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Breaking Down Peyton Manning Going to the Broncos

2012-03-21T23:30:00.000-04:00

In what seems to be one of the most unique two-week stretches in NFL history, future Hall of Famer and four-time MVP, Peyton Manning, has signed with the Denver Broncos. The move comes just a week after Manning was cut by the Indianapolis Colts.

The Broncos and Manning wrapped up the deal yesterday, agreeing on a five-year, $96 million contract. The contract does have a few conditions, all based around the superstar's health. The star quarterback will be forced to take physical before the 2013 season in order to lock him in for 2013 and 2014.

Other teams that pursued Manning were the Titans, 49'ers, and Cardinals. Some think that Manning chose the Broncos over the other teams, not for talent, but because of his relationship with Broncos vice president of football operations, John Elway.

Maybe Manning chose the Broncos because of Denver's air. It has been proven that footballs travels farther in Denver because of the air in such high altitude. Critics have been complaining about Manning's arm strength, so a little gust of wind could help him complete long throws down the field. On the other hand, Manning will be playing outside in cold weather, after spending his whole career in domes.

Manning is used to playing alongside pro-bowl wide receivers like Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne, but his newest targets will be Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker. Along with Manning in the backfield will be running back Willis McGahee. Not the most dangerous offense in the league, but Manning is known for giving wide receivers names, like Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon. If anyone can turn Thomas and Decker into pro-bowlers, it's Peyton.

Now that the Broncos have found their starting quarterback for the next five years (pending health), what do they do with that other guy who went 7-4 as a starter last season?

Yes, I'm talking about Tim Tebow.

It looks like the two teams that could land Tebow are the New York Jets and the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jets actually completed a trade for Tebow earlier today, but it was nullified due to complications in the contract. Although the Jets and Jags seem to be the two biggest suitors for Tebow, the Patriots, Packers, and Dolphins could all make surprise offers.

As we know, the AFC West is a toss up every year (that's why they call it the Wild Wild West). The Chiefs have had a pretty good offseason and could compete at full strength next year. The Raiders were a win away from making their first playoff appearance in ten years, and let's not forget the San Diego Chargers, who seem to be the favorite every year out of the AFC West. The Broncos will head into the season as the frontrunners, but anything can happen out West.

Only time will tell though. Did Denver make the right move by bringing in Manning and kicking out Tebow, or will karma come back to haunt the Broncos?

Written by Josh Reichman, Analyst

Josh Reichman covers various sports topics for FootBasket and is also a great young writer. Follow more of Josh at his blog, Hall of Fame Sports. Follow @jreichman511

NBA Trade Deadline 2012: The Winners and Losers

2012-03-17T16:44:00.000-04:00

(AP Photo/John Raoux)

Although the Magic retained the deadline's grand prize, there were still a good number of trades involving stars from across the league.

Winner: Magic- Clearly the biggest winner of the week, maybe even the year, the Magic kept on to Dwight Howard for at least one more season. Let's all forget about the commotion he caused, and just think about how the Magic could upset the Bulls or Heat, and make another run into the NBA Finals. No player dominates their position better than Dwight. While their are many point guards, shooting guards, and forwards who compete for #1, no one can compete with Dwight for the league's best center (Bynum is getting their, but still isn't close). If the Magic make a deep run in the playoffs, Dwight will probably sign a new contract, and ask them to bring in some help, but even if the Magic lose early, they still can trade him at next year's deadline.

Winner: Bucks- The Bucks and Warriors pulled off the first trade of the week, when they sent Stephen Jackson and Andrew Bogut to Golden State in return for Monta Ellis, Ekpe Udoh, and Kwame Brown. This trade definitely makes the Bucks a better team. First, with Andrew Bogut out for extended time, Ellis provides instant offense for this team, and also gives them a dynamic backcourt of Ellis and Jennings. Additionally, the Bucks freed of cap space so they could sign Ersan Ilyasova, who has had a standout year this season. Upfront the Bucks already had Gooden and Ilyasova, so their was no need to hold onto the overpaid and injured Bogut.

Loser: Warriors- Why would the Warriors want another overpaid big man when they already have David Lee and Andris Biedrins? Look, I understand why Golden State made this move (to tank the season and retain their draft pick if it falls to #7 or worse, because if not Utah owns it), but I still think they could have gotten more for Monta than just Andrew Bogut. Right now it looks like the Warriors will need to lose a few more games before they can be projected as the #7 pick (NBA uses a lottery technique to set draft order). Before the season, it looked like the Warriors were making progress, but now it looks like they have to start all over again.

Loser: Sixers- Why would a team that already has four guys that can play shooting guard (ET, Iggy, Jodie Meeks and Lou Williams) trade FOR another shooting guard, while giving up a talented prospect who plays on the post, where the Sixers lack depth? It makes no sense to me. Pre-deadline, the chatter around the league was that the Sixers would move either Evan Turner or Andre Iguodala for a combination of picks, size, and skill. Philadelphia went the opposite direction, and instead acquired Sam Young for the rights of Ricky Sánchez. Not a great move, but we will see how this turns out.

Loser: Pacers- Indiana has been playing great basketball this season, and many still think this team is one star away from seriously contending in the East. But as the deadline approached, the Pacers didn't look to bring in a veteran star. Instead they traded for Leandro Barbosa. Barbosa is a great player, but not what this team needs. The Pacers needed a scorer, not another lock down defender. Good news is they gave up practically nothing for him (a 2nd round pick), but bad news is that they are still going to be a four-eight seed in the playoffs for the next few years.

Winner: Lakers- Although it was sad to see Derek Fisher leave the Lakers, it was time. The Lakers made great upgrades at point guard and big man depth by adding Ramon Sessions and Jordan Hill. Sessions will add quick offense, and excitement off the bench (for now), while Hill will allow Pau and Bynum to get more rest. The Lakers didn't add Michael Beasley, but made two small moves that can pay off big in the future.

Wash: Nets- The Nets didn't get Howard, but at least they got some help for now. The Nets acquired Gerald Wallace, who is the league's most underrated and under-appreciated player in the league, for practically nothing. He is a defense and hustle player first, who can also score on the other end (that's why they call him Crash). Now the Nets will have a starting five of Williams-Brooks-Wallace-Humphries-Lopez...not that bad at all. We don't know if that supporting cast will be good enough to keep D-Will, but it will definitely win some games in the latter half of this season.

Winner: Rockets- Houston added a veteran big man in Marcus Camby for a few unproven young players and a draft pick. The Rockets haven't played great basketball since the break, but Camby can add some leadership and talent to this team. The Rockets are currently a seven seed in the West, so Camby will help them hold that spot in a very competitive conference.

Winner: Wizards- The Wizards acquired Nene and a draft pick for Javale McGee, which is a pretty big upgrade at center. McGee is fun to watch, but Nene is clearly the better player. John Wall will have a guy to go to in the post, who can also run the pick and roll offense. Washington has had a terrible season, but they are definitely moving in the right direction.

Loser: Nuggets- Why would the Nuggets want to break up their great chemistry to add a player who is worse, and more problematic than the player they originally had? They traded their longest tenured player (maybe even star player) for a guy who will put up 12 points and nine rebounds a night. If the Nuggets slip out of the playoffs, you know why.

Winner: Clippers- The Clippers didn't make any big moves, but they got the shooting guard they needed for nothing. Los Angeles has needed a big upgrade at shooting guard ever since Chauncey Billups went down with an injury. The Clippers didn't get Ray Allen, but they did a get a young scorer for free. A rare, great move by the Clippers' front office.

Losers: Celtics and Knicks- The Celtics and Knicks have had very disappointing seasons, yet neither made moves at the deadline. For the Celtics, there were plenty of moves that could have been done. They could have gotten rid of Rondo, who appears to not be gelling with his teammates, or they could have traded their veterans (Allen, Pierce, Garnett) for younger talent and picks. The Knicks' only move this week was to fire coach Mike D'Antoni. Not sure if the Knicks needed a player change, but the coaching move seems to be working fine (2-0 since Woodson became interim Head Coach).

AFC East Draft Profile: New England Patriots

2012-03-14T23:20:00.000-04:00

(Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

The AFC champion New England Patriots were just minutes away from winning their fourth Super Bowl with Tom Brady under center, but a few unlucky breaks were what separated them from the Giants. Many fans believed the Patriots were the most talented team in the league last year, and expect them to upgrade at certain positions rather than change around the whole roster this offseason.

2011 Record: 13-3, 1st in AFC East

Strengths: Quarterback, Wide Receiver, Tight End, Nose Tackle, Inside Linebacker, Cornerback, Free Safety

It's true, the Patriots don't have many flaws. Tom Brady will go down as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, and for all we know, he still has plenty of years left in the tank. Brady has great options to throw the ball to in Wes Welker, and the dynamic tight end duo composed of Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski. Scoring is not a problem for the Patriots, as they finish near the top of the scoring charts every season. Even the Patriots defense, which receives the most criticism, isn't that bad. Vince Wilfork is a nightmare for any offensive linemen, while Jerod Mayo and Rob Ninkovich also pressure opposing quarterbacks. In the secondary, the Patriots always have a breakout guy, whether it's Patrick Chung, Devin McCourty, or Kyle Arrington. Again, this team doesn't need much help, as they are the favorites to win Super Bowl XLVII.

Weaknesses: Running Back, Offensive Line, Defensive Ends, Linebacker Depth

For most teams, weaknesses are huge problems that opposing teams try to bring out against them, but for the Patriots, weaknesses are just a step down from perfection. BenJarvus Green-Ellis has never fumbled the ball in his career, but might not return to the Patriots next season. Either way, the Patriots could afford to add some depth at running back, especially a young, speedy player like Oregon's LaMichael James. Also, there's no better way to prolong Tom Brady's career than to keep him healthy. That starts with the offensive line. Nate Solder is the only linemen who will be under 30 years old throughout the season. Plus, it never hurts to have young linemen learn from some of the best. On the defensive end, the Patriots could upgrade at a few spots. While Wilfork does a great job, the Patriots need to apply more pressure from their ends. Additionally, adding depth at linebacker would be another good idea. Finally, the Patriots need to make their secondary better. For all the turnovers they create, they give up just as many big plays. The Patriots need to work on not giving up plays of 20+ yards next season.

Possible Options with 1st round pick (27th and 31st overall): Andre Branch, Peter Konz, Kevin Zeitler, LaMichael James

Branch- The outside linebacker makes perfect sense from what I was saying earlier about applying pressure from the outside. So much of opposing offensive line's focus is on the middle of the field, so that will open up holes for guys like Branch to make plays.

Konz- Both Konz and Zeitler were dominant on the Wisconsin offensive line last year. As usual, these Wisconsin limenen are huge, but also quick with their hands and feet. Don't be surprised if the Patriots go with an offensive linemen, since their current line is old. Remember Patriots fans, drafting linemen just helps out Tom Brady's career even more.

LaMichael James- This pick is more of a creative pick than a realistic one, but would still make sense for the Patriots. Adding a star running back to the Patriots would also make Brady's life easier, but James adds more to a team than just running the ball. He could be used on special teams and also catch balls in the open James has flown under the radar surprisingly, but I still think he would make a great NFL player if he can stay healthy.

What the Patriots need in later picks (assuming they take Konz and Branch): More OL, OLB, RB, S, WR

Recap: I can't stress it enough that the Patriots are so close to returning to the Super Bowl next season. All this team needs is to upgrade a few positions, and they'll be golden come next season. As long as Tom Brady can stay out of Bernard Pollard's way, this team should have no problems.

AFC East Team Profile: New York Jets

2012-03-13T20:04:00.000-04:00

(AP Photo/Bill Kostroun, File)

Long time no see! After a three week hiatus composed of February vacation and SAT prep, I'm back with another team draft profile. Following the Jets will come the Patriots, and that will wrap up my coverage for NFL Draft Insiders (nfldraftinsiders.net). Anyways, about those Jets. After another year of bold predictions, midseason drama, and a disappointing ending, the Jets season ended in turmoil. They seem to have almost all the pieces to the puzzle, but are missing the last part. Hopefully for the Jets, they can pull off some good offseason moves and finally win the title they have been yapping about for the past three years.

