Hello folks! As some of you may have known, I've been extremely busy and away from my computer for some time now. That hasn't stopped me from watching the NBA playoffs though. The conference finals were great and now I'm expecting an even better NBA Finals. My original conference finals picks were:
Eastern Conference
2. Miami Heat vs. 4. Boston Celtics: Heat in 6
Western Conference
1. San Antonio Spurs vs. 2. Oklahoma City Thunder: Spurs in 7
Obviously I was wrong in the Western Conference. The Thunder played great and made excellent adjustments to turn the series in their favor. They're now up against the Miami Heat who are coming off their 2nd straight Eastern Conference championship. LeBron James is playing at a high level (he was at this time last year though) and has been carrying his squad. The match up between James and Kevin Durant is what everyone will be watching. No one in the league has been playing better than those two since the playoffs started. The Heat were my preseason pick to win it all but a lot has changed since December. OKC is playing great defense and is showing not only are they talented, but they're tough as nails. Nobody on their team is scared of the big stage which will ultimately propel them to the championship. I just don't see how a team as tough as them with homecourt advantage can lose with the title on the line. With that said, here is my official prediction:
2. Oklahoma City Thunder vs. 2. Miami Heat: Thunder in 7
Enjoy the series folks!
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Saturday, May 12, 2012
DTTWSB NBA Conference Semifinal Predictions
After what seemed like a boring 1st round of the playoffs, things have finally started to heat up. We currently have two Game 7s that have to be decided, but the Down To The Wire Sports Blog doesn't have time to wait because the conference semifinals start tonight! Injuries dominated the headlines when the playoffs started. There's no doubt they've impacted the outcome of some of the games. Since two of the Western Conference series have yet to be decided, I'll be making double the predictions on that side just to cover my basis. You all know who I feel is going to win though. Let's stop wasting time and get to the picks.
Eastern Conference
4. Boston Celtics vs. 8. Philadelphia 76ers: Celtics in 5
The best way to sum up this series is that the Celtics expected to be here, while the 76ers are happy to be here. There's no way Philly thought they could beat the Bulls until Derrick Rose tore his ACL at the end of Game 1. Boston is quietly playing some good basketball, especially point guard Rajon Rondo. He's the offensive catalyst for this team. I just can't see how the Sixers can make this a series. I see the Celtics winning the first two and then splitting on the road to blow Philadelphia out at home in Game 5.
2. Miami Heat vs. 3. Indiana Pacers: Heat in 4
Everyone knew we would see this series once the playoffs started, but we also thought we'd be seeing a better 76ers team. They aren't very good in my estimation. If Dwight Howard was able to play in the previous series I believe the Magic would have beat the Pacers. I do actually think the games in this series will be close, but the Heat will close them out in 4 games. The combination of James, Wade and Bosh is just too much for Indiana. I don't think they're ready for that kind of intensity.
Western Conference
1. San Antonio Spurs vs. 4. Memphis Grizzlies: Spurs in 6
Oh baby, this would be an excellent series in my opinion. Last year the Grizzlies shocked the Spurs in the 1st round and beat them in 6 games. With a healthy Manu Ginobili, I think the Spurs can flip the script and beat the Grizz in 6. San Antonio is not the sexy pick, but they've been playing the best basketball in the entire league if you ask me. They're efficient offensively and buy into defending the ball as a team. With Tony Parker playing lights out basketball, this team is going to be a tough exit if you ask me.
or
1. San Antonio Spurs vs. 5. Los Angeles Clippers: Spurs in 5
This series would bring up the age old discussion of style versus substance. The "Lob City" Clippers play with a lot of energy, but they don't defend the ball that well. San Antonio is probably one of the most boring teams to watch in the league, but for basketball junkies, it's poetry in motion. I believe Chris Paul will be able to pull out one game for the Clippers but that's about it. The Spurs are just too much for this young roster. A lot of the times in the playoffs, teams with experience are able to take out teams who are young.
2. Oklahoma City Thunder vs. 3. Los Angeles Lakers: Thunder in 6
If you're looking for stars, look no further than this series. It has all the stars you want to see plus more. Along with last series, this would be a coming of age type series for the OKC Thunder. They're still getting playoff wins underneath their belt, and none would be bigger than beating the Kobe Bryant-led Los Angeles Lakers. In my opinion, LA simply doesn't match up with OKC, especially in the back court. The Thunder play hard every night and would be able to steal at least one game at the Staples Center while protecting homecourt.
or
2. Oklahoma City Thunder vs. 6. Denver Nuggets: Thunder in 4
To be honest, I don't want to see this series. It would be a complete blowout if these two teams were to face. Denver plays hard, but they don't have nearly the same amount of weapons as OKC. The Thunder would out class them from the start if you ask me. For that reason, I do not wish to further analyze this series.
