The QB and head coach are two of the most important things to look at when picking games. Here's how I rank 'em so far this season. Turnover numbers are through week 11.
The Reliable:
1. NE- Tom Brady (38 TDs, 7 TOs)- he makes it look so easy and makes very few mistakes.
2. Ind-Peyton Manning(13 TOs)- will throw in one or two bad games a year, but he's easily #2.
3. GB- Brett Favre(11 TOs)- Playing within himself this season and he has a ton of weapons at his disposal.
4. Dal- Tony Romo(15 TOs)- Still trying to do too much, but there isnt a throw he cant make. Teammates seem to love him too.
5. Pit- Ben Rothlisberger(11 TOs)- He's a gamer and he makes things happen. Has had a couple of bad road games this season though.
6. Cle-Derek Anderson(11 TOs)- Having a breakout year. Makes you wonder how Charlie Frye got the starting job for week 1.
7. Sea- Matt Hasselbeck(11 TOs)- Pretty solid all around. Holmgren's love for the running game holds him back.
8 Jax- David Garrard(1 TO)- Quietly having a very good year. He protects the ball as well as anyone in the game- one turnover in 7 games is unheard of. Wont win the games himself, but doesnt have to.
9. TB-Jeff Garcia(5 TOs)- Dont know why more teams didnt go after him in the offseason. Garcia has been a Pro Bowler in the past and his teams win the games they're supposed to. He doesnt turn the ball over much.
The Unpredictable:
10. Cincy- Carson Palmer(15 TOs)- Still working his way back from knee surgery. As good as anyone when he's on his game, but when he throws 40+, the Bengals struggle.
11. NO-Drew Brees(17 TOs)- Having a tough season after an impeccable 06. He will bounce back, but he's not money in the bank this season.
12. NYG- Eli Manning(14 TOs)- Every time you think he's ready to emerge he has a 3 or 4 pick game against a mediocre team. He needs to take a body language class too-so sick of watching him mope off the field after he throws a pick or a one-hopper.
13. Jon Kitna(17 TOs)- has a ton of weapons, but sometimes lacks patience.
14. Ten-Vince Young(13 TOs)- having a bit of a sophmore slump and his throwing motion just looks ridiculous.
15. Den-Jay Cutler (11 TOs)- Has an absolute cannon, but he's going through some growing pains. Has a reliable run game to work with, but if he's the first option I'm nervous.
16. SD-Philip Rivers(17 TOs)- Taken a big step back under offensive guru Norv Turner. Needs some receivers to go with Gates and LT.
17.STL- Mark Bulger(11 TOs)- when healthy, he's solid. But he's not healthy. If Gus Frerotte(9 TOs) is in, dont ever take STL.
The Consistently Mediocre:
18. Was-Jason Campbell(14 TOs)- never puts up a big game.
19. Phi- Donovan McNabb(10 TOs)- Doesnt look right since the knee surgery. No escapability and a very average thrower.
20. Min- TJackson(7 TOs) or KHolcomb(1 TO)- not going anywhere with these two, but the play calling seems to be designed to keep them from screwing things up.
21. Az-Kurt Warner(10 TOs)- a far cry from the Greatest Show on Turf. He fumbles quite a bit, but is still capable of the occasional big game.
22. Hou- Matt Schaub(10 Tos) and Sage Rosenfels (7 TOs)- Schaub has shown some flashes but he's been banged up and the defense often puts him in a hole and forces him to play desperate. Rosenfels stinks.
The Craptacular:
23. Buf-J.P. Losman(5 TOs)- The D and running game have to win games for Buf. If Losman has to do anything, its a disaster. He takes way too many sacks. Trent Edwards will be the starter eventually, but that's not much of an upgrade.
24. SF-Trent Dilfer(9 TOs)/Alex Smith(9 TOs)- They both suck, but Dilfer can manage a game. Its time for the Niners to admit that drafting Alex Smith first was a mistake.
25. NYJ-Kellen Clements (6 TOs)- The play calling is vanilla and he hasnt made a big play yet.
26. Oak-Daunte Culpepper (8 TOs)- The knee doesnt look so good and the offense looks even worse. When do we get to see Russell? McNown (11 TOs) is pretty bad too.
27. Balt-Kyle Boller(7 TOs)- Cant believe they resigned this guy. McNair(11 TOs) is nearing the end and Boller is never safe. He rarely makes a big play, but he will throw the big interception.