2011 Record: 8-8, 2nd in AFC East

Strengths: Tight End, Left Tackle, Center, Defensive Tackle, Outside Linebacker, Cornerbacks

The Jets have a great starting foundation to be an elite team in the NFL. When healthy, the offensive line is great, but that isn't always the case. The fact that Shonn Greene still gets carries is because of how good the offensive line is. Dustin Keller is also turning into a stud at tight end, and seems to be Sanchez's favorite target.

On defense, Sione Pouha, who the Jets recently resigned to a three-year deal, adds pressure up front, while Pace and Maybin add pressure from the outside. And of course, the Jets have a great secondary led by Darrelle Revis. Overall, the Jets have a fantastic defense, and that is usually what keeps them in games. The big problem for the Jets is their production on offense, and that is what they need to address this offseason.

Weaknesses: Quarterback, Running Back, Wide Receivers, Middle Linebacker, Safeties

Even though Mark Sanchez recently signed a contract extension, he is still the same old Mark Sanchez who throws more passes to the ground than to his receivers. If the Jets want to be considered serious, they need to put points on the board! How do they expect to do that with a sub-par quarterback, two not so great running backs, and a wide-receiving core made up of the two most notorious wide receivers in the league.

Here's what the Jets need to do. Keep Sanchez (have no choice) but get rid of Tomlinson and Greene. Go with a young running back who can add some excitement to the team, while taking pressure off of Sanchez to throw the ball. Also, the Jets need to bring in a big named wide receiver to help out Sanchez even more.

On defense, the Jets need to replace Bart Scott at middle linebacker, but also need to address some help to the secondary. As proven last season, Revis can't do it all, and needs some help especially from the safeties. I know injuries are partly to blame, but it shouldn't be that hard to have three guys cover half of the field (Revis shuts down the other side). Again, Jets are really close to becoming serious contenders but their weaknesses really bring out the worst in them.

Possible Options with 1st round pick (16th overall): Trent Richardson, Michael Floyd, Kendall Wright, Luke Kuechly

Richardson- I know the Jets are worried about his knee problems, but Richardson would be the best player available for the Jets. They seriously need to reform their running game, and who's a better choice than the only running back projected to go in the first round? Richardson is a better version than Mark Ingram- a physical running back who also has impressive speed. If I was GM Mike Tannenbaum, I'd be all over Ingram at workouts.

Floyd/Wright- Floyd and Wright are the two next best wide receiver prospects after Justin Blackmon. Personally, I think Floyd would be better, because much of Wrights success is attributed to RG3, who is a much better passer than Sanchez. Floyd is used to playing in a much more traditional setup, and could really help Sanchez. He combines size with speed and athleticism and could even turn out to be better than Justin Blackmon, who is starting to receive criticism for his size.

Kuechly- The Boston College linebacker has been all over team profiles, but that is because he has an incredible work ethic, as well as excellent team leadership, personality, and could play in a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme. Not sure if Kuechly will fall to the Jets, but if available, the Jets would have a Bart Scott replacement immediately. Other guys to consider if Kuechly is not available are Melvin Ingram, Courtey Upshaw, or Nick Perry.

What the Jets need in later picks (assuming they take Floyd): Running Back, Quarterback, Offensive Line depth, Middle Linebacker, Free Safety

Recap: The Jets had an off year, and will need to have an impressive offseason to get back to where they were two years ago. If the Jets can make the adjustments they need, they might find themselves in the AFC Championship Game again. Only time will tell if this team can make it big, or will have a painful collapse that will cause Sanchez, Rex, and maybe even Revis to leave.

Entering A World of Linsanity

2012-02-11T13:53:00.006-05:00

As I sit here in awe, after watching overnight sensation Jeremy Lin kill my Lakers, I wonder how in a matter of four games this kid has become a superstar. Two months ago he wasn't on a team, a month ago he was in the D-League, two weeks ago he was the Knicks 15th man, and now he is their go-to guy. To put it into perspective of his sudden rise to stardom, after tearing up defenses, Lin comes home to his brother's Lower East side apartment and sleeps on a pull-out couch.

When Lin entered the NBA in 2010, he was already defying odds. He became the first Ivy-Leaguer to play in the NBA in eight years. Not only is he the first Asian-American in league history, but he was also one of three players to ever make it in the NBA after playing college ball at Harvard.

The Jeremy Lin Experience started a mere six days ago, when Lin rejuvenated the Knicks off the bench, scoring 25 points to beat the Nets. The next game, with Amar'e Stoudemire out mourning his brother, the Knicks went small and started Lin. They haven't lost since.

In his first start Lin didn't disappoint, putting up 28 points, eight assists, and shooting over 50% in another Knicks win. On Wednesday, Lin out-dueled former #1 pick John Wall, and recorded his first career double-double (23 points and 10 assists) in yet another Knicks victory.

And then came tonight. I was sure my Lakers would put an end to "Linsanity". The Lakers had won their last nine games against the Knicks, and with Amar'e and Melo still out, it looked like they'd extend their streak to ten games.

Think again.

While I thought Kobe would steal the game away, with a typical Kobe-MSG performance, it was Lin who again was the star. In the first five minutes of play, Lin already had nine points and two assists, accrediting himself with 13 of the Knicks first 13 points. While Kobe ended the half 1-6 with under ten points, Lin already had 18 as the Knicks led by eight.

Every time the Lakers would make a run to cut the Knicks lead, Lin would answer with a basket of his own. He finished the game with a Knick season-high 38 points, seven assists, and four rebounds. When the Lakers made one last push in the game's final minute, Lin took a charge to put the game out of reach.

When Lin was approached by ESPN's Lisa Salters after the game, she asked Lin about how he led his team to victory over the Lakers. His response?

"Again I'm just gonna thank my team".

He is so humble, almost too humble. But with so many conceded players in the game today, it's nice to see at least one humble player.

Jeremy Lin is exactly what the Knicks need. Their struggle at the point guard position was one of the key factors why the team was at one time eight games under .500. Even when Melo and Amar'e return, something tells me this kids gonna keep up his game. His points per game will definitely decrease, but his playmaking abilities will stay put.

With the win, the Knicks have won four straight games and are half a game behind eight place with a 12-15 record.

For now though, I guess we'll be hearing a lot of "Linsanity", "Linning", and "All he does is Lin" puns. Stories like this don't happen often, so embrace the Jeremy Lin Experience while you can.
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Written by Josh Reichman, Analyst (Archive/RSS)

Josh Reichman covers various sports topics for FootBasket and is also a great young writer. Follow more of Josh at his blog, Hall of Fame Sports. Follow @jreichman511

Entering A World of Linsanity

2012-02-11T08:53:00.000-05:00

Super Bowl XLVI Predictions

2012-02-05T11:57:00.000-05:00

(Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
Both quarterbacks can reach milestones in Super Bowl XLVI.
Tom Brady can tie Joe Montana with four Super Bowl wins, while Eli can one-up his brother by winning his second.

Wow, where to begin? Let's just start off by saying that Peyton Manning's biggest rival will be playing against Peyton Manning's little brother in "The House That Peyton Manning Built", with Peyton Manning himself watching from a skybox. This game is the epitome of an amazing Super Bowl matchup.

Representing the AFC are the New England Patriots, the team of the decade. Like most seasons, Tom Brady is on top of his game, and can't be stopped. The Patriots finished first in the AFC East and earned a first round bye. After defeating the Broncos with ease and the Ravens in a nail-biter, they will finally have a chance at revenge, by playing the New York Giants.

The Giants have had a roller-coaster season, unlike any Super Bowl team. If it weren't for an overthrown Tony Romo pass on third down, eight weeks ago, the Giants wouldn't have made the playoffs and Tom Coughlin would be unemployed. Ever since their loss to the Redskins, the Giants have won five straight "must win" games, and now find themselves in the biggest football game in the world.

So who do I think will win this game?

The New York Giants. 33-26

This pick is half from the heart, and half from the brain. It's impossible to root against your team any week of the season, but at least there are reasons to why they will win. Both teams are so similar: great passing games, poor running games, poor secondary, great pass rush. It will simply come down to which team takes advantage of the other team's weaknesses, and can protect their quarterback better.

The Giants are probably the only team in the NFL that has had the Patriots number the the past few years. They just know their weaknesses, and exploit them. As I say in almost every New York Giants prediction, they do two things extremely well. The two Giants strengths happen to be the two worst things for the Patriots. They get to the opposing quarterback better than anyone in the league, and they throw the ball better than most of the teams. Tom Brady is clearly an elite quarterback in the NFL, heck, he can go down as the greatest quarterback of all time, but having defensive ends chase you all night is not a simple task. A defense that can rush Tom Brady, and an offense that can turn the Patriots' defense into swiss cheese are two great skill-sets.

With Gronkowski playing injured, who knows how good he'll be. If the Giants can hold Gronk to five catches and just one touchdown, that's better than most teams. Brady won't have time to sit in the pocket all day, so he needs to get the ball out of his hand as quickly as possible.

As for the Giants offense, their running game might be trash, but their passing game can match the Patriots' passing game. If Eli can throw for 350 and two/three touchdowns, they will be in great shape to win this game. Even though that might seem like a lot, when you throw the ball 50 times a game, especially against a terrible defense it's not that hard, especially for an ELIte quarterback (had to throw that in somewhere).

The three headed attack of Nicks/Cruz/Manningham is just as lethal as the Welker/Hernandez/Gronk attack. Manning has been so accurate this season it's scary, and when you add Victor Cruz' route running skills, and Nicks' amazing hands, it's even scarier. The Patriots defense will really need to step up if they want to win this game. It's not going to be a defense oriented game, but the game will come down to who gets the final stop. Also, a huge key in this game will be 3rd down conversions. Last week the Giants had a great 3rd down conversion %, but held the Niners to only one 1st down. It's a game changer.

The Patriots have a lot to play for, and I respect that. Their owner, Rober Kraft, lost his wife, Myra, just before the season started. They have worn a MHK label on their jersey every game this year, and are dedicating this season to her. She was a kind, generous person, who had personal relationships with many players on the team. Clearly the Patriots won't lose this one without a fight.

In the end though, I still think my Giants will come out on top. They too are playing with heart, hunger, and determination. When it comes down to the end, the Giants defense is more likely to stop Tom Brady on a two-minute drive, than the Patriots shutting down Eli Manning on a two-minute drive.
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Super Bowl XLVI Predictions

2012-02-05T06:57:00.000-05:00

NFC East Draft Profile: Dallas Cowboys

2012-02-03T15:17:00.000-05:00

(Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
Note to the Dallas Cowboys: Get this man some protection!
No wonder Romo ran out of gas last season, his offensive line allowed him to get sacked 36 times.

For the second straight season, the Cowboys collapsed in December and failed to make the playoffs. On paper this team looks talented, maybe it was the poor coaching, maybe it was the tough schedule, maybe they just didn't "want it" as much as the Giants. The Cowboys don't have too many weak spots, but every team can improve from the draft.

2011 Record: 8-8

Strengths: Quarterback, Running Backs, Wide Receivers, Tight End, Nose Tackle, Right Outside Linebacker, Special Teams

Say whatever you want, but Tony Romo is an above average quarterback in the NFL. His stats back him up every season, and although he isn't the "clutchest" quarterback, I'd take him over most quarterbacks in the league. As a whole, the Cowboys offense doesn't need much work, besides the offensive line. The DeMarco Murray/Felix Jones running back combo is solid, and the Dez Bryant/Miles Austin/Laurent Robinson wide receiving core is one of the best in the league. Jason Witten doesn't seem like age is affecting him, after coming off another impressive season. As for the Cowboys' defense, Jay Ratliff provides a huge force upfront for the Cowboys 3-4 defense, while DeMarcus Ware is all over the field making plays.

