Yes, it's a rant, and it will probably ramble a bit as well, but this is a sports blog where I can give my opinions.
Today, there are two all star games, one in the NHL, the other being in the NFL. Plus, there are other All Star formats in other sports, with the NBA going Eastern Conference versus Western Conference, MLB going American League versus National, MLS features something rather unique in taking their own all stars forming together a team, and playing an exhibition versus a team from the English Premier League. Then, NASCAR just features another race, but not for points. I'm going to rank all the All-Star Games in order of where I think they rank as a whole. Some factors include competitiveness, the skills competition or exhibition prior to the game itself, and how unique it is.
#1: NHL
The reason why I think this game is the best is because the players know it's an exhibition, and seem to have the most fun in the game itself. The game may not have defense, but, most people who aren't true hockey fans would rather see more goals rather than less. Another thing which the NHL has going for it is the pick 'em street style picking of teams, which was introduced last year. It brings out something incredibly unique in not knowing who you're going to play against, plus, there is a chance you can play against your teammates, which I'm sure is probably fun for the players. Take as an example this year's game, in which Marian Gaborik of the Rangers scored against his Rangers teammate Henrik Lundqvist. Finally, the skills competition here cannot be beaten. As the two teams compete against one another in the NHL's version of the slam dunk competition where players who aren't really known for heir flair and showmanship get to break out of their shells a little bit. Plus, there is the hardest shot, where Zdeno Chara blasted a shot up to 108.8 MPH, which is ridiculously fast. Some of the best stuff, so hence why I rank it up there as number one.
#2 NBA
Although this is personally, one of my least favorite sports, it's fun to watch, with all of the alley oops and running up and down the court with such ease. Plus, scores are regularly over a combined 300 points, which gives you the feeling of being on the edge of your seat wondering who will score last and who will win. All-Star Saturday night with the NBA, with the shooting stars competition, which has a "legend" from each team, a player from their WNBA team as well as a current player taking part in seeing which city can knock down the designated shots on the floor. Plus, the skills challenge, which isn't as spectacular as the NHL's version, but still pretty cool to see what the players do. Then, there is the two premier events of the night: the three point shootout, and slam dunk competition, which continuously amazes.
#3 MLS
Yes, this is number three, solely based on the fact that the best players in the MLS get to play a team from the English Premier League, the best soccer league around. The past two years has featured Manchester United, perhaps the best and most well known team in the EPL. The one thing the MLS does not have, that I think would improve their product would be to get a skills competition.
#4 MLB
Baseball has a fantastic position within the calendar year for its All-Star Game, in the middle of July, when NFL training camps have yet to start, and nothing else is happening. Everything involving the entire time is fantastic. First, minor league players get to show their skills in the futures game which has the USA versus the World format, where players who were born here play against players who were born outside of the USA, and it's a good chance to see how these players perform against their peers and get a glimpse of what the player may look like in the Majors. The day before the All-Star Game, is the Home Run Derby, which to me, has gotten a little bit stale, as there is only so many times you can see players jack a home run. While exciting, it's not quite up to the standards of the NHL or NBA. I'd like to see some kind of skills competition. Or, to see who can throw the fastest. Something along those lines. Then, the All-Star Game itself is normally pretty neat to see players you don't normally see. Plus, these players actually play defense and will try and make plays, which is neat.
#5 NASCAR
Only reason why NASCAR ranks 5th instead of last is because the winner of this race receives a million bucks. Then, it's also nice to have the pit crews in a competition. I'd like to see the all-star race rotate to different racetracks though, then a racetrack can have three races a year, or maybe even take this race to exclusive Nationwide series tracks, then those places can see other racers that they may not normally see.
#6 NFL
These players don't even try. The rules are very much relaxed, and I'd rather see a skills competition rather than what these players are trying to play. These players are in Hawaii for a vacation, and while these players are very glad to be there, cause well, it's Hawaii, they don't try. This game is a violent game, and the pro bowl game is just an awful exhibition.
Friday night at the latest, please expect a comprehensive Super Bowl preview, and a pick!
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Friday, January 20, 2012
Conference Championship Sunday!
Yes, it is finally here, and the Sunday which will finally determine the two combatants for the Super Bowl two weeks from Sunday in Indianapolis. These four teams are teams that some predicted will be here. Such as the Patriots, and Ravens. Then, there is another team which most predicted to just miss the playoffs and probably collapse down the stretch, which they almost did in the Giants. Then, another which absolutely nobody predicted to do just squat in the regular season, and postseason for that matter in the 49ers. So, these should be good games, and on to the picks!
