2012 - Page 35 of 114 - Last Word On Sports

Game Of The Week: #10 Clemson at #4 Florida State

Posted on September 20, 2012November 5, 2021 by Lindsay Higgins

The cream of the crop teams in the ACC face off Saturday night (8pm EST on ABC) in a game that could become an instant classic. The winner will almost certainly win the ACC’s Atlantic Division, and BCS hopes could be on the line as well.

The Clemson Offense: The Tigers got off to a roaring start last year, winning their first eight games. QB Tajh Boyd, a first-year starter, and WR Sammy Watkins, a true freshman, had much to do with that. But things went downhill from late October on as Clemson lost three of their last five regular-season games and were stomped by West Virginia in the Orange Bowl by a score of 70-33. In those last six games, Boyd threw nine TDs. He also threw nine INTs. He’s got a good arm, and good legs; with improved decision-making and a receiver like Watkins, the Clemson offense could be a force to be reckoned with. Don’t overlook RB Andre Ellington either. The senior has 4 TDs on the season already, after rushing for 1,178 yards and 11 TDs last year.

The Clemson Defense: Like the offense, the Clemson defense needs to be much more consistent. The team brough in new defensive coordinator Brent Venables from Oklahoma to help them get better on that front. Florida State has a strong run game that will put pressure on the Tigers’ front four, a unit which consists of just one returning starterm senior Malliciah Goodman. He plays alongside three sophomores on the defensive line. The Clemson secondary is much more experienced than their front four and should be able to defend most passing attacks fairly well.

The Florida State Offense: The offensive line is a big question mark. Last season the line coach chose to start multiple true freshman in the Seminoles’ bowl game. (They beat Notre Dame 28-27). The Clemson game will be the first real test for them this season. Senior QB E.J. Manuel isn’t a pure pocket-passer, but he’s reasonably accurate (65.3% completion rate as a junior), and with adequate blocking he can pick up some rushing yards as well. Senior Chris Thompson, who missed most of the 2011 season due to injury, and sophomore Devonta Freeman are one of the best one-two punches at RB in the country. The talent and depth in the ‘Noles receiving corps are ridiculous. If the Clemson secondary shuts down the passing game, expect Florida State to start running the ball without missing a beat, if the line can block for them adequately. The Seminoles are actually ranked higher nationally in rushing offense than passing offense – not a common occurance in Tallahassee.

The Florida State Defense: The loss of CB Greg Reid, who was kicked off the team August 1 for violating team rules, is a big one for the Seminoles. Rashad Greene has proven an adequate replacement for Reid in the return game, but he’ll be missed in the secondary as Florida State attempts to cover WRs Sammy Watkins and DeAndre Hopkins, likely by jamming them at the line of scrimmage. Containing QB Tajh Boyd will be another tall order for the defense.

Prediction: Clemson will put up some points, but I’m not convinced that their defense can handle an experienced quarterback like E.J. Manuel, even with a young offensive line. Florida State 30, Clemson 24.

Riding the Fantasy Wire – Week Two

Posted on September 20, 2012November 5, 2021 by Bobby Scott

How things change from week to week in the NFL.

This past weekend some fantasy owners are starting to see who is producing and who isn’t producing. It still might be early to tell anything for certain, but one thing is for sure – this weekend saw a lot of no-name players make big contributions to their squads and we saw some very productive fantasy players make their way onto the injury reports.

Andre brown – RB – NYG – I was watching the game on Sunday and when Bradshaw went down I was excited that I was about to see the future of the NYG running game with Rookie David Wilson, who was ready to make a stand and throw his hat into the ring to become the new starting running back for the Giants. I was wrong.

Andre Brown came into the game, sending thousands of fantasy owners like myself running to their computers trying to add this unknown player. With 13 rushes for 71 yards and a TD, Brown will be this week’s #1 pickup. If he is still available in your league he is a must add with Bradshaw in doubt of playing this Thursday night against Carolina.

Michael Bush RB – CHI – I had him on my radar over the off-season, tracking which team he was going to end up with. When I heard it was the Bears I thought it was a big hit against his fantasy value acting as Mat Forte’s back up. The Bears have used Bush as their red zone running back, and with the latest injury to forte he stepped up against the packers showing a respectable 54 yards on 14 carries. Bush should put up decent numbers against the Rams this weekend, and depending how severe Forte’s injury is he might be in line for a couple more starts.

