Sports Digest 1.17.2011

A little over two weeks into the new year and I am in sports glory–play-off football is great, college basketball is in full swing, the NHL is chugging along and the Australian open is underway. The Steelers are in their 4th AFC Championship game in the past 7 years, Chicago is electric with the NFC Championship game and a huge Blackhawks game this weekend,  Being on this sports cloud-nine–why not dish up our first sports digest of the year?

Syracuse Orange vs. Pitt Panthers

Everyone knows this is going to be a good game. Tonight, you have the unbeaten #3 ranked Orange against perennial Big East powerhouse #5 Pitt. As much as I love the Orange, and as good as they are looking (#1 seed come tourney time) they always struggle against the Panthers, losing the last four meetings. I don’t think that this is going to change tonight–I think that Syracuse has a mental block against Pitt..they just don’t bring their A-game until it’s too late. Add in the loss of lead scorer Kris Joseph for the game tonight and I think it spells extra trouble. Hope I’m wrong and we pull off the W  (as Pitt is the only team from the ‘Burgh that I actively root against, and just can’t stand) but the odds aren’t looking good. That’s alright though, we’ll rebound to beat Villanova on Saturday at the Dome with in front of a record crowd.

Chicago Blackhawks vs. Philadelphia Flyers

Right before the NFL Championship game the NHL’s national game of the week is a rematch of the Stanley Cup last year. The Flyers have had a pretty dominant season and currently hold the #1 power ranking. The Hawks have had a lethargic start to the season but are finally finding their mojo. With a tough game Saturday vs. the Red Wings, look for the Hawks to turn the tide on a national stage and upend the Flyers on home ice.

The Demise of the Patriots

There are few things I enjoy more than watching the Patriots get outplayed. And that’s exactly what happened yesterday. After a shaky first quarter, Mark Sanchez settled down and maintained the tempo of the game and the Jets just, for lack of a better term, laid the smackdown on the Patriots. They got lazy in the fourth quarter and started playing too conservatively, and showed no modicum of class during their on-field celebrations but they got the job done. And I’m pretty sure I saw Tom Brady cry during the game, which just added to my joy. Hard to believe, as Adam Schefter put it, that Tom Brady has now lost three consecutive play-off games. Looking back, it all started going “south” when they lost the Super Bowl in the last seconds to the Giants–(or has it been since his knee injury?) Will Tom ever get another ring? Hard to say, but none of it diminishes that he (in my opinion) is the best QB to play the game..as much as I HATE to admit it. So we’ll have to wait another eight months (or longer) to discuss his Bieber haircut.

The Steelers NOT beating themselves

I’m STILL pumped about that Steelers win on Saturday. The team showed so much resolve coming back to dominate the second half–allowing the Ravens a TOTAL of 28 yards throughout the end of the game. Yes, they had their heads up their asses in the first half, and they won’t be able to play like that again and expect to move on but the determination of the steel curtain defense, as well as some AWESOME play by my boy Big Ben solidified the W. You can say what you want, but Ben Roethlisberger is a top 3 QB in the league (in my opinion two) He has the same number of playoff wins as Peyton Manning (9) with six years less experience. He plays hard, he scrambles, he takes control of the offense, he’s tough and he delivers. As long as there’s time on the clock, if the ball is in Ben’s hands, I honestly think we have a shot to win. Off-field drama aside, I don’t know that there’s another QB I’d take if I could have my pick–Brady gets frazzled–doesn’t seem like Ben does. He’s a great leader and he makes things happen. I like our chances on Sunday.

Are you on as much as a sports high as we have been this week? What’s been the highlight for you?

Let’s us know … we’re always up for a chat 🙂

D-D-Divisonal Showdown

Unfortunately, it’s that time of year where football is drawing to a close 😦 The college season in the books (although I wish it was Oregon hoisting the trophy) and we did much better than with our BCS bowl picks this year than last–going 4-3…it’s a baby step, but it’s a step! 🙂

Wild Card Weekend was great to CDS–we went 3-1 (all except for that Seahawks snafu). This weekend–the NFL is serving up four delicious divisional match-ups that should be excellent for everyone watching. So without further delay–here’s our picks for this weekend.

Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Gotta go with the Steelers on this one (DUH!) Not only because I bleed black and gold–but because I really think the Steelers are the better team. It’s not that the Ravens are push-overs…this will be a dog fight for sure, but I see Pittsburgh coming out on top for a few reasons. The first being that since 1970, the Steelers are 8-0 in the playoffs against divisional opponents. These teams are incredibly familiar with each other and both will be prepared but the Steelers have a proven history of getting the job done among these circumstances–the previous two times the teams have met in the playoffs, the Steelers notched the W.

The Steelers have proven to be the tortoise in the AFC North this year–after a string of some UGLY games–they have been on a roll to close out the season. Yes, their final two games were against the Panthers and Browns–but the Steelers easily put together their two most comprehensive games. Add in the fact that of the past 7 regular season meetings, the Steelers have the edge 5-2. Those two Baltimore victories? They were against starting QBs Dennis Dixon and Charlie Batch. The Ravens have struggled to find an answer for Ben the past three seasons–and know it.

Another reason? Flacco is garbage. Ok, that may be a little harsh, but he is not anywhere near an elite qb status. While he is getting smarter with his play, he still makes many mistakes and the Steeler D will show no mercy. And don’t even get me started on Troy Polamalu–who is a main reason why we won the last game in Baltimore–his ability to be anywhere and everywhere is the difference maker. Now sure, all streaks come to an end and Baltimore may be due-but I think the Steelers, coming off a bye week have the edge. One thing’s for sure, this physical game is definitely going to take a toll on whoever advances enough to the AFC Championship–and probably enough to keep the victor from the Super Bowl. 

Steeeeel Curtain

Green Bay Packers vs. Atlanta Falcons

Oooooh-weeee is this going to be a GOOD game. I’m going with my gut and taking the Packers (they ARE my NFC SB pick!) even though my head says to give the edge to the Falcons. The Packers effectively shut down the Eagles last week–and though the defense tired in the fourth quarter–they put together a solid 60 minutes of football. This is Aaron Rodgers’ time to shine and he has accepted the challenge in leading his time–first to the playoffs, then in a wild card match-up–beautifully. Clay Matthews is an absolute beat–for all intense and purposes the Polamalu of the NFC and will be hard for the Falcons to get passed.

Ryan has himself has matured into a great little franchise QB in Atlanta and Michael Turner is a force to be reckoned with. I’m not by any means knocking on the Falcons–they’ve had a GREAT season and are completely deserving of their number one seed. But the Packers are on a hot-streak and are the most dangerous team in the NFC, which will lead them to victory at the Georgia Dome on Saturday night.

Seattle Seahawks at Chicago Bears

I’m taking the Seahawks–and no I’m not jumping on a bandwagon. Having lived in Chi-town for almost two years now (and loving every second!) I am surrounding by the Chicago culture–and I have watched my fair share of Bears games this season. I don’t think the Seahawks are going to win because they’re dominate–hell they’re not even a .500 team–I think they’re going to win because Da Bears just aren’t that great of a football team.

They really aren’t. The biggest scorer on their team is Robbie Gould (yea PSU!). Jay Cutler is spotty–when he’s good he’s good but when he’s bad?…well….he’s AWFUL. The Bears defense also isn’t great–having coughed up 34 points vs the Jets in week 16. Seattle just beat the defending champions–a team that is MUCH better than the Bears–I think they’ll be ready for the challenge and will shock the world by making it to the NFC Championship (much to my chagrin as I am not a Pete Carroll fan).

The Bears do have two things on their side: the weather (it’s FREEZING here) and Devin Hester–and I do hope, in this case, that I’m wrong and they manage to win–but I just don’t think it’s going to happen.

New York Jets vs. New England Patriots

Ok, we get it….these teams hate each other. *yawn* When did this turn into a rivalry for the ages? For some reason I always thought the Dolphins and Jets were the biggest rivals in the AFC East? But I digress…this media circus back and forth is ridiculously unnecessary–and I find it fascinating that it’s started by the Jets everytime…you know..the same Jets that the Patriots bent over their knees and SPANKED during a nationally televised game in December. Yes, Tom Brady is an ass (and a douche, really) but you can’t deny he’s the best quarterback in the game (and if you want my honest–and grudging–opinion, the best to ever play the game).  The Pats are the Pats…what else can you say? They’re a great, great ball club.

So I’m taking the Jets. Why? Well, they’re my Super Bowl pick..and I CAN’T bail on them now. Yes, Mark Sanchez is struggling GREATLY, but this is a team that, when they focus, can put together 60 solid minutes of football. The problem is they get distracted by any and everything–bright lights, loud noises and cute cheerleaders to boot. The thing about the Jets is even though they aren’t that great–and yes totally overrated from what we all thought they’d be–they always manage to find a way to win..and that’s something you can’t completely count out. They also did beat the Patriots in week 2–so I know they have it in them and even though it’s unlikely..I’m still taking them. They’re my pick and I ride or die with them until they’re out.