Eastern Conference
4. Boston Celtics vs. 8. Philadelphia 76ers: Celtics in 5
The best way to sum up this series is that the Celtics expected to be here, while the 76ers are happy to be here. There's no way Philly thought they could beat the Bulls until Derrick Rose tore his ACL at the end of Game 1. Boston is quietly playing some good basketball, especially point guard Rajon Rondo. He's the offensive catalyst for this team. I just can't see how the Sixers can make this a series. I see the Celtics winning the first two and then splitting on the road to blow Philadelphia out at home in Game 5.
2. Miami Heat vs. 3. Indiana Pacers: Heat in 4
Everyone knew we would see this series once the playoffs started, but we also thought we'd be seeing a better 76ers team. They aren't very good in my estimation. If Dwight Howard was able to play in the previous series I believe the Magic would have beat the Pacers. I do actually think the games in this series will be close, but the Heat will close them out in 4 games. The combination of James, Wade and Bosh is just too much for Indiana. I don't think they're ready for that kind of intensity.
Western Conference
1. San Antonio Spurs vs. 4. Memphis Grizzlies: Spurs in 6
Oh baby, this would be an excellent series in my opinion. Last year the Grizzlies shocked the Spurs in the 1st round and beat them in 6 games. With a healthy Manu Ginobili, I think the Spurs can flip the script and beat the Grizz in 6. San Antonio is not the sexy pick, but they've been playing the best basketball in the entire league if you ask me. They're efficient offensively and buy into defending the ball as a team. With Tony Parker playing lights out basketball, this team is going to be a tough exit if you ask me.
or
1. San Antonio Spurs vs. 5. Los Angeles Clippers: Spurs in 5
This series would bring up the age old discussion of style versus substance. The "Lob City" Clippers play with a lot of energy, but they don't defend the ball that well. San Antonio is probably one of the most boring teams to watch in the league, but for basketball junkies, it's poetry in motion. I believe Chris Paul will be able to pull out one game for the Clippers but that's about it. The Spurs are just too much for this young roster. A lot of the times in the playoffs, teams with experience are able to take out teams who are young.
2. Oklahoma City Thunder vs. 3. Los Angeles Lakers: Thunder in 6
If you're looking for stars, look no further than this series. It has all the stars you want to see plus more. Along with last series, this would be a coming of age type series for the OKC Thunder. They're still getting playoff wins underneath their belt, and none would be bigger than beating the Kobe Bryant-led Los Angeles Lakers. In my opinion, LA simply doesn't match up with OKC, especially in the back court. The Thunder play hard every night and would be able to steal at least one game at the Staples Center while protecting homecourt.
or
2. Oklahoma City Thunder vs. 6. Denver Nuggets: Thunder in 4
To be honest, I don't want to see this series. It would be a complete blowout if these two teams were to face. Denver plays hard, but they don't have nearly the same amount of weapons as OKC. The Thunder would out class them from the start if you ask me. For that reason, I do not wish to further analyze this series.
Friday, April 27, 2012
DTTWSB NBA 1st Round Predictions
It is time! The NBA playoffs are back! This year we have even more interesting match ups in the 1st round. I cannot wait for Saturday to get going with these games. Last year I did alright with my predictions, but there were a few surprises here and there. I've done a little more research this year and should be able to make better selections. Let me stop wasting time, here are my picks for the 1st round of the NBA playoffs.
Eastern Conference
1. Chicago Bulls vs. 8. Philadelphia 76ers: Bulls in 5
This will be a defensive series. Both teams are built on playing hard and having strong benches. Unfortunately for the Sixers, they have to play the Bulls. Derrick Rose is rested and has recovered from his back injury. It will be tough for Philly to handle him. I see the Bulls dropping one game on the road, but definitely holding serve at home and finishing this series early.
2. Miami Heat vs. 7. New York Knicks: Heat in 6
Hands down this is the best series of the 1st round. There is star power all over the court. Also, we finally get to see LeBron vs. Melo in a playoff series. Anytime you get big-time players matched up against each other in a series it should make for an intense battle. Ultimately I like the Heat to win this series, but not without being tested by those pesky Knickerbockers.
3. Indiana Pacers vs. 6. Orlando Magic: Pacers in 5
In my opinion this series has lost its luster since Dwight Howard will not play. I don't see how the Magic can win now. It's going to take a masterful job from head coach Stan Van Gundy. I don't see that happening because he's pretty much a dead man walking. The Pacers play hard and are a cohesive unit so I think they'll be able to move on with ease.
