July 23, 2013
It's been a relatively quiet summer in sports other than the Aaron Hernandez case. Of course that all changed a few days ago when Ryan Braun was officially suspended for violating the MLB substance abuse policy. He's been suspended for the remainder of the year without pay. This was a pretty bold stroke by MLB as it basically came out of nowhere. Braun has also said he's not going to appeal or fight his punishment, and has apologized to the Brewers and fans that he's let down. It's apparent that he did indeed use PEDs during the past few years, though when is still unknown. The backlash against Braun has been incredible and very vitriolic in nature. Some are calling for the Brewers to terminate his contract and get him out of Milwaukee. HA I laugh at anyone that says he should be cut or thrown out of baseball. While it is troubling that he's denied PED so steadfastly in the past and now willingly admits to it, cutting him wouldn't make this situation any better. And if he were a free agent next year, I 100% guarantee all 30 teams would line up to sign him to a mega deal. Know why? Because he's one of the best all-around players in the game. And one 65 game suspension isn't going to change that. Steroids may make you bigger, or faster, but they don't help you to make contact with the ball or give you a better swing. And if this suspension is indeed stemming from the supposed 2011 positive test by Braun then I contend that he's been clean for the last year and a half anyway, unless he's just stupid, which I doubt.
A lot of the feedback, including a ridiculous and stupid article written by ESPN lapdog Buster Olney contends that this is a momentous day for MLB and the player union. Once again, I LAUGH. How is anything related to this case a positive? One of the game's brightest stars and best personalities has been suspended for using PEDs. Does this mean the PED witch hunt is over? Not a chance! The Alex Rodriguez saga is ongoing and many other players are under investigation for possible PED use tied to the Florida clinic. This may actually be one of the darkest days in MLB history. MLB and the union specifically are scared of how deep this may go, and are hoping that by dropping the hammer on Braun they can deflect some of the attention away from other cases. By diverting attention from the other players they can hope to lessen the impact when and if these players are found to have tested positive. Another interesting thing is that the players and the union have not been behind Braun through the suspension process. This tells me one thing. The union and/or players don't want to get too involved with this, as they're all dirty too. I think the union has a pretty good idea of just how many players are doping, and I can bet you its a lot. My guess would be 30% of current players have doped during their career or are currently doping. By throwing Braun under the bus, the union is attempting to protect the large population of its members that are also doping. The idea that by nabbing Braun the steroid era is past is complete bullshit, but the league has too much money and pride on the line to let anything major drop that would implicate a large amount of players, though that may be the case.
I don't support PED use, and my confidence in Ryan Braun has tremendously been shaken. But I do believe in second chances, and that everyone deserves one. He'll be back, and he'll be just as good as he's been, I guarantee it. I just think it's ridiculous to be so critical of one player when it's quite possible that most of the league is doing it as well. Expect a lot more bullshit from ESPN as they continue their wondrous reporting of the steroid saga, keep in mind that it's in their best interest to not drop a bomb that would severely hurt the reputation of MLB.
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Saturday, June 8, 2013
June 8, 2013
June 8, 2013
Finally went to my first professional soccer match, and I was not disappointed. Me and a few other friends hit the Minnesota United game at the Metrodome against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers, where they emerged victorious 2-1. I was impressed with the atmosphere in the dome and especially by the supporters section, who were vocal and loud the entire game. From several of the songs I heard they must have recruited several trumpeters from the University of Minnesota band. United was down early as the Strikers struck in the 13th minute after the MN keeper was unable to control a back pass and basically had it stolen from him for an easy tap in. United got several good chances in the first half but was unable to capitalize and entered the half down 1-0. In the second half they came out firing again. In the 57th minute Pablo Campos finally broke through for United as he put home a penalty kick. After a lull in the action the last 10 minutes became incredibly fast paced as both teams became stretched out and several very fast attacks went both ways. Finally, in the 94th minute Pablo Campos once again put home a goal for United on the end of a beautiful left-footed cross from a United teammate. Below I've posted my video of United's 1st goal!!