David and Goliath

What are your predictions for this weekend? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

In honor of the Steeler game on Saturday we’ve included our new favorite pre-game pump up song: Wiz Khalifa’s Black and Yellow.

–Sam

Wild Card Weekend

Football playoffs are upon us-cue all the “win or go home” and “leave it all on the field” clichés. The NFL has been so enjoyable to watch this season and, since we don’t exactly know if there’s going to be a 2011 season, CDS is excited to take in the final eleven football games and relish every.single. second. of it. We didn’t do too great with our regular season predictions–correctly predicting TWO conference winners–we did have some insight and hope for many of the teams that did make it in but didn’t do well over all–but mostly importantly, our two teams that we expected to play in the Super Bowl — the Packers and the Jets are still alive.

Below you’ll find our predictions for this week’s games–let’s hope we have some better insight than 17 weeks ago.

New Orleans Saints vs. Seattle Seahawks

I am not in the camp that the Seahawks shouldn’t be in the playoffs. They won their division, simple as that. Yes, they are an abysmal 7-9 and the Giants and Bucs had better record, but the Seahawks won their division, and the Giants and Bucs lost key games at significant points in the season to keep them from the playoffs. That being said, I think the Saints will have a pretty easy time disposing of the Seahawks on Saturday and will comfortably advance to the divisional round.

New York Jets vs. Indianapolis Colts

I’m going with the Jets on this one–for no other reason that my brain already has the Jets playing the Pats next week (Thanks for pointing it out Mike!) Both teams backed into the playoffs–the Jets have been spotty all year and  the Colts have struggled this season with a myraid of injuries. I’d never count out Peyton Manning, but I think this can–and will be–a marquee playoff-win for Sanchez and the Jets and hey, I have to take ’em since they’re my Super Bowl pick.

Baltimore Ravens vs. Kansas City Chiefs

This game seems to be pretty over-looked and I think it is going to be an even-keeled match. The Chiefs have an awful offensive line but the Ravens recorded a franchise-low 27 sacks in 2010. Since his break-out season in New England a few years ago, Cassel has flown fairly under the radar. He’s a solid quarterback that can scramble to make necessary plays. The Ravens are always tough though, and Flacco–who I’ll never be sold on as a quarterback and Ray Rice and his explosive nature–are competent enough to put up enough points against the Chiefs for a W. And then hopefully swing up to Foxboro next week–knock off the Pats and meet Pittsburgh in the AFC Championship. (What a best case scenario for Pittsburgh! ;))

Green Bay Packers vs. Philadelphia Eagles

I’m going to take Green Bay in this one. While Michael Vick had an amazing season and is super fun to watch and the Eagles have what can only be described as an explosive offense (New Meadow Lands Miracle anyone?) but the Eagles have proven that they can be contained–with losses to Bears and Cowboys. The Green Bay Packers have looked sharp the last two weeks of the season, with key wins against the Giants and Bears. I expect Aaron Rodgers to finally take the spotlight and use this post-season to develop into the qb we all know he can be. Add in Clay “The Beast” Matthews and I think the Packers are going to come out on the top of this dog fight.

Who do you have in the games this weekend? Who in the AFC has a shot of stopping the pats? Who do you have in the Super Bowl?

As always, we love to hear your thoughts! 🙂

–Sam

Sports Digest 9.15.2010

Fall is in full swing, as the weather in Chicago reminds us every morning. With football back, MLB races heating up and another U.S. Open in the books, Chicks Dig Sports Too is over-due for a sports digest.

NFL

New York Jets-I’m sticking with my pick of the Jets going to the Super Bowl. Did they play horribly on Monday night? YES. Their sloppy play resulted in one converted third-down the entire night, Cromartie had more dumb penalties than he has children and don’t even get me started on Keller’s fourth down play which was one of the biggest bone-head plays I’ve ever seen. A pathetic offensive performance, yes, however the Jets defense DID hold the Ravens to 10 points (albeit, the Raven’s offense was pretty horrendous.) With DT Jenkins out, it will be an uphill battle for the Jets but ‘m not flip-flopping- it’s just week one. Team’s should be playing their worst ball, and the bright side is, the Jets offense can’t get much worse. Maybe Sanchez had the jitters, maybe he’s an awful quarterback, time will tell, but I’m not ready to bail yet. Am I concerned? Sure but not ready to call a fire drill just yet.

