The first NFL Sunday of the year passed by with a lot of stories to talk about. One of which was Peyton Manning.
Manning made his Broncos debut and at Mile High where they faced the visiting Steelers. Manning got off to a slow start not using the offense that he is use to. When they did switch to the no huddle style of Manning's, it was fantastic. Manning threw two TDs on the day which got him over the 400 mark for a career, the first of which was a 71 yard TD pass to Demaryius Thomas. The Broncos did win the game thanks to a late pick six by Tracy Porter to seal the deal. Final was 31-19.
There were a lot of rookie QB's on showcase yesterday and they stunk for the most part with the notable exception being Robert Griffin III. The Redskins and RG3 went into the Superdome to take on the angered Saints and they surprisingly came out on top. RG3 threw for 2 TDs on the day including the one in the first quarter to Pierre Garcon for 88 yards. RG3 went 19/26 with 320 passing yards and also ran the ball 10 times for 42 yards. Meanwhile, Drew Brees looked sub par going 24/52 with 339 passing yards, 3 TD passes, and 2 INTs. The debuting RG3 and the Redskins upset the Saints 40-32.
While that was a surprising outcome, the Jets shocked me more. Despite a lack of preseason TDs, there was no shortage going against Buffalo. They managed 4 offensive TDs with the first three of them being 3 TD passes from Mark Sanchez (not Tebow). One of his finest performaces ever as Sanchez goes 19/27 with 266 passing yards, 3 TD passes, and 1 INT. Jets pick apart the Bills 48-28.
As for some other games, the Patriots beat the Titans 31-13 as Brady threw for 236 yards and 2 TDs. They actually had a running game here with 162 yards on the ground with 125 of that coming from Steven Ridley. Both the Lions and the Eagles escape upsets. Detroit beat St. Louis 27-23 and Philly beats Cleveland 17-16. Matthew Stafford threw 1 TD and 3 INTs while Vick threw 2 TDs and 4 INTs. Then Russell Wilson and the Seahawks almost beat the Cardinals with less than a half minute remaining in part because of the officiating crew forgot how many TO's Seattle had. Luckily for Arizona, Braylon Edwards drops what so should've been the winning score and the Cardinals win 20-16.
An eventful first Sunday across the NFL as there were plenty of surprises. I'm sure if you're a Jets fan you do like that. Week 1 wraps up tonight with two Monday Night games with the first being Bengals vs. Ravens and the second being Chargers vs. Raiders.
P.S. To see my full scoop on the 49ers beating the Packers, click here. Be sure to visit the 49ers section at prosportsblogging.com for my take on the 49ers each week before and after the games.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Bad Weather Helps Savannah State Beat the Spread vs. FSU
If there was one university that knows how to take a beating it's Savannah State.
Last week, the Tigers were the sacrificial lamb for the Oklahoma State Cowboys as they lost 84-0. What is the price of a loss like that you say? About $385,000. That's how much Oklahoma State gave Savannah State to play (let's face it, lose) in Stillwater. This weekend they got more money from another university to play against them. This time it was the Florida State Seminoles paying $475,000. Savannah State doesn't belong in Tallahassee and yet they were invited to play against the #6 ranked team in the country.
What was the spread? 70 1/2 in favor of FSU of course. Amazingly, however, Savannah State beat the spread. It was 55-0 in favor of FSU when bad weather came and called off the rest of the game in the third quarter. What a bargain. Savannah State got 4th quarters worth of money for only 3 quarters of destruction.
It's ludicrous to think that this kind of thing is acceptable in the "Amateur" system of college football. It's done every year and yet we just accept it because we want to be entertained and don't care about the details. I don't blame Savannah State for taking the money for either game but I am upset that the NCAA just allows this kind of thing to happen. It's just another piece of hypocrisy on top of the big pile BS that is the NCAA.
P.S. Hope Devon Walker gets better soon.