4. Boston Celtics vs. 5. Atlanta Hawks: Celtics in 5
This is a tricky series to gauge. The Celtics are the higher seed but the Hawks have the home court advantage. With that said, I believe the Celtics steal at least one of the first two games in Atlanta. Boston is playing their best basketball at the right time. Every year we say they're done, but I think these Celtics have one last run left in them.
Western Conference
1. San Antonio Spurs vs. 8. Utah Jazz: Spurs in 5
Welcome to Boringville, USA. This series has no spice to it. I probably won't watch any of the games to be honest. I hope the Spurs are able to advance as soon as possible so they can just get on to the next round. Sorry Utah, it's been a good run but your season is coming to an end.
2. Oklahoma City Thunder vs. 7. Dallas Mavericks: Thunder in 6
In a rematch of last year's WCF, the Thunder will take on the Mavericks. This time OKC has the home court advantage. Right now the Thunder have hit the wall it seems like. They aren't playing their best basketball right now which they cannot afford to do if they want to beat the Mavs. I think this will be a good series, but because Dallas lost some of their toughness from last year the Thunder will come out on top.
3. Los Angeles Lakers vs. 6. Denver Nuggets: Lakers in 5
The Lakers seem to be coming together as a team at the right time. If that's the case, the Nuggets are in trouble here. You bet Kobe wants to make one last run at a 6th championship and tie Michael Jordan. No team in the playoffs has two big men who can score and defend like the Lakers do. It's a huge advantage. Look for them to play lock down defense throughout this series and advance with ease.
4. Memphis Grizzlies vs. 5. Los Angeles Clippers: Clippers in 7
For the second year in a row, the 4-5 series is the most intriguing in the West. These are two teams that are potential dark horses to represent the conference in the NBA Finals. I expect this series to go the distance. Memphis has the home court, but I can see either team winning at each other's venue. The difference maker in this series will be Mr. CP3. His experience and leadership will propel Lob City to the next round.
Eastern Conference
1. Chicago Bulls vs. 8. Philadelphia 76ers: Bulls in 5
This will be a defensive series. Both teams are built on playing hard and having strong benches. Unfortunately for the Sixers, they have to play the Bulls. Derrick Rose is rested and has recovered from his back injury. It will be tough for Philly to handle him. I see the Bulls dropping one game on the road, but definitely holding serve at home and finishing this series early.
2. Miami Heat vs. 7. New York Knicks: Heat in 6
Hands down this is the best series of the 1st round. There is star power all over the court. Also, we finally get to see LeBron vs. Melo in a playoff series. Anytime you get big-time players matched up against each other in a series it should make for an intense battle. Ultimately I like the Heat to win this series, but not without being tested by those pesky Knickerbockers.
3. Indiana Pacers vs. 6. Orlando Magic: Pacers in 5
In my opinion this series has lost its luster since Dwight Howard will not play. I don't see how the Magic can win now. It's going to take a masterful job from head coach Stan Van Gundy. I don't see that happening because he's pretty much a dead man walking. The Pacers play hard and are a cohesive unit so I think they'll be able to move on with ease.
4. Boston Celtics vs. 5. Atlanta Hawks: Celtics in 5
This is a tricky series to gauge. The Celtics are the higher seed but the Hawks have the home court advantage. With that said, I believe the Celtics steal at least one of the first two games in Atlanta. Boston is playing their best basketball at the right time. Every year we say they're done, but I think these Celtics have one last run left in them.
Western Conference
1. San Antonio Spurs vs. 8. Utah Jazz: Spurs in 5
Welcome to Boringville, USA. This series has no spice to it. I probably won't watch any of the games to be honest. I hope the Spurs are able to advance as soon as possible so they can just get on to the next round. Sorry Utah, it's been a good run but your season is coming to an end.
2. Oklahoma City Thunder vs. 7. Dallas Mavericks: Thunder in 6
In a rematch of last year's WCF, the Thunder will take on the Mavericks. This time OKC has the home court advantage. Right now the Thunder have hit the wall it seems like. They aren't playing their best basketball right now which they cannot afford to do if they want to beat the Mavs. I think this will be a good series, but because Dallas lost some of their toughness from last year the Thunder will come out on top.
3. Los Angeles Lakers vs. 6. Denver Nuggets: Lakers in 5
The Lakers seem to be coming together as a team at the right time. If that's the case, the Nuggets are in trouble here. You bet Kobe wants to make one last run at a 6th championship and tie Michael Jordan. No team in the playoffs has two big men who can score and defend like the Lakers do. It's a huge advantage. Look for them to play lock down defense throughout this series and advance with ease.
