Looks like some owners are starting their New Year's resolutions a bit before the ball drops.
The 2012 regular season has ended which means that it's time for some firings across the NFL. The most notable one is Andy Reid being fired by the Eagles after 14 years as their head coach. Philadelphia set the bar high for Andy Reid this year but the Eagles could not come close to reaching it. They went 4-12 (which is worse than 8-8), struggled to win the games they had won, and were certainly way off of making the postseason. Reid lead the Eagles to 5 NFC title games and one Super Bowl appearance but the team has noticeably dropped off the last couple of years and that cost him his job.
Another big firing was Norv Turner of the Chargers along with GM A.J. Smith. This firing came 6 years too late as Turner should never been hired nor should anyone have replaced Marty Schottenheimer. The Chargers failed to make the playoffs each of the last 3 years and San Diego is glad to see him leave.
Perhaps the biggest surprise firing was Lovie Smith. The Chicago Bears fired him after a 10-6 season in which they were just short of making the playoffs. Looks like that last second field goal that Adrian Peterson help set up for the Vikes cost Smith some Love. Smith was 81-63 as the Bears head coach and did manage to get the Bears to a Super Bowl a while back but failing the make the playoffs for the 2nd year in a row cost him big especially considering the team started the season out 7-1.
As for other notable moves, Arizona fires Ken Whisenhunt after a disastrous 5-11 season. Three straight years of failing to make the playoffs along with the trying to find Kurt Warner's replacement has now lead to finding a replacement for Whisenhunt. The Kansas City Chiefs fired Romeo Crennel after one season in which the team went 2-14. They keep GM Scott Pioli but are looking for a new head coach. General Manager of the New York Jets Mike Tannenbaum has been fired but Rex Ryan will remain as head coach. Pity the owner Woody Johnson hasn't realized yet that no Ryan can be a successful head coach in the NFL. Last one I'll mention is that GM Gene Smith of the Jaguars has been fired. Coach Mike Mularky could be next but it's clear that the new owner Shad Khan wants a new direction for this team. Could that be with Tim Tebow?
So many firings today on this Black Monday that I can't but help but wonder where some of these fired coaches will end up. Andy Reid will likely get a job somewhere but it isn't a sure thing. Romeo Crennel will probably go back to being a coordinator for some other NFL team. As for the others, we'll see.
Monday, December 31, 2012
Redskins Win NFC East, Vikes Squeeze Into Postseason, Broncos and Pats Get Byes and More
The last week in the NFL was huge as it featured quite a few good games with playoff implications.
The biggest perhaps was the Cowboys vs. the Redskins with the NFC East title on the line and the loser not getting into the postseason. Both sides started out slow and it was tied at 7 heading into the locker room. The 2nd half had more of the Washington's ground game wearing down the Dallas defense. Rookie Alfred Morris managed to run an even 200 yards against the Cowboys and managed 3 rushing TDs. RG3, meanwhile, only had 100 passing yards going 9/18 with 63 rushing yards and a rushing TD.
Dallas fell behind by 11 and managed to cut the lead by 3 with just under 6 minutes left. Tony Romo, however, made a season ending mistake throwing his third interception of the game with this one being picked off by London Fletcher on a dump pass to DeMarco Murray. The Redskins managed to kill the clock down to 1:09 left in regulation and scored the nail-in-the-coffin TD with Morris' third score. Redskins win the NFC East 28-18. Dallas misses the playoffs for a third straight season while Washington gets in with a rookie QB and running back leading the way.
There was also a big game earlier that day involving the Packers and the Vikings. Green Bay was fighting for the #2 seed in the NFC while Minnesota was fighting to just get into the postseason. The Packers knew that Adrian Peterson of the Vikings was going to run on them and they still couldn't stop him. Peterson ran for 199 yards including a 26 yard run to get the Vikings a chip shot field goal for Blair Walsh to win the game 37-34. Peterson, however, still finishes 9 yards shy of breaking Eric Dickerson single season rushing record. Vikings get into the playoffs as a wild card while the Packers lose the #2 seed with this loss and the 49ers beating the Cardinals 27-13 claiming the bye week for themselves.