Baltimore at New England, 3, CBS
These two teams met rather recently in the postseason, just two seasons ago, in the Wild Card round, when Baltimore ran all over New England in New England. That is the only blemish in the Patriots record against Baltimore all-time, as they are 4-0 in the regular season. These two teams will be a contrast of styles as well on both sides of the ball. Baltimore on defense will want to rush Tom Brady and roll him out of the pocket, where he is far less accurate. While New England will probably keep 7-8 in the box and force Joe Flacco to make deeper throws to targets Anquan Boldin and Torrey Smith. Then, on offense, New England will be throwing the ball a lot, that's part of the reason why Brady eclipsed Dan Marino in all time passing yardage for a season this year. New England has an incredibly wide selection of targets, from running backs the Law firm in BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Kevin Faulk to smaller wide receivers in Deion Branch and Wes Welker to big bruising tight ends which no team can seem to cover in Aaron Hernandez, and the new record for most touchdowns in a season by a tight end in Rob Gronkoswki. Baltimore will counter with a very balanced attack featuring plenty of Ray Rice and Ricky Williams. Both of these running backs will wear you down throughout the day and probably pile up over 100 yards combined. Then, Baltimore will throw in some passes, mainly short little hitches, screens and curls, with a possible 15 yard seam route thrown in for good measure. This game should be very physical, but I think relatively high scoring, and New England is also playing for their owner, Bob Kraft. The reason why they're playing for Kraft especially in this game is because Kraft lost his wife, Myra to cancer just before this season started. Kraft, even now swells up in tears even four months after her death, so the Patriots have won patches dedicated to Myra throughout the season, and hope to complete the AFC's home field advantage since 2002.
Pick: New England 38, Baltimore 23
New York Giants at San Francisco, 6:30, Fox
This game is a rematch from week 10, when the 49ers really made a splash on the national stage and beat the Giants 27-20 to improve to 8-1 and started the Giants on a tailspin which nearly made them miss the playoffs the way they were headed. This game also helped propel the 49ers to win the number two seed and host this game, which is huge, as the 49ers are 7-1 at home on the season. The only blemish coming against the Cowboys, who beat them in overtime. The weather may provide a factor in this game as well. San Francisco has had rain, and will have rain throughout the weekend, so the field will probably be a mess come game time. Both of these teams are fairly similar in play, as both rely on the running game in the offense to really let their quarterback shine, while on defense, they've both got front fours which are all pro quality. So, this should be a great game as well. But, I do expect this game to be fairly low scoring because of the defenses being so good. I also can't pick against the Giants, with the way they're playing, dominating in their first two playoff games. I don't expect this game to be quite such a cakewalk though.
Pick: New York 21, San Francisco 16
This is being hyped up as "Epic Sunday" by Fox, and it is if you're an all around football fan, with Arsenal versus Machester United in a very good football match between two rivals in the morning, and then the two conference championship games. May this be a great Sunday of football for you! Enjoy it!
Baltimore at New England, 3, CBS
These two teams met rather recently in the postseason, just two seasons ago, in the Wild Card round, when Baltimore ran all over New England in New England. That is the only blemish in the Patriots record against Baltimore all-time, as they are 4-0 in the regular season. These two teams will be a contrast of styles as well on both sides of the ball. Baltimore on defense will want to rush Tom Brady and roll him out of the pocket, where he is far less accurate. While New England will probably keep 7-8 in the box and force Joe Flacco to make deeper throws to targets Anquan Boldin and Torrey Smith. Then, on offense, New England will be throwing the ball a lot, that's part of the reason why Brady eclipsed Dan Marino in all time passing yardage for a season this year. New England has an incredibly wide selection of targets, from running backs the Law firm in BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Kevin Faulk to smaller wide receivers in Deion Branch and Wes Welker to big bruising tight ends which no team can seem to cover in Aaron Hernandez, and the new record for most touchdowns in a season by a tight end in Rob Gronkoswki. Baltimore will counter with a very balanced attack featuring plenty of Ray Rice and Ricky Williams. Both of these running backs will wear you down throughout the day and probably pile up over 100 yards combined. Then, Baltimore will throw in some passes, mainly short little hitches, screens and curls, with a possible 15 yard seam route thrown in for good measure. This game should be very physical, but I think relatively high scoring, and New England is also playing for their owner, Bob Kraft. The reason why they're playing for Kraft especially in this game is because Kraft lost his wife, Myra to cancer just before this season started. Kraft, even now swells up in tears even four months after her death, so the Patriots have won patches dedicated to Myra throughout the season, and hope to complete the AFC's home field advantage since 2002.
