The NFL has definitely been exciting so far this year. There have been close games that went down to the wire. Some games were filled with offense, such as the Browns, Bengals game from 2 weeks ago. Then again, some games have been the complete opposite, games that were focused solely on team defense. OK, Maybe, they were based more on a lack of offense. However, there is one thing for sure, injuries are plaguing the NFL this season.
It seems that more and more players are getting hurt every week of the season. The Rams lost Orlando Pace during the first week. If I remember correctly, he is done for the remainder of the season. Andre Johnson, the stellar Texans receiver, went down with a knee injury 2 weeks ago. The Texans are being discrete with information about the injury. This means that the injury is probably far worse than they are letting on. The Texans also lost their starting running back, Ahman Green, to a knee injury. Stephen Jackson of the Rams went down with a partial groin tear last week. Hines Ward, the Steelers' receiver, went down with a knee injury as well. I am very upset about these last few players, because I have them all on my fantasy team. Needless to say, it looks like this season is going down hill for me.
It is not like these are no-name players in the NFL. These are legitimate stars, not only for the respected teams, but in the entire NFL. Will NFL executives lose sleep over the injuries these players suffered? Of course not, there are 30 more big stars waiting to step into the spot light, but it is surprising to see this many impressive players hurt already. Hopefully, the NFL and their trainers will be able to prevent any more injuries to prime time players in the NFL, because this is what attracts fans to the game. I know that they are the reason I tune in every week to watch the game, because great athletes performing on a nation wide platform are a recipe for excitement and success.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Monday, September 24, 2007
Uniforms
I don't know how many of you watched football this Sunday, but the games definitely met my expectations. For the most part, there were a number of exciting games this weekend for the NFL. However, there seems to be a bigger buzz around the uniforms that were worn by some of the teams. I didn't really mind the uniforms, but it certainly was strange seeing these colors on some of the teams. I think it is more for publicity and marketing in these situations, rather than trying something new. It is just dumb to switch your uniforms to just make money for a game or so. Actually, the Eagles may want to keep these powder blue uniforms, considering they won their first game in an impressive manner while wearing them.
The Eagles impressed me with their on-field performance this week, but their uniforms were just awful to look at the whole time. They wore powder blue and yellow uniforms, not even the colors of their team now. These were their colors in their first football season. I would hope they could at least get uniforms that resemble those that they have now, but I guess that would be too much to ask. They only did this to make more money for their franchise, as if they don't have enough already.
The Redskins did a similar thing in their game. Yes, they were still trying to make money, but at least they made a smarter decision in retro uniforms. They picked uniforms that, for the most part, resembled the ones they wear now. They didn't win, but they looked normal while playing. There uniforms didn't seem as ridiculous, and money driven, as the Eagles' uniforms did.
This really isn't that big of a deal, but I got sick and tired of hearing about it during half times shows on Sunday, and then again during the highlights on Sunday Night. I thought that if it was important enough for ESPN to devote so much time; the least I could do was write a blog about it.
The Eagles impressed me with their on-field performance this week, but their uniforms were just awful to look at the whole time. They wore powder blue and yellow uniforms, not even the colors of their team now. These were their colors in their first football season. I would hope they could at least get uniforms that resemble those that they have now, but I guess that would be too much to ask. They only did this to make more money for their franchise, as if they don't have enough already.
The Redskins did a similar thing in their game. Yes, they were still trying to make money, but at least they made a smarter decision in retro uniforms. They picked uniforms that, for the most part, resembled the ones they wear now. They didn't win, but they looked normal while playing. There uniforms didn't seem as ridiculous, and money driven, as the Eagles' uniforms did.
This really isn't that big of a deal, but I got sick and tired of hearing about it during half times shows on Sunday, and then again during the highlights on Sunday Night. I thought that if it was important enough for ESPN to devote so much time; the least I could do was write a blog about it.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Half a Tooth
This blog will have very little to do with sports. Actually, it will have absolutely nothing to do with sports. This is going to be focused on some pretty unique and exciting events which happened this past weekend.
Me and my girlfriend went out last Friday night to a local house party, and went back to her room. We ordered DP Dough, which she was extremely excited about, and I cannot lie, so was I. However, we never got our DP Dough that night because of a a small accident.
