smith - A start to his career that rivaled TD along with longevity hardly anyone has ever seen... heart of a champion and an absolute battering ram to get you 4 yards every carry.<br /><br />Top 5 Dumbest NHL Teams - I'm still not over the ridiculous amount of over expansion that went on in the 90's<br /><br />5. Florida Panthers - People in Miami have better things to do than watch hockey..<br />4. Atlanta Thrashers - Let's give Atlanta another sport where they don't show up to things...<br />3. Columbus Blue Jackets - So Cleveland and Cincinnati have proven to be decent Ohio sports towns but instead you stick a franchise in Columbus? I couldn't even name 1 player to have ever played for the Blue Jackets<br />2. Nashville Predators - Really? It was a good idea to put an EXPANSION team in Tennessee of all places???<br />1. Phoenix Coyotes - There has never been one crystal of ice in Arizona... they don't care about hockey whatsoever... move these guys back to Winnepeg!!!<br /><br />Top 5 Nastiest Teams in Tecmo Super Bowl for NES<br /><br />5. Bears - Very underrated team... Neil Anderson and Brad Muster are solid rb's and the D has a lot of nasty players in Mike Singletary, Richard Dent, and company<br />4. Oilers - If you like to pass it doesn't get better than Moon and four nasty receivers in Hill, Givens, Jeffires, and Duncan<br />3. 49ers - The niners have a solid ass hall of fame offense with Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, Jon Taylor, Brent Jones, Roger Craig, and Tom Rathman but they don't really have that go to pass rusher which is a must... Charles Haley and Ronnie Lott are solid on defense but not quite top tier<br />2. Giants - They don't have the greatest offense but Meggett n Andersen are strong enough and LT (the real and original LT) is sick nasty<br />1. Bills - People may not agree but tell me where the Bills are weak? Thurman Thomas, Andre Reed, James Lofton, QB Bills (Jim Kelly), Bruce Smith, Darryl Talley... strong ass team but I won't lie I'd take any of the top 3<br /><br />* Not putting the Raiders in here... Bo Jackson is a 1 man attack... Two plays against the computer may work but against another person doesn't cut it<br /><br />5 Crappiest Teams in Tecmo....<br /><br />5. Bucs - The Bucs actually have a few decent players but if you were to simulate 50 seasons they might make the playoffs in 3 of them<br />4. Cardinals - Can anyone name any player from the Cards? Via Sikahema and Johnny Johnson are the only two coming to mind... they have been a pretty miserable franchise for a good 75 years... Tecmo is no different<br />3. Seahawks - VERY underrated shitty team... they fly under the radar but if you try to play with them you will quickly realize that they don't have shit for players<br />2. Colts - Jeff George has a strong arm but after that they don't have shit for playmakers...<br />1. Patriots - Steve Grogan didn't even play in 1991... he retired and we know why... good God he sucks in Tecmo. The Pats defense is littered with slow ass guys too.... I wish I were lying but I've played in/simulated THOUSANDS of tecmo seasons and not one time, NOT ONE TIME has the Patriots made the playoffs (unless I controlled them). I've seen them finish 7-9 once and 8-8 once.<br /><br />5 Best Characters on The Office<br /><br />5. Kevin - I love his deliberate slow talking.. especially in the solos to the camera<br />4. Jim/Pam - They were better in the older episodes<br />3. Andy Bernard - Ed Helms just friggin kills me... he plays the goofball perfectly<br />2. Dwight - Rainn Wilson has been forever typecasted<br />1. Michael - He's everything you'd want in a main character... polarizing as all hell, selfish, unprofessional, flat out terrible at his job... He drives everyone crazy yet he shows his softer side here and there<br /><br />That's all for now....JoeLaRohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06653108569795307573noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153769831522378978.post-88505406908980673442010-01-28T09:08:00.000-08:002010-01-29T06:33:30.436-08:00Rope a DopeOh Brett <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Favre</span> you were starting to fake some people out. I've known for a long while that you were a gun slinging, egotistical, media whore, interception machine, but you even made <em>me</em> drop my guard for a moment! All season long I've posted blog after blog which <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">forecasted</span> that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Favre</span> the phony would throw a critical interception at the worst possible moment.<br /><br />Why would anyone not think this way? <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Favre</span> has 317 career interceptions and an additional 30 playoff <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">INT's</span>. Only Dan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Marino</span>, Peyton Manning, and Fran Tarkenton have more career TOUCHDOWNS then <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Favre</span> does interceptions in the history of the NFL. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Favre</span> has thrown more than 20 interceptions in a single season SIX times!<br /><br />He has thrown two of the most egregious interceptions I have ever seen. In 2003 in a playoff over time game at Philadelphia, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Favre</span> threw a back footed floater about 40 yards down field. There wasn't a Packer within 20 yards of the ball and Brian <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Dawkins</span> looked as if he was fielding a punt. Needless to say he intercepted the pass and a few moments later David <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Akers</span> & the Eagles ended the Packers season.<br /><br />The second despicably bad interception was his last throw as a Packer. In the 2007 NFC Championship game the Packers had been let off the hook not once but TWICE by Lawrence Tynes who missed both game winning field goal attempts. You'd figure with the temperature being approximately minus 72 that this would discourage the Giants and invigorate the Packers to steal a win in what had seemed to be a magical season for Green Bay. This is probably true if you have anyone but Brett <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Favre</span> under center. In his typical boner fashion this boner threw an interception on (I believe) the VERY FIRST PLAY of over time!!! Again, needless to say, a few moment later Tynes gained redemption and kicked a frozen brown block through the uprights propelling the Giants into the Super Bowl.<br /><br />I'd personally like to say fuck you to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Favre</span> for this one in particular. I would have preferred he held that interception in him for another week. In that case my living room would currently be decorated with 19-0 apparel.<br /><br />All the while we have irrefutable evidence, as the officials would say, of how much Brett <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Favre</span> sucks (well I guess he doesn't suck in the sense that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">JaMarcus</span> Russell sucks but aside from his incredible longevity he is a top 15 quarterback at best). You would never know any of this if you were, for instance, a foreigner who came over to America to learn about the National Football League. This foreigner would tune into <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Sportscenter</span>, pregame shows, and watch each game to see analyst after analyst after announcer after analyst giving <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Favre</span> a never ending knob job.<br /><br />"He's a warrior."<br />"This guy here is such a competitor, does it get any better than Brett <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Favre</span>?"<br />"Nobody has more fun out there than Brett <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Favre</span>."<br /><br />I honestly want to know, what is each of these idiots actually DOING when they see him throw another interception?<br /><br />(<em>Pans to Ron <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Jaworski's</span> house as Jaws is coming back from the bathroom</em>.... "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Hmm</span>, I wonder how the Bears got the ball back. The Vikings must have punted.")<br /><br />I however heard two of the most asinine comments I have ever heard regarding <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Favre</span> courtesy of Terry Bradshaw and Tom Jackson. Prior to the NFC Championship Bradshaw said, and I'm paraphrasing, 'I have loved watching Brett <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Favre</span> and he in my opinion is the greatest quarterback to ever play.'