Some craziness in the top seeding of the AFC. In an emotional game in which Chuck Pagano made his return to the Colts, Indianapolis beats Houston 28-16. The Broncos and the Patriots both capitalized on the Texans loss winning their respective games. Denver blows out Kansas City 38-3 while New England shuts out Miami 28-0. Broncos get the #1 seed and home field advantage while the Pats grab the #2 seed. Texans are stuck playing in the wild card round of the playoffs as they finished the last 4 games of the season 1-3 after starting 11-1.
As for noteworthy news, the Giants blow out the Eagles 42-7 but are eliminated from playoff contention. Looks like a 9-7 record didn't cut it this year for the G-Men. The Bears win their game 26-24 over the Lions but with the Vikings win they fall just short of the playoffs. Minnesota and Chicago have the same record of 10-6 but the advantage goes to the Vikes who had a better divisional record of 4-2. Last one I'll mention is that the Seahawks beat the Rams 20-13. Not really a significant win with the 49ers claiming the NFC West but Seattle finishes the season undefeated at home with a 8-0 record at CenturyLink Field. Thank goodness nobody has to play them there in the postseason.
A great 2012 regular season ends with a lot of excitement and noticeably 3 rookie quarterbacks leading their teams into the playoffs. Two of them will actually meet in the wild card round of the postseason with the Seahawks traveling to Washington to play the Redskins. It's going to be a good postseason.
P.S. There is also an interesting game on the other NFC wild card game with the Vikings now going to Green Bay to play the Packers. Let's see if the Pack can stop Peterson at home.
P.P.S. Click here for a full recap of the 49ers win over the Cardinals. Be sure to check out the 49ers section at prosportsblogging.com for updates on the team before and after each game.
The biggest perhaps was the Cowboys vs. the Redskins with the NFC East title on the line and the loser not getting into the postseason. Both sides started out slow and it was tied at 7 heading into the locker room. The 2nd half had more of the Washington's ground game wearing down the Dallas defense. Rookie Alfred Morris managed to run an even 200 yards against the Cowboys and managed 3 rushing TDs. RG3, meanwhile, only had 100 passing yards going 9/18 with 63 rushing yards and a rushing TD.
Dallas fell behind by 11 and managed to cut the lead by 3 with just under 6 minutes left. Tony Romo, however, made a season ending mistake throwing his third interception of the game with this one being picked off by London Fletcher on a dump pass to DeMarco Murray. The Redskins managed to kill the clock down to 1:09 left in regulation and scored the nail-in-the-coffin TD with Morris' third score. Redskins win the NFC East 28-18. Dallas misses the playoffs for a third straight season while Washington gets in with a rookie QB and running back leading the way.
There was also a big game earlier that day involving the Packers and the Vikings. Green Bay was fighting for the #2 seed in the NFC while Minnesota was fighting to just get into the postseason. The Packers knew that Adrian Peterson of the Vikings was going to run on them and they still couldn't stop him. Peterson ran for 199 yards including a 26 yard run to get the Vikings a chip shot field goal for Blair Walsh to win the game 37-34. Peterson, however, still finishes 9 yards shy of breaking Eric Dickerson single season rushing record. Vikings get into the playoffs as a wild card while the Packers lose the #2 seed with this loss and the 49ers beating the Cardinals 27-13 claiming the bye week for themselves.
Some craziness in the top seeding of the AFC. In an emotional game in which Chuck Pagano made his return to the Colts, Indianapolis beats Houston 28-16. The Broncos and the Patriots both capitalized on the Texans loss winning their respective games. Denver blows out Kansas City 38-3 while New England shuts out Miami 28-0. Broncos get the #1 seed and home field advantage while the Pats grab the #2 seed. Texans are stuck playing in the wild card round of the playoffs as they finished the last 4 games of the season 1-3 after starting 11-1.