Last week, the Tigers were the sacrificial lamb for the Oklahoma State Cowboys as they lost 84-0. What is the price of a loss like that you say? About $385,000. That's how much Oklahoma State gave Savannah State to play (let's face it, lose) in Stillwater. This weekend they got more money from another university to play against them. This time it was the Florida State Seminoles paying $475,000. Savannah State doesn't belong in Tallahassee and yet they were invited to play against the #6 ranked team in the country.
What was the spread? 70 1/2 in favor of FSU of course. Amazingly, however, Savannah State beat the spread. It was 55-0 in favor of FSU when bad weather came and called off the rest of the game in the third quarter. What a bargain. Savannah State got 4th quarters worth of money for only 3 quarters of destruction.
It's ludicrous to think that this kind of thing is acceptable in the "Amateur" system of college football. It's done every year and yet we just accept it because we want to be entertained and don't care about the details. I don't blame Savannah State for taking the money for either game but I am upset that the NCAA just allows this kind of thing to happen. It's just another piece of hypocrisy on top of the big pile BS that is the NCAA.
P.S. Hope Devon Walker gets better soon.
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Strasburg Shut Down? Is he Hurt? Just Mentally
The Nationals didn't know they would be in striking distance of a World Series when they started this season. The only thing they did know is that they would shut down their ace Stephen Strasburg after about 160 innings in 2012.
The thought behind the 160 innings limit was seemingly a doctoral prescription. Coming off of Tommy John surgery, the medical staff recommended limiting Strasburg's innings for this season. That would have been fine and probably noncontroversial if not for the fact that the Nationals are good this year. They are currently at least 6 games in front of any team in the NL East and the probability of making the playoffs is a practical guarantee. Despite this outcome, the Nationals have stood by the fact that they will shut down Stephen Strasburg for the year and fairly soon.
Time went on and the shut down date was within a week. Last night Strasburg pitched terribly for the Nationals going just 3 innings and allowing 5 earned runs in a 9-7 loss to the Marlins. Davey Johnson, the Manager of the Nationals, thinks Strasburg was thinking too much about the impending shutdown. So to solve the problem, the team decided to shut down Strasburg's season now than later in week as was expected. Strasburg finishes the year going 15-6 with a 3.16 ERA and 197 K's. He pitched 159 1/3 innings this season.
And so the stupidest decision in sports history was finally made. I ain't going to sugar coat anything: I think the decision to shut down Stephen Strasburg for the year was the dumbest thing I ever heard of. It would've been one thing if the Nationals as a team still stunk but they don't anymore. They have one of the best pitching staffs in baseball and are a fairly good hitting team. They have a real shot to win a World Series now.
Instead what do they do? They choose the side of caution with one of the players (and asset) and are basically pulling punches for playoffs. Sports are about winning titles and going all in when you can. This is the time to go all in. The excuse that this move is to ensure future title runs is dumbfounded. When it comes to predicting the future in sports, nothing is a guarantee. No one can tell how long a team will stay good. Just ask the Red Sox.
Sports are about trying to win titles when you can. I know franchises have to build for the future but what is the point of doing that when you don't go for the titles your building for?
P.S. Also, there could've been other ways to keep this going. They could've sent him to bullpen duty for a while, started his season later, not listened to the docs and go all in.
The thought behind the 160 innings limit was seemingly a doctoral prescription. Coming off of Tommy John surgery, the medical staff recommended limiting Strasburg's innings for this season. That would have been fine and probably noncontroversial if not for the fact that the Nationals are good this year. They are currently at least 6 games in front of any team in the NL East and the probability of making the playoffs is a practical guarantee. Despite this outcome, the Nationals have stood by the fact that they will shut down Stephen Strasburg for the year and fairly soon.
Time went on and the shut down date was within a week. Last night Strasburg pitched terribly for the Nationals going just 3 innings and allowing 5 earned runs in a 9-7 loss to the Marlins. Davey Johnson, the Manager of the Nationals, thinks Strasburg was thinking too much about the impending shutdown. So to solve the problem, the team decided to shut down Strasburg's season now than later in week as was expected. Strasburg finishes the year going 15-6 with a 3.16 ERA and 197 K's. He pitched 159 1/3 innings this season.