<br /><br />Made me want to puke. Off the top of my head without even stopping to try and think of other players, I would rather have: Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Joe Montana, Steve Young, John <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Elway</span>, Dan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Marino</span>, Bart Starr, Roger <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Staubach</span>, Otto Graham, Johnny Unitas, Fran Tarkenton, Ben <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Roethlisberger</span>, Troy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Aikman</span>, and Kurt Warner.<br /><br />Notice that I didn't put Bradshaw on there. That overrated piece of crap won four Super Bowls riding a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">hellacious</span> defense and stellar running game. Had you replaced Bradshaw with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Favre</span>... well... <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">uhhh</span>... <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">ok</span> I'll put Bradshaw in there too <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">cuz</span> at least he didn't fuck it up for his team.<br /><br />The second comment from Tom Jackson came AFTER the Vikings crushing loss to the Saints. Jackson said, and I quote, "That’s the thing about Brett <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">Favre</span>; he’s not afraid to throw an interception. That’s one of the things I most admire about him." <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">Ummm</span>... what?!?!?! Tom, if you want me to throw on some shoulder pads, a helmet, and throw 15 picks a game for the Vikings I'd be happy to. It's been my life long dream to garner your admiration and, shit, you don't seem hard to please! <br /><br />It's maddening!!! Maddening, maddening, maddening, maddening!!!!<br /><br />So as the Saints-Vikings game kicked off, I all but had black and gold pumping through my veins. After all, what's worse than the Colts in the Super Bowl? Brett <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">Favre</span> being the opponent! As the game moved on though something funny happened....<br /><br />I watched this game by myself so here's a bit of a synopsis of what went through my head...<br />--------------------<br />- Jeeze, they couldn't capitalize on that Reggie Bush turnover!! Oh man ANOTHER Vikings fumble?! They took out Peterson, my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">gahd</span> they are falling apart!<br /><br />(Shots of Brett <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">Favre</span> talking AP through it on the sideline, keeping him & his team mentally in the game)<br /><br />- Holy shit what a hit!! He <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">musta</span> broke his ribs on that?? No flag!?!?! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">Favre</span> just got clipped below the knee, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">jesus</span>!!!<br /><br />(Shots of Brett <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">Favre</span> grimacing but continually getting up and fighting)<br /><br />- Fuck me, I'm not actually starting to pull for the Vikings am I? I mean I hate <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">Favre</span> but even the most venomous hater like myself can't do anything but admire that he's fighting his balls off for this.<br /><br />(Vikings ball 2 minutes and change left. Completion, completion, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44">SEEEEEEED</span> to Sidney Rice. 10 yard run by Chester Taylor)<br /><br />- Oh my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45">gahd</span> they are going to win this game. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46">Favre!!</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_47">FAVRE?!?!</span> <em>BRETT <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_48">FAVRE</span></em> has held his team together and displayed the type of gritty winning performance that would put Willis Reed to shame!!!!!<br /><br />- Damn this is a big play, 3rd down... oh shit he has <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_49">maaad</span> room to run...<br /><br />*************************************<br />ROPE A MOTHER FUCKING DOPE!!!!<br />*************************************<br /><br />(<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_50">Favre</span> rolls right and that gun slinging, egotistical, media whore, interception machine throws completely across his body to a covered Sydney Rice, PICKED OFF!)<br />--------------<br /><br />I mean could there have been a more fitting ending to this? The microsecond after the interception I knew this game was over. They didn't need to flip the coin in over time because 100 out of 100 times the Saints would have won the toss. They didn't need to review a single play, they didn't need to even play the effing over time. That game was over.<br /><br />Just another case of Brett <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_51">Favre</span> being Brett <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_52">Favre</span>. I just can't believe he was starting to rope me in..... I feel dirty.....JoeLaRohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06653108569795307573noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153769831522378978.post-29023138642062778632010-01-21T08:58:00.001-08:002010-01-22T20:05:34.613-08:00Championship Games<div>There we go... 1-3 in the divisional round. That's more like my prediction track record. I got the Colts right but the Saints, Vikings, and Jets wrong. I thought the Saints would win but that it'd be a tighter game. That's the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Jeckyll</span>-Hyde Cardinals for ya... That puts my playoff picks at 4-4. I can still pull off a respectable 7-4 finish, but before I give you my terrible predictions here are a few thoughts....<br /><br />- These playoffs have been brutally bad. We have had eight games thus far and only two have been close. The Cardinals-Packers wild card game and the Jets-Chargers from last weekend. For many people around here (myself not included), seeing the Jets win doesn't even qualify as a good game. Every other game has been brutal. Off the top of my head this is the worst playoffs since 2000. I did my best to recall 2001 to 2008 and was able to think of some pretty memorable or at least competitive games each year.<br /><br />In 2000 the Wild Card Round featured the Ravens smoking the Broncos, the Dolphins beating the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Seahawks</span>, Eagles over the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Bucs</span>, and the Saints over the Rams (decent game - Hakim fumble lost it for the Rams). Then the 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">nd</span> round had the Ravens over the Titans (good game - Ray Lewis taking the ball from Eddie George for a TD and upset win), Raiders rolling the Dolphins, Giants destroying the Eagles, and the Vikings smoking the Saints.<br /><br />To make matters worse in 2000 the Ravens beat the Raiders in a boring game while the Giants annihilated the Vikings 41-0. The Super Bowl was a 34-7 rotten <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">matchup</span> that Baltimore won. Hopefully 2009 doesn't match 2000 in its entirety.<br /><br />- Sucks to be a Chargers or Cowboys fan. You have talented teams that should be competing for Super Bowls but each has a complete turd running the show in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Norv</span> Turner and Wade Phillips respectively. Guess what happened after each team's loss/poor efforts this weekend? Turner gets a three year extension and Phillips does too! Now that's two teams to scratch off the list of contenders next year!<br /><br />- I have totally whiffed on the Jets up to this point, and maybe now I'm just listening to too much Michael <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Felger</span> on 98.5, but this is a team that probably could have gone 11-5 this year had Sanchez not stunk it up so badly in a few games - granted that is what most rookie <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">qb's</span> do. Fans of the Patriots, Dolphins, and Bills (if they exist) should definitely be a little uncomfortable in years to come. That defense is top notch and if Mark Sanchez becomes an average to decent QB it's a 10 win team each year for the next few seasons.<br /><br />- I guess last week gives one point to "rest" in the rest versus rust debate. Colts & Saints rolled their opponents.<br /><br />CHAMPIONSHIP GAME PREDICTIONS<br /><br />Jets @ Colts (-7.5)<br /><br />- I thought the Jets would lose to the Bengals. I thought they'd lose to the Chargers. I was dead ass wrong each time. Well... third time's a charm. I like the Colts to win and cover in this game. It is a tall tall task to beat Peyton Manning and the Colts. They are at home, rested up, and the most fucking savvy team in the league by a long shot. It will take a huge effort to keep this game close - which the Jets are capable of - but it will take a monumental effort to actually close the deal and win this game. </div><div> </div><br /><div>- It may not be pretty at times, but I really can't bet against the Colts. Their <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">clutchness</span> this season has been uncanny. I could not be more sure of the Colts during a tight game. It's like watching the 2003 & 2004 Patriots. The game might be close, might get sloppy, but shit-fuck they'll pull it out. It's maddening how many breaks they get, but then again championship teams will make & get these breaks along the way (which includes our Patriots many-a-time).