Archive for September, 2015

Giants Sign Welker And Nicks, Browns’ QB Controversy Made Up, Rose Surgery

FOOTBALL

Wes WelkerThe New York Giants are feeling inspired after their win last week over the Washington Redskins.  They may be 1-2, but the NFC East is a very weak division, and the Giants think they can win it.  With that said, they are a bit thin at wide receiver given all the injuries on their roster so they brought in two big names: former New England Patriots’ great Wes Welker and former Giants’ hero Hakeem Nicks.  Both players are at the tail end of their career, but their veteran leadership could be valuable.
Elsewhere in the NFL, in some Johnny Football news (aka Johnny Manziel), a report surfaced earlier this week that Browns’ players were surprised and upset that Manziel wasn’t their starting quarterback.  He was benched in favor of the now healthy Josh McCown even though McCown was dreadful on Sunday against the Raiders.  Browns’ receiver Andrew Hawkins said this story is “1000% made-up”. McCown will likely start next week.

BASKETBALL

Derrick RoseDerrick Rose is the star of the Chicago Bulls team but is prone to injury. Other than last season, he’s barely seen the court. Now, with team practices underway, Rose took a shot to the face and suffered an “orbital fracture”.  Rose will require surgery and is out indefinitely. The Bulls brass may decide to move on from Rose as their marquee franchise player.

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Kobe And Nowitzki May Not Retire, Panthers Grab Jared Allen, Packers Dominate In MNF

BASKETBALL

Kobe BryantIn the NBA, the Laker’s Kobe Bryant spoke to the media about his retirement and surprisingly said that he hasn’t made a decision.  Many people thought that Bryant would announce his “Farewell Tour” this off-season on account of his age and his recent injuries. It’s now possible Bryant will have to be “removed” from the NBA kicking and screaming.  Then again, the basketball season is long so he may still retire.
Speaking of NBA players who don’t want to retire, Dallas Mavericks’ superstar and future Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki said that he would like to play two more years and then THINK about retirement.  Dirk is 36 years old, and his determination is nothing short of incredible.  Basketball stars are playing longer than they used to on account of improved conditioning, nutritional diets, and advanced medical services on training staffs.

FOOTBALL

In the NFL, the Carolina Panthers started 3-0 and look like they have a shot to win it all this season.  With this new sense of dominance, they traded a draft pick to the Chicago Bears for veteran star linebacker Jared Allen.  The Bears’ season isn’t starting off well so stockpiling draft picks might not be a bad idea. Allen should have an immediate impact with the Panther’s defense by striking fear into opposing QB’s.

Aaron RodgersFinally in Monday night football, the Green Bay Packers dominated the Kansas City Chiefs with five touchdowns from QB Aaron Rodgers and strong play from RB Eddie Lacy and WR Randall Cobb. The Packers are now 3-0 for the first time since 2011. Packers 38, Chiefs 28.

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Mets Clinch Division, Weeden Era In Dallas, Roethlisberger Out For 6 Weeks, Cardinals Team To Beat

 

 

BASEBALL

MetsFor the first time since 2006, the New York Mets clinched the National League East Division. The Mets continued their celebration by making their rookies wear Underoos and super hero outfits on the trip home from Cincinnati. Congrats Mets!

FOOTBALL

In Dallas, the Cowboys began the temporary Brandon Weeden era hoping to survive while they wait for QB Tony Romo and WR Dez Bryant to get healthy.   With arguably the best offensive line in football, the Cowboys came out to an early lead over the Atlanta Falcons. With an incredible 3 touchdown running game from Joseph Randle, they might have thought they had the game wrapped up but you can’t rule out the Falcons’ WR Julio Jones.  He helped Atlanta succeed in an amazing comeback.  Atlanta 39, Dallas 28.

The St. Louis Rams were hoping to contain the explosive Pittsburgh Steelers offense. The game was rather quiet and forgettable game except when Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger went down with a knee injury and is now expected to miss 4-6 weeks.  Roethlisberger’s injury is an enormous loss for the Steelers, and they will have to hope that newly signed back-up QB, Michael Vick, can keep things moving along until Roethlisberger gets healthy.  Pittsburgh 12, St. Louis 6.

In the afternoon games, the Seattle Seahawks easily beat the Chicago Bears, but the Seahawks may not be the team to beat in the NFC West.  That distinction may belong to the Arizona Cardinals, who look absolutely phenomenal.  The Cardinals’ defense completely shut down QB Colin Kaepernick and the 49ers offense and QB Carson Palmer and former Titans and Jets RB Chris Johnson overwhelmed the Niners’ defense.  The Cardinals are definitely a contender this year.   Arizona 47, San Francisco 7.