And so the stupidest decision in sports history was finally made. I ain't going to sugar coat anything: I think the decision to shut down Stephen Strasburg for the year was the dumbest thing I ever heard of. It would've been one thing if the Nationals as a team still stunk but they don't anymore. They have one of the best pitching staffs in baseball and are a fairly good hitting team. They have a real shot to win a World Series now.
Instead what do they do? They choose the side of caution with one of the players (and asset) and are basically pulling punches for playoffs. Sports are about winning titles and going all in when you can. This is the time to go all in. The excuse that this move is to ensure future title runs is dumbfounded. When it comes to predicting the future in sports, nothing is a guarantee. No one can tell how long a team will stay good. Just ask the Red Sox.
Sports are about trying to win titles when you can. I know franchises have to build for the future but what is the point of doing that when you don't go for the titles your building for?
P.S. Also, there could've been other ways to keep this going. They could've sent him to bullpen duty for a while, started his season later, not listened to the docs and go all in.
Friday, September 7, 2012
Bounty Gate Suspensions Overturned? For Now?
Two days after the kickoff game to the 2012 NFL season, the Bounty Gate story reemerges once more but this time in favor of the players.
An appeals panel hearing the suspended players case made a ruling in favor of the players. It ruled that Commissioner Roger Goodell overstepped his authority in hearing the appeals of the players related to Bounty Gate. They stated that Goodell doesn't have the authority for disciplining the players related to Bounty Gate and that task should be given to Special Master Stephen Burbank. They stated that Goodell does have the authority to punish the players if he can prove they intended to injure their opponents.
As for the suspensions Goodell has wrought, they were overturned by the panel. Jonathan Vilma, Will Smith, and Scott Fujita (now on the Browns) can rejoin their teams and Anthony Hargrove (free agent) can sign and play with a team immediately.
This a big victory for the players. They might still get punished by Goodell later on in some way or fashion but this victory over the NFL in court just proves that players can go an alternate route in order to get leverage over the NFL. I'm sure Roger Goodell is having a tantrum to have his rule and law overturned in any way.
It makes you wonder if Coaches Sean Peyton and Joe Vitt along with GM Mickey Loomis should appeal their case seeing how this turned out. Anyway, the story isn't over as a new chapter is beginning.
The next question you have to ask is whether or not any of these players will play Sunday. They might not but their victories in court will lift the Saints morale.
An appeals panel hearing the suspended players case made a ruling in favor of the players. It ruled that Commissioner Roger Goodell overstepped his authority in hearing the appeals of the players related to Bounty Gate. They stated that Goodell doesn't have the authority for disciplining the players related to Bounty Gate and that task should be given to Special Master Stephen Burbank. They stated that Goodell does have the authority to punish the players if he can prove they intended to injure their opponents.
As for the suspensions Goodell has wrought, they were overturned by the panel. Jonathan Vilma, Will Smith, and Scott Fujita (now on the Browns) can rejoin their teams and Anthony Hargrove (free agent) can sign and play with a team immediately.
This a big victory for the players. They might still get punished by Goodell later on in some way or fashion but this victory over the NFL in court just proves that players can go an alternate route in order to get leverage over the NFL. I'm sure Roger Goodell is having a tantrum to have his rule and law overturned in any way.
It makes you wonder if Coaches Sean Peyton and Joe Vitt along with GM Mickey Loomis should appeal their case seeing how this turned out. Anyway, the story isn't over as a new chapter is beginning.
The next question you have to ask is whether or not any of these players will play Sunday. They might not but their victories in court will lift the Saints morale.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Cowboys Spoil Opener for G-Men and My Super Bowl XLVII Pick (Please Let Me Be Right)
Finally kickoff is here and the football season can begin.
Because of the President's speech being tomorrow night, the NFL season kicked off tonight as planned and started in New Jersey with the Dallas Cowboys going against the New York Giants. These two teams played at the end of the last season which had the Giants going into the playoffs and leaving the Cowboys eating their dust. What better way to get back at the Giants than spoiling their opening night.