Finally went to my first professional soccer match, and I was not disappointed. Me and a few other friends hit the Minnesota United game at the Metrodome against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers, where they emerged victorious 2-1. I was impressed with the atmosphere in the dome and especially by the supporters section, who were vocal and loud the entire game. From several of the songs I heard they must have recruited several trumpeters from the University of Minnesota band. United was down early as the Strikers struck in the 13th minute after the MN keeper was unable to control a back pass and basically had it stolen from him for an easy tap in. United got several good chances in the first half but was unable to capitalize and entered the half down 1-0. In the second half they came out firing again. In the 57th minute Pablo Campos finally broke through for United as he put home a penalty kick. After a lull in the action the last 10 minutes became incredibly fast paced as both teams became stretched out and several very fast attacks went both ways. Finally, in the 94th minute Pablo Campos once again put home a goal for United on the end of a beautiful left-footed cross from a United teammate. Below I've posted my video of United's 1st goal!!
Thursday, June 6, 2013
June 6, 2013
June 6, 2013
Summer is in full swing!! And for fantasy football players like myself, the season is never done. The Good and the Bad, my main dynasty league is currently in in the midst of its rookie draft. As to be expected offense was taken early and often, with defense finally making a comeback in the later rounds. Currently we're at the beginning of Round 4. I'll talk a bit about my picks so far.
2.11, 27th Overall, Jarvis Jones, LB, PIT - Jones will be competing for a starting spot right out of the gate, and with his pass-rushing ability I believe he will win a spot on opening day. A fierce OLB in the mold of Von Miller, he has the potential to be a double digit sack LB. This upside made him an easy 2nd round choice, overall I had him rated as the #1 LB and #6 overall player.
3.07, 39th Overall, Eric Reid, S, SF - Questions at safety for the Niners made Reid's selection a no-brainer. He will most likely win a starting safety job in training camp and will be a solid player at the back of the Niners defense. He has big potential to develop into one of the games best safeties. I had him rated as the #2 Safety and #14 overall player.
4.04, 53rd Overall, Bjoern Werner, DE, IND - I can't believe he fell to the 4th, and I was happy to snag him here. In this case I drafted straight off my Big Board and not by need, as he was easily my highest rated remaining. He'll start day 1 in Indy and with a little more polishing can be an elite DE. His arrival should lighten the loss of Dwight Freeney. His ability to play with his hand in the dirt and standing up will also help him make an impact. He was my #2 DE and #17 overall player.
I would have picked earlier in the 3rd, but I traded back twice to get to 4.04 and pick some cash. It worked out well as I was still able to grab Werner in the 4th. My next pick is 4.17 and I also have 5.10.
Summer is in full swing!! And for fantasy football players like myself, the season is never done. The Good and the Bad, my main dynasty league is currently in in the midst of its rookie draft. As to be expected offense was taken early and often, with defense finally making a comeback in the later rounds. Currently we're at the beginning of Round 4. I'll talk a bit about my picks so far.
2.11, 27th Overall, Jarvis Jones, LB, PIT - Jones will be competing for a starting spot right out of the gate, and with his pass-rushing ability I believe he will win a spot on opening day. A fierce OLB in the mold of Von Miller, he has the potential to be a double digit sack LB. This upside made him an easy 2nd round choice, overall I had him rated as the #1 LB and #6 overall player.
3.07, 39th Overall, Eric Reid, S, SF - Questions at safety for the Niners made Reid's selection a no-brainer. He will most likely win a starting safety job in training camp and will be a solid player at the back of the Niners defense. He has big potential to develop into one of the games best safeties. I had him rated as the #2 Safety and #14 overall player.
4.04, 53rd Overall, Bjoern Werner, DE, IND - I can't believe he fell to the 4th, and I was happy to snag him here. In this case I drafted straight off my Big Board and not by need, as he was easily my highest rated remaining. He'll start day 1 in Indy and with a little more polishing can be an elite DE. His arrival should lighten the loss of Dwight Freeney. His ability to play with his hand in the dirt and standing up will also help him make an impact. He was my #2 DE and #17 overall player.
