Baltimore tries to rebound in St. Louis - Last week the Ravens were humbled in Tennessee and now they face a very hungry Rams team searching for their first win of the season. Winner: Even in a hostile environment, Flacco and the Ravens cruise to an easy victory, 28-17.
NY Jets travel to the Black Hole to get Sanchez more than a snack - Last time Marc Sanchez and Jets played in Oakland, the young quarterback from New York was seen eating a hot dog on the bench. The Raiders started their season with a huge win against their rival in Denver and narrowly missed escaping Buffalo with a win last week. New York comes in at 2-0, looking to stay in a first place tie with the winner of the Pats/Bills game. Prediction: The J-E-T-S are playing without starting center Nick Mangold. Playing in the Black Hole is always challenging for opponents. I expect a low-scoring, close game. Janikowski's big leg could come into play in the final stages of the game. The Raaaaaaiders (best Chris Berman impression possible) beat the Jets, 17-14.
Struggling Chiefs face off against Rivers & Co. - The Chargers racked up huge yardage last week in New England. Kansas City gives up big plays and big points with such ease it's sickening. Pick: Chargers in a rout, 42-17.
Falcons fly into Tampa for NFC South battle - The Buccaneers need this game way more than the Falcons do. Josh Freeman looks to solidify himself as one of the upper-tier quarterbacks in the NFL in this crucial division match-up. Opposing him is Matt Ryan, who led Atlanta to a come from behind win last Sunday night, giving his team a much needed W after coming out flat in week one at Chicago. Forecast: Atlanta didn't look so hot on the road against the Bears. Freeman and Tampa started slow last week but finished strong to beat the Vikings late in the 4th quarter. Watch for the Bucs to rise up and take out Falcons, 30-27.
Cardinals ride into Seattle to face win-less Seahawks - The home team hasn't looked very good in their first two games, both losses. Arizona is still trying to find their offensive groove as QB Kevin Kolb has shown signs of brilliance in their first couple games, a win against Cam's Panthers and a one point defeat in Washington. Prediction: The Seahawks are a much better home team than road team and this is an divisional game but in the end I expect the Cardinals to come out victorious, 35-30.
NFC Championship rematch Bears/Packers - Rivalry game. Revenge game for Chicago. Opportunity for Green Bay to show the world last year wasn't a one-hit wonder but the beginning of things to come. Can the Bears O-line protect Jay Cutler? Can the Packers score points at will as they've done so consistently? Only time will tell... Outcome: A fierce, gritty match ends with high drama. The Packers go down by double digits early only to pull even deep in the fourth quarter. A Bears turnover opens the door for Mason Crosby to kick a last-second field goal, Packers sneak out with a W, 31-28.
Steelers face off against Manning-less Colts - Pittsburgh so far is a mystery through two games. Which team will show up? The suffocating defensive team from last week that held Seattle to zero points... Or the offensively challenged Steeler team that was embarrassed by their hated-rival Ravens in the opening game of the season? We know Indy is nowhere near the same team without their hall of fame quarterback. The Colts are not even close to the word intimidating as they once were when Peyton was on the field breaking down defenses with surgeonese precision (I think I just created a word, cool right?). Pick: While I'm not yet buying into Big Ben and the Steelers this season, I find it even harder to trust in great-grandpa Kerry Collins on Indy's side of the fence. Pittsburgh massacres the Colts with Manning pacing angrily on the sideline, 38-17.
MNF - Washington. Dallas. Get ready for fireworks - Romo led his team to a fourth quarter comeback win last week by the Bay while enduring a puncture lung and fractured rib. Any questions of Dallas' star QB's toughness should be put to bed. Redskins cornerback DeAngelo Hall has already said "I want to put my helmet on whatever hurts." I personally can't wait for this NFC East showdown and believe this will be a highly emotional game. Winner: The Cowboys should be 2-0 and Washington is 2-0. Dallas as played two road games, the Redskins haven't left the friendly confines of FedEx Field yet. Expect a back and forth game with a surprise ending. With the Cowboys trailing by 4 with under two minutes to go, Romo throws a game-ending interception to, yep big-mouth defender Hall. Skins win a tight one, 35-31.
