Friday, January 8, 2010
Mora Fired, Seahawks in Shambles
Today this afternoon, Seattle Seahawks Head Coach Jim Mora Jr. was fired after one season. The Seahawks were 5-11 this year and finished in third place in the NFC West. Coach Mora was part of the issue this season for the Seahawks, but the biggest issue was that they didn't have enough talent. The reason Mora was fired I believe was because his players quit on him at the end of the season. The Cleveland Browns finished 5-11 this season but they won their last four games because the players didn't quit on Head Coach Eric Mangini. That's why he kept his job and Mora didn't. The Seattle Seahawks don't even have a General Manager right now because the former GM Tim Ruskell was fired during the season. Now that Mora is no longer head coach, who will be next Seahawks head coach? Enter in USC Trojans Head Coach Pete Carroll. His name has been surfaced all throughout the day. Rumor is that there is a deal "going down". All my Seahawk fan friends are not going to want to hear me say this but I think Pete Carroll isn't that great of an NFL head coach. He isn't even that great of a college head coach. He's just a good recruiter that surrounds himself with great coaches. That's why he wants to bring USC Offensive Coordiantor Jeremy Bates with him to Seatlle. The Seahawks right now are in absolute shambles. There have been whispers that the Cleveland Browns might trade for Matt Hasselbeck. If the Seahawks lost Hasselbeck they will truly be a team with no future. They have a bad offensive line, bad secondary, and bad defensive line. The only strength on the team is the linebacker position. That's no use though when your defensive lineman are being driven four yards off the ball. Walter Jones is close to retiring which isn't good for an offensive line that doesn't block in the first place. The Seahawks are well on their way to being one of the bottom-feeder teams in the NFL. We'll see if Coach Carroll get hired in the next 72 hours or so. I'll make sure to keep tabs on the story.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
BCS National Championship Report
Alright, so Alabam held on to beat Texas 37-21. It got pretty interesting as Gilbert started to settle down and go through his progressions properly. At the end of the day Alabama and Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram had too much for the Texas defense. Ingram won the Offensive MVP award in the game. Overall, I'll give the game a B- grade. Wasn't too exciting until Texas cut the lead to 3, but that didn't last too long. Congratulations to Nick Saban and the Alabama football program on an undefeated national championship season. They were clearly the best team in the country. Hopefully sometime this decade we get a playoff system because it's not going to work out like this every season. Goodnight everyone.
BCS National Championship Halftime Report
Right now I'm watching the BCS National Championship Game between #1 Alabama and # 2 Texas. It's a blowout right now with Alabam leading 24-6. Part of that is because they're running the ball all over Texas, but the big reason is because Colt McCoy got injured on Texas' opening drive. Back-up quarterback Garret Gilbert is playing right now. Dude is a true freshman so that isn't going so well for Texas. The game will be over real soon if Texas doesn't score on their drive to open the second half. Hopefully McCoy comes back in the game because if he doesn't it's going to be a boring blowout. Well, I'm going to watch the second half, and I'll comment on the end of the game. Happy second half everyone!!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
NFL Playoff Talk and Predictions
The NFL Playoffs will start this Saturday in Cincinnati when the Jets take on the Bengals. This is the most wonderful time of the year. The NFL and college basketball have the best playoff system because it's a one game scenario. If you win you get to move on, if you lose you go home wondering how you can get better next season. The NFL playoffs are very intriguing this season. The teams seem pretty even, especially in the NFC. I'm going to give a forecast on all 12 playoff teams. I'll begin with the NFC.
NFC:
1. New Orleans Saints: Over the past few weeks the word everyone has used to describe the Saints is vulnerable. They have looked very beatable since they lost to Dallas in mid-December. New Orleans needs to stop the run on defense and force turnovers. That's when they were at their best during the season. This is a team that has to find its swagger during their bye week otherwise they could lose that divisional playoff game.
2. Minnesota Vikings: The Vikings are another team that seems like they aren't playing their best ball down the stretch. Although they did smash the Giants, but I'm not sure how much stock you can put into that win since the Giants packed it in early. If the Vikings offensive line can get going they can do some serious damage in the playoffs. They have the pieces in place but they have to get it done up front.
3. Dallas Cowboys: Arguably the hottest team in the NFL, the Cowboys are clicking on all cylinders. Their defense is playing at a really high level right now. The most important thing is that Tony Romo is playing his best ball at the most important time of the season. They have a balanced offense which is also key in the postseason. They're definitely a team to look out for this January.
4. Arizona Cardinals: This team has to be one of the more inconsistent playoff teams in NFL history. Their play from week to week can be like day and night. Last year we saw them get trounced by the Patriots in December and then go on to win the whole NFC. They're the defending NFC Champions, and they shouldn't be taken lightly. If they get hot, they are a very dangerous team. Injuries may be their downfall this season though.