I would have picked earlier in the 3rd, but I traded back twice to get to 4.04 and pick some cash. It worked out well as I was still able to grab Werner in the 4th. My next pick is 4.17 and I also have 5.10.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
May 14, 2013
May 14, 2013
Last day of finals for the semester!! I still have one more to go today but I can squeeze in some time for a quick blog entry. The Minnesota Vikings unveiled their new stadium designs today and I have mixed feelings about. I love their idea of a "clear" roof. This is pretty innovative as far as stadiums come and it will yield some really amazing views of the outside, even in snow or rainstorms. I also hope that the Vikings follow through with their plan to revitalize the area around the stadium. Part of what made the Metrodome such a failure is the lack of ANYTHING around it. It is most definitely a blighted side of the city and one of the main reasons the Twins took their new stadium to the East side of Minneapolis, which has since been revitalized and restored, making for an incredible gameday experience. The Vikings owe it to their fans and also the people of Minneapolis to try harder with their own new stadium. While the design is futuristic and modern, it's fairly unimaginative as well. The second image below makes the stadium look like a big, lopsided warehouse. Much more could've been done to prove the aesthetics of the building. Overall, I give the design a 7, if only for the innovation and beauty of the new roof.
Last day of finals for the semester!! I still have one more to go today but I can squeeze in some time for a quick blog entry. The Minnesota Vikings unveiled their new stadium designs today and I have mixed feelings about. I love their idea of a "clear" roof. This is pretty innovative as far as stadiums come and it will yield some really amazing views of the outside, even in snow or rainstorms. I also hope that the Vikings follow through with their plan to revitalize the area around the stadium. Part of what made the Metrodome such a failure is the lack of ANYTHING around it. It is most definitely a blighted side of the city and one of the main reasons the Twins took their new stadium to the East side of Minneapolis, which has since been revitalized and restored, making for an incredible gameday experience. The Vikings owe it to their fans and also the people of Minneapolis to try harder with their own new stadium. While the design is futuristic and modern, it's fairly unimaginative as well. The second image below makes the stadium look like a big, lopsided warehouse. Much more could've been done to prove the aesthetics of the building. Overall, I give the design a 7, if only for the innovation and beauty of the new roof.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
April 23, 2013
April 23, 2013
Back again! Today the Jacksonville Jaguars unveiled their new jerseys and helmets for the upcoming season. Needless to say, I'm impressed. It's definitely a different direction for a franchise that desperately needed a change.
Where I'm most impressed is in the helmet design. This will be really the first time in the NFL that a team features a gradient on their helmet, in the Jaguars case going from gold to black at the bottom. It creates a really unique helmet and is definitely a step in the right direction.
So naturally this got me thinking about the best uniform sets in the NFL, here's my team by team rankings.
1. Green Bay Packers: I may be a little biased here, but the classic green-and-gold is topped by no scheme in the NFL. The jerseys have changed little over the years, and that's only because they're frickin awesome to begin with.
2. Seattle Seahawks: The Seahawks were the first team to take advantage of the new Nike system of uniforms and man did they score. The crazy color combinations actually are positive here and they just vibe exciting and colorful. Big ups for going with something new.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars: I love innovation, and this allowed the Jaguars to catapult themselves to #3 on my list. Their previous jerseys were nothing special, but Nike has taken this design to the next level and they look fantastic. While the jerseys may not help them win games, they definitely earn points for looking sweet doing it.
4. San Francisco 49ers: The Nike redesign made these uniforms more crisp and really brings out the character in these classic threads. As with the Packers they haven't changed much over time, but they really don't need to.
5. San Diego Chargers: Royal or powder blue - it doesn't matter! These jerseys look clean and energetic no matter what colors are being worn. The white helmet really brings it all together to make the Chargers one of the best-dressed teams in the NFL.
6. Baltimore Ravens: When you think of the Ravens, you think of badassery. While their uniforms could fit that description as well. The team can use either its purple or black uniforms to great effect and they just look and feel sleek to the observer.
7. Detroit Lions: I may not like them, but those silver and blue duds get the job done. The silver helmets really complement well and even though they haven't been historically good, the new Nike uniforms really put the Lions in the upper tier of jerseys.
8. Washington Redskins
9. Denver Broncos: orange crush is back and better than ever!
10. Chicago Bears
11. St. Louis Rams
12. Buffalo Bills: the redesign did wonders for these threads!
13. Houston Texans
14. Pittsburgh Steelers
15. Cincinnati Bengals
16. New York Giants
17. Minnesota Vikings
18. Indianapolis Colts
19. New Orleans Saints
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: bring back the orange, full time!