Me being the jokester that I am, I decided to start tickling my girlfriend. This was probably a bad idea. At first, we were laughing and having a good time, but that quickly changed. This tickle fight took a turn for the worse when we banged heads. Well I should say, her head banged into my mouth. It didn't feel that bad, but it looked pretty messed up. I saw something go flying when we hit, and I noticed some blood after we collided. I had broken my front tooth in half on my girlfriend's right eye. She had a cut and a pretty nice shiner. What a great story to tell the family!! I went downstairs where we waited for EMT's, who didn't really do much except for determine that we weren't hammered. They told my girlfriend she would be fine in a few days, and that I should go to the hospital the next morning. I decided to go that night, but the hospital informed me that they would be of no help to me.
I had to find a dentist open on Saturday, so I went all the way to Ithaca to get it looked out. They told me I needed a cap, and I went back the next day and got a temporary cap on. I looked good as new, and I have to go back in 3 weeks for a permanent. If you see some girl on campus with a shiner; that would be my girlfriend. Don't just stare, be friendly and say hello.
Me and my girlfriend went out last Friday night to a local house party, and went back to her room. We ordered DP Dough, which she was extremely excited about, and I cannot lie, so was I. However, we never got our DP Dough that night because of a a small accident.
Me being the jokester that I am, I decided to start tickling my girlfriend. This was probably a bad idea. At first, we were laughing and having a good time, but that quickly changed. This tickle fight took a turn for the worse when we banged heads. Well I should say, her head banged into my mouth. It didn't feel that bad, but it looked pretty messed up. I saw something go flying when we hit, and I noticed some blood after we collided. I had broken my front tooth in half on my girlfriend's right eye. She had a cut and a pretty nice shiner. What a great story to tell the family!! I went downstairs where we waited for EMT's, who didn't really do much except for determine that we weren't hammered. They told my girlfriend she would be fine in a few days, and that I should go to the hospital the next morning. I decided to go that night, but the hospital informed me that they would be of no help to me.
I had to find a dentist open on Saturday, so I went all the way to Ithaca to get it looked out. They told me I needed a cap, and I went back the next day and got a temporary cap on. I looked good as new, and I have to go back in 3 weeks for a permanent. If you see some girl on campus with a shiner; that would be my girlfriend. Don't just stare, be friendly and say hello.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Analyst A**holes
Recently, I have been wondering what the requirements are to be a sports analyst that appears regularly on television. I am getting sick and tired of some of the radical statements that they make, and the fact that they fail to base their statements, opinions and predictions on facts. Most of the time, they would rather make radical predictions that are completely illogical. No one calls them out on their ludicrous predictions, but when they get lucky and make a fluke prediction, they become are praised for their great understanding of their respective sport.
Over the last few months, ESPN has been a major player in my newfound despisal for a lot of sports analysts. Don't get me wrong, many of these professionals are doing their jobs extremely well. However, these are the guys who get hardly any air time during ESPN telecasts. They are the guys who are unrecognizable when they appear on the television.
The group of analysts who bother me most would have to be baseball. Some of these so-called pros are complete idiots. A perfect example of this would be how often Steve Phillips makes extreme statements about teams. About 2 months ago, the Yankees and Mets had small losing streaks. During these streaks, he decided that these two teams would not make the play offs because they were no where near this caliber. I guess it just happens to be luck that both teams are, as of right now, play off bound.
Some football analysts are starting to make similar mistakes. The NFL has been up and running for only 2 weeks. Some of ESPN's analysts are already labeling certain players as busts, and/or let downs. Surely, there are some players are not performing up to their expected standards, but after only 2 games, there is very little clear cut information available.
I understand that these analysts are professionals who definitely know how to do their jobs. I am not questioning the work they have done to get to their respected positions. However, sometimes these professionals do to much work in trying to make a story. They are sports analysts, not sports "over" analysts.
Over the last few months, ESPN has been a major player in my newfound despisal for a lot of sports analysts. Don't get me wrong, many of these professionals are doing their jobs extremely well. However, these are the guys who get hardly any air time during ESPN telecasts. They are the guys who are unrecognizable when they appear on the television.
