Sports at its Finest

Now, this is usually a football blog, but I can't help to note what is going on in baseball right now. Just a quick question. Before the season, WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT THAT THE PHILLIES AND THE RAYS (yes, I repeat, the Tampa Bay Rays) WOULD BE REPRESENTING BASEBALL IN THE FALL CLASSIC? For the Phillies, they may have gotten 10, probably 15-1 odds. For the Rays however, it's closer to 100, 150-1 odds.
This was a Rays team that many said would fold to better talent the AL East. They didn't. When they won the AL East, many said they would fold in the playoffs due to their youth and the White Sox penchant for clutch hitting. They didn't. When they faced off with Boston in the ALCS, many said they would fold because they were inexperienced, and the Red Sox were the defending champs. They didn't. Now, after years and years of being in the cellar of the American League, and all of Major League baseball for that matter, the TAMPA BAY RAYS have a chance to win something that a team like the Chicago Cubs hasn’t won in 100 years, a World Series ring. With all the dramatics and defying years and years of horrible expectations aside, there actually another team to talk about in this equation.
The Philadelphia Phillies, the team with the most losses in major league baseball history, is that other piece to the finest 4-7 games of the year for America's Pastime. To put this into perspective, the Phillies last reached the World Series in 1993, while the franchise of the Tampa Bay Rays started in 1998. The moment that the Phillies last had in a World Series was walking off the field after Blue Jays' OF Joe Carter hit a championship winning walk-off homerun, walloping a fastball over the left field fence off Phillies RP Mitch Williams. Williams, once known as the Wild Thing, is now a commentator for Comcast Sportsnet, doing pregame and postgame shows for, whom else, but the Phillies.
Once you people get past the two degrees of separation I just played, the in-experience of both teams, and two managers who I could easily see playing shuffleboard in retirement homes before managing professional baseball teams, you must see that this is going to be an INCREDIBLE series.
I mean, yes, I am from Philadelphia. I am biased, and a "senseless homer" defined by my close family members. But it's not hard to see the potential in this matchup. Both teams are loaded with baseball's new age of talent. For the Phillies, Ryan Howard and Jimmy Rollins are the past two NL MVP's, while NLCS MVP Cole Hamels, Chase Utley, Shane Victorino and Pat Burrell have all had career seasons (and postseasons) to get the Phillies to this point. For the Rays, years and years (9 for those people who cringe for details) of high first-round draft picks have paid dividends in their farm system, and finally, for their actual team. Evan Longoria and B.J Upton are the youngins' that lead this team is almost every talent-based category, while Carl Crawford, Rocco Baldelli, and Carlos Pena are other parts of a lineup that made AL pitchers (especially now the Red Sox) this year sweat.
Just based on the postseason, this series is an absolute TOSS UP. While the Phillies arguably showed more dominance (went 7-2 so far this postseason), the Rays have played and beaten the better talent (Red Sox were the defending champs, and the White Sox arguably won the most competitive division in baseball). The Phillies have had a penchant for clutch pitching performances and the big inning this postseason, while the Rays beat both Sox' teams by playing consistent baseball for 9 innings. Yes, it's a contrast of styles, but both teams have alot going for them right now. For the Rays, it's confidence. For the Phillies, it's rest.
There is one kicker to this series though. One word that will have alot to do with crowning the winner of the World Series. That word is PRESSURE. For the Phillies, its 25 years, and 1.5+ million people worth of pressure. For the Rays, its home-field advantage and the possibility of destroying the fan-base that Rays' nation has worked so hard to build this year. The pressure doesn’t seem to compare, does it? The Phillies have much more pressure when it comes to this series. But what comes with pressure comes support, and if the Phillies can split the first two games at Tropicana Field, coming back to Philadelphia with the series tied 1-1 (or poss. up 2-0) would be a sight to see at Citizens’ Bank Park. The term "home-field advantage" would be shifted towards the Phillies, and I got to say, I'm not sure if the Upton, Longoria, and the rest of the Rays can deal with 10,000 losses and almost 3 decades of pain from the Philly PHaithful. Then again, I didn't think they could deal with Fenway's atmosphere either.

Phillies in 6

P.S. Next post will consist of NFL Week 6 recap. Should come Monday or Tuesday.

Week Six in Review: Trade Deadline, Pacman, and Much More..

While I am still in shock from last night's Phillies come from behind victory against the dodgers, putting them one game away from the world series, week 6 in the NFL had arguably just as much dramatic value. Five teams won time-expiring plays, and four teams with share of first place in their division lost their respective game, and two blocked punts were returned for touchdowns, one of those a game winner in overtime. Obviously, there is alot to talk about, but due to the rigors of the college academic schedule, here are my SIX thoughts on week six.

1. Derek Anderson, Braylon Edwards, and the rest of the Browns are back

It may have just been one one week, but Monday night's 35-14 beating of the formerly undefeated Giants could have been the spark that gets the Browns going. In a division that features the winless Bengals, the struggling Ravens, and the inconsistent Steelers, the Browns moved to 2-3 with the win, and right back into the thick of the divisional race. Most importantly, they got there swagger back, the swagger that got them to 10-6 last year, and the swagger that made them a force in the AFC playoff race last year. Derek Anderson is back to looking like a top-10 quarterback after three weeks of his job essentially being on the line with QB Brady Quinn waiting in the wings, and Braylon Edwards finally looks like the Wide Receiver who caught a team-record 16 TD's last year. Again, I'll say this now to cover my own backside, this could have been a fluke, but beating an undefeated team in the toughest division in football by 21 points has to stand for something. Right?