28. Atlanta- Joey Harrington (7 TOs) or Byron Leftwich- two first round picks with practice squad type careers.
29. Chicago- Rex Grossman (7 TOs). The worst guy to be backing on Sunday. He always makes the key turnover. When the Bears win, its in spite of him. He has the mentality of Favre and the talent of Dave Brown. Griese (11 TOs) is better, but he's still not good.
30. KC- Brody Croyle(2 TOs)- One of the rare young QBs who doesnt even have potential.
31.Mia- Cleo Lemon(6 TOs)/John Beck(0 Tos)- Not really much to say about these guys but I doubt their jerseys are in high demand.
The Worst:
32. Carolina-Testaverde(4 TOs)/Carr(3 TOs)/Moore(2 TOs)- They all suck. The braintrust thought so little of Carr and Moore that they signed a 43 year old who was only average when he was in his 20s and 30s. Its no surprise that Carolina is averaging 10 pts per game over their last 5.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Week 12 Recap
GB 37 Det 26- The Lions had some early chances, but couldn't put the ball in the end zone. Favre absolutely lit up the Lions so-called secondary to the tune of 31-41 for 381 yards. The Lions still have Romo, Rivers and Favre on the schedule so they are screwed if they can't figure things out in their pass defense.
Dal 34 NYJ 3- Even worse than advertised. The Jets suck out loud and Kellen Clements isn't the answer. My definition of hell is being tied to a chair and forced to watch the Jets-Dolphins game next weekend.
Ind 31 Atl 13- The Colts spotted the Falcons 10 before they finally shook off their hangover from the Pats game. Joey Harrington is just awful and the trading of Matt Schaub looks worse each week. Its time Jerious Norwood got the bulk of the carries.
Cincy 35 Ten 6- Certainly didnt see this one coming. The Titans were inside the 20 three times in the first half but only put up 6 points. Many thanks to Vince Young for doing nothing the rest of the game. Tenn should get right against Houston next week.
TB 19 Wash 13- TB can thank Was for gift wrapping their 7th win. 6 turnovers! Are you kidding? Jeff Garcia left in the 1st quarter and Bruce Gradkowski was Bruce Gradkowski- Garcia did come back in the 4th quarter. Jason Campbell threw a game ending INT in the end zone.
Jax 36 Buf 14- Closer than the score indicates. It was 22-14 until the final minutes. The Jags should have been up by a bunch, but kicked 5 FGs. Another reminder not to take JP Losman on the road.
Oak 20 KC 17- Herm should have played to win the game! Kolby Smith and Justin Fargas both had huge days, but KC couldnt get the ball back for a last gasp. Brody Croyle should not be starting in the NFL. It was Oak's first win against an AFC West team since 04.
Cle 27 Hou 17- Derek Anderson is the real deal and with Winslow and Edwards, Cle can get 20 on anyone. Their usually pathetic defense played pretty well. Andre Johnson only had 3 catches and the Texans wont win when that happens.
Minn 41 NYG 17- Put this one on Eli. Just plain awful all around. It looked like he was working with his receivers for the first time. He threw 4 picks, 2 of which were returned for TDs, and took a 30 yard sack on a 4th and 4 in garbage time. Sinorice Moss has hands like feet and Shockey was a non-factor.
NO 31 Car 6- Add Carolina to the list of teams that flat out suck. David Carr was horrendous again and got pulled for rookie Mike Moore. Unless Steve Smith starts learning the QB position, the season is over for the Panthers. Can't figure the Saints out- even in this game they were terrible in the 1st half, but excellent in the 2nd.
SD 32 Balt 14- Just when you think SD will quit on Norv, they come to life. The Ravens are bad- they cant score and their defense has become average.
Sf 37 Az 31- Rackers missed a GW FG in OT, but the Cards never should have let it get there. How do you let the Niners get to 30 on you? This team is lucky to get a drive of 30 yards let alone 30 points. You have to hand it to the Cardinals- they are capable of losing to anyone.
Chi 37 Den 34- Big ups to Mike Shanhan and Todd Sauerbrun for having the arrogance to keep kicking to Hester even though he was clearly the only person on Chi who could make this comeback happen. The Broncs blew a 2 TD 4th quarter lead and Hester had 2 TDs.
Pit 3 Mia 0- Another awful Monday night game- The NFL completely ruined MNF when ESPN took over. Now, the best game of the week goes to Sun nite when most people have already watched 6 and a half hours of football. Already this season, we've had to look at Buf twice, Mia, Atl, SF and Balt twice. Gross! As for the game, it was a performance strictly based on the weather.