The group of analysts who bother me most would have to be baseball. Some of these so-called pros are complete idiots. A perfect example of this would be how often Steve Phillips makes extreme statements about teams. About 2 months ago, the Yankees and Mets had small losing streaks. During these streaks, he decided that these two teams would not make the play offs because they were no where near this caliber. I guess it just happens to be luck that both teams are, as of right now, play off bound.
Some football analysts are starting to make similar mistakes. The NFL has been up and running for only 2 weeks. Some of ESPN's analysts are already labeling certain players as busts, and/or let downs. Surely, there are some players are not performing up to their expected standards, but after only 2 games, there is very little clear cut information available.
I understand that these analysts are professionals who definitely know how to do their jobs. I am not questioning the work they have done to get to their respected positions. However, sometimes these professionals do to much work in trying to make a story. They are sports analysts, not sports "over" analysts.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Fantasy Fanatics
Ever since fantasy sports have been introduced to the United States, it seems like there has been more and more fans of just about every sport. People who never watched sports a day in their lives quickly become interested in them. Whether, they play for fun with a few friends, or they gamble a few bucks with in an office league, more and more people are beginning to become familiar with the components of fantasy sports.
For the longest time, I had opposed the idea of taking part in fantasy sports leagues. I still have these ideas about the so-called game, but I see some of the upside as well. For instance, it's a great way to keep in touch with friends who are also away at school. It also helps people appreciate some of the lesser known players who are effective in professional sports leagues.
This last statement is one of the reasons I oppose the league. Some people feel like knowing worthless stats makes them more knowledgeable than a true fan. I can't stand when someone tries to make an average player sound like an all-star because of just one statistic. In baseball, having a low WHIP is great, but it can be misleading. A pitcher can have a high WHIP and a low ERA, in which case, they are probably a better pitcher, then somebody with an extremely low WHIP and a inflated ERA. Even these statistics are worthless to me, I feel like wins are what matter in baseball. Getting a win, to me, is the most important statistic a pitcher can have, as long as they aren't giving up 10 runs whenever they get a W.
Anyways, I am taking part in a fantasy football league in which I got dominated last week. I fell into the fantasy trap of trying to play guys you shouldn't with the hopes of getting surprising statistics. I had Randy Moss and Andre Johnson, but I decided to bench them for no real reason other than blind hope. Boy, that was a dumb move. Those two alone would have carried me to victory, but instead I got dominated by pretty much only 2 players on the opposing team. Reggie Wayne and Adrian Peterson were on his team, and they scored nearly all of his points. I can't complain though, I won't make the same mistake again this week, as I hope to get back to an even .500 and make my run to a fantasy football championship.
For the longest time, I had opposed the idea of taking part in fantasy sports leagues. I still have these ideas about the so-called game, but I see some of the upside as well. For instance, it's a great way to keep in touch with friends who are also away at school. It also helps people appreciate some of the lesser known players who are effective in professional sports leagues.
This last statement is one of the reasons I oppose the league. Some people feel like knowing worthless stats makes them more knowledgeable than a true fan. I can't stand when someone tries to make an average player sound like an all-star because of just one statistic. In baseball, having a low WHIP is great, but it can be misleading. A pitcher can have a high WHIP and a low ERA, in which case, they are probably a better pitcher, then somebody with an extremely low WHIP and a inflated ERA. Even these statistics are worthless to me, I feel like wins are what matter in baseball. Getting a win, to me, is the most important statistic a pitcher can have, as long as they aren't giving up 10 runs whenever they get a W.
Anyways, I am taking part in a fantasy football league in which I got dominated last week. I fell into the fantasy trap of trying to play guys you shouldn't with the hopes of getting surprising statistics. I had Randy Moss and Andre Johnson, but I decided to bench them for no real reason other than blind hope. Boy, that was a dumb move. Those two alone would have carried me to victory, but instead I got dominated by pretty much only 2 players on the opposing team. Reggie Wayne and Adrian Peterson were on his team, and they scored nearly all of his points. I can't complain though, I won't make the same mistake again this week, as I hope to get back to an even .500 and make my run to a fantasy football championship.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Football Frenzy
So, the NFL season has kicked off, and the first week of action definitely met the majority of my expectations. There were big hits, big plays, and exciting endings. These are the reasons why I love to watch the sport every week.