As for noteworthy news, the Giants blow out the Eagles 42-7 but are eliminated from playoff contention. Looks like a 9-7 record didn't cut it this year for the G-Men. The Bears win their game 26-24 over the Lions but with the Vikings win they fall just short of the playoffs. Minnesota and Chicago have the same record of 10-6 but the advantage goes to the Vikes who had a better divisional record of 4-2. Last one I'll mention is that the Seahawks beat the Rams 20-13. Not really a significant win with the 49ers claiming the NFC West but Seattle finishes the season undefeated at home with a 8-0 record at CenturyLink Field. Thank goodness nobody has to play them there in the postseason.
A great 2012 regular season ends with a lot of excitement and noticeably 3 rookie quarterbacks leading their teams into the playoffs. Two of them will actually meet in the wild card round of the postseason with the Seahawks traveling to Washington to play the Redskins. It's going to be a good postseason.
P.S. There is also an interesting game on the other NFC wild card game with the Vikings now going to Green Bay to play the Packers. Let's see if the Pack can stop Peterson at home.
P.P.S. Click here for a full recap of the 49ers win over the Cardinals. Be sure to check out the 49ers section at prosportsblogging.com for updates on the team before and after each game.
Friday, December 28, 2012
Nets Fire Avery Johnson as Team Slips to 14-14
Well the "Brooklyn Nets being great" idea was fun while it lasted. I think the Jeremy Lin phenomena lasted longer than this.
The Nets had a pretty good start to the season with it being their first in Brooklyn. They started the year 11-4 and were giving the New York Knicks a run for the city's attention. Then December crept around and put an end to all of that. The Nets went on a 3-10 skid with their last game being beaten by the Bucks 108-93 on Wednesday. With the team 14-14, the Nets decided it was time to make a change.
The head coach of the Nets, Avery Johnson, was fired yesterday. He was actually named the Eastern Conference's coach of the month in November but December just seemed too much for him. Johnson was with the team ever since the beginning of the 2010/11 season. Assistant P.J. Carlisemo was named the interim head coach as the search begins for a replacement.
Panic button pressed by the Nets as they look for new leadership. Certainly they will try and see if Phil Jackson wants to give this team a shot but considering that their top player is PG Deron Williams and that the rest of the team is average, it's not likely that Phil Jackson would want to coach the Nets. That being said, whoever they do hire would have to be good enough and command enough respect to coach/deal with Deron Williams. He needs both of those things right now.
The Nets had a pretty good start to the season with it being their first in Brooklyn. They started the year 11-4 and were giving the New York Knicks a run for the city's attention. Then December crept around and put an end to all of that. The Nets went on a 3-10 skid with their last game being beaten by the Bucks 108-93 on Wednesday. With the team 14-14, the Nets decided it was time to make a change.
The head coach of the Nets, Avery Johnson, was fired yesterday. He was actually named the Eastern Conference's coach of the month in November but December just seemed too much for him. Johnson was with the team ever since the beginning of the 2010/11 season. Assistant P.J. Carlisemo was named the interim head coach as the search begins for a replacement.
Panic button pressed by the Nets as they look for new leadership. Certainly they will try and see if Phil Jackson wants to give this team a shot but considering that their top player is PG Deron Williams and that the rest of the team is average, it's not likely that Phil Jackson would want to coach the Nets. That being said, whoever they do hire would have to be good enough and command enough respect to coach/deal with Deron Williams. He needs both of those things right now.
Monday, December 24, 2012
Chuck Pagano is Back with the Colts
The Indianapolis Colts and their fanbase must think it's a Christmas miracle of sorts for their coach to finally be back with them. Chuck Pagano took an indefinite leave of absence earlier this season due to being diagnosed with Leukemia. He was able to beat it while the team and the city rallied for him and managed to grab a playoff spot. Pagano finally returned back to the Colts taking over again as head coach of the team.
"I know Chuck is ready for this challenge," Colts owner Jim Irsay said. "I know the time is right for him to grab the reins and get the head coaching cap on and begin the journey.