2. The Detroit Lions may actually go 0-16

With the Rams and the Texans both achieving their first wins of the season on last second plays, that leaves the Bengals and the Lions as the only winless teams in the NFL. The Bengals at least have a legitimate excuse, with their star QB Carson Palmer on the shelf for the past 2 1/2 games with an elbow injury. They are still bad, very bad, but at least they have the offensive weapons (Chad Javon Ocho-Cinco and T.J Whos-your-mama) to put points on the board to possibly steal a game or two from the mediocre teams (Baltimore comes to mind) in the NFL. The Lions, however, can't even win games that they play well in. Their defense forced Vikings stud RB Adrian Peterson to fumble the ball away twice in Detroit territory, and only gave up 10 points against a pretty decent offense. The problem is, the Lions offense only scored 9 points, and gave away 2 points on one of the biggest NFL bloopers of the past decade with Lions QB Dan Orlovsky accidentally running out of the back of the endzone for a safety. If it isn't bad enough in Motown, the Lions front-office is already thinking about the future, trading away arguably their top offensive weapon in WR Roy Williams today to the Cowboys (worst possible destination ever for Eagles fans) for three draft picks. Look on the bright side Lions fans, your team just put Jon Kitna on injured reserve within the past 2 hours. And you fans thought getting rid of Matt Millen was the end of your problems..

3. If the Pro-Bowl rosters were announced today, Eagles DE Juqua Parker (formerly Thomas) would be starting for the NFC.

I know what some of you non-philly fans are thinking. Who? No, I am not talking about Trent Cole, who is also have a good year of his own, I am talking about his counterpart on the other side of the defensive-line. Look at the stats. Parker is leading the Eagles with 4.5 sacks, has 2 forced fumbles, is fifth on the team with tackles, and has 1 HUGE interception for a TD that was the force behind the Eagles come from behind victory against the 49ers this week. Parker, who was an NFL journeyman for the first 7 years of his career as Juqua Thomas, must have a new identity that came along with a new last name, which he changed this year to honor his late-grandfather.

4. Every week that goes by, Reggie Bush is proving more and more people wrong.

Yes I said this a couple posts ago, Reggie Bush will never be a typical NFL running-back. He probably won't eclipse 1,000 yards rushing in a season, and most likely won't average over 4 yards a carry for his career. Those are the usual statistics that symbolize a typical good NFL running back. Bush, while I cannot see him reaching those statistics, is THE MOST DYNAMIC player in the NFL. Yes, I am saying he is more dynamic then LT, Brian Westbrook, Randy Moss, Devin Hester, DeSean Jackson, Maurice Jones-Drew, and the rest of the NFL population. As a running back, Bush is leading the Saints in rushing touchdowns, tied for the team-lead in receiving touchdowns, and is leading his team and the entire NFL in special team touchdowns with 2. Look at the past two games for proof. Bush has only 160 rushing and receiving yards combined in the past 2 games, average among NFL running backs, but his two punt returns for a TD in week 5 against Minnesota was the only reason New Orleans even had a chance to win the game (they ended up losing by 3 in OT), and his 2 TD's (1 rushing, 1 receiving) against the Oakland this week sparked the Saints to a 34-3 victory over the Raiders. Bush has 8 touchdowns in the first 6 games, which means he's on pace for 21 TD's this year. Stay tuned..

5. What team is to step up and take control AFC West?

It's a two team race here between the Chargers and the Broncos. One week, the San Diego Chargers play poorly and lose to the feisty Miami Dolphins. The next week, they dominate New England in a rematch from last year's AFC Championship by beating the Tom Brady-less Patriots 30-10. The exact opposite happened to the Denver Broncos, as they suffered a defeat to the Jaguars this week after beating a tough Tampa Bay team 16-13 in week 5. Yet, the Broncos are up a game on the Chargers at the present time, and already lead the season series 1-0. However, I have this gut feeling that by week 17 the chargers will be crowned champs of that division for the 3rd year in a row.

6. Pacman

9 Crimes, and one year long suspension later, and he still can't stay out of trouble. Pacman was out one night at a hotel party last weekend, like basically all athletes do at some point of their professional career. Except Pacman is a little different. Instead of getting drunk, and getting a ride home or staying at his hotel, Pacman starts an altercation with his bodyguard that was provided by the guy who gives him the money to make it rain, Jerry Jones.  I wonder if Pacman knows that the bodyguard is there to protect him from getting in trouble, not to actually get him in trouble. Point blank, this guy is an idiot, no way around it. He's got a GRACIOUS indefinite suspension, because if most people had it their way, this guy would not only be out of the NFL, but would also be in the Dallas Correctional Facility (better known as jail).

Before I end this post, I have a couple non-football thoughts to share.

1. B.J Upton is a flat-out beast, and he's baseball's first true 5-tool player since a guy name Bonds

2. MATT STAIRS!

3. Thank you Shane Victorino for saving the Phillies season

4.  Same thanks  to Phillies GM Pat Gillick, who refused to trade Victorino to the Rockies as a key part in a deal that would have brought Matt Holiday and Brian Fuentes to the Phillies. Holiday is a stud, but Victorino is the 2nd half MVP for the Phils, and is responsible for 2 of the most memorable moments in Phillies History.