Martellus Bennett – TE – NYG – Going undrafted in most Fantasy Leagues, Bennett has been one of Eli’s main targets and has been a big part of their offensive game plan. Bennett played close to 100% of the offensive snaps on Sunday’s game against the Bucs. At 6’6 270 he’s got great speed and is a defensive nightmare for most opponents. This past week with injuries to Aaron Hernandez and Fred Davis look to grab Bennett to be a solid addition to your squad. Bennett is a must own in all formats.

Daryl Richardson – RB – STL – After running across my house to try to add Brown and making my way back to my couch I noticed a name showing up on my stat tracker – Richardson? I scratched my head trying to figure out who he was. Out of Abilene Christian University he was the second last draft pick in this year’s draft. Richardson racked up 83 yards on the ground and another 19 on two receptions after Steven Jackson left the game with a groin injury. This Injury plagued Jackson all of last year and could haunt him for the rest of the season. Richardson is the clear handcuff for Steven Jackson owner as Isaiah Pead has yet to touch the ball in the St. Louis Backfield,

Brandon Lafell – WR – CAR – Last year Lafell put up 613 yards and 3 td’s. This doesn’t sound too impressive, but when you take into consideration he didn’t play every snap you start to see his potential. So far Lafell has put up 9 receptions for 155 yards and a score. With most teams putting their better corners on Steve Smith, look for Cam Newton to feed him the ball. Lafell will be a nice slash position type player and has more value in Dynasty Leagues.

Flying under the Radar

Donnie Avery – WR – IND – After injuring his knee in the 2010 preseason and missing the entire year, Avery only played eight games the following year with 3 receptions for 74 yards and a TD. With Austin Collie still recovering from a concussion; look for Avery’s targets to increase noticeable over the next couple weeks. Currently Avery has a respectable 12 receptions for 148 yards and a 1 TD. Depending on the length of Collie’s injury Avery could be a nice play during the upcoming bye weeks and if he becomes Luck’s go to guy he could have some big upside.

Looking forward to seeing how this week plays out, but one thing is for sure – no one knows what’s going to happen and what next weeks’ #1 pick up will be on Riding the 2012 Fantasy waiver wire.

Thanks for reading and I’ll see you right back here next Thursday morning.

Feel free to tune in every Wednesday night at 9:00 to Last Word Radio‘s “NFL Fantasy Tips” program. Along with Derek Brown, we will discuss NFL Fantasy and try to give you value

NHL Happy Hour: Lockout has me feeling Blue – Johnnie Walker Blue

Posted on September 20, 2012November 5, 2021 by Maksim Vasilyev

So my girlfriend said that due to recent events over the weekend (house warming get-together) that she is not drinking again. It’s not the first time she’s said that, either. In fact, I would hazard a guess that you’ve all said the same at one time or another only to find yourself beer in hand while watching some hockey. Am I right?

So this got me to thinking about my current state of mind and my general feelings towards the world, and my own statement over the weekend. I said, “I will not be buying any season tickets next year if we lose another hockey year.” This sounds very familiar to something I said about seven years ago.

I am angry. Bitter, sour and angry.

I am angry at the NHL and NHLPA for giving us another lock out. I certainly have written before about how I feel regarding this dispute, and my opinion on how the players have just as much right to get their fair share of the pie. But only half a week into the lockout my level of annoyance is only deepening. Hockey started to become increasingly important part of my life. I am not only a fan – I also play as much as I can. And if you’ve made this website a go-to stop on your daily browsing, you will already know I also enjoy writing about this precious sport as well.

The lockout ruins all of this. ALL OF IT.

To soothe my soul I am enjoying a neat glass of Johnnie Walker Blue. No, it’s not vodka, but we’ll allow it anyway. The exceptionally smooth flavor that Blue Label provides is worth, sorry single malt snobs, every penny. It is a reminder of what alcohol sometimes should be.

It is a celebration of flavors that have been melted together into a drink that makes you appreciate the work that went into each sip and reminds you that drinking has to be enjoyed and savored – not binged. This show is worth the price and than some.

I think the owners need to enjoy some Blue and remember that we have the best athletes in the world and have the best sport in the world. Our sport is as complex as any, with so many nuances and thrilling experiences, that you can run out of adjectives while describing it. It is why this game, due to HDTV that is able to capture and display all of them at once, has been growing extraordinarily.

It is a modern sport that embraces current technologies like no other. The latest tech and materials inside the new sticks rivals that of advanced carbon fiber body kits on supercars, the skates steel and the skate boot designed to be light and strong, and all of the equipment that is used to protect the players and goalies. These new technologies and the influx of younger players that invade this ageless game have managed to not push it from its deep traditions. The Stanley Cup, the handshake at the end of a best of seven playoff series, and the fighting, are some of the aspects that separate this game and give it character like no other, each ticket to see hockey on any pro-level is worth the price.