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Giants Pull Out Thursday Night Win, Thompson Closer To Deal With Cavs, Metta World Peace A Laker

FOOTBALL

Eli ManningIn Thursday Night Football, it was the battle of two lowly teams:  The Washington Redskins and the New York Giants.  The Redskins are actually coming off of a win, while the Giants have suffered two last second losses.  The Giants needed a victory if they didn’t want their season to completely go down in flames.  The game was ugly but the Giants were doing slightly better than the Redskins.  The Redskins even fumbled on the goal line instead of scoring a touchdown.  In the end, the Giants squeaked by thanks to a decent performance by Eli Manning and Odell Beckham Jr.  Don’t count the Giants out just yet — they are starting to look better.  NY Giants 32, Washington 21.

BASKETBALL

In the NBA, the Cleveland Cavaliers still haven’t finalized a deal with their impressive young power forward, Tristan Thompson.  The Cavs and Thompson were quite far apart on their negotiations, but on Thursday, Thompson reduced his ask from a max contract down to $53 million over 3 years.  Thompson is integral for the Cavs and with him on the court, they could be the clear favorite to win the title.   But that’s a big IF.  They are paying way over the payroll tax, but they think he’s worth the money.

Metta World PeaceFinally, in the NBA, just when you thought Metta World Peace (formerly Ron Artest Jr before he legally changed his name in 2011) was finished in the NBA, he gets another shot.  The Lakers are bringing him back on a one-year deal.  They think he still has gas in the tank, and and a figurehead for the young team.  Last year, the Lakers had young players running around, but this coming season, Kobe will be back, and now with Metta on the court, the team should have a different feel.  A seemingly good move for the Lakers.

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Yogi Berra, Cassel Acquired By Dallas, Owens Thinking Of Playing, Fitzpatrick Jets Starter

BASEBALL

Yogi Berra Hall of fame catcher Yogi Berra passed away at the age of 90. He  won 3 most valuable player awards and 14 world series titles in his 19 year career as a catcher playing for the New York Yankees. Yogi Berra was quoted often for his twisted words and sayings of wisdom such as, “when you see a fork in the road, take it” or  “the future ain’t what it used to be” and “it’s deja vu all over again”. He will be remembered as a great player, a man of integrity and a beloved statesman.

FOOTBALL

In the NFL, the Dallas Cowboys are looking for answers at QB now that Tony Romo is out for at least a few weeks.  Brandon Weeden is their back-up, but he is the type of quarterback that can make fans hold their breath on every throw (i.e. he throws interceptions). For some insurance, they made a call to the Buffalo Bills and acquired journeyman quarterback Matt Cassel.
Dallas’  Dez Bryant is also injured and the reports are that 41 year old former star Cowboys receiver Terrell Owens is reaching out to play.  Owens never “officially” retired, he was just never picked up by another team after his stint with Buffalo.  Owens acknowledged he had a controversial time in Dallas but hopes the Cowboys realize he is now a changed man.  It’s extremely unlikely that the Cowboys will look in Owens direction, but you can’t blame him for trying.

Finally in the NFL, with the Jets now a surprising 2-0 under the control of veteran QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, management has publicly stated that Fitzpatrick will remain their starting quarterback even when their former starting QB Geno Smith returns.  Smith showed promise last season, but the Jets love what they’re seeing from their offense with Fitzpatrick under center.  The Jets defense is also incredibly stout, and they are already thinking that they have a real shot at the playoffs.  It’s a good year (so far) to be a Jets fan .

 

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Jets Dominate Colts, Rodgers Takes Stab At Wilson, Cutler/Brees Injured

FOOTBALL

Andrew LuckThe New York Jets defense dominated Monday night’s matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. Colts’ QB Andrew Luck played unusually sloppy while the Jets D lead by Darrelle Revis caused the Colts to crumble. Colts are now 0-2 and the NY Jets are surprisingly 2-0. Jets 20, Colts 7.

 

Aaron RodgersIn other NFL news, the gossip train is in motion after Sunday night’s Packers v. Seahawks game.   People were wondering if Packers’ QB Aaron Rodgers was taking a jab at religious Seahawks’ QB Russell Wilson after the game when he said “I think God was a Packers fan tonight“.  Wilson is known, like many athletes, for thankingGod after a victory.  Given that the Packers and Seahawks are quickly becoming rivals, this may have been Rodgers attempt to show Seattle that the Packers are the team to beat in the NFC.

In Chicago, it looks like the Bears have an issue at quarterback.  Jay Cutler got injured in Sunday’s game and now it’s reported that he will miss at least 2 weeks.  Former Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen will now get his shot at attempting to bring the Bears to glory.  It’s too early in the season to count any team out, but things do look gloomy in Chicago.
Finally, in New Orleans, the Saints worst nightmare has come true:  Drew Brees is injured and will likely miss a few weeks.  The Saints have never had to survive without Brees calling the shots, but now they will hope their back-up Luke McCown, the unlikely star of a recent Verizon commercial campaign, can manage their offense and turn the team around. McCown is NOT Drew Brees, however and the Saints may have a tough season. .
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Pats Team To Beat, Cowboys’ Romo Suffers Serious Injury, Aaron Rodgers Avenges Last Season Loss

FOOTBALL

Another exciting weekend of football. In the NFL, the defending Super Bowl Champs, New England Patriots continued to impress with a big win over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. The Bills came out to an early lead but then the Pats found their groove and between Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski, the Pats opened up the game and even with a valiant effort by the Bills in the 4th quarter, the Pats held off for the win. The Pats are clearly the team to beat in the AFC east. Patriots 40, Bills 32.

