Amazing Golf Shot (VIDEO)
September 13, 2012 1 Comment
This is BY FAR the most incredible golf shot I have ever seen.
Check out this long make which involves skipping the golf ball across a body of water!
Enjoy! Read more of this post
The Greatest Moments in Sports (VIDEO)
August 22, 2012 Leave a Comment
This video will leave you with an extreme sensation of chills. Even if you are not a sports fan at all, you will highly enjoy this amazing collection of incredible sports moments. It is a brilliantly touching video that anyone can appreciate; The greatest moments in the history of sports. Read more of this post
Jay Castro’s AFC East Preview
August 20, 2012 Leave a Comment
DISCLAIMER: Do not exhaust your bank account, mortgage your home, or sell your children over my prophecies; if they were that accurate, I’d keep them to myself while the money rolls in. Besides, the Fantasy Football Gods enjoy tormenting you…so please, merely enjoy my rants, and consider them somewhat entertaining, kind of as you might Bubbles and Bunny from the Nudie Bar… Read more of this post
If You Love SportsCenter, You Will Love This
July 2, 2012 Leave a Comment
SportsCenter has changed the way sports are covered and it has given the average fan incredible access to their favorite’s teams and their players.
However, if there is one thing that I absolutely love about SportsCenter, it is their “This is SportsCenter” commercials. Read more of this post
A Fantasy Baseball Apology From PhDinWeed
March 29, 2012 Leave a Comment
I apologize for starting my preseason rankings, getting catcher and 1B published, and then completely dropping off the face of the earth. Shit got hectic for a while, but all is now well.
Tonight is my big money league fantasy draft. I’ll be following this article up with a draft recap tomorrow, and then posting a weekly column every Sunday, recapping the previous week and forecasting the week ahead.
My qualifications? See below. Read more of this post
Become a Part of The Best Fantasy Sports Experience On The Web!
March 7, 2012 Leave a Comment
Lulz
Are you looking to get into a fantasy baseball or football league? Then do it in the best fantasy community on the web! In the NJFFL, you’re a person, not a subscriber.
Top 10 NBA Point Guards
January 23, 2012 3 Comments
The National Basketball Association
Written by: @Kingswagger29
The position of the point guard has changed the NBA and basketball in recent years.
We have had many types of Point guards, such as Hall of Famers like Magic Johnson, John Stockton, Bob Cousy, Oscar Robertson, and Isaiah Thomas. All of these players added so much heart and poise to the game of basketball and their respected teams. Point guard is one of the most significant positions on the floor in the league.
Having a leader at point guard can bring your team to the next level.
Perfect Example of this is Chris Paul and his move to the Clippers. He completely shifted the teams dimension when he landed in Los Angeles, leading them to a good start to the season at 8-4.
Skills Needed to be a Top Point Guard:
- Be a general on the floor
- Control the tempo, rhythm , and flow of the offense
- Agility
- Defensive stopper
Top 10 Point Guards of 2012
1. Chris Paul- By far the most versatile point guard and floor general the league has seen in a while. He is the type of point guard that thoroughly crafts his game in order to facilitate his team’s offensive flow. Now with the move to LA, he will have a free for all with Griffin, Billups, and Butler.
2. Derrick Rose- All I can say when I see him play or hear his name is WOW! He has brought the Bulls back from the dead, after the 90’s Jordan era. He is an offensive juggernaut and a close runner up for #1 Guard. Last year’s MVP, he has proven he has a great feel for the Point Guard position. He will be a multiple MVP winner, something which was not obtained in the NBA, as a Point guard.
3. Deron Williams- Probably the most well-rounded point guard in the NBA. Williams has a great ability to score, strong body for the point guard position. Williams can defend, drive, shoot the long ball with ease, dunk, and make those around him better. Complete package that will have a productive career in Jersey.
4. Steve Nash- Old man at 37? I think not, he is simply still the best shooter by far in the NBA, from beyond the arc and the free throw line. He still keeps a top 5 slot in my opinion at his veteran age. He will probably retire and go back to Canada to play, he is remarkable. He continues to put up numbers, with no talent around him this year. Nash who has the “surfer dude” look, is no sleeper, he will be in it for a long time.