Weaknesses: Offensive Line, Defensive Ends, Middle Linebacker, Secondary

This season, Romo was sacked 36 times, which was sixth most among quarterbacks in the league. If this offensive line protected Romo, maybe he wouldn't have gotten hurt, and maybe the Cowboys could have held it together for the last month of the season. Without an offensive line, it is very hard for an offense to be successful. Whether the team is running the ball, or throwing the ball, the offensive line is involved in every play, keeping defenders from getting to the ballcarrier. Now for the defense. Having two players as skilled as Jay Ratliff and DeMarcus Ware, Dallas needs to make sure that when Ratliff and Ware are double teamed, someone else (a defensive end or linebacker) will fine the whole and sack the quarterback. The Cowboys did not take advantage this season of having two of the best pass rushers in the league. The Cowboys accumulated 42 sacks this season, but DeMarcus Ware accounted for nearly half of them. Dallas can't rely on one player to shutdown opposing offenses, especially when they play the Giants and Eagles twice. The Cowboys' secondary was atrocious last season. Wide receivers had no problem getting past the secondary, and when they didn't, it was probably because of a pass interference flag.

Possible Options with 1st round pick (14th overall): David DeCastro, Dre Kirkpatrick, Mark Barron, Luke Kuechly, Courtney Upshaw

David Decastro- The Stanford offensive guard is a perfect fit for Dallas because he's one of the top guard prospects in this year's draft, and could do excellent job protected Tony Romo.

Luke Kuechly-Kuechly is a top linebacker in this year's draft, that would fit great alongside DeMarcus Ware and Sean Lee, Kuechly could be their understudy, and become a star early on in his career.

Mark Barron- The safety out of Alabama is the top safety in the entiredraft, and has the ability to anchor the Cowboys' secondary. Barron is a hard-hitting, ballhawking, safety, who also has a high Football-IQ.

Dre Kirkpatrick- His stock has declined a bit due to his recent arrest, however, on the field, Kirkpatrick is a beast. He is quick, strong, and along with Barron, was one of the key reasons why the Alabama secondary was impenetrable. Jerry Jones isn't someone who takes big risks with players, so Kirkpatrick may not be the guy for the Cowboys, but if the Cowboys are looking for skill, Kirkpatrick could potentially be a great fit.

Courtney Upshaw- Upshaw was another stud on Alabama's defense this year. While Barron anchored the secondary, Upshaw led the linebacking core and the front line. Upshaw has experience playing in 3-4 defense, and really shined in the National Championship Game. His stock rose even more after a great performance at the Senior Bowl. If all of the players above are available along with Upshaw, I think Upshaw would be the best option. He is a great teammate, has a great work ethic, and is an offensive lineman's worst nightmare.

What the Cowboys need in later picks: Offensive Tackle, Offensive Guard, Cornerback, Free Safety

Recap: The Cowboys are very close to becoming a serious postseason threat. Throughout the first 12 games of the season, the Cowboys are always one of the better teams in the league, but their late season collapses always ruin their earlier success. Although the Cowboys are very strong in certain areas, they also lack depth on defense, and need to restructure their offensive line. If the Cowboys can make these adjustments, look for them to give the Eagles and Giants trouble next season.
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NFC East Draft Profile: Dallas Cowboys

2012-02-03T10:17:00.000-05:00

(Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
Note to the Dallas Cowboys: Get this man some protection!
No wonder Romo ran out of gas last season, his offensive line allowed him to get sacked 36 times.

NFC East Draft Profile: Philadelphia Eagles

2012-01-31T16:39:00.003-05:00

(Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Jason Babin had a great year for the Eagles, but the rest of the defense wasn't up to par.
The Eagles have a few faults on defense, and can fix them up in this year's draft.

Coming into the 2011-12 season, many expected the Eagles to be playing next week instead of the Giants. They were nicknamed the "Dream Team" before they even stepped onto the field. After the signings of Jason Babin, Nnamdi Asomugha, Cullen Jenkins, and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie in the offseason, the Eagles added five Pro-Bowlers in a span of two weeks. Add to that, the lethal offensive combination of Michael Vick, LeSean McCoy, and the quickest wide receiver combination in the league, and this team will be set to win it all. So what happened, why aren't they in the Super Bowl? Injuries, hubris, and chemistry destroyed the Eagles this season, and although they did rally at the end of the year, their early start doomed them.

2011 Record: 8-8

Strengths: Quarterback, Running Back, Wide Receivers, Left Tackle, Defensive Ends, Cornerbacks

Let's be real, if Michael Vick is completely healthy, this offense can compete with anyone. LeSean McCoy was the leading rusher in the NFC this year and also led all rushers in touchdowns. Add a healthy Michael Vick and you then have threats down the field, up the middle, and the possibility of a quarterback scramble. The question with this offense isn't, "can they keep up?", it's "will they be healthy". As for the defense, the Eagles have one of the top pass rushing combos in the league in Jason Babin and Trent Cole. Babin, Cole, and Cullen Jenkins nearly combined for 35 sacks this season, the most between three players in the entire league. And in the backfield, Nnamdi Asomugha, Asante Samuel, and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie can shut down almost any receiver core in the NFL.

Weaknesses: Right side of the Offensive Line, Linebacker, Tight End, Free Safety

Jason Peters did a great job protecting Vick's left side, but remember it's his right side that is his blind side. In order to keep the $100 million man healthy, the Eagles have to protect him and make sure he doesn't hit the deck too many times. Also, improving the offensive line would only make LeSean McCoy even better than he already is. As for the linebackers, the Eagles were really hurt this year on linebacker coverage. While the front four are great, the linebackers struggled to guard tight ends, or drop into coverage. Your defense is only as good as your weakest link. Same goes for the Safety's. While the cornerbacks are guarding their men, the safety's need to be ball hawking in the middle of the field, reading the quarterback's eyes. The Eagles struggled this year in the secondary, and a lot of the responsibility has to go to the safety's. Finally, Brent Celek is a good tight end, but he has been banged up in the past, and it's always good to have a second tight end option.

Possible Options with 1st round pick (15th overall): Zach Brown, Luke Kuechly, Mark Barron, David DeCastro, Melvin Ingram

Kuechly- Kuechly would add instant help to the linebacking core. He is an inside linebacker that would excel under the Eagles' 4-3 defense. Kuechly has been regarded as the top insider linebackers in this class after finishing up a great year at Boston College Ultimatly, Kuechly can turn out to be the next James Laurinaitis in the NFL, a solid linebacker who can control the middle of the field.Their offense needs little to no help, and both of these players could make immediate impacts on the team.

Barron- The safety out of Alabama is also on the rise, after helping the Crimson Tide win the National Championship Game against LSU. Barron has a great combination of size, strength, and smarts that will help him in the next level. He is a hard hitting safety, but can also be smart in the secondary and read the quarterback's every move. I think Barron would be a good fit for the Eagles, but I wouldn't see them taking Barron with Kuechly still on the board. I think the whole linebacking core is more of an issue than a secondary that already has three great cornerbacks.

DeCastro- As I wrote in the Redskins' profile, DeCastro has the size and determination to be a top guard in the NFL. He excelled at Stanford, protecting Andrew Luck's right side, and helped shut down Oklahoma State's defensive line in the Fiesta Bowl. The All-American would be a great help to the Eagles because he plays on the right side, which is very important to Michael Vick. Not sure if DeCastro would be on the board by the time the Eagles are on the clock, but he would be a good fit for them. I think they will go defense first, but DeCastro wouldn't be a surprise pick.

Brown/Ingram- Both are star outside linebackers that had very impressive seasons at North Carolina and South Carolina respectively. Brown isn't the biggest linebacker on the field, but he makes up for it with his speed that helps him get around tackles on the outside. The Eagles love speed so this pick wouldn't surprise me as well. As for Ingram, many thought JaDeveon Clowney would be the star linemen for the Gamecocks, but Ingram exploded this season. Both of these guys have extreme athleticism, something the Eagles look for.

What the Eagles need in later picks: Safety, depth at Offensive Line (assuming they draft linebacker first round), Tight End, Backup Quarterback,

Recap: No one expected the Eagles to be this bad this season, so the draft isn't that important to them. For the most part, they have enough talent on their team to go to the Super Bowl, it's whether or not they can put the pieces together. That being said, the Eagles could still use an upgrade at linebacker, safety and the right side of the offensive line. If the Eagles can fix their costly mistakes from last season, they won't be picking this early come next year.

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NFC East Draft Profile: Washington Redskins

2012-01-28T19:15:00.000-05:00

(Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
After a disappointing 2011 season, the Redskins look to fix their weaknesses in the upcoming 2012 NFL Draft.

Along with the team at NFLdraftinsiders.net, I will be analyzing this year's 2012 NFL draft. As the featured columnist for the NFC East, I will give each team a profile on their 2011 season and what they need in the draft to improve in 2012. First up are the Washington Redskins.

2011 Record: 5-11

Strengths: Linebackers, Secondary, Kick and Punt Returns, Tight End, Youth on Defense

Despite finishing fourth in the NFC, the Redskins have a pretty good defense. They have an above average linebacking core composed of Brian Orakpo, Ryan Kerrigan, London Fletcher, and Perry Riley. Although Fletcher is near the end of his career, Orakpo, Kerrigan, and Riley are all under 26 years old. Along with a good linebacking core, the Redskins also have a pretty good secondary, led by LaRon Landry. Although Oshiomogho Atogwe had a good season, Reed Doughty struggled to fill in for Landry. Also, when DeAngelo Hall is on top of his game, he is one of the best corner's in the league, but he is very inconsistent and has stretches of really bad games where he gets routed by wide receivers. A second cornerback to complement Hall wouldn't be a bad pick. At 5'7, Brandon Banks is a solid returner, averaging a little less than 10 yards per punt returns and 23 yards per kick returns. Finally, both Chris Cooley and Fred Davis are good options at tight end, but injuries and personal issues kept both of them out for extended periods of time this season.

Weaknesses: Quarterback, Running Back, Wide Receiver (1 and 2), Offensive Line, Injuries

It's really hard to win games when you have no threats on offense. When you play in the same division as the Eagles, Cowboys, and Giants, three explosive teams, you need to be able to keep up. With Rex Grossman at quarterback that's virtually impossible. It also doesn't help when your running backs are Roy Helu and Evan Royster. Also, Santana Moss has also been a more than good wide receiver in the NFL, but he's running out of time, and isn't nearly as dangerous as he used to be. The Redskins have a young offensive line, every player being under 30 years old, but that doesn't mean they are good. Rex Grossman and John Beck were sacked a combined 40 times, which ranked third most in the NFL. Clearly the Redskins have a vast amount of improvement needed on offense.

Possible Options with 1st round pick (6th overall): Robert Griffin III, Trent Richardson, Justin Blackmon, Jonathan Martin

Griffin III- If the Redskins were to pull this one off, they would probably need to trade up with the Rams or Vikings, because the Browns are also looking for a quarterback. Griffin could still fall to the Redskins at six, but if the Redskins know that RG3 is the answer to their offense, they better make sure they can get their hands on him, because Ryan Tannehill is no substitute. Griffin could strive under the Redskins offense, just like how Cam Newton turned around the Panthers' gloomy offense. Griffin's speed, throwing power, and throwing accuracy are all assets that will help him succede in the NFL. With a weak offensive line, Griffin would be more likely to evade pressure than Rex Grossman, and his throw on the run ability will help him at a higher level of play. Personally, I like this pick, but the Redskins would need to give him more help in later picks.

Richardson- In another weak running back class, Richardson emerges as the top gun. Matter of fact, Richardson is the only running back projected to go in the first round. What Richardson provides, is a combination of strength and speed. Think of him as a bigger and badder (tougher not skill-wise) version of his predecessor, Mark Ingram. At best, Richardson can become the next Michael Turner. He is a downhill back, who defenders don't want to run into in the open field. Like the Griffin III pick, Richardson would be a good fit for Washington, but he would need a better supporting cast.