Pick: New England 38, Baltimore 23
New York Giants at San Francisco, 6:30, Fox
This game is a rematch from week 10, when the 49ers really made a splash on the national stage and beat the Giants 27-20 to improve to 8-1 and started the Giants on a tailspin which nearly made them miss the playoffs the way they were headed. This game also helped propel the 49ers to win the number two seed and host this game, which is huge, as the 49ers are 7-1 at home on the season. The only blemish coming against the Cowboys, who beat them in overtime. The weather may provide a factor in this game as well. San Francisco has had rain, and will have rain throughout the weekend, so the field will probably be a mess come game time. Both of these teams are fairly similar in play, as both rely on the running game in the offense to really let their quarterback shine, while on defense, they've both got front fours which are all pro quality. So, this should be a great game as well. But, I do expect this game to be fairly low scoring because of the defenses being so good. I also can't pick against the Giants, with the way they're playing, dominating in their first two playoff games. I don't expect this game to be quite such a cakewalk though.
Pick: New York 21, San Francisco 16
This is being hyped up as "Epic Sunday" by Fox, and it is if you're an all around football fan, with Arsenal versus Machester United in a very good football match between two rivals in the morning, and then the two conference championship games. May this be a great Sunday of football for you! Enjoy it!
Friday, January 13, 2012
Divisional Playoffs Weekend! Plus some college thoughts
Yes, Divisional playoff round is now here, and it is probably the best playoff weekend of the four, as this round should feature the most competitive games, it has the top two seeds coming off a bye, and then the momentum of the teams coming off their wild card victories. This divisional round is also the first since the turn of the century that all four of the top seeds are in the divisional round. Thank you Adam Schefter for the tweet! Here's to all four games being just as competitive as the Denver/Pittsburgh game on Sunday afternoon where almst everyone was confused by the NFL's newest overtime rules. Now, simplest explanation of them, just in case it happens again this weekend. If a team scores a touchdown on their first possession, game is over, like what happened with Denver. But, if a team scores a field goal on its first possession, the other team has a chance to answer. If neither team scores, then it just goes on until somebody scores. Now, on to the picks!
New Orleans at San Francisco, 4:30 Saturday, Fox
This game is probably the most intriguing of the four this weekend, as these teams are the only ones which did not meet during the regular season. This is also intriguing because it's the Saints high scoring defense versus the 49ers suffocating defense. Another part of the intrigue is to see if the Saints can win a playoff game on the road, as they never have in franchise history. Weather will not be an issue, nor will the field, as the field is perfect, aswill the weather, being around 60 degrees and sunny. The last part of the intrigue is the fact that this is the 49ers first home playoff game since 2002, and most of their players have never been a part of this atmosphere. Their coach has, and that could play a pivotal role in the outcome of the game.However, with the Saints being the second hottest team in the NFL right now, besides the Giants, and it just seems as if their passing game can't be slowed down at all. Look at last week versus the Lions vaunted front four, and how the Saints offensive line just stopped them in their tracks. Plus, San Francisco's offense can't seem to score anything more than field goals.
Pick: New Orleans 41, San Francisco 26
Denver at New England, 8 Saturday, CBS
This game definitely has the most hype of the four this weekend due solely to the most polarizing man in the NFL, Tim Tebow. Tebow threw the deep ball amazingly well last week against Pittsburgh when the Steelers sold out on the run, putting eight men up front and limiting Willis McGahee and Tebow and the Bronco rush offense to only 3.9 yards per rush. Now, New England will have a completely different strategy and try to eliminate the deep ball to Demaryius Thomas, who now is the primary receiver, since the other main wide receiver, Eric Decker, is out with a sprained MCL.
New England seemed to perform incredibly well the last time these teams played, and of course Tom Brady executed his passes to near perfection, with over 300 yards passing and two touchdowns. I expect the Patriots to execute just like they did before, throwing to their amazing twin tight ends in Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski, who are just matchup nightmares, as nobody can cover them. Also, expect New England to go after Tebow and eliminate the deep ball and force him to throw short to medium routes which are trouble for him.
Pick: New England 45, Denver 24
Houston at Baltimore, 1 Sunday, CBS
This game is completely opposite of the previous game, as it's getting next to no hype, as these teams don't have the "spice" factor, or the superstar factor, as neither of these teams really are big draws. But, both these teams just play very solid defense and run the ball incredibly well. Both teams have one great wide receiver, and can be used for a few big plays a game. As mentioned before, these two teams played in the regular season, with Baltimore coming out on top, 29-14. Plus, the Texans had their 1st string quarterback then, Matt Schaub, now they've got a 3rd string quarterback who will not recognize what hit him after the game.
