hey guys, I know you’re probably tired of me switching between different blog URLS, but I’ve decided to do it again.
The new blog URL is http://thesportzguru.wordpress.com/.
If you would be so kind, I’d like a couple of you guys to go up there and subscribe to the site.
Thanks in advance to whoever subs
We all know DeMarcus Cousins is a pretty good basketball player with a ton of potential. In fact, most fans would consider him a future All-Star.
Unfortunately, his temper tantrums led to the firing of coach Paul Westphal. Because Westphal was not able to control Cousins’ attitude on and off the court, he was fired. The Kings had a 2-5 record at the time of the firing.
My question is: why would you fire a head coach after only 7 games? Was DeMarcus Cousins really good enough to fire your head coach over? If it were up to me, I would’ve traded Cousins and gotten some picks and players out of it. That would have been a win-win situation because: 1) Cousins would’ve been happy on a different team and 2) the Kings would’ve gotten some picks and players in exchange for Cousins.
I almost forgot: 3) They wouldn’t have had to deal with Cousins’ temper tantrums anymore!
Wow I’m almost on a rant here… I just can’t believe how stupid the Kings’ executives are!
ESPN.com reports that Westphal was 51-120 with the Kings in his 2 years in Sac City.
Question: do you think the Kings did the right thing? Should they have kept Westphal and traded Cousins?
News broke out today that Patriots Offensive Coordinator Bill O’Brien has signed with Penn State. It seems that news is true. PSU is looking to officially introduce their new head coach at a press conference on Saturday (espn.com). Was this a good decision by PSU to hire O’Brien?? In my opinion, they should’ve looked for a head coach, not an offensive or defensive coordinator. That would’ve helped them out already, and would’ve narrowed the search down a bit more. I don’t know how good of a coordinator O’Brien is, but I do know the Pats have a great offense.
To be honest, not much of a sports day today…maybe tomorrow will be better?
One last question: Was this a good or bad decision by PSU?
#SportsBlogMovement
Yesterday, it was reported on espn.com that S Ryan Clark will not play next Sunday against the Broncos. Tomlin is sitting Clark because he’s got a disease called sickle-cell trait. This disease causes some blood cells to be abnormally shaped, just like this. Because there are some sickle-shaped cells in the bloodstream, the person is much more likely to develop blood clots, especially in high altitudes. As we all know, Denver is the Mile-High City. Last time he played in Denver (2007), Clark “became violently ill and lost his spleen and gallbladder in addition to losing 30 pounds because of deprivation of oxygen to his major organs” (ESPN.com). While Clark is a big part of their defense and the Steel Curtain surely will miss him, no game is worth risking your life for. If the medical team had not removed Clark’s organs, he most likely would’ve suffered a stroke or a heart attack because his veins would’ve clotted.
In my opinion, it’s the right call to sit him for this one. No game, not even the Super Bowl, is worth risking a life for. I’m sure Clark is devastated he can’t suit up for the game. However, he told ESPN he will travel with the team and cheer on the Pittsburgh Steelers as they take on the Broncos in Denver.
Speaking of the game, why not preview it little?
First off, Tim Tebow has not looked good the past 3 weeks. The difference in his game is he hasn’t pulled off the miracles we’re used to seeing in the 4th Quarter. Their running game is one of the best in the league, but I don’t think it will be enough against the Steel Curtain. Granted, they don’t have Ryan Clark, but they just have too many stars for the Broncos to get anything going on the ground. Plus, I don’t think Big Ben will let the Broncos win the game; I just think he will match their points if need be.
My pick: Pittsburgh Steelers OVER Denver Broncos
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The Eagles announced yesterday that Andy Reid isn’t going anywhere. Here is a quote from Chairman Jeffrey Lurie:
“Andy Reid not only has the love of his players and their respect, but he also has the fire in his belly to be the best,” Lurie said. “You’ve got to have the anger. You’ve got to have the motivation, the dedication, and the focus and the talent. My answer to those questions is yes. That’s why I want to see our team coached by Andy Reid next year, and I can’t wait to see that team play. There’s no doubt in my mind, if our focus is on trying to win a championship next year, the best coach for that is Andy.”