My big pick of the week wasn't really a huge upset, but it was confirmed after the first game of the season. The Saints were abolished by the Colts. Now, the Colts are definitely an impressive all-around team, but the Saints were supposed to be more effective than they were. Most people are picking the Saints to get to the Super Bowl this year, against the Colts. I don't really want to see the game, but I don't really think it will happen anyways. I hate to break down the Saints feel good story last year, but I feel like it was kind of a fluke. I feel like they will have a worse season than last year, and they will probably only make the playoffs because they play in the weak NFC.
The Vikings performed well beyond my expectations. I was worried early on, because the first half score was unimpressive with their only touchdown coming on defense, and their running back Chester Taylor went down early. However, it was refreshing to see their first-round draft pick, Adrian Peterson, come up big for them later on, scoring a 60 yard touchdown. I'm not ready to put to much faith into them, because they have started off well the last 3 seasons as well. However, they usually break down in the second half of the season. Hopefully, the Vikings will continue to perform well, especially with a boost from this rookie phenom. My team's victory was bittersweet, because I was playing against Peterson in fantasy football, so he put up pretty big points. I guess I'll take the trade off...this time. I'm sure I'll be writing more about fantasy football, and the problems I face.
Without a doubt, football will continue to be exciting. Already in the first week, we saw three games end with last second field goals. The games will probably continue to be extremely competitive and extremely compelling, which is why I'll be tuning in every week.
My big pick of the week wasn't really a huge upset, but it was confirmed after the first game of the season. The Saints were abolished by the Colts. Now, the Colts are definitely an impressive all-around team, but the Saints were supposed to be more effective than they were. Most people are picking the Saints to get to the Super Bowl this year, against the Colts. I don't really want to see the game, but I don't really think it will happen anyways. I hate to break down the Saints feel good story last year, but I feel like it was kind of a fluke. I feel like they will have a worse season than last year, and they will probably only make the playoffs because they play in the weak NFC.
The Vikings performed well beyond my expectations. I was worried early on, because the first half score was unimpressive with their only touchdown coming on defense, and their running back Chester Taylor went down early. However, it was refreshing to see their first-round draft pick, Adrian Peterson, come up big for them later on, scoring a 60 yard touchdown. I'm not ready to put to much faith into them, because they have started off well the last 3 seasons as well. However, they usually break down in the second half of the season. Hopefully, the Vikings will continue to perform well, especially with a boost from this rookie phenom. My team's victory was bittersweet, because I was playing against Peterson in fantasy football, so he put up pretty big points. I guess I'll take the trade off...this time. I'm sure I'll be writing more about fantasy football, and the problems I face.
Without a doubt, football will continue to be exciting. Already in the first week, we saw three games end with last second field goals. The games will probably continue to be extremely competitive and extremely compelling, which is why I'll be tuning in every week.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Let the Football Begin
Tomorrow marks the start of a brand new season for the NFL. I can't speak for everyone, but I am extremely excited for the first opening kick off of the year. Sure, I love baseball, and the Yankees are on an incredible run to make the playoffs. Yes, college football has begun, and there have already been huge upsets, and disappointments for plenty of teams. However, there is nothing like the thrilling entertainment the NFL brings to the table.
Big hits across the middle, great catches, inspiring runs, these are the things that entertain people all across the country. Every Sunday, everyone across the nation tunes in to watch some of the most talented athletes across the nation fight for the chance to compete in the Super Bowl.
Unfortunately, within the first couple weeks, many fans' dreams will be crushed with regards of hopes of their team winning the Super Bowl. Personally, I am not going to get my hopes up, considering my favorite team is the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings are not what I would call a championship caliber team. They could make the playoffs, simply because the NFC is an extremely weak conference where finished at .500 could mean a play off appearance. I am hoping the Vikings are at least able to finish the season on some kind of positive note, since they have some solid young talent, but I will not get too hyped up. If you are lucky, you will be able to support your team as they make a run to the play offs. I really believe this year will be a great competitive year for professional football, and until college basketball starts, this will be pretty much I will focus on. Even if it is just for fantasy football, I will watch intently every week. Most likely, by the 5th week of the NFL season, the Vikings will be something like 1-4, and I will be posting all my hopes on the Yankees run to the World Series.