Perhaps exchanging recipes after the game??

Pittsburgh Steelers-The Steelers fought hard for that win on Sunday and they deserved it. Dixon performed fine, which is exactly how he needed to-controlling the ball and having as few turnovers as possible. With an inexperienced QB (and a  usually solid kicker that inexplicably froze TWICE in his home stadium) the rest of the team, especially the steel-curtain defense, stepped up to secure the win…and don’t even get me started on Hines Ward’s layout catch in the second quarter. With the win over the Falcons, the Steelers are already better than worse-case scenario of going 0-4 without Ben, which is huge. Hopefully they can scrape together another win against the Titans on Sunday.

Mendenhall Rushes for the Game-Winning TD

Washington Redskins-I love when games come down to one play–under the lights on a Sunday night is about as primetime as you can get. For what it’s worth, Dallas QB Tony Romo did a great job of leading his team down the field and was an inch away from stealing the game at FedEx field (another bonehead play to end the game). But I was impressed with Washington. Shanahan appears to have whipped this team into shape. McNabb is playing well and they seemed way more prepared than I gave them credit for. In a far departure from the previous 15 years of my life, I actually am warming up to the idea (read: would relish every second of) McNabb winning a Super Bowl WITHOUT Philly. It would be just desserts to a city that treated him like garbage for a majority of his time there…hmm. I like the thought of it 😀

Philadelphia Eagles-Ugh. A quarterback “controversy” in week 1? Philly I am so over how easily your love can be bought. In my opinion, there should have never been a “controversy” to begin with–Vick’s your guy.

MLB

The Twins are on FIRE which is unfortunate for the White Sox who have been playing their best ball all season. A  crushing 9-3 loss last night may have delivered the final blow to the team. As a Cubs fan, I’m not sure what’s worse–being 20 games back in July and continuing down a spiral of misery through October, or having a glimpse of hope towards the end of the season and having it extinguished. But I will tell you one thing–it’s rough to be a freaking Chicago sports fan.

Ian Kinsler of the Texas Rangers is appealing his one game suspension with the MLB. I’m torn on this one–however, being ejected means you cannot be a part of on-field activities and  Kinsler’s boyhood excitement for a walk-off home-run, which is undeniably charming, can’t be claimed as a reason for not abiding by the rules. With the Rangers magic number down to 10 with 18 games to play, I think he should just serve it and move on while they have some wiggle room to lose a game or two. I would hate for this to get tied up and have him serve it at a later time when they need him in the game (i.e. magic number is two with three games to play.)

U.S. Open

Another U.S. Open is in the books and I couldn’t be happier about comeback kid Kim Clijsters and perennial powerhouse Rafael Nadal winning the Slam in singles.  For Clijsters, a former number 1 who retired due to injuries in 2007, it was her second-straight U.S. Open win, making her the first woman to achieve this feat since Venus Williams did it in 2000-2001.

Clijsters Wins U.S. Open

In typical fashion, Rafael Nadal was dominant in his  performance in Flushing-dropping only one set in seven matches at the Open. At 24 years old, this win gives Rafa a career grand slam, as well as a “golden slam”-all four grand slam titles and a gold medal. (Sidenote: at 24, my biggest slam accomplishment is housing the free Denny’s Grand Slam on my birthday…but I digress :-)) Rafael Nadal is poised to pass Federer as the best tennis player of all time (given their head-to-head record, he already has in my opinion), and I, for one, couldn’t be happier for him.

What are your thoughts ont his crazy week in sports? Are the Jets really that bad? Are the ‘Skins that good? Should Kinsler appeal his one game suspension? How much of the Open did you watch?

Talk to us people…from traffic numbers (which have been INSANE the past few weeks..thank you! :-D) we know you’re lurking…we’d love to hear from you!

–Sam

whose ready for some freaking football?? :-)

This morning, we woke up and our heart was much like the Grinch’s … it grew three times its normal size. Why you ask? Because today marks the kickoff of the 2010 NFL Football season 😀 With Laura prepping to make the trek to Columbus this weekend for the Miami/Ohio State game (tough “real world” gig, huh?) I’m posting our quick and dirty picks for both NFL Conferences, as well as our Super Bowl prediction.