Last word - Sox lost game one of a doubleheader to the Yanks. The Patriots just lost to the Bills, 34-31. Words can't describe how angry I am right now. We were winning the game 21-0. How in the wild and craaaazy hell does this happen!?!? It's just another day in the NFL apparently. Enjoy the the rest of the games. More to come on this one tomorrow. I leave you with two words: GOOOO RAAAAAAAIDDDDERRRRSSS!!!!
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Football Fever: Quick picks for today's early games
Happy NFL Sunday to everyone! Let's get right to this week's games, plenty of intriguing contests to follow:
Cam the man searching for first win - Carolina's rookie quarterback has looked quite impressive in his first two games. His 422 passing yards in week one were second only to Tom Brady's video game like numbers (517 yards, eat it up Jets fans!!!). Newton has proven many doubters wrong already, but he has still to achieve that elusive first win. The Jacksonville Jaguars head into Charlotte, also searching for their first win and they pass the baton to another first year QB. Blaine Gabbert will try to hand the Panthers their third straight loss and to do that I'm sure he'll be handing off quite often to sensational running back MoJo. Jones-Drew is one of the better runners in the league and I look for him to have a big day for the Jags. Prediction: Newton runs and throws all over Jacksonville, despite a valiant 4th quarter effort from Gabbert, Panthers win a tight one 35-32.
Patriots offense juggernaut heads to Buffalo for battle of unbeatens - Tom Brady leads the defending AFC East champs up north to face the unexpectedly 2-0 Bills. New England has won fifteen in a row in the head to head series, expect more of the same. Even without second year tight end Aaron Hernandez, don't expect the Pats hurry-up offense to miss a beat. Forecast: Close early but Patriots run away with it in the second half, 45-35.
Niners visit Cincy - Bengals first home coupled with San Fran's first road game could mean a long day for Alex Smith and the 49er offense. Don't forget San Francisco is traveling across country and playing the early game. Pick: As tempting as it may be to pick the Niners... Bengals in a close one, 28-25.
Fish fly up to the Dog Pound searching for first victory - Miami tends to play better on the road and Cleveland's steamroller Peyton Hillis will not take part in today's contest (strep throat). Winner: Look for the Dolphins to move the ball all day, Colt McCoy will have to step his game up a notch and play a near flawless game for the Browns to come out on top. Miami secures their first win of the year with a big turnover in the 4th quarter, 24-20.
G-men seek revenge in Philly - Most of us remember the scintillating punt return by Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson last season that was the final nail in New York's coffin. The Giants left the field that day devastated and eager to pay back their bitter rivals. After a week of banter, the G-men head to Philadelphia to take on Michael Vick and the Eagles in an early NFC East showdown. The Eagles are ready to hit the field after failing to close out the Falcons last week in Atlanta. It could have something to do with the fact that Vick was flung into one of his linemen with such force that he left the game with a concussion. Prediction: Giants may come in with guns flaring but the speed of Vick and the Eagles cannot be matched. I expect a shootout to be decided by a couple Eli Manning picks and a big run by Philly's star quarterback. Eagles by four, 31-27.
Minnesota, still searching for win #1, hosts red-hot Detroit - Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford has already been entered in MVP discussions and we're only in Week 3. Vikings quarterback Donovan McNabb still hasn't hit his stride with his offensive teammates, but he does have one of the best players in the NFL in Adrian Peterson in his backfield. Forecast: Despite a ferocious charge by the home team in the final minutes, Lions defeat the Vikings, 38-31.
Texans look to start 3-0 for first time in franchise history - To do that they will have to beat a Saints team that plays as good as any in the comforts of their backyard, the Bayou. New Orleans is fresh off a big win over the Bears last week and hopes to win their second game of the season behind Pro Bowl QB Drew Brees. Winner: Saints by ten, 37-27.