21. Atlanta Falcons: outstayed their welcome, time for a redesign.
22. Dallas Cowboys
23. Tennessee Titans
24. New England Patriots: if only they played every game in the AFL retros!
25. Cleveland Browns
26. Kansas City Chiefs
27. Miami Dolphins
28. Philadelphia Eagles: desperately need a redesign!
29. New York Jets
30. Carolina Panthers: never have black uniforms looked so dumb, except for maybe Oakland.
31. Arizona Cardinals: too gimmicky, get a redesign!
32. Oakland Raiders: ahh the classic prison uniforms.
Back again! Today the Jacksonville Jaguars unveiled their new jerseys and helmets for the upcoming season. Needless to say, I'm impressed. It's definitely a different direction for a franchise that desperately needed a change.
Where I'm most impressed is in the helmet design. This will be really the first time in the NFL that a team features a gradient on their helmet, in the Jaguars case going from gold to black at the bottom. It creates a really unique helmet and is definitely a step in the right direction.
So naturally this got me thinking about the best uniform sets in the NFL, here's my team by team rankings.
1. Green Bay Packers: I may be a little biased here, but the classic green-and-gold is topped by no scheme in the NFL. The jerseys have changed little over the years, and that's only because they're frickin awesome to begin with.
2. Seattle Seahawks: The Seahawks were the first team to take advantage of the new Nike system of uniforms and man did they score. The crazy color combinations actually are positive here and they just vibe exciting and colorful. Big ups for going with something new.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars: I love innovation, and this allowed the Jaguars to catapult themselves to #3 on my list. Their previous jerseys were nothing special, but Nike has taken this design to the next level and they look fantastic. While the jerseys may not help them win games, they definitely earn points for looking sweet doing it.
4. San Francisco 49ers: The Nike redesign made these uniforms more crisp and really brings out the character in these classic threads. As with the Packers they haven't changed much over time, but they really don't need to.
5. San Diego Chargers: Royal or powder blue - it doesn't matter! These jerseys look clean and energetic no matter what colors are being worn. The white helmet really brings it all together to make the Chargers one of the best-dressed teams in the NFL.
6. Baltimore Ravens: When you think of the Ravens, you think of badassery. While their uniforms could fit that description as well. The team can use either its purple or black uniforms to great effect and they just look and feel sleek to the observer.
7. Detroit Lions: I may not like them, but those silver and blue duds get the job done. The silver helmets really complement well and even though they haven't been historically good, the new Nike uniforms really put the Lions in the upper tier of jerseys.
8. Washington Redskins
9. Denver Broncos: orange crush is back and better than ever!
10. Chicago Bears
11. St. Louis Rams
12. Buffalo Bills: the redesign did wonders for these threads!
13. Houston Texans
14. Pittsburgh Steelers
15. Cincinnati Bengals
16. New York Giants
17. Minnesota Vikings
18. Indianapolis Colts
19. New Orleans Saints
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: bring back the orange, full time!
21. Atlanta Falcons: outstayed their welcome, time for a redesign.
22. Dallas Cowboys
23. Tennessee Titans
24. New England Patriots: if only they played every game in the AFL retros!
25. Cleveland Browns
26. Kansas City Chiefs
27. Miami Dolphins
28. Philadelphia Eagles: desperately need a redesign!
29. New York Jets
30. Carolina Panthers: never have black uniforms looked so dumb, except for maybe Oakland.
31. Arizona Cardinals: too gimmicky, get a redesign!
32. Oakland Raiders: ahh the classic prison uniforms.
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
April 17, 2013
April 17, 2013
First post in April!! Lots has happened since I was away, most importantly the beginning of the new baseball season. The season is already 2.5 weeks old and already the contenders are becoming clear. Here's my Top 10 teams, as of now!
1. Atlanta Braves (12-2)
2. Oakland Athletics (11-4)
3. Washington Nationals (8-6)
4. St. Louis Cardinals (8-5)
5. Detroit Tigers (8-5)
6. Texas Rangers (9-5)
7. San Francisco Giants (9-5)
8. Boston Red Sox (9-4)
9. Colorado Rockies (10-4)
10. Arizona Diamondbacks (8-5)
So far the NL West is looking very strong, with 3 teams in the Top 10 according to me. Overall, the Braves are the team to beat and are my early favorite to win the World Series. Their rotation is deep and strong and a revamped lineup has given them the power to put big numbers as well. One of the other big surprises this year has been the Oakland A's. A surprising and young lineup is putting up tons of runs and a up and coming rotation has been dynamite so far. My only question is: can they keep it up over an entire season?