"The great thing about the National Football League is that so much attention gets paid to it, so many other things happen beside win and losses and the inspiration Chuck has shown to others and the time Chuck has spent connecting with others, it really is miraculous. It's a fairytale story, it's a Hollywood script, it's all of those things."
Chuck came back on Christmas Eve feeling better.
"I feel great," Pagano said "My weight is back. My energy is back. It's a blessing to be back."
It's definitely a great gift for him to be back with the Colts after what he has gone through. Welcome back Chuck and Merry Christmas to you and everyone.
"I know Chuck is ready for this challenge," Colts owner Jim Irsay said. "I know the time is right for him to grab the reins and get the head coaching cap on and begin the journey.
"The great thing about the National Football League is that so much attention gets paid to it, so many other things happen beside win and losses and the inspiration Chuck has shown to others and the time Chuck has spent connecting with others, it really is miraculous. It's a fairytale story, it's a Hollywood script, it's all of those things."
Chuck came back on Christmas Eve feeling better.
"I feel great," Pagano said "My weight is back. My energy is back. It's a blessing to be back."
It's definitely a great gift for him to be back with the Colts after what he has gone through. Welcome back Chuck and Merry Christmas to you and everyone.
Steelers Out, Cowboys and G-Men Lose, Packers in Line for a #2 Seed and More
Week 16 was a big week in the NFL for the playoff picture and some playoff hopefuls. The Steelers, however, have gone down to playoff "Nopefuls."
The Cincinnati Bengals have lost their last 5 games against the Pittsburgh Steelers but could make up for all of that by clinching a playoff spot at Heinz Field. It was a close game throughout being tied up at 10-10. The Steelers had the ball with 44 seconds left in the game and were trying to get within field goal range for their kicker. Ben Roethlisberger then made a mistake and threw an interception to Safety Reggie Nelson of the Bengals on a pass intended for WR Mike Wallace. After a 21 yard pass from Andy Dalton to AJ Green, the Bengals kicker Josh Brown hit a 37 yard field goal to win the game with 4 seconds left. Bengals win 13-10 clinching a playoff spot while also eliminating the Steelers from the postseason picture.
Meanwhile, there were a lot of big games involving the NFC East teams. First, the Redskins were able to hold off the Eagles to win it 27-20. Robert Griffin III made his return after a week off due to injury and went 16/24 for 198 passing yards, 2 TD passes, and one INT. Meanwhile, the Cowboys fought back from14 down against the Saints and managed to tie the game forcing OT. However, the Saints got the ball after the Cowboys initial possession and managed to hit the game winning FG after a fumble by Marques Colston went their way and the ball was recovered by Saints TE Jimmy Graham at the Dallas 2. Garrett Hartley hit the 20 yard chip shot to win it for the Saints 34-31. As for the G-Men, they get manhandled for a 2nd week in row (though not shutout) with this loss coming at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens 33-14. The Ravens had 25 first downs in this game compared to the G-Men's 11 and had the ball for nearly 40 minutes.
As for other games in the NFL, the Packers destroyed the Jaguars 55-7 as Aaron Rodgers threw 3 TD passes in this game. That win combined with the 49ers loss gives Green Bay control of the #2 seed in the NFC heading into the last week of the season. Andrew Luck and the Colts clinched a playoff spot with a win over the Chiefs 20-13. The Colts get back into the playoffs after the horrible season last year. Last I'll mention that the Patriots and the Broncos win their respective games while the Texans fall to the Vikings 23-6. Houston still has control of the #1 seed in the AFC with the tie breaker over Denver while the Broncos have a 1 game lead over the Pats for the #2 seed.
One more week means some great games to finish the season. The biggest one might be the Redskins and the Cowboys taking over Sunday Night with the NFC East title on the line.
P.S. For a recap on the 49ers loss, click here. Be sure to check out the 49ers section at prosportsblogging.com before and after every game.