Pick: Baltimore 24, Houston 10
New York Giants at Green Bay, 4:30 Sunday, Fox
Both these teams are healthy coming into this game, everybody who began the season will be active and ready to go. These teams met in week 13, and New York gave Green Bay everything it could handle in that game. It took a last minute drive by Aaron Rodgers and the Packers offense to escape the Meadowlands with a win and at the time, still undefeated record. But, now that the Packers have lost, which helps them not trying to be the only other undefeated time in NFL history. Green Bay is just looking like the most complete all around team left in the postseason. Green Bay can force turnovers and the aura of Lambeau Field will be too much for the Giants. Granted, New York will keep the game very close, and will force a few bad decisions from Rodgers due to the enormous pressure coming from the front four of the Giants. Plus, the Giants running game will be wreaking havoc on the Packers relatively weak defense. However, Green Bay will pull away at the end.
Pick: Green Bay 41, New York 28. Thanks to Rod McCray for the final score!
Final thoughts on the BCS national championship game. Alabama just completely dominated the game from start to finish and they completely deserve the national title. Even if you go by aggregate score like soccer does, Alabama won 27-9. Thank you to Jason Weimer for that insight. Plus, if their kicker wasn't just downright awful in the first game, they wouldn't have had to be the face of controversy in the first place. However, in college football, a playoff is still the best way to determine a champion. There were many teams which only had one loss that could've played for the title and were left out. Thankfully, there is now talk of including some type of playoff or even a "plus one" system which this year would have pit Bama versus Oklahoma State, and I think it would've been a lot more entertaining than this year's game which put most to sleep. Hopefully it can get fixed in the next television contract for the BCS.
Finally, I'd like to address the hiring of Bill O'Brien as Penn State's new head coach. Now, this may not be the sexiest hire for the Nittany Lions, but it is a safe one. That is the direction which Penn State needed to go after the fiasco which occurred during the season. It is the right move to just kind of start over with all new assistant coaches and getting the name of Penn State back to the prestige where it was. Granted, the university is a lot more than the football program, and still offers great academics as well as student life. But, what most people outside of Happy Valley know is the football program, and the football program should be on its way back with this hire. But, let us not forget the victims from this and continue to keep them in our thoughts and prayers.
May everyone have a great weekend and enjoy the football!
New Orleans at San Francisco, 4:30 Saturday, Fox
This game is probably the most intriguing of the four this weekend, as these teams are the only ones which did not meet during the regular season. This is also intriguing because it's the Saints high scoring defense versus the 49ers suffocating defense. Another part of the intrigue is to see if the Saints can win a playoff game on the road, as they never have in franchise history. Weather will not be an issue, nor will the field, as the field is perfect, aswill the weather, being around 60 degrees and sunny. The last part of the intrigue is the fact that this is the 49ers first home playoff game since 2002, and most of their players have never been a part of this atmosphere. Their coach has, and that could play a pivotal role in the outcome of the game.However, with the Saints being the second hottest team in the NFL right now, besides the Giants, and it just seems as if their passing game can't be slowed down at all. Look at last week versus the Lions vaunted front four, and how the Saints offensive line just stopped them in their tracks. Plus, San Francisco's offense can't seem to score anything more than field goals.
Pick: New Orleans 41, San Francisco 26
Denver at New England, 8 Saturday, CBS
This game definitely has the most hype of the four this weekend due solely to the most polarizing man in the NFL, Tim Tebow. Tebow threw the deep ball amazingly well last week against Pittsburgh when the Steelers sold out on the run, putting eight men up front and limiting Willis McGahee and Tebow and the Bronco rush offense to only 3.9 yards per rush. Now, New England will have a completely different strategy and try to eliminate the deep ball to Demaryius Thomas, who now is the primary receiver, since the other main wide receiver, Eric Decker, is out with a sprained MCL.
New England seemed to perform incredibly well the last time these teams played, and of course Tom Brady executed his passes to near perfection, with over 300 yards passing and two touchdowns. I expect the Patriots to execute just like they did before, throwing to their amazing twin tight ends in Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski, who are just matchup nightmares, as nobody can cover them. Also, expect New England to go after Tebow and eliminate the deep ball and force him to throw short to medium routes which are trouble for him.
Pick: New England 45, Denver 24
Houston at Baltimore, 1 Sunday, CBS
This game is completely opposite of the previous game, as it's getting next to no hype, as these teams don't have the "spice" factor, or the superstar factor, as neither of these teams really are big draws. But, both these teams just play very solid defense and run the ball incredibly well. Both teams have one great wide receiver, and can be used for a few big plays a game. As mentioned before, these two teams played in the regular season, with Baltimore coming out on top, 29-14. Plus, the Texans had their 1st string quarterback then, Matt Schaub, now they've got a 3rd string quarterback who will not recognize what hit him after the game.