5. Manny is flat-out the best right-handed hitter not on steroids of my generation (20 years).He might be a bum, he might be nuts, and he may have even given up on the Red Sox. With all that said, he is a better pure hitter than Frank Thomas, Cal Ripken Jr, A-Rod, and Pujols. 

That's all for tonight. 

Go Phils.

Week 6

Hello everyone. After a 3-day hiatus in Chicago, I am back writing, and ready to analyze week 6. As we venture towards the middle of the 2008 NFL season, injuries are playing a big part in fantasy football lineups, and actual real football lineups everywhere. That's why I am going to make my all-injured (not playing or questionable) fantasy football team for week 6, and let me tell you, it's pretty impressive.

QB: Tom Brady (New England)
RB: Brian Westbrook (Philadelphia)
RB: Willie Parker (Pittsburgh)
WR: Marques Colston (New Orelans)
WR: Anquan Boldin (Arizona)
TE: Kellen Winslow (Cleveland)
Kicker: Shayne Graham (Cinci)

So..you look at this roster, and you have the 2007 MVP, the running back with the most total yards from scrimmage in 07', two wide receivers who were top 10 in their position before the season, and a TE that was second behind Jason Witten for most receiving yards for a tight end last year. Fantasy football lineups have been obviously been affected, a trend that will obviously keep going as the season moves on. And to think..it's only week 6.

Speaking of week 6, here are the matchups and my picks. I went 9-5 last week, so view and decide with caution.

1) Ravens at Colts
Verdict: Colts are coming off of one of the best come from behind victories in the past decade, but are not facing the Texans this week. They are facing the Ravens, who after coming off a tough 13-10 loss to the titans, are going to be angry, which doesn't bode well for a Colts offense that is last in rushing and a Ravens defense that is among the leagues best.
Pick: Ravens 20-17

2) Bears at Falcons
Verdict: Falcons are playing pretty good football right now at 3-2. It's just that they are playing the Bears, who are playing even better football right now at 3-2. Look for Urlacher, Briggs, and the rest of the Chicago Defense to focus there Sunday on making Matt Ryan wish he was still in college. With that said, if Orton makes mistakes like he has in his teams' two losses, this could get interesting.
Pick: Bears 24-14

3) Lions at Vikings
Verdict: It just gets worse for the Lions. They are 0-5, and now they are 13 point underdogs to the Vikings, as they come home after a big win on Monday night against the Saints. Translation= Lions are going to 0-6.
Pick: Vikings 31-10

4) Raiders at Saints
Verdict: Tom Cable's first game as coach for the Raiders should be interesting to say the least. In one sense, it could be a blowout if Oakland does not come out with their A-game against a Saints offense that is among the league's best. However, if Jamarcus Russell can get going on a Saints defense that gave up 3 TD's to career journeyman Gus Ferrotte (when he was in his prime), this could be an upset special.
Pick: Saints 31-24

5) Bengals at Jets
Verdict: Last time we saw Brett Favre, he was in the midst of throwing 6 TD passes against the Cardinals. I am not saying he is going to put up those vintage numbers again, but against the Bengals young defense, it's definitely a favorable matchup for him, which means it's a favorable matchup for the Jets.
Sidenote= Harvard-Alum Ryan Fitzpatrick will make his second-start of his young career. That means Carson Palmer's elbow injury is very serious.
Pick: Jets 27-10

6) Panthers at Tampa Bay
Verdict: I really don't know what to choose here. These teams are basically the same on paper. Good offense, even better on defense. With that, I think the Panthers have a better offense, and the Bucs have a better defense. Offense wins games, defense wins championships. Too bad this isn't the Super Bowl.
Pick: Panthers 17-13

7) Rams at Redskins
Verdict: The bad news is that the Rams are 0-4 and have already have fired their coach Scott Linehan. The good news is that the new regime under Jim Haslett will start on sunday, at home. Neither of these factors will matter though, as the Redskins have just come off two huge wins over the Cowboys and the Eagles, and will most likely not have a letdown against the lowly Rams.
Pick: Redskins 34-14

8) Dolphins at Texans
Verdict: After the Texans catastrophic loss against the Colts, they are now 0-4 and are on life-support for reviving their season. A year ago, if they saw the Dolphins on their schedule, they would have felt relief. Not this year, as multi-dimentional RB Ronnie Brown, and a energetic Miami Defense has put the Dolphins right into the thick of the AFC East divisional race.
Pick: Dolphins 24-16

9) Jaguars at Broncos
Verdict: Yes, the Jaguars experienced their first version of Karma last week. On sunday night, after eeking out all sorts of victories earlier in the year, they failed to do so against the Steelers, a team who they did that to in last years' wildcard round of the AFC playoffs. This time, the Jaguars don't have to play the Patriots, they get to play a young, flashy, Broncos team that can sure score points, but have not proven that they have been able to stop anybody.
Pick: Jaguars 31-27

10) Eagles at San Fran
Verdict: The Eagles have loss 2 straight, and are without RB Brian Westbrook and WR Reggie Brown for Sunday's matchup against the 49ers. Now, most experts would say the Eagles, without their 2 top offensive threats and lacking confidence, will throw up an egg against an oppertunistic San Fran defense lead by all-world LB Patrick Willis. Well, screw conventional wisdom.
Pick: Eagles 38-14