5. Green Bay Packers: Along with the Cowboys this seems to be one of the more hotter teams in the NFL. They have great quarterback play and great defense. I'm not sure how they're implemented the 3-4 defensive scheme in one season but somehow Dom Capers their defensive coordinator made it work. This is a very young team, so they may not respond well to the playoff pressure, especially playing on the road at Arizona.
6. Philadelphia Eagles: They seem like one of the few constant playoff participants in today's NFL. This will be there sixth playoff berth in the past eight seasons. The experience of Andy Reid and Donovan McNabb will be crucial. This team does have some serious flaws though. They need to run the ball a lot better if they want to stand a chance against Dallas this Saturday. The loss of Center Jamaal Jackson was very crucial. The offensive line didn't play well last Sunday, let's see if they can get it together...
AFC:
1. Indianapolis Colts: The Colts are another team that have to get it together. Even though their two losses at the end of the season were because they sat their starters it still raises som eye brows. You have to wonder whether Jim Caldwell has lost his team since he made them watch their unbeaten season go down the drain. Peyton Manning is the key to them playing well offensively. If they can get an early lead in their first playoff game, they should be fine.
2. San Diego Chargers: Arguably this is the best team in all of football. They have been playing with their hair on fire since October. Philip Rivers is an absolute baller, and he is leading this team now. Balance is key in the playoffs and this team has it down. Don't be surprised to see this team in Miami come February.
3. New England Patriots: Traditionally, they would most likely be the number one or two seed but this Patriots team is in transition so they're the three seed. That speaks great about your franchise when you're a three seed in a "down year". The loss of Wes Welker will be huge. He and Kevin Faulk have been Tom Brady's favorite targets on 3rd downs the past couple seasons. It will be interesting to see how former college quarterback Julian Edelman does.
4. Cincinnati Bengals: The Bengals are a team that have to find themselves during the week. At the beginning of the year they looked incredible with the offense and defense clicking. Once Chris Henry went down for the season, they haven't looked the same. Their passing game has taken a nose dive. Carson Palmer doesn't look like the same quarterback we've grown to appreciate. They should be able to win their first playoff game but who knows.
5. New York Jets: To be honest, I don't know how this team has made the playoffs but due to having the best luck of any team in playoff history they got in. It will be tough for them to get a victory with rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez. Rex Ryan should have that defense ready to take on the Bengals. If Sanchez can generate 20 points I believe they can beat the Bengals.
6. Baltimore Ravens: Baltimore needs to run the football more because their best offensive player is running back Ray Rice. John Harbaugh is a great head coach and should have his guys ready. Even though Ray Lewis is no longer the Ray Lewis he used to be, I think he and that defense have enough to go up to Foxboro and get a victory.
Now for the predictions. This is what I think will happen this January and February.
NFC Wildcard Round:
6. Philadelphia Eagles at 3. Dallas Cowboys: Cowboys
5. Green Bay Packers at 4. Arizona Cardinals: Cardinals
NFC Divisonal Round:
3. Dallas Cowboys at 2. Minnesota Vikings: Cowboys
4. Arizona Cardinals at 1. New Orleans Saints: Saints
NFC Championship Game:
3. Dallas Cowboys at 1. New Orleans Saints: Cowboys
AFC Wildcard Round:
6. Baltimore Ravens at 3. New England Patriots: Ravens
5. New York Jets at 4. Cincinnati Bengals: Jets
AFC Divisonal Round:
5. New York Jets at 2. San Diego Chargers: Chargers
6. Baltimore Ravens at 1. Indianapolis Colts: Colts
AFC Championship Game:
2. San Diego Chargers at 1. Indianapolis Colts: Chargers
Super Bowl XLIV:
Dallas Cowboys at San Diego Chargers: Chargers
NFC:
1. New Orleans Saints: Over the past few weeks the word everyone has used to describe the Saints is vulnerable. They have looked very beatable since they lost to Dallas in mid-December. New Orleans needs to stop the run on defense and force turnovers. That's when they were at their best during the season. This is a team that has to find its swagger during their bye week otherwise they could lose that divisional playoff game.
2. Minnesota Vikings: The Vikings are another team that seems like they aren't playing their best ball down the stretch. Although they did smash the Giants, but I'm not sure how much stock you can put into that win since the Giants packed it in early. If the Vikings offensive line can get going they can do some serious damage in the playoffs. They have the pieces in place but they have to get it done up front.
3. Dallas Cowboys: Arguably the hottest team in the NFL, the Cowboys are clicking on all cylinders. Their defense is playing at a really high level right now. The most important thing is that Tony Romo is playing his best ball at the most important time of the season. They have a balanced offense which is also key in the postseason. They're definitely a team to look out for this January.