Who's Hot:
Justin Upton, OF, ATL: .340, 8 HR, 12 RBI, 2 SB
Carlos Gonzalez, OF, COL: .380, 4 HR, 8 RBI, 3 SB
Matt Harvey, SP, NYM: 3-0, 0.82 ERA, 25 K, 22.0 IP
Paul Maholm, SP, ATL: 3-0, 0.00 ERA, 20 K, 20.1 IP
Who's Not:
Pedro Alvarez, 3B, PIT: .073, 0 HR, 1 RBI
Giancarlo Stanton, OF, MIA: .167, 0 HR, 0 RBI
John Axford, RP, MIL: 0-2, 15.19 ERA, 5 K, 5.1 IP, 1 BS
Jarrod Parker, SP, OAK: 0-2, 10.80 ERA, 4 K, 11.2 IP, 8 BB
First post in April!! Lots has happened since I was away, most importantly the beginning of the new baseball season. The season is already 2.5 weeks old and already the contenders are becoming clear. Here's my Top 10 teams, as of now!
1. Atlanta Braves (12-2)
2. Oakland Athletics (11-4)
3. Washington Nationals (8-6)
4. St. Louis Cardinals (8-5)
5. Detroit Tigers (8-5)
6. Texas Rangers (9-5)
7. San Francisco Giants (9-5)
8. Boston Red Sox (9-4)
9. Colorado Rockies (10-4)
10. Arizona Diamondbacks (8-5)
So far the NL West is looking very strong, with 3 teams in the Top 10 according to me. Overall, the Braves are the team to beat and are my early favorite to win the World Series. Their rotation is deep and strong and a revamped lineup has given them the power to put big numbers as well. One of the other big surprises this year has been the Oakland A's. A surprising and young lineup is putting up tons of runs and a up and coming rotation has been dynamite so far. My only question is: can they keep it up over an entire season?
Who's Hot:
Justin Upton, OF, ATL: .340, 8 HR, 12 RBI, 2 SB
Carlos Gonzalez, OF, COL: .380, 4 HR, 8 RBI, 3 SB
Matt Harvey, SP, NYM: 3-0, 0.82 ERA, 25 K, 22.0 IP
Paul Maholm, SP, ATL: 3-0, 0.00 ERA, 20 K, 20.1 IP
Who's Not:
Pedro Alvarez, 3B, PIT: .073, 0 HR, 1 RBI
Giancarlo Stanton, OF, MIA: .167, 0 HR, 0 RBI
John Axford, RP, MIL: 0-2, 15.19 ERA, 5 K, 5.1 IP, 1 BS
Jarrod Parker, SP, OAK: 0-2, 10.80 ERA, 4 K, 11.2 IP, 8 BB
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
March 12, 2013
March 12, 2013
March Madness is nearly here!! Championship week in the NCAA has begun and already a few teams have punched their tickets to the dance.
Atlantic Sun: Florida Gulf Coast (24-10)
Big South: Liberty (15-20) wtf?
Colonial: James Madison (20-14)
Horizon: Valparaiso (26-7)
Ivy: Harvard (19-9)
Metro Atlantic: Iona (20-13)
Missouri Valley: Creighton (27-7) no doubts here
Northeast: LIU Brooklyn (20-13)
Ohio Valley: Belmont (26-6)
Southern: Davidson (26-7)
Summit: South Dakota St. (25-9)
Sun Belt: Western Kentucky (20-15)
West Coast: Gonzaga (31-2) another no doubter
13 teams are in, and another 55 are yet to go, it should be exciting.
The other big story in sports is the beginning of NFL free agency. Day 1 had some big moves made by several teams. Here's the moves I find important.
