Posts Tagged pro football

An Annoying Peyton Manning Poll…

Posted by klownboy in NFL, sports blogging on February 1, 2012

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This Just in: the Pro Bowl Sucks

Posted by klownboy in NFL, sports blogging on January 30, 2012

Wow, talk about an exciting all-star game.  It was so exciting, I didn’t even bother to tune into the game.

Let’s face it folks, the Pro Bowl sucks.

The fans know it.  The players know it (which is why some guys do not bother making the trip).  And most importantly, the commissioner knows  it.

NFL Commissioner/Warden/Playa-Hater Roger Goodell thought that fan interest would increase by allowing players to tweet DURING the game.  He figured that fans would tune in just for the ability to communicate with players or at the very least, see what was on the players’ minds.

Here’s the deal.  The only way the NFL will improve the Pro Bowl (the product and the interest in it) is to do one of the following:

  • Allowing blitzing.  Wouldn’t fans want to see how the best pass rushers would fare against the best offensive linemen?
  • Have huge payouts for the winning team.  I know the players who do participate get bonuses, but what if players on the winning team got an extra $1 million for their troubles?
  • A more radical solution: the winning conference’s teams get an extra draft pick per round.  A little – ok, VERY – extreme, but who wouldn’t want extra draft picks?  Could you imagine the Colts getting an extra first round draft pick?

I admit that none of those recommendation (especially the third one) may not materialize but dammit, someone had to do something.  What better way to do so than in a blog where most would not even bother to take seriously (oops)?

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Goodell Should not Have Received ANY Extension

Posted by klownboy in NFL, sports blogging on January 26, 2012

NFL Commissioner/warden/playa hater Roger Goodell received a contract extension that will run through 2018.  Needless to say I am not too happy about this move.

This is a man who presided over the first work stoppage in the NFL in over 20 years this past offseason.  This is the same dude who is trying to take the “football” out of football by implementing those stupid-ass “defenseless player” rules (though I do agree with the helmet-to-helmet rules).  Defensive players cannot even touch nor breathe on receivers down the field without fear of pass interference calls.

And here’s the capper: players cannot hit those pretty-ass quarterbacks up high and down low.  In short, Goodell is turning the NFL into a mixture of flag football and soccer.

I miss the NFL of old where fans witnessed big hit after big hit without any fear of penalties and fines.  I miss the NFL where defense was valued a bit more.

Thanks to Goodell’s stupid-ass, the NFL is softer than college football.  Don’t be surprised to see offensive players wearing flags and quarterbacks wearing pink skirts.

Yeah Goodell brought the NFL a tougher player conduct policy, but who cares.  Goodell sucks…

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Peyton Will not Be a Colt

Posted by klownboy in NFL, sports blogging on January 25, 2012

Easy one to figure out right?

I mean, not only Peyton Manning is coming off a few neck surgeries that he is STILL not 100% on, but the Indianapolis Colts practically fired his entire support system.  Gone are the Polians (vice president Bill and general manager Chris), and the head coach in addition to the coaching staff.

Oh, and there is this $28 million bonus that is due to Manning in March.

So while we all know that Peyton will be an ex-Colt, what’s next for him?  Where will he go?

A lot of people are postulating that teams such as the Jets, Redskins, 49ers and Cardinals are interested in his services.  Hell, a lot of people are jumping on the “Peyton to the Cardinals” bandwagon.

I personally think that Peyton will retire.  Reports say that dude is not close to being on the way back.  He has a feeling that the Colts will not pay him his $28 million and cut him.  I mean, why would Peyton want to start from scratch with a bad team that is rebuilding?  Why would he want to warm the seat for Andrew Luck?  And more importantly, why would a team want a player who is not near 100%, even if he is Peyton Manning?

The 2012 NFL season will be different without Peyton Manning…

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Ravens and 49ers Gave Their Games Away

Posted by klownboy in NFL, sports blogging on January 23, 2012

The Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers lost their respective games in the worst possible way: they both outplayed their opponents.

Let’s start with the first game.  The Ravens lost to the New England Patriots 23-20, thanks to a missed kick by their normally reliable kicker Billy Cundiff in the last few seconds of the game.  Ravens QB Joe Flacco thoroughly out-played his counterpart Tom Brady the entire game.  Hell, Brady didn’t even have a touchdown pass.  At any rate, the Ravens forced the Pats into a few turnovers and clearly out-hit them.

I think it’s wrong to place the blame squarely at Cundiff’s feet – though he will get the lion’s share of the blame.  I blame the missed opportunities.  The Ravens had opportunities to extended their lead over New England in the 3rd quarter after that fumble recovery during the Pat’s kickoff return.  Simply put, you cannot – I repeat CANNOT – settle for field goals on the road in the playoffs, let alone against the Patriots.  But no Ravens fan is as irate over that as they are over Lee Evans’ drop near the end of regulation that would have won the game for them.  He should have caught that ball, period.