Pick: Baltimore 24, Houston 10
New York Giants at Green Bay, 4:30 Sunday, Fox
Both these teams are healthy coming into this game, everybody who began the season will be active and ready to go. These teams met in week 13, and New York gave Green Bay everything it could handle in that game. It took a last minute drive by Aaron Rodgers and the Packers offense to escape the Meadowlands with a win and at the time, still undefeated record. But, now that the Packers have lost, which helps them not trying to be the only other undefeated time in NFL history. Green Bay is just looking like the most complete all around team left in the postseason. Green Bay can force turnovers and the aura of Lambeau Field will be too much for the Giants. Granted, New York will keep the game very close, and will force a few bad decisions from Rodgers due to the enormous pressure coming from the front four of the Giants. Plus, the Giants running game will be wreaking havoc on the Packers relatively weak defense. However, Green Bay will pull away at the end.
Pick: Green Bay 41, New York 28. Thanks to Rod McCray for the final score!
Final thoughts on the BCS national championship game. Alabama just completely dominated the game from start to finish and they completely deserve the national title. Even if you go by aggregate score like soccer does, Alabama won 27-9. Thank you to Jason Weimer for that insight. Plus, if their kicker wasn't just downright awful in the first game, they wouldn't have had to be the face of controversy in the first place. However, in college football, a playoff is still the best way to determine a champion. There were many teams which only had one loss that could've played for the title and were left out. Thankfully, there is now talk of including some type of playoff or even a "plus one" system which this year would have pit Bama versus Oklahoma State, and I think it would've been a lot more entertaining than this year's game which put most to sleep. Hopefully it can get fixed in the next television contract for the BCS.
Finally, I'd like to address the hiring of Bill O'Brien as Penn State's new head coach. Now, this may not be the sexiest hire for the Nittany Lions, but it is a safe one. That is the direction which Penn State needed to go after the fiasco which occurred during the season. It is the right move to just kind of start over with all new assistant coaches and getting the name of Penn State back to the prestige where it was. Granted, the university is a lot more than the football program, and still offers great academics as well as student life. But, what most people outside of Happy Valley know is the football program, and the football program should be on its way back with this hire. But, let us not forget the victims from this and continue to keep them in our thoughts and prayers.
May everyone have a great weekend and enjoy the football!
Friday, January 6, 2012
Wild Card Weekend & BCS National Championship Game
Yes, the NFL playoffs have finally come after four long months. This year has brought in six new teams and a city which hasn't hosted a home playoff game since 1993, in Houston, when the Houston Oilers hosted a game in the Astrodome. But, there is also another team which is going to the playoffs this millennium, that being the Detroit Lions who are going to the Superdome for their first playoff appearance now since 1999. Finally, there are the Denver Tebows, uh, I mean Broncos, who are surprisingly enough, are returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2005, when they reached the AFC Championship game, but lost to the Steelers.
Then, there is the BCS National Championship game, which just seems like it's been four months until we get to see it. As Bob Ryan noted on "Around the Horn" earlier in the week, the BCS needs to figure out something to get buzz around this game, as there is absolutely zero right now, considering it will be 37 days since LSU last played and 44 since Alabama last played. The game is almost like starting a new season for one game, it makes zero sense. But, then again, the entire BCS system doesn't, so why should anything they do make sense? There is my little rant. Now, on to the picks!
Cincinnati at Houston, 4:30, Saturday, NBC
As mentioned above, the city of Houston hasn't hosted a game in nearly 20 years, and the crowd will be really raucous and crazy in Reliant Stadium. Cincinnati fans are also eager for a win in the playoffs, as the Bengals haven't won a playoff game since they beat the Houston Oilers ironically in 1990. So, either one of these fan bases will be incredibly happy at the end of the day, knowing that one of their franchises will be moving on and be one step closer to the Super Bowl.
These two teams met earlier in the season, in Cincy, where Houston narrowly escaped with a victory, 20-19 where they scored a touchdown with only six seconds left in the game. Both these teams really are coming into the playoffs limping, as Houston basically gave up on their season after they clinched the AFC South, losing three straight, and Cincy has yet to prove it can beat a playoff caliber team. Cincy this season is 0-7 against playoff bound teams, while they are 9-0 against non playoff teams. Granted, nearly all of the losses were close, by a combined 30 points in six of the seven losses.
The edge will go to Houston solely based on them already beating Cincinnati and the fact that this time they are at home, with the crowd behind them. Plus, this game they've got their all pro wide receiver in Andre Johnson to help them out. But, this game will be very close.