11) Packers at Seahawks
Verdict: Both of these teams are struggling right now, with the Seahawks losing 44-7 to the Giants last week, and the Packers losing their last 2 games. This is a battle of the hampered quarterbacks, as both Matt Hasselback and Aaron Rodgers are currently plagued with injuries. Point blank, Rodgers is younger and can recover easier, and the Packers have stud wide receiver Greg Jennings healthy, and the Seahawks have WR's Deion Branch and Bobby Engram on the mend and WR Nate Burleson out. Advantage goes to the Packers.
Pick: Packers 27-17

12) Cowboys at Cardinals
Verdict: How bout them COWBOYS? The good news, at least for me is, they have been struggling the past two weeks. TO has been complaining, Adam " Soon to be suspended Pacman" Jones is back in trouble, DaMarcus Ware is looking human, and Tony Romo seems quite pedestrian, it's been somewhat enjoyable for me to watch. Still, while it might be a shootout, I can't see any reason how the Cowboys will lose to Kurt Warner (who's dedication is in question after he admitted that he thought about retirement after the Cardinals week 4 loss to the Jets) and the rest of his Cardinal teammates.
Pick: Cowboys 31-23

13) Patriots at Chargers
Verdict: A rematch of last years' AFC Championship. Both teams are missing their most important pieces of their respective team, with New England's QB Tom Brady and San Deigo's Shawne Merriman both being on the sidelines not in uniform for the game. The one difference is that the Chargers still have LT, something they didn't have in the AFC Championship last year.
Pick: Chargers 24-17

14) Giants at Browns
Verdict: Here are the facts. The Giants are coming off a 44-6 spanking of the Seahawks. The Browns are 1-3, and this game could quite frankly determine the fate of QB Derek Anderson's career. The desperation involved adds to the fact that this game has all the makings of an upset. Too bad the Giants are the best team in the NFL, and played a much better desperate team in the Super Bowl last year, and won.
Pick: Giants 28-13

Those are my picks for the week.
Go Philles and Eagles.

Prime-Time Players

After a wild five weeks in the NFL, there have been certain players that have shown a level play that warrants the title of a Most Valuable Player. Last year’s MVP, Tom Brady, who set a record with 50 TDs’s passing last year, is doing more rehabbing than he is playing, as a torn ACL in week 1 ruined his campaign for back to back MVP awards. With Brady on the shelf, here is a new group of five players that may shock you, but will most likely be in the discussion for NFL MVP In January.


1. Eli Manning, QB New York Giants: As hard for it is for me to admit, Eli is a good quarterback. Those like myself who thought that his performance in last years’ playoffs was a fluke, we are wrong. Manning has lead his Giants to a 4-0 start, as Eli has looked more sharp then any QB in the NFL, even leading his brother Peyton in all important statistical categories. Manning is in the top five in passing yards per game, passing touchdowns, completion percentage for all quarterbacks, and he also has the highest quarterback rating in the NFC. Point Blank, if the Giants win the tough NFC East this year, Manning will a sure-favorite for MVP.

2. Clinton Portis, RB Washington Redskins: The Skins’ are 4-1 and breathing down the Giants back for first place in the NFC East with winning four straight after there week 1 defeat to the Giants. Quite frankly, Portis is the reason for this. In three of his last four games, Portis has rushed for 100+ yards. In week 3 against New Orleans, Portis had 2 clutch rushing TD’s in the fourth quarter to lead the Skins’ to a come from behind victory. In week 5 against the Eagles, Portis rushed for 130 yards, 44 of them coming on a 3rd and 1 with 5 minutes left in the game to all but clinch the victory. If the Skins’ keep on winning, Portis will be the reason, and will be recognized.


3. Reggie Bush, RB New Orleans Saints: Laugh all you want, but so far, in his third year, Reggie Bush is playing up to the reputation he brought out of college, which is pure excitement. Bush has 7 TD’s in five games this year, 3 of them coming off of punt returns. He is Devin Hester, with tons of more offensive skill. With that said, the Saints are 2-3, but if they can push the Falcons, Panthers and Bucs for NFC South supremacy, Bush and his teammate, QB Drew Brees, will easily be in the discussion alone because of their individual statistical accomplishments.

4. Jay Cutler, QB Denver Broncos: In the offseason, Jay Cutler was diagnosed with the most serious form of Diabetes. No one knew how he would respond after losing 30 pounds due to the sickness. Well, after getting healthy, and using insulin daily, Cutler has come back with vengeance. With leading the Broncos to a 4-1 record after five games, Cutler is leading the AFC in passing yards, second in TD’s, and is leading the NFL in quarterback rating, If the Broncos can hold off Phillip Rivers, LT, Antonio Gates and the rest of the Chargers for the AFC West Title, that might give Cutler a strong case for MVP in itself.


5. Brett Favre, QB New York Jets: Where have we heard this name before? I thought this guy was done. Retired, Cashed, Drained, Finished, Washed Up. Well, one year later, new team, same story. Favre is the only reason his team, this year the New York Jets, is in the hunt for the AFC East regular season title. If Brady was healthy, this may have been a different story, but Favre at age 38 is still just rolling along. After his 6 TD performance against the Cardinals in week 4, his 12 TD’s for the season after 4 games still leads the NFL. With this pace, Favre is destined for 48 TD’s, a total that would be a record for his illustrious 16-year career. If he can even come close to that, and the Jets win the AFC East, look out for Favre getting his 4th MVP award (was runner-up last year to Brady).


That’s it for today’s entry. I am in Chicago this weekend celebrating Yom Kippur, so I don’t know when I will be able to write my next entry. It will probably be sometime between tomorrow (Thursday) and Saturday, for which I will talk about Week 6 matchups in the NFL.