 

Tony Romo The Dallas Cowboys suffered a huge loss in the third quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles when QB Tony Romo was slammed to the ground as he was trying to recover a fumble. Reports from the team say that Romo fractured his left collarbone (same injury he had in 2010).  Romo could be out for 6-8 weeks. The Cowboys already lost their top receiver Dez Bryant for 6-12 weeks so losing their QB could mean a disastrous rest of the season. Cowboys 20, Eagles 10.

Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers avenged their NFC title game meltdown last year against the Seattle Seahawks. In a physical matchup and down 17-16 in the fourth quarter, Rodgers found a weakness in the Seattle D and exploited the holes to come back and win 27-17. The Seahawks are now 0-2.

 

 

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Broncos Exciting Comeback Agst Chiefs, Manning Achieves Passing Milestone, Yankees/Mets Subway Series

FOOTBALL

Peyton ManningThe first quarter of the Thursday night matchup between the Denver Broncos and the Kansas City Chiefs was uneventful.  By the end of the second quarter the Chiefs were up 14 points off of a Jamaal Charles run and an interception return for a TD.  QB Peyton Manning could not get into a groove but right before halftime, he threw a TD that tied the score. In the third quarter both teams swapped field goals. By the end of the fourth quarter the game got interesting. After the Chiefs scored another TD, Manning drove 80 yards then with 36 seconds remaining threw another TD to Emmanuel Sanders. With only 26 seconds left, Jamaal Charles fumbled and the Broncos ran the ball in for a TD to seal the win. Even though Manning looked a bit shaky during the game, he reached an impressive milestone by throwing over 70,000 career yards. Brett Favre is the only other QB to have reached this feat. Favre ended his 16 year career with 71, 838 yards. If Manning stays healthy, we should see that number eclipsed soon. Broncos 31, Chiefs 24.

BASEBALL

The NY Yankees and the the NY Mets play the second leg of the 2015 subway series. This is the first time since 2007 that both teams have been in contention this late in the season. Should be an exciting weekend of NY baseball.

 

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Favre And Owens Nominated For Hall Of Fame, Brady Supports Trump, NFL Thursday

FOOTBALL

Brett FavreThe 2016 Pro Football Hall of Fame nominees are out and predictably QB Brett Favre is in the mix. Other first year nominees are Terrell Owens, Alan Faneca, Lawyer Milloy, Brian Westbrook and Clinton Portis.  93 Players and 15 coaches are on the ballot and only between 4 and 8 will be selected to the Hall. The honor will be announced the night before the Super Bowl.

Tom Brady is back in the news but not for football. Before the Republican debate Wednesday night, Brady announced his support for Donald Trump for President. Trump and Brady are golf partners and when asked about Trump, he announced,  “It would be great. There would be a putting green on the White House lawn, I can tell you that.”

Finally, it’s NFL Thursday featuring the Denver Broncos vs the Kansas City Chiefs at 8:25 est.

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Marshawn Lynch’s Mom Upset, Dez Bryant Injured, Bills/Pats Trash Talk

FOOTBALL

Marshawn LynchIn the NFL, Marshawn Lynch’s mother is calling for Seattle’s offensive coordinator, Darrel Bevell to be fired.  She called Bevell “The Worst Playcaller Ever”.  Of course, she was mad when her son didn’t get the ball on the goal line in last year’s Super Bowl, but she also thought the Seahawks made some awful calls against the Rams on Sunday.  She’s definitely not alone in her sentiments.  Many Seattle fans agree with her.

Elsewhere in the NFL, it’s looking like the Cowboys will be without star wide receiver Dez Bryant for at least 6 weeks.  They are looking for answers at the wide receiver position so  they took a risk and are bringing in Brice Butler from the Oakland Raiders.  Butler was a 7th round pick for the Raiders in 2013.  He’s a huge  athletic target and could be a great pickup.
Finally in the NFL, one of the most anticipated match-ups this coming week is the Buffalo Bills vs. The New England Patriots.  The Bills look terrific, but the Pats have always had their number.  To gain momentum, the entire Buffalo Bills team is trash talking the Patriots.  Nobody is holding back, not even Buffalo head coach Rex Ryan.   The Pats, however, typically dominate if they feel offended.  The game is Sunday 1:oo pm est.

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