Mike Wallace, WR: signed by Dolphins
Nnamdi Asomugha, CB: cut by Eagles
Cullen Jenkins, DT: signed by Giants
Patrick Chung, S: signed by Eagles
Jared Cook, TE: signed by Rams
Dannell Ellerbe, LB: signed by Dolphins
Paul Kruger, LB: signed by Browns
Martellus Bennett, TE: signed by Bears
DJ Williams, LB: cut by Broncos
DeAngelo Hall, CB: cut by Redskins
Sione Pouha, DT: cut by Jets
Antoine Winfield, CB: cut by Vikings
Charles Woodson, CB: cut by Packers
James Harrison, LB: cut by Steelers
Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR: cut by Raiders
James Anderson, LB: cut by Panthers
Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB: cut by Bills
Michael Turner, RB: cut by Falcons
March Madness is nearly here!! Championship week in the NCAA has begun and already a few teams have punched their tickets to the dance.
Atlantic Sun: Florida Gulf Coast (24-10)
Big South: Liberty (15-20) wtf?
Colonial: James Madison (20-14)
Horizon: Valparaiso (26-7)
Ivy: Harvard (19-9)
Metro Atlantic: Iona (20-13)
Missouri Valley: Creighton (27-7) no doubts here
Northeast: LIU Brooklyn (20-13)
Ohio Valley: Belmont (26-6)
Southern: Davidson (26-7)
Summit: South Dakota St. (25-9)
Sun Belt: Western Kentucky (20-15)
West Coast: Gonzaga (31-2) another no doubter
13 teams are in, and another 55 are yet to go, it should be exciting.
The other big story in sports is the beginning of NFL free agency. Day 1 had some big moves made by several teams. Here's the moves I find important.
Mike Wallace, WR: signed by Dolphins
Nnamdi Asomugha, CB: cut by Eagles
Cullen Jenkins, DT: signed by Giants
Patrick Chung, S: signed by Eagles
Jared Cook, TE: signed by Rams
Dannell Ellerbe, LB: signed by Dolphins
Paul Kruger, LB: signed by Browns
Martellus Bennett, TE: signed by Bears
DJ Williams, LB: cut by Broncos
DeAngelo Hall, CB: cut by Redskins
Sione Pouha, DT: cut by Jets
Antoine Winfield, CB: cut by Vikings
Charles Woodson, CB: cut by Packers
James Harrison, LB: cut by Steelers
Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR: cut by Raiders
James Anderson, LB: cut by Panthers
Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB: cut by Bills
Michael Turner, RB: cut by Falcons
Saturday, February 9, 2013
February 9, 2013
February 9, 2013
I'm a little late but I'll finally be discussing the aftermath of Super Bowl XLVII, which was won by the Ravens 34-31. A few things popped out at me during the game that I consider one of the best in recent memory, other than the Pack obviously winning the Super Bowl two years ago.
1. Joe Flacco has arrived, sort of. You can doubt him all you want, the man can win playoff games. I would still only consider him the 9th or 10th best QB in the NFL. Here goes: Rodgers, Brady, P. Manning, Brees, E. Manning, Ryan, Stafford, Romo, Flacco. I guess he's 9th haha.
2. Jacoby Jones was a major X-factor. Had he showed this sort of game-breaking ability in Houston he may have lasted there longer. Arguably the Ravens MVP.
3. The power outage definitely made for some good entertainment, even though the game wasn't happening it was one of those stories that defines a Super Bowl, and apparently gave the 49ers the momentum they needed to make it a game.
4. Colin Kaepernick will be a beast, no doubt. The more games he plays the better he's gonna get. The 49ers may have found their franchise guy.
5. Of these two teams, the 49ers have a far better chance of getting back to the Super Bowl. The Ravens, while still a decent team, are NOT champion worthy in my opinion. You can call them a team of destiny or whatever you will, but they should not have been in that game, so kudos to them for defying the odds.
6. Vernon Davis had a solid game for the 49ers, something that for some reason became rare during the course of the season. For their offense to be running successful, Davis must be a part of the gameplan.
Thus begins the long offseason in the NFL. Already teams are making cuts and moves for next season and they're should be some very interesting storylines for the offseason. The draft and the combine are next on the agenda and I'll be talking more about that as they near.
I'm a little late but I'll finally be discussing the aftermath of Super Bowl XLVII, which was won by the Ravens 34-31. A few things popped out at me during the game that I consider one of the best in recent memory, other than the Pack obviously winning the Super Bowl two years ago.