4. Memphis Grizzlies vs. 5. Los Angeles Clippers: Clippers in 7
For the second year in a row, the 4-5 series is the most intriguing in the West. These are two teams that are potential dark horses to represent the conference in the NBA Finals. I expect this series to go the distance. Memphis has the home court, but I can see either team winning at each other's venue. The difference maker in this series will be Mr. CP3. His experience and leadership will propel Lob City to the next round.
DTTWSB 2011-12 Regular Season NBA Awards
Last night the lockout-shortened NBA season came to an end. It was a rapid season with teams having to play an enormous amount of games in a short period of time. It's been a strong comeback for the NBA after the nasty labor negotiations last fall. There have been some great individual performances this year and here is where we'll reward them. With all that said, here are my individual awards for the NBA regular season.
Most Valuable Player: LeBron James
Is this really even a question? If it weren't for his arrogant personality and poor showing in the NBA Finals last season, he would be the unanimous decision for the MVP award. Through the first half of the season he was playing as efficient as any player in NBA history. In my opinion he's the most complete player in basketball and the best basketball player in the world. Now if we could just get him to step up in the NBA Finals...
Defensive Player of the Year: Tyson Chandler
Chandler was a key defensive piece for the Knicks all season. One they signed him in the off season I thought it was a great pick up because they needed a defensive presence. Luckily he was my preseason DPOY. As a shot blocker and rebounder he makes things difficult for post players and guards as well. I think he's a slam dunk pick here.
Rookie of the Year: Kyrie Irving
The first pick in the draft more than lived up to the billing. He was the catalyst for the Cavaliers all season long. As a team they didn't have great success, but having a guy like Irving is definitely a step in the right direction. I'm looking forward to seeing how good he can become.
Most Improved Player: Andrew Bynum
Even with all the headaches he gave Mike Brown and the Lakers, he's been their second best player all season long. He's always had the ability, but for some reason he couldn't stay healthy. Now that he was able to stay healthy he played the entire season and made the Western Conference All-Star team as a starter. He's now the building piece for the Lakers for years to come.
Sixth Man of the Year: James Harden
Like the MVP award, this should be another unanimous selection. James Harden can flat out ball. Last postseason he became one of my favorite players in the league because of his game. He can score, but I love the fact that he facilitates as well. True point guard for the Thunder. He creates shots for others around him and is a critical piece for the Thunder going forward.
Coach of the Year: Tom Thibodeau
Yes, Thibodeau won this award last year, but I actually think he deserves it more this season. To not have last years MVP Derrick Rose for the majority of the season and to still earn the number 1 seed in the Eastern Conference is very impressive. The coaching job he's done with the bench has been phenomenal. Will he win it? I'm not sure. All I know is that he deserves it.
All-NBA 1st Team
PG: Tony Parker
SG: Kobe Bryant
SF: LeBron James
PF: Kevin Love
C: Dwight Howard
All-NBA 2nd Team
PG: Chris Paul
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Kevin Durant
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Andrew Bynum
Most Valuable Player: LeBron James
Is this really even a question? If it weren't for his arrogant personality and poor showing in the NBA Finals last season, he would be the unanimous decision for the MVP award. Through the first half of the season he was playing as efficient as any player in NBA history. In my opinion he's the most complete player in basketball and the best basketball player in the world. Now if we could just get him to step up in the NBA Finals...
Defensive Player of the Year: Tyson Chandler
Chandler was a key defensive piece for the Knicks all season. One they signed him in the off season I thought it was a great pick up because they needed a defensive presence. Luckily he was my preseason DPOY. As a shot blocker and rebounder he makes things difficult for post players and guards as well. I think he's a slam dunk pick here.
Rookie of the Year: Kyrie Irving
The first pick in the draft more than lived up to the billing. He was the catalyst for the Cavaliers all season long. As a team they didn't have great success, but having a guy like Irving is definitely a step in the right direction. I'm looking forward to seeing how good he can become.
Most Improved Player: Andrew Bynum
Even with all the headaches he gave Mike Brown and the Lakers, he's been their second best player all season long. He's always had the ability, but for some reason he couldn't stay healthy. Now that he was able to stay healthy he played the entire season and made the Western Conference All-Star team as a starter. He's now the building piece for the Lakers for years to come.
Sixth Man of the Year: James Harden
Like the MVP award, this should be another unanimous selection. James Harden can flat out ball. Last postseason he became one of my favorite players in the league because of his game. He can score, but I love the fact that he facilitates as well. True point guard for the Thunder. He creates shots for others around him and is a critical piece for the Thunder going forward.