Blackmon- If you've watched any college football this year, you know how dominant Justin Blackmon was. His combination of strength, speed, height, and hands make him one of the best draft prospects in years. He is a two-time Biletnikoff Award winner, and also captured the Fiesta Bowl MVP, after a stellar performance. He's like a combination of Anquan Boldin and Dez Bryant, but will need a good quarterback to get him the ball. A huge part of his success at Oklahoma State was because of their offensive style, and their quarterback, Brandon Weeden. I don't think Blackmon would be a good fit with the Redskins because wide receivers who are drafted by teams with bad quarterbacks (think Braylon Edwards), usually aren't very happy.

Martin- Whether it's Martin, Riley Reiff, or David DeCastro, the Redskins couldn't go wrong with an elite offense linemen. With Trent Williams already becoming a strong left tackle, adding DeCastro to the inside of the line, or putting Reiff or Martin on the right would help make the Redskins' offensive line more stable. They do always say an offense starts with a good offensive line. I would be surprised if the Redskins didn't use their pick on a skill-set position, but then again the Redskins are one of the more unpredictable teams in the draft.

What the Redskins need in later picks: Wide Receiver, Defensive Tackle, Running back (if Richardson isn't taken), Offensive Guard

Recap: The Redskins have a lot of holes to fill this offseason. They need to make sure they wisely use their first pick on a future offensive star, be it RG3, Richardson, or even Blackmon. Although Morris Claiborne may be a popular pick, the Redskins have spent so many past first round picks on defense, it's time for a change. And remember, one offensive pick in the first three rounds isn't enough. They need to stack up their offense and add some new weapons. Look at the Bengals this year, Andy Dalton wouldn't have strived without AJ Green, and AJ Green wouldn't have been a pro-bowler if it weren't for Dalton. Think Redskins, Think.

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Rangers Team To Beat Heading Into The All-Star Break

2012-01-28T19:14:00.001-05:00

(Photo by Christopher Pasatieri/Getty Images)
The Rangers have a reason to be celebrating heading into the All-Star break.
Their 66 points in just 47 games are the most in the NHL.

With 66 points in just 47 games, the New York Rangers are the team to beat in the NHL. Their 12 losses in regulation are the least in the NHL, and their 7-3 record in their last ten games heading into the break is the best in the Eastern Conference.

What makes the Rangers such an elite team in the NHL is their superb defense and goaltending. Even with all-star Marc Staal out for the majority of the season, the Rangers have given up the least goals in the NHL. Dan Girardi has done a fantastic job filling in for Staal on the first defensive pairing, and is averaging the most ice time in the NHL, with a little more than 27 minutes a game. Girardi never seems to get tired though and is one of the most efficient players in the NHL, always blocking shots, delivering hits, or applying pressure to wingers.

Along with Girardi, Michael Del Zotto and Ryan McDonagh have also been excellent for the Rangers on defense this season.

When the Rangers brought in Brad Richards during free agency, many assumed he would become the new star of the team. Well, those assumptions were wrong, because the star of the New York Rangers is still Henrik Lundqvist. King Henrik has had a spectacular season so far, and should finally win his first, long overdue Vezina Trophy.

Henk's 22 wins, .937 save %, and 1.87 goals against average rank in the top five among all goalies in the NHL. A huge reason the defense has received credit this season is because Lundqvist is always there to back them up.

For the last few seasons though, defense and goaltending have been strengths of the Rangers. Offense has been the biggest problem for the Rangers. Last season, the Rangers got an early boot from the playoffs because they couldn't put the pucks in the net. In his second season with the Rangers, Marian Gaborik's play regressed a lot, and he only finished with 22 goals. This season in just 47 games, Gaborik already has 25, which ranks in the top five across the league.

Besides injuries, why has Gaborik returned to his typical all-star play?

Brad Richards. Richards has revived this offense, and is creating so many goal scoring opportunities for his teammates. Last year, Gaborik struggled as the playmaker, since he's naturally a sniper. With Richards as the facilitator though, Gaborik can return to his aggressive role as a goal scorer. Perfect example of the two working together is the game winning powerplay goal to beat the Bruins last Saturday.

And how about giving some credit to John Tortorella?

As shown on 24/7 Road to the NHL Winter Classic, "Torts" is the most straightforward coach in the league. If a player sucked after a bad game, Tortorella would be the first to let them know it, but if a player had a good game, Torts would let them know that as well. Tortorella has to be a candidate for the Jack Adams Award this season. His ability to create well balanced lines, send his team strong messages, and have a good relationship with every player are among his best traits as a coach.

Besides the big name guys though, players like Carl Hagelin, Mike Rupp, and Derek Stepan all deserve recognition.

Hagelin, a rookie out of Michigan, is already becoming an offensive threat for the Rangers. Hagelin was recently named along with 11 other rookies to participate this weekend in a few NHL All-Star events.

Along with Hagelin, Derek Stepan has really exploded this season. Stepan leads the team in assist, and his 31 points this season are the fourth most on the team.

And finally, Rupper. Looking at his stats, Rupp is nowhere near the top of the list, but it's his skills that aren't on the stat sheet; hustle, chemistry, hard work, and being an enforcer, that make him a Rangers favorite.

The reason the Rangers will be a Stanley Cup contender this year is because they are so well rounded, so complete. Their offense complements their defense, which reflects back on Lundqvist. They have great chemistry, and have had great success this season against other top teams. It's not a stretch to call this year's team the best team since 1994, the year Mark Messier hoisted Lord Stanley's Cup.

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Kobe Doin' Work

2012-01-14T21:54:00.000-05:00

(Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
Kobe and the Lakers are playing with a chip on their shoulder this season. Everyone
said there time was done, but Kobe thinks they are starting it all over again.

There's a reason Spike Lee made a documentary by this title two years ago. There's a reason Lil Wayne wrote a rap "Kobe Bryant" to respond to Drake's "Forever" which is all about LeBron James. There's a reason he's been on the cover of seven video games. There's a reason he has endorsements with Nike, McDonalds, Sprite, and Spalding.

Besides Michael Jordan, there hasn't been a more dominant, post-merger guard than Kobe Bryant. LeBron James has yet to prove himself as the next "It Factor" with his recent late-game collapses and ring-less fingers. Kobe continues to prove himself as an "It Factor" in his 16th year in the league.

Coming into the season, the Lakers weren't supposed to be the talk of Los Angeles and Kobe wasn't supposed to be the face of city. It was all about the Clippers, Blake Griffin, and recently acquired guard Chris Paul. Even worse, what about his wrist with torn ligaments all over?
And if that wasn't enough negativity already, he was heading into the season after his wife of 10 years divorced him.

This was good news for Kobe though, he was single and ready to mingle with opposing defenses.

The perennial all-star is coming off three, 40-point performances, all which have been won by the red hot Lakers. Even better, Bryant leads the league in scoring, while the Lakers lead the Pacific Division. Only the Oklahoma City Thunder have a better record than the Lakers out West.

Critics have been all over Kobe, saying he shoots too much, but yet his shooting percentage is above his career average. So are his assists and rebounds per game. All around Kobe is making himself and his team better.

Maybe it's his surgery in Germany, maybe it was his viciousness to prove everyone wrong again.

Yes, Andrew Bynum's return was huge for the Lakers, but the whole team is feeding off of Kobe's hard work. The Lakers have won five straight games in which Kobe has averaged 39 points per game. His shooting percentage in those five games? 49.6%

Not only is Kobe hitting the big shots, but he is getting to the line more than he used to. Over the past few years, Kobe has developed a lethal turnaround fade away jumper, but this year it's all about taking it to the basket. Not a bad idea when your shooting over 80% from the charity stripe.

Who were the preseason favorites to win MVP?

Kevin Durant headlined that list along with Derrick Rose, Chris Paul, and Dwight Howard. On ESPN.com's preseason predictions, not one person picked Kobe to win MVP. Durant hasn't struggled this season, but Russell Westbrook is stealing some of his Thunder, pun intended. Dwight Howard is putting up monster numbers, but who knows where he will end up. The only player playing at the same level as Kobe, is Derrick Rose.

Who were the preseason favorites to win the Pacific Division? The West? The NBA Finals?

Let alone the Western Conference, the Lakers weren't even predicted to win their division. 17 NBA experts picked the Clippers on ESPN.com, while only 13 picked the Lakers to win. As for the Western Conference, the Thunder picked up 26/30 votes while the Lakers only got two. And to win the NBA Finals? 0.

Kobe is taking all this negative hype about him and his team, and throwing it right back at them. With the way and the Lakers are playing, they don't even need Dwight. They're chemistry is great, Coach Brown is letting them play their style, and Kobe is playing fearless.

The Lakers play the Clippers tonight, in the first regular season battle between the two teams. The Clippers swept the Lakers in the preseason, but I have a feeling Kobe will go off on Blake Griffin, and his almost-teammate Chris Paul.
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Ricky Rubio Proves He Is NBA Ready

2012-01-14T21:52:00.000-05:00

(AP Photo/Bill Haber)
In just 11 games this season, Rubio has already made an immediate impact on his team.

When the young Spanish superstar announced he would join the Timberwolves, two years after being drafted fifth overall, the Timberwolves knew they were getting a great player, but many others were unsure.

He's been compared to Jose Calderon, Steve Nash, and Pete Maravich. His coaches even call him "La Pistola" taking Maravich's nickname, Pistol Pete, and translating it to Spanish. Clearly, Rubio has a lot to live up to.

Rubio earned some spotlight early on in his career, leading the 16-U Spanish National Team to the FIBA Championships in 2006. In the tournament, Rubio posted two triple-doubles, and even a quadruple-double. He capped the tournament off by scoring 51 points, grabbing 24 rebounds, and dishing out twelve assists 12 in a win against Russia.

He then began his professional career by playing for Joventut Badalona, where he excelled in his first four years. It was during his last season with Joventut Badalona, when he got drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Rather than going over to America right away though, Rubio signed to play with Barcelona. This seemed to be a bad decision by Rubio, his stats worsened, and he even lost his starting position because of his bad play.

That's why when Rubio came over to America, many were unsure if he'd be a star or a bust. Despite his incredible international play, and his spectacular highlight clips, NBA experts and analysts were unsure if he could play his Euro- uptempo style in the NBA.

So far, Rubio has been fantastic for the Timberwolves. He is averaging a near double double, with 10 points and eight assists per game. His assist per 48 minutes ranks third in the NBA behind Steve Nash and Rajon Rondo. Experts were worried about Rubio's shooting, but so far the Spanish Sensation is shooting close to 50% from the field,

Rubio already has four double-doubles this season, and was an assist short of getting his fifth last night.

After ten regular season games, Rubio finally got his first start in the NBA last night. He didn't disappoint, scoring 12 points, dishing out nine assists, and grabbing six boards. He was perfect from the free-throw line and along with Kevin Love, he gave the Timberwolves their fourth win of the season.

Stats aside though, Rubio has transformed this Timberwolves team. Every assist he creates is unique and could find itself on ESPN's Top 10 plays. His court vision is one of a kind, and his hustle points can't be measured. He makes every single player on the court better, whether he is setting them up for a score, or helping them out on defense.

Through the first ten games, Rubio has come off the bench late in the first quarter, but then plays the almost the full second and fourth quarters. When he is on the court, the Timberwolves outscore their opponents by 52 points. His plus/minus ratio is the best on the team. When starting point guard Luke Ridnour is on the court, the team is outscored by 48 points, which is the second worst plus/minus for Minnesota

Many Timberwolves fans are criticizing coach Rick Adelman for not starting Rubio, but the legendary coach knows what he is doing. After all, Rubio is only a rookie.