Now as for the second game, what else is there to say?  I mean the 49ers’ defense played their asses off.  QB Alex Smith had a decent day throwing the ball, tight end Vernon Davis continues to ball like the stud that he is (did you see him run away from defenders on that first touchdown pass?), and coach Jim Harbaugh coached a good game.  Alas, mistakes on special teams – namely Kyle Williams – did them in.  Williams’ two fumbles – the first muff on a punt return was a head-scratcher (just get the hell out of the way, dude!) – gave the New York Giants 10 points.  Oh by the way, the Giants won 20-17 in overtime.

The good news is the future is bright for the Ravens (namely Flacco) and the 49ers.  I just hate seeing games, especially championship games, decided my mistakes like that.

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2012 NFL Conference Championship Preview

Posted by klownboy in NFL, sports blogging on January 20, 2012

Baltimore Ravens at New England Patriots.  This is a classic game of the immovable object (Ravens) and the unstoppable force (Patriots).  You gotta love the best defense vs. best offense encounters.  That said, the Ravens are not going to be able to hang with the Pats.  Sure the Ravens are not intimidated, and they do have Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs a.k.a. “T-Sizzle”, and Ed Reed anchoring the defense.  However, the Ravens do not have a pass rush outside of Suggs and their linebackers and safeties cannot hang with stud tight ends  Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez.  You know QB Tom Brady will spread the Ravens out and make those linebackers cover, and that will spell doom for the Ravens.  Plus, there is no way I trust Joe Flacco in a big game.

This is a funny game for me.  As a Steelers fan, I don’t like Baltimore, but I hate New England.  So as much as I would like to see “The Wire”-like Ravens from the ‘hood beat the pretty boy “Mad Men” Patriots on the road (courtesy of Jason Whitlock), it ain’t happening.  Patriots 27, Ravens 10.

New York Giants at San Francisco 49ers.  Talk about a blast from the past.  For those of you who appreciate anything old-school, this is the matchup for you.  I hearken back to those Giants-49ers clashes in the 1980s, watching Joe Montana and Jerry Rice go against Lawrence Taylor, Ronnie Lott matching wits against Phil Simms.  As for the 2012 version, I see this game going down to the wire.

While I admire and respect how 49ers QB Alex Smith turned things around, I see the Giants turning Smith back into the OLD Alex Smith.  Look for the Giants defense, learning their lesson from their previous matchup with the 49ers during the regular season, will go zone in order to confuse Smith.  That alone will take away stud tight end Vernon Davis’ ability to make plays.  Plus the Giants have the front four to generate pressure on Smith without having the need to blitz.

And while the 49ers defense is the west coast answer to the Steelers and Ravens, I think QB Eli Manning is going to have a big day passing the ball.  That receiving trio of Hakeem Nicks, Mario Manningham and salsa king Victor Cruz will be too much for the 49ers secondary.

I have a rule of which teams to pull for in the playoffs.  If my Steelers are no longer in it, then I would go with the New York team that is left in the playoffs (I am originally from Brooklyn).  I think the Giants will grant me my wish in what should be a great game.  Giants 23, 49ers 20.

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Colts Made the Right Move in Firing Caldwell

Posted by klownboy in NFL, sports blogging on January 17, 2012

You never want to see this type of thing happen to good, nice people.  The Indianapolis Colts had to cut bait in firing Jim Caldwell earlier today.

Fresh of a 2-14 season, the Colts had to clean house.  They made a great, but controversial move, in breaking off both the Polians – team executive Bill and general manager Chris.  The Colts then hired a general manager from the Philadelphia Eagles – another good move.  And finally, the canned the last piece in the puzzle in Caldwell.

Again, I like Caldwell – a lot.  I met him in the hotel lobby during the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference in Boston last March.  He was a nice man and had an even better temperament.  I just thought he was in a situation where things were done above his head.

Keep in mind it was not Caldwell’s decision to sit Peyton Manning and co. when they were chasing an undefeated season in the end – it was Bill Polian’s.  And Caldwell really never coached that team – it was Manning.  In short, he was neutered from both ends and could not effectively lead the team when it mattered the most.

I’m sure Caldwell will land on his feet somewhere, either as an offensive assistant or a TV analyst.

As for the Colts, it’s clear that they are moving on and starting a new era – perhaps without Manning?  I personally think that Jon Gruden may be the person to guide them through it.

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Fisher Hire Great for Rams’ Cred…

Posted by klownboy in NFL, sports blogging on January 17, 2012

Former Tennessee Titans head coach Jeff Fisher has agreed to becoming the St. Louis Rams’ head coach last week, and will be introduced today.