The Cincinnati Bengals have lost their last 5 games against the Pittsburgh Steelers but could make up for all of that by clinching a playoff spot at Heinz Field. It was a close game throughout being tied up at 10-10. The Steelers had the ball with 44 seconds left in the game and were trying to get within field goal range for their kicker. Ben Roethlisberger then made a mistake and threw an interception to Safety Reggie Nelson of the Bengals on a pass intended for WR Mike Wallace. After a 21 yard pass from Andy Dalton to AJ Green, the Bengals kicker Josh Brown hit a 37 yard field goal to win the game with 4 seconds left. Bengals win 13-10 clinching a playoff spot while also eliminating the Steelers from the postseason picture.
Meanwhile, there were a lot of big games involving the NFC East teams. First, the Redskins were able to hold off the Eagles to win it 27-20. Robert Griffin III made his return after a week off due to injury and went 16/24 for 198 passing yards, 2 TD passes, and one INT. Meanwhile, the Cowboys fought back from14 down against the Saints and managed to tie the game forcing OT. However, the Saints got the ball after the Cowboys initial possession and managed to hit the game winning FG after a fumble by Marques Colston went their way and the ball was recovered by Saints TE Jimmy Graham at the Dallas 2. Garrett Hartley hit the 20 yard chip shot to win it for the Saints 34-31. As for the G-Men, they get manhandled for a 2nd week in row (though not shutout) with this loss coming at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens 33-14. The Ravens had 25 first downs in this game compared to the G-Men's 11 and had the ball for nearly 40 minutes.
As for other games in the NFL, the Packers destroyed the Jaguars 55-7 as Aaron Rodgers threw 3 TD passes in this game. That win combined with the 49ers loss gives Green Bay control of the #2 seed in the NFC heading into the last week of the season. Andrew Luck and the Colts clinched a playoff spot with a win over the Chiefs 20-13. The Colts get back into the playoffs after the horrible season last year. Last I'll mention that the Patriots and the Broncos win their respective games while the Texans fall to the Vikings 23-6. Houston still has control of the #1 seed in the AFC with the tie breaker over Denver while the Broncos have a 1 game lead over the Pats for the #2 seed.
One more week means some great games to finish the season. The biggest one might be the Redskins and the Cowboys taking over Sunday Night with the NFC East title on the line.
P.S. For a recap on the 49ers loss, click here. Be sure to check out the 49ers section at prosportsblogging.com before and after every game.
Saturday, December 22, 2012
MegaRecord for Johnson
The world isn't over? It was really just a calender that just flipped over after a long time? That seems a lot simpler that getting a free calendar in the mail every year.
First and foremost, there is none greater than Jerry Rice.... but Megatron is sure making a case to become at least an equal.
The 2nd to last game of the season had Calvin Johnson chasing NFL history while on a losing team. The Lions played the Falcons in Detroit and Calvin made sure the overall disappointed fans got history tonight. Johnson caught 11 balls for 225 receiving yards which helped Calvin pass the G.O.A.T. Jerry Rice for receiving yards in a single season. Rice had 1848 receiving yards in 1995 while Megatron now has 1892 receiving yards this season. The Falcons would still get the win despite the record 31-18.
Congrats to Johnson for breaking ONE of Jerry's many records.While Jerry might never be caught in most of the records he holds, it certainly says something about Calvin for breaking just one of them. Megatron has been on fire this season fantasy wise. Too bad that Fantasy Football means nothing (that's right, Van, nothing) as the Lions are 4-11 this year. Meanwhile the Falcons are 13-2 and have just clinched the #1 seed in the NFC which gives them home field advantage throughout the playoffs. It's a pity that doesn't come with a nitro boost to give you momentum like the team that actually wins the Super Bowl.
Anyway, Johnson might not be done yet. Now that he has broken this record, he has a chance to take it to over 2000 yards and really raise the bar for the next guy.
P.S. Now if you don't mind I have to try and get my money back on a deposit for a bunker that I never used.
First and foremost, there is none greater than Jerry Rice.... but Megatron is sure making a case to become at least an equal.