1. Joe Flacco has arrived, sort of. You can doubt him all you want, the man can win playoff games. I would still only consider him the 9th or 10th best QB in the NFL. Here goes: Rodgers, Brady, P. Manning, Brees, E. Manning, Ryan, Stafford, Romo, Flacco. I guess he's 9th haha.
2. Jacoby Jones was a major X-factor. Had he showed this sort of game-breaking ability in Houston he may have lasted there longer. Arguably the Ravens MVP.
3. The power outage definitely made for some good entertainment, even though the game wasn't happening it was one of those stories that defines a Super Bowl, and apparently gave the 49ers the momentum they needed to make it a game.
4. Colin Kaepernick will be a beast, no doubt. The more games he plays the better he's gonna get. The 49ers may have found their franchise guy.
5. Of these two teams, the 49ers have a far better chance of getting back to the Super Bowl. The Ravens, while still a decent team, are NOT champion worthy in my opinion. You can call them a team of destiny or whatever you will, but they should not have been in that game, so kudos to them for defying the odds.
6. Vernon Davis had a solid game for the 49ers, something that for some reason became rare during the course of the season. For their offense to be running successful, Davis must be a part of the gameplan.
Thus begins the long offseason in the NFL. Already teams are making cuts and moves for next season and they're should be some very interesting storylines for the offseason. The draft and the combine are next on the agenda and I'll be talking more about that as they near.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
January 27, 2013
January 27, 2013
Two things on the blog today. First, last night me and a few friends went to the Red Bull Crashed Ice event in St. Paul, only a 30 minute bus ride from our campus. I was really excited to see a crazy new sport that I'd never heard of, and was not disappointed. It's basically played on a luge sort of track, but instead of a sled the competitors simply skate, so its essentially downhill skating. The course has various jumps, uphill climbs, and banked turns that do increase the difficulty immensely. The initial drop is 48 feet high and at its steepest is a 45 degree angle! There were quite a few Americans in the 64 man field so understandably they received the most cheers and had the support of the over 80,000 people in attendance. Only one American, Cameron Naasz made it to the final round where he finished 3rd after being involved in a 3 man crash towards the finish line. He's apparently one of the best the sport has to offer as he's currently in 2nd place in the season standings. The winner was Kyle Croxall of Canada, who was last year's world champion as well. The track was situated right underneath the St. Paul Cathedral and they worked very hard to incorporate the beautiful building into the event. The cathedral was lit up throughout the night and had color changing lights that would bathe the building in several different brilliant colors, its was pretty awesome. Overall, I highly recommend it for anyone interested in a new and exciting sport.
Second, today is the annual NFL Pro Bowl. I just don't understand why there is so much negativity directed towards what is not an actual game. If you have ever watched the Pro Bowl with the intention of watching a realistic, intense NFL game then you are delusional. The Pro Bowl is meant to be a fun and ENTERTAINING gathering of the best the NFL has to offer, and to just let them go out and ball, basically to have fun. This should above else be a chance for the best players in the NFL to essentially meet up to play a friendly game of football. The Pro Bowl is usually high scoring as defenses are extremely limited so in this regard the game lives up to its entertainment value. Moreover, the Pro Bowl is not an actual game it counts for NOTHING, there's no reason for the players to go out and risk their bodies and livelihoods for a game that is only for entertainment. I don't understand why people want the game eliminated, what would you replace it with? You then would leave a hideous gap between the conference championship round and the Super Bowl. Once the Super Bowl is done the long cold summer of no football begins, so people should be appreciative of a last chance to see most of the stars of the game in one location. And even in its so called "diluted" form the Pro Bowl still draws more viewers than any other major sports all-star game.