While I can enjoy this glass of Blue, a tiny sip or half of a glass at a time, I could easily gobble down hockey a pint at a time. I am addicted, and am not afraid to admit it. But it is one of the most wonderful addictions I could have, both to the whiskey and hockey. To me they are both very similar. I do not get to drink Johnnie Walker Blue Label everyday and thus I have to thoroughly enjoy it and value every sip. Hockey should not be savored. Hockey should be in abundance every year. I also know that I will be back and buying everything NHL will be selling me, because I miss it already.

I am a hockey fan. I will buy those season tickets again, just as my girlfriend will undoubtedly have another “get-together” again some day.

Please have a look at other editions of “NHL Happy Hour”, and follow me on Twitter – @LastWordOnNHL

Boom or Bust NBA – New Orleans Hornets

Posted on September 20, 2012November 5, 2021 by Jordan Leung

We’re back with another edition of Boom or Bust NBA. You can find previous articles on the Memphis Grizzlies, Houston Rockets, and Dallas Mavericks, by clicking the team names. You can find an article explaining the purpose of the article as well as the methodology of the prospect scores here.

And on with the show.

New Orleans Hornets

2011-2012 Record – 21-45

After trading away Chris Paul and then losing newly acquired Eric Gordon for most of the season, the Hornets finished with the worst record in the Western conference. The tank-rebuild method is a well-known strategy in the league; so we can’t exactly call their misfortunes-turned-first-pick a blessing in disguise.

Al-Farouq Aminu

Age – 21, Previous Season Stats – 6.0 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 0.9 SPG

Aminu comes from a long line of lottery pick small forwards who become average NBA role players at best. There’s one of them in every draft. Earl Clark in 09, Joe Alexander in 08, Julian Wright/Al Thornton in 07, and the list goes on. They are not all the same player but they are all at least decently athletic, long, lacking an advanced offensive game, and in most cases, missing a reliable jump shot. Impact-wise, none of these guys have made a significant splash in the league.

Returning from an unsuccessful run with the Nigerian team in the Olympics, Aminu could be taking the starting small forward spot on a very young Hornets team. Like the other lottery small forwards, Aminu has the physical tools to succeed. He is a good rebounder for a perimeter player, and his length allows him to accumulate steals and blocks at a solid clip. Howver, he is a poor shooter and does not possess a competitive offensive game. Aminu would benefit from being on a team with more offensive direction. But right now, heading into his third season, the 6’9 forward still has plenty of potential, and could be a big part of the up and coming Hornets.

Prospect Score – 5/10

Ryan Anderson

Age – 24, Previous Season Stats – 16.1 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 2.7 3PM, 39.3 3P%

The reigning Most Improved Player. I wouldn’t argue that he didn’t deserve it, but there was a better candidate, and his name was Jeremy Lin.

NBA player awards aside, Ryan Anderson was an absolute stud last season, posting up career numbers across the board. The playoffs were a different story, but with his playing style at a tender age of 24, Anderson has many seasons to prove himself.

As well as being one of the top shooters in the NBA, Ryan Anderson is also the best ‘stretch 4’ role player. He is not one dimensional at all, and actually posted a higher offensive rebound percentage than Dwight Howard last season.

Anderson is a bit of a defensive liability, but having Davis and Aminu as your frontcourt teammates covers up for that a little. The Hornets might be playing a small line up with Anderson at the 4 and Davis at the 5, but with all their youth and athleticism, if any team were to play with an up-tempo style, it’d be these guys.

Prospect Score – 6/10

Eric Gordon

Age – 23, Previous Season Stats – 20.6 PPG, 3.4 APG, 1.4 SPG

While his future in New Orleans is still uncertain, Eric Gordon is undoubtedly one of the top young players. At 6’3, Eric Gordon is one of the few undersized shooting guards who can succeed and play as if they were 6’6. Gordon is explosive, and is as much of a scorer as he is a shooter.

If you don’t count last season with the Hornets, Gordon’s assists numbers have also gone up progressively in his career, and with this season’s backcourt situation, I could easily see Rivers and Gordon each averaging around 4-5 assists a game as they alternate point guard duties.

Most people know that Eric Gordon was one of the league’s top shooting guards before he went down. I definitely would have given him the ‘star’ label. The next step for Gordon is to take that next step and become an elite player. I don’t think he will ever reach that level, but I could see him being a pseudo-elite player, somewhere along the lines of Pau Gasol.