Titans invite Broncos across country for AFC clash - Tennessee delivered one of the biggest shockers last week by destroying previously impressive Baltimore, 26-13, behind a monster game from wide receiver Kenny Britt. Denver head coach John Fox earned his first win with the Broncos last week when they held off the Bengals late touchdown drive, winning 24-22. Now they hit the road for the first time this season, as they try to give the Titans their second loss of the season. Pick: A close game throughout, each team exchanging blows, ultimately ends with the Titans dealing the final shot, 27-21.
Late game picks to come later... GO PATRIOTS!
Cam the man searching for first win - Carolina's rookie quarterback has looked quite impressive in his first two games. His 422 passing yards in week one were second only to Tom Brady's video game like numbers (517 yards, eat it up Jets fans!!!). Newton has proven many doubters wrong already, but he has still to achieve that elusive first win. The Jacksonville Jaguars head into Charlotte, also searching for their first win and they pass the baton to another first year QB. Blaine Gabbert will try to hand the Panthers their third straight loss and to do that I'm sure he'll be handing off quite often to sensational running back MoJo. Jones-Drew is one of the better runners in the league and I look for him to have a big day for the Jags. Prediction: Newton runs and throws all over Jacksonville, despite a valiant 4th quarter effort from Gabbert, Panthers win a tight one 35-32.
Patriots offense juggernaut heads to Buffalo for battle of unbeatens - Tom Brady leads the defending AFC East champs up north to face the unexpectedly 2-0 Bills. New England has won fifteen in a row in the head to head series, expect more of the same. Even without second year tight end Aaron Hernandez, don't expect the Pats hurry-up offense to miss a beat. Forecast: Close early but Patriots run away with it in the second half, 45-35.
Niners visit Cincy - Bengals first home coupled with San Fran's first road game could mean a long day for Alex Smith and the 49er offense. Don't forget San Francisco is traveling across country and playing the early game. Pick: As tempting as it may be to pick the Niners... Bengals in a close one, 28-25.
Fish fly up to the Dog Pound searching for first victory - Miami tends to play better on the road and Cleveland's steamroller Peyton Hillis will not take part in today's contest (strep throat). Winner: Look for the Dolphins to move the ball all day, Colt McCoy will have to step his game up a notch and play a near flawless game for the Browns to come out on top. Miami secures their first win of the year with a big turnover in the 4th quarter, 24-20.
G-men seek revenge in Philly - Most of us remember the scintillating punt return by Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson last season that was the final nail in New York's coffin. The Giants left the field that day devastated and eager to pay back their bitter rivals. After a week of banter, the G-men head to Philadelphia to take on Michael Vick and the Eagles in an early NFC East showdown. The Eagles are ready to hit the field after failing to close out the Falcons last week in Atlanta. It could have something to do with the fact that Vick was flung into one of his linemen with such force that he left the game with a concussion. Prediction: Giants may come in with guns flaring but the speed of Vick and the Eagles cannot be matched. I expect a shootout to be decided by a couple Eli Manning picks and a big run by Philly's star quarterback. Eagles by four, 31-27.
Minnesota, still searching for win #1, hosts red-hot Detroit - Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford has already been entered in MVP discussions and we're only in Week 3. Vikings quarterback Donovan McNabb still hasn't hit his stride with his offensive teammates, but he does have one of the best players in the NFL in Adrian Peterson in his backfield. Forecast: Despite a ferocious charge by the home team in the final minutes, Lions defeat the Vikings, 38-31.
Texans look to start 3-0 for first time in franchise history - To do that they will have to beat a Saints team that plays as good as any in the comforts of their backyard, the Bayou. New Orleans is fresh off a big win over the Bears last week and hopes to win their second game of the season behind Pro Bowl QB Drew Brees. Winner: Saints by ten, 37-27.
Titans invite Broncos across country for AFC clash - Tennessee delivered one of the biggest shockers last week by destroying previously impressive Baltimore, 26-13, behind a monster game from wide receiver Kenny Britt. Denver head coach John Fox earned his first win with the Broncos last week when they held off the Bengals late touchdown drive, winning 24-22. Now they hit the road for the first time this season, as they try to give the Titans their second loss of the season. Pick: A close game throughout, each team exchanging blows, ultimately ends with the Titans dealing the final shot, 27-21.