5. Rajon Rondo- Has pure basketball IQ sees the court so clearly, allowing the big three to put up big numbers. However he has been somewhat of over hyped in my opining. Yes he is a top point guard and he ranks in at 3 because of his surrounding players. He has a great cast which helps his game. A poor shooter, who only has one go to move. I will give him the title as the best defensive guard in the league, as well as stat filler. Records a double- double each game, which is why I rank him as 5th.
6. Russell Westbrook- He is a freak of an athlete, at the point guard position. My only problem with him is that is he really a Point Guard? I feel that he is more of a Shooting guard, hence the fact he is an inconsistent shooter. He can run the floor and rise with the biggest guys on the court, but he doesn’t have that floor general presence. People may argue Rose and Westbrook are similar, but I have the perfect reasons why that are not similar- Rose…… MVP…… If he can learn that the offense is run through Durant, then his stock will rise.
7. Jason Kidd- Another veteran, who in I absolutely love. Kidd has always been a flashy passer, great defender, and consistent shooter. Now with the long years attached to his resume, he has developed a more fluid shot. He finally got his ring, in 3 attempts last season with Dallas. Based on his hustle, court vision, and defense I keep Kidd at number 7.
8. Brandon Jennings- A player with a great swagger, who is a hard nose point guard. He continues to elevate his game. He has great work ethic and a good feel for the game; I can see him climbing the ladder in the next 2 seasons.
9. Stephen Curry- Most reliable shooter at the point guard spot. Some people may have not even considered Curry. I feel that in Golden State, even with Monta Ellis, Curry fills the point guard role the best. Curry gets into the lane, can create his own shot as we are all aware of with his College Career at Davidson. He has great vision as well, a solid spot at number 9 for Curry.
10. Ricky Rubio- We all waited for Ricky to come to Minnesota. He finally arrives and has not disappointed. He has made a name for himself early on in his rookie career. A draft this year which had many point guards, Rubio coming back this year added more depth to the rookie guards. He has found a home in Minnesota and has a young supporting cast that will help him rack up the assists column. I went out on a limb here, but I like to see where he finishes off this season in the point guard categories for the 2012 season.
This is my rankings for the top 10 point guards this season.
The guard is such a valuable part of basketball and it’s nice to break it down to see that the best guys at the spot are. Enjoy the rankings looking forward to hear some feedback in the comments section!
Follow me on Twitter! @Kingswagger29
LaDainian Tomlinson Calls Out The J-E-T-S On “Inside The NFL”
January 21, 2012 2 Comments
L.T. On The Jets:
On Jets’ venomous locker room atmosphere:
It got out-of-hand toward the end of the season. That is why it got out in the media. This is something that happened (in the) third or fourth week of the season, that was going on, and nobody knew about it because the players kept it under wraps. Until we went on that losing streak and guys started to speak up and speak out about certain things…It is as bad as I’ve ever been around, honestly. And I’ve been around some locker rooms and quarterback-receiver situations and what-not. But it was as bad as I’ve been around. You know it was at the point where I think the players could no longer do anything about it. There was nothing that the players could do.
On Jets organization:
Guys think about this. They (Jets Organization) created this. This is the type of football team that they wanted. Mike Tannenbaum, Rex Ryan are both brash, in-your-face type of style, say whatever you want, just get it done on the field. And then it leads to other things, as guys are calling each other out and saying I’m not getting the ball or whatever it may be.
Can Jets QB Mark Sanchez overcome rips from anonymous teammates?
I think he can overcome it. I think, the guy that said, that came at him, I don’t know who it was, that said Sanchez was lazy, but I disagree with that. The guy is not lazy, guys. He is not a lazy guy. He puts in the time after practice in the film room. He can get it done. He just has to have pieces around him to help him get it done.
Is Sanchez pampered?
Yes he is, I would say a bit pampered because he has no competition. He has no real threat to say this guy may take my job.
On Ryan’s bold predictions for the Jets:
I would prefer him not to say it as much as he did. I don’t mind every now and again saying we are going to win a championship. Maybe at the beginning of the year just saying, ‘Hey, our goal is to win a championship.’ But at the same time every week if you are calling out a team on certain things, I think it puts a little extra on your team. Guys really want to go out there and say, ‘Let’s shut this guy up. Let’s shut these Jets up, just end their season.’ I think that adds to that when Rex speaks up like that because, you know, everybody doesn’t like that type of style, and they’re not supposed to. But at the same time there are certain things that you can do to not have it come off like that.