Prospect Score – 8/10

Xavier Henry

Age – 21, Previous Season Stats – 5.3 PPG, 2.4 RPG. 0.8 APG

Xavier Henry put up eerily similar college numbers as another 6’6 Kansas Jayhawk, Brandon Rush. Henry came in to the league as one of the youngest players, and his game has not translated at all. Despite being an over 40% shooter from 3 in college, Henry shoots 26.5% for his career, and has only made 9 threes throughout 83 games.

Henry is still very young, and his best-case scenario would be to model his game after Brandon Rush. If he can regain confidence in his jump shot and work on his defense, he could be a halfway decent role player in the league.

Prospect Score – 3/10

Robin Lopez

Age – 24, Previous Season Stats – 5.4 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 0.9 BPG

Combine the skillsets of both Lopez twins, and you’d have a strong contender for the best center in the NBA. You always wonder how twins can have such different skillsets in the league. Brook is a monster scoring in the low post but can’t play a lick of defense and is a terrible rebounder. Robin is a good defender, and not a bad rebounder, and has much range on his shooting as DeSagana Diop. Maybe basketball in the Lopez driveway consisted of Brook consistently trying to score on Robin, while Papa Lopez rebounds. That should explain the poor effort on the glass.

Lopez should see some quality rotation minutes at the 5. Robin is not a good passer at all (23 assists through his first three seasons playing regular minutes), so he cannot be relied on to maximize his teammates offensive potential.

Robin is still a good big body to have around, and if he can just keep working on rebounding, blocking shots, and playing good defense, his unnecessary large payday (for being a 7-footer) will come soon.

Prospect Score – 3.5/10

Jason Smith

Age – 26, Previous Season Stats – 9.9 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 1.0 BPG

A very under the radar guy, Jason Smith made huge improvements to his game and probably would have gotten more attention if he didn’t play for the sorry Hornets. His rebounding is not impressive (7.5 rebounds per 36 minutes) but he’s been doubling his touches and scoring production, while also upping his field goal percentage to an impressive 52%. There has been a few times this past season when Jason Smith has completely taken over on offense, so big props to Smith.

He is by far one of the most underrated players in the league. Smith will be battling Lopez to be third guy on the Hornets’ big man rotation, and currently I like Smith’s chances. I don’t think it is likely that the Hornets will be holding on to Smith for long, so whoever Jason’s next team is will have found an absolute steal.

Prospect Score – 4/10

Lance Thomas

Age – 24, Previous Season Stats – 4.0 PPG, 3.0 RPG

Lance Thomas was part of the Duke team that beat the Gordon Hayward-led Butler Cinderella squad. Thomas got into some serious trouble for some controversy over unpaid jewelry, and having large unexplained sums of money. My favorite part of big time college athletes receiving money is that people always sound surprised that illegal benefits have been happening away from the public eye.

I don’t know too much about Lance, but he is essentially a tweener who was able to make his way into the league by signing a contract with one of the worst teams in the league. He was added to the Team USA Select Team—a team that also had bright young studs like DeMarcus Cousins, Paul George, Gordon Hayward, and Kyrie Irving. I don’t see Thomas staying in the league much longer or ever getting a role more important than a 12^th man, but the Team USA Select Team selection has to mean something.

Or…. Nevermind. I just remembered Coach K is the Team USA head coach and he was probably doing Lance a favor.

Prospect Score – 1/10

Greivis Vasquez

Age – 25, Previous Season Stats – 8.9 PPG, 5.4 APG, 0.9 SPG

Greivis Vasquez possesses great size for a point guard, and his 6’6 body has a mind of a true floor general. Vasquez spent his rookie season with the Memphis Grizzlies and spelled Mike Conley for some very productive bench minutes.

Last season’s assist percentage of 35.7% puts him in good company, and as the only pure point guard on the Hornets roster, Vasquez could be in position to have a very productive season. His shooting is average at best, but that should not stop him from earning minutes.

Prospect Score – 4/10

Hammer Radio: The Week Live from UFC 152 Begins

Posted on September 19, 2012March 20, 2017 by Ben Kerr

Its Wednesday Night, so the Hammer Radio show is back, and available in Hamilton on 93.3 CMFU FM, and archived on the internet at http://thehammar.libsyn.com

The Boys at the Hammer feature weekly coverage of all things MMA. This week they are back with another new episode and you can listen to the archived podcast by clicking here. Hammer Radio 111.

“The Hammer MMA Radio is on location all week in Toronto for UFC 152: Jones vs. Belfort. This episode we’re previewing the entire UFC 152 card from top to bottom, including both the Light Heavyweight and Flyweight Championship fights.