Sea 24 Stl 19- I HATE THE RAMS! They always find new and interesting ways to lose, particularly to Seattle. They blew a 19-7 halftime lead. Gus Frerotte replaced an injured Mark Bulger to the dismay of anyone who picked the Rams. Good old Gus fumbled the snap on the 1 yard line on the game's last play.
Fantasy Updates: Kolby Smith(KC) and Justin Fargas (Oak) had huge days and are primary backs. Andre Hall (Den) looked like the real deal and grab Adrian Peterson (Chi) if he's still available because Benson is out for the year. Anthony Gonzalez (Ind) went for over 100 yds and Ocho Cinco had a huge day. Greg Olson (Chi) had another TD and is a good pickup if you need a TE. Huge days out of the D from Dallas and Minnesota. If Carolina's D is available, u might want to pick 'em up for next week's home game vs. SF.
Dal 34 NYJ 3- Even worse than advertised. The Jets suck out loud and Kellen Clements isn't the answer. My definition of hell is being tied to a chair and forced to watch the Jets-Dolphins game next weekend.
Ind 31 Atl 13- The Colts spotted the Falcons 10 before they finally shook off their hangover from the Pats game. Joey Harrington is just awful and the trading of Matt Schaub looks worse each week. Its time Jerious Norwood got the bulk of the carries.
Cincy 35 Ten 6- Certainly didnt see this one coming. The Titans were inside the 20 three times in the first half but only put up 6 points. Many thanks to Vince Young for doing nothing the rest of the game. Tenn should get right against Houston next week.
TB 19 Wash 13- TB can thank Was for gift wrapping their 7th win. 6 turnovers! Are you kidding? Jeff Garcia left in the 1st quarter and Bruce Gradkowski was Bruce Gradkowski- Garcia did come back in the 4th quarter. Jason Campbell threw a game ending INT in the end zone.
Jax 36 Buf 14- Closer than the score indicates. It was 22-14 until the final minutes. The Jags should have been up by a bunch, but kicked 5 FGs. Another reminder not to take JP Losman on the road.
Oak 20 KC 17- Herm should have played to win the game! Kolby Smith and Justin Fargas both had huge days, but KC couldnt get the ball back for a last gasp. Brody Croyle should not be starting in the NFL. It was Oak's first win against an AFC West team since 04.
Cle 27 Hou 17- Derek Anderson is the real deal and with Winslow and Edwards, Cle can get 20 on anyone. Their usually pathetic defense played pretty well. Andre Johnson only had 3 catches and the Texans wont win when that happens.
Minn 41 NYG 17- Put this one on Eli. Just plain awful all around. It looked like he was working with his receivers for the first time. He threw 4 picks, 2 of which were returned for TDs, and took a 30 yard sack on a 4th and 4 in garbage time. Sinorice Moss has hands like feet and Shockey was a non-factor.
NO 31 Car 6- Add Carolina to the list of teams that flat out suck. David Carr was horrendous again and got pulled for rookie Mike Moore. Unless Steve Smith starts learning the QB position, the season is over for the Panthers. Can't figure the Saints out- even in this game they were terrible in the 1st half, but excellent in the 2nd.
SD 32 Balt 14- Just when you think SD will quit on Norv, they come to life. The Ravens are bad- they cant score and their defense has become average.
Sf 37 Az 31- Rackers missed a GW FG in OT, but the Cards never should have let it get there. How do you let the Niners get to 30 on you? This team is lucky to get a drive of 30 yards let alone 30 points. You have to hand it to the Cardinals- they are capable of losing to anyone.
Chi 37 Den 34- Big ups to Mike Shanhan and Todd Sauerbrun for having the arrogance to keep kicking to Hester even though he was clearly the only person on Chi who could make this comeback happen. The Broncs blew a 2 TD 4th quarter lead and Hester had 2 TDs.
Pit 3 Mia 0- Another awful Monday night game- The NFL completely ruined MNF when ESPN took over. Now, the best game of the week goes to Sun nite when most people have already watched 6 and a half hours of football. Already this season, we've had to look at Buf twice, Mia, Atl, SF and Balt twice. Gross! As for the game, it was a performance strictly based on the weather.
Sea 24 Stl 19- I HATE THE RAMS! They always find new and interesting ways to lose, particularly to Seattle. They blew a 19-7 halftime lead. Gus Frerotte replaced an injured Mark Bulger to the dismay of anyone who picked the Rams. Good old Gus fumbled the snap on the 1 yard line on the game's last play.