Coach of the Year: Tom Thibodeau
Yes, Thibodeau won this award last year, but I actually think he deserves it more this season. To not have last years MVP Derrick Rose for the majority of the season and to still earn the number 1 seed in the Eastern Conference is very impressive. The coaching job he's done with the bench has been phenomenal. Will he win it? I'm not sure. All I know is that he deserves it.
All-NBA 1st Team
PG: Tony Parker
SG: Kobe Bryant
SF: LeBron James
PF: Kevin Love
C: Dwight Howard
All-NBA 2nd Team
PG: Chris Paul
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Kevin Durant
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Andrew Bynum
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
DTTWSB 2012 Top 10 NFL Mock Draft
Oh baby, the NFL Draft is less than 48 hours away! I cannot even express how pumped I am for it to start. After months of breaking down tape, watching the combine and paying attention to the pro days, the draft is now here. We're going to get to see where the stars of tomorrow will be playing their football careers. I've never published a mock draft before so I thought I'd just do a mock for the first 10 picks of the draft. There are a lot of talented prospects this season; some who can make impact immediately while others who have the potential to be superstars. My only disclaimer is that I can't predict trades so this mock draft has in mind that nobody trades into the top 10 which is unlikely in my opinion. So without further ado, here is my first ever mock draft.
1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck
We've knew Luck was going to the Colts ever since they clinched the top spot all the way back in late December. Now that Peyton Manning has moved on, the Colts seem to have found their heir apparent to the throne. The Stanford quarterback is an excellent choice and is the best quarterback prospect since Peyton Manning, if not John Elway in 1983. They'll be using their time to think about what they want to do in the 2nd round.
2. Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III
They showed their hand here once they gave up a king's ransom to move up to the 2nd overall pick. I don't think the Redskins have had a franchise-caliber quarterback since Joe Theisman! This makes way too much sense here. RG3 will do wonders in Mike Shanahan's bootleg-heavy offense where he'll be able to show off his mobility. Don't get it twisted though, he's a pocket passer at heart and probably has the most potential of any player in the draft.
3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil
The past couple weeks we've started to hear that the Vikings have fallen in love with LSU corner back Morris Claiborne. In my opinion it's all smoke screen. If you're the Vikings and you believe Christian Ponder is your franchise quarterback then you have to be able to protect him. Kalil makes too much sense here. He's got all the tools to be a perennial Pro Bowler and will be a top notch left tackle for the next 10-12 years.
4. Cleveland Browns: Trent Richardson
If you look at the tape, you'll probably come away thinking that Richardson is the best overall player in the draft. There's nothing this guy can't do on the football field. It doesn't sound like Cleveland is giving up on Colt McCoy so they need to get him a running game. Especially after losing Peyton Hillis. Richardson is as good a running back that has come out since Adrian Peterson in 2007. This is a no brainer.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Morris Claiborne
The first corner back to go off the board will be Claiborne. When you look at the tape you can see a clean prospect who will translate to the next level. Tampa Bay has a pressing need at the position because Ronde Barber is on his way out the door and you never know what to expect from Aquib Talib. Even though he scored a 4 on his Wonderlic test, I believe he'll fit in nicely with this young team.
6. St. Lous Rams: Fletcher Cox
Throughout the entire draft process people have said it's almost a certainty that the Rams select a wide receiver with their first pick. Knowing the type of coach Jeff Fisher is, I can't see him passing up on fixing the trenches. Especially if Fletcher Cox is still on the board. Cox is one of my favorite prospects in the draft. He's young, athletic and has a motor like no other. He's going to be a disruptive force in this league for years to come.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Stephon Gilmore
For the first reach of the draft, I have the Jaguars taking Stephon Gilmore. Ideally Jacksonville would like to trade down from this spot, but if they can't find a partner they'll go ahead and take the best player available on their draft board which is Gilmore. I think Gilmore will be a good corner back in this league, but not one who merits being taken in the top 10. He has iffy ball skills and is a little tight in the hips.
8. Miami Dolphins: Ryan Tannehill
Miami has not had a franchise quarterback since Dan Marino retired. I believe they find their guy at pick 8 when they select Tannehill. Many draft experts believe he's a guy who doesn't deserve to be picked in the top 10, but in my opinion if you believe a guy is a franchise quarterback then there's no such thing as reaching for him. Tannehill is still raw so he'll need to sit behind a veteran for the next couple of years.