We also run down all of this week’s MMA news including the bizarre new main event for UFC 153, the first episode of The Ultimate Fighter Season 16, recently signed women’s fights in Strikeforce and Invicta FC, and Bellator losing another champion.

Check back online all this week for bonus episodes following various UFC 152 media events, and we’ll be back live next Wednesday night at 7pm on CFMU 93.3 FM, http://www.thehammermma.com/, Last Word On Sports, and The Itunes Store.”

The Hammer features lastwordonsports’ own writer Greg Persson, long time internet superstar Steve Jeffrey, and is hosted by MMA aficionado Dave Abraham.

The Hammer has had interviews with some of the biggest names in MMA over the years, including BJ Penn, Dan Henderson, Sean Sherk, Mark Coleman, and others. They continue to bring unparallelled, independent coverage of all things MMA to fans of the sport.

They’ll give you the straight goods and the Last Word.

Indiana Pacers look to Build on 2012 Success

Posted on September 19, 2012November 5, 2021 by Kaine Elmy

The Pacers may have been knocked out of the playoffs in Game 6 of their series against the eventual champions, the Miami Heat; however Indiana performed well enough to make a mark on the NBA and claim a powerful position in the East. A 42-24 season record is impressive, and no doubt they showed playoff brilliance, especially when only ten minutes away from leading Miami 3-1 in the first series. Following an exciting off-season, the Pacers have become the new Moneyball team of the NBA and look to make a drive to the playoffs this upcoming season.

A number of key additions were made to the team that will make them a force in the upcoming season. DJ Augustin was added, and will look to become a back-up guard to George Hill. The exciting Gerald Green, whose pairing with Paul George, unleashes a whole array of dunking possibilities. Orlando Johnson and Ian Mahinimi were brought in from Dallas. All of this said, nothing is more enthralling than the re-signing of Roy Hibbert for Indiana; Hibbert has a tiring work ethic and has improved dramatically each season – he could become a dominant big-man throughout the whole NBA given the time.

The Pacers have an offence that can be matched by few in the league. With an incredibly talented roster featuring Danny Granger, Gerald Green, Roy Hibbert and George Hill, the Pacers have a star-studded team that can play with the best on any given day. Indiana have a dangerous perimeter team (with the likes of Hill, Augustin, George, Green and Granger) all exceedingly talented in defending the backcourt. Hibbert and West are both powerful and strong in the paint, so the Pacers boast an equally potent front court.

A key factor to the Pacers success this year lies in Paul George’s hands. Everybody remembers his great rookie year, specifically when he dominated the Bulls during the playoffs. But he has never really stepped up and made a significant improvement since then – something that many are expecting this year. While it is known that Hill, Granger and West will step up every night, the real question is: can George? And will he lead the team to the playoffs?

With the Bulls sure to struggle this year, the Pacers will surely lead the Central Division and may even make a huge push to the top four in the Eastern Conference. Don’t predict a championship for this team, but certainly expect maybe a 54-28 record year and contenders to slip up against the talented Pacers.

… and that is the last word.

LWS Top and Bottom NFL Power Rankings

Posted on September 19, 2012November 5, 2021 by Jack Stone

After Week Two of the 2012 NFL season a new record has been set having 20 teams at 1-1. All pi-head Mathematicians have already deliberated about the rareness of ties in the NFL, and have since determined there to be only six teams at 2-0 and another six at 0-2. The peculiar start to the season makes for a tricky and controversial task for determining power rankings. Nonetheless, we will forge ahead and give them anyway, but before I do and subsequently have oodles of NFL fans sending hate mail, I will tell you what my ranks would have been entering the season… hopefully that can qualify things just a bit.

Entering the season I would have listed my top 5 contenders as San Francisco, New England, Baltimore, Green Bay, and New Orleans, with Atlanta and the Giants knocking on the door. My bottom five would have included, Jacksonville, Cleveland, Minnesota, Miami, and St. Louis in whatever order you want. Really, they are all bad, and depending who you are and in what geographical area will determine the order.

But, this is a weekly power ranking where I look at how a team is playing and the strength of the opponent they are facing as well as some instinct on the team in general. For a prime example the New Orleans Saints will NOT be in the top 5 but they sure as Sam won’t be in the bottom 5 despite their 0-2 record!