Pick: Houston 24, Cincy 20
Pittsburgh at Denver, 4:30, Sunday, CBS
If this game was played four weeks ago, in the regular season, I'd give Tim Tebow and the Broncos a chance to beat the reigning AFC Champions. But, in the four weeks since, there is no way that Denver can beat the Steelers. As Denver has struggled mightily to score points in the past few games, only putting up three in their 7-3 loss at home to the Chiefs last week, which was painful football to watch. Plus, Tebow hasn't been able to secure the football, losing the ball six times the past two weeks. But, the worse problem is that Tebow only completed six passes last week against a much weaker defense than Pittsburgh's in Kansas City's.
Granted, Denver still has a chance with their defense, as Pittsburgh is really banged up, with them missing all pro center Maurkice Pouncey to an injury as well as star running back Rashard Mendenhall to a season ending ACL tear in last week's loss to the Browns. Plus, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is not as mobile as he was earlier in the season, due to a severely sprained right ankle which he re-aggravated last week against the Browns. So, expect one incredibly low scoring game, featuring a lot of running the ball. However, the Broncos will have questions heading into next season figuring out if Tebow really is their guy under center.
Pick: Pittsburgh 13, Denver 6
Detroit at New Orleans, 8, Saturday, NBC
These two teams also met earlier in the season, but that game did not feature Detroit's monster of a defensive tackle in Ndamukong Suh, who was suspended for his stomp to the face of a Green Bay lineman. Will Suh really make that much of a difference though? My suspicion is no, as Suh can't change the game the way he did back in college. Granted, he will make a difference and help the Lions to try and help contain the dynamic Saints offense, which has been great the past few weeks, scoring at least 31 points in five of their six games.
Detroit hasn't been playing too badly either, as they've scored, and scored in bunches at times, scoring over 40 in three of their games this season. Plus, they've got arguably the best receiver in football in "megatron" Calvin Johnson, who can go up and grab balls in double and even triple teams. I'm expecting this game to be a complete shootout, with both teams seeming to score at will, but the decisive factor will be the Saints playing at home, where they've been unbeatable this season, going 8-0.
Pick: New Orleans 42, Detroit 36
Atlanta at New York Giants, 1, Fox
New York is coming into this game having to win its final two games to even have a shot at the playoffs, and they did, and winning both games rather convincingly over rivals Jets and Cowboys. The key for the Giants is that they have both Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs in the backfield, as when they are both participating, the Giants are one dangerous team on the ground, and in the air. This year especially, with Eli Manning really breaking out, having a career high in passing yardage, as well as nearly eclipsing his career high touchdown mark, with 29, plus Manning didn't turn the ball over in key situations. Manning was helped exceedingly by second year breakout star Victor Cruz as well as tight end Jake Ballard in the passing game, as Cruz provided the big plays and Ballard provided a safety valve for Manning in the middle of the field.
On the other side of the ball, the Giants have four great pass rushers that can get to Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan which can rotate in and out very easily.
Atlanta got themselves in position to face the Giants by completely trouncing the Bucs last week 49-24, and scoring six touchdowns before you could believe it. They did it at home, which helped, as well as having Michael Turner just turn on the jets and not have anybody stop him. Atlanta has been doing very well at home, but they also have three receivers who are pretty good as well, in Roddy White, Julio Jones and Tony Gonzalez. The trio of those receivers combined for over 3,000 yards receiving and will be trouble for the Giants secondary. However, I don't think that the Falcons can beat a hot Giants team which has won three of its last four, and a team which can wear people down.
Pick: New York 24, Atlanta 20
BCS National Championship Game
Alabama vs. LSU, Monday, 8:30, ESPN
Granted, this is not the game most wanted, but after watching Oklahoma State struggle against Stanford, I think this is probably the right choice. These two teams really battled it out back in November, with both offenses struggling to get anything going against either suffocating defense. The game was a field goal fest, with LSU coming out on top 9-6 thanks to Alabama not having a competent kicker in that game. Granted, I don't think that this game will turn out to be the snooze fest the earlier one was, but it will still be a defensive struggle. Neither team will be moving the ball all that much, but expect one or two touchdowns in this game. The game is so evenly matched, it's essentially a coin flip, and I'm expecting Alabama to get its revenge on LSU here in their backyard of New Orleans.
Pick: Alabama 13, New Orleans 9
Then, there is the BCS National Championship game, which just seems like it's been four months until we get to see it. As Bob Ryan noted on "Around the Horn" earlier in the week, the BCS needs to figure out something to get buzz around this game, as there is absolutely zero right now, considering it will be 37 days since LSU last played and 44 since Alabama last played. The game is almost like starting a new season for one game, it makes zero sense. But, then again, the entire BCS system doesn't, so why should anything they do make sense? There is my little rant. Now, on to the picks!