9. Carolina Panthers: Michael Floyd
A lot of people have the Panthers taking a defensive tackle, which is a huge need for them, but I think they get enamored with the big play ability of Michael Floyd make him the first wide receiver off the board. Floyd is a little bit of a knucklehead, but you can't deny his talent. In my opinion he's the best receiver in the draft because of what he's able to do down the field. He'll make the Panthers offense that much more explosive.
10. Buffalo Bills: Riley Reiff
At the 10 spot I have the Bills coming away with a good left tackle. On tape Reiff doesn't look like an elit prospect, but he does show signs of a guy who has the ability to protect the passer and run block as well. Buffalo needs to sure up their offensive line and protect Ryan Fitzpatrick; I believe they take a step in the right direction by taking the left tackle from Iowa.
1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck
We've knew Luck was going to the Colts ever since they clinched the top spot all the way back in late December. Now that Peyton Manning has moved on, the Colts seem to have found their heir apparent to the throne. The Stanford quarterback is an excellent choice and is the best quarterback prospect since Peyton Manning, if not John Elway in 1983. They'll be using their time to think about what they want to do in the 2nd round.
2. Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III
They showed their hand here once they gave up a king's ransom to move up to the 2nd overall pick. I don't think the Redskins have had a franchise-caliber quarterback since Joe Theisman! This makes way too much sense here. RG3 will do wonders in Mike Shanahan's bootleg-heavy offense where he'll be able to show off his mobility. Don't get it twisted though, he's a pocket passer at heart and probably has the most potential of any player in the draft.
3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil
The past couple weeks we've started to hear that the Vikings have fallen in love with LSU corner back Morris Claiborne. In my opinion it's all smoke screen. If you're the Vikings and you believe Christian Ponder is your franchise quarterback then you have to be able to protect him. Kalil makes too much sense here. He's got all the tools to be a perennial Pro Bowler and will be a top notch left tackle for the next 10-12 years.
4. Cleveland Browns: Trent Richardson
If you look at the tape, you'll probably come away thinking that Richardson is the best overall player in the draft. There's nothing this guy can't do on the football field. It doesn't sound like Cleveland is giving up on Colt McCoy so they need to get him a running game. Especially after losing Peyton Hillis. Richardson is as good a running back that has come out since Adrian Peterson in 2007. This is a no brainer.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Morris Claiborne
The first corner back to go off the board will be Claiborne. When you look at the tape you can see a clean prospect who will translate to the next level. Tampa Bay has a pressing need at the position because Ronde Barber is on his way out the door and you never know what to expect from Aquib Talib. Even though he scored a 4 on his Wonderlic test, I believe he'll fit in nicely with this young team.
6. St. Lous Rams: Fletcher Cox
Throughout the entire draft process people have said it's almost a certainty that the Rams select a wide receiver with their first pick. Knowing the type of coach Jeff Fisher is, I can't see him passing up on fixing the trenches. Especially if Fletcher Cox is still on the board. Cox is one of my favorite prospects in the draft. He's young, athletic and has a motor like no other. He's going to be a disruptive force in this league for years to come.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Stephon Gilmore
For the first reach of the draft, I have the Jaguars taking Stephon Gilmore. Ideally Jacksonville would like to trade down from this spot, but if they can't find a partner they'll go ahead and take the best player available on their draft board which is Gilmore. I think Gilmore will be a good corner back in this league, but not one who merits being taken in the top 10. He has iffy ball skills and is a little tight in the hips.
8. Miami Dolphins: Ryan Tannehill
Miami has not had a franchise quarterback since Dan Marino retired. I believe they find their guy at pick 8 when they select Tannehill. Many draft experts believe he's a guy who doesn't deserve to be picked in the top 10, but in my opinion if you believe a guy is a franchise quarterback then there's no such thing as reaching for him. Tannehill is still raw so he'll need to sit behind a veteran for the next couple of years.
9. Carolina Panthers: Michael Floyd
A lot of people have the Panthers taking a defensive tackle, which is a huge need for them, but I think they get enamored with the big play ability of Michael Floyd make him the first wide receiver off the board. Floyd is a little bit of a knucklehead, but you can't deny his talent. In my opinion he's the best receiver in the draft because of what he's able to do down the field. He'll make the Panthers offense that much more explosive.
10. Buffalo Bills: Riley Reiff
At the 10 spot I have the Bills coming away with a good left tackle. On tape Reiff doesn't look like an elit prospect, but he does show signs of a guy who has the ability to protect the passer and run block as well. Buffalo needs to sure up their offensive line and protect Ryan Fitzpatrick; I believe they take a step in the right direction by taking the left tackle from Iowa.