Currently, Rubio ranks only behind top pick Kyrie Irving on NBA.com's Rookie Ladder. Something tells me tough, that Rubio could pass Irving by the time the season is over. Irving is averaging 17 points and five assists per game, but what makes Rubio so special, is that he makes every player on the court better. His relationship with his teammates on the court is very special, often smiling and exchanging high-fives with them.

Rubio has the third highest all-star votes for West guards, trailing only Chris Paul and Kobe Bryant.

Rubio definitely hasn't been a bust so far. His exciting style and play is transforming the Timberwolves offense. If Minnesota pays attention to his plus/minus, maybe Rubio will get more starts, and the T-Wolves will get more wins.

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NFL Division Round Playoff Predictions

2012-01-14T16:48:00.000-05:00

(Photo by John Grieshop/Getty Images)
Ray Rice and the Ravens are hungry for a win against the Texans.
The Ravens finally have what it takes to make it back to the Super Bowl.

Last week's record: 3-1
Overall playoff record: 3-1

Saints vs. Niners: 30-20 Saints

Yes, the Saints aren't nearly as good on the road, than when they are playing in the Superdome, but Drew Brees and the Saints have been in this position before. Good news for New Orleans is that the game will be played in the 60's, with low wind, and no rain.

The Niners might have the best defense in the league this season, but Drew Brees and the Saints have an answer for anything defensive coordinators throw at them. In his last five games, Drew Brees has thrown 19 touchdowns to only three interceptions. The Saints are hungry to return the Super Bowl, and would love to matchup against the Packers next week in a Week One rematch.

Having Brees on my fantasy team this year, I have followed him closely throughout the season. He consistently throws three touchdowns a game, and throws for over 300 yards. Even against a tough 49'ers defense, he will strive.

The problem for the Niners is that they can't keep up with the Saints. Even if they get some stops early on, Drew Brees and the Saints will figure it out sooner or later. With Alex Smith taking snaps, you never know how the Niners will do offensively. They certainly cannot rely on David Akers to kick five field goals in a playoff game.

The Niners have a bright future ahead, with a hardworking coach and an aggressive young defense, but the Saints' experience will lead them to victory on the road.

Broncos vs. Patriots: 35-29 Patriots

I want to pick the Broncos so badly to win this game, but my conscience tells me the Patriots will advance to the AFC Championship game.

Here's a case for the Patriots to win: They have all the experience in the world, with a future hall of fame quarterback. They are also 7-1 at home this season. They already beat the Broncos once this season, on the road by 18. They are the New England Patriots, three time Super Bowl winners this decade.

Now for the Broncos: Tebowing, Tebowmania, and Tim Tebow. The most popular athlete in the US had a monster game last week, throwing for over 300 yards, and scoring three touchdowns. The Broncos have the will, determination, and heart to win. They've won as the underdog plenty of times this season. In their loss to the Patriots, Tebow fumbled three times in the second quarter alone, if that doesn't happen it isn't a 41-23 loss.

Like I said last week, I expect the Broncos to lose, but by all means it won't be a blowout. If Tebow eats up the clock on offense, limits his turnovers, and the defense backs him up, this game will be close. Still, I expect Brady and the Patriots to end Tebowmania, at least for this season.

Texans vs. Ravens: 27-13 Ravens

Unlike the other games, this one shouldn't be a problem to predict.

The Texans are playing in just their second playoff game in franchise history, they don't have a starting quarterback, and they are playing one of the toughest defenses in the NFL.

The Ravens think they finally have what it takes to advance back to the Super Bowl. For the past decade, the Ravens have been the younger brother to the Steelers, and have watched their division rivals advance to the Super Bowl three times. This year is different though. The Ravens swept the Steelers in the regular season, have one of the biggest and baddest players on defense (Terrell Suggs), and a freight train at running back (Ray Rice). Joe Flacco has been disappointing this season, but maybe a deep playoff run will change the minds of Ravens fans.

Giants vs. Packers: 35-32 Giants

Even though the Packers are 15-1 this season, with their only loss being a fluke game against the Chiefs, the Giants are making some noise this week and think they can beat them. In their only matchup this season, the Packers got the better of the Giants, but the game had a bunch of questionable calls in the final minutes of the game.

Just like in 2007, the year the Giants won the Super Bowl, they weren't even projected to make the playoffs, let alone win it all. Also like the 2007 season, the Giants defense, especially their front line has been unstoppable. With Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora, and Jason Pierre-Paul all rushing Aaron Rodgers, it will be difficult for the MVP frontrunner to get off passes.

Along with the defense, Eli Manning has really stepped up this season. The Giants have the fifth best pass offense in the league, as Eli is averaging close to 300 yards a game. The Packers' secondary isn't very strong, so Eli should be able to find his favorite targets in Nicks, Manningham, and Cruz.

The Packers have been unstoppable this season, but so were the Patriots when they lost to the Giants. Aaron Rodgers will not have a problem getting by the Giants' secondary, but it's the pressure from the front seven that will give Rodgers the most trouble.

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NFL Wild-Card Weekend Recap

2012-01-11T23:59:00.001-05:00

(AP Photo/Chris Schneider)
Tebow completed five passes for over 30 yards in a win against the Steelers Sunday. Previously, the Steelers
had only given up seven passes of 30 yards or more in 16 games this season, the fewest in the NFL.

Bengals vs. Texans: 31-10 Texans
Bengals Player of the Week: AJ Green- 5 receptions, 47 receiving yards
Texans Player of the Week: Arian Foster- 153 rush yards, 29 receiving yards, 2 touchdowns

Inexperience killed the Bengals on Sunday. In his first playoff start, Andy Dalton threw three interceptions and fumbled once. Houston started a rookie quarterback too, but depended greatly on a run game led by Arian Foster. Foster didn't let down, rushing for over 150 yards and a pair of touchdowns. TJ Yates didn't have to throw the ball much, but when he, did he made the most of it. He connected with Andre Johnson late in the third quarter to put Houston up by 14 points. Cincinnati's coaching didn't help either. Marvin Lewis burned both challenges in the first half, and couldn't figure out how to get by the Texans' defense. The Texans, who are coming off their first playoff win in franchise history, will face the Baltimore Ravens next week.

Lions vs. Saints: 28-45 Saints
Lions Player of the Week: Calvin Johnson- 12 receptions, 211 receiving yards, 2 touchdowns
Saints Player of the Week: Drew Brees- 466 pass yards, 3 touchdowns, 134.4 passer rating

Despite a late start, this game was high scoring duel like everyone expected. The Lions hung around for the first half, but finally Drew Brees took over the game, and gave the Saints their ninth win at home this year. The Lions took an early lead, but the Saints had an answer for every score. Let's face it, even the Packers would struggle beating the Saints in the Superdome, so why would the Lions stand a chance. Matthew Stafford played well, but his two interceptions came back to haunt him.

Falcons vs. Giants: 24-2 Giants
Falcons Player of the Week: Julio Jones- 7 receptions, 64 receiving yards
Giants Player of the Week: Eli Manning- 277 pass yards, 3 touchdowns, 129.3 passer rating

Eli and the Giants had no problem beating the offensive-less Falcons at home, as Eli threw for over 250 yards and three touchdowns. Eli played great, but what really surprised me was the Giants' run game. This season New York ranked last in rushing yards, but in last week's game, they rushed for a combined 172 yards. Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw both had 14 carries, as the two of them plowed through or around Atlanta defenders. As for the Falcons, the offense didn't show up, and Mike Smith's risky play call didn't help. The Giants stopped the Falcons on fourth-down three times, proving their front seven is the best in the NFL. Mark my words, the Giants will give Green Bay trouble next week.

Steelers vs. Broncos: 29-23 Broncos (OT)
Steelers Player of the Week: Isaac Redman- 121 rush yards
Broncos Player of the Week: Tim Tebow- 316 pass yards, 3 touchdowns (1 rush) 125.6 passer rating

Teeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeebowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww! Last week, I wrote about how the Broncos would give the Steelers a ton of trouble, but wouldn't actually win the game. That was me being scared, playing it safe, and trying to go 4-0 on the week (ended up 3-1). As I wrote last week, "Tebow Mania was fun, but realistically speaking, we know he isn't throwing for 300 yards, 3 touchdowns, and a win." Well, Tebow threw for 316 yards, a pair of touchdowns, and ran another one in. Even when the Steelers came back and forced overtime, Tebow stomped on the new NFL Overtime rules, and ended the game instantly with an 80-yard touchdown pass on the first play of OT. Denver will be underdogs again next week, but Tebow and the Broncos will never give up.
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NFL Wild-Card Weekend

2012-01-06T18:47:00.001-05:00

(AP Photo/Bill Haber)
The Saints got unlucky by missing out on a first round bye, but should be able to advance to the next round
with a win over Detroit. A Saints vs. Packers rematch of Week One will prove once and for all who the MVP is.

It's this time of the year again, as the NFL postseason kicks off with two Saturday games followed by two Sunday games. On Saturday the early matchup is Cincinnati at Houston followed by Detroit at New Orleans. On Sunday, Atlanta travels to New York while the Steelers will face Denver.

Bengals vs. Texans: 23-17 Texans

The Texans started off the season as one of the best teams in football, and everyone thought this would be the year they take over the AFC South for years to come. The team was riding a six game winning streak, when Matt Schaub went down with an injury. Since the injury, Houston is 1-3, but unlike Cincinnati, they have the surrounding pieces to make up for their loss. Like Houston, the Bengals are also starting a young quarterback on Saturday. What gives the Texans the edge over the Bengals is their supporting cast. Arian Foster has been a stud for Houston all season. Along with Andre Johnson, who has returned from a hamstring injury, the Texans have a great receiving core to help out the inexperienced T.J. Yates. Then comes their defense. Mario Williams has been out since the middle of the season, but Brian Cushing and Jonathan Joseph have really led this group. Statistically speaking, the Texans, who were a bottom five defensive team in the league, rank third and fourth respectively in opposing rushing and passing yards. One last thing that gives the Texans an edge over the Bengals is the fact that they have had proven success against good teams. The Bengals have just two wins this season over .500 teams, but no wins against playoff teams. The Texans have wins over Pittsburgh and Atlanta, and also beat The Bengals in Yates' first game.

Lions vs. Saints: 40-27 Saints

Here come the big bad Saints, ready to get revenge on a disappointing 2011 playoff run a year ago. The Lions have had a great season, and look to be a playoff team for years to come, but the inexperience will eat them up on Saturday. This Saints team is very similar to the one that won it all two years ago. With a lethal offense and a hard hitting defense, the Saints can beat anyone. Here's something else about the Saints, they haven't lost a game at home since last year. Drew Brees has had the best year of his career, and wants to cap it off with a win against MVP contender Aaron Rodgers. To get a chance to play Rodgers and the Packers, the Saints will need to win this one. Stafford and the Lions might match the Saints offense early on, but their inexperience will come back to bite them in the end.

Falcons vs. Giants: 35-30 Giants

This one is a tossup. Matt Ryan and the Falcons have had another great year. Trading up for Julio Jones seemed to be the right move, as the rookie has found immediate success getting behind corner backs and scoring touchdowns. Besides their weak offensive line, one thing that puts the Falcons at a huge disadvantage is the dome effect. The Falcons are 6-2 at home this season, but just 4-4 on the road. Even better, the Falcons only have one road win against an above .500 team. Adjusting from a no wind, room temperature stadium, to an unpredictable windy and chilly outdoor stadium is not so easy. With his older brother out this season, Eli Manning has really emerged as an elite quarterback. He took heat for it when he said that in the beginning of the season, but besides Rodgers, Brees, and Brady, their isn't an obvious quarterback who is next in line. Manning was 67 passing yards and a touchdown away from having a 5,000 yard, 30 touchdown year. Only Brees, Brady, and Stafford achieved those numbers. The Giants are also a team of streaks. When they are hot, they are one of the best teams in football, as proven early in the season, but when they lose they look terrible. Good news about the playoffs is that with a win you're in and a loss your going home. The Giants are very capable of getting hot at the right time, and making a deep run in the playoffs.