</div><div> </div><br /><div>Colts 24 - Jets 16</div><div> </div><br /><div>Vikings @ Saints (-2.5)</div><div> </div><br /><div>- Have I mentioned that I hate Brett <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Favre</span>? My <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">gahd</span> I hate Brett <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Favre</span>. </div><br /><div> </div>- If it's a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Favre</span>-Manning Super Bowl I think we'll need to send thousands of gallons of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Vaseline</span> to the ESPN Football Analysts to help these guys with all the blisters on their hands and dick.<br /><div> </div><br /><div>- The Vikings pass rush is totally a game changer. That should be the model for the next direction of the Patriots defense. Screw this bend but don't break wimpy shit. Get yourself a stud who pins his ears back and gets after the quarterback. I'd say Jared Allen is a top 5-10 player in the NFL.</div><div> </div><br />- We all saw Reggie Bush play last weekend... All I got is six words for that performance... "WHERE THE FUCK HAS THAT BEEN?!?!?!" Did anyone who watched this guy play for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">USC</span> NOT think this would be the standard Reggie Bush performance? Has there been a more disappointing player in the past 10-15 years??? Yeah I know, I know, there have been complete flops like Ki-Jana Carter or Ryan Leaf but, fuck... Reggie Bush was Gayle Sayers. Reggie Bush was Barry Sanders. Just look at the guy! He's built like a mack truck, he's lightning quick, I'd say he's the best athlete to step on a football field since <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Deion</span> Sanders or Bo Jackson. I can only hope that he can stay healthy and put together a career that matches the flashes of brilliance he displays but I'm afraid that's probably not the case. I think Sean Payton knows this too. I'm hardly the first to think this, but Payton probably did his best to keep Bush fresh knowing that he will need to unleash him for the playoffs.<br /><br />- I think the Saints as a whole are America's choice of the final four teams. First off, you have all the Katrina stuff with New Orleans. On top of that, they unquestionably have the best uniforms in the league, the best logo, and a roster filled with <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">likable</span> players. At the very least they need to come through for us here in the New England region. Most of us would rather get AIDS than see the Jets, Colts, or Vikings (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Favre</span>) hoist the Lombardi Trophy. And shit... it's been a rough year for us. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Lakers</span> won the NBA title (screw you Nagle) while the Yankees won the World Series. We may have had a great run here in this decade but it's definitely ended with a giant wet turd plopped on our face. The Saints are our last hope of ending on a positive note...<br /><br /><div> - Plus I've kept saying it throughout the season (and have been wrong thus far) but I think <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Favre</span> has a critical INT in him at the worst possible time.... we can only hope....<br /><br />New Orleans 34 - Minnesota 27<br /></div>JoeLaRohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06653108569795307573noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153769831522378978.post-16773512466777812242010-01-11T09:00:00.000-08:002010-01-13T07:51:07.876-08:00Wild Card Thoughts & Divisional Round PredictionsI shockingly went 3-1 in my wild card predictions. I was correct on Dallas, Baltimore, and Arizona. I blew it on Cincinnati. Here are some of my thoughts on the weekend and my predictions for the next round.<br /><br />Jets - Bengals<br /><br />- The Bengals can't pass for shit... What happened with Carson Palmer? It was just a short time ago you had Manning, Brady, and Palmer as the top 3 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">QB's</span> in the league. I don't know if Palmer is now even in the top 15 any more.<br /><br />- Marvin Lewis wasted his two challenges before the 1st quarter was over. Are you serious guy? The second challenge was on a 15 yard pass he felt <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Cotchery</span> didn't catch (which he clearly did). <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Whooooooooo</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">caaaaaaress</span> at that point??!!! You HAVE to save your last challenge for a turnover, a touchdown call, or any other big play that may occur in the 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">nd</span> half. Coaches can be great motivators, they can know the game inside and out, but <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">c'mon</span> how about you use common sense every once and awhile. In 2008 BB wasted a challenge on a too many men on the field call against Indy (which he lost). It's 5 YARDS!!! Who <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">caaaaareeeessss</span>????!!! One other thing while I'm on a tangent about coaches, it's a tight game in the 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">nd</span> half, it's 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">nd</span> and 3 n the play clock is winding down.... <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">WHYYYYY</span> burn a timeout when you can just take a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">measly</span> 5 yard penalty??? Time outs are so critical. Anyway back to this <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">match up</span>...<br /><br />- On the flip side Rex Ryan's game plan couldn't have been drawn up or executed more perfectly. Sanchez was incredibly efficient and they ran right down <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Cincy's</span> throat.<br /><br />- It pains me to say this but the Jets are a top 4 AFC team at this point. They deserve to be where they are and although the Chargers will probably beat them, the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">feisty</span> Jets will be a tough out. They got a big break from the Colts but credit goes to the Jets for taking advantage and rallying behind this break.<br /><br />Cowboys - Eagles<br /><br />- What's to say here? The Cowboys are the real deal <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Holyfield</span> and now all you hookers and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">ho's</span> know how I feel. I think they cruise into Minnesota and put the beat down on the Vikings. I'll call a double digit Cowboy win.<br /><br />- I like a lot of the pieces the Eagles have but I kind of think it's time to pull the plug on the Donovan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">McNabb</span> era. There are a few reasons for this. They have <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">DeSean</span> Jackson, Brent <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Celek</span>, Jeremy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Maclin</span>, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">LeSean</span> McCoy. If they do it right this core of studs could have a nice 5-7 year window. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">McNabb</span> has 1 year left on his contract and Kevin <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Kolb</span> is waiting in the wings. Why not trade <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">McNabb</span> to one of 8,000 teams who could use a QB and get something in return for him? Turn the reigns over to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Kolb,</span> who looked good in his two starts early in the year, and move on.<br /><br />Now who would want <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">McNabb?</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Hmm</span>... In no particular order Broncos, Bills, Browns, Raiders, Panthers, 49<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">ers</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Seahawks</span>, Redskins, Rams... Why not try to get the Bills or Browns 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">nd</span> round pick (about #36 overall) for him???<br /><br />Ravens - Patriots<br /><br />- Brutal. Just a brutal performance. It's one thing to lose when you know the Patriots played as well as they could but they just didn't show up. Hats off to Baltimore they were flying around on defense. It looked like it was 11 on 15 when the Pats had the ball. I will save more ranting about the Pats for another blog... moving on.