About the Jets naming unhappy WR Santonio Holmes a team captain:
The players had nothing to do with that vote. Coaches vote on the captains with the Jets.
Football: It’s More Than Just A Game
January 17, 2012 3 Comments
A team becomes a family
I consider myself a football fanatic.
I love the Jets, but I love the game of football and it’s impact on people.
Any one that has played high school football or loves the game of football understands my point of view here. I’m sure many of you have watched ESPN Films: Boys Of Fall.
If you haven’t, it is a MUST SEE for anyone that has played high school football or truly loves the game of football and its impact on people’s lives.
This film brought me to tears thinking of the good times and great friendships I have built through football. It truly is a brotherhood and for the people who never played or quit, you missed out.
To this day I speak to former teammates and we reminisce about our time playing high school football at Holy Cross High School.
I love all of them; it is like an extended family that I am so proud to be a part of. Every time I see one of my teammates, high school football comes up and we’ll talk for hours about it. It seems the stories only get better as time passes by.
Football completely changed my life and the way I handle adversity in my life.
I owe it all to the game of football. Not only is football a great team sport but it taught how life is the ultimate team sport.
High school football is the purist form of football in my opinion. There is no recruitment, it is the kids that are in your age group that just happen to go to the same high school as you.
However, in the NFL there are glimpses of pure football. For example:
Vernon Davis, You Are The Man
This past weekend, Vernon Davis caught the game winning touchdown to put the 49ers into the NFC Championship game. Once he scored, he literally ran off the field crying.
At one point Vernon Davis was considered a first round bust and was sent to the showers by Mike Singletary which led to his famous “I Want Winners” speech after the game.
Davis has overcome a lot in his tenure as a Niner, and that catch captured his journey as a player and as a man.
“It just reminded me of all the hard work we have put into this team from the beginning of the season” – Vernon Davis
That’s what Football is about right there. Putting in work, time, and dedication just to make that ONE play to help put your team over the top. I respect Vernon Davis so much more after that. He showed his heart, his character and his work ethic.
This is why football is the greatest sport on the planet. One play and the emotion from the result of the play showed me everything I need to know about Vernon Davis as a man. His emotion reminded me of how much I love the game and how I wish to still play it.
Now imagine you applying that to your everyday job and your dreams. I look back to my high school years to not only see how far I have come as a man, but to make sure my work ethic, dedication and mental toughness are still in check.
Football has taught me that through preparation and dedication you will accomplish anything you set your mind to. You can not only gain success for yourself through the values of football, but the impact you can make on other people is unlimited.
Nobody does that better in today’s game than Tim Tebow. Tebow may not be the most talented player but he is without a doubt the most genuine. All Tebow does is play his heart out and use football as a platform to help other people’s lives.
Read more about Tim Tebow and his impact on other people here.
Through football I have:
- Learned mental toughness and how to handle adversity in my life
- Made friendships and memories that will last a lifetime
- Been inspired to become a better person and leader in my own life.
Together Everyone Achieves More
Football is truly more than just a game. It is an attitude to apply to your own life that can not only benefit yourself, but also the people around you. If everyone played football on an organized team, we would not have as many selfish people around. Once people begin to realize it is not all about themselves, than we can truly grow as a society.
Ravens Escape, Defeat Texans 20-13
January 15, 2012 1 Comment
Ravens Defense
The Ravens forced 4 turnovers and behind a solid defenisve showing defeated the Houston Texans.
Before I give credit to the Ravens, I have to give an enourmous amount of credit to the Texans. The Texans sacked Flacco 5 times and Arian Foster was an absolute beast today.
The Texans could just not overcome the turnovers they committed and that was their undoing in this game. Off 4 turnovers the Ravens scored 17 points and that was the difference in the game.
I was so impressed with J.J Watt and the rest of the Texans defense. I actually feel bad for the Texans defense. They were all over the place and completely shut down Ray Rice today.
However, the Ravens defense was also excellent today. They forced rookie quarterback TJ Yates into bad decisions, picking him off three times and containing Andre Johnson.
Despite not being able to consistently stop Foster, the Ravens defense completely stopped Yates and the passing attack.