Fantasy Updates: Kolby Smith(KC) and Justin Fargas (Oak) had huge days and are primary backs. Andre Hall (Den) looked like the real deal and grab Adrian Peterson (Chi) if he's still available because Benson is out for the year. Anthony Gonzalez (Ind) went for over 100 yds and Ocho Cinco had a huge day. Greg Olson (Chi) had another TD and is a good pickup if you need a TE. Huge days out of the D from Dallas and Minnesota. If Carolina's D is available, u might want to pick 'em up for next week's home game vs. SF.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Recommended Websites
This is a list of the best websites for picking games and fantasy info:
Picking:
http://www.sportsbook.com/sportsbook/betting-trends.php?bt=nflodds -see what the American public (who generally loses) is betting on.
www.donbest.com - updated lines and analysis
http://www.vegasinsider.com/nfl/weather/ - updated weather reports with the games in mind
www.nfl.com
http://sports-ak.espn.go.com/nfl/index
http://www.nfl.com/injuries - the weekly injury report
www.collegehoopsnet.com
http://www.collegeinsider.com/
Fantasy Sports:
All-Purpose:
www.rotoworld.com
www.yardbarker.com
http://www.kffl.com/
NFL:
http://www.nfl.com/fantasy
NHL:
www.hockeyinformer.com
www.goaliepost.com
http://www.nhl.com/fantasy/index.html
MLB:
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/fantasy/index.jsp
NBA:
http://www.nba.com/fantasy/
JUST FOR FUN:
www.break.com
http://www.theonion.com/content/index
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/simmons/index
www.collegerpi.com
www.youtube.com
Picking:
http://www.sportsbook.com/sportsbook/betting-trends.php?bt=nflodds -see what the American public (who generally loses) is betting on.
www.donbest.com - updated lines and analysis
http://www.vegasinsider.com/nfl/weather/ - updated weather reports with the games in mind
www.nfl.com
http://sports-ak.espn.go.com/nfl/index
http://www.nfl.com/injuries - the weekly injury report
www.collegehoopsnet.com
http://www.collegeinsider.com/
Fantasy Sports:
All-Purpose:
www.rotoworld.com
www.yardbarker.com
http://www.kffl.com/
NFL:
http://www.nfl.com/fantasy
NHL:
www.hockeyinformer.com
www.goaliepost.com
http://www.nhl.com/fantasy/index.html
MLB:
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/fantasy/index.jsp
NBA:
http://www.nba.com/fantasy/
JUST FOR FUN:
www.break.com
http://www.theonion.com/content/index
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/simmons/index
www.collegerpi.com
www.youtube.com
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Week 12 Picks
Tenn (-1.5) @ Cincy- Cincinatti has the dumbest defense in the NFL. They couldn't beat Arizona at home last week so there is no reason to believe they can beat a Titans team that is still headed for the playoffs and has won 5 straight @ Cincy. How long before the first fist fight between Chad Johnson and Chris Henry? Ocho Cinco cant be happy about the kid getting this many touches since returning from his suspension. It's only a matter of time before Henry demands that Ocho Cinco start valeting his car.
Kansas City (-5.5) v. Oak- KC has owned Oakland in the last few years and Herm's teams always play hard. Oak has not one, but two terrible QBs and JaMarcus Russell still hasnt seen any action. Lamont Jordan is already resting up for next season. They cant score and they cant get big stopes when they need them. Too bad about Priest Holmes for KC though.
Buf (+7.5) @ Jax- No shame in getting mauled by the Cheaters even though Losman looked lost. Buffalo has bounced back well after their biannual drubbings from the Pats (covering 14 of 15) . This is a classic trap game for Jax with Indy on deck. Marcus Stroudt remains out which is a big loss. Marshawn's Lynch would be a nice boost for Buf, but this should be tight either way.
Denver (-2) @ Chicago- Rex Grossman is good for a late turnover in any close game and 3 or 4 in the blowouts. The Broncos are crediting a team meeting with turning their season around. I would like to sit in on one of those someday. Why is it working for the Broncos when it didn't work for teams like the Jets and Dolphins? Do the Bengals have to host team meetings during visiting hours or go to a specific location due to a teammate's home confinement?
NYG (-7.5) vs. Minnesota- The Vikings are not good outdoors and their QBs are not good anywhere. No Adrian Peterson only makes matters worse. Still waiting for the annual Fassel meltdown but don't think it will come this week.