<br /><br />Cardinals - Packers<br /><br />- This one made me feel smart. Everyone was overlooking the Cardinals but man they play everybody tough. Last season they surprisingly had a pretty nice home field advantage and that held true in this match up.<br /><br />-The Cards have the most <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">under appreciated</span> player of the past 10-12 years in Kurt Warner. What has this guy done besides pass for 300 yards per game at an unprecedented clip, win playoff game after playoff game, and set super bowl yardage records? Every player, coach, and opponent has nothing but the greatest things to say and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">utmost</span> respect for him. He was replaced on the the Rams by Marc <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">Bulger</span>, replaced by Eli Manning when on the Giants, and then finally by Matt <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">Leinart</span> with the Cardinals. He didn't, bitch, mope, complain, or hold out. He instead supported his team, worked his ass off, won back his starting job, and took the Cardinals to the Super Bowl. I wouldn't be surprised if he did it again this year. I hope Kurt Warner decides to come back next year too but if he doesn't he's a hall of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">famer</span> in my mind and I bet he gets into Canton.<br /><br />...small side tangent... I HATE this bull shit "Yeah he's only good <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">cuz</span> he played with so and so." "Kurt Warner isn't good, he played with Marshall <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">Faulk</span>, Torry Holt, Isaac Bruce, Larry Fitzgerald, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">Anquan</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">Boldin</span>." The way I look at it they all played with Kurt Warner, I've never seen a more accurate passer. Regardless it's a stupid argument. I shit you not I watched two episodes of the NFL top 10, one was the most clutch <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">QB's</span> of all time in which Joe Montana was #1. The other was best hands and Jerry Rice was #7. One person complained that Montana <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">shouldn't</span> be #1 because he had Jerry Rice and all that talent around him. On the other episode someone bitched that Jerry Rice didn't have great hands because the ball was always thrown perfectly to him by Joe Montana and Steve Young. God just shut the FUCK up!!!! Stupid stupid stupid argument.... if I had a nickel too for every Pats hater saying that BB is only good <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">cuz</span> of Brady or Brady is only good <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">cuz</span> of the system... When you say Player X is only good because of a system, coach, player, fans, or anything else you are pretty much saying I'm a dumb pussy who just doesn't want to give a guy any credit.<br /><br />- To all the Packers fans out there... <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">Oooooh</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44">weeee</span> Aaron Rodgers is nasty. Mark it down, that man will win Super Bowls... plural, Super Bowls. Look at his numbers versus <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45">Favre's</span>. He's already on par with any season Favre had in Green Bay. But shit, regardless of numbers, the guy can just make plays. Give him a better offensive line and he will be incredible.<br /><br />On to my predictions... again in chronological order...<br /><br />Arizona @ New Orleans (-7)<br /><br />That's a pretty tall line for a team that was stumbling down the stretch. You don't think Warner, Fitz, Boldin & company will pass all over the Saints? I know I know... I get a raging clue to Fitz, Warner, and the Red unis which clouds my judgment, but I think this game will be pretty tight. I don't quite expect a track meet like Zona's last game but this should get into the upper 20's or 30's.<br /><br />One thing I really like for New Orleans is their home field advantage. Not only do they play in a loud ass crazy dome but this region is more wrapped around their Saints than just about any other football team (outside of the Packers) can say.<br /><br />I think this game goes back and forth and that the Saints normally shitty ass kicker will end it with a game winning field goal. The Saints will win but the Cardinals will cover. New Orleand 34 - Arizona 31.<br /><br />Baltimore @ Indianapolis (-7)<br /><br />One thing I am trying to suck less at is choosing to go with my gut instead of being influenced by 'experts' opinions. My gut tells me the Colts will be the rusty, sloppy, tight playoff team they always have been. The rest will hurt much more than help and this game will be something like Baltimore 10 Indianapolis 7 at half time. I think the crowd gets on the Colts and I really wouldn't be shocked to see this being a one score game going into the 4th quarter. My gut though is also saying that Joe Flacco isn't good enough to go into Indy and win this round. The Colts will look pretty crummy for a bit but they will put together enough in the second half to win the game. I will take them to barely cover. Indianapolis 21 - Baltimore 13.<br /><br />Dallas @ Minnesota (-2.5)<br /><br />Oh my Gahd is this line serious? I guess it has to be with Minnesota playing at home after a bye. I say take Dallas all day and all night people. They are hot as hell, Favre will throw a pick in a tight situation, and the Minnesota crowd will have a bit of a Red Sox pre-2004 feel of expecting something to go wrong ala Gary Anderson's missed field goal in the 1998 NFC Championship Game... It all looks to me like a pretty handy win by the Cowboys. Dallas 34 - Minnesota 20.<br /><br />NY Jets @ San Diego (-9)<br /><br />This is a very tough line in my opinion. I don't think there is any question that San Diego wins but nine is a lot of points. The Jets have been playing great and their fans ought to be proud of the season. <br /><br />It's all about expectations and performance. When expectations are a bit cloudy - rookie coach and qb - but you are able to sneak into the playoffs and win a game, then shit that's a great year. That's what kind of blows about being a Pats fan these days. Expectations are insane and anything short of a Super Bowl is seen as a failure. The 11/12 year old Joe, fresh off the 1994 Patriots playoff run and amazing 10-6 season, would boot my 26 (almost 27) year old self in the yam bag 12 or 13 consecutive times for being such a spoiled dick NFL fan.<br /><br />I think flying across the country with a rookie QB, and relatively inexperienced team, against the soaring Chargers, is too tall of a task. Maybe the Jets keep it close for a half but I like San Diego to cover. San Diego 24 - NY Jets 10.JoeLaRohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06653108569795307573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153769831522378978.post-80115097660311542532010-01-05T08:33:00.000-08:002010-01-05T17:03:03.163-08:00Wild Card PredictionsNFL Playoffs. EASILY my favorite sports weekends of the year. Toss out any baseball dates, the Masters, March Madness, NBA, or NHL playoffs. Tell the Olympics to take a hike too. Don't disturb me or ask me to do anything these days unless you got <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">TV's</span> present... and even then it better be very important!<br /><br />I made a number of pretty crappy predictions this year, notably taking the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Steelers</span> to win it all, but I figure to keep the streak alive and make some crappy round by round playoff predictions too. I'm actually so bad at predicting that I predicted the Cowboys to go to the Super Bowl at the halfway point then at the three quarter poll reverted to missing the playoffs but now in fact they are looking Super Bowl bound again, ugh.<br /><br />I'll predict these games in order of which time they are on:<br /><br />New York Jets @ Cincinnati (-3)<br /><br />Last week's game, ahem, means JACK SHIT when predicting this match up. Cincinnati had nothing to gain by trying to win. Let's say the Bengals tried to beat the Jets, showed them everything they had up their sleeves, but fell short. They would then be rematching the Jets having already played their hand. Instead they did the smart thing and laid down. They sat Cedric Benson, played vanilla offense, vanilla defense, took their beating, and are ready for this week.<br /><br />Let's not fail to mention that the #4 spot in the AFC is better than the #3. Why not play the rusty, playoff choke artist Colts round two instead of the Chargers? Smart move from Marvin Lewis.