AFC East–New York Jets-I really like this team. Granted, being featured on “Hard Knocks,” I’ve gotten the chance to become more familiar with them, but I think the team just has an intangible factor. Sanchez will improve on his rookie season performance and the addition of my boy, Santonio Holmes to the Coles/Cotchery/Edwards situation should help open up the passing game, which is a necessity since the running game took a hit with the departure of  Thomas Jones. However, with the Revis situation under control and Cromartie around, the Jets should be poised to make the Superbowl. Just for the record, the last rookie QB to lead a team to a loss in the AFC Championship game and won the Super Bowl the next season? His name? Ben Roethlisberger.

AFC  North-Pittsburgh Steelers. I’m absolutely biased, 100%. Best case scenario, Dixon leads us to a 3-1 record before Roethlisberger steps in.  I’m not too worried though, the Steelers always have been, and always will be a team built on defense. (The Steel Curtain if you will). With a healthy Polamalu, our defense is one of , if not the best in the league. Baltimore has made some solid moves this post season and with the Housmanzadeh pick up should give us a run for our money, but Flacco is not a Super Bowl QB, he just isn’t. The Owens/OchoCinco ego battle will overtake the Bengals and …well, Cleveland is still the “mistake by the lake.” 😉

AFC West-San Diego Chargers-As much as I want to pick the Broncos for my twinny, I just can’t. The solid team always suffers a collapse of epic proportions at the end of the season. Wither, Dumervil and White are out for the season, paired with a bruised Moreno and Buckhalter. I think the team is in too many shambles to win the division. Looking at the rest of the division, the Chargers pretty much have a clear path. Although I positively despise Philip Rivers and all of those idiots that say he’s the best QB out of his draft class…you know, having never even gotten to a Super Bowl.

AFC South-Indianapolis Colts-For obvious reasons, duh.

NFC East-New York Giants-the NFC East is the hardest division in football. Every team is always competitive and the regular season  champion is never decided until week 16. I won’t front, I hate the Philadelphia Eagles with EVERY FIBER OF MY BEING but I think it was a GREAT decision to release McNabb (I’ve been saying since I was 16 that the Eagles would NEVER win a Super Bowl with him…and was right :)) but I just don’t see a successful run. Dallas looked meh in the preseason, with only what appears to be a solid defense. Romo has never proven himself, so we can’t put much stock in him anymore until he does. The Redskins have drama with Haynesworth and Shanahan already, which doesn’t bode well for the season (how on earth they’re gonna bench someone they invested that amount of money in is beyond me) and well, they picked up McNabb, whose over the hill and already starting with his injury shit. (Why does Donovan eat Chunky Soup from a cup? Cause he chokes every time he gets near a bowl. BOOM.) So that leaves us with the Giants, Brandon Jacobs lost 25 lbs in the off-season and faster and stronger than ever. Bradshaw is healthy and jumping out of the backfield like a rocket and Eli is passing well.

NFC North-Green Bay Packers-Rodgers is maturing into quite the lovely quarterback and although the Packers have had a very under the radar off-season, I think this is the year when Green Bay will beat the Vikings TWICE (Finally!)  I’m not a fan of Favre. I try to refuse to weigh in, because I don’t want to give that jag any of my attention, but he is NOT going to win another Super Bowl. He just isn’t. He doesn’t have it left in him. And of course, we all know that Favre is coming back next year, like he’ll really quit one year shy of the all time record for playing seasons and other milestones he’ll be on the cusp of. I think this comeback will be met with the same results of every other comeback, NOT WINNING THE SUPERBOWL.

NFC West-San Francisco 49ers-I’m excited to see what Singletary can do with this team. I admire the way he came in and CLEANED HOUSE last season. Smith, Gore and Crabtree will handle the offense. Justin Smith, Takeo Spikes and Patrick Willis will anchor a middling defense and that will be good enough to win the division. Sorry Arizona, I applaud you kicking Leinhart to the curb, but Derek Anderson isn’t going to take you very far…just ask the Browns.

NFC South-New Orleans Saints-Although Brees is on the cover of Madden 2011, the Saints are poised to make another great run to the Super Bowl. I’d really like to the Falcons tear this division up, as for some reason, I’m such a fan of Matt Ryan, but the Saints just have too many weapons to contain …. right Indy?

Super Bowl Prediction: New York Jets vs. Green Bay Packers. Winner? Jets.