So here we go. Let’s start with the easier of the two, “The Basement”, the league’s bottom-dwellers…

31 and 32 (tie). Tennessee Titans and Jacksonville Jaguars – I put these two together because it was hard to pick which one is worse early in the season. Sure, the Jags at least had a close game but considering it was a loss to the Vikings, that does nothing for their credibility. All they have is Maurice Jones-Drew, who is quickly losing interest in his team. These two teams are lucky they play in the same division with each other and Indianapolis, because someone has to win.

30. Cleveland Browns – Here is Power Ranking Politics at its finest…. These guys I truly feel bad for. They have played two tough games, dropping to the Eagles by a single point and then losing by a touchdown in Cincinnati. They are certainly over achieving and trying so hard to shock people, many of whom had them listed as a potential 4-12 team at best! However, like I said, when you’re 0-2 and overachieving you definitely are battling for a high draft pick in 2013. Sorry, Browns fans…

29. Oakland Raiders – Another AFC West team going into the season I thought were gonna be an 8-8 or 9-7 team, but with losses to the Chargers and an embarrassing display against the Miami Dolphins, which has since moved the Dolphins right out of my “Basement 5” and put the Raiders right in it. Say what you want, they have potential but so far – disgusting! PS, they cost me money, too!

28. Kansas City Chiefs – A team with potential that are supposed to play .500 football, that can run the ball very well, but have been atrocious getting beat down by the Falcons. Atlanta is phenomenal, but when coupled with an unforgivable and unforgettably poor performance against the Bills, it’s easy to put the Chiefs in the Basement.

Bottom 5 Conclusion: The Raiders and Chiefs will climb out of their spots soon, and look for my bubble teams, the Vikings and Dolphins, to trade with them. Cleveland might as well rest their starting QB, whoever it is, when they play Baltimore and Pittsburgh four times this year. I mean, that’s painful just thinking about it. But hats off to them so far and I hope they prove me wrong. Tennessee has potential to finish with 5 or 6 wins at best, but Jacksonville is just awful, and it’s no wonder Sports Illustrated had them finishing dead last in a fan population poll.

Now on to the Ceiling 5 and what I know will seem “suspect”. I must apologize to Cardinals fans ahead of time – I know you’re 2-0 and you beat the Patriots, but you’re not even close to making it! Win another two and we’ll talk. But as for New England, Green Bay, Baltimore and Philadelphia, we’re in business…

Let’s start at five and work our way to the NFL’s ceiling:

5. Denver Broncos – lol yes i did watch the game last night, but those interceptions that Peyton threw will change, and they’re going to win their division. Peyton Manning with a good defense is a force to be reckoned with! The big problem last night was Peyton could’nt organize his famous hurry up offense. When he gets that sorted out Denver will be dangerous. They can afford a few early losses to beat San Diego for the division and when they enter the playoffs they will be scary.

4. Baltimore Ravens – Now you might want to shoot me, but it’s gotta be. I know they lost to the Eagles, I watched, too, but that won’t happen again. Baltimore is the best all-around team in the AFC. They still have the “Ravens Defense”, and now have an offense kicker. When the playoffs come their competition will be New England, Pittsburgh and Denver. It’s their time. Baltimore is Superbowl ready.

3. Green Bay Packers – They didn’t get the job done last year, but they were champions the previous year, and they still have what it takes and have the team to do it. A loss at Lambeau is tough, but they were playing the 49ers and sometimes a loss can make you stronger. I think the Pack will see the 49ers again and if it’s at Lambeau they probably wouldn’t screw up twice.

2. Atlanta Falcons – It’s not just that they are 2-0 with a win over Peyton Manning. This team doesn’t lose at home and are all-around phenomenal! We all know they are going to the playoffs, but that is when they need to start showing the “Dirty Bird is Back”. When I watched them last night they reminded me of the 1998 Superbowl runners-up Falcons, having Michael Turner looking like Jamal Anderson with those tree trunk legs running over people.

1. San Francisco 49ers – I think it’s an easy call. They have the most depth in the NFL; great offense, great defense, great coaching staff. The only issue is at the pivotal (pun intended) QB position, which is “so far so good” for Alex Smith. These guys know how to win football games as they have beaten two strong opponents including a win in the frozen trundra (okay, not frozen yet, but still hard to get a win there!). They have Randy Moss playing a role that suits him at this point in his career. If Alex Smith can just be “more than good”, they look like champions.

Conclusion – I need to see more from Houston, Philadelphia and San Diego before I see them being a threat to overtake on of the Ceiling 5 teams. New England will always be good with Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, but things just don’t seem right to me. I’m sure they will go back to slaughtering opponents and climb back up, but instead of just penciling them in the AFC championship as we have been accustomed to doing over the past thousand years, I need to see a bit more.