Steelers vs. Broncos: 17-13 Steelers

Right away, 95% of you readers think the Steelers are going to cruise through this game, and make a deep run in the playoffs. I mean f course, they are the Steelers, they always do. But this year's Steelers team isn't like the others. They are old, banged up, and don't have the same mentality. Yes, they will win this game, but it won't be a walk in the park. Mendenhall and Ryan Clark won't play. While Ben Roethlisberger and Maurkice Pouncey will play, both are banged up and you don't know how good they'll be. Big Ben looked terrible against the Browns last week, in a game they needed to win. As for the Broncos, we all know they shouldn't be in the playoffs. Tebow Mania was fun, but realistically speaking, we know he isn't throwing for 300 yards, 3 touchdowns, and a win. One thing he can do well though, is control the tempo of the game. If the Broncos can eat up a lot of clock time, wear out the old Steelers defense by running the ball a lot, and catch some breaks this game could come down to the end. I'm not saying the Broncos are going to win, but they can make it interesting. As we've learned, anything can happen in Denver with Tebow behind snap.

Rangers Claim The Winter Classic

2012-01-03T17:28:00.000-05:00

(Photo by Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images)
Henrik Lundqvist saved 34 shots on 36 attempts to give the Rangers a 3-2 victory over the Flyers. With the win
in the 2012 NHL Winter Classic, the Rangers are now tied for the most points in the NHL.

The Philadelphia Flyers struck first, but the New York Rangers never gave up, scoring three unanswered goals to win the fifth anual NHL Winter Classic.

Over 45,000 fans packed themselves into Citizen Bank Park Sunday to see the Flyers and Rangers face off in an outdoor duel. This year's game was a highly anticipated matchup that was featured on HBO's 24/7: Road to the NHL Winter Classic. This game was important to both teams, with a win deciding first place in the Eastern Conference.

Mike Rupp, the man who replaced Sean Avery for the Blueshirts, scored twice, giving them the two points they needed to maintain their position in the standings. Rupp usually plays the role of the enforcer, but stepped up on Monday when coach John Tortorella needed him most.

One of the biggest stories heading into the game was Philadelphia's goalie situation. Early on it seemed like Ilya Bryzgalov, who they signed to a nine-year $51 million deal this summer, would be in net, but his poor play leading up to The Classic opened up an opportunity for Sergei Bobrovsky. After some confusion, Bobrovsky was announced the starter.

Another headliner going into the game was that Marc Staal, one of the Rangers alternate captain, would make his season debut. Staal had been out since last February, when his brother Eric gave him a concussion by checking him into the boards. The hit gave him bad Post-Concussion Syndrome, thus sidelining him for almost a year.

Nonetheless, Staal made his return for the Rangers and played a little more than half a period worth of ice time.

After a scoreless first period, Brayden Schenn scored the first goal of the game, giving the Flyers a 1-0 lead. Schenn scored off a rebound from a save by Henrik Lundqvist.

Just two minutes later, Flyers' leading goal scorer Claude Giroux scored to give Philly a 2-0 lead.

With all the moment going Philadelphia's way, Mike Rupp silenced the crowd when he scored nearly 30 seconds after Giroux's goal. At the end of two periods, the Flyers led New York 2-1.

The third and final period was dominated by the Rangers. Within the first three minutes of play, Rupp scored his second goal of the game to tie it all up. Then, three minutes after that, Brad Richards scored his 14th goal of the year to give New York their first lead of the night.

Things got a little intense in the final few minutes, including a last second penalty shot, but the Rangers held on to win the game.

In five Winter Classic's the home team has actually had worse results. The 2010 Boston Bruins were the only home team to ever win the classic. That game was played at Fenway Park against none other
than the Philadelphia Flyers.

With the win, the Rangers are not only atop the Eastern Conference in points, but they are tied with the Chicago Blackhawks for the most points in the entire league. Along with Rupp's two goals, Henrik Lundqvist was the other star of the game, saving 34 shots on 36 save attempts.

The final 24/7: Road to the NHL Winter Classic will be next week on Wednesday. It will be interesting to see what the players had to say to each other before,during, and after the intense game.

NFL Week 14 Recap

2011-12-15T17:50:00.000-05:00

(Photo by Larry French/Getty Images)
Rice and the Ravens had no trouble defeating the Colts 24-10. Rice
rushed for over 100 yards and a touchdown in the win.

Browns vs. Steelers: 14-3 Steelers
Browns Player of the Week: D'Qwell Jackson- 13 tackles, sack, recovered fumble
Steelers Player of the Week: Antonio Brown- 5 receptions, 151 receiving yards, touchdown

Not an exciting game, but the Steelers got it done again, and advanced to 10-3. Ben Roethlisberger proved he is the toughest QB in the NFL, by returning to the game after practically breaking his ankle. On the defensive end, James Harrison got fined again for a gruesome hit on Browns quarterback Colt McCoy.

Texans vs. Bengals: 20-19 Texans
Texans Player of the Week: T.J. Yates- 300 pass yard, 2 touchdowns, 85.4 passer rating
Bengals Player of the Week: Andy Dalton- 189 pass yards, touchdown, 89.7 passer rating

Rookie T.J. Yates led the Texans to a comeback win over the Bengals. Yates found Kevin Walter in the endzone with only two seconds left, giving Houston the 20-19 win. Not only have the Texans clinched a playoff berth after winning the AFC South, but they can clinch a first round bye as well if they keep it up.

Vikings vs. Lions: 34-28 Lions
Vikings Player of the Week: Joe Webb- 84 pass yards, 109 rush yards, 2 touchdowns
Lions Player of the Week: Matthew Stafford- 227 pass yards, 2 touchdowns, 115.2 passer rating

The Lions bounced back from back to back ugly losses, and defeated the 2-10 Vikings. As of now, the Lions are in the playoffs for the first time in over 10 years. Even with Calvin Johnson slowing down in the second half of the season, the Lions continue to win.

Saints vs. Titans: 22-17 Saints
Saints Player of the Week: Marques Colston- 7 receptions, 105 receiving yards, 2 touchdowns
Titans Player of the Week: Nate Washington- 6 receptions, 130 receiving yards, touchdown

Although the explosiveness wasn't there, the Saints picked up another win, and are now 10-3. In his past four games, Drew Brees has thrown 11 touchdowns, but only one interception.

Eagles vs. Dolphins: 26-10 Eagles
Eagles Player of the Week: LeSean McCoy- 38 rush yards, 2 touchdowns
Dolphins Player of the Week: Reggie Bush- 103 rush yards, 27 receiving yards

With Michael Vick back in the lineup, the Eagles won their first game in three weeks. Although the Eagles have been eliminated from the playoffs, LeSean McCoy continues to impress, scoring two touchdowns on Sunday. Following the loss, the Dolphins fired coach Tony Sparano, who hadn't led them to a winning season since his first year.

Chiefs vs. Jets: 37-10 Jets
Chiefs Player of the Week: Dwayne Bowe- 6 receptions, 69 receiving yards
Jets Player of the Week: Shonn Greene- 129 rush yards, 58 receiving yards, touchdown

The Jets creamed the Chiefs, and have now won three straight games. In the three wins, Sanchez has thrown 7 touchdowns to only one interception. The Chiefs' worries only continue, as they fired coach Todd Haley following the loss.

Patriots vs. Redskins: 34-27 Patriots
Patriots Player of the Week: Rob Gronkowski- 6 receptions, 160 receiving yards, 2 touchdowns
Redskins Player of the Week: Roy Helu- 126 rush yards

No it was not a blowout, but the Patriots defeated the Redskins, and have now won their last five games. The Brady to Gronkowski connection has been historic this season, as the pair has broken a few records already.

Falcons vs. Panthers: 31-23 Falcons
Falcons Player of the Week: Matt Ryan- 320 pass yards, 4 touchdowns, 120.5 passer rating
Panthers Player of the Week: DeAngelo Williams- 87 rush yards, touchdown

The Falcons scored 24 unanswered points in a comeback win against the Panthers. Cam Newton and the Panthers were shut out in the second half after scoring 23 points in the first.

Jaguars vs. Bucs: 41-14 Jaguars
Jaguars Player of the Week: Maurice Jones-Drew- 85 rush yards, 51 receiving yard, 4 total touchdowns
Bucs Player of the Week: LeGarrette Blount- 74 rush yards, touchdown

After getting blown out just a week earlier, the Jaguars destroyed the Bucs, 41-14. Mauice Jones-Drew played his best football of the year, racking up four touchdowns.

Colts vs. Ravens: 24-10 Ravens
Colts Player of the Week: Pierre Garcon- 5 receptions, 46 receiving yards
Ravens Player of the Week: Ray Rice- 103 rush yards, 46 receiving yards, touchdown

The Ravens cruised by the Colts, keeping their AFC North lead. The Ravens have won six out of their last seven games, despite Ray Lewis being out the last four games with a toe injury.

Bears vs. Broncos: 13-10 Broncos
Bears Player of the Week: Marian Barber- 107 rush yards, touchdown, Huge fumble that lost Bears game, and therefore allowed Tebow to win again
Broncos Player of the Week: Tim Tebow- 236 pass yards, 49 rush yards, touchdown

TEEEEEEEEEBBBOOOOWWWW! Tebow did it again, winning in typical overtime fashion. With Tim under snap, the Broncos have won 7 out of their last eight games, and lead the AFC West. Next week will be their toughest matchup, as Tebow takes on Brady and the Pats.

Niners vs. Cardinals: 21-19 Cardinals
Niners Player of the Week: Frank Gore- 72 rush yards, touchdown
Cardinals Player of the Week: Larry Fitzgerald- 7 receptions, 149 receiving yards, touchdown

The Cardinals upset the Niners Sunday, when Andre Roberts caught the only touchdown of the fourth quarter to put Arizona up 21-19. 49'ers' quarterback, Alex Smith, didn't have a good game, throwing for only 175 yards and no touchdowns.

Raiders vs. Packers: 46-16 Packers
Raiders Player of the Week: Michael Bush- 78 rush yards, touchdown
Packers Player of the Week: Ryan Grant- 85 rush yards, touchdown

The Pack did it again, and improved to 13-0 with a blowout win against the Raiders. What will happen first: A Colts win or a Packers loss?

Bills vs. Chargers: 37-10 Chargers
Bills Player of the Week: Stevie Johnson- 4 receptions, 116 receiving yards
Chargers Player of the Week: Philip Rivers- 240 pass yards, 3 touchdowns, 123.3 passer rating

Remember the 5-2 Bills that were making a serious playoff run a good six weeks ago? Well those Bills haven't won since, and are now 5-8. The Chargers on the other hand, have turned it on lately and are still fighting for a playoff spot in the AFC West.

Giants vs. Cowboys: 37-34 Giants
Giants Player of the Week: Eli Manning- 400 pass yards, 2 touchdowns, 90.7 passer rating
Cowboys Player of the Week: Tony Romo- 321 pass yards, 4 touchdowns, 141.3 passer rating

Eli orchestrated another ELIte fourth quarter drive, as the Giants defeated the Cowboys and reclaimed lead of the NFC East. On defense, Jason Pierre-Paul played amazing, totaling, 6 tackles, a sack, a safety, a fumble recovered, and a blocked kick. As for Dallas, their typical December struggles continue.

Rams vs. Seahawks: 30-13 Seahawks
Rams Player of the Week: Steven Jackson- 63 rush yards, 60 receiving yards, touchdown
Seahawks Player of the Week: Marshawn Lynch- 115 rush yards, touchdown

Lynch tasted the rainbow again giving the Seahawks four wins in their last five games. Although it appears too late to make the playoffs, The Seahawks are looking for there first winning season in over three years.