Cincinnati at Houston, 4:30, Saturday, NBC
As mentioned above, the city of Houston hasn't hosted a game in nearly 20 years, and the crowd will be really raucous and crazy in Reliant Stadium. Cincinnati fans are also eager for a win in the playoffs, as the Bengals haven't won a playoff game since they beat the Houston Oilers ironically in 1990. So, either one of these fan bases will be incredibly happy at the end of the day, knowing that one of their franchises will be moving on and be one step closer to the Super Bowl.
These two teams met earlier in the season, in Cincy, where Houston narrowly escaped with a victory, 20-19 where they scored a touchdown with only six seconds left in the game. Both these teams really are coming into the playoffs limping, as Houston basically gave up on their season after they clinched the AFC South, losing three straight, and Cincy has yet to prove it can beat a playoff caliber team. Cincy this season is 0-7 against playoff bound teams, while they are 9-0 against non playoff teams. Granted, nearly all of the losses were close, by a combined 30 points in six of the seven losses.
The edge will go to Houston solely based on them already beating Cincinnati and the fact that this time they are at home, with the crowd behind them. Plus, this game they've got their all pro wide receiver in Andre Johnson to help them out. But, this game will be very close.
Pick: Houston 24, Cincy 20
Pittsburgh at Denver, 4:30, Sunday, CBS
If this game was played four weeks ago, in the regular season, I'd give Tim Tebow and the Broncos a chance to beat the reigning AFC Champions. But, in the four weeks since, there is no way that Denver can beat the Steelers. As Denver has struggled mightily to score points in the past few games, only putting up three in their 7-3 loss at home to the Chiefs last week, which was painful football to watch. Plus, Tebow hasn't been able to secure the football, losing the ball six times the past two weeks. But, the worse problem is that Tebow only completed six passes last week against a much weaker defense than Pittsburgh's in Kansas City's.
Granted, Denver still has a chance with their defense, as Pittsburgh is really banged up, with them missing all pro center Maurkice Pouncey to an injury as well as star running back Rashard Mendenhall to a season ending ACL tear in last week's loss to the Browns. Plus, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is not as mobile as he was earlier in the season, due to a severely sprained right ankle which he re-aggravated last week against the Browns. So, expect one incredibly low scoring game, featuring a lot of running the ball. However, the Broncos will have questions heading into next season figuring out if Tebow really is their guy under center.
Pick: Pittsburgh 13, Denver 6
Detroit at New Orleans, 8, Saturday, NBC
These two teams also met earlier in the season, but that game did not feature Detroit's monster of a defensive tackle in Ndamukong Suh, who was suspended for his stomp to the face of a Green Bay lineman. Will Suh really make that much of a difference though? My suspicion is no, as Suh can't change the game the way he did back in college. Granted, he will make a difference and help the Lions to try and help contain the dynamic Saints offense, which has been great the past few weeks, scoring at least 31 points in five of their six games.
Detroit hasn't been playing too badly either, as they've scored, and scored in bunches at times, scoring over 40 in three of their games this season. Plus, they've got arguably the best receiver in football in "megatron" Calvin Johnson, who can go up and grab balls in double and even triple teams. I'm expecting this game to be a complete shootout, with both teams seeming to score at will, but the decisive factor will be the Saints playing at home, where they've been unbeatable this season, going 8-0.
Pick: New Orleans 42, Detroit 36
Atlanta at New York Giants, 1, Fox
New York is coming into this game having to win its final two games to even have a shot at the playoffs, and they did, and winning both games rather convincingly over rivals Jets and Cowboys. The key for the Giants is that they have both Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs in the backfield, as when they are both participating, the Giants are one dangerous team on the ground, and in the air. This year especially, with Eli Manning really breaking out, having a career high in passing yardage, as well as nearly eclipsing his career high touchdown mark, with 29, plus Manning didn't turn the ball over in key situations. Manning was helped exceedingly by second year breakout star Victor Cruz as well as tight end Jake Ballard in the passing game, as Cruz provided the big plays and Ballard provided a safety valve for Manning in the middle of the field.
On the other side of the ball, the Giants have four great pass rushers that can get to Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan which can rotate in and out very easily.
Atlanta got themselves in position to face the Giants by completely trouncing the Bucs last week 49-24, and scoring six touchdowns before you could believe it. They did it at home, which helped, as well as having Michael Turner just turn on the jets and not have anybody stop him. Atlanta has been doing very well at home, but they also have three receivers who are pretty good as well, in Roddy White, Julio Jones and Tony Gonzalez. The trio of those receivers combined for over 3,000 yards receiving and will be trouble for the Giants secondary. However, I don't think that the Falcons can beat a hot Giants team which has won three of its last four, and a team which can wear people down.