With the a softer defense coming up next in New England, I look for the Ravens to do everything necessary to get Ray Rice going. Rice is their best asset on offense and their best chance of defeating the Patriots.
Rice was limited to 21 carries and 60 yards rushing today, only a 2.9 yards per rush, that will not get it done against New England.
Flacco was under pressure all day, he threw for 176 yards with 2 touchdowns but at times looked very bad today.
Cornerback Lardarius Webb was fantastic today with 4 tackles, 4 passes defensed and two interceptions.
Finally, the health of Ed Reed is critical for the Ravens defense. He is the X-Factor for this Ravens defense against the Patriots. I look forward to this matchup between Reed and Brady, two of the best at their position of all-time.
Reed Is The X-Factor Against Tom Brady
Tom Terrific and Patriots Crucify Tebow and Broncos
January 14, 2012 3 Comments
Tom Brady
It’s Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski’s world.
We just live in it.
There is not much to talk about in this game so I will keep it brief.
Brady and the Patriots came out firing early in this one and by halftime it was already 35-7 in the Patriots favor.
Brady tied a record for touchdown passes in a post-season game with 6.
Tebow and the Broncos looked very sluggish on offense to start. The option play wasn’t looking as good as it did back when Tebow was a Gator.
Brady and the offense poured it on in the first half.
Brady threw for 5 touchdowns, 3 of which were to his top tight-end target, Rob Gronkowski.
Gronkowski has had a stellar year.
In the regular season, Gronkowski set the record for tight ends with 17 receiving touchdowns and also tacked on a rushing touchdown as well.
It is almost too easy when you are 6’6 and 265lbs up against defensive backs maybe half your size.
Mr. Gronkowski
Brady has been here before and he knows how to win in the playoffs. This is why he gets my notch as the best quarterback ever to lace up. Brady has been to the super bowl 4 times, and won three only to lose his last one in 2007 to my boys in blue, the New York Giants.
Brady looked flat out phenomenal in this game and unless he begins to cool down, I don’t see how anyone can beat the Patriots.
I mean, if Jesus Christ (Tebow) himself can’t be up to the task, who else can?
Congrats to the Niners in their divisional win today as well. It was a well deserved win and they showed some great resilience against Brees and the Saints.
John 3:16
Tomorrow will be some great games as well.
The early game at 1:00 has the Texas squaring off against the Ravens in Baltimore.
Rookie quarterback T.J. Yates will likely have some problems against Baltimore’s smash mouth defense. Quarterback Joe Flacco will have to step up as well if the Raven’s want to win this game. There has been a lot of questions whether or not Flacco has what it takes to win.
He can prove it tomorrow.
At 4:30 the Giants face off against the Packers at Lambeau for a rematch of the 2007 NFC Championship game.
Eli Hoisting the Main Prize
The Giants have ton of momentum and are very dangerous in the playoffs when they are firing on all cylinders.
Their defense will have to step up and stop Aaron Rodgers from walking all over their secondary. It comes down to the defensive line. When they play good, the rest of the defense follows suit.
Expect Eli to show up as usual, and if Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw can run the football like they did last week, the Giants have a good shot to win this game.
Niners Hang on at Home, Defeat Saints 36-32
January 14, 2012 3 Comments
Alex Smith Leading The Way
This was my #1 rated game heading into the weekend and it did not disappoint. Throughout the game there was an awesome display of defense, offense, and special teams.
In short, this game had everything.
Alex Smith leads the Niners down the field with under 2 minutes left in the game to seal the Saints fate and end their season.
Who would of thought that Alex Smith would lead the drive to put the Niners in the NFC Championship game?
I’ll admit it, not me.
Alex Smith threw for 299 yards, 3 touchdowns and NO INT’s
Vernon Davis was explosive with 7 catches, 180 yards, and 2 touchdowns. Davis exploited one on one coverage all day and made the Saints pay big time.
The Niners have done it all year with a great defense, great special teams, and a balanced offensive attack.
That formula guided them to success against the Saints today.
The Niners forced 5 Turnovers
Teams that have a +4 Turnover Margin are 72-1 in the Playoffs (today’s game included).
However, the Saints did not go down quietly, Drew Brees connected with Jimmy Graham to put the Saints on top 32-29 with under 2 minutes left in the game.
Brees threw for 458 yards 4 touchdowns with 2 INT.
