Week in Sports - Friday, January 13, 2017
The 2017 NFL Playoffs have been pretty bad overall so far. Wildcard weekend was probably the worst it’s been in years and that was largely due to what we knew going in, the teams were not that good. The Texans were impressive, but beating a Raiders team without Derek Carr isn't special. The Seahawks beat up on the lowly Lions, who in all reality were never that good to begin with. The Steelers destroyed the overmatched Dolphins, who was also playing a backup QB. The first 3 games stunk.
Well, until the most talented QB in all of football took the field.
Well, until the most talented QB in all of football took the field.
Aaron Rodgers is the best QB in all of football. He may not have the most rings, he may not win every game, but as a pure talent, nobody has the combination of skill and athleticism he has. Tom Brady is a legend and career wise, probably greatest ever. Cam Newton had a great season last year and is supremely talented. Drew Brees puts up 5,000 yards every season and is a Hall of Fame talent. But nobody is as good and as consistent as Aaron Rodgers.
The Green Packers were my pick to win the Super bowl before the season started, (check that here), and I'm sticking with my pick. Honestly I feel as good as ever about it. Losing Jordy Nelson with the broken ribs will be a factor, don't get me wrong. But I think they have what it takes to overcome it. Davante Adams and Randall Cobb have the bets QB in the game throwing them the ball, and they will be good enough to run the table. Sound familiar?
The Green Packers were my pick to win the Super bowl before the season started, (check that here), and I'm sticking with my pick. Honestly I feel as good as ever about it. Losing Jordy Nelson with the broken ribs will be a factor, don't get me wrong. But I think they have what it takes to overcome it. Davante Adams and Randall Cobb have the bets QB in the game throwing them the ball, and they will be good enough to run the table. Sound familiar?
So now we are down to the final eight teams, and the best weekend in football is upon us. I'm really interested in 3 of the 4 games and really think we are in for a great weekend. Check out my picks.
That's right, home teams win on Saturday, road teams win on Sunday. I believe Matt Ryan is on a mission and he will lead his team to the NFC championship vs the Pack. And Big Ben will beat the Chiefs again, and face off with Tom Brady in the AFC Championship game. Which will make for a hell of a title weekend!!!
- Falcons defeat the Seahawks
- Patriots defeat the Texans
- Steelers defeat the Chiefs
- Packers defeat the Cowboys
That's right, home teams win on Saturday, road teams win on Sunday. I believe Matt Ryan is on a mission and he will lead his team to the NFC championship vs the Pack. And Big Ben will beat the Chiefs again, and face off with Tom Brady in the AFC Championship game. Which will make for a hell of a title weekend!!!
Is OBJ to blame for the NY Giant's Loss?
Let me say this, I agree that Odell Beckham Jr. must grow up and understand that everything he does will be heavily scrutinized and critiqued. He must realize that he is not just another player, and he will be held to a higher standard. He must also realize that these conditions come with the level of stardom he aspired to achieve. He must also realize that when he does these things and post them on social media, he's opening himself up for criticism.
Now, all that being said, going to Miami on New Year’s Day, for his off days, and celebrating with his friends and teammates did not lose the Giants that game. The white noise, the critics talking, didn’t lose them that game. Going out on the field shirtless before the game, no matter how stupid that was, did not lose him that game.
Dropping passes when it’s time to back it up, help lose that game. Aaron Rodgers carving up that defense, lost that game. The rest was simply another distraction. Eliminating distractions will help in eliminating excuses.
Now, all that being said, going to Miami on New Year’s Day, for his off days, and celebrating with his friends and teammates did not lose the Giants that game. The white noise, the critics talking, didn’t lose them that game. Going out on the field shirtless before the game, no matter how stupid that was, did not lose him that game.
Dropping passes when it’s time to back it up, help lose that game. Aaron Rodgers carving up that defense, lost that game. The rest was simply another distraction. Eliminating distractions will help in eliminating excuses.
The Clemson Tigers defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide on Monday night to win the College football National championship. Honestly, this was a pretty good game, but not the best title game I have seen. I have a lot of thoughts on how everything went down, but first I must give credit to Clemson QB Deshaun Watson, who was tremendous in the 2nd half, and threw the game winning touchdown in the final seconds of the game.
This was rematch of last year’s title game were Alabama was able to hold off the high powered Clemson offense and win the championship. But this year, revenge fueled the Tigers and Watson to battle back and capture the title. This was a hell of finish and I give them all the credit.
This was rematch of last year’s title game were Alabama was able to hold off the high powered Clemson offense and win the championship. But this year, revenge fueled the Tigers and Watson to battle back and capture the title. This was a hell of finish and I give them all the credit.
I HATE PICK PLAYS!!!!!
All that being said, there is no play or strategy I hate more in football than pick plays. They are illegal and give the offense an unfair advantage. Not once but twice in the 4th, Clemson took the lead by running that terrible illegal strategy. One receiver will run a route that might "accidentally" block the defender from following a receiver on his route, which will open up a receiver for an easy pass and catch from the QB. It’s a man defense beater.
Now don't get me wrong, the defense should adjust and play zone if they suspect its coming, but it doesn't erase the fact that ITS ILLEGAL!!!! The refs stood right there and watched it happen and threw no flags. Pathetic. It's a pure judgment call that isn't reviewable, just like holding or defensive pass interference. So you know what that means, THE FIX WAS IN!!!! |
Saban is still the best but..
As much as I think Bama got hosed by the pick plays, I must blame Nick Saban for not making the proper adjustments to counter those pick plays. I also question how his great defense can give 20 points in the 2nd half and a 14 point lead, and then 10 point lead, and then a 3 point lead with under 2 minutes to go. That did not look like the Alabama defense I'm used to seeing. Watson was able to carve Saban's defense up for the 2nd year in a row.
Another issue I have is the decision to fire Lane Kiffen a week before the title game. The offense and mostly notably Jalen Hurts look lost, confused, and ill prepared for a long stretch of the game. They went 9 straight 3rd downs without a conversion. Unacceptable!!! And at the end of the day, Sabin gets the credit when the win, and he must get the blame when they lose this bad. |
2016 Ravens Rookie Review
Now that the Ravens season is done and media day has passed us, let’s take a quick look at the Ravens draft selections from 2016 and highlight the players who contributed in their rookie campaign. If their name is bolded, I feel they delivered in year one, if not, they have work to do in my book. Details and reason will be rolled out next week.
|
2017 NFL Draft Top Prospects
When looking at the prospects and potential players in this year’s draft, there are some clear cut studs I would love to see the Ravens target in areas of need.
|
What a Joke, Smh.
The NBA All Star voting came out late last week and while the usual suspects were largely represented, the 4th highest vote getter in the Western conference was a complete joke!!!! Zaza Pachulia is currently slotted to be a starter, with the 4th most votes in the West. Pathetic. Of course this was due to Zaza's home country of Georgia and some ballot box-stuffing online. Its a travesty that this crap still happens.
Good thing is that the NBA changed the rule this year and fan voting only make sup 50% of the criteria to make the All Star team. With 25% going to players and the last 25% going to media members, hopefully ZaZa will be watching like us at home.
Good thing is that the NBA changed the rule this year and fan voting only make sup 50% of the criteria to make the All Star team. With 25% going to players and the last 25% going to media members, hopefully ZaZa will be watching like us at home.