<br /><br />Also did anyone see the Jets celebrate last week? Dunking their coach with Gatorade, doing victory laps around the stadium, and going nuts... Wow I'm impressed. You beat two teams who laid down for you. Texans fans must be pretty pissed off! I think the Jets, pardon my slang, blew their load last week.<br /><br />I'll take <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Cincy</span> (-3). Cincinnati 24 - NY Jets 13<br /><br /><br />Philadelphia @ Dallas (-3.5)<br /><br />Everything I just said above can be reversed here. The Eagles had EVERYTHING to gain by winning this game. A win last week gives Philly the #2 seed and a first round bye. Instead they got destroyed and are now the #6 seed looking at an ugly rematch.<br /><br />I know the whole Dallas, Tony <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Romo</span> gag job is on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">everyone's</span> minds but this team is peaking at the perfect time. They beat the 'then undefeated' Saints in New Orleans and have pitched back to back shutouts versus the Redskins and Eagles; the latter was riding a six game winning streak going into the game. Every team that has a label as chokers is stuck with that until they show otherwise but that doesn't mean they can't win. See Indianapolis: 2006.<br /><br />I like Dallas (-3.5) to win a tighter game this week. Dallas 27 - Philadelphia 17<br /><br /><br />Baltimore @ New England (-4)<br /><br />I don't really like the feel of this game as a Patriots fan. Brady is obviously dinged up, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Welker</span> went down, and I still don't feel like the Patriots have much of an identity. They seem to be living off this Patriots aura, Brady-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Belichick</span> are amazing, hey we won a bunch of Super Bowls 5 years ago stuff.<br /><br />Let's be honest here. Brady has had the ball with a chance to win games against: Buffalo, NY Jets, Denver, and Miami. He could have closed out Indianapolis and Houston. He failed in every game aside from Buffalo on the opening Monday Night. Maybe he needs another year to get back on his feet, maybe the play calling has sucked, maybe he's more hurt then we are led to believe, or most likely this just isn't his season (and I hope this doesn't hold true for years to come).<br /><br />This has hands down been <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Belichick's</span> shittiest season. His decision making has been crappy and he just isn't pulling his usual magic that we are accustom to. Hell, look at 2008. They lost Brady and he guided that team to an impressive 11-5 season. It looked like a BB coached team. Maybe it's the turnover on the roster, maybe it's just a few fluky decisions that didn't work out for him, maybe the loss of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">McDaniels</span> hurt the offense more than we think, but just like with Brady above... it's a bunch of excuses. They just aren't getting it done.<br /><br />In the Patriots favor is that they have never lost the opening round playoff game with Brady & <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Belichick</span>. Aside from 2005 they have won at least two playoff games each time they get into the dance. They are also 8-0 at home this season. The cold weather won't mean shit against Baltimore though who also is use to having nippy balls.<br /><br />To me this just feels like a back and forth game where a gut punch fumble or pick six turns a Patriots 3 point deficit into a Ravens 10 point lead. I hate to do it but...<br /><br />I'll take the Ravens (+4) to cover and win the game.... Baltimore 30 - New England 20<br /><br /><br />Green Bay @ Arizona (-3)<br /><br />The result last week is a lot like the Jets-Bengals game. Means DICK. Arizona had two game plans laid out. One if the Vikings had lost which would have meant a win & Dallas win (which did happen) earns the Cardinals a bye. They had a second game plan if the Vikings won. The Vikings beat the shit out of the Giants so the Cardinals decided to roll over week 17.<br /><br />This game here is the hardest for me to predict only because the Cardinals are easily the most <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Jeckyll</span> & Hyde team in the NFL. I would say about 80% of the people probably feel the Packers are on a nice roll. There always seems to be one game each year in WC weekend where a home <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">team</span> reminds people why they are the home team. This isn't even mentioning that the Cardinals are defending NFC Champions.<br /><br />I will take the Cardinals (-3). Arizona 34 - Green Bay 30<br /><br />.... Knowing my track record I fully expect to be 0-4.JoeLaRohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06653108569795307573noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153769831522378978.post-18595105524310161802009-12-28T09:03:00.000-08:002009-12-28T17:48:13.999-08:00Indianapolis is German for a Whale's Vagina<div>Apologies to my three loyal readers for having written naaaaaathan lately. It's a combination of writer's block, laziness, and frankly nothing too interesting to discuss.</div><br /><div>Thank you, Indianapolis.</div><br /><div>Wow is all I have to say, wow. What a bunch of, for lack of a better word, pussies. I can't follow nor agree with their decision to pull starters and hand over their perfect season for billions of reasons. </div><br /><div>My gahd, where do I start? Hmmm... we'll start with recent history of getting on a roll before the playoffs.<br /></div><br /><div>I already wrote a blog early about getting hot at the end of the year. I believe the blog was titled that the beginning of the season (the first 3 quarters of it) means diiiiiiiiick. You win games to put yourself into position but you NEEEEED to get rolling this time of year to carry it into the playoffs. The 2005 Steelers, the 2006 Colts, the 2007 Giants, the 2008 Cardinals (albeit runners up)... all HOT at the end of the year. The 2005 Colts, the 2006 Bears, the 2007 Patriots, the 2008 Titans... they were all phenomenal three quarters through the season but they didn't play their best ball down the stretch. Let's be honest, when you get into the playoffs you can throw that regular season record out the window. So without even mentioning the 19-0 possibilities let's acknowledge that resting up and getting rusty before the playoffs is duuuuuumb. Right now I'm not even looking at records. The Colts are choosing to become rusty, the Saints are stumbling, as are the Vikings. I'm willing to wager none of these three teams reaches the Super Bowl. Give me the hot team like Dallas, Philadelphia, San Diego, or New England any day.<br /></div><br /><div>I will put my stamped seal of approval guarantee that the Colts come out flat in that divisional round playoff game. If that game is versus New England then look out. I don't like the Pats much this year to win it all necessarily but they could absolutely come into Indy and punch them in the throat a few times. The Patriots have one great upset win in them.<br /></div><br /><div>If Indy lucks out, and gets Cincy or some lucky #6 seed (outside of Pittsburgh) in the first round, then they'll clunk their way to an ugly 10 point win. Then they'll host San Diego (who the Pats can't beat) and get stomped by 17 points. Something like 41-24.</div><br /><div>Now I like San Diego more than Indianapolis anyway in terms of this match up, but additionally just look how these two teams are trending. San Diego has been beating down great teams while the Colts feel that a 4 week bye is the best approach. Let's remember they were sitting people last week against Jacksonville, this week versus the Jets, and then I'm assuming next week against Buffalo. It's just a stupid bass ackwards approach.</div><br /><div>The 2005 Colts should be clear enough evidence of how much this doesn't work, but hey, I effin hate the Colts so I'll be happy to see Manning's 7th career first playoff game loss (to Brady's zero).</div><br /><div>On to my second point; this "injury risk" bull shit. To Bill Polian, Jim Caldwell, Anorexic Tony Dungy, and any other gay Colts fan... the ONLY ONLY ONLY ONLY injury that could hurt your team is to lose Manning. That's it. There is a caveat however, Peyton Manning has never missed a game in his entire career!!!!!!! He has only been sacked 10 times all year!!!! He wasn't hit once all game!!!!!! Has Peyton Manning ever even seem shooken up from a hit in his career? Maybe like 5+ years ago but definitely not any time recently. You are more likely to have had Rosie O'Donnell interrupt the flow of Sunday's game by streaking across the field at the 2:00 warning causing mass pukeage, than for Manning to have been injured. You just can't make the argument that you were saving Peyton Manning for health reasons... it's a load of shit and if they thought he was at any risk then they are simply stupid. He is at risk at any juncture of the game. Why even start the game then?