Happy Holidays. Go Phillies.

Quick Hits

Well, as the Monday night football game between the New Orleans Saints and the Minnesota Vikings is beginning to wind down, so has a very entertaining, and somewhat thought-provoking week five of the NFL. As I look at my picks that I made just two days ago on Saturday, it is clear that I had an off week. For all those who took my advice and bet on games, I apologize, but still, shame on you for taking the advice of a 20 year-old college student. Here are five thoughts for week 5.

1. While they might not be pretty to watch, Tennessee may the best all around team in the NFL.
They don't put up points on offense, they are the least flashy team in the NFL, and they have a 35+ year-old journeyman quarterback as their quarterback, as their manic-depressant 25 year old quarterback contimplates suicide as he sits on the bench. Yet, they are 5-0, they have enough weapons on offense to score on offense, and their aged defense led by Keith Bullick still swarms around the ball. If the Colts don't start playing more consistent (or at least better in the first 3 quarters) real soon, the Titans could have the AFC South wrapped up by the beggining of December.

2. Clinton Portis is re-establishing himself as a top-tier runningback
Portis was a stud at the U (University of Miami), was a stud in Denver, and when he got traded for Champ Bailey, the sky was the limit for the 3rd year runningback. Ever since then (2004), Portis has flown under the radar, as injuries and a jacked-up attitude has overshadowed his talents. Now, as a 7-year veteran, maybe it was maturity, maybe it was a sense of urgency and a better offensive line, but man Portis looks good throughout the first 5 games of this season. He tore up New Orleans for 2 TD's in the fourth quarter to carry the Skins' to a victory, torched Dallas's vaunted D-Line to lead the Skins' to an upset in Dallas, and spurned the Eagles #1 ranked run defense for 130+ yards, leading the Skins' to a 4-1 record in the toughest division in football. If Jason Campbell keeps on improving like a 3rd year quarterback should, the Redskins and the Giants will be two favorites in the NFC to reach the superbowl come playoff time.

3. Plaxico Burress is an idiot, and quite frankly, his team doesn't need him
On Monday, when Plax came back from his one week suspension, there was no being contrite and apologetic. Plax did not admit any wrongdoing, didn't mention the affect his suspension had on his teamates, and went on with practice. Selfish, Selfish, Selfish. His teammates recongnize this, and responded in a 44-6 beating over the Seahawks. Granted, the Seahawks look disgracful, but Sinorice Moss, Steve Smith, and Amani Toomer dropped one ball this week, and seemed to be working quite peacefully with Eli Manning. Peacefully, being the key word, is the reason that Plax won't be excepted in the Giants lockeroom, unless he changes his attitude.

4. The 2008 Season is the coming out Party for Reggie Bush
Since I started writing this post (17 minutes ago), Reggie Bush has returned two punts for Touchdown's in the Monday night game. All that stuff about him not being an every-down back, and a typical runningback is absolutely true. He can't run between the tackles well, he doesn't run north-south enough, and gets stopped too many times behind the line of scrimmage. But man, is this kid electrifying or what! Some scouts said that his speed and agility wouldn't be as much of a factor in the NFL, but they were flat-out wrong. Bush already had 3 TD's on punt-returns through 5 games this year, and is also leading the Pass-happy Saints offense in receptions. Yes, he's still a work in progess, and he may not be a great traditional running back, but he is a rare player in the NFL today, and a valuble one at that. Look for Bush to have 12+ TD's this year, and be among a few players mentioned for NFC Offensive Player of the year by seasons end.

5. Being a Houston Texans fan is almost..note i said ALMOST..as tough as being a Philadelphia Eagles fan
Being a Philadelphia Eagles fan is one of the toughest jobs in this world. If losing 3 NFC Championships and 1 Super Bowl wasn't bad enough, now we have to watch team with two of the most talented players in the NFL on both sides of the ball (Brian Westbrook and Asante Samuel) go 2-3 in their first 5 games, falling to the cellar of the NFC East. Yes, I did just vent my frustrations, but it was just to show Texans fans reading this blog that I feel your pain. You didn't know that up 27-10, backup QB Sage Rosenfels would turn the ball over twice in a three minute span.The ladder one, a flashback from the movie Any Given Sunday, with Rosenfels (Any Given Sunday's version of Steamin' Willie Beamen) getting jacked up with his body parallel to the ground three feet in the air, fumbling the ball in the process, and letting Colts' LB Gary Brackett return the ball 68 yards for a touchdown. One Reggie Wayne remarkable TD catch and one Sage Rosenfels interception later, the Texans ended up losing 31-27, falling to 0-4 this year. Texans fans, look on the bright side, Philly-product Steve Slaton is filthy good, and your 12 games away from having a battle-royal with the Rams and the Lions for the #1 pick in the 2009 Draft.

That's it for today, the next post will be in a day or two, about the implications of week five, key injuries, and some much-needed venting as the Eagles critical loss to the Skins' this week will finally set in by that point.

Hope you all enjoy.
Go Phillies.

Sunday's Picks

Since the Phillies just lost, and I'm a little pissed off, this post is going to be a little on the short side. For all you betting maniacs, here is my week 5 predictions.