Caro (+3) vs. NO- The Saints are totally inconsistent and Carolina is consistently mediocre. Carolina is 8-0-1 in last 9 home games as a division underdog. Vinny T. or David Carr doesnt much matter- it comes down to how many times the Saints turn the ball over.
SF (+10) @ Az- The 49ers offense is pathetic but histroy suggests that Arizona can't deal with winning. The Niners defense continues to play hard and their offense can't get any worse. If Dilfer starts, the game should be competitive. Enjoy this biannual crapfest.
STL (+3) vs. Seattle- Break up the Rams! Two in a row over the Saints and the Niners- Steven Jackson is back and that is a huge upgrade over any white running back including Brian Leonard which is why they've won a couple. Sea is a different team when their crowd isnt forcing repeated offsides penalties.
Pitt (-16.5) vs. Mia- The Steelers are solid on Monday nites (10-2 in last 12 ATS) and there won't be a second letdown against an AFC East lightweight. John Beck gets his second NFL start after the offense didn't manage a single point in Philly. This may be the first ever trap game involving an 0-10 team looking forward. The Dolphins have to be hoping to get their first win against the J-E-T-S in week 13. The only reason to tune in is to see if Ricky Williams lights up on the sidelines.
NE (-22.5) vs. Philly- Made the mistake of picking against NE last week- wont happen again this season. The Pats have won their home games by margins of 24,31,17 and 45 and their road games by margins of 24,21,21, 21,4 and 46. They should just hand them the AFC Championship and save everyone else in the AFC the career and season-ending injuries.
SD (-7.5) vs. Balt- Baltimore has lost 4 in a row and their only road win was a 9-7 thriller against the Niners. Ray Lewis may be on trial for the murder of Kyle Boller by the end of the season. Marty may try to screw this one up, but the Chargers have too much talent this week.
Wash (+3) @ TB- The Skins have been competitive on the road (2-3 with close losses @Dal &GB) and the Bucs have struggled against the better half of the league. This is basically a coin toss though.
Hou (+3.5) @ Cle- Almost every Browns game has come down to the wire and that's a scary thought with Romeo Crennel's use of timeouts and clock management. The Texans have a healthy Andre Johnson and Matt Schaub. They are pretty good outside of their division.
Kansas City (-5.5) v. Oak- KC has owned Oakland in the last few years and Herm's teams always play hard. Oak has not one, but two terrible QBs and JaMarcus Russell still hasnt seen any action. Lamont Jordan is already resting up for next season. They cant score and they cant get big stopes when they need them. Too bad about Priest Holmes for KC though.
Buf (+7.5) @ Jax- No shame in getting mauled by the Cheaters even though Losman looked lost. Buffalo has bounced back well after their biannual drubbings from the Pats (covering 14 of 15) . This is a classic trap game for Jax with Indy on deck. Marcus Stroudt remains out which is a big loss. Marshawn's Lynch would be a nice boost for Buf, but this should be tight either way.
Denver (-2) @ Chicago- Rex Grossman is good for a late turnover in any close game and 3 or 4 in the blowouts. The Broncos are crediting a team meeting with turning their season around. I would like to sit in on one of those someday. Why is it working for the Broncos when it didn't work for teams like the Jets and Dolphins? Do the Bengals have to host team meetings during visiting hours or go to a specific location due to a teammate's home confinement?
NYG (-7.5) vs. Minnesota- The Vikings are not good outdoors and their QBs are not good anywhere. No Adrian Peterson only makes matters worse. Still waiting for the annual Fassel meltdown but don't think it will come this week.
Caro (+3) vs. NO- The Saints are totally inconsistent and Carolina is consistently mediocre. Carolina is 8-0-1 in last 9 home games as a division underdog. Vinny T. or David Carr doesnt much matter- it comes down to how many times the Saints turn the ball over.
SF (+10) @ Az- The 49ers offense is pathetic but histroy suggests that Arizona can't deal with winning. The Niners defense continues to play hard and their offense can't get any worse. If Dilfer starts, the game should be competitive. Enjoy this biannual crapfest.
STL (+3) vs. Seattle- Break up the Rams! Two in a row over the Saints and the Niners- Steven Jackson is back and that is a huge upgrade over any white running back including Brian Leonard which is why they've won a couple. Sea is a different team when their crowd isnt forcing repeated offsides penalties.