<br /><br />Now how can sitting these players and giving this game away possibly be looked back upon as a wise move? If you go on to win the Super Bowl at 18-1 people won't say, "wow, Christ, good thing Caldwell pulled starters in the 3rd quarter vs. the Jets." They will instead say, "great season but man they could have been 19-0." <br /><br />A team wins the Super Bowl every year and to some degree those teams go down in history, but how often do you talk about the 2002 Bucs? The 1991 Redskins? The 1981 49ers? The 1973 Dolphins? The 1970 Colts? <br /><br />Answers: Never, never, rarely, sometimes, and never.<br /><br />How often do we hear about the 1972 Dolphins? I would guess somewhere between 200,000 and 300,000 times per year.<br /><br />Peyton Manning has won many MVP's. He has won a Super Bowl. He will break every passing record by the time he is done - even if Favre keeps trying to hold him off. Being pulled Sunday though HURT Peyton Manning. This man is no fool he knows that immortality comes with 19-0. He is an all time great no matter what but finishing undefeated would put him in another category.<br /><br />Here's another point to be made to the gay ass Colts. Your ARCH-RIVAL, other great team of the decade New England Patriots just tried and failed to go 19-0 just two years ago. Why not one up them and stick it to them? Where is the killer instinct? Man so many unanswered questions.<br /><br />All of this blabbering and I haven't even touched upon how the fans were utterly cheated. Fans in Indianapolis could have been bouncing their grandchildren on their knee 50 years from now talking about the 19-0 Colts. Instead they will talk about how either they won a Super Bowl at 18-1 that should have been 19-0, or that the team was rolling but lost all its momentum once their wuss coach pulled players.<br /><br />Or how about fans of the Texans, Broncos, Ravens, or Steelers? Gee, thanks for handing the Jets a win on a silver platter. <br /><br />Hey I won't argue that I hope the Jets make it and are matched up agains the Patriots in round 1!!<br /><br />The Colts organization has done so many things right in the past 10 years. They were a laughingstock when I was growing up and to imagine them winning more games in a decade than any team ever is amazing. They have drafted well, held onto core players, and built a team with strong leaders who are always in a game. They have a great crowd and home field advantage. I can't help but think though that this letting off the accelerator mentality that comes from Bill Polian, Tony Dungy, and now Jim Caldwell has cost this team one or two more Super Bowls in this decade.<br /><br />I'd be willing to bet it costs (not helps) them again... let alone a shot at immortality.<br /></div>JoeLaRohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06653108569795307573noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153769831522378978.post-8744892560606870302009-12-10T10:52:00.001-08:002009-12-10T11:12:42.823-08:00The 3 quarter pollJust a measely four weeks ago I had a midway point blog... Let's see how some of my forecasts did. <em>Italics</em> is from my prior blog. <strong>Bold</strong> is my thoughts now.<br /><br /><em>Halfway point of the year... shit is going by wicked fast. Fortunately though we now got Thursday night games basically from here on out</em> (<strong>Each of these matchups has fucking sucked. Hey NFL Network pull your weight a li'l more and get us a good game</strong>).<br /><br /><em>As I predicted in my first blog... the Jets are heading towards an 8-8 finish at best.</em> <strong>(boo ya!)</strong><br /><br /><em>Although their record may not indicate it by the end of the year (and probably won't -</em> <strong>Actually it will</strong> <em>), Miami is easily the second best team in the AFC East.</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>The Saints and Colts are undefeated but I don't expect to see either in the Super Bowl... however of those two teams the Saints have a much better chance due to the fact that the NFC isn't as strong...</em> <strong>(this could be wishful thinking now with the Colts... the Steelers and Pats are falling apart. San Diego, you're our last hope!)</strong><br /><br /><em>Brett Favre will fizzle out - let's all calm down. </em><strong>(Could Sunday nights game be the beginning of the end of this Brett Favre honeymoon session? Let's hope!)</strong><br /><br /><em>Even if Brett Favre doesn't fizzle out he will def throw a crippling INT in the playoffs... it's his M.O.</em> <strong>(I'd bet the farm on this happening)</strong><br /><br /><em>Denver will finish 10-6 or 11-5... their hot start will be enough to get them a wild card berth where they'll be waxed in the first round... San Diego will win that division. </em><strong>(looking good but not exactly a ballsy prediction. SD always starts out slowly)</strong><br /><br /><em>The Bengals will be the other AFC wild card team... I do think they are for real but Pittsburgh will take the division by a game. </em><strong>(Welllllpppp, swing and a miss! The Steelers rely on Polamalu like the Colts do Manning. No, really....)</strong><br /><br /><em>The NFC West should be sent on a space ship to the sun... what a brutal division to watch. </em><strong>(Hmmm I'm willing to reel that ship back in... I do like watching Zona and San Fran)</strong><br /><br /><em>The first team on the outside looking in at the playoffs come year end in the AFC will be the Texans.</em> <strong>(Texans shat the bed a lot quicker than I anticipated. Jacksonville is the last team looking in at the end of the year)</strong><br /><br /><em>The closest team in the NFC will be the Eagles... Is there anyone more Jekyll and Hyde than Donovan McNabb??? </em><strong>(Eff me this is gonna be the Cowboys... we'll read more about them further down, ughhhhh I suck at predicting)</strong><br /><br /><em>The Patriots will beat either the Colts or Saints but I'm just not sure which one yet... I'd guess the Saints but they won't beat both of them. While we are here, the Patriots will probably finish 12-4 but not earn a bye on account of a shittier conference record which keeps biting them in the balls each year. </em><strong>(Two fat L's!!!! I was off in my predictions too cuz the Pats got their taints obliterated by the Saints but had the Colts on the ropes. The Pats will finish 10-6 but this will get them into the playoffs as the #4 seed)</strong><br /><br /><em>Here are my predictions which will be wicked wrong:1. Colts 2. Steelers 3. Patriots 4. Chargers 5. Bengals 6. Broncos</em> <strong>(Well at least I admitted that I'd suck, which I did. It will be 1. Colts 2. Chargers 3. Bengals 4. Patriots 5. Broncos 6. Dolphins)</strong><br /><br /><em>AFC Team in Super Bowl: Steelers </em><strong>(Yowzers, I gave them the kiss of death. The Steelers flat out need Polamalu. Bruce Gradkowski won't toss 3 Td's in the 4th vs that long haired beast. The Chargers are Super Bowl bound this year)</strong><br /><br /><em>1. Saints 2. Cowboys 3. Vikings 4. Cardinals 5. Falcons 6. Giants</em> <strong>(This isn't too good either... what was I on??? 1. Saints 2. Vikings 3. Cardinals 4. Eagles 5. Packers 6. Giants)</strong><br /><br /><em>NFC Team in Super Bowl: Cowboys </em><strong>(Who predicts two teams in the super bowl at the halfway point where neither will make the playoffs??? Eeeesh. Cowboys are heading for their patented December bed-shitting. Wade Phillips and Tony Romo are just a pair of losers. Saints will be playing for the Super Bowl as an 18-0 powerhouse.)</strong><br /><br /><em>Super Bowl Champion: Steelers </em><strong>(Don't need to re-hash why I suck... Chargers knock off the Saints in a big upset. This goes down as the Brees bowl with his former team against his current one)</strong><br /><br /><strong>Good lorrrrrrrrrrrrrrddddddddd the only thing we know in the NFL is that we don't know much!</strong>JoeLaRohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06653108569795307573noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153769831522378978.post-88055933567276202362009-11-30T16:43:00.000-08:002009-12-04T19:28:34.731-08:00Top dynasty of my lifetime<div>In my opinion there is one dynasty to which modern NFL teams should hold themselves up to as the model of true success. That is the 1980's-1990's San Francisco 49<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ers</span>. Sure, the 1990's version wasn't really much of a dynasty as far as winning championships but those teams were exceptional year in and year out. Anyone around my age or older knows undoubtedly how nasty those 49<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ers</span> teams were each year. They were on Fox every Sunday at 4:00 as the national game. Even people a bit younger than me at least caught the tail end of the Young/Rice era.<br /><br />Here is the 49<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">ers</span> record each year from 1981 to 1998 along with their playoff success.