Pick: New York 24, Atlanta 20
BCS National Championship Game
Alabama vs. LSU, Monday, 8:30, ESPN
Granted, this is not the game most wanted, but after watching Oklahoma State struggle against Stanford, I think this is probably the right choice. These two teams really battled it out back in November, with both offenses struggling to get anything going against either suffocating defense. The game was a field goal fest, with LSU coming out on top 9-6 thanks to Alabama not having a competent kicker in that game. Granted, I don't think that this game will turn out to be the snooze fest the earlier one was, but it will still be a defensive struggle. Neither team will be moving the ball all that much, but expect one or two touchdowns in this game. The game is so evenly matched, it's essentially a coin flip, and I'm expecting Alabama to get its revenge on LSU here in their backyard of New Orleans.
Pick: Alabama 13, New Orleans 9
Sunday, January 1, 2012
January 2= One of Best Sports Days Ever?
Yes, you read that right. I'll explain my reasoning now.
The reason why I'm considering tomorrow to be the Best Sports Days Ever is because you have six bowl games, one includes Penn State and their stout defense against a really good C-USA team and Houston's high octane passing offense. Another is the "granddaddy of them all" the Rose Bowl which will have two really good running games with Oregon versus Wisconsin. That game matches up the speed and spread offense of Oregon versus Wisconsin's power and pro style offense. The Rose Bowl also has two dynamic running backs, Montee Ball who is just a beautiful combination of power and speed. Then, there is the pure speed of LaMichael James, who will blow past anyone around him. To cap off the bowl fest is the Fiesta Bowl, which will probably be the equivalent of the Alamo Bowl from earlier in the bowl season. So, expect a lot of points between Stanford and Oklahoma State. That bowl will feature two stars making their last appearance in college with Justin Blackmon and Andrew Luck. Both of these guys will be stars at the next level and will want to continue to prove themselves in this game.
Tomorrow is also the NHL Winter Classic in Philadelphia between the Flyers and Rangers. This game should be a great game featuring the top two teams in the Eastern Conference. This game will also decide if the Flyers are in first place by the end of the day. Both teams have very solid teams and should be a one goal game. Philadelphia also will want to avenge its losses from these teams previous two meetings where the Rangers took both games. The NHL will also have four other games today, with another game featuring two very good teams in San Jose and Vancouver.
Then, there of course is basketball. Both college and the NBA have a plethora of games happening, so if you're into basketball, you should have your picking of any number of good games to choose from.
So, there will be three of the four major sports happening today, and one of the more unique things in sports, the Winter Classic, a NHL game happening outdoors in a baseball stadium. May you all have a very happy and healthy New Year which is filled with a full day of sports viewing with friends and family!
The reason why I'm considering tomorrow to be the Best Sports Days Ever is because you have six bowl games, one includes Penn State and their stout defense against a really good C-USA team and Houston's high octane passing offense. Another is the "granddaddy of them all" the Rose Bowl which will have two really good running games with Oregon versus Wisconsin. That game matches up the speed and spread offense of Oregon versus Wisconsin's power and pro style offense. The Rose Bowl also has two dynamic running backs, Montee Ball who is just a beautiful combination of power and speed. Then, there is the pure speed of LaMichael James, who will blow past anyone around him. To cap off the bowl fest is the Fiesta Bowl, which will probably be the equivalent of the Alamo Bowl from earlier in the bowl season. So, expect a lot of points between Stanford and Oklahoma State. That bowl will feature two stars making their last appearance in college with Justin Blackmon and Andrew Luck. Both of these guys will be stars at the next level and will want to continue to prove themselves in this game.
Tomorrow is also the NHL Winter Classic in Philadelphia between the Flyers and Rangers. This game should be a great game featuring the top two teams in the Eastern Conference. This game will also decide if the Flyers are in first place by the end of the day. Both teams have very solid teams and should be a one goal game. Philadelphia also will want to avenge its losses from these teams previous two meetings where the Rangers took both games. The NHL will also have four other games today, with another game featuring two very good teams in San Jose and Vancouver.
Then, there of course is basketball. Both college and the NBA have a plethora of games happening, so if you're into basketball, you should have your picking of any number of good games to choose from.
So, there will be three of the four major sports happening today, and one of the more unique things in sports, the Winter Classic, a NHL game happening outdoors in a baseball stadium. May you all have a very happy and healthy New Year which is filled with a full day of sports viewing with friends and family!
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