Pitt (-16.5) vs. Mia- The Steelers are solid on Monday nites (10-2 in last 12 ATS) and there won't be a second letdown against an AFC East lightweight. John Beck gets his second NFL start after the offense didn't manage a single point in Philly. This may be the first ever trap game involving an 0-10 team looking forward. The Dolphins have to be hoping to get their first win against the J-E-T-S in week 13. The only reason to tune in is to see if Ricky Williams lights up on the sidelines.
NE (-22.5) vs. Philly- Made the mistake of picking against NE last week- wont happen again this season. The Pats have won their home games by margins of 24,31,17 and 45 and their road games by margins of 24,21,21, 21,4 and 46. They should just hand them the AFC Championship and save everyone else in the AFC the career and season-ending injuries.
SD (-7.5) vs. Balt- Baltimore has lost 4 in a row and their only road win was a 9-7 thriller against the Niners. Ray Lewis may be on trial for the murder of Kyle Boller by the end of the season. Marty may try to screw this one up, but the Chargers have too much talent this week.
Wash (+3) @ TB- The Skins have been competitive on the road (2-3 with close losses @Dal &GB) and the Bucs have struggled against the better half of the league. This is basically a coin toss though.
Hou (+3.5) @ Cle- Almost every Browns game has come down to the wire and that's a scary thought with Romeo Crennel's use of timeouts and clock management. The Texans have a healthy Andre Johnson and Matt Schaub. They are pretty good outside of their division.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Dear ESPN
I have been watching the ESPN family of networks for as long as I can remember. I have also been an insider and a subscriber to the magazine. But over the last 5 or 6 years I have felt like an abused spouse. ESPN keeps abusing my fanhood more and more, but I keep coming back. So, there are some issues we need to discuss.
First, this NASCAR nonsense needs to stop. Its bad enough that you cover it and have started NASCAR Tonite. You crossed the line when you interviewed Jimmy Johnson and Jeff Gordon at halftime of a MNF game. Guess what I turned on the football game to watch? That's right football! So stop showing the NASCAR standings and promos during other sporting events. The northeast simply doesn't care. But the GEICO commercials with Lorne Wallace can stay.
What's with the PBA Bowling on ESPN Classic? There is nothing Classic about bowling- past, present or future. The same goes for the World Series of Poker, Stump the Schwab and the one where the two guys watch clips and yap. Show Cal-Stanford on a loop or just replay Bryce Drew's 3 against MSU over and over, but stop with the craptacular non-sporting events.
The following analysts need to be put out to pasture: Steven A. Smith, Steve Phillips, Mike Jarvis and Tony Kornheiser (MNF only). Screamin' A is infuriating. He wrote for the Philly Inquirer, so obviously the guy isn't as gramatically inept as he leads on. If he can't complete an English sentence, he doesn't deserve to be an analyst. Steve Phillips is almost bad an analyst as he was a GM- he has no inside sources because everyone that was on the inside apparently dislikes him. Mike Jarvis single-handidly ruined one of the most storied basketball programs of all time. He recruited nothing but JUCO transfers which led to the infamous scandal in Pitt and you guys reward him with a job as an analyst. Tony Kornheiser is solid on PTI, but he is terrible on MNF. He belittles the teams playing and fans watching, whines about staying up late and constantl forces Mike Tirico to play the role of moderator to get him shut up.
Lastly, a 6 foot 9 forward dunking is not that impressive. Show me Steve Nash or Agent Zero delivering a sick pass or the occasional jump shot getting knocked down. I know you guys cover the NBA and not the NHL, but that doesnt mean that 7 of your top 10 plays have to be dunks.
With the bad, you have to mention the good. Well done on PTI, Around the Horn, NFL Tonite, Jay Bilas, Bill Rafferty, Kirk Herbstreit, Chris Fowler, Rece Davis, Kenny Mayne, Mike Tirico, ESPNews and the Sports Guy.
First, this NASCAR nonsense needs to stop. Its bad enough that you cover it and have started NASCAR Tonite. You crossed the line when you interviewed Jimmy Johnson and Jeff Gordon at halftime of a MNF game. Guess what I turned on the football game to watch? That's right football! So stop showing the NASCAR standings and promos during other sporting events. The northeast simply doesn't care. But the GEICO commercials with Lorne Wallace can stay.