To the Rams I say, “Bravo, bravo, BRAVO”.

This isn’t just another ordinary retread coaching hire.  This is a coach who knows how to get a lot out of teams, especially ones that were devoid of talent.  This is a coach who is a “no bullcrap”, blue-collar kind of guy.

More importantly, Fisher represents something the Rams have been looking for since the Dick Vermeil years: stability.  Fisher was the one who helped shepard the Titans move from Houston way back when.  He was also responsible for leading the Titans to its only Super Bowl appearance in the Houston Oilers/Titans history.

Rams fans can also expect their team to play hard every week.  The immediate improvement should be expected on the defensive side of the ball.  The Rams already have a young stud in Chris Long.  Fisher should build his young defensive front seven into a respectable bunch sooner rather than later.

The Rams running game should also improve under Fisher.  Running back Steven Jackson should be crying tears of joy Vernon Davis-style over the hiring.  Just think of Eddie George back in the day.

And a stronger running game should help QB Sam Bradford.  After a dreadful year, look for Fisher and his staff to simplify things for Bradford in order to help get his confidence back.

With the hiring of Fisher, to go along with the 49ers’ Jim Harbaugh, Cardinals’ Ken Whisenhunt, and Seahawks’ Pete Carroll, the NFC West has gotten a lot stronger in so little time.

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Texans and Lions Teams to Watch Next Season

Posted by klownboy in NFL, sports blogging on January 16, 2012

The Houston Texans and Detroit Lions are coming off harsh playoff losses.  The Texans lost yesterday to the Baltimore Ravens 20-13 while the Lions lost in New Orleans during Wildcard Weekend last week.

Both fan bases have a lot to be excited about next season and beyond.  The Lions have a stud at QB in Matthew Stafford, and he only figures to get better next season.  If the Lions ever develop a running game, the sky is the limit on offense.  They have a good front four on defense and is an upgrade at linebacker away from being a top-15 defense.

Meanwhile Texans fans have a whole helluva lot to be excited about.  They routed the Bengals last weekend in their first playoff game while just coming up short in Baltimore – all with a THIRD-STRING ROOKIE QB!  I’ll tell you what, once the Texans get their health back, they will be a force to be reckoned with in the AFC.  Hell, they were the best team in the AFC before injuries to starting QB Matt Schaub and stud defensive end Mario Williams.

So Texans and Lions fans, there is no reason to fret.  Your teams should only get better next season and beyond.

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NFL Playoffs: 2012 Divisional Round Preview

Posted by klownboy in NFL, sports blogging on January 12, 2012

AFC

Houston Texans at Baltimore Ravens.  This game will be all about defense, defense, and defense.  The Ravens get the edge because they are playing at home, though I do not trust QB Joe Flacco when it counts – check that, I do not trust offensive coordinator Cam Cameron when it counts.  The first team to 14 wins.  Ravens 14, Texans 10.

Denver Broncos at New England Patriots.  I STILL cannot believe my Steelers did not win in Denver last week.  They should be here playing the Patriots!  WHEW, I had to get that off my chest.  At any rate, while Tebow-mania is at an all-time high, the run is going to end in New England.  There is no way in the hell Pats coach Bill Bellicheat is going to allow Tim Tebow to get off the way he did on the stubborn Steelers.  And you know that Pats stud QB Tom Brady is going to remind folks what a REAL NFL QB looks like.  Look for this to be an ass-whupping of epic proportions.  Patriots 35, Broncos 16.

NFC

New Orleans Saints at San Francisco 49ers.  This will be the best game of the weekend.  Offense (Saints) vs. defense (49ers).  I like the 49ers in this one.  Sure the Saints were my preseason Super Bowl pick, but I like the way the 49ers play defense, I love San Fran’s running game, and I love their coach Jim Harbaugh.  Plus it’s going to be a chilly day in San Fran (highs in the low 50s), and you know they are going to soak that field before the game.  Keep in mind that the Saints are not the greatest road team in the world.  It will be a close, great game with the 49ers holding on at the end.  49ers 20, Saints 17.

New York Giants at Green Bay Packers.  Now this will be interesting.  How will Packers QB Aaron Rodgers hold up against a finally healthy Giants front four led by Justin Tuck and Jean Pierre-Paul?  I do not think the Packers injured, much-maligned offensive line will hold up, which is why I am going with the Giants as my upset special!  The Giants are a pretty good team on the road, and they will not be intimidated.  The Packers’ defense is swiss cheese-like at best, and will not stop the Giants running game led by Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw.  Plus that Eli Manning quarterback is not bad either.  It will be close – and high-scoring – but my money is on the Giants and their defensive line.  Giants 30, Packers 24.

Last week: 2-2 (just “turrible”…)

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