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A Star Is Born: Jason Pierre-Paul

2011-12-14T21:37:00.000-05:00

The New York Giants got a much needed win on the road Sunday night, when they defeated the Dallas Cowboys after blocking a potential game-tying field goal. Dallas' kicker, Dan Bailey, made his first field goal attempt, but Giants' coach Tom Coughlin called a timeout to ice Bailey, who had a similar result last week vs. Arizona. The second time around, Bailey's attempt was unsuccessful when Giants defensive end, Jason Pierre-Paul, came charging up the middle to block the kick, winning the game for the Giants.

This was not Pierre-Paul's only highlight of the night. The second year defensive end also had a pair of sacks, including a safety on Tony Romo, and a forced fumble. With many injuries to the defense this season, JPP has stepped up and has been a leader on defense this season. He became the first player in NFL history to record a sack, forced fumble, and blocked field goal in the same game

Here is Pierre-Paul's game winning block Sunday night.

With regular starters, Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck, out extended periods of time this season, Pierre-Paul has filed their roles perfectly in their absence. His 12.5 sacks this season are fifth best in the NFL, and his six pass deflections are fourth best among defensive linemen.

The great thing about Pierre-Paul though, is that he is not even close to reaching his potential. In high school, JPP didn't play football until his senior year. He actually focused on basketball for much of his youth, but a serious leg injury made him focus solely on football.

Pierre-Paul started off his collegiate career at College of the Canyons, a community college in Calfiornia. In his freshman year, he accumulated 14 sacks, and earned All-American honors. He then moved on to Fort Scott Community College in Kansas where he was an All-American again. Finally, Pierre-Paul made it Division I football his junior year, playing for the University of South Florida. At South Florida, Pierre-Paul excelled and was named First team All Big East, as well as First-team All-America.

He decided to forgo his senior year, and enter the 2010 NFL draft, where he was drafted in the first round by the New York Giants. Many NFL analysts said it was a risky pick, due to the fact that Pierre-Paul only played one year of Division I football, and that he was simply an incredible athlete, not a football player.

Pierre-Paul has proved these analyst wrong again and again this season. He is among the best pass rushers in the NFL, and also won NFC Defensive Player of the Week.

You want to know just how good Pierre-Paul is?

In Michael Strahan's first two seasons he combined for 5.5 sacks. Not even done with his second season, Pierre-Paul already has 17. It took Strahan, who is the all-time sacks leader in Giants history, four years to reach 17 sacks. Lawrence Taylor, arguably the greatest pass rusher of all time, had only 7.5 sacks through two years. He didn't reach 17 sacks until the end of his third year.

Pierre-Paul has the height, strength, athleticism, and speed to chase down not only quarterbacks, but running backs too. He made a pivotal play in the game, when he chased down running back Felix Jones, and barely forced him out of bounds when the clock was running against Dallas. If it were any other defensive end, Jones would have had at least a first down, maybe more.

If JPP can continue to improve at his current rate, the sky is the limit. Pierre-Paul has a bright future ahead, and should play in multiple Pro Bowls throughout his career.
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Angel In the Infield, Albert Pujols Signs 10-year, $250 Million contract with Los Angeles

2011-12-10T21:58:00.000-05:00

(Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Albert Pujols will leave St. Louis for Los Angeles, after 11 great years with the Cardinals.
The Angels signed Pujols to a 10-year, $250 million contract, earlier today.

Earlier today, the Angels won the Albert Pujols sweepstakes, signing him to a 10-year, $250 million contract. The three-time MVP winner will leave St. Louis after 11 years, in which he won two World Series.

The Angels seemed to sneak in and win Pujols over, the same way the Phillies signed Cliff Lee last year. The teams interested in Pujols early on were the Marlins, Cubs, and the Cardinals, but in the last 24 hours, the Angels showed huge interest in Pujols, and ended up winning him over.

Pujols' contract is the second largest in MLB history, only behind Alex Rodriguez' contract with the Yankees, and is this third contract ever to go over $200 million. In Pujols' contract is a no-trade clause, something that kept him from signing with the Marlins.

Many speculated that when the Marlins gave up on Pujols after signing Jose Reyes and Mark Buehrle, the Cardinals would resign Pujols. Despite being unable to resign their franchise player, the Cardinals don't seem bitter over Pujols, but rather seem thankful for him having him this past decade.

The Angels also signed lefty ace CJ Wilson to a five-year $77.5 million contract. Again, the Angels didn't look like the frontrunner for Wilson either, but ended up signing the all-star. Last year's ace Jered Weaver will likely move to No. 2 in the rotation.

To sum up how large Pujols' contract is, when owner Arte Moreno bought the Angels in 2003, he bought them for $184 million. Pujols' contract is $250 million.

The $250 million contract could pay off though. Pujols has been arguably the best player of the decade. Pujols is a lifetime .328 hitter, and has hit 445 home runs in just 11 seasons. The 31-year old slugger is also a nine time all-star, six time silver slugger, two time home run champion, and is already in the top 15 all time in OBP, SLG, and OPS.

On and off the field, Pujols was an icon in St. Louis. Whether he was hitter home runs, or running his family foundation, Pujols did a lot for the city of St. Louis.

Pujols will hopefully turn the Angels around, and finally put them back in the playoffs. The past few years, the Rangers have been the best in the West, but now the Angels are back on top. Last season, the Angels were in the bottom five in scoring in the AL. Their pitching was fantastic, giving up the second least runs in the AL.

With Pujols off the table, the next best player in free agency is Prince Fielder, who is likely to leave the Brewers and sign with a new team. The speculation is that Fielder will sign with the Cubs, but at this point, free-agency is too hard to predict this year.

College Football Week 14 Review

2011-12-07T17:06:00.000-05:00

(Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)
LaMichael James and the Oregon Ducks defeated UCLA 49-31 to win the Pac-12
Championship Game. James rushed for 219 yards and three touchdowns in the win.

This week marked the last week of the regular season in college football. This week was also championship week, where conferences held their championship games. This week six teams in the Top 25 lost. (5) Virginia Tech lost to (20) Clemson in the ACC Championship Game, (6) Houston lost to (24) Southern Mississippi in the Conference USA Championship Game, (10) Oklahoma lost to (3) Oklahoma State, (13) Michigan State lost to (15) Wisconsin in the inaugural Big Ten Championship Game, (14) Georgia lost to (1) LSU in the SEC Championship Game, and (22) Texas lost to (17) Baylor. Also, (9) Oregon defeated UCLA in the Pac-12 Championship Game,

New BCS Top 10:
1. LSU Tigers
2. Alabama Crimson Tide
3. Oklahoma State Cowboys
4. Stanford Cowboys
5. Oregon Ducks
6. Arkansas Razorbacks
7. Boise State Broncos
8. Kansas State Wildcats
9. South Carolina Gamecocks
10. Wisconsin Badgers

Top Three Performances by Team or Player:
1. Wisconsin RB Montee Ball- Ball rushed for 137 yards and scored four times (3 rush, 1 receiving), helping the Badgers defeat the Michigan State Spartans in the inaugural Big Ten Championship Game. Ball now has 38 touchdowns on the year, trailing Barry Sanders' record by just one. Ball's final touchdown came in the last three minutes of play, giving Wisconsin a three point lead, and ultimately the win.
2. Baylor QB Robert Griffin III- Griffin had another Heisman worthy game, passing for 320 and two touchdowns, but also rushing for 32 yards and another two touchdowns. Griffin and the Bears easily defeated Texas 48-24, finishing the regular season with a 10-3 record. Griffin is the frontrunner to win the Heisman this year, leading the nation in quarterback rating, as well as throwing for 36 touchdowns and running in nine more.
3. Clemson QB Tajh Boyd- The sophomore quarterback helped lead Clemson over higher ranked Virginia Tech in the ACC Championship Game. Boyd threw for 240 yards and three touchdowns, but also had a rushing touchdown. With the win, Clemson will now play in the Orange Bowl vs. West Virginia

Top Three Disappointments by Player or Team:
1. BCS System- The BCS System is not a player or team, but it is infamous enough to appear in the Top Three Disappointment a few weeks in a row. The BCS System failed again, putting two teams in the same division, in the same conference, in the National Championship Game. On top of that, it gave Clemson and West Virginia automatic BCS bids over Houston and Boise State. The BCS will have to be renewed in 2013, but something tells me a new system will be created.
2. Houston Cougars- The Cougars had the chance to run the table, play in a BCS bowl game, and help Case Keenum compete for the Heisman, but blew it all when they lost to Southern Mississippi in their last game of the season. Now the Cougars are playing in a mediocre bowl, and Case Keenum is not a Hiesman finalist, despite breaking many NCAA records this season.
3. Oklahoma Sooners- The Sooners were the preseason #1 team this year, but won't even be playing in a BCS bowl game. The Sooners finished with a 9-3 record, including an embarrassing 44-10 loss to Oklahoma State this week.

Game of the Week: Wisconsin vs. Michigan State

The buildup to this game was tremendous. It was the first ever Big Ten Championship Game, against two very deserving teams. Earlier in the season, Wisconsin and Michigan State faced off in one of the most exciting games of the season. This time though, Wisconsin got its revenge, beating Michigan State in the final minutes. Like the first time around, Wisconsin jumped out to an early lead, just to have Michigan State comeback in the second quarter and take over the lead. Both teams would go on to score one touchdown in the third quarter, resulting in a 36-28 lead for Michigan State. Wisconsin would strike first in the fourth quarter, cutting the lead to one, but Michigan State answered back and kicked a field goal to make it a four point game. Wisconsin then began their game winning drive, picking up a few key third and fourth downs, including a scramble by Wilson which resulted in a 36 yard pass to Jeff Duckworth . Just one play later, Ball ran in the game winning touchdown to give Wisconsin a 42-39 lead. Michigan State would have a great chance to tie or win the game, forcing Wisconsin to punt the ball. On the punt though, Michigan State safety Isaiah Lewis ran into Wisconsin punter Brad Nortman, resulting in an automatic first down. With no timeouts left, Wisconsin took a knee and ended the game, winning the first ever Big Ten Championship Game.

Top Five Bowl Games:
1. BCS National Championship Game: LSU vs. Alabama- Hopefully the rematch between the two top teams in the country will be more exciting than their 9-6 game earlier in the season. It will be interesting to see how LSU's defense, led by the Tyrann Mathieu, the Honey Badger, matches up against Trent Richardson and the rest of Alabama's offense.
2. BCS Rose Bowl: Wisconsin vs. Oregon- This showdown should be a high scoring duel between two of the best offenses in the country. Also, two of the best running backs in the country will battle it out as LaMichael James and the Ducks take on Montee Ball and the Badgers. Will Ball break Barry Sanders' record for most touchdowns in a season?
3. BCS Fiesta Bowl: Oklahoma State vs. Stanford- This matchup features two teams that easily could have played in the National Championship this season. Brandon Weeden and the Cowboys will face off against Andrew Luck and Stanford.
4. Cotton Bowl- This bowl isn't a BCS bowl, but it is certainly exciting. Arkansas will battle it out against Kansas State. This year, the Cotton Bowl is the most ingraining non BCS bowl.
5. BCS Sugar Bowl: Virginia Tech vs. Michigan- This game features two at large BCS teams who didn't win their respective conferences. Nonetheless, it should be an interesting game to see as David Wilson and the Hokies take on Denard Robinson and the Wolverines.

NFL Week 13 Predictions

2011-12-01T12:16:00.000-05:00

(Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
Carson Palmer and the Raiders have been impressive this season despite losing a few starters
to injuries. The 7-4 Raiders lead the AFC West and play the Dolphins Sunday

Eagles vs. Seahawks: 27-17 Eagles

The Eagles' playoff hopes maybe be ruined, but the Eagles will win the battle of the birds Thursday night. Vince Young threw for 400 yards last week, and will only need half that amount to beat the Seahawks. The Seahawks will be without Sidney Rice, who is battling a concussion.

Titans vs. Bills: 24-17 Titans

The Titans have been very under the radar this year, with a 6-5 record. If Chris Johnson has another productive game, the Titans will advance to 7-5. The Bills put up a good fight against the Jets last week, and would have won the game if Stevie Johnson didn't make a few careless mistakes.