To be honest, I think this was the wrong decision by the Eagles. It could work out for them, but I would’ve let Andy go after 14 seasons as the coach and no rings to show for it. I’m not forgetting the run this team had last year with Mike Vick as their full-time starter, however. Many fantasy football managers remember the amazing season Mike Vick had under center. All NFL fans remember how good the Eagles were last year; you were scared to play them! Now, there are a lot of uncertainties with this team.
Will Andy win a ring with this team? History says no, and so do I.
Can he take them to the playoffs?
Playoffs? What playoffs?
The NFL regular season is over. Teams that made the playoffs are busting their asses in preparation. The rest of the league has started their off-season. In fact, a couple teams have gotten head starts by firing their head coaches. The Buccaneers fired Raheem Morris yesterday, while the Rams fired Steve Spagnuolo. Both coaches were fired because of disappointing seasons: the Bucs finished 4-12, while the Rams finished an awful 2-14. Those W/L records kind of surprise me a bit, because both teams vastly improved last year when Tampa went 10-6 and St. Louis went 7-9. However, I suppose both franchises decided that the Head Coach should take the blame for the teams’ disappointing season.
As previously mentioned, the NFL playoff matchups are set. The Bengals will travel to Houston to take on the Texans, while the Steelers travel to Denver to take on the Broncos. That one confused me, as Denver has a much worse record than Pittsburgh, yet has a home game against them…
Those matchups are both AFC Wild Card games. Now, for the NFC Wild Card games: the Lions travel to New Orleans to face the Saints, while the Falcons travel to New York to take on the Giants.
Honestly, I think the Bengals will win their matchup because their quarterback (Andy Dalton) is better than Jake Delhomme.However, if TJ Yates comes back, we don’t know how he’ll produce because he’s a little inconsistent. Regardless, I feel the Bengals have a better chance of winning because of their rookie quarterback and receiver.
I think the Steelers will win their matchup because their defense is one of the best in the league. They will find a way to stop Tim Tebow. Also, Big Ben will make sure Pittsburgh scores enough to win the game. Will Denver even score at all in this game?
I think the Saints will beat the Lions because their offense is just too good. Led by Drew Brees, they have a passing attack unlike any other in the NFL. However, I do think the Lions will make it interesting and a fun game to watch.
I think the Giants will beat the Falcons because Atlanta has a history of being bad on the road. Plus, the Falcons aren’t used to playing in 30 degree conditions, like the Giants are. I do think this game will be close, but I feel like the Giants will pull out a victory here.
To find the complete playoff picture so far, visit this link.
Normally, Week 17 is the craziest week of NFL football. Why is that? Many teams are fighting for those 2 Wild Card spots. However, sometimes divisions that aren’t clinched can be decided on this very day. Such is the case with the NFC East, where the New York Giants and the Dallas Cowboys are vying for the division title today. Neither the Giants nor the Cowboys have good enough records to earn a Wild Card spot, so the game at 8:20 tonight is it. Both teams are 2-3 in their last 5 games. What surprises me about the Giants is they started off so well (6-2) but they perennially struggle in the 2nd half of the season.
The Jets needed to beat the Dolphins today in order to have a shot at the playoffs. Unfortunately for the Jets and their fans, they lost to the Dolphins 19-17. Honestly, Rex Ryan and his team did not deserve to make the playoffs this year. They were extremely inconsistent (much like the Giants), allowed hundreds of points off turnovers, and did not execute well on offense. To top it off, Ryan was babbling about how his team is so good and how they’re gonna make the playoffs.
Well Rex, what happened to that?
I’m sorry if I embarrass any Jets fans out there, but:
In other news, the Indianapolis Colts have clinched the Number 1 pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. Will they select Andrew Luck? Only time will tell, but for their own sake, I hope they do.