1. Cowboys vs. Bengals

Prediction: 31-17 Cowboys

2. Titans vs. Ravens

Prediction: 21-13 Titans

3. Bears vs. Lions

Prediction: 27-14 Bears

4. Chiefs vs. Panthers

Prediction: 24-17 Panthers

5. Falcons vs. Packers

Prediction: 23-10 Packers

6. Colts vs. Texans

Prediction: 27-13 Colts

7. Seahawks vs. Giants

Prediction: 23-20 Giants

8. Chargers vs. Dolphins

Prediction: 34-20 Chargers

9. Bucs vs. Broncos

Prediction: 24-21 Broncos

10. Bills vs. Cardinals

Prediction: 27-20 Bills

11.Patriots vs. 49ers

Prediction: 31-14 Patriots

12. Steelers vs. Jaguars

Prediction: 17-14 Jaguars

13. Saints vs. Vikings

Prediction: 34-24 Saints

And Last but not least...

14. Eagles vs. Redskins

Prediction: 27-17 Eagles

Take those picks for what you will. In a survivor pool, I would either take the Chargers or the Packers. In some upset specials, I would not be surprised if the Seahawks beat the Giants, or if the Ravens beat the Titans.

Go Eagles and Phillies. May the souls of the people of Philadelphia rest in Joe Blanton's right arm.

Fantasy Football Addicts

Fantasy Football. Two words that have dominated the last six fall's of my short adult life. No, I'm not just talking about participating in a simple fantasy football league. I'm talking about before the draft scouting players, reading magazines before the draft. I'm talking about having a live draft (with a draft-board), and baiting your opponents into pickings players they just should not be picking. I'm talking about during the season, every single time I go onto the computer, the first thing I look at is not my e-mail, not facebook, not schoolwork, it's yahoo.com and fantasy football.  I may be a nerd, I may be a dork, but hey some people are addicted to alcohol, drugs, and sex, I'm addicted to fantasy football, so obviously , it could be worse. It all started 12 years ago in 1996 when I went with my grandfather to his fantasy football draft, and I can name almost every starter that we picked that year. Our first round pick was Jerry Rice, who tore his ACL the first game of the season, in which that kind of fantasy football luck has stuck with me throughout my life. Even with that tragic loss, my balanced team, with Warren Moon at QB, Natrone Means and James Stewart at RB, Antonio Freeman and Rob Moore at WR, and Ben Coates as my TE. Yes, I know, it's sick that I remember that, but that's where it all started.  So here we are today, week 5 of the football 2008, and three league championships (out of 24 possible oppertunites) later, I feel that I have a pretty firm grasps of who to start, and not to start. I will be doing this every week, so here is my Fantasy Football section of Start em' and Sit em' for every game. All the obvious players are tearing up the fantasy football ranks I am not even going to mention because you should be starting them every week anyway.

1. Cowboys vs. Bengals

Start em': Every single Cowboys position player (even Patrick Crayton), TJ Housh, Chad "Ocho Cinco"

Sit em':  Bengals QB Carson Palmer and RB Chris Perry

Why?: Bengals quite frankly have the worst pass defense in the league, and are injured up front in their D-Line so Marion Barber is good for 100+ yards and a TD. If Palmer starts for the Bengals (hes questionable with an elbow/shoulder injury), then Housh and Ocho Cinco are good starts. However, if the Bengals have to go with Havard Alum Ryan Fitzpatrick for another game, then I would be careful to start Chad and Housh.

2. Titans vs. Ravens

Start em': Titans RB Chris Johnson, Ravens WR Derrick Mason and RB Laron McClain

Sit em': Ravens RB Willis McGahee and TE Todd Heap, Titans WR Justin Gage

Why?: Battle of the defenses in this game. I would be hesitant to start any of the 3 players I said above, but with McGahee banged up, McClain will get alot of carries, and with Ravens QB Joe Flacco still learning the system, in a PPR (point per reception) league, Derrick Mason will be a good play because he is the most consistent of the Ravens' offensive weapons.

3. Kansas City vs. Carolina

Start em': Carolina RB Jonathan Stewart and WR Mushin Muhhammed, Kansas City RB Larry Johnson

Sit Em': Kansas City WR Dwayne Bowe 

Why?: Kansas City is so undecided at QB that they still have 3 Quarterbacks taking reps with the first team in practice. Larry Johnson now has two straight 100+ yard games, so look for him to get alot of touches.  Kansas city is 24th in overall team defense, so look for talented rookie RB Jonathan Stewart to get an chance to show why he was a first-round draft pick this year.

4. Chicago vs. Detroit

Start em': Bears RB Matt Forte and WR Brandon Lloyd, Bears Defense

Sit Em': Lions QB Jon Kitna and WR Roy Williams

Why?: Bears defense will be pressuring Jon Kitna all game with a blitz that sacked Donavan Mcnabb four times last week. I can assure you that Mcnabb is a much better decision-maker than Kitna, so look for some INT's to go to the Bears Defense. The Lions defense is absolutely terrible against the run, and they have no cover-corner to matchup with the size and speed of WR Brandon Lloyd.

5. Seattle vs. NY Giants

Start em': Giants RB Brandon Jacobs and WR Amani Toomer, Seattle RB Julius Jones

Sit em': Seattle QB Matt Hassleback, Giants WR Plaxico Burress

Why?: Plaxico Burress, if you haven't heard already, is suspended for this game for insubordination, so obviously starting WR Amani Toomer in his place would be a smart decision if you hand-cuffed the two, because now Toomer is the #1 threat in the passing game. Also, with Plax being out, his touches will go towards RB Brandon Jacobs, who is averaging over 100 yards rushing a game for the first 3 games he has played. I will not start Matt Hassleback until he has some proven recievers playing with him, and although Seattle WR's Deion Branch and Bobby Engram are coming back from injury to play this week, they will not be even close to 100%.