Friday, February 3, 2012
DTTWSB Super Bowl XLVI Pick
The wait is finally over! After two weeks of hype, analysis and trash talk the game is now upon us. Both the Giants and Patriots have been in Indianapolis for the past week doing all the events like Media Day and breakfast with the press. I can't stand the fact that the NFL makes us wait two weeks before the game, but it does add to the anticipation. I'm hoping we get a good game because we deserve one with how long we've had to wait. The past few Super Bowls have been pretty entertaining so let's hope that trend continues. Regardless what happens on Sunday legacies will be cemented or tarnished as one team will stand in triumph while the other will fall in defeat. During the playoffs this year I had a decent picking record. Going into Championship Sunday I was 7-1, but a couple of special teams goats made sure I ended the weekend at 7-3. I haven't picked the Super Bowl right in the past five years so I'm going to make sure that ends. With all that said, here is my pick for Super Bowl XLVI.
Giants at Patriots: Giants
Super Bowl MVP: Giants quarterback Eli Manning
After all the smoke has cleared I believe it's going to be the Giants who are victorious at the end of the game. Many people are expecting this to be another classic Super Bowl, but I think the Giants will win this one convincingly. This is just a match up where one teams is just better than the other. I like the Giants offense and defense better than the Patriots offense and defense. All the match ups in this game favor the Giants. It's going to be tough to stop Tom Brady and that passing attack, but I believe the Giants NASCAR defensive line can do a good job at neutralizing it. When these teams faced each other in Week 9 you could tell that Brady was feeling the pass rush, even when it wasn't there. That's exactly what happened in Super Bowl XLII four years ago as well. New England's inability to consitently run the ball effectively will force them into obvious passing situations, advantage G-men.
On the other side of the ball, it's hard to not see Eli and his corp of receivers moving the ball up and down the field on the Patriots defense. New England has a tough time getting consistent pressure on quarterbacks, and whenever Eli has time to throw he makes big plays in the passing game. The scary thing for New England is that the Giants number one receiver Hakeem Nicks didn't even play during the Week 9 match up in Foxboro and New York still won. Now that Nicks is looking like a top flight receiver in the league it just creates even more match up problems for the Pats secondary. New York's balance on offense is what makes them scary. You better believe that Jacobs and Bradshaw will have success in the running game to ice the game off.
To be honest, the only way I see the Patriots winning this game is if they win the turnover battle by three. If not, it's just too much to ask of Tom Brady and Coach Belichick to pull this one out. All the Giants need to do is play their game and execute on a high level and they'll have New England frustrated all game. Ultimately this game will put Eli Manning and Coach Coughlin in the Hall of Fame. After Sunday they will have beaten the Patriots twice in the Super Bowl. That's a huge accomplisment. So on Super Sunday I'm going with Giants to reign supreme.
Giants at Patriots: Giants
Super Bowl MVP: Giants quarterback Eli Manning
After all the smoke has cleared I believe it's going to be the Giants who are victorious at the end of the game. Many people are expecting this to be another classic Super Bowl, but I think the Giants will win this one convincingly. This is just a match up where one teams is just better than the other. I like the Giants offense and defense better than the Patriots offense and defense. All the match ups in this game favor the Giants. It's going to be tough to stop Tom Brady and that passing attack, but I believe the Giants NASCAR defensive line can do a good job at neutralizing it. When these teams faced each other in Week 9 you could tell that Brady was feeling the pass rush, even when it wasn't there. That's exactly what happened in Super Bowl XLII four years ago as well. New England's inability to consitently run the ball effectively will force them into obvious passing situations, advantage G-men.
On the other side of the ball, it's hard to not see Eli and his corp of receivers moving the ball up and down the field on the Patriots defense. New England has a tough time getting consistent pressure on quarterbacks, and whenever Eli has time to throw he makes big plays in the passing game. The scary thing for New England is that the Giants number one receiver Hakeem Nicks didn't even play during the Week 9 match up in Foxboro and New York still won. Now that Nicks is looking like a top flight receiver in the league it just creates even more match up problems for the Pats secondary. New York's balance on offense is what makes them scary. You better believe that Jacobs and Bradshaw will have success in the running game to ice the game off.