4. Arizona Cardinals: This team has to be one of the more inconsistent playoff teams in NFL history. Their play from week to week can be like day and night. Last year we saw them get trounced by the Patriots in December and then go on to win the whole NFC. They're the defending NFC Champions, and they shouldn't be taken lightly. If they get hot, they are a very dangerous team. Injuries may be their downfall this season though.
5. Green Bay Packers: Along with the Cowboys this seems to be one of the more hotter teams in the NFL. They have great quarterback play and great defense. I'm not sure how they're implemented the 3-4 defensive scheme in one season but somehow Dom Capers their defensive coordinator made it work. This is a very young team, so they may not respond well to the playoff pressure, especially playing on the road at Arizona.
6. Philadelphia Eagles: They seem like one of the few constant playoff participants in today's NFL. This will be there sixth playoff berth in the past eight seasons. The experience of Andy Reid and Donovan McNabb will be crucial. This team does have some serious flaws though. They need to run the ball a lot better if they want to stand a chance against Dallas this Saturday. The loss of Center Jamaal Jackson was very crucial. The offensive line didn't play well last Sunday, let's see if they can get it together...
AFC:
1. Indianapolis Colts: The Colts are another team that have to get it together. Even though their two losses at the end of the season were because they sat their starters it still raises som eye brows. You have to wonder whether Jim Caldwell has lost his team since he made them watch their unbeaten season go down the drain. Peyton Manning is the key to them playing well offensively. If they can get an early lead in their first playoff game, they should be fine.
2. San Diego Chargers: Arguably this is the best team in all of football. They have been playing with their hair on fire since October. Philip Rivers is an absolute baller, and he is leading this team now. Balance is key in the playoffs and this team has it down. Don't be surprised to see this team in Miami come February.
3. New England Patriots: Traditionally, they would most likely be the number one or two seed but this Patriots team is in transition so they're the three seed. That speaks great about your franchise when you're a three seed in a "down year". The loss of Wes Welker will be huge. He and Kevin Faulk have been Tom Brady's favorite targets on 3rd downs the past couple seasons. It will be interesting to see how former college quarterback Julian Edelman does.
4. Cincinnati Bengals: The Bengals are a team that have to find themselves during the week. At the beginning of the year they looked incredible with the offense and defense clicking. Once Chris Henry went down for the season, they haven't looked the same. Their passing game has taken a nose dive. Carson Palmer doesn't look like the same quarterback we've grown to appreciate. They should be able to win their first playoff game but who knows.
5. New York Jets: To be honest, I don't know how this team has made the playoffs but due to having the best luck of any team in playoff history they got in. It will be tough for them to get a victory with rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez. Rex Ryan should have that defense ready to take on the Bengals. If Sanchez can generate 20 points I believe they can beat the Bengals.
6. Baltimore Ravens: Baltimore needs to run the football more because their best offensive player is running back Ray Rice. John Harbaugh is a great head coach and should have his guys ready. Even though Ray Lewis is no longer the Ray Lewis he used to be, I think he and that defense have enough to go up to Foxboro and get a victory.
Now for the predictions. This is what I think will happen this January and February.
NFC Wildcard Round:
6. Philadelphia Eagles at 3. Dallas Cowboys: Cowboys
5. Green Bay Packers at 4. Arizona Cardinals: Cardinals
NFC Divisonal Round:
3. Dallas Cowboys at 2. Minnesota Vikings: Cowboys
4. Arizona Cardinals at 1. New Orleans Saints: Saints
NFC Championship Game:
3. Dallas Cowboys at 1. New Orleans Saints: Cowboys
AFC Wildcard Round:
6. Baltimore Ravens at 3. New England Patriots: Ravens
5. New York Jets at 4. Cincinnati Bengals: Jets
AFC Divisonal Round:
5. New York Jets at 2. San Diego Chargers: Chargers
6. Baltimore Ravens at 1. Indianapolis Colts: Colts
AFC Championship Game:
2. San Diego Chargers at 1. Indianapolis Colts: Chargers
Super Bowl XLIV:
Dallas Cowboys at San Diego Chargers: Chargers
Friday, January 1, 2010
BCS Bowl Season: Good and Bad
Happy New Year's everybody!! 2010 is now here and hopefully it is a successful year for everybody. January 1st is not only significant for it being the first day of the new year, but it's also the start of the BCS bowl games in Div. 1 college football. This is the day every college football junkie looks forward too. The beautiful day starts of with the "Grandaddy of 'Em All", the Rose Bowl. Personally it is my favorite bowl because it looks like a beautiful sight. It allows a west coast Pac-10 school to showcase its ability on a national stage. Pasadena, California, is a wonderful city and a great tourist attraction. Bowl games are a reward for these young kids who work very hard throughout the year. Even if you aren't a national powerhouse you have an opportunity to end your season on a good note.