Alright guys, I’m back in action. After taking a break from blogging, I’ve decided to come back. My previous problem was that I posted too many times, and my writing suffered as a result. In addition, I had a lot of stress as a result of posting every day. That’s why I’ve decided to space out my writing a bit more this time around. I hope my writing will be much better because of it. Thanks for reading and I can’t wait to get back on the old grind again!
Just wondering, how many of you ended up on my old blog page http://thesportzguru.wordpress.com/?
Credible news sources are reporting Chris Paul requested a trade out of NO. His team of choice? The New York Knickerbockers. It looks like Paul is intrigued by the idea of playing with Melo and Stoutemire. My friend actually showed me the news on his iPhone during music rehearsal. Once I read the story, my mouth dropped and I was thinkin’ “Are you serious?” Paul, Melo, and Stoutemire would HONESTLY make a better team than LeBron, Wade, and Bosh. But that’s just my opinion. They have a better rapport just from being everyday friends, unlike the Heat’s Big 3.
See, that’s what’s wrong with the NBA today. If Paul really left NO for the Knicks, who would be the dominant teams in the East? The Heat, Celtics, and Knicks. Any other teams? What I’m trying to say is, the teams are not balanced. However, if we had gotten a hard cap in the new CBA, the teams would be a bit more balanced. I guess beggars can’t be choosers…
The week 13 NFL Power Rankings are in and I am pretty excited to have two knowledgeable football analysts with me to help with the rankings. We have taken the average of the threeanalysts votes. Each analyst has ranked the teams as they choose 1-32 and we have added comments for each team. Joining me today is Sam Brief, of Sam’s Sports Brief, a 14 year old who created Sam’s Sports Brief to give you a refreshing new perspective on the wild world of sports. Sam hopes to someday become a sports broadcaster or a sports writer and is following his dreams, providing readers with a wealth of information and keen perspective.
Our second analyst today is JB Knox, of 1313sports. He, too provides in-depth game breakdowns and predictions of every game and has coverage of all of the four major sports on his site!!! I highly recommend checking their sites out and brushing up on your sports knowledge through the eyes of these sports fanatics.
So without further ado, here are the NFL Week 13 Power Rankings. Comments and debates are highly recommended and encouraged on these websites!!! Hope You Enjoy!!!
| TEAM | RECORD | COMMENTS |
|---|---|---|
1. Packers |
11-0 | What can I say? The Packers are 11-0, and may be the most well-rounded team we’ve seen in a while. They lead the league in 6 different offensive categories (Have I mentioned that they average 35 points per game?). Of course, they are led by Aaron Rodgers, who leads the league in almost every stat category, and is on pace to have the best season a quarterback has ever had. If Calvin Johnson is Megatron, Rodgers is Optimus Prime. http://sambrief.com https://twitter.com/#!/SamsSportsBrief |
2. Saints |
8-3 | It’s all about the weapons. Jimmy Graham (6-6, 260) leads the team with 67 receptions and 957 yds, Darren Sproles continues to be a spark-plug and a so-called one-dimensional offense is out-rushing their opponents this year. The Saints are hitting their stride just in time for the stretch run. @theknoxscore 1313 Sports |
3.Patriots |
8-3 | The Pats are coming off a win @ KC last week. They looked dominant on both sides of the ball and were able to beat this sinking Chiefs team. With Jamaal Charles, Matt Cassel, and Eric Berry all out, I’m not surprised the Pats beat ‘em like this. Still, the Pats are a dominant team and can beat anyone provided they’re on top of their game. Next week, the Pats take on the the Colts at home.https://stevessportscorner.wordpress.com/ https://twitter.com/#!/TheSportzGuru |
4. 49ers |
9-2 |