What's with the PBA Bowling on ESPN Classic? There is nothing Classic about bowling- past, present or future. The same goes for the World Series of Poker, Stump the Schwab and the one where the two guys watch clips and yap. Show Cal-Stanford on a loop or just replay Bryce Drew's 3 against MSU over and over, but stop with the craptacular non-sporting events.
The following analysts need to be put out to pasture: Steven A. Smith, Steve Phillips, Mike Jarvis and Tony Kornheiser (MNF only). Screamin' A is infuriating. He wrote for the Philly Inquirer, so obviously the guy isn't as gramatically inept as he leads on. If he can't complete an English sentence, he doesn't deserve to be an analyst. Steve Phillips is almost bad an analyst as he was a GM- he has no inside sources because everyone that was on the inside apparently dislikes him. Mike Jarvis single-handidly ruined one of the most storied basketball programs of all time. He recruited nothing but JUCO transfers which led to the infamous scandal in Pitt and you guys reward him with a job as an analyst. Tony Kornheiser is solid on PTI, but he is terrible on MNF. He belittles the teams playing and fans watching, whines about staying up late and constantl forces Mike Tirico to play the role of moderator to get him shut up.
Lastly, a 6 foot 9 forward dunking is not that impressive. Show me Steve Nash or Agent Zero delivering a sick pass or the occasional jump shot getting knocked down. I know you guys cover the NBA and not the NHL, but that doesnt mean that 7 of your top 10 plays have to be dunks.
With the bad, you have to mention the good. Well done on PTI, Around the Horn, NFL Tonite, Jay Bilas, Bill Rafferty, Kirk Herbstreit, Chris Fowler, Rece Davis, Kenny Mayne, Mike Tirico, ESPNews and the Sports Guy.
NCAA Football Picks 11/23-24/07
Boise State (+5.5) @ Hawaii
Boise St. has won four straight in this matchup and Hawaii has gone undefeated by playing the worst schedule in the country. If that wasn't enough, you're getting five and a half.
Missouri (-2.5) vs. Kansas in Kansas City
Missouri relies on a freshman QB (Chase Daniel), but Kansas' defense isnt good enough to give him problems. Missouri thrashed the Jayhawks last year and I expect more of the same.
Syracuse (+19.5) vs. Cincy
Cincinatti's big game game last week when they narrowly lost to West Virginia. The Bearcats have no interest in going to western New York to play the Big East doormat in the Dome. Syracuse should keep it close enough to cover.
UCLA (+2.5) vs. Oregon
UCLA was expected to have a big season. They have fallen short of expectations and it will likely cost their coach his job- but this is thier season. Oregon lost Heisman frontrunner Dennis Dixon for the season. Brady Leaf isnt half as good as brother Ryan and he was recruited to play in a completely different offense then the one the Ducks are running.
Stanford (-3.5) vs. Notre Dame
Notre Dame has two wins (Duke, UCLA), both at home. They lost to the Naval Academy and the Air Force. Stanford beat USC and the team seems to love playing for Jim Harbaugh.
Boise St. has won four straight in this matchup and Hawaii has gone undefeated by playing the worst schedule in the country. If that wasn't enough, you're getting five and a half.
Missouri (-2.5) vs. Kansas in Kansas City
Missouri relies on a freshman QB (Chase Daniel), but Kansas' defense isnt good enough to give him problems. Missouri thrashed the Jayhawks last year and I expect more of the same.
Syracuse (+19.5) vs. Cincy
Cincinatti's big game game last week when they narrowly lost to West Virginia. The Bearcats have no interest in going to western New York to play the Big East doormat in the Dome. Syracuse should keep it close enough to cover.
UCLA (+2.5) vs. Oregon
UCLA was expected to have a big season. They have fallen short of expectations and it will likely cost their coach his job- but this is thier season. Oregon lost Heisman frontrunner Dennis Dixon for the season. Brady Leaf isnt half as good as brother Ryan and he was recruited to play in a completely different offense then the one the Ducks are running.
Stanford (-3.5) vs. Notre Dame
Notre Dame has two wins (Duke, UCLA), both at home. They lost to the Naval Academy and the Air Force. Stanford beat USC and the team seems to love playing for Jim Harbaugh.
Welcome Home Isaiah
The sports fans and writers of NY love to bash Isaiah Thomas and its a task that has become the perverbial shooting fish in a barrel. But this Thanksgiving, they should make sure to give thanks that he still has a job. He and Jimmy Dolan give everyone ample opportunity to write and profit from their soap opera.