Two things on the blog today. First, last night me and a few friends went to the Red Bull Crashed Ice event in St. Paul, only a 30 minute bus ride from our campus. I was really excited to see a crazy new sport that I'd never heard of, and was not disappointed. It's basically played on a luge sort of track, but instead of a sled the competitors simply skate, so its essentially downhill skating. The course has various jumps, uphill climbs, and banked turns that do increase the difficulty immensely. The initial drop is 48 feet high and at its steepest is a 45 degree angle! There were quite a few Americans in the 64 man field so understandably they received the most cheers and had the support of the over 80,000 people in attendance. Only one American, Cameron Naasz made it to the final round where he finished 3rd after being involved in a 3 man crash towards the finish line. He's apparently one of the best the sport has to offer as he's currently in 2nd place in the season standings. The winner was Kyle Croxall of Canada, who was last year's world champion as well. The track was situated right underneath the St. Paul Cathedral and they worked very hard to incorporate the beautiful building into the event. The cathedral was lit up throughout the night and had color changing lights that would bathe the building in several different brilliant colors, its was pretty awesome. Overall, I highly recommend it for anyone interested in a new and exciting sport.
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| St. Paul Cathedral lit up for Crashed Ice |
Thursday, January 24, 2013
January 24, 2013
January 24, 2013
I've often wondered if the NFL is in some way, "fixed." While I keep faith that the NFL is honest in its business dealings and that games aren't fixed and certain teams subject to favoritism there are cases that do offer evidence to the contrary. Here's a blog I came across today while surfing.
http://spaces.covers.com/blog/MaximumWins/NFL/03042012-Reasons-Why-The-NFL-Is-Fixed-For-Profit.html
If the NFL is truly fixing games, they aren't very good at making it not obvious. The last few Super Bowls are perfect examples of great story lines that potentially net the the NFL plenty of profit.
Super Bowl XLVII
Two words: Harbaugh Bowl. Has fix written all over it as the NFL tries to drum up excitement for the upcoming Super Bowl.
Super Bowl XLVI
A rematch between the Giants and Patriots that produced one of the best Super Bowls in recent memory is the perfect way for the NFL to further the Manning family legacy, as Eli wins his 2nd Super Bowl.
Super Bowl XLV
A game featuring two of the most historic franchises in history was a great way for the NFL to hype up the Super Bowl at the huge Cowboys Stadium. The Packers were victorious as the NFL was probably hesitant to give Ben Roethlisberger another Super Bowl after his escapades earlier in the year.
Don't get me wrong, I love the NFL and truly believe it is a truthful and model sports organization. It is helpful to consider all sides though.
I've often wondered if the NFL is in some way, "fixed." While I keep faith that the NFL is honest in its business dealings and that games aren't fixed and certain teams subject to favoritism there are cases that do offer evidence to the contrary. Here's a blog I came across today while surfing.
http://spaces.covers.com/blog/MaximumWins/NFL/03042012-Reasons-Why-The-NFL-Is-Fixed-For-Profit.html
If the NFL is truly fixing games, they aren't very good at making it not obvious. The last few Super Bowls are perfect examples of great story lines that potentially net the the NFL plenty of profit.
Super Bowl XLVII
Two words: Harbaugh Bowl. Has fix written all over it as the NFL tries to drum up excitement for the upcoming Super Bowl.
Super Bowl XLVI
A rematch between the Giants and Patriots that produced one of the best Super Bowls in recent memory is the perfect way for the NFL to further the Manning family legacy, as Eli wins his 2nd Super Bowl.
Super Bowl XLV
A game featuring two of the most historic franchises in history was a great way for the NFL to hype up the Super Bowl at the huge Cowboys Stadium. The Packers were victorious as the NFL was probably hesitant to give Ben Roethlisberger another Super Bowl after his escapades earlier in the year.
Don't get me wrong, I love the NFL and truly believe it is a truthful and model sports organization. It is helpful to consider all sides though.
Sunday, January 20, 2013
January 20, 2013
January 20, 2013
First post of the new year!!!! Finally got back to school yesterday for the spring semester so time should be a little more plentiful, at least for now.
It's conference championship week in the NFL, here's my predictions for the Super Bowl participants
NFC
49ers 30, Falcons 24
AFC
Patriots 35, Ravens 20
Now that my Packers have gone down I shall be rooting exclusively for the Patriots, who are my 2nd favorite team in the NFL.
First post of the new year!!!! Finally got back to school yesterday for the spring semester so time should be a little more plentiful, at least for now.
It's conference championship week in the NFL, here's my predictions for the Super Bowl participants
NFC
49ers 30, Falcons 24
AFC
Patriots 35, Ravens 20
Now that my Packers have gone down I shall be rooting exclusively for the Patriots, who are my 2nd favorite team in the NFL.
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