The 49ers showed their true colors (red and gold, right?) during a 16-6 loss at the hands of the Ravens. Their usually magnificent offensive line sputtered, and Alex Smith was sacked an uncharacteristic 9 times. Could the 49ers finally be falling off the mountain? When they play the Steelers in 3 weeks, we will know if they are the real deal or no deal. http://sambrief.com https://twitter.com/#!/SamsSportsBrief
|
5. Steelers |
8-3 | The Steelers are in the top 6 in every major defensive category in the NFL. Big Ben has found an emerging start in Antonio Brown and they are nearly doubling their opponents 41-24 in passing plays of 20 yards or more. Can you say Speedy wide-receivers? @theknoxscore 1313 Sports |
6.Ravens |
8-3 | The Ravens won the Harbaugh Bowl last week 16-6. Although the 49ers are still ranked ahead of them, they’re a force to be reckoned with in the AFC. The defense, old as it is, can stop any offense in the league. Baltimore has an easy game against the Browns next week. https://stevessportscorner.wordpress.com/ https://twitter.com/#!/TheSportzGuru |
7. Texans |
8-3 |
Houston we have a problem: Our starting quarterback (Matt Schaub) is out for the season, and now so is our backup (Matt Leinart). Now our starter is 5th-round draft pick T.J. Yates. Although this is true, a Texans’ team that leads the NFL in total defense and is 3rd in rushing offense should be just fine. http://sambrief.com https://twitter.com/#!/SamsSportsBrief
|
8.Falcons |
7-4 | Winners of 5 of their last 6 games, a favorable schedule down the stretch and injuries/suspensions to their two major obstacles for the NFC Wild Card has the Falcons looking good for a late run. They take their 2nd ranked rushing defense against A. Foster and the QB-less Texans this week for a smash-mouth battle. @theknoxscore 1313 Sports |
9. Bengals |
7-4 |
The Bengals pulled out a close win last week over Cleveland. The Dalton to Green connection is getting stronger every week. This team really turned it around this season with a rookie QB at the helm. Next week’s matchup is against the Steelers in Pittsburgh.https://stevessportscorner.wordpress.com/ https://twitter.com/#!/TheSportzGuru
|
10.Cowboys |
7-4 | The ‘Boys barely escaped the upstart Dolphins on Turkey Day, winning 20-19 on a last-second field goal. They are now on a surprising 4-gae winning streak, and lead the NFC East. If the Cowboys can keep this up, then maybe they can escape the label as the Kim Kardashian’s of the NFL. http://sambrief.com https://twitter.com/#!/SamsSportsBrief |
11.Bears |
7-4 |
Yes, I know Cutler may be done for the year, butthey have 4 very winnable games left on the schedule vs KC, Denver, Seattle & Minnesota. They still have the special teams of Hester and the Urlacher-led defense holding them strong. Don’t count them out just yet. @theknoxscore 1313 Sports
|
12.Lions |
7-4 | The Lions got their asses handed to them v. the Packers last week. Plus, Suh got suspended 2 games for his malicious hit on a Green Bay player. They are still in the Wild Card race, but they’ll have to keep it going in order to secure that spot. Next week, they face the Saints in NO.https://stevessportscorner.wordpress.com/ https://twitter.com/#!/TheSportzGuru |
13. Giants |
6-5 |
The Giants are doing what they do. They trick us with a stellar start (6-2), and then they stop winning and end up on losing streaks and get cut out of the playoff picture. Eli Manning is doing his job, but his supporting cast and defense may need some clues on how to step up their game. Here’s a start: Giving up 49 points against the Saints on Monday Night Football is unacceptable. http://sambrief.com https://twitter.com/#!/SamsSportsBrief
|
14.Raiders |
7-4 |
Palmer has won 3 straight games and the defense is in the top 5 in sacks with 32. The trio of Wimbley, Seymour and Kelly has seemingly flown under the radar this year. Janikowski gives them the ability to score once they reach the 35 and if they could only cut down on their league leading 109 offensive penalties, they’d be a worrisome bunch come playoff time, assuming they can hold off Tebow. @theknoxscore 1313 Sports
|
15.Jets |