We know you have thoughts and we’re always up for a good debate (Laura would like me to go on record saying she “would never have picked some of those teams.” So let’s hear it!

–Sam

Championship Weekend!

It’s championship weekend folks. We are at that sad time of year where, there are only 3 football games left in the season 😦 Well…four if you count the Pro-Bowl..but who counts the Pro Bowl? So here is my analysis of the upcoming games, but I have fully accepted at this point that I have lackluster success when it comes to picking winners.

AFC Championship: Jets vs. Colts 3pm CBS

I think this is going to be the lackluster matchup of the weekend. Throw out the fact that the Jets ‘ruined’ the Colts perfect season a few weeks ago. Indianapolis ruined their OWN season by pulling starters and making a calculated decision that they think, at the time, made the most sense to get their team to the Super Bowl. We will see if that all pays off this Sunday. (It will be interesting, if the Colts DO win the Super Bowl to hear the chatter about whether that decision was worth it) Let’s not get ahead of ourselves though, the Colts have to get past the on-fire Jets to do it. I think that they will. While there is a lot to like about the Jets team: a rookie QB, solid defense and a loud-mouth coach, I think their lucky streak runs out here. Peyton Manning is ridiculously experienced, as are other players on the team, and its hard to believe it’s Jim Caldwell’s first year as head coach. I’ve never seen Peyton Manning choke. Not once in his entire career. I don’t think the first time will be tomorrow. The Colts’ junior varsity squad lost to the Jets in Week 16. organization…after Manning was pulled out. So it’s been a great season, Jets. Sanchez, you have firmly cemented yourself as the future of that and gained some experience. You’ll be a force to reckon withe next year, and I would have taken you guys over the Ravens, but the Colts are too good. No one has beaten their starters for an entire year…and it won’t start now.

Blossoming into a fine QB right in front of our eyes

NFC Championship: Vikings vs. Saints 6:40pm Fox

THIS.IS.IT. The match-up we’ve ALL been waiting for. The match-up we’ve all been hoping for. Thank God the NFC playoffs have gone ‘as planned,’ and we have this epic showdown. It’s gonna be a GOOD ONE folks. You’ve got the Vikings, who have blossomed into the powerhouse we always knew they could be when they got the QB situation figured out (Sorry, Tavaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels) It was worth the wait. At 40 years old, Brett Favre has been amazing, throwing for 33 touchdowns and over 3,000 yards. (and I HATE to admit it) Adrian Peterson is completely awesome and the defense is playing solid. The Vikings have proven to be a difficult team to beat all season.

Striking resemblance to Benedict Arnold...no?

If anyone can do it…it’s the New Orleans Saints. I like the Saints. I really do. I WANT them to win. There are so many interesting aspects of this story. Drew Brees has really blossomed since he went to the Saints. After a successful career at Purdue, leading the team to a Rose Bowl, it seemed like Brees might be exactly like a countless number of other quarterbacks that thrive in college but not in the NFL (Tim Tebow will soon be added to the list) Since going to New Orleans, Brees has made an astonishing impact and has become the franchise quarterback that he always knew he could be. Reggie Bush is playing IMPECCABLY. Seriously, it looks like he’s back at USC rolling through the PAC-10 conference with such ease.

So I would say, undoubtedly that the Quarterback/Runningback combos on these respective teams are as even as you can get. So what’s going to make the difference? Two Words: Jeremy Shockey. Shockey plays rough and tough and has an incredible amount of charisma. He is, without doubt, one of the ten best tight ends in the NFL and he WANTS it. He is a game changer.

back when he was clean-cut

Percy Harvin for the Vikings is awesome too, but with this mysterious injury and his lack of practice this week, look fo rhim to be less effective in the game…if he even plays it all.

I want the Saints to win, I’m not sure they will but I WANT them to. It’s a great story, it’s a team with a lot of great players and it’s a city that is still reeling from the effect of Hurricane Katrina. Let’s not mention that I don’t want to hear the media hype about Favre returning to the Super Bowl. I hate Brett Favre. He is the epitome of jags. Just because you’re talented, doesn’t mean you get to do whatever you want. I think it’s lame that Favre needs the feel to prove himself to ANYONE, especially his old organization–but I think he’s done that. I don’t think anyone will say that Favre is too old to play… If I remember correctly, I think it was just ‘We’re sick of doing this see-saw will he come back or not sooner rather than later and just want to know’ So, we all know Brett Favre won’t quit us, but dammit  can we please quit Brett Favre? I’m sick of his story, I don’t care that he ‘s still got it.’ To quote my friends on Twitter “Rather than see Favre’s ‘pants on the ground’, I’d rather see his ass on the ground tomorrow.” I hope it happens.