<br /><br />1981: 13-3, NFC West Champs - Super Bowl Champions<br />1982: 3-6, Strike shortened <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">pubey</span> season (the only one of this time frame)<br />1983: 10-6, NFC West Champs - Lost NFC Championship<br />1984: 15-1, NFC West Champs - Super Bowl Champions<br />1985: 10-6, Wild Card Loss<br />1986: 10-5-1, NFC West Champs - Lost Divisional Playoffs<br />1987: 13-2, NFC West Champs - Lost Divisional Playoffs<br />1988: 10-6, NFC West Champs - Super Bowl Champions<br />1989: 14-2, NFC West Champs - Super Bowl Champions<br />1990: 14-2, NFC West Champs - Lost NFC Championship<br />1991: 10-6, Missed Playoffs<br />1992: 14-2, NFC West Champs - Lost NFC Championship<br />1993: 10-6, NFC West Champs - Lost NFC Championship<br />1994: 13-3, NFC West Champs - Super Bowl Champions<br />1995: 11-5, NFC West Champs - Lost Divisional Round<br />1996: 12-4, Lost Divisional Round<br />1997: 13-3, NFC West Champs - Lost NFC Championship<br />1998: 12-4, Lost Divisional Round<br /><br />Total Record: 207 - 72- 1<br />Playoff Record: 22-11 </div><br /><div>NFC West Titles: 13<br />NFC Championship Appearances: 10<br />Super Bowl Appearances: 5<br />Super Bowl Titles: 5<br /><br />All Pro Seasons: 37<br />Pro Bowl Player Seasons: 109</div><div></div><div> </div><br /><div>That run was pretty damn sick. The main component to that run being so successful was definitely having Joe Montana from 1981 to 1990 and then Steve Young from 1991 to 1998. It'd pretty much be like Brady or Manning being followed by another top 10 all time QB.<br /><div></div></div><br /><div>The 49<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ers</span> run was filled with tons of great moments and plays. In 1981 you have <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tunyz0WWLSI">The Catch</a>. Up to this point in their existence the 49<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">ers</span> pretty much blew. They however finished 13-3 and were trailing the Cowboys 27-21 in the NFC Championship game. As you can see in that clip the drive was outstanding. Then on the touchdown play you have Montana getting harassed by 14 Cowboys and Clark making a disgusting catch in the back of the end zone on really a broken play (or at least broken off pass route). This play pretty much catapulted them into an unprecedented 18 year run.</div><br /><div></div><div>The 49<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">ers</span> also completely outlasted their rivals in this time frame. It all started in 1981 with Dallas. Now the Cowboys would come back to be a HUGE (and dominant) rival of the 49<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">ers</span> from 1992 to 1995 but it took the Cowboys 11 years (from 1981 to 1992) to get back on top. It included a 1-15 1989 season and the infamous Herschel Walker trade (idiot Vikings). </div><br /><div>The Giants were huge rivals of the 49<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">ers</span> from 1985 through 1990, beating them in the playoffs in 1985, 1986, and 1990. After 1990 though the Giants fell off the map while the 49<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">ers</span> rolled on. At the latter end of their run the Packers were the next thorn in their balls. The Packers beat the 49<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">ers</span> in the playoffs in 1995, 1996, and 1997. If not for The Catch II then it would have been in 1998 as well. Nonetheless from 1981 to 1991 the Packers scurried around and until the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Favre</span> days were finally able to be competitive again.</div><br /><div>Speaking of The Catch II this was just another notch in the playoff success of an all time franchise. The <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzThn8pkpC0">49<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">ers</span> announcer</a> makes a great call on this play compared to the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3C4P9O20Qk">catatonic Pat <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Summerall (althought Madden giggles in delight)</span></a>. Another great call, and one of my favorites, was <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8P1TzqWEgY">Steve Young's crazy touchdown run in a 1987 game vs. the Vikings</a>. This run turned out to be a game winner. All announcers should be that fired up.</div><br /><div> </div>The whole Steve Young/Joe Montana QB battle from 1987 through 1992 is a *bit* before my recollection, but man, so insane. First off these two guys are first ballot hall of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">famers</span> and both probably top 10 all time talents. You have to wonder how much better Young's numbers would have been had he got the chance to play full time in 1987 AND 1988 AND 1989 AND 1990!! Could you imagine in today's game having a backup QB of that caliber stand on the sidelines for FOUR years!? It's nuts, there is no way it'd happen! However Young did get a fair amount of action since Joe Montana, and this was his one major downfall, was so <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZDSS9rw3x0">injury prone</a>.<br /><div> </div><br /><div>A number of teams have won back to back Super Bowls: Green Bay I & II, Miami VII & VIII, Pittsburgh IX & X then XIII & XIV, San Francisco XXIII & XXIV, Dallas XXVII & XXVIII, Denver XXXII & XXXIII, and New England XXXVIII & XXXIX but San Francisco really had a good shot at winning four in a row. There are years when you can say 'well if the cards fell right this team could have won' but with the 49<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">ers</span> I kind of look back at 1987 and 1990 like, damn, those were some HUGE missed opportunities (here's the call "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yupicJ9z2Do&feature=related">There will be no three-peat</a>)!!! </div><br /><div> </div>Before talking about that - quick side tangent - the Cowboys of the 1990's were the other team that did have a chance at three (or four) straight as well but missed out in 1994 by falling to the 49<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">ers</span> in the NFC Championship Game.<br /><div> </div><br /><div>In 1987 the 49<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">ers</span> were a league best 13-2. Jerry Rice had busted onto the scene, Roger Craig was establishing himself as a top NFL back, Charles Haley joined the show as a dominant pass rusher, Montana & Ronnie Lott were in their primes, and you had Bill Walsh playing chess while all other coaches played checkers. The 49<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">ers</span> matched up in the Divisional Round against the 8-7 Minnesota Vikings. It really was just one of the bigger bed-shitting/upsets you'll ever see. Vikings receiver Anthony Carter had over 200 yards that game and carried the Vikings with acrobatic catch after acrobatic catch.</div><br /><div> </div>In 1990 the 49<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">ers</span> were looking to become the first team to win three straight super bowls after winning it all in 1988 and 1989. They finished a league best 14-2 this year and were just an utter powerhouse. They hosted the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oolJWBuv7bo">Giants in the NFC Championship game</a> clinging to a 13-12 lead with about 3 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">mins</span> left to play. Trying to run out the clock, Roger Craig was stripped by Lawrence Taylor. The Giants went 30 yards or so on the ensuing drive and Matt <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Bahr</span> squeaked his 5<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">th</span> field goal in as time expired. Now the 1990 Bills were no gimme but I'm pretty sure that Craig fumble cost them a third title.<br /><div> </div><br /><div>All this 49<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">ers</span> talk and we haven't even talked about the FIVE Super Bowl titles. Unless the 49<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">ers</span> opponents were in Bengal Stripes, the game was a complete rout. They beat record setting <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Marino</span> in Super Bowl XIX 38-16, DESTROYED the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Broncos</span> 55-10 in Super Bowl XXIV, and beat down the Chargers 49-26 in Super Bowl XXIX. Thanks in large part to the 49<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">ers</span> (and a few other NFC teams) almost every Super Bowl of the 1980's to mid 1990's totally sucked. I'm not sure if it was inferior opponents or the 49<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">ers</span> were just this good but when people compare the 2001-2007 Patriots teams to these 49<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">ers</span> teams it's so hard to give the nod to the Pats just in that there wasn't this amazing dominance. Yes the 2007 Patriots destroyed people, but we all remember how that ended (just puked in my mouth). </div><br /><div>The two Super Bowl titles against the Bengals provided one of the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uYd0d-h_vw">greatest goal line stands</a> in Super Bowl XVI and one of the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Kj_GLEGgsk">greatest finishing drives</a> in