Big hits across the middle, great catches, inspiring runs, these are the things that entertain people all across the country. Every Sunday, everyone across the nation tunes in to watch some of the most talented athletes across the nation fight for the chance to compete in the Super Bowl.
Unfortunately, within the first couple weeks, many fans' dreams will be crushed with regards of hopes of their team winning the Super Bowl. Personally, I am not going to get my hopes up, considering my favorite team is the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings are not what I would call a championship caliber team. They could make the playoffs, simply because the NFC is an extremely weak conference where finished at .500 could mean a play off appearance. I am hoping the Vikings are at least able to finish the season on some kind of positive note, since they have some solid young talent, but I will not get too hyped up. If you are lucky, you will be able to support your team as they make a run to the play offs. I really believe this year will be a great competitive year for professional football, and until college basketball starts, this will be pretty much I will focus on. Even if it is just for fantasy football, I will watch intently every week. Most likely, by the 5th week of the NFL season, the Vikings will be something like 1-4, and I will be posting all my hopes on the Yankees run to the World Series.
Sunday, September 2, 2007
College Football
The first day of college football has come and past without very much notice from me. Over the years I have become less and less interested with the so called "competitive" games that take place around the country. In most cases, I am impressed with the competitiveness of college athletics, but football has slowly become a sport filled with blow outs and unbalanced match ups.
In the majority of college sports, basketball especially, there always seems to be a chance for that cinderella team that overcomes the odds and wins big. Despite what most college football fans think, the same teams are contenders every year in college football. The same big name schools are contending for a national title every year, while the rest of the teams in the country sit back and enjoy the show. USC, Ohio State, Michigan, these teams are always the cream of the crop when it comes to winning. Some teams might win a bit more than expected, but they won't have any chance of contending for a national title.
Michigan was upset this week by Appalachian State, I believe. This could be a big deal for Michigan, although I'm sure they will recover. However, Appalachian State won't be making any national title runs, but if they are lucky they might have a winning season. The schedules for these so called championship callibar teams are usually extremley soft. Rutgers played Buffalo this last week. Is this really going to prove Rutgers is an elite team. The game was an utter joke, as were most of the other games played around the nation. The NCAA needs to straighten out the scheduling for future years. Most of the great teams in the nation play only 2 or 3 games against formidable foes, while the rest of the year is a cake walk. Until the college games become more competitive, I probably won't hold much interest in them. Hopefully, these teams will realize how boring most of these games actually are, and will improve the scheduling, so that fans like myself can thoroughly enjoy a "competitve" season.
In the majority of college sports, basketball especially, there always seems to be a chance for that cinderella team that overcomes the odds and wins big. Despite what most college football fans think, the same teams are contenders every year in college football. The same big name schools are contending for a national title every year, while the rest of the teams in the country sit back and enjoy the show. USC, Ohio State, Michigan, these teams are always the cream of the crop when it comes to winning. Some teams might win a bit more than expected, but they won't have any chance of contending for a national title.
Michigan was upset this week by Appalachian State, I believe. This could be a big deal for Michigan, although I'm sure they will recover. However, Appalachian State won't be making any national title runs, but if they are lucky they might have a winning season. The schedules for these so called championship callibar teams are usually extremley soft. Rutgers played Buffalo this last week. Is this really going to prove Rutgers is an elite team. The game was an utter joke, as were most of the other games played around the nation. The NCAA needs to straighten out the scheduling for future years. Most of the great teams in the nation play only 2 or 3 games against formidable foes, while the rest of the year is a cake walk. Until the college games become more competitive, I probably won't hold much interest in them. Hopefully, these teams will realize how boring most of these games actually are, and will improve the scheduling, so that fans like myself can thoroughly enjoy a "competitve" season.
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