What are your thought? Do you think the Jets can take out the colts? Who do you think is going to win this dog fight in the NFC on Sunday? What are your thoughts on Brett Favre?

Talk to me people 🙂

–Sam

Sports Digest 1.16.10

Lots of awesome sporting events this weekend! Here is a preview! 🙂

NFL

So,  my NFL picks last week weren’t in much better shape than my BCS bowl picks but I  DID get my upset special correct. So here is a quick breakdown of who I ‘THINK’ will take it this week, although I’m fully aware that, because I pick these teams, they have a bigger probability of LOSING 🙂

• Jets vs. Chargers-I’m going with the Chargers on this one. After their usual tepid start, the team is on FIRE and are winners of 11 straight. While I’m not a full believer in Phillip Rivers (he’s a jag too), I think the Chargers are a perrenial powerhouse. I am a HUGE fan of LT, not just because of his athletic ability, but also how he carries himself as a person. As for the Jets, it’s clear that the defense is carrying this team, but props to Mark Sanchez who turned in a solid effort last week against the Bengals (Everyone else finally on the ‘Palmer sucks’ bandwagon?’) I just don’t see him being able to stop the Chargers. I don’t think the Chargers are going to win the Superbowl–> they’ll run into Indy next week, but they won’t go out to the Jets either. But it’s been a fantastic end to a shaky rookie season by Sanchez where he notched his all important first playoff win.
• Ravens vs. Colts– For many of the same reasons above, I pick the Colts. Ravens on a hot streak but it will end when they run into a team that is just all around better. Then I can breathe a sigh of relief because, as a Steelers fan, I hate the Ravens and I want nothing more than to see them lose. Especially when their motto is ‘Purple Power’…gag me.
• Cardinals vs. Saints — This is my *Upset special* for the week folks. The Saints are awesome…and I WANT them to win, but they’ve been playing like dirt the last three weeks, with all of their starters IN. I’m not exactly sure what has been going on with them, but it’s almost like only one team needed to beat them and now every team can. The Cardinals have an AWFUL defense (yea they made that LAST play last week, but no one talked about how Aaron Rodgers had the nastiest face mask call I’ve seen in ten years and no one called it) but they also have Kurt Warner, and I think we all know not to ever count Kurt Warner out. Also, with some more legitimate rumors that this is Warner’s last season, I think the motivational factor for the Cards is at an all time high. So I’d hate to see it happen but I think it will, since the Saints are in this unbelievable funk.
• Cowboys vs. Minnesota — after careful consideration, I’m NOT jumping on the Cowboys bandwagon. Ok, they beat up the Eagles three times this year, a team their familiar with. Romo seems to have broken his December/January streak, but we’re talking about Brett Favre and Adrian Peterson here. Brett Favre, as much as I hate to admit it, is still freaking awesome. He threw for 33 touchdowns this year and over 3,000 yards, add in Adrian Peterson and his PHENOMENAL year and you have the two best offensive weapons in the game…on one team. (Chris Johnson and Brees/Manning are all excellent, but they are on three different teams) No matter what anyone says, Romo and Barber are NOT the duo to take out the Vikings. I know there’s been some drama with Favre and Childress (seriously tho, after awhile, doesn’t everyone notice that the common equation in ALL of these tifts over the past couple years is Favre) but expect that to fall by the way-side. Vikings will win this one, but I expect the Cowboys to put up a decent fight

College Basketball

No. 5 ‘Cuse vs N0.9 WVU –today at noon. I think Syracuse will handle this one well. In my opinion, WVU ALWAYS seems to have a higher ranking than they deserve. They don’t seem able to put together a solid 40 minutes of basketball and always end up in the middle of the pack in the BIG EAST, (which makes them better than most of the teams in the US) So I’m saying ‘cuse take its.

Side Note: HOW DID KANSAS FALL ONLY FALL FROM NO.1 TO NO.3 AFTER LOSING TO NO. 15 TENNESSEE?! We got ourselves a ‘USC/BCS’ situation here…and I don’t like it.

What do YOU think about the NFL playoffs? What CBB do you like? Tune in tomorrow for my Australian Open preview (just in time!)

-Sam