The 2nd to last game of the season had Calvin Johnson chasing NFL history while on a losing team. The Lions played the Falcons in Detroit and Calvin made sure the overall disappointed fans got history tonight. Johnson caught 11 balls for 225 receiving yards which helped Calvin pass the G.O.A.T. Jerry Rice for receiving yards in a single season. Rice had 1848 receiving yards in 1995 while Megatron now has 1892 receiving yards this season. The Falcons would still get the win despite the record 31-18.
Congrats to Johnson for breaking ONE of Jerry's many records.While Jerry might never be caught in most of the records he holds, it certainly says something about Calvin for breaking just one of them. Megatron has been on fire this season fantasy wise. Too bad that Fantasy Football means nothing (that's right, Van, nothing) as the Lions are 4-11 this year. Meanwhile the Falcons are 13-2 and have just clinched the #1 seed in the NFC which gives them home field advantage throughout the playoffs. It's a pity that doesn't come with a nitro boost to give you momentum like the team that actually wins the Super Bowl.
Anyway, Johnson might not be done yet. Now that he has broken this record, he has a chance to take it to over 2000 yards and really raise the bar for the next guy.
P.S. Now if you don't mind I have to try and get my money back on a deposit for a bunker that I never used.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Still So Much to See with the World Ending
As the end of the world is nigh, there is so much that I wish I could've seen in the sports world before our time was up. Here are the top ten things I was still waiting to see before the apocalypse came.
10. The NHL to come back. Be nice for Hockey to at least make the list.
9. The Sharks win the Stanley C… HA HA HA HA YEAH RIGHT!!!!
8. Mayweather v. Pacquiao. We wanted it for years but the promoters were always just too much of a tease like Justin Bieber (he's gay, get over him).
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Well it's been a good life anyway having seen the SF Giants and the Red Sox each win a pair of titles, see Chelsea win the Champions Cup, and to see Mark Sanchez get Butt Slapped in the face by his own lineman. Or was it a "Tight End"?
10. The NHL to come back. Be nice for Hockey to at least make the list.
9. The Sharks win the Stanley C… HA HA HA HA YEAH RIGHT!!!!
8. Mayweather v. Pacquiao. We wanted it for years but the promoters were always just too much of a tease like Justin Bieber (he's gay, get over him).
7. See if Tim Tebow could be a good QB/player in the NFL throughout a career. If the heavens can help it, they might just postpone the apocalypse to just see if the "other" son of god can be a starter in the pros.
6. See if any of the PED users got into the Baseball Hall of
Fame. It doesn’t look good for any of the potential candidates from the steroid
era but I’m sure most of them were just happy not to go to jail.
5. The other woman finally step forward and identify Ben Roethlisberger
as her rapist. That and say Kobe joined in. See you a**holes in hell.
4. See the Cubs win the World Series. This is really the only significant thing in baseball that I would like to see happen. Them not winning in over a 100 years is the true disaster here.
3. Derek Jeter retiring from baseball. This I would've LOVE to see happen. I was going to throw a
great party with chips, dip, and a roast of Jeter. No, an actual roasting of
Jeter. He would’ve tasted so good in pinstripes.
2. 49ers win super bowl. While I was actually alive for three of
the 49ers super bowl victories, I was too young to appreciate or even be aware
of any of them. I’ve just been around for the heartache really.
1.The US get to the Semis of the World Cup. This one is more
of a dream than anything else. To win it would be the Impossible Dream.
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Well it's been a good life anyway having seen the SF Giants and the Red Sox each win a pair of titles, see Chelsea win the Champions Cup, and to see Mark Sanchez get Butt Slapped in the face by his own lineman. Or was it a "Tight End"?
It's been fun while it lasted. Now if you don't mind I got to try and die without my virginity. I don't want to go out like Tebow.
P.S. If the world doesn't end, be sure to click here for a preview of this weekend's 49ers game. Also be sure to check out the 49ers Section at Prosportsblogging.com for my take on the team before and after every game.
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