I’ll be back next Wednesday morning to re-address my Basement 5 and Ceiling 5 of the NFL Power Rankings.

Escobar Suspended for Three Games

Posted on September 18, 2012November 5, 2021 by Max Warner

“I didn’t do it to offend anybody…I was surprised.”

The Toronto Blue Jays suspended shortstop Yunel Escobar for three games today as a result of his display of a homophobic slur on his eye black in a September 15 game against the Boston Red Sox. The Escobar incident drew a big crowd to their press conference in New York this afternoon, indeed, the Blue Jays have not received media attention in New York like this for quite some time. Escobar, Manager John Farrell and General Manager Alex Anthopoulos all answered questions at the press conference. After conferring with the Commissioner’s Office and the Commissioner himself, Anthopoulos stated that the club agreed to suspend Escobar.

Escobar admitted that he acted alone in putting the message on his eye black, and that it was a “great error”. Escobar also stated that “there is a different understanding in the Latin community about this word”. Escobar said that he wrote the message on his eye black ten minutes prior to Saturday’s game, but that he didn’t do it to offend anyone. Escobar was very coy during the press conference, often repeating over and over that he did not mean to offend anyone, but failing to clarify precisely what message he was trying to communicate with the statement. Escobar certainly didn’t do himself any favours by failing to clarify how this phrase is used in his culture, what he intended to say with this message, and why he wrote it on his face.

Manager John Farrell said that he had no reason to suspect Escobar because the shortstop has previously written non-offensive, inspirational messages on his eye black on many occasions this season. Escobar said that he has been writing messages on his eye black for most of his Major League career.

As I argued yesterday, the difficult part about this incident is the fact that none of Escobar’s teammates said anything about the message on his eye black. Farrell implied that the message was clear in close-up photos and video, but not so much in person. With all due respect to John Farrell, this argument is ludicrous. Somebody in the Jays’ dugout must have been close enough to Escobar to read what was written on his face.

There are bigger questions emerging from this incident: is the suspension appropriate and should Escobar return to play for the Blue Jays this season or beyond? In my opinion expressed yesterday, a 3 game suspension is too light and Escobar needs to be traded this off-season. His attitude is clearly a problem for both he, and now, his teammates.

What is your opinion? Feel free to leave comments below.

Follow me on Twitter: @MaxWarnerMLB

Top Four: Essential Notes on the CURRENT Top Four

Posted on September 18, 2012November 5, 2021 by Mike Neilson

Our first edition of “Top Four” went very well, including predicting the Man City draw. Let’s see if we can look at this past weekend and make some predictions for this coming weekend’s fixtures.

Chelsea (This Week #1, Last Week #1)
The goals dried up in front of a volatile West London crowd as leaders Chelsea dropped their first points of the season in a goalless draw with QPR. With Julio Cesar debuting in goal with a man of the match performance, the constant brilliance of Eden Hazard was this week not enough while Torres looked lively but couldn’t get past the former Inter keeper.The below par performance raised what I think will become a repetitive question for Chelsea fans; who will score when Torres misfires? Even with such a hefty price tag; Torres is the only out-and-out striker on Chelsea’s books this season. Sure, advanced midfielders like Hazard and the ageing Lampard will chip in with the odd goals, but there is no different element up front for Di Matteo. Sturridge with his late cameo looked lively but won’t be expected to score the goals Didier Drogba scored through his successful stint at the Bridge. Romelu Lukaku could have had a breakout season and letting the youngster leave on loan creates more questions than answers. With the Ivorian long gone, pressure falls on Torres’ shoulders for the majority of the goals leaving little to change tactically if Chelsea comes across quality defensive performances like at Loftus Road.With a huge midweek game against Italian champions Juventus, expect some tired legs come the Stoke clash at the Bridge. Stoke have a good record against the big teams and I don’t expect this game to be pretty, but I still expect Chelsea to grind a victory here.My Prediction: Chelsea 1 – Stoke 0

Manchester United (Last Week #5, This Week #2)

United strolled back into the top four this week with a strong second half performance and a 4-0 victory against a very lacklustre Wigan side. Dutchman, Alexander Buttner was a huge standout on debut scoring and getting an assist to his name while Patrice Evra watched on from the bench. Goalless at half time United came out and took the game away from the visitors by the hour as Paul Scholes marked his 700th game with a well-taken goal. Alongside the Dutch debutant was also youngster Nick Powell who capped of his first appearance at Old Trafford with the goal of the game drilled home as Al Habsi tried helplessly to keep the powerful shot out.