Super Bowl XXIII. </div><br /><div> </div>You can list out Super Bowl stats and records and it's just completely dominated by the 49<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">ers</span>:<br /><div> </div><br /><div>Super Bowl Resume: An unblemished 5-0</div>Super Bowl <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">MVP's</span>: Joe Montana - 3 (all time record)<br /><div>Super Bowl Touchdown Passes: Joe Montana - 11 (all time record, 0 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">Int's</span> by the way)</div>Super Bowl Receptions: Jerry Rice 33 (all time record)<br /><div>Super Bowl Receiving Yards: Jerry Rice 589 (all time record)<br /></div>Super Bowl Touchdowns: Jerry Rice 8 (all time record)<br /><div>Most Points: 55 in Super Bowl XXIV</div>Biggest Margin of Victory: 45 in Super Bowl XXIV<br /><div> </div><br /><div>Single game performances are littered with 49<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">ers</span> too:</div><br /><div>TD Passes: Steve Young 6 in XXIX, Joe Montana 5 in XXIV (#1 and #2 all time)<br /></div>Receiving Yards: Jerry Rice 215 yards (all time record)<br /><div>Receiving Touchdowns: Jerry Rice 3 in Super Bowl XXIV and XXIX (all time record)<br /></div><br /><div>The Colts, Patriots, and I suppose <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">Steelers</span> have all had a pretty nice run in the 2000's. They would all need to keep this going for another 8 to 10 years to match the 49<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">ers</span> run. A lot of it I suppose is the luck of landing a great QB but I would definitely bet against either of these teams matching that success.</div><br /><div>All in all it was an insane TWO decades for the 49ers. If you had told the 15 year old me that San Francisco would be a staggering/shitty team from 2003 to the present I never would have believed it. If I picked up the standings any given week of my childhood I would see SF atop the NFC West with the Rams, Saints, and Falcons all but eliminated by week 12. I guess it should make all of us Patriots fans quit being so nitpicky about our team and just ENJOY THE RUN. In 2021 we could be the ones watching the Alex Smith, Shaun Hill, JT O'Sullivan, Ken Dorsey, or Trent Dilfer of the Patriots stink up the joint each week. </div><br /><div>Oh and this<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BmrWTiGhrs"> run by Garrison Hearst vs the Jets in overtime in 1998</a> was one of the sickest plays, stiff arms, and hustle of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">down field</span> blockers that I've ever seen. Plus I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">friggin</span> hated the Jets like no other at this time. I couldn't figure out a way to incorporate this into the blog but here it is anyway.</div>JoeLaRohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06653108569795307573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153769831522378978.post-27978632469857263892009-11-19T06:11:00.001-08:002009-11-19T06:12:10.096-08:00Mr. Glassman on SpygateThis is written by Glassman... anyone who ever wants a forum to bitch/vent/rant/discuss lemme know and I'm happy to post your stuff... Enjoy!<br /><br />----------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br />The Patriots did NOT cheat.<br /><br />The term "cheat" was invented by the media backlash that ensued after the Patriots were caught video taping the Jets. Naturally, bitter Patriot haters took the term and ran with it and they haven't stopped running.<br /><br />Now don't misunderstand me, what the Patriots did was wrong and it violated the rules of the NFL. However, that is not the same thing as cheating.<br /><br />Using the word "cheating" implies that an unfair advantage was gained. Since it's perfectly legal to steal the other team's signals, the Patriots didn't gain an advantage over any other team. And yes, it is legal to steal the other team's signals and yes EVERY single team in the NFL does it in one way, shape, or form. Of course, I don't expect you to take my word on such a bold claim. Read these articles below if you require further proof.<br /><br /><a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=sando_mike&id=3017542">http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=sando_mike&id=3017542</a> <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=chadiha_jeffri&id=3017423">http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=chadiha_jeffri&id=3017423</a><br /><br />So why were the Patriots docked a 1st round pick and fined so heavily? Well they violated the rules. This rule to be exact:<br /><br />"Any use by any club at any time, from the start to the finish of any game in which such club is a participant, of any<br />communications or information-gathering equipment, other than Polaroid-type cameras or field telephones, shall be prohibited, including without limitation videotape machines, telephone tapping, or bugging devices, or any other form of electronic devices that might aid a team during the playing of a game"<br /><br />Keep in mind the reason they were penalized. They used a video camera at a time when they were not supposed to. They were not fined because they stole signals. As we just proved, stealing signals is considered legal. Taping signals as opposed to writing them down by hand or describing them into a tape recorder are just different means to the same end. The final result is that you get some idea of the what the other team is trying to do defensively. If you and two friends all agree to meet at the mall, you probably go three different ways to get there. The end result is that you still arrived at the mall. Sure, one of the ways was easier (video taping), but the end result is no different. Get it?<br /><br />Perhaps no greater proof that taping doesn't help you anymore than the conventional way to steal signals is this. From 2001 to 2006 (pre-spygate), the Patriots had the best record in the NFL. From 2007 to midway through the 2009 season (post-spygate), guess who has the best record in the NFL? I'll give you just one guess. Yep. The Patriots. If the video tapes were truly the difference, shouldn't the Patriots suddenly turn into losers overnight? But they didn't. Ironically, the Patriots win% is higher post-spygate then pre-spygate ulitmately burying any thought that taping might have played a part in their victories. Go to pro-football-reference.com and do the math if you don't believe me.<br /><br />What about the tape of the Rams walkthrough and Matt Walsh?<br /><br />The tape of the Rams walkthrough N-E-V-E-R happened. I cannot stress this enough. Matt Walsh absolutely hated the Patriots and wanted to get back at them. However, he lied about having the tape. NO such tape was ever found because it never existed. There is another very good article that goes into details as to why this whole rumor is ridiculous. You can read it here if you need further proof regarding this matter:<br /><br /><a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=mortensen_chris&id=3398849">http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=mortensen_chris&id=3398849</a><br /><br />No doubt that what the Patriots did was wrong but, seriously, they payed the price. Enough already. There will be no *asterisks* next to their titles and Belichick will find himself in the hall of fame someday. The sad fact is that most non-patriot fans are insanely jealous of the Patriots success and would do or say anything to bring them down. You have to understand that. Be honest, would anyone even care if the Lions had taped signals?<br /><br />Do you need more? Yep, sometimes I like to beat a dead horse.<br /><br />Here are some more tidbits on past dynasties. What a surprise, the Patriots aren't the only dynasty to break the rules:<br /><br />1) The 3-11 Dolphins were charged with tampering with another team's coach in the hiring of Don Shula in 1970. As we all know the Dolphins went on to win 2 Superbowls and have a perfect season. The Dolphins were charged a 1st rounder for that one.<br /><br />2) The 1995 49ers paid players under the table to beat the salary cap and avoid losing them to free agency. They were fined $900,000 and lost 2 draft picks.<br /><br />3) The 1998 Broncos did the same thing. Fined $950,000 and a 1st rounder.<br /><br />4) It's widely known that the 1970's Steelers were the first team to use steroids. They didn't receive any fines or penalties but should a * be next to all 4 of their titles?<br /><br />Personally, I don't give a crap about any of this stuff. All of these teams still worked hard and earned their championships. You have to give respect where respect is due. However, how do you justify calling the Patriots cheaters without also calling these franchises cheaters too? You can't.<br /><br />As for the whole spygate thing, it lives on for one reason. If the rest of the league can't stop the Patriots on the field, at least they can yell ignorant comments like "cheaters!". Maybe it helps them sleep better at night.JoeLaRohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06653108569795307573noreply@blogger.com2