The BCS system isn't all happy happy joy joy for everyone though. It is a built in system to promote matchups between the major conferences. There are six BCS conferences that receive automatic bids to the BCS bowls. The conferences are: Pac-10, Big Ten, SEC, Big 12, ACC and Big East. The outright champions to these conferences play in the four regular BCS bowls. The remainding slots for the games are filled by at-large bids. Those are teams that didn't win their conference, but are ranked high in the BCS poll. Schools that come from a non-BCS conference are at a severe disadvantage to play in BCS bowl games. There have been talks to add two more schools to the list of BCS conferences but that probably won't happen because those schools don't make as much money. The biggest problem with the BCS is that computers are the ones that decide who plays in the BCS National Championship Game.
It's tought to climb up the polls if you received a low preseason ranking. This happend to Auburn in 2004 when they went undefeated. The highest they got in the polls was #3 because the teams ahead of them had "better" resumes. There is too much of a debate when it comes to who should play in the national title game.
My solution for this would be to make a 10-team playoff. The top 10 teams in the BCS poll should play for the national championship. The #1 and #2 should get a bye week while the remainding eight teams fight it out in the first round. The games could be played at a venue in the same region where the higher seed plays. Once it gets down to the semi-final round, they could play the games at one site(like how they do the Final Four in college basketball). The site can just rotate between the original BCS bowls: Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Arizona, Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, Louisiana and Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida. It would make for a very festive atmosphere. The championship game would then be played at which ever stadium is hosting the semi-final that year the following week. The only real issue with this plan is that it may extend the college football season in to the middle of January. My suggestion is to play the playoff games while the other "non-significant" bowls are being played. This would make the season end in early to middle January.
Like you, I love speaking in hypotheticals. For some reason I believe my playoff system will not be put in to place until we see two small schools in the BCS National Championship Game and it doesn't make as much money as usual. So for now all we can do is dream of the day that we'll get to see a playoff. Until then we will just have to live with the system we have. The first BCS bowl game starts in a little over an hour so it's not too late to make predicitions for the games. So here are mine.
Rose Bowl: Oregon over Ohio State
Sugar Bowl: Florida over Cincinnati
Fiesta Bowl: TCU over Boise State
Orange Bowl: Georgia Tech over Iowa
BCS National Championship Game: Alabama over Texas
The BCS system isn't all happy happy joy joy for everyone though. It is a built in system to promote matchups between the major conferences. There are six BCS conferences that receive automatic bids to the BCS bowls. The conferences are: Pac-10, Big Ten, SEC, Big 12, ACC and Big East. The outright champions to these conferences play in the four regular BCS bowls. The remainding slots for the games are filled by at-large bids. Those are teams that didn't win their conference, but are ranked high in the BCS poll. Schools that come from a non-BCS conference are at a severe disadvantage to play in BCS bowl games. There have been talks to add two more schools to the list of BCS conferences but that probably won't happen because those schools don't make as much money. The biggest problem with the BCS is that computers are the ones that decide who plays in the BCS National Championship Game.
It's tought to climb up the polls if you received a low preseason ranking. This happend to Auburn in 2004 when they went undefeated. The highest they got in the polls was #3 because the teams ahead of them had "better" resumes. There is too much of a debate when it comes to who should play in the national title game.
My solution for this would be to make a 10-team playoff. The top 10 teams in the BCS poll should play for the national championship. The #1 and #2 should get a bye week while the remainding eight teams fight it out in the first round. The games could be played at a venue in the same region where the higher seed plays. Once it gets down to the semi-final round, they could play the games at one site(like how they do the Final Four in college basketball). The site can just rotate between the original BCS bowls: Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Arizona, Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, Louisiana and Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida. It would make for a very festive atmosphere. The championship game would then be played at which ever stadium is hosting the semi-final that year the following week. The only real issue with this plan is that it may extend the college football season in to the middle of January. My suggestion is to play the playoff games while the other "non-significant" bowls are being played. This would make the season end in early to middle January.
Like you, I love speaking in hypotheticals. For some reason I believe my playoff system will not be put in to place until we see two small schools in the BCS National Championship Game and it doesn't make as much money as usual. So for now all we can do is dream of the day that we'll get to see a playoff. Until then we will just have to live with the system we have. The first BCS bowl game starts in a little over an hour so it's not too late to make predicitions for the games. So here are mine.
Rose Bowl: Oregon over Ohio State
Sugar Bowl: Florida over Cincinnati
Fiesta Bowl: TCU over Boise State
Orange Bowl: Georgia Tech over Iowa
BCS National Championship Game: Alabama over Texas
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