Late game picks to come later... GO PATRIOTS!
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Sox/Yanks: Clash of Titans
Boston and New York. Two cities constantly competing in every sport. When it comes to basketball, the Knicks and Celtics games get a little hot occasionally. In the world of football, the Patriots beat the Giants in the final game of the 2007 regular season completing their perfect 16-0 regular season. The same game in which Tom Brady and Randy Moss set new NFL touchdown records at their position respectively, with a dramatic TD pass late in the fourth quarter. However, New York would get the last laugh on the grandest of stages. Minutes away from the unfathomable 19-0, the Patriots defense failed to hold off Eli Manning and the Giants offense. The pursuit of perfection came to a screeching halt, all of New England fell silent in shock, and the city of NY had once again struck a crucial blow to their arch-enemy. You have no idea how painful that was reliving all of that just now. So many emotions come to the surface: anger, disappointment, frustration, bitterness, rage, determination, I could keep going. Remember though, the city of New York has TWO football teams. When the Jets hired Rex Ryan to be their new head coach they might as well of injected the Patriots/Jets rivalry with steroids. Ryan made sure to let everyone know "I'm not here to kiss Belichick's rings". Thanks for the heads up Rexy, the Hoody was getting all his shiny championship gear ready so you could pucker up. As a Patriots fan, I gotta be honest and say I love that the Jets brought this guy in. He's just so easy to hate, pick on, and laugh at. A sports lover's dream villain! These two franchises have been connected in so many incredible ways. None more important than perhaps the hit the Jets delivered 10 years ago yesterday. What hit am I talking about? Perhaps, the most imperative moment in history of the National Football League. The year was 2001 and with the horror and devastation of 9/11 only a couple weeks old, the nation looked to the NFL to provide a timely remedy. And when linebacker Mo Lewis of the Jets delivered that crushing shot to Pats quarterback Drew Bledsoe (injuring him so severely that he had to be rushed to the hospital for internal bleeding) it appeared as though the Pats title hopes had also taken a season-ending blow. Boy were we wrong. Onto the field trotted a man that would soon become one of the greatest clutch players in the history of the game. Tom Brady went on to lead New England to a surprising Superbowl victory, one of three championships, and now he is poised to take his seat in the Hall of Fame one day. Fast forward to last season, Patriots finished the year with the best record in the AFC and when they demolished the Jets in December on a cold Monday night in Foxboro, everyone penciled them as conference champs. Too bad New York had other ideas. Led by Mark Sanchez, Rex Ryan, and a defensive line that made Brady's life hell for about three hours, the Jets dominated New England, thus eliminating them from the playoffs and sending them home to think about what could have been. See any trends here? These two cities love making life a LIVING HELL for each other. Which leads us to...
Red Sox, Yankees, nuff said. Arguably the best rivalry in sports takes on a whole new life this weekend when the slumping Sox head into the Bronx to face the 2011 AL East champs (damn that leaves a bitter taste in my mouth). Here's what we know: the Yanks clinched the division crown after defeating the red-headed step child of the division, the Rays. All season long New York and Boston have been battling for the top spot in the division and now Boston is hanging on for their postseason lives. The first game was rained out Friday night setting up for a doubleheader on Sunday. Boston will send Lester, Wakefield, and Lackey (cringing in fear) to the mound for the three game set. They will be opposed by Garcia, Burnett, and Nova. The Yankees catcher Russell Martin was quoted a few days ago saying "I hate the Red Sox". Really Russell? No way! Say it ain't so! Well guess what buddy, Red Sox Nation hates you too! Sorry, I told you it's hard to keep my emotions in check sometimes. Martin went on to say "anything that gets the Red Sox out is awesome to me." Does that answer all your questions on how the Yanks will play their bitter rivals this weekend? The members of the Red Sox woke up to a pleasant surprise this morning, the Rays and Angels both lost last night, increasing their lead for each for the wild card. The Beantown bombers have take 11 out of 15 games from the Yanks this season so there is reason for optimisim. In fact the Sox are undefeated this year in the Bronx. I don't expect another sweep, I mean let's be honest with the way Boston's been playing a team of high school kids could beat them right now. I see the Sox winning tonight and splitting the doubleheader tomorrow... GO BOSOX!!!