6-5 | The Jets got lucky last week. Bills kicker Ryan Lindell muffed a kick which gave them great field position at midfield. Plus, Stevie Johnson wasn’t able to haul in the game-winner TWICE last week. Although, the second one was behind him. Regardless, this is an up-and-down team that needs to become consistent in order to secure a playoff spot. Next week they face the ‘Skins in Washington.https://stevessportscorner.wordpress.com/ https://twitter.com/#!/TheSportzGuru |
16.Broncos |
6-5 |
It’s official: Tebowmania has begun. Tim Tebow is now 5-1 as a starter, and now has the Broncos at 6-5 and just 1 game back of the Raiders for the division lead. There is no doubt that Timmy Tebow has given a breath of new life to the entire Broncos’ Organization, but has also revolutionized the way we look at the quarterback. Keep Tebowing, keep Tebowing. http://sambrief.com https://twitter.com/#!/SamsSportsBrief
|
17. Titans |
6-5 | So, Chris Johnson has 2 100 yard rushing games in his last three and they face a weak Bills run defense this week on the road. They are within striking defense of division leading Houston and their depleted QB core. This week is a must win game for them to keep pace. @theknoxscore 1313 Sports |
18. Bills |
5-6 |
The Bills didn’t play their best last Sunday. They aren’t looking sharp at all right now. Hopefully, they can turn things around and beat out the Jets for the Wild Card spot. Next week, the face the Titans at home.https://stevessportscorner.wordpress.com/ https://twitter.com/#!/TheSportzGuru
|
19.Buccaneers |
4-7 |
The Bucs are now in the runt of the NFC. They are currently on a 5-game slide, and while their schedule was tough (Bears, Saints, Texans, Packers, Titans), there are no excuses for a 5-game losing streak. Just stop losing it reeks! http://sambrief.com https://twitter.com/#!/SamsSportsBrief
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20.Chiefs |
4-7 |
Easily the streakiest team in the NFL gets to start Kyle Orton vs his old team in Chicago this week. Can Orton get the Chiefs to score more than 10 points? Their is a FG-kicker in Oakland nearly averaging the same number of points as your whole team!!! The stout defense of the Bears should have a field day.@theknoxscore 1313 Sports
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21.Cardinals |
4-7 | Last week, the Cards edged out a win against the Rams. Patrick Peterson returned another punt for a TD, his 4th of the year. Beanie Wells had 228 yards rushing. They won’t make the playoffs this year, but I see them upsetting some teams and causing a stir in the NFC. https://stevessportscorner.wordpress.com/ https://twitter.com/#!/TheSportzGuru |
22. Eagles |
4-7 |
The Eagles got crushed by Patriots at home this week. Michael Vick was out again with a rib injury, but shouldn’t the ‘Dream Team’ be able to pull out a win against the NFL’s best? The Eagles are also a horrific 1-5 at home, which is the 2nd worst in the league only to the winless Colts. At 4-7, there are truly no playoff chances for the ‘Dream Team’, so don’t be surprised to see Andy Reid lose his job at the end of the season. http://sambrief.com https://twitter.com/#!/SamsSportsBrief
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23. Browns |
4-7 |
Their next two games are vs the Ravens and the Steelers. Get the ice baths ready boys. This very vanilla offense has Peyton Hillis back, but has he really shown any ability to play like a man this season? No, and if you’re targeting Benjamin Watson more than Cribbs, you may as well cal Tom Watson now and get ready for some early golf lessons. @theknoxscore 1313 Sports
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24.Chargers |
4-7 |
The Chargers are playing awful right now. Rivers is turning the ball over, nothing is getting done on the ground, and the defense is stinking up the place! Maybe next year, Norv. https://stevessportscorner.wordpress.com/ https://twitter.com/#!/TheSportzGuru
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25. Redskins |
4-7 |