Performances by the new boys will only give Sir Alex more selection headaches as more and more of his deep squad impresses. Patrice Evra, who has started 111 of United’s last 118 league games, now has competition for his place and now may have more bench time in his future as the thirties gradually gets the best of him. Obviously I expect to see the likes of Powell and Buttner as they learn the English game a little more before being thrusted into the deep end of the world’s biggest club which is stacked with experience. Look to Scholes and Evra to play key roles in their development. With crucial games ahead the subs bench was piled with quality names as the likes of Van Persie and Valencia looked on while Hernandez and Nani received rare starts. Sir Alex is as good as they come when it comes to rotating, especially with the looming Champion’s League tie and the huge game at Anfield this weekend.

Expect a hostile crowd. After the heated affairs last season, Patrice Evra will not get a warm reception. After Alexander Buttners highly impressive debut, will he start such a high profile game? Will Sir Alex protect Evra from the abuse that’s headed his way? Or will Patrice demand a starting birth after one week on the bench? Only Fergie knows these answers and like any fan, I never try to guess what Sir Alex will do next.

My Prediction: Manchester United 2 – Liverpool 2
Liverpool have been poor so far this season, but form means nothing in these matches as we have seen by some of their more recent impressive results over the Red Devils.

Arsenal (This Week #2, Last Week #8)
Easily the most impressive result of the week was 6-1 mauling of lowly Southampton. Gervinho was my star man, playing more central than we have seen at Arsenal and bagged a brace in the progress. Santi Corzola was an integral part of the creative flow of the team playing a part in several goals while Podolski scored a well-taken free kick. But it was the Ivorian, Gervinho, that impressed the most. So far we have seen Gervinho inconsistently perform out wide for Arsene Wenger, but after the stellar performance in the ‘no.9’ role Wenger may be able to get the most out of the former Lille star. The Ivorian was a constant threat to the Saints defence with his smart movement into the box and took his goal very well.

Arsene Wenger over the years has made a habit of redefining is players, but more specifically his wide men into central strikers. Easily is greatest ever signing, Thierry Henry arrived in North London as an underachieving winger and we he turned into arguably the best striker the league has seen. Robin Van Persie was another who arrived from Feyenoord for less than 3 million, yet turned into a prolific scorer that some would say carried Arsenal to a third place finish last year before leaving for rivals United over the break. Before this match Gervinho had only scored four times for the club, and yes this potential breakthrough performance was against Southampton. But considering what the talented Wenger has achieved in the past, don’t be surprised if the goals keep coming from the African.

The gunners after the midweek game in France head to Manchester and will hope to keep up their impressive defensive run, conceding only one goal so far in the league. As impressive as Arsenal were in this past weekend’s game I don’t expect Arsenal to come away with a result, but if Santi Corzola can control the game alongside the highly influential Abou Diaby I could easily be proved wrong.

My Prediction: Manchester City 2 – Arsenal 0

Manchester City (Last Week #4, This Week #4)

In a game where Mancini handed new signings Javi Garcia, Scott Sinclair and Maicon starts; the champions could not make the most of their chances and left the Britannia with a solitary point. Stoke were their usual selves; nothing pretty but they were physical and effective. Crouch bagged a questionable goal as appeals for handball were made. Javi Garcia capped off an impressive debut with a strong header but Asmir Begovic kept out everybody else from the blue side of Manchester.

Although Garcia looked the part on debut, starting three of the signings in the same game was a tactical shambles for Mancini. Yes, City looked the better team and created far more chances but the lack of fluency and familiarity among the new players was evident. Maicon bombed forward like expected but was clearly having issues linking up with the forward line. Scott Sinclair looked nervous on the left flank and failed to get into the game, which could leave some to question the departure of arguably the better winger Adam Johnson? Many looked at the title-winning squad and it was very hard to find a weakness or any position to strengthen, but now Mancini has signed five new players (at the same time!) he should really be slowly integrating them into his winning formula instead of pulling it apart.

The coming week will be huge in regards to the direction of City’s season. An away game against Real Madrid will never be easy, especially with a game against a confident Arsenal side a few days later. By now we can safely assume Mancini is a mystery when it comes to how he fields his starting team. Even after the first few games we have seen some interesting formations but expect to see a far more structured City at home against a very quick Arsenal side. Three at the back almost resulted in defeat against Liverpool. So if we see more of the same at the back against a far better side I would be questioning the Italians intelligence.My Prediction: Manchester City 2 – Arsenal 0
Experience and home advantage should prevail here for the champions, while I am assuming City will make more of their opportunities this week.

Sports. Honestly. Since 2011

Year: 2012