P.S. - I wrote this earlier this afternoon and thought I posted it, however I was mistaken. Yes, I know my prediction for a Boston victory was wrong. I saw the Yanks won. Yes, it's extremely aggravating. I'm beyond frustrated with my beloved team. No, we are not throwing in the towel. Oh yeah, and LET'S GO BLUE JAYS!!!! Beat the Rays... PLEASE!!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Finally I'm back... and better than ever!!!
Well hello there! Remember me? I know it feels like a lifetime since my last post. Believe it or not I actually did not get eaten by an alligator! My creative son, Brendan, tells at least one person every day, "You know, I just saw an alligator eat a bird today!" This storytelling five year old with my last name then watches with great satisfaction as that poor gullible person questions him in horror and discomfort to investigate if he truly was a witness to this gruesome scene. Welcome to my life. My son may not have the same passion and enthusiasm for sports as I do but boy does this kid remember every last detail of any book, movie or show he comes in contact with. Brendan turned five on July 26 and now feels the need to tell me about twenty times a week that he's no longer four and "I going to be six soon you know!" Relax champ. Cool it smarty pants. Simmer down B machine! These are all classic responses that I issue on a daily basis. He may be five technically but I swear my son found a warp tunnel, just like our old-school Super Mario Bros. had in level 1-2, he's definitely jumped off the moving plank, manged to land on top of the wall and found the ever so enticing warp tunnels. Thankfully he didn't jump all the way to teenage years but I promise you he talks to me like he's ten. As I said before, welcome to my life. Almost two weeks removed from turning thirty, I thank the good Lord every day for the entertainment my wild, always energetic, and loving son brings me without fail every morning at or around 7:00am. What a guy! Now on to the good stuff!
I really am a genius. Sorry to come across so confident and cocky but I prefer to be described as the collected, well-thought, and dedicated planner. Alright, so maybe I'm slightly exaggerating. Honestly though, what better time to start up my sports column than now?!? There's so much to write about and discuss it's like a blogger's dream! The long, never-ending baseball regular season is drawing to a close which means the Hunt for October is right around the corner. Gut-wrenching pennant chases, last minute wild-card races, and dramatic collapses (disclaimer to all Yankees fans: don't even think about mentioning my Red Sox, I'm well aware that they are on the doorstep of one of the most historic, embarrassing crumbles that we've ever seen). Legends will be born, villains will cause chaos, and it appears more likely by the day that a new champion will be crowned. Did I reel you in yet? No? That's fine, that was only baseball. I'm just getting warmed up...
College football is making a serious charge at being the number one sport in the country. Anyone watch that Notre Dame Michigan game a week and a half ago? What an incredible game! The first night game at the Big House didn't disappoint one bit! Let's be honest, everyone cares about Notre Dame. They fall into the category of the New England Patriots, New York Yankees, Duke men's basketball, UConn women's basketball, LA Lakers, Tiger Woods, Serena Williams, etc. What do these teams and sports icons have in common? People either love them or hate them. They either revered or despised. Bottom line: People have an interest in them, whether it's positive or negative, it's still an interest. Back to college football, (sorry for trailing off, I told you I was excited to be back) what is going to be the end result with all these teams switching conferences? Which conference will be the new powerhouse in the country? Who's the best team in the country? Which team is flying under the national radar, poised to climb the rankings and sneak into the title game? Have I engaged your interest even just slightly? Maybe? Excellent, because that appetizer leads to the main course!