The almighty Rex Grossman went into Seattle, and won! He got a win! It looks like the ‘Shanahanagins’ are going to stick with Rex for the rest of the season unless Bad Rex shows up, at which point another switch to John Beck would seem likely. Here’s the Redskins quarterback equation for those who are confused: Good Rex= Win, Bad Rex= Lose, John Beck= Self-Destruction, Rex Grossman/John Beck 2-headed monster= Just. Plain. Bad. http://sambrief.com https://twitter.com/#!/SamsSportsBrief
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26.Panthers |
3-8 | Can the Panthers climb out of the NFC South cellar this week? Their 28th ranked run defense isn’t a good matchup vs LaGarrette Blount and his thigh striding ways. Let’s hope the front-office has some defensive lineman in mind for next season.@theknoxscore 1313 Sports |
27.Seahawks |
4-7 | The ‘Hawks were edged out by the ‘Skins last week. This snapped the Redskins’ 5 game losing streak. I don’t see the Seahawks doing anything this year. Next week, they take on the Eagles at home.https://stevessportscorner.wordpress.com/ https://twitter.com/#!/TheSportzGuru |
28.Dolphins |
3-8 |
The surging Dolphins nearly knocked off the Cowboys on Turkey Day. This loss marked the end of a 3-game winning streak that actually made Dolphins’ fans excited (first ever last-place team to make the playoffs, anybody?) Now the streak is over, so…the Dolphins…eh… http://sambrief.com https://twitter.com/#!/SamsSportsBrief
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29. Jaguars |
3-8 | Blaine Gabbert gets benched, Del Rio gets fired and MJD keeps running!!! The 3 most exciting things I’ve said aloud about the Jags all season. @theknoxscore 1313 Sports |
30.Rams |
2-9 | The Rams were good last year…but that was last year. Next week, they face the 49ers on the road.https://stevessportscorner.wordpress.com/ https://twitter.com/#!/TheSportzGuru |
31.Vikings |
2-9 |
The 2-9 Vikes lost for the 3rd time in a row on Sunday, this time to the Falcons. This was a game in which the Vikings actually showed some life towards the end of the game, but, better luck next year, I hope they’re not this putrid in Los Angeles… http://sambrief.com https://twitter.com/#!/SamsSportsBrief
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32.Colts |
0-11 | 21 point underdogs this week at New England!!! Really the only question in this game is this. Will Tom Brady and the Pats break the Saints mark of 65 points vs the Colts from earlier this season? @theknoxscore 1313 Sports |
This post is a bit late in terms of “news”, I just haven’t had time to write it. Anyhow, by now you all heard that the NBPA and the owners struck a tentative deal early Saturday morning. But, the CBA has not been made official yet: if the two sides reach a majority vote on it, then the deal will become “legit.” Therefore, the lockout is not over until 15 of the 29 owners ratify the CBA. The deal is set for 10 years, with an optional opt-out in 2017.Wow…after 150 days of arguing and complaining, both sides agree to a deal that will likely start up the season. Speaking of the season, it’s been shortened to 66 games. The first day of NBA action will be on Christmas with a tripleheader of powerhouse teams:
The Celtics will travel to NY to face the Knicks
The Heat will travel to Dallas to face the Mavs (NBA Finals rematch!!!)
The Bulls will travel to LA to face the Lakers
Sounds like a great day of NBA for a great Holiday. Although the NBA certainly lost some fans during this lockout, the die-hards will come back to watch their favorite team.
I’m still in shock that they came up with the deal. Remember, the deal is tentative, meaning it’s not “by the books” yet. Once the owners and players get majority votes, then the season will official start on Christmas and we will be back in business. The details of the NBA are not out yet, but at soon as it is made official I will update you. I’m certain the players will be getting between 49% and 51% of Basketball-Related Income (BRI) every year.
Unfortunately, I think both sides will opt out in 2017, which only guarantees us 5 good years of basketball. So enjoy it while you still can!
Search #SportsBlogMovement or #SBM on Twitter for more info
Steve's Sports Corner 