Tony Romo remembered that night and played like heck to avenge it. After a less than average start to the game which included a INT, Romo rebounded and managed to lead the Cowboys down field for a TD pass to Kevin Ogletree with about a minute to go in the first half. Romo came out in the second half delivering two long TD passes in the 3rd and 4th quarter respectively with the one in the 4th being on a 1st and 30 play. The Giants would score to put it within seven but the Cowboys got the ball back and managed to kill the clock off. Cowboys win the first NFL game of the season 24-17.
Truly a phenomenal performance by Romo and the Cowboys all around. A shaky start for the team and quite a few penalties as well (13) but they managed to exploit the secondary and win the game. Kevin Ogletree made a name for himself tonight in the process catching 8 balls for 114 yards and 2 TDs. As for the Giants, time to stop celebrating and get back to the chalk board. Also, look the ball into your hands, Victor Cruz.
The season starts and who am I picking to win the Super Bowl? I'm going hometown favorite on this pick and choosing the San Francisco 49ers over the Houston Texans to win the Super Bowl. There is no way to say this isn't a bias pick. All I can say is that I am a pessimist at heart and as I make this pick, I don't believe the 49ers will win the Super Bowl. YES, I KNOW THAT SOUNDS CRAZY!!!
I'm basically trying to fight my negative side to make this pick. GO NINERS!!!
P.S. Them or the Eagles. DAMN IT!!!
Because of the President's speech being tomorrow night, the NFL season kicked off tonight as planned and started in New Jersey with the Dallas Cowboys going against the New York Giants. These two teams played at the end of the last season which had the Giants going into the playoffs and leaving the Cowboys eating their dust. What better way to get back at the Giants than spoiling their opening night.
Tony Romo remembered that night and played like heck to avenge it. After a less than average start to the game which included a INT, Romo rebounded and managed to lead the Cowboys down field for a TD pass to Kevin Ogletree with about a minute to go in the first half. Romo came out in the second half delivering two long TD passes in the 3rd and 4th quarter respectively with the one in the 4th being on a 1st and 30 play. The Giants would score to put it within seven but the Cowboys got the ball back and managed to kill the clock off. Cowboys win the first NFL game of the season 24-17.
Truly a phenomenal performance by Romo and the Cowboys all around. A shaky start for the team and quite a few penalties as well (13) but they managed to exploit the secondary and win the game. Kevin Ogletree made a name for himself tonight in the process catching 8 balls for 114 yards and 2 TDs. As for the Giants, time to stop celebrating and get back to the chalk board. Also, look the ball into your hands, Victor Cruz.
The season starts and who am I picking to win the Super Bowl? I'm going hometown favorite on this pick and choosing the San Francisco 49ers over the Houston Texans to win the Super Bowl. There is no way to say this isn't a bias pick. All I can say is that I am a pessimist at heart and as I make this pick, I don't believe the 49ers will win the Super Bowl. YES, I KNOW THAT SOUNDS CRAZY!!!
I'm basically trying to fight my negative side to make this pick. GO NINERS!!!
P.S. Them or the Eagles. DAMN IT!!!
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
2012 AFC West Preview: AH S**T, MANNING!!!
This division was so chaotic last year with the Raiders somehow getting worse with Carson Palmer, the Chiefs falling flat on their faces, the Chargers' Phillip Rivers unable to throw much like Tebow, and then actual Tebow leading the Broncos to the playoffs. It might be chaotic again this year... that is until Peyton Manning joined the Broncos and ruined the fun.
The biggest off-season move was The Bachelor Peyton Manning choosing for looks (John Elway and the Broncos) rather than quality, stability and personality (49ers). Elway then couldn't wait to kick the Jesus freak (Tebow) out of the house. With Manning on the team, their offense is stable and can actually move the ball before the 4th quarter arrives. If the defense can play like it did under Tebow, watch out AFC West.