Despite Brees’ big numbers, his two interceptions gave away key opportunities to wear down the Niners defense and put pressure on the Niners offense.
Also, the Saints Special Teams really let them down today with 2 key turnovers that kept momentum on the Niners side, while Brees stayed on the sideline.
Brees was under pressure all day, mainly from Defensive End Justin Smith.
Smith was almost un-blockable and had a huge impact on the defense with key sacks and pressures on Brees.
This was an EPIC game and probably one of if the best Divisional games i have ever watched.The Saints played admirably but in the end, the turnovers cost them.
The fact the Saints were even in the game with 5 Turnovers is a true credit to their defense. I can give you all the numbers from this game, but there are two key components to the game that the Niners outplayed the Saints in.
Turnovers and Big Plays.
It is no coincidence the Niners are moving on, they took the ball away and made great plays when needed. That is what wins in the playoffs, takeaways and big plays.
The Niners played better in both aspects of the game.
I don’t think there is any question that Jim Harbaugh is the NFL Coach Of the Year and Alex Smith is the Comeback Player Of The Year.
Smith and Harbaugh Have Worked Great Together
Wild-Card Recap: Divisional Preview
January 10, 2012 3 Comments
Wild Card weekend has come and gone but will not be forgotten anytime soon.
There were many good match ups this past weekend and they did not disappoint.
Big Ol' Brandon Jacbos
Giants Pound Falcons 24-2 – This game was a combination of bad play from Atlanta and flawless execution from the Giants. Eli Manning led the way with 277 yards passing and 3 touchdowns. Besides an intentional grounding penalty in the end zone, Eli played flawless. Another important note for this win was the re-emergence of the Giants running game.
Jacobs and Bradshaw combined for 172 yards on the ground. If the Giants can sustain a run game, look for this team to make a Super Bowl run.
Last but not least, the Defense showed up to play. Atlanta has one of the best rushing attacks in the NFL and the Giants completely shut down the pass and run. The Defense was also stout in 3rd/4th and short plays. Atlanta went for twice on 4th and inches and were denied both times, tipping momentum and the game in their favor.
As for Atlanta, another year without a playoff win. Matt Ryan was ineffective and the defense was soft. This marks the 3rd straight year the Falcons have been one and done in the playoffs under the Mike Smith/Matt Ryan era.
Matty “Ice” has not lived up to his nickname in the playoffs and questions will only get tougher to answer the longer Ryan does not win in the playoffs.
Saints Muzzle Roar, Defeat Lions 45-28 – After falling behind early, the Saints showed their championship pedigree and experience and completely outplayed the Lions. Drew Brees was outstanding throwing for 466 yards and three touchdowns. The Saints displayed their offensive greatness by setting playoff records for total yards(626) and first downs (34).
The Saints offense has just been amazing this season and just looks unstoppable. This team is just unbeatable at home going undefeated so far this season (including playoffs).
Make no mistake about it, the Saints completely outmatched Detroit.
However, the Lions are coming. The Lions just happen to have run into the worst possible match up for their team. Stafford is the real deal, Calvin Johnson is a beast, and the defense will get better with time. 4 seasons ago this was an 0-16 team, since than this team has made significant progress and have only gotten better.
Trust me, the Lions will be good for a long time and the future looks bright.
Houston Outplays Cincy, Defeats Bengals 31-10 - Congratulations to Houston for their first playoff win in team history. The Texans won their first division title and playoff game and played like a team that has been there before. What made this so impressive is the journey this team has taken this season and winning the style in which they won this playoff game.
If you told me the Texans would lose Matt Schuab, Mario Williams for the season and not have Andre Johnson consistently this season , I would have thought you were crazy.
Arian Foster torched the Bengals defense with 24 carries for 153 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Clearly Arian Foster is the MVP for this team. Ben Tate’s emergence gives the Texans an excellent two-headed monster in the backfield.
Another impressive point, the Texans defense was dominant with forcing turnovers and holding the Bengals to only 10 points.
These are not the same old Texans, with no defense and just a prolific passing game, this team runs the ball extremely well and has a dominant defense.
And to think, the Texans had one of the worst pass defenses in NFL HISTORY.
Wade Phillips is the best off season acquisition of the year.
The Bengals had an impressive year going 9-7 and making it to the playoffs.