(Cue the Fox NFL Sunday music) And now it's time for our main event... the National Football League. The enormous smile I'm sporting right now can hardly be described! Every sports fan around the globe knows September means one thing - the return of your favorite NFL team! A new opportunity, a fresh start, a chance to become a champion! These are all the thoughts of a normal, down-to-earth football enthusiast. Then you cross over into my world, the world of sports-obsessed Patriots fan. I'm already dreaming about the drubbing my beloved Pats will put on the hated Jets and Giants. I'm envisioning true satisfaction and happiness watching either or both of those teams go through the excruciating pain of losing each and every week. Would I accept a New England loss to ensure a crushing defeat for one of our despised enemies?Yep, that's me. The Lowcountry sportscaster at your service. Power rankings, weekly previews, MVP watches, rookie of the year candidates, fearless forecasts and much more lie ahead for the football lovers out there. Great first day back! I've thoroughly enjoyed it! Can't wait for tomorrow, I hope you all feel the same way. I welcome your feedback. Games to watch tonight would definitely include: Sox vs. O's, Yanks n Rays, Angels/Jays, Bravos against the Fish, and Cards/Mets. This wild card chase is coming down to the wire, let's see if the Sox and Braves can hold onto it! Till next time... Long live Red Sox Nation!
p.s. - Thanks New York for taking out Tampa today, all of us BoSox fans sure do appreciate it :)
I really am a genius. Sorry to come across so confident and cocky but I prefer to be described as the collected, well-thought, and dedicated planner. Alright, so maybe I'm slightly exaggerating. Honestly though, what better time to start up my sports column than now?!? There's so much to write about and discuss it's like a blogger's dream! The long, never-ending baseball regular season is drawing to a close which means the Hunt for October is right around the corner. Gut-wrenching pennant chases, last minute wild-card races, and dramatic collapses (disclaimer to all Yankees fans: don't even think about mentioning my Red Sox, I'm well aware that they are on the doorstep of one of the most historic, embarrassing crumbles that we've ever seen). Legends will be born, villains will cause chaos, and it appears more likely by the day that a new champion will be crowned. Did I reel you in yet? No? That's fine, that was only baseball. I'm just getting warmed up...
College football is making a serious charge at being the number one sport in the country. Anyone watch that Notre Dame Michigan game a week and a half ago? What an incredible game! The first night game at the Big House didn't disappoint one bit! Let's be honest, everyone cares about Notre Dame. They fall into the category of the New England Patriots, New York Yankees, Duke men's basketball, UConn women's basketball, LA Lakers, Tiger Woods, Serena Williams, etc. What do these teams and sports icons have in common? People either love them or hate them. They either revered or despised. Bottom line: People have an interest in them, whether it's positive or negative, it's still an interest. Back to college football, (sorry for trailing off, I told you I was excited to be back) what is going to be the end result with all these teams switching conferences? Which conference will be the new powerhouse in the country? Who's the best team in the country? Which team is flying under the national radar, poised to climb the rankings and sneak into the title game? Have I engaged your interest even just slightly? Maybe? Excellent, because that appetizer leads to the main course!
(Cue the Fox NFL Sunday music) And now it's time for our main event... the National Football League. The enormous smile I'm sporting right now can hardly be described! Every sports fan around the globe knows September means one thing - the return of your favorite NFL team! A new opportunity, a fresh start, a chance to become a champion! These are all the thoughts of a normal, down-to-earth football enthusiast. Then you cross over into my world, the world of sports-obsessed Patriots fan. I'm already dreaming about the drubbing my beloved Pats will put on the hated Jets and Giants. I'm envisioning true satisfaction and happiness watching either or both of those teams go through the excruciating pain of losing each and every week. Would I accept a New England loss to ensure a crushing defeat for one of our despised enemies?Yep, that's me. The Lowcountry sportscaster at your service. Power rankings, weekly previews, MVP watches, rookie of the year candidates, fearless forecasts and much more lie ahead for the football lovers out there. Great first day back! I've thoroughly enjoyed it! Can't wait for tomorrow, I hope you all feel the same way. I welcome your feedback. Games to watch tonight would definitely include: Sox vs. O's, Yanks n Rays, Angels/Jays, Bravos against the Fish, and Cards/Mets. This wild card chase is coming down to the wire, let's see if the Sox and Braves can hold onto it! Till next time... Long live Red Sox Nation!
p.s. - Thanks New York for taking out Tampa today, all of us BoSox fans sure do appreciate it :)
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