Chiefs vs. Bears: 20-10 Bears

Caleb Hanie vs. Tyler Palko, how interesting! If Matt Forte can get the Bears' offense going, the Bears should beat he Chiefs. There is a good chance that we see Kyle Orton relieve Palko mid game if Palko's struggles continue.

Raiders vs. Dolphins: 27-23 Raiders

Even with Al Davis gone, the Raiders have lived up to his motto, "Just win, baby". The Raiders have played their last few games without their starting quarterback or running back, but have won three straight games. With the Broncos catching up the Raiders gotta keep on winning.

Broncos vs. Vikings: 22-13 Broncos

TEEEEEBBBOOOWWWWWW! This one will be a close one like all Tebow starts, but as usual, the Broncos will get the job done. Tebow rushed for a quarterback NFL record 22 times last week, and will do whatever it takes this week to win. The Broncos were 1-4 a few weeks ago, but Tebow has revived the Broncos into a playoff contender.

Colts vs. Patriots: 38-13 Patriots

If only Peyton was playing. Usually the Colts vs. Patriots battles are classic games, where Brady and Manning battle it out all four quarters. This time though, the Patriots will crush the Colts without any competition. After whooping a much better Eagles team last week, you can only imagine what the Patriots will do this week to the Colts.

Bengals vs. Steelers: 24-20 Steelers

The Steelers didn't look too sharp last week, and will need to play better if they want to beat the 7-4 Bengals. The Bengals are only a game behind the Steelers, and could cause some chaos in the AFC North with a win.

Panthers vs. Bucs: 30-20 Panthers

The Panthers can prove they are not the worst team in their division anymore with a win against the Bucs. The Panthers offense has been fantastic this season, with rookie Cam Newton likely to win Rookie of the Year. The Bucs have had a very disappointing season, as their quarterback, Josh Freeman, has been subpar.

Jets vs. Redskins: 27-10 Jets

The Jets will get their mojo back with a win against the Redskins. The Jets' playoff hopes didn't look too good a few weeks ago, but after beating the Bills, and beating the Redskins this week, they are right back in it.

Falcons vs. Texans: 28-20 Falcons

The Texans signed Jake Delhomme to replace Matt Schaub and Matt Leinart at quarterback, but the Falcons are still the better team. The Falcons have won five of their last six games, being their only loss to the Saints in Overtime.

Ravens vs. Browns: 28-10 Browns

The Ravens have a history of losing to really bad teams this year, but they should be able to beat the Browns. Joe Flacco is starting to play better, smarter football and that is a good sign to come for the Ravens, who can be serious Super Bowl contenders this postseason.

Cowboys vs. Cardinals: 27-17 Cowboys

Dallas is playing some of the best football in the NFL these past few weeks. DeMarco Murray has added a nice run game to a typically pass-happy Cowboys offense. Romo has also limited his interceptions this year, which has shown off well on the team's 7-4 record.

Giants vs. Packers: 28-20 Packers

The Giants need a win this week, and are urgent to snap a three game losing streak. If the Giants had a hard time stopping Drew Brees, just imagine what MVP favorite Aaron Rodgers will do to the Giants secondary. Perry Fewell has to pray his defense steps up.

Rams vs. Niners: 27-6 Niners

The 49'ers were not impressive last week in a 16-6 Thanksgiving loss to the Ravens. This week, the offense should bounce back against a very poor Rams team. Frank Gore should have a monstrous game for San Francisco

Lions vs. Saints: 35-27 Saints

The Saints look to me like the second best team in the NFL, but when they are at home, they are the best. Matt Stafford and the Lions have been surprisingly successful this season, but won't get the win when they travel to New Orleans Sunday Night.

Chargers vs. Jaguars: 27-13 Chargers

The Chargers have shockingly lost their last six games, and have ruined their playoff hopes. The Jaguars though, are coach-less, and hopeless after Jack Del Rio was fired this week. Neither team has been great this season, but the Chargers are clearly the better team.

NFL Week 12 Recap

2011-12-01T12:15:00.000-05:00

(Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Mark Sanchez and the Jets snapped a two game losing streak and are now back in the playoff
hunt after deaf-eating the Bills. Sanchez threw for a career high four touchdowns in the win.

This week's record: 14-2
Overall record: 123-53

Packers vs. Lions: 27-15 Packers
Packers Player of the Week: Aaron Rodgers- 304 pass yards, 2 touchdowns, 116.6 passer rating
Lions Player of the Week: Maurice Morris- 39 rush yards, 81 receiving yards

The Packers advanced to 11-0 after easily defeating the Lions on Thanksgiving day. Aaron Rodgers had another flawless game, throwing for more than 300 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Dolphins vs. Cowboys: 20-19 Cowboys
Dolphins Player of the Week: Brandon Marshall- 5 receptions, 103 receiving yards, touchdown
Cowboys Player of the Week: Laurent Robinson - 7 receptions, 79 receiving yards, 2 touchdowns

The Cowboys defeated the Dolphins on a game winning field goal as time expired. The Cowboys are now the sole leaders of the NFC East. The Dolphins still played well as Matt Moore had a passer rating of 99.5, but it wasn't enough to get the win.

Niners vs. Ravens: 16-6
Niners Player of the Week: Michael Crabtree- 6 receptions, 54 receiving yards
Ravens Player of the Week: Joe Flacco- 161 pass yards, touchdown, 100.1 passer rating

Jon, the older of the two Harbaugh brothers, won the first "Harbowl" between the two coaches. It was a defensive minded game as Jim and the 49'ers battled against Jon and the Ravens. No touchdowns in the game were scored until the fourth quarter, when Joe Flacco found Dennis Pitka in the back of the endzone.

Vikings vs. Falcons: 24-14 Falcons
Vikings Player of the Week: Percy Harvin- 8 receptions, 95 receiving yards, touchdown
Falcons Player of the Week: Roddy White- 10 receptions, 120 receiving yards, touchdown

The Falcons scorched the Vikings, who were missing star running back Adrian Peterson. Matt Ryan had an incredible game for Atlanta, throwing for 262 yards and three touchdowns. The Saints may look impressive, but the Falcons are right behind them in the NFC South.

Browns vs. Bengals: 23-20 Bengals
Browns Player of the Week: Jordan Norwood- 4 receptions, 69 receiving yards, touchdown
Bengals Player of the Week: Cedric Benson- 106 rush yards, touchdown

The Bengals spoiled Peyton Hillis' return to the Browns after kicking a game winning field goal with under a minute to play. In his return, Hillis rushed 65 yards on 19 carries, and also caught two passes.

Bucs vs. Titans: 23-17 Titans
Bucs Player of the Week: Mike Williams- 6 receptions, 84 receiving yards, touchdown
Titans Player of the Week: Chris Johnson- 190 rush yards

CJ2K had another impressive game, and the Titans got another win, after defeating the Buccaneers 23-17. Johnson rushed for a season high 190 yards on 23 carries. The Bucs led 17-10 going into the fourth quarter, but gave up 14 unanswered points and got the loss.

Panthers vs. Colts: 27-19 Panthers
Panthers Player of the Week: DeAngelo Williams- 69 rush yards, 2 touchdowns
Colts Player of the Week: Reggie Wayne- 5 receptions, 122 receiving yards, touchdown

The two worst teams in football faced off Sunday as Cam Newton and the Panthers took on the Colts. Cam didn't throw any touchdowns, but did score on a 14 yard run to give the Panthers a 10-0 lead. The Colts fought back, but the Panthers would win the game, 27-19.

Cardinals vs. Rams: 23-20 Cardinals
Cardinals Player of the Week: Beanie Wells- 226 rush yards, touchdown
Rams Player of the Week: Brandon Lloyd- 5 receptions, 74 receiving yards, touchdown

The Cardinals bounced back from a bad loss to the Niners, and defeated the Rams by three. Rookie Patrick Peterson returned another punt for a touchdown, this time for 80 yards. Beanie Wells also rushed for a career high 226 yards in the win.

Bills vs. Jets: 28-24 Jets
Bills Player of the Week: Ryan Fitzpatrick- 264 pass yards, 3 touchdowns, 111.5 passer rating
Jets Player of the Week: Mark Sanchez- 180 pass yards, 4 touchdowns, 90.2

The Jets avoided another slip thanks to a dropped Stevie Johnson catch, and are now 6-5. Johnson, who earlier in the game drew a flag for an excessive celebration, was also fined by the league for mocking Plaxico Burress.

Texans vs. Jaguars: 20-13 Texans
Texans Player of the Week: Arian Foster- 65 rush yards, touchdown
Jaguars Player of the Week: Maurice Jones- Drew- 99 rush yards, 69 receiving yards.

In their first game without Matt Schaub, the Texans defeated the Jaguars 20-13. With the win, also came a season ending injury to backup quarterback Matt Leinart. After losing their eight game of the season, the Jaguars fired long time head coach, Jack Del Rio, and also sold ownership of the team over to Shahid Khan.

Bears vs. Raiders: 25-20 Raiders
Bears Player of the Week: Johnny Knox- 4 receptions, 145 receiving yards, touchdown
Raiders Player of the Week: Sebastian Janikowski- 6-6 FG, 1-1 XP

Sebastian Janikowski and the Raiders kicked the Bears' butts, and are now 7-4. Both teams were missing their starting quarterbacks, but Carson Palmer out-dueled Caleb Hanie, who threw three interceptions.

Redskins vs. Seahawks: 23-20 Redskins
Redskins Player of the Week: Roy Helu- 108 rush yards, touchdown
Seahawks Player of the Week: Marshawn Lynch- 111 rush yards, 20 receiving yards, touchdown

The Redskins picked up their first win in six weeks, after defeating the Seahawks 23-20. Rookie Roy Helu led the way, rushing for over 100 yards and a touchdown.

Patriots vs. Eagles: 38-20 Patriots
Patriots Player of the Week: Tom Brady- 361 pass yards, 3 touchdowns, 134.6 passer rating
Eagles Player of the Week: Jason Avant- 8 receptions, 110 receiving yards, touchdown

The Patriots smoked the Eagles, officially ruining their playoff hopes. Michael Vick was out again with a rib injury. The Patriots offense had an impressive showing, combining for almost 500 yards, and five touchdowns.

Broncos vs. Chargers: 16-13 Broncos
Broncos Player of the Week: Tim Tebow- 143 pass yards, 67 rush yards, touchdown, 95.4 passer rating
Chargers Player of the Week: Ryan Mathews- 137 rush yards

TEEEEEBBOOOWWWWWWW! The man did it again, giving the Broncos their fourth straight win, and fifth win in six games. The Broncos forced OT after kicking a field goal to tie the game up, and went on to score the game winning field goal with just under a minute to play. With the Vikings up next week, can the Tebow make it five straight?

Steelers vs. Chiefs: 13-9 Steelers
Steelers Player of the Week: Ryan Mundy- 11 tackles, interceptions, filled in for injured Troy Polamalu
Chiefs Player of the Week: Dexter McCluster- 28 rush yards, 11 receiving yards

The Steelers made it interesting on Sunday night, but ended up with the win after Tyler Palko threw his third interception of the game. The Chiefs really need to get their offense going, and will likely get some action out of Kyle Orton next week.

Giants vs. Saints: 49-24 Saints
Giants Player of the Week: Victor Cruz- 9 receptions, 157 receiving yards, 2 touchdowns
Saints Player of the Week: Drew Brees- 363 pass yards, 4 touchdowns, 129.6 passer rating

Nobody beats the Saints in the Superdome, literally. The Saints are 5-0 in New Orleans after beating the Giants on Monday Night. Drew Brees had his best game of the season (unless you count the blowout win vs. a mediocre Colts team). The Giants have blown their NFC East lead, but to their defense, have faced one of the hardest schedules in football these last few weeks. Unfortunately it doesn't get easier for the Giants who face the Packers next week.