Nothing was expected of this team pre-season.
However, they have found their quarterback of the future in Andy Dalton and their go-to guy in A.J Green. With two first round picks in this upcoming draft, look for the Bengals to improve and become a force in the AFC North.
Tebow Throws For 316 Yards
Mile High Victory, Broncos Defeat Steelers 29-23 – The first postseason playoff game in history under the new overtime rules did not come into effect.
Why?
Tim Tebow on the first play from scrimmage in overtime, threw an 80 yard touchdown pass to Demaryious Thomas to seal Pittsburghs fate.
This was by far the most exciting game of the weekend.
Besides Ike Taylor getting completely owned by Thomas to end the game, The Steelers just looked old and confused. Poor tackling and man coverage along with an unhealthy Big Ben and Pouncey also led to the Steelers demise.
Tebow threw for 316 yards (John 3:16 reference) and 3 touchdowns against the #1 RANKED DEFENSE.
I’m sorry Tebow Hater Nation, but now I am a believer.
The Defense stepped up also. They shut the door on Big Ben twice in the final minutes when the game was tied, so i give the Broncos defense an enormous amount of credit in this win.
Big Ben was sacked 5 times and threw an INT. This is not the Big Ben we are used to seeing in the playoffs.
Of course the Steelers would forget how to tackle and have important players out (Ryan Clark, Pouncey) against the Broncos.
Tim Tebow has GOD on his side
Despite my sarcasm, it is remarkable how Tebow has turned around this 1-4 team under Kyle Orton into one of the most talked about and inspiring teams of the year.
Matchup Ratings for Divisional Games:
1.) Saints At 49ers, 5 Stars - Great offense meets great defense. Old school versus new school football, this will be a great game in my opinion.
Can the Saints stop the run?
Can the 49ers contain Drew Brees?
Which philosophy will dictate the game and eventually win?
So many questions and such an intriguing match up, I “can’t wait” (Bart Scott reference) for this match up, it should be a great one.
2.) Giants At Green Bay, 5 stars – Both teams have suspect defenses and great quarterback play.
Which quarterback will have the better game?
Both Eli and Aaron have had historic seasons and in my opinion, which ever quarterback has the better game will win it in the end.
This match up gave us one of the great games of the regular season with the Packers staying perfect and edging the Giants 38-35 (the same score they lost to the Patriots to when they went on to win the Super Bowl).
So will history repeat itself for the Giants? or will Aaron Rodgers continue his dominance this season and lead the Pack to the NFC Championship game.
We’ll wait and see..
3.) Broncos At Patriots, 4 1/2 Stars - Literally 30 minutes after the Broncos win, the Patriots released an AP report stating that Josh McDanniels will be on the sideline for the Patriots as an offensive consultant.
Classic Belichek, congrats on your playoff win Denver, now i will hire your former head coach from last season that drafted both Tim Tebow and Damaryious Thomas.
Perfectly done, Mr. Belichek
It just seems that Patriots always have an edge and in this match up they are clearly the team with the edge.
Despite Tebow’s dramatics, Tom Brady is too good and rarely loses at home in the playoffs.
The biggest factor in this game will be if the Broncos can control the clock and keep Brady off the field.
Something that is very possible, the Patriots have one of the worst defense in the league. However, with the signing of McDaniels, the Patriots have gained an inside advantage on the Broncos most important offensive weapons, Tebow and Thomas.
The Road To The Superbowl
4.) Texans At Baltimore, 4 Stars – I love defensive struggles so this might be a high ranking depending on the style of football you enjoy.
The Ravens seem to have a clear advantage across the board on paper.
The Ravens are more experienced, have home field advantage, and are healthy.
I feel that the Texans have been a great story, but their end could be near.
Both defenses are stacked and are the clear strengths of both teams. Also both teams present excellent running back play (Rice from Baltimore, Foster from Houston).
Which quarterback makes the mistake to cost their team the game?
The pressure is all on Baltimore, with Pittsburgh out, this could be their best chance to finally obtain a Super Bowl birth.
On the other hand, Houston is playing with house money, they do not have their quarterback and best defensive player. However, they have played inspired football and i could see this backfiring on Baltimore with the pressures of finally being home in the playoffs.