6. Philadelphia vs. Washington

Start Em': Eagles WR DeSean Jackson and RB Correll Buckhalter, Skins' TE Chris Cooley and WR Santana Moss

Sit Em': Eagles RB Brian Westbrook and TE LJ Smith

Why?: The closer game-time approaches, the more is seems like Brian Westbrook is going to have a smaller role in week 5's game. I wouldn't be surprised if Andy Reid doesn't let him suit up again, so therefore Correll Buckhalter will be the spot start there. With that said, Washington will also go without CB Shawn Springs and DE Jason Taylor due to injury, so look for DeSean Jackson to have time to get open. On the other side, TE's always kill the Eagles, especially good TE's like Chris Cooley. Washington WR. Santana Moss has been on a tear lately, and while the matchup against Eagles CB Asante Samuel will be entertaining, Moss will still be able to put up some solid numbers.

7. Colts vs. Texans

Start em': Colts RB Joseph Addai and WR Marvin Harrison, Texans RB Steve Slaton

Sit Em': Texans WR Andre Johnson and Colts TE Dallas Clark

Why?: Addai is a usual starter in all fantasy leagues, but is not racking up any yardage this year. That should change against a Houston defense that got torched by Jacksonville RB's Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew for over 5 ypc (yards per carry). It's not like the Colts run defense is that much better, as they gave up 240 rushing yards to Jacksonville two weeks ago, and 161 rushing yards to Adrian Peterson 3 weeks ago, so Slaton is a smart start. Both Johnson and Clark have injury concerns, especially Johnson's, who's production has declined heavily over the past two weeks.

8. San Diego vs. Miami

Start Em': San Diego WR's Chris Chambers and Vincent Jackson, Miami RB Ronnie Brown

Sit Em': All Miami Offensive Players besides Brown.

Why?: The last time we saw Miami, they put up 38 points against the Super Bowl Runner-up Patriots. 35 of those points came from RB Ronnie Brown, and the one-man offense will continue this week. Miami's defense played well against Patriots QB Matt Cassel, but I'd be surprised if they have the same luck vs. San Diego QB Philip Rivers, who I look to have a big day while spreading the ball around to Chambers, Jackson, Slot WR Craig Davis, and TE Antonio Gates.

9. Tampa Bay vs. Denver

Start Em': Bucs RB Earnest Graham, Broncos WR  Eddie Royal and TE Tony Scheffler

Sit Em': Broncos RB Selvin Young, Tampa Bay Defense

Why?: Broncos have the most prolific passing offense so far this season, and they will be throwing the ball even more with Tampa Bay's Defense being so good against the run. Denver on the other hand, has a horrendous run defense, so Earnest Graham should have a big day, most likely his third 100+ yard rushing game will be achieved with ease.

10. Buffalo vs. Arizona

Start Em': Bills QB Trent Edwards and WR Lee Evans, Arizona WR Steve Breaston

Sit Em': Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin and Buffalo Defense

Why?: The problem with Arizona is not that they cant put up any points, because they can with ease. The problem is that they flat out cannot stop anyone, which was evident in Brett Favre throwin 6 TD passes last week against the troublesome Cardinals defense. Trent Edwards won't throw for 6, but he might get 2 or 3 TD passes, which makes him a must-start in most leagues. For Arizona, with star WR Anquan Boldin out for a couple week after a bone-jarring hit in the late seconds of last weeks game, look for WR Steve Breaston to get alot more looks, as he had his first 100+ yard recieving game of his career last week.

11. New England vs. San Francisco

Start Em': Patriots WR's Randy Moss and Wes Welker, SF RB Frank Gore

Sit Em': Patriots TE Ben Watson and SF. TE Vernon Davis

Why?: Even though I'm not very high on Patriots QB Matt Cassel, you have to start Moss and Welker against a defense who gave up 360 some passing yards last week to Drew Brees. As for Watson and Davis, both offenses have moved on with their season without usage from the Tight End position, and that won't change this week as they seem destined for pedestrian like statistics.

12. Pittsburgh vs. Jacksonville

Start em': NOBODY

Sit Em': EVERYBODY

Why?: If you are in a position that you have to start somebody from both of these teams, then Big Ben, Ward, Holmes for the Steelers, and Jones-Drew, Taylor and Gerrard for the Jaguars should put up OK numbers. The rest, do not even touch them. This is going to be a old-school, physical, dirty game where the defenses will over shadow the offenses. But it won't be about turnovers, it will be about field-positioning. Alot of bad blood from these teams are evident from last years wild-card game, and it's going to be a good game to watch, just not from a fantasy standpoint.

13. Vikings vs. Saints

Start Em': Saints WR's Lance Moore and Devery Henderson(or Robert Meachem), Vikings QB Gus Ferrotte

Sit Em': Saints RB Reggie Bush (in non PPR leagues), Both defenses

Why?: From an offensive standpoint, this will be a great fantasy game. Both offenses, especially the Saints passing attack and the Vikings Running Game will put up HUGE numbers. With the Vikings Run Defense being of the league's best, look for Brees to throw the ball more then usual (that means 50+ attempts), while getting everybody involved. Also, the Saints defense is just god awful, so yes I am saying that their could be a Gus Ferrotte sighting on a fantasy roster somewhere, and it won't be so bad. High scoring game here, big time fantasy implications on Monday Night Football.