We are only nine games into the Knicks season and we've already beared witness to the following events:A groundbreaking 11 million dollar verdict against the Knicks. The deposition testimony of the CEO (Dolan) and President (Thomas) was must watch material. Meanwhile, the star player's best conversion of the season involved scoring with an intern. In the words (via text message) of Steph "I want some more of that".
The Knicks opened the season well enough with a 2-1 season that almost showed a little promise. Then, before a west coast trip, Isaiah told Marbury that he was benching him. Marbury responded by saying he was taking his ball and going home. Isaiah purportedly told him to go. Then, when he actually left, Isaiah acted like the unthinkable had happened and he was fined more than most make in a year. Starbury returned in time to lead the Knicks to three straight losses. Isaiah called for a team vote on whether or not Starbury should play when he came back. The team voted "no", but Isaiah got some of the poll personnel in Florida to do a count and some hanging chads resulted in Starbury being inserted in the lineup. Nothing says team unity like a coach ignoring his team.
Now, the Knicks are back in New York. Jimmy Dolan's papa is lurking and Isaiah is on a short leash. As great as it is to watch him fail, we should all be rooting for a few more victories. A coach/GM/president who loses colorfully is a lot more interesting than the ones who just win. After all, who wants to write about Belicheck, Brady and the bullies from Foxboro.
We are only nine games into the Knicks season and we've already beared witness to the following events:A groundbreaking 11 million dollar verdict against the Knicks. The deposition testimony of the CEO (Dolan) and President (Thomas) was must watch material. Meanwhile, the star player's best conversion of the season involved scoring with an intern. In the words (via text message) of Steph "I want some more of that".
The Knicks opened the season well enough with a 2-1 season that almost showed a little promise. Then, before a west coast trip, Isaiah told Marbury that he was benching him. Marbury responded by saying he was taking his ball and going home. Isaiah purportedly told him to go. Then, when he actually left, Isaiah acted like the unthinkable had happened and he was fined more than most make in a year. Starbury returned in time to lead the Knicks to three straight losses. Isaiah called for a team vote on whether or not Starbury should play when he came back. The team voted "no", but Isaiah got some of the poll personnel in Florida to do a count and some hanging chads resulted in Starbury being inserted in the lineup. Nothing says team unity like a coach ignoring his team.
Now, the Knicks are back in New York. Jimmy Dolan's papa is lurking and Isaiah is on a short leash. As great as it is to watch him fail, we should all be rooting for a few more victories. A coach/GM/president who loses colorfully is a lot more interesting than the ones who just win. After all, who wants to write about Belicheck, Brady and the bullies from Foxboro.
Thanksgiving Day Picks
Detroit (+3.5) over GB
The Lions usually play well on Turkey Day and Jon Kitna will be leading prayer groups all week to give thanks. For an interesting drinking game, take a sip every time the announcers praise Brett Favre. You won't make it to halftime, but the holiday will certainly be more interesting.
Dallas (-14.5) over NY Jets
The Cowboys are thankful that the 2-8 Jets are rolling into town off their biggest win of the season. Wade Phillips will likely want his boys to take care of business quickly so he can get to his feast promptly. The NFL can't be happy about Kellen Clements and company representing half of what is usually a must see game. It won't just be the Triptophan that puts you to sleep around 5:30 EST.
Indy (-11.5) over Atl
Peyton Manning v. Joey Harrington. I don't see how Joey wins anything head to head against Peyton- go carts, golf, SNL hosting,etc. Karma loves Peyton, but hates Joey. Michael Vick started serving his jail sentence though, so 2010 looks bright for the Dirty Birds.
The Lions usually play well on Turkey Day and Jon Kitna will be leading prayer groups all week to give thanks. For an interesting drinking game, take a sip every time the announcers praise Brett Favre. You won't make it to halftime, but the holiday will certainly be more interesting.
Dallas (-14.5) over NY Jets
The Cowboys are thankful that the 2-8 Jets are rolling into town off their biggest win of the season. Wade Phillips will likely want his boys to take care of business quickly so he can get to his feast promptly. The NFL can't be happy about Kellen Clements and company representing half of what is usually a must see game. It won't just be the Triptophan that puts you to sleep around 5:30 EST.
Indy (-11.5) over Atl
Peyton Manning v. Joey Harrington. I don't see how Joey wins anything head to head against Peyton- go carts, golf, SNL hosting,etc. Karma loves Peyton, but hates Joey. Michael Vick started serving his jail sentence though, so 2010 looks bright for the Dirty Birds.
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