To be honest, the only way I see the Patriots winning this game is if they win the turnover battle by three. If not, it's just too much to ask of Tom Brady and Coach Belichick to pull this one out. All the Giants need to do is play their game and execute on a high level and they'll have New England frustrated all game. Ultimately this game will put Eli Manning and Coach Coughlin in the Hall of Fame. After Sunday they will have beaten the Patriots twice in the Super Bowl. That's a huge accomplisment. So on Super Sunday I'm going with Giants to reign supreme.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
DTTWSB NFL Conference Championship Picks
We have now reached the best Sunday of the year, Championship Sunday! As a football fan you can't help but park yourself on the couch and watch the games for seven hours straight. By Sunday night we'll now who will be playing in Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis on February 5th. I actually enjoy the conference championship games more than the Super Bowl because the teams have more of a familiarity so it makes for a better game. We have two incredible match ups this Sunday. It's going to be strength versus strength. For the x's and o's football junkie this is heaven. Last week I went a perfect 4-0 which brought my playoff picks record to 7-1 (damn you Tim Tebow). I'm outclassing the ESPN experts right now, but I need another perfect weekend to really separate from the pack. With all that said, here are my picks for the AFC/NFC Championship games.
Ravens at Patriots: Ravens
In the first game of the day we're going to have a fantastic match up. Keep your eyes glued to the tele when the Patriots have the ball cause you're going to see multiple future Hall of Famers on the field. The chess match between Tom Brady and Ray Lewis is going to be great to watch. Even with the struggles of Joe Flacco and the Ravens offense, the weakest unit on the field is the Patriots defense. If Flacco can consistently convert on 3rd down and move the chains the Ravens will win this game. I actually believe he will do so. The Patriots defense doesn't get enough pressure on the quarterback to rattle Flacco like the Texans did. The biggest weapon for the Ravens is Ray Rice. I think he's the key to Baltimore's offensive success. On the other side of things I just can't see the Patriots being able to contain Haloti Ngata. He has the ability to push the pocket and frustrate even the best quarterbacks in the game. Hernandez and Gronkowski do worry me, but one of them will be forced to stay in and block because of the dynamic pass rushers the Ravens have. I'm taking the Ravens to finally get back to the Super Bowl.
Giants at 49ers: 49ers
Woah nelly! I cannot wait for this game to start. This is going to be a good ole fashioned slobber knocker. These are two of the most physical teams in the NFL today. I love the fact that both of these teams get after the quarterback and run the football well. This game is a virtual coin flip, but I have to go with the home team to pull it out. I cannot stress enough how electric the atmosphere will be once kickoff time arrives. Which ever team is able to control the tempo of the game will come away with the victory. I believe that will be the 49ers because they can stop anyones rushing attack and mother nature will be on their side. The forecast is calling for rain during the game so that will slow down the passing game, advantage San Francisco. The Giants have been on a great run and are playing some damn good football, I just think they're running into the wrong team at the wrong time. The last time these two teams faced each other Frank Gore barely played due to injury and the 49ers still won. San Francisco's ability to stop the run and pressure the quarterback are the biggest reasons they're going to win the game. This looks like an upset, but I think the 49ers have save their best performance for now. I'll take the Niners.
Ravens at Patriots: Ravens
In the first game of the day we're going to have a fantastic match up. Keep your eyes glued to the tele when the Patriots have the ball cause you're going to see multiple future Hall of Famers on the field. The chess match between Tom Brady and Ray Lewis is going to be great to watch. Even with the struggles of Joe Flacco and the Ravens offense, the weakest unit on the field is the Patriots defense. If Flacco can consistently convert on 3rd down and move the chains the Ravens will win this game. I actually believe he will do so. The Patriots defense doesn't get enough pressure on the quarterback to rattle Flacco like the Texans did. The biggest weapon for the Ravens is Ray Rice. I think he's the key to Baltimore's offensive success. On the other side of things I just can't see the Patriots being able to contain Haloti Ngata. He has the ability to push the pocket and frustrate even the best quarterbacks in the game. Hernandez and Gronkowski do worry me, but one of them will be forced to stay in and block because of the dynamic pass rushers the Ravens have. I'm taking the Ravens to finally get back to the Super Bowl.
Giants at 49ers: 49ers
Woah nelly! I cannot wait for this game to start. This is going to be a good ole fashioned slobber knocker. These are two of the most physical teams in the NFL today. I love the fact that both of these teams get after the quarterback and run the football well. This game is a virtual coin flip, but I have to go with the home team to pull it out. I cannot stress enough how electric the atmosphere will be once kickoff time arrives. Which ever team is able to control the tempo of the game will come away with the victory. I believe that will be the 49ers because they can stop anyones rushing attack and mother nature will be on their side. The forecast is calling for rain during the game so that will slow down the passing game, advantage San Francisco. The Giants have been on a great run and are playing some damn good football, I just think they're running into the wrong team at the wrong time. The last time these two teams faced each other Frank Gore barely played due to injury and the 49ers still won. San Francisco's ability to stop the run and pressure the quarterback are the biggest reasons they're going to win the game. This looks like an upset, but I think the 49ers have save their best performance for now. I'll take the Niners.
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