Can Flacco perform at home and not lose it for his team? or Will Arian Foster carry Houston to an upset?
The House That Donnie Built
January 4, 2012 Leave a Comment
The New York Knickerbockers
Courtesy: @NervousNeophyte
I would like to personally dedicate this New York Knicks blog to the former General Manager and President Joseph Donald Walsh Jr.,(aka Donnie Walsh), for doing everything a recent Knicks fan has ever asked for.
When I sit down and actually think about what that man has done for the Knicks in the past two years, I find it hard not to smile.
I’ll never forget the days when the Knicks and the MSG network would try to sell us the games of Steve Francis, Stephon Marbury and my favorite one of them all, Eddy Curry. The 2011-2012 New York Knicks are possible championship contenders with an all star front court filled with a great amount of respect that is given by us so-called die-hard New York Knick fans.
I’d be lying to you if I said I never thought about giving up on the Knicks in the past few years.
Staying home for a Friday night Knicks vs. Timberwolves match up and seeing them get blown out while the Timberwolves star forward Kevin Love drops 30 points and 30 rebounds isn’t necessarily what I would call a productive Friday night for Knicks fans.
I can now say that the NYK community can finally enjoy some productive and winning basketball. I hope I don’t jinx it but knowing the Knicks of late they’ll find a way to break the hearts of thousands once again. Check the 2010 Knicks playoff exit if you don’t believe me.
What amazed me the most about Donnie Walsh, is the way he negotiated multiple trades, not in favor of the basketball talent on the court, but in favor of their payroll. Mr. Walsh came in with one goal and one goal only, and that was to completely dump every huge salary issue the Knicks had on their financial books. Its funny how former coach, GM and President Isaiah Thomas found a way to make such a mess on and off the court; even though he was one of the games best guards to ever play the game.
Mr. Thomas would spend money like I do after a twelve pack and a few tequila shots and believe me that’s not a good thing.
Thomas deserves 75 percent of the blame for the Knicks abominable free agent signings and pathetic performances.
But year after year, New York Knicks and New York Rangers owner, James Dolan never tried to put a stop to the madness. He just continued to sign the checks and live in hiding.
Dolan would refuse to address the media every year.
I’m convinced he has no idea about hockey or basketball and doesn’t want to come off like an idiot in front of his hard paying fans if caught in a tough question during a press conference. Dolan showed his face when newly acquired superstar power forward Amar’e Stoudemire signed his new five year $100 million dollar contract.
When things are all going right in the MSG world, Dolan doesn’t hesitate to show his smile. During the dark days, he was just the wealthy ghost of 33rd and 7th Avenue.
Now the Knicks have a “Big Three” that consists of Brooklyn’s own Carmelo Anthony , power forward Amar’e Stoudemire and seven-footer Tyson Chandler.
The roster the Knicks have put together this year could arguably be one of the most talented opening day rosters in franchise history. With Carmelo’s ability to score at will and Amar’e Stoudemire’s leadership, the Knicks should be in tip-top shape to make a serious run at the NBA title. Its hard to believe how far the Knicks have come in the past three years.
The Knicks are plugging in veteran role players such as Mike Bibby and Baron Davis to give quality minutes and guide the way to the young talents of Iman Shumpert , Landry Fields and Tony “Teach Me How To” Douglas.
The garden will be rocking every time the boys in orange and blue are in town.
This New York City fan base is ready to join them at the Canyon of Heroes during their championship parade.
P.S. What ever happened to David Lee?
Where Do The Jets Go From Here?
January 4, 2012 3 Comments
Rex Ryan's guarantees failed
Just like many Jet fans, I am wondering what direction the team will be heading towards the 2012 campaign.
From being considered Super Bowl contenders to not even making the playoffs, I can’t even say the mighty have fallen because the Jets were not even able to dominate.
Lets outline what has happened since the beginning of the Jets season and how quickly the perception has changed for this team.
To narrow it down, I will divide the season into four quarters:
1st quarter (2-2) - The Jets got off to a good 2-0 start. They received a gift from Dallas when Romo forgot the fact that Darelle Revis plays for the Jets.
However, the first “bump” in the road occurred when Pro Bowl Center Nick Mangold suffered a high ankle sprain. Mangold was out for 2 weeks and the Jets suffered badly without him, getting crushed by Oakland and humiliated by Baltimore.