As for contenders outside of Denver, they could all possibly contend for the division or for a Wild Card spot. I would keep my eye on the Chiefs the most as they get Jamaal Charles back from injury and are looking forward to having a running attack again. Also Romeo Crennel had the team doing better when he took over towards the end of last season.
I'm not quite sure what to think of the Chargers or the Raiders. One team has a QB that had a lost season last year and the other team wanted to mirror that. Unless Rivers can actually prove that he still has it, the Raiders might have the edge. Their running is better led by Darren McFadden and Carson Palmer at QB could be better considering that he actually had a off-season to work with the team.
My pick is going to the Broncos but mainly because of Manning. Overall, I think the Chiefs are better but Manning is that good.
The biggest off-season move was The Bachelor Peyton Manning choosing for looks (John Elway and the Broncos) rather than quality, stability and personality (49ers). Elway then couldn't wait to kick the Jesus freak (Tebow) out of the house. With Manning on the team, their offense is stable and can actually move the ball before the 4th quarter arrives. If the defense can play like it did under Tebow, watch out AFC West.
As for contenders outside of Denver, they could all possibly contend for the division or for a Wild Card spot. I would keep my eye on the Chiefs the most as they get Jamaal Charles back from injury and are looking forward to having a running attack again. Also Romeo Crennel had the team doing better when he took over towards the end of last season.
I'm not quite sure what to think of the Chargers or the Raiders. One team has a QB that had a lost season last year and the other team wanted to mirror that. Unless Rivers can actually prove that he still has it, the Raiders might have the edge. Their running is better led by Darren McFadden and Carson Palmer at QB could be better considering that he actually had a off-season to work with the team.
My pick is going to the Broncos but mainly because of Manning. Overall, I think the Chiefs are better but Manning is that good.
2012 AFC South Preview: NO MORE MANNING!!!
Come on out other teams of the AFC South, Peyton Manning's reign is over.
Since the AFC South was formed, Manning and the Colts had won all but two of the division titles through 2010 (and finished 2nd in those other two seasons). Last season the trend bucked as they finished 4th due to the fact that Manning missed the entire season. Now that Manning is gone, the Colts are left in rebuilding mode with Andrew Luck as their new overseer. The Colts will be focusing on his development for the entire season practically leaving them out of the mix.
Despite the absence of Manning, two other teams in the AFC South still won't be able to claim the division this year. The Jaguars and the Titans are going to be developing their young QBs as well as going after a possible Wild Card seed so getting 2nd place in the division will be a priority for both clubs. While the overall edge goes to the Titans, don't count out the Jags as their early season schedule seems much easier than Tennessee's.
In absence of the QB king, the power void in the AFC South obviously gets filled by the Texans. This team was very good last year, even when Matt Schaub was injured. Their offense is great along with the defense. They are a sure lock for that division. There doesn't seem to be that many weaknesses on that team.
This has to be the Texans year and it could their time as rulers of the AFC South. But they can't take that for a sure thing and best put all the chips on the table now.
Since the AFC South was formed, Manning and the Colts had won all but two of the division titles through 2010 (and finished 2nd in those other two seasons). Last season the trend bucked as they finished 4th due to the fact that Manning missed the entire season. Now that Manning is gone, the Colts are left in rebuilding mode with Andrew Luck as their new overseer. The Colts will be focusing on his development for the entire season practically leaving them out of the mix.
Despite the absence of Manning, two other teams in the AFC South still won't be able to claim the division this year. The Jaguars and the Titans are going to be developing their young QBs as well as going after a possible Wild Card seed so getting 2nd place in the division will be a priority for both clubs. While the overall edge goes to the Titans, don't count out the Jags as their early season schedule seems much easier than Tennessee's.
In absence of the QB king, the power void in the AFC South obviously gets filled by the Texans. This team was very good last year, even when Matt Schaub was injured. Their offense is great along with the defense. They are a sure lock for that division. There doesn't seem to be that many weaknesses on that team.
This has to be the Texans year and it could their time as rulers of the AFC South. But they can't take that for a sure thing and best put all the chips on the table now.
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