Tommorow's entry I will predict all of the week 5 games for all you gambling addicts. 

Go Phillies!

 

It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Before we get to football news, which at this point of the week is the unvailing of the injury report, as a sports fan, I must talk a little about the world of sports.

You'll hear me say this alot, but there is no better time of the year than the beginning of October. Yes, it is true that you may not see girls in bikini's at the beach in the middle of fall, but for a sports-freak like myself, there is no time better than this. MLB Playoffs starting now, NFL in entering the prime of the season, NHL pre-season games starting, NBA camps opening up, College football rivalry week and College Basketball Midnight madness. If this isn't the closest thing to heaven, then I don't know what is (Playboy Mansion is a close second). With all that said, the fact that all these sports are now in action means one thing. Yup, more notable news, in this case baseball,  that as a new sports blogger I feel inclined to tell you.

BASEBALL NEWS

:As a Philly fan,  I would just like to aknowledge that the Phillies just won their first playoff game in 15 years with there 3-1 victory over the Brewers today in game 1 of the NLDS. While the usually potent offense seemed off-balance against a weak Brewers Bullpen, it was Phillies P Cole Hamels that willed them to victory.  The Stat-line for Hamels: 8 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 9 K'S. Pretty amazing stuff, especially for a pitcher who has only started two postseason games.

:Good decision by Joe Torre and the Dodgers in deciding to start Greg Maddux in game 4 against the Cubs. While Maddux's stuff has diminished with age and fatigue, he is still the best pitcher of our generation THAT WAS NOT ON STEROIDS, and just on that alone (plus his 15 gold-gloves and 2 Cy Young's), the Dodgers should feel very comfortable with him on the mound during a series-deciding game. I know I wouldn't rather have anyone else.

: Even though the Phillies have Ryan Howard, Philly fans like myself had to have feelings of nostalgia when watching sportscenter last night. Top story was the White Sox beating the Twins 1-0 for a berth in the AL playoffs. That one run was off the bat of, who else, Ex-Philly 1st Basemen Jim Thome, on a mammoth 440+ FT. homerun to dead CF. Even though he's on the White Sox, it's hard not to root for one of baseball's good guys.

NFL INJURY REPORT

And Now onto the NFL. 4 days away from week for and the injury report was unvailed today, like every other Wed. for the past 4 weeks, and there were few surprises. Yes Patriots fans, Superman-clone Tom Brady is still on the injury report with his torn ACL, and if I had it my way, he would be on there for the rest of his career (no disrespect to Tom as a person, he's just more competition). If you do fantasy football, then take note of these names. Carson Palmer, Anquan Boldin, Adrian Peterson, Willis McGahee, Willie Parker, Dallas Clark. All normal starters, all of them either out or questionable for week 4. Sadly for all Eagles fans, there are still plenty of questions surrounding stars Brian Westbrook and Shawn Andrews. While they are questionable on the injury report and still may play, Westbrook admitted Tuesday that he can't cut laterally on his strained ankle, and Andrews went to go see a specialist for his back on Monday. While they may suit up and play, they won't be full strength, or even close to it for Sunday's game against the Redskins. On a better note, Donavan Mcnabb was upgraded to probable with his chest contusion. There is no question he is going to play, but with the upgrade on the injury report, it's obvious that Mcnabb is improving.

MORE NFL NEWS

   If there was any doubt that Raiders owner Al Davis was insane, there isn't anymore due to his bashing of ex-head coach Lane Kiffin while holding a press conference to state that he fired Kiffin. If losing your job isn't hard enough, Davis magnified Kiffin's problem's by calling him a liar, and among other things, a whiny baby. If it's true that what goes behind closed doors stays behind closed doors, then Davis severely violated that unwritten rule by telling the Oakland media what player Kiffin didn't want to draft JaMarcus Russell's, a player that Kiffin has publically supported over the past 15 months. That Oakland franchise is just in disarray, simple as that.

     In other news T.O is complaining again, go figure. This time, it's about receiving ONLY 18 passes thrown to him in Sunday's loss vs. Washington. My late birthday present would be for T.O to ruin Dallas like he ruined San Fran and the Eagles. And if it isn't for my birthday, PLEASE do it for my Hannukah present.

     More bad news for fans of ex- Bills and Broncos RB Travis Henry. The 2-time 1,000 yard rusher who is out of the league for 3 failed drug tests, is in trouble with the law again. This time, Henry was involved in a cocaine deal gone bad, as the Denver police performed a sting operation, with Henry and 1 other person being the focal point. Henry is now being held in jail in Colorado, and I must say that he has not made the best of his god-given athletic ability. It just doesn't make sense how somebody with so much money was involved in selling drugs. If you know the story of Henry (it's a rumor that he has 12 illegitimate children with 9 different women), you would think that he has enough problems already. Well, hopefully when he gets out of jail, he'll be able to continue his career and sign with the Bengals like every other criminal who also has enough talent to play in the NFL (Yes, I am talking about Cedric Benson and Chris Henry, two players that have been in jail in the last year, and are taking up roster spots on the Bengals).

That's it for today, as the Cubs game is starting to get intense and my roomate is pretty close to crying and peeing his pants, I can't decide which. For Tommorow's post, I will go into Fantasy Start'em and Sit'em for week 4, along with all other NFL news.