2nd Quarter (3-1) – After their 3-game losing streak, the Jets turned around with a 3-game winning streak. After losing in New England, the Jets had good wins against Miami, San Diego, and an impressive victory against Buffalo.
Sitting at 5-3, the Jets seemed primed to overtake the division from the struggling Patriots.
3rd Quarter (2-2) – The Patriots and Broncos crushed the Jets spirits in my opinion.
Both times the Jets were handed heartbreaking losses. The Patriots set the Jets straight and let them know that this was THEIR DIVISION.
Tebow took flight with a 95 yard drive to seal the Jets fate. The Jets would rebound with wins against Buffalo and Washington but the losses to New England and Denver still loomed.
4th Quarter (1-3) - The Jets saved their worst for last.
The Eagles destroyed the Jets, and Santonio Holmes played awful committing two turnovers on his own (1 returned for touchdown). The Jets than lost their battle for New York when the Giants completely outplayed and outcoached the Jets.
Sanchez was awful and the Defense gave up a back-breaking 99 yard touchdown reception to Victor Cruz.
Finally, in Jason Taylor’s last game, the Dolphins sealed any hope for the Jets by embarrassing the Jets 19-17.
The Jets went from being a solid pick for the Super Bowl to an average 8-8 team with MAJOR leadership problems.
This Dolphins loss not only sealed the Jets playoff hopes, but it could seal the fate for Holmes, Schottenheimer, and Sanchez as Jets.
I do not know how Holmes can step foot in that locker room again after quitting on his team. What’s worse is that no team will trade for Holmes, so the Jets are stuck with a horrible contract.
Santonio Holmes quit on his team
Holmes is due $12 Million and if the Jets cut him, $12 Million will go against their cap and Holmes will be a free agent. It’s a tough pill to swallow but it will be VERY interesting to see what exactly the Jets do with Holmes.
How Brian Schottenheimer is still an Offensive Coordinator is beyond my comprehension. I love Rex, but this is beyond idiotic, it simply does not make any sense. His influence on Mark Sanchez seems only hazardous to be honest, especially when you have Tom Moore there for you.
For those who do not know Tom Moore, he molded Peyton Manning into the player he is today. Peyton Manning is pretty good, (4 MVPs, 1 Super Bowl Ring) but why do that?
Yeah, same old Jets.
Mark Sanchez.. I don’t know where to begin, I almost feel bad for him. Sanchez in his young career has acquired 30+ wins and a good playoff record but has just looked horrible this season. I feel he just tried to do too much.
Schottenheimer completely undermined him with awful play calling. However, that does not excuse awful decision-making on Sanchez’s part. I feel like more defensive lineman picked him off than cornerbacks.
WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE:
1.) FIRE SCHOTTY – Seriously! You have Tom Moore, I would give Moore a blank check and beg him to be the Offensive Coordinator. He is more than qualified and from Rex’s perspective, you will not have to worry about the Offense AT ALL, you can completely focus on the defense.
- The Jets need a new Offensive Coordinator
2.) Veteran Leadership - Talent is not everything. You need guys that are respected. I feel that Rex tried to be the figure-head of the locker room. Rex is trying to do so much, and he should focus more on his job.
Sign guys that will back you up.
Players such as Tony Richardson, Damien Woody, Jericho Cotchery were sorely missed in the locker room and it showed.
3.) 2012 Draft - the Jets will have a top 20 pick, it is CRUCIAL that they hit a home run with this pick.
The Jets needs include a Free safety,Right Tackle, linebacker and defensive lineman.
There will be impact players for the Jets to take with their pick, so they better get it right.
4.) No guarantees/No Excuses - I love Rex’s confidence, but I hoped he learned his lesson this year.
Football is the one sport with no guarantees (not even players contracts are, you think Superbowls are?)
Some Jet fans might say, “well Namath guaranteed a Superbowl victory and backed it up.”
Yes, He did guarantee a Superbowl victory, but the Jets were already IN the Superbowl. He didn’t guarantee anything during the regular season.
And one more thing.
Please stop with the excuses, Rex.
Just take the failure of the season and deal with it. I am a huge Ryan fan, but you have to sit back and lick your wounds (or grab a snack?)
Follow our Instagram!: @ZazenLife
Subscribe to our News Feed:
