Here it is our loyal readers, the Sports Brief's year end MMA Rankings. The UFC finished 2008 with a bang with UFC 92 last weekend. Great card, great fights, great night! Let's take a look at how the new Top 10's look going in to 2009.
Heavyweight:
1. Fedor Emelianenko
2. Brock Lesnar
3. Andrei Arlovski
4. Frank Mir
5. Josh Barnett
6. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira
7. Randy Couture
8. Tim Sylvia
9. Alistair Overeem
10. Chiek Kongo
Gabriel Gonzaga, Shane Carwin, Ben Rothwell, Fabricio Werdum, Heath Herring, Aleksander Emelianenko, Mirko Cro Cop, Junior Dos Santos
The UFC's 4 Man Tournament dethroned both the Champion and Interim Champ. What looked like a Couture/ Big Nog final turns into a rematch of Brock Lesnar and Frank Mir. Elsewhere Affliction gets going again next month with their 2nd show, Fedor takes on Arlovski. Overeem and Cro Cop fight on New Year's but alas not against each other.
Light Heavyweight:
1. Rashad Evans
2. Quinton Jackson
3. Forrest Griffin
4. Lyoto Machida
5. Chuck Liddell
6. Maurcio ‘Shogun’ Rua
7. Thiago Silva
8. Babalu Sobral
9. Wanderlei Silva
10. Keith Jardine
Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou, Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, Tito Ortiz, Vladimir Matyushenko, Brandon Vera, Luis Cane
Another title fight, another Light Heavyweight Champion. Will anyone ever retain this belt? Rashad beat Forrest at UFC 92 and Rampage knocked out Wanderlei. Makes sense for Rampage to get a shot at the title next, but he wants Forrest as well. Machida and Thiago is on the way. Soko failed in the UFC and followed many others to Affliction. Speaking of Affliction Tito Ortiz... will provide the color commentary for the next card. The long awaited return of Shogun Rua is next month, but against Mark Coleman. What? Interesting weightclass to say the least, looks as though everyone can beat everyone in the top 10.
Middleweight:
1. Anderson Silva
2. Matt Lindland
3. Dan Henderson
4. Rich Franklin
5. Robbie Lawler
6. Cung Le
7. Yushin Okami
8. Gegard Mousasi
9. Michael Bisping
10. Nathan Marquardt
Denis Kang, Chael Sonnen, Paulo Filho, Frank Trigg, Patrick Cote, Frank Shamrock, Kazuo Misaki, Yoshihiro Akiyama, Thales Leites, Demian Maia, Chris Leben, Ricardo Almeida, Ronaldo Souza
No changes here since last month. A very deep division world wide, with Anderson Silva head, shoulders, and even a full body length ahead of everyone else. A rumored bout with Thales Leites does not get me goin though. Denis Kang and Chael Sonnen are coming to the UFC. Sonnen to face Maia in a few months. Dan Henderson and Rich Franklin fight in a couple weeks, but at 205. Not sure I get that one. The Spider might as well move up too.
Welterweight:
1. Georges St. Pierre
2. Jon Fitch
3. Jake Shields
4. Thiago Alves
5. Josh Koscheck
6. Diego Sanchez
t-7. Matt Hughes
t-7. Matt Serra
9. Karo Parisyan
10. Carlos Condit
Nick Thompson, Mike Swick, Marcus Davis, Drew Fickett, Jay Hieron
January 31st GSP puts his belt on the line against Lightweight Champ B.J. Penn. We'll see what happens to both divisions after that. Who will Shields fight next? And it looks as though Diego Sanchez will be moving down a weight class to challenge Joe Stevenson.
Lightweight:
1. BJ Penn
2. Eddie Alverez
3. Joachim Hansen
4. Shinya Aoki
5. JZ Cavalcante
6. Takanori Gomi
7. Josh Thomson
8. Tatsuya Kawajiri
9. Sean Sherk
10. Kenny Florian
Gilbert Melendez, KJ Noons, Nick Diaz, Victor Ribero, Joe Stevenson, Roger Huerta, Frankie Edgar
The little hyped WAMMA Championship comes to the Lightweight division on New Year's Eve in Japan with Eddie Alverez vs. Shinya Aoki. B.J. Penn anyone? Even still the Aoki/ Alverez fight should be very entertaining. The UFC dominates many of these divisions, but clearly not this one. Does Penn stay here or move up for good? What kind of splash does Diego make down here?
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Gentlemen's Club Champion Crowned
As posted by NFL.com: Arkham Asylum (Rich Keefe) won the Gentlemens Club Championship by a score of 86 to 85 over A-Rod still has meat curtains (Tristan Besse). Randy Moss led the team in scoring in the championship round and Michael Turner led the team in scoring for the season. Congrats once again to Arkham Asylum on a terrific Fantasy football Season. Hope to see you all next year!
As posted by the Brief: Rich Keefe joins former champions Tristan Besse, Rick Keefe, and Will Woodward on the plaque. Besse finished 2nd for the 2nd time in 4 years as well as capturing the 1st title since keeping track on said plaque.
Matt Vaughn finished the regular season as the number 1 overall seed in his first season as Owner/ GM, before succumbing to the eventual champ. Vaughn had worked the previous 3 seasons as assistent GM to Brian Sharkey, who also made the playoffs this season. Vaughn edged out Besse and Keefe for 2008 Executive of the Year.
The Commissioner of the League will go over the final statistics of the season to see whether or not changes need to be made. But at this time, just a "Job Well Done" goes out to Rich Keefe and the rest of the Gentlemen's Club for a great season.
As posted by the Brief: Rich Keefe joins former champions Tristan Besse, Rick Keefe, and Will Woodward on the plaque. Besse finished 2nd for the 2nd time in 4 years as well as capturing the 1st title since keeping track on said plaque.
Matt Vaughn finished the regular season as the number 1 overall seed in his first season as Owner/ GM, before succumbing to the eventual champ. Vaughn had worked the previous 3 seasons as assistent GM to Brian Sharkey, who also made the playoffs this season. Vaughn edged out Besse and Keefe for 2008 Executive of the Year.
The Commissioner of the League will go over the final statistics of the season to see whether or not changes need to be made. But at this time, just a "Job Well Done" goes out to Rich Keefe and the rest of the Gentlemen's Club for a great season.
Friday, December 19, 2008
The Sports Brief's Week 16 NFL picks
Well, this is the week we’ve all been waiting for. It’s Championship Week for The Gentlemen’s Club of the NFL.com fantasy football variety, and Keefe and I will lock horns for the league title. There are a couple reasons we’re excited about this matchup…first and foremost is the fact that we’ve always discussed the excitement that would surround the two founders of The Sports Brief competing head-to-head for a league title. Second is the fact that the plaque will no longer be owned by Woody (which was despicable and embarrassing for The Brief) and will now be mounted in the Keefe or Besse household.
And we’re going to have ourselves a fairly competitive match. I’ve listed the starting lineups for this week’s final and would love to hear your input as to who you think will have the upper hand in this matchup. Obviously by Monday night we’ll have crowned a new champion.
And now for the introductions, let’s go to the voice of UFC, Bruce Buffer…
Introducing first, in the red corner, Arkham Asylum (Keefe):
QB: Kurt Warner v. Patriots
RB: Chris Johnson v. Steelers
RB: Michael Turner v. Vikings
WR: Braylon Edwards v. Bengals
WR: Randy Moss v. Cardinals
WR: Eddie Royal v. Bills
TE: Tony Gonzalez v. Dolphins
K: Matt Bryant v. Chargers
DEF: Colts (13 points during last night’s game against the Jaguars)
And now introducing, the former, undisputed champion of the Gentleman’s League, A-Rod Still Has Meat Curtains (Besse):
QB: Drew Brees v. Lions
RB: Ronnie Brown v. KC
RB: Pierre Thomas v. Lions
WR: TJ Houshmandzadeh v. Browns
WR: Terrell Owens v. Ravens
WR: Kevin “Don’t call me Ken” Walter v. Raiders
TE: Greg Olsen v. Packers
K: Kris Brown v. Raiders
DEF: Texans v. Raiders
A couple interesting things to note with this matchup, as well. Earlier this season I traded Kurt Warner and Tony Gonzalez for Ronnie Brown and a bag of chips. I think there was a TE involved, but I can’t remember if it was Olsen or not and I don’t feel like looking it up. But the trade worked out well for all of us. Bush was injured at the time and Pierre Thomas had yet to evolve into a significant fantasy force. I literally did not have an accomplished running back, so I was in dire need. Meanwhile, Keefe needed a QB after JT O’Sullivan hit the crapper and he picked up a solid TE in the process. Both our teams got over slow starts and were able to land ourselves a berrth in the final. Great stuff.
Also, I have had the Ravens defense all season, but this week I’m going to go with the Texans. Houston has played solid football as of late, and I actually think the Ravens will turn in a stinker like they did against the Colts earlier this year. And I’m pulling for Romo and Owens to have solid outings as well, as I have Owens going in this league and Romo starting two Yahoo leagues, both of which I made the final in. For the record, of my six leagues this year, four made the playoffs and all four made the final. I already won a title last week in my ESPN league, so it’s been a satisfying season thus far. It’d certainly be nice to add some more hardware to the shelves.
Onto the picks…
Keefe’s picks:
Last week: 4-12; overall: 108-116
Colts -6.5 over Jaguars
Ravens +4.5 over Cowboys
Browns -3.5 over Bengals
Saints -6.5 over Lions
Titans +1.5 over Steelers
Dolphins -3.5 over Chiefs
Rams +5.5 over 49ers
Cardinals +7.5 over Patriots
Chargers +3.5 over Buccaneers
Seahawks +4.5 over Jets
Texans -7.5 over Raiders
Bills +6.5 over Broncos
Redskins +4.5 over Eagles
Falcons +3.5 over Vikings
Panthers +3.5 over Giants
Bears -4.5 over Packers
Besse’s picks:
Last week: 6-10; overall: 123-101
Colts -6.5 over Jaguars
Cowboys -4.5 over Ravens
Bengals +3.5 over Browns
Saints -6.5 over Lions
Steelers -1.5 over Titans
Dolphins -3.5 over Chiefs
Rams +5.5 over 49ers
Patriots -7.5 over Cardinals
Chargers +3.5 over Buccaneers
Seahawks +4.5 over Jets
Texans -7.5 over Raiders
Broncos -6.5 over Bills
Eagles -4.5 over Redskins
Falcons +3.5 over Vikings
Panthers +3.5 over Giants
Packers +4.5 over Bears
Random Rob’s picks:
Last week: 12-4; overall: 128-96
Jaguars +6.5 over Colts
Ravens +4.5 over Cowboys
Browns -3.5 over Bengals
Lions +6.5 over Saints
Steelers -1.5 over Titans
Dolphins -3.5 over Chiefs
Rams +5.5 over 49ers
Cardinals +7.5 over Patriots
Buccaneers -3.5 over Chargers
Jets -4.5 over Seahawks
Texans -7.5 over Raiders
Bills +6.5 over Broncos
Eagles -4.5 over Redskins
Vikings -3.5 over Falcons
Panthers +3.5 over Giants
Packers +4.5 over Bears
Enjoy the games this weekend and we’ll check in next week before the holiday.
-Bess
And we’re going to have ourselves a fairly competitive match. I’ve listed the starting lineups for this week’s final and would love to hear your input as to who you think will have the upper hand in this matchup. Obviously by Monday night we’ll have crowned a new champion.
And now for the introductions, let’s go to the voice of UFC, Bruce Buffer…
Introducing first, in the red corner, Arkham Asylum (Keefe):
QB: Kurt Warner v. Patriots
RB: Chris Johnson v. Steelers
RB: Michael Turner v. Vikings
WR: Braylon Edwards v. Bengals
WR: Randy Moss v. Cardinals
WR: Eddie Royal v. Bills
TE: Tony Gonzalez v. Dolphins
K: Matt Bryant v. Chargers
DEF: Colts (13 points during last night’s game against the Jaguars)
And now introducing, the former, undisputed champion of the Gentleman’s League, A-Rod Still Has Meat Curtains (Besse):
QB: Drew Brees v. Lions
RB: Ronnie Brown v. KC
RB: Pierre Thomas v. Lions
WR: TJ Houshmandzadeh v. Browns
WR: Terrell Owens v. Ravens
WR: Kevin “Don’t call me Ken” Walter v. Raiders
TE: Greg Olsen v. Packers
K: Kris Brown v. Raiders
DEF: Texans v. Raiders
A couple interesting things to note with this matchup, as well. Earlier this season I traded Kurt Warner and Tony Gonzalez for Ronnie Brown and a bag of chips. I think there was a TE involved, but I can’t remember if it was Olsen or not and I don’t feel like looking it up. But the trade worked out well for all of us. Bush was injured at the time and Pierre Thomas had yet to evolve into a significant fantasy force. I literally did not have an accomplished running back, so I was in dire need. Meanwhile, Keefe needed a QB after JT O’Sullivan hit the crapper and he picked up a solid TE in the process. Both our teams got over slow starts and were able to land ourselves a berrth in the final. Great stuff.
Also, I have had the Ravens defense all season, but this week I’m going to go with the Texans. Houston has played solid football as of late, and I actually think the Ravens will turn in a stinker like they did against the Colts earlier this year. And I’m pulling for Romo and Owens to have solid outings as well, as I have Owens going in this league and Romo starting two Yahoo leagues, both of which I made the final in. For the record, of my six leagues this year, four made the playoffs and all four made the final. I already won a title last week in my ESPN league, so it’s been a satisfying season thus far. It’d certainly be nice to add some more hardware to the shelves.
Onto the picks…
Keefe’s picks:
Last week: 4-12; overall: 108-116
Colts -6.5 over Jaguars
Ravens +4.5 over Cowboys
Browns -3.5 over Bengals
Saints -6.5 over Lions
Titans +1.5 over Steelers
Dolphins -3.5 over Chiefs
Rams +5.5 over 49ers
Cardinals +7.5 over Patriots
Chargers +3.5 over Buccaneers
Seahawks +4.5 over Jets
Texans -7.5 over Raiders
Bills +6.5 over Broncos
Redskins +4.5 over Eagles
Falcons +3.5 over Vikings
Panthers +3.5 over Giants
Bears -4.5 over Packers
Besse’s picks:
Last week: 6-10; overall: 123-101
Colts -6.5 over Jaguars
Cowboys -4.5 over Ravens
Bengals +3.5 over Browns
Saints -6.5 over Lions
Steelers -1.5 over Titans
Dolphins -3.5 over Chiefs
Rams +5.5 over 49ers
Patriots -7.5 over Cardinals
Chargers +3.5 over Buccaneers
Seahawks +4.5 over Jets
Texans -7.5 over Raiders
Broncos -6.5 over Bills
Eagles -4.5 over Redskins
Falcons +3.5 over Vikings
Panthers +3.5 over Giants
Packers +4.5 over Bears
Random Rob’s picks:
Last week: 12-4; overall: 128-96
Jaguars +6.5 over Colts
Ravens +4.5 over Cowboys
Browns -3.5 over Bengals
Lions +6.5 over Saints
Steelers -1.5 over Titans
Dolphins -3.5 over Chiefs
Rams +5.5 over 49ers
Cardinals +7.5 over Patriots
Buccaneers -3.5 over Chargers
Jets -4.5 over Seahawks
Texans -7.5 over Raiders
Bills +6.5 over Broncos
Eagles -4.5 over Redskins
Vikings -3.5 over Falcons
Panthers +3.5 over Giants
Packers +4.5 over Bears
Enjoy the games this weekend and we’ll check in next week before the holiday.
-Bess
Thursday, December 11, 2008
The Sports Brief's Week 15 NFL picks
So Keefe and I are involved in a league on NFL.com which we’ve been affiliated with for several years now; it dates all the way back to our teenage years at St. Paul’s. So three years ago I took down the championship before losing to Keefe’s dad in the finals the following year. It was all good, my name was first on the plaque and after losing to Pocket Hercules, I drove up to NH and we had a ceremony in which I handed off the plaque to the new king of our FFL. It was like Tiger Woods helping Lefty get his new green jacket on. The whole thing was moving, really. But last year, a dark cloud was cast over our league. Woody came out victorious and everyone was left with a bitter taste in our mouths. The only got worse when Keefe and I joined a Fantasy Baseball League with him and his friends on ESPN. Neither of us realized it was rotisserie style, and after a month we realized we were playing it the wrong way. Woody, meanwhile, shot out to an insurmountable lead and never looked back. It was our goal to dethrone him in football this fall.
Last week, Keefe won his final regular season match, as did Sharkey, meaning Sharkey took down the division and Keefe edged Woody for wildcard spot via points. It was truly a glorious day. Even more exciting is the fact that I take on Shark and Keefe takes on Vaughn, setting up a potential Sports Brief blockbuster in the finale. And tonight’s game will have major implications. I have Brees starting at QB, Bush at RB and Greg Olsen at TE. I’m leaving Pierre Thomas on the bench tonight b/c I believe the Saints will pass the ball and utilize Bush out of the backfield and in the slot. Meanwhile, I have Bush going on two other playoff teams, as well as Colston in two other leagues, one of which is a playoff team. What makes the situation a little sticky is that I have Lance Moore going for my ESPN league team (which is in the championship against my cousin Matt, nonetheless). That’s one of the teams Bush is also on. However, Sharkey has Moore going in our NFL.com league. It’s ugly. I guess that’s what I get for having six fantasy football league teams this year. I’m thinking of cutting it down to four next year, but we’ll see. It’s made the weekends quite dramatic over the last several months.
Oh and Vaughn has Forte going tonight. So here’s to hoping Forte gets shut down, Brees lights it up with Bush and Colston, Moore doesn’t have many receptions but has a modest evening, Olsen has a TD receptions and Forte takes the night off.
Seems pretty simple, right?
Anyways, if you didn’t check out the UFC Fight for the Troops card on SpikeTV last night, you may have missed what was arguably the most action packed, exciting card in UFC history. Four of the five main televised bouts were absolutely brutal stoppages, while the one decision was awarded fight of the night honors and giving an extra $30K to each participant. Ridiculous. I e-mailed my buddy Scotty this morning and said the following:
“Of the following fights, let me know the order in which you’d like to view the corresponding videos…”
a) Knockout of the Year and arguably one of the most brutal, if not THE most brutal KO in UFC history
b) A vicious right hook followed by an absolute flurry of punches ultimately putting a man to sleep
c) An arm being snapped and bent backwards
d) One of the most ferocious and overwhelming attacks via Muay Thai clinch that Joe Rogan claimed was more impressive than Anderson Silva over Rich Franklin
Scotty chose C, B, D, A and that’s how I’ll give them to you here. There’s a bonus video of Corey Hill at the end that wasn’t televised last night. And for good reason. It’s a clip that will live in infamy.
And finally, the Corey Hill video…
In closing, I had one of the most incredible realizations yesterday. Please spell out the name of the object show below:
Last week, Keefe won his final regular season match, as did Sharkey, meaning Sharkey took down the division and Keefe edged Woody for wildcard spot via points. It was truly a glorious day. Even more exciting is the fact that I take on Shark and Keefe takes on Vaughn, setting up a potential Sports Brief blockbuster in the finale. And tonight’s game will have major implications. I have Brees starting at QB, Bush at RB and Greg Olsen at TE. I’m leaving Pierre Thomas on the bench tonight b/c I believe the Saints will pass the ball and utilize Bush out of the backfield and in the slot. Meanwhile, I have Bush going on two other playoff teams, as well as Colston in two other leagues, one of which is a playoff team. What makes the situation a little sticky is that I have Lance Moore going for my ESPN league team (which is in the championship against my cousin Matt, nonetheless). That’s one of the teams Bush is also on. However, Sharkey has Moore going in our NFL.com league. It’s ugly. I guess that’s what I get for having six fantasy football league teams this year. I’m thinking of cutting it down to four next year, but we’ll see. It’s made the weekends quite dramatic over the last several months.
Oh and Vaughn has Forte going tonight. So here’s to hoping Forte gets shut down, Brees lights it up with Bush and Colston, Moore doesn’t have many receptions but has a modest evening, Olsen has a TD receptions and Forte takes the night off.
Seems pretty simple, right?
Anyways, if you didn’t check out the UFC Fight for the Troops card on SpikeTV last night, you may have missed what was arguably the most action packed, exciting card in UFC history. Four of the five main televised bouts were absolutely brutal stoppages, while the one decision was awarded fight of the night honors and giving an extra $30K to each participant. Ridiculous. I e-mailed my buddy Scotty this morning and said the following:
“Of the following fights, let me know the order in which you’d like to view the corresponding videos…”
a) Knockout of the Year and arguably one of the most brutal, if not THE most brutal KO in UFC history
b) A vicious right hook followed by an absolute flurry of punches ultimately putting a man to sleep
c) An arm being snapped and bent backwards
d) One of the most ferocious and overwhelming attacks via Muay Thai clinch that Joe Rogan claimed was more impressive than Anderson Silva over Rich Franklin
Scotty chose C, B, D, A and that’s how I’ll give them to you here. There’s a bonus video of Corey Hill at the end that wasn’t televised last night. And for good reason. It’s a clip that will live in infamy.
And finally, the Corey Hill video…
In closing, I had one of the most incredible realizations yesterday. Please spell out the name of the object show below:
If you’re like me, you didn’t realize that it’s actually wheelbarrow and not wheel barrel. What I struggled with the most was that I feel like I knew this, but every time I went to say it yesterday it sounded like wheel barrel. For some reason I can’t get myself to pronounce it properly. What the hell is the barrow, anyway? Ridiculous. I can’t believe Merriam and Webster screwed this up.
Onto the picks…
Keefe’s Picks:
Last week 9-7; overall: 104-104
Saints +2.5 over Bears
Buccaneers +2.5 over Falcons
Redskins -6.5 over Bengals
Colts -16.5 over Lions
Chargers -5.5 over Chiefs
Packers -1.5 over Jaguars
Texans +3.5 over Titans
Seahawks -3.5 over Rams
Dolphins -6.5 over 49ers
Jets -7.5 over Bills
Vikings +3.5 over Cardinals
Panthers -7.5 over Broncos
Ravens -1.5 over Steelers
Patriots -7.5 over Raiders
Giants +2.5 over Cowboys
Browns +14.5 over Eagles
Besse’s Picks:
Last week 12-4; overall: 117-91
Saints +2.5 over Bears
Falcons -2.5 over Buccaneers
Redskins -6.5 over Bengals
Colts -16.5 over Lions
Chargers -5.5 over Chiefs
Packers -1.5 over Jaguars
Texans +3.5 over Titans
Seahawks -3.5 over Rams
Dolphins -6.5 over 49ers
Jets -7.5 over Bills
Cardinals -3.5 over Vikings
Panthers -7.5 over Broncos
Steelers +1.5 over Ravens
Patriots -7.5 over Raiders
Cowboys -2.5 over Giants
Browns +14.5 over Eagles
Random Rob’s Picks:
Last week 8-8; overall: 116-92
Bears -2.5 over Saints
Buccaneers +2.5 over Falcons
Redskins -6.5 over Bengals
Lions +16.5 over Colts
Chargers -5.5 over Chiefs
Jaguars +1.5 over Packers
Texans +3.5 over Titans
Rams +3.5 over Seahawks
49ers +6.5 over Dolphins
Bills +7.5 over Jets
Cardinals -3.5 over Vikings
Panthers -7.5 over Broncos
Steelers +1.5 over Ravens
Patriots -7.5 over Raiders
Cowboys -2.5 over Giants
Eagles -14.5 over Browns
Enjoy the weekend.
-Bess
Thursday, December 4, 2008
The Sports Brief's Week 14 NFL picks
It’s Week 14 of the NFL season and for some, the commencement of playoff action in fantasy football leagues worldwide. For the record, I got crazy this year and joined six different leagues. Let’s face it, I kept getting asked by people and couldn’t say no. I mean who could possibly resist another fantasy football draft. Tons of fun. So anyway, I’m definitely playoff bound in three of those leagues – top seed in one - and await the verdict this week in a fourth. As for the two leagues I did not make the playoffs in? I’m top three in scoring. Brutal. Nonetheless, it should be a lot of fun heading down the stretch. Tonight’s game is a disaster with the Chargers and Raiders. Could this potentially have one of the lowest ratings ever for a nationally televised game? I’ve been getting jacked up every week for Thursday night football, but this is more dreadful than going to work. In fact, I’m benching Antonio Gates this week in favor of John Carlson in my ESPN league for the first round of the playoffs. Now I definitely have no reason to tune in tonight.
Before we get to the picks, I thought I’d share some YouTube videos I came across last night. I was bored watching the final two episodes of TUF8, which by the way had some of the sh*ttiest fights I’ve ever seen. I might not even tune in to the live finale, and the fact that I’m going to the Foxy for BJal’s birthday doesn’t help either. But check out some of these vicious hits, they’re pretty good.
And here’s a bonus clip. I love this b/c it’s a Pop Warner game and this kid pulls out a video game juke move. Unbelievable.
Onto the picks…
Keefe’s picks:
Last week: 9-7; overall: 95-97
Chargers -10.5 over Raiders
Bears -6.5 over Jaguars
Vikings -9.5 over Lions
Texans +6.5 over Packers
Titans -13.5 over Browns
Colts -13.5 over Bengals
Falcons +3.5 over Saints
Eagles +8.5 over Giants
Jets -3.5 over 49ers
Chiefs +9.5 over Broncos
Dolphins +1.5 over Bills
Patriots -5.5 over Seahawks
Cardinals -13.5 over Rams
Cowboys +2.5 over Steelers
Redskins +5.5 over Ravens
Buccaneers +3.5 over Panthers
Besse’s picks:
Last week: 9-7; overall: 105-87
Chargers -10.5 over Raiders
Bears -6.5 over Jaguars
Vikings -9.5 over Lions
Texans +6.5 over Packers
Titans -13.5 over Browns
Colts -13.5 over Bengals
Saints -3.5 over Falcons
Eagles +8.5 over Giants
49ers +3.5 over Jets
Chiefs +9.5 over Broncos
Bills -1.5 over Dolphins
Patriots -5.5 over Seahawks
Cardinals -13.5 over Rams
Cowboys +2.5 over Steelers
Ravens -5.5 over Redskins
Panthers -3.5 over Buccaneers
Random Rob’s picks:
Last week: 11-5; overall: 108-84
Chargers -10.5 over Raiders
Bears -6.5 over Jaguars
Lions +9.5 over Vikings
Texans +6.5 over Packers
Titans -13.5 over Browns
Colts -13.5 over Bengals
Falcons +3.5 over Saints
Giants -8.5 over Eagles
Jets -3.5 over 49ers
Broncos -9.5 over Chiefs
Bills -1.5 over Dolphins
Patriots -5.5 over Seahawks
Rams +13.5 over Cardinals
Steelers -2.5 over Cowboys
Ravens -5.5 over Redskins
Buccaneers +3.5 over Panthers
Also, if you haven't had a chance check out the Miguel Angel Torres v. Manny Tapia WEC bantamweight title fight on Versus last night. Torres just may be the best pound for pound fighter in the world right now. The guys tried a forward roll axe kick for god's sake. Anyway, check out the link below and hopefully Versus or the WEC hasn't taken it down yet. As of now it's still working...
http://www.fightchat.com/665-wec-37-torres-vs-tapia-video/
-Bess
Before we get to the picks, I thought I’d share some YouTube videos I came across last night. I was bored watching the final two episodes of TUF8, which by the way had some of the sh*ttiest fights I’ve ever seen. I might not even tune in to the live finale, and the fact that I’m going to the Foxy for BJal’s birthday doesn’t help either. But check out some of these vicious hits, they’re pretty good.
And here’s a bonus clip. I love this b/c it’s a Pop Warner game and this kid pulls out a video game juke move. Unbelievable.
Onto the picks…
Keefe’s picks:
Last week: 9-7; overall: 95-97
Chargers -10.5 over Raiders
Bears -6.5 over Jaguars
Vikings -9.5 over Lions
Texans +6.5 over Packers
Titans -13.5 over Browns
Colts -13.5 over Bengals
Falcons +3.5 over Saints
Eagles +8.5 over Giants
Jets -3.5 over 49ers
Chiefs +9.5 over Broncos
Dolphins +1.5 over Bills
Patriots -5.5 over Seahawks
Cardinals -13.5 over Rams
Cowboys +2.5 over Steelers
Redskins +5.5 over Ravens
Buccaneers +3.5 over Panthers
Besse’s picks:
Last week: 9-7; overall: 105-87
Chargers -10.5 over Raiders
Bears -6.5 over Jaguars
Vikings -9.5 over Lions
Texans +6.5 over Packers
Titans -13.5 over Browns
Colts -13.5 over Bengals
Saints -3.5 over Falcons
Eagles +8.5 over Giants
49ers +3.5 over Jets
Chiefs +9.5 over Broncos
Bills -1.5 over Dolphins
Patriots -5.5 over Seahawks
Cardinals -13.5 over Rams
Cowboys +2.5 over Steelers
Ravens -5.5 over Redskins
Panthers -3.5 over Buccaneers
Random Rob’s picks:
Last week: 11-5; overall: 108-84
Chargers -10.5 over Raiders
Bears -6.5 over Jaguars
Lions +9.5 over Vikings
Texans +6.5 over Packers
Titans -13.5 over Browns
Colts -13.5 over Bengals
Falcons +3.5 over Saints
Giants -8.5 over Eagles
Jets -3.5 over 49ers
Broncos -9.5 over Chiefs
Bills -1.5 over Dolphins
Patriots -5.5 over Seahawks
Rams +13.5 over Cardinals
Steelers -2.5 over Cowboys
Ravens -5.5 over Redskins
Buccaneers +3.5 over Panthers
Also, if you haven't had a chance check out the Miguel Angel Torres v. Manny Tapia WEC bantamweight title fight on Versus last night. Torres just may be the best pound for pound fighter in the world right now. The guys tried a forward roll axe kick for god's sake. Anyway, check out the link below and hopefully Versus or the WEC hasn't taken it down yet. As of now it's still working...
http://www.fightchat.com/665-wec-37-torres-vs-tapia-video/
-Bess
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
The Sports Brief's Week 13 NFL picks
With a short week and three games on the docket tomorrow, we wanted to make sure we got these out today. By the way, last night I joined a few former teammates over at Northeastern for the NU-BU men’s hoops game. It was being dubbed the “Battle of Boston”. NU took a 41-40 lead into the half, but the Terriers came out firing in the 2nd half and took home an 83-75 win. I have to say, although I was excited about the Catamounts in America East this year, the Terriers are the team to beat. That’s a legit squad that could give a lot of major teams some fits, especially come tournament time. They shot 15-31 from behind the 3-point line. It was ridiculous.
Anyway, after the game we went to Conor Larkin’s on campus for Tuesday Night Trivia. We got 17 of 19 correct but didn’t take home the title. However, our consolation was winning best team name and a free pitcher of Bud Light. The winning team name was “Mangini’s Magnificent Meat Curtains”. I assume the owners of the bar thought we meant Eric Mangini and thus found it humorous. However, it was not Eric we were referring to…let your mind wander where it may. Regardless, it got us the consolation victory and that much closer to being fully inebriated.
During trivia, a few sports questions came up. I’ll share them and post the answers at the end of the picks:
1) Of the five major BCS bowl games, FOX has the TV rights to all but one. Which is it?
2) Who is the only player in college football history to win the Heisman trophy twice?
3) Which NHL player holds the record for most goals scored in a season (92)?
4) Bonus question, each answer being worth a point, was: What are the four remaining undefeated teams in college football?
Onto the picks…
Keefe’s picks:
Last week: 5-11; overall: 86-90
Titans -11.5 over Lions
Cowboys -12.5 over Seahawks
Cardinals +2.5 over Eagles
Bills -6.5 over 49ers
Ravens -7.5 over Bengals
Colts -4.5 over Browns
Panthers +3.5 over Packers
Dolphins -7.5 over Rams
Saints +4.5 over Buccaneers
Redskins +3.5 over Giants
Falcons +5.5 over Chargers
Jets -7.5 over Broncos
Raiders -2.5 over Chiefs
Steelers +1.5 over Patriots
Vikings -3.5 over Bears
Texans -3.5 over Jaguars
Besse’s picks:
Last week: 11-5; overall 96-80
Titans -11.5 over Lions
Cowboys -12.5 over Seahawks
Cardinals +2.5 over Eagles
49ers +6.5 over Bills
Ravens -7.5 over Bengals
Colts -4.5 over Browns
Panthers +3.5 over Packers
Dolphins -7.5 over Rams
Saints +4.5 over Buccaneers
Redskins +3.5 over Giants
Chargers -5.5 over Falcons
Broncos +7.5 over Jets
Chiefs +2.5 over Raiders
Patriots -1.5 over Steelers
Bears +3.5 over Vikings
Texans -3.5 over Jaguars
Random Rob’s picks
Last week: 6-10; overall: 97-79
Lions
Cowboys
Eagles
49ers
Ravens
Browns
Packers
Dolphins
Saints
Giants
Falcons
Jets
Chiefs
Steelers
Bears
Texans
Answers to the trivia questions:
1) Rose Bowl (ABC)
2) Archie Griffin
3) Wayne Gretzky
4) Alabama, Utah, Boise State, Ball State
Oh and by the way, remember how I hyped up Delaware’s volleyball team during last Sunday’s picks? Yea, they went ahead and beat Northeastern 3-2 to win the CAA championships. Can you say four in a row? Remember where you heard it first!!!
Happy thanksgiving to everyone from The Sports Brief.
-Bess
Anyway, after the game we went to Conor Larkin’s on campus for Tuesday Night Trivia. We got 17 of 19 correct but didn’t take home the title. However, our consolation was winning best team name and a free pitcher of Bud Light. The winning team name was “Mangini’s Magnificent Meat Curtains”. I assume the owners of the bar thought we meant Eric Mangini and thus found it humorous. However, it was not Eric we were referring to…let your mind wander where it may. Regardless, it got us the consolation victory and that much closer to being fully inebriated.
During trivia, a few sports questions came up. I’ll share them and post the answers at the end of the picks:
1) Of the five major BCS bowl games, FOX has the TV rights to all but one. Which is it?
2) Who is the only player in college football history to win the Heisman trophy twice?
3) Which NHL player holds the record for most goals scored in a season (92)?
4) Bonus question, each answer being worth a point, was: What are the four remaining undefeated teams in college football?
Onto the picks…
Keefe’s picks:
Last week: 5-11; overall: 86-90
Titans -11.5 over Lions
Cowboys -12.5 over Seahawks
Cardinals +2.5 over Eagles
Bills -6.5 over 49ers
Ravens -7.5 over Bengals
Colts -4.5 over Browns
Panthers +3.5 over Packers
Dolphins -7.5 over Rams
Saints +4.5 over Buccaneers
Redskins +3.5 over Giants
Falcons +5.5 over Chargers
Jets -7.5 over Broncos
Raiders -2.5 over Chiefs
Steelers +1.5 over Patriots
Vikings -3.5 over Bears
Texans -3.5 over Jaguars
Besse’s picks:
Last week: 11-5; overall 96-80
Titans -11.5 over Lions
Cowboys -12.5 over Seahawks
Cardinals +2.5 over Eagles
49ers +6.5 over Bills
Ravens -7.5 over Bengals
Colts -4.5 over Browns
Panthers +3.5 over Packers
Dolphins -7.5 over Rams
Saints +4.5 over Buccaneers
Redskins +3.5 over Giants
Chargers -5.5 over Falcons
Broncos +7.5 over Jets
Chiefs +2.5 over Raiders
Patriots -1.5 over Steelers
Bears +3.5 over Vikings
Texans -3.5 over Jaguars
Random Rob’s picks
Last week: 6-10; overall: 97-79
Lions
Cowboys
Eagles
49ers
Ravens
Browns
Packers
Dolphins
Saints
Giants
Falcons
Jets
Chiefs
Steelers
Bears
Texans
Answers to the trivia questions:
1) Rose Bowl (ABC)
2) Archie Griffin
3) Wayne Gretzky
4) Alabama, Utah, Boise State, Ball State
Oh and by the way, remember how I hyped up Delaware’s volleyball team during last Sunday’s picks? Yea, they went ahead and beat Northeastern 3-2 to win the CAA championships. Can you say four in a row? Remember where you heard it first!!!
Happy thanksgiving to everyone from The Sports Brief.
-Bess
Sunday, November 23, 2008
The Sports Brief's Week 12 NFL picks
Sorry these picks didn’t get up until today, but I wanted to make sure we posted them to keep the season going. Besides, Rich is finally over .500 and he needs to be commended for that. I would have posted them Friday as usual, but I actually had to do work. God forbid.
Then I wanted to post them yesterday, but had to work the Northeastern football game against URI. For the record, it was the coldest experience of my life. I now know what hikers/climbers are going through ascending Mount Everest, Kilimanjaro, whatever. It was awful. The only positive that came of the weather was that the two teams rushed a combined 74 times. That clock just kept burning and the game only went 2:50.
After the game I parlayed that by working a CAA women’s volleyball tournament game between Delaware and Towson. It pays bills so relax. Northeastern won the regular season and claimed the rights to host the tournament. I’m going to make a bold prediction right now. You may not care, but four years from now when you catch wind of it, you’ll have this tucked away and you’ll go, “Wow, Besse from The Sports Brief called that.” Here it is:
Delaware may or not win the tournament this year. After watching them yesterday, they’ll pose a tough challenge to the other remaining three teams. But I’m predicting that after this season, they’ll win the CAA title three consecutive years. And here’s why. Two All-CAA rookies Kim Stewart and Elena Delle Donne. For those of you that follow women’s college basketball, Delle Donne is former high school player of the year in basketball out of Ursuline (Del.) Academy that committed to UConn, then abruptly left to play volleyball at Delaware citing she was burned out and no longer wanted to play basketball. She’s 6’5 and an absolute smokeshow.
I also went ahead and pulled a YouTube video that highlights her career at Ursuline. She started as an 8th grader and dropped 2,818 points in her career, a state record. Oh and she missed most of her senior year with mono. Go to the 8:20 mark of this video and watch her drop 51, a career high, in a game her senior year with eight 3-pointers. 6’5 and she’s sniping 3’s like it’s NBA Jam.
Oh and if that wasn’t enough, she was also on ESPN’s “NEXT”.
I guess it goes to show that no matter how good you may be it’s not worth playing if you’re miserable. I applaud Delle Donne for making the decision. You can only hope other young student athletes can use her as a guide in assessing their situations and making a similar decision. Parents and coaches are getting increasingly overbearing on young players in all sports these days, vicariously living through them and pushing for college scholarships and professional contracts; it’s becoming more about their egos than the success of the players, and athletes burning out as Delle Donne did will not be uncommon. Nonetheless, Delle Donne and Stewart are absolutely ridiculous volleyball players, especially as freshmen. If they don’t win three straight after this year something had to have gone horribly wrong.
Onto the picks…
Keefe’s picks:
Last week: 12-4; overall: 81-79
Steelers -10.5 over Bengals
Panthers +1.5 over Falcons
Browns -3.5 over Texans
49ers +10.5 over Cowboys
Lions +8.5 over Buccaneers
Titans -5.5 over Jets
Chiefs +3.5 over Bills
Rams +7.5 over Bears
Patriots +1.5 over Dolphins
Vikings +2.5 over Jaguars
Ravens -1.5 over Eagles
Raiders +9.5 over Broncos
Cardinals +3.5 over Giants
Redskins -3.5 over Seahawks
Chargers -2.5 over Colts
Packers +2.5 over Saints
Besse’s picks:
Last week: 11-5; overall: 85-75
Steelers -10.5 over Bengals
Panthers +1.5 over Falcons
Texans +3.5 over Browns
Cowboys -10.5 over 49ers
Buccaneers -8.5 over Lions
Jets +5.5 over Titans
Bills -3.5 over Chiefs
Rams +7.5 over Bears
Patriots +1.5 over Dolphins
Vikings +2.5 over Jaguars
Eagles +1.5 over Ravens
Broncos -9.5 over Raiders
Cardinals +3.5 over Giants
Seahawks +3.5 over Redskins
Colts +2.5 over Chargers
Saints -2.5 over Packers
Random Rob’s picks:
Last week: 8-8; overall 91-69
Steelers
Panthers
Browns
49ers
Lions
Jets
Chiefs
Rams
Pats
Jags
Ravens
Raiders
Cardinals
Seahawks
Chargers
Packers
-Besse
Then I wanted to post them yesterday, but had to work the Northeastern football game against URI. For the record, it was the coldest experience of my life. I now know what hikers/climbers are going through ascending Mount Everest, Kilimanjaro, whatever. It was awful. The only positive that came of the weather was that the two teams rushed a combined 74 times. That clock just kept burning and the game only went 2:50.
After the game I parlayed that by working a CAA women’s volleyball tournament game between Delaware and Towson. It pays bills so relax. Northeastern won the regular season and claimed the rights to host the tournament. I’m going to make a bold prediction right now. You may not care, but four years from now when you catch wind of it, you’ll have this tucked away and you’ll go, “Wow, Besse from The Sports Brief called that.” Here it is:
Delaware may or not win the tournament this year. After watching them yesterday, they’ll pose a tough challenge to the other remaining three teams. But I’m predicting that after this season, they’ll win the CAA title three consecutive years. And here’s why. Two All-CAA rookies Kim Stewart and Elena Delle Donne. For those of you that follow women’s college basketball, Delle Donne is former high school player of the year in basketball out of Ursuline (Del.) Academy that committed to UConn, then abruptly left to play volleyball at Delaware citing she was burned out and no longer wanted to play basketball. She’s 6’5 and an absolute smokeshow.
I also went ahead and pulled a YouTube video that highlights her career at Ursuline. She started as an 8th grader and dropped 2,818 points in her career, a state record. Oh and she missed most of her senior year with mono. Go to the 8:20 mark of this video and watch her drop 51, a career high, in a game her senior year with eight 3-pointers. 6’5 and she’s sniping 3’s like it’s NBA Jam.
Oh and if that wasn’t enough, she was also on ESPN’s “NEXT”.
I guess it goes to show that no matter how good you may be it’s not worth playing if you’re miserable. I applaud Delle Donne for making the decision. You can only hope other young student athletes can use her as a guide in assessing their situations and making a similar decision. Parents and coaches are getting increasingly overbearing on young players in all sports these days, vicariously living through them and pushing for college scholarships and professional contracts; it’s becoming more about their egos than the success of the players, and athletes burning out as Delle Donne did will not be uncommon. Nonetheless, Delle Donne and Stewart are absolutely ridiculous volleyball players, especially as freshmen. If they don’t win three straight after this year something had to have gone horribly wrong.
Onto the picks…
Keefe’s picks:
Last week: 12-4; overall: 81-79
Steelers -10.5 over Bengals
Panthers +1.5 over Falcons
Browns -3.5 over Texans
49ers +10.5 over Cowboys
Lions +8.5 over Buccaneers
Titans -5.5 over Jets
Chiefs +3.5 over Bills
Rams +7.5 over Bears
Patriots +1.5 over Dolphins
Vikings +2.5 over Jaguars
Ravens -1.5 over Eagles
Raiders +9.5 over Broncos
Cardinals +3.5 over Giants
Redskins -3.5 over Seahawks
Chargers -2.5 over Colts
Packers +2.5 over Saints
Besse’s picks:
Last week: 11-5; overall: 85-75
Steelers -10.5 over Bengals
Panthers +1.5 over Falcons
Texans +3.5 over Browns
Cowboys -10.5 over 49ers
Buccaneers -8.5 over Lions
Jets +5.5 over Titans
Bills -3.5 over Chiefs
Rams +7.5 over Bears
Patriots +1.5 over Dolphins
Vikings +2.5 over Jaguars
Eagles +1.5 over Ravens
Broncos -9.5 over Raiders
Cardinals +3.5 over Giants
Seahawks +3.5 over Redskins
Colts +2.5 over Chargers
Saints -2.5 over Packers
Random Rob’s picks:
Last week: 8-8; overall 91-69
Steelers
Panthers
Browns
49ers
Lions
Jets
Chiefs
Rams
Pats
Jags
Ravens
Raiders
Cardinals
Seahawks
Chargers
Packers
-Besse
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
And the best MMA heavyweight in the world is...
According to this video, Fedor still reigns supreme. This is absolute gold, whoever put this together. Check out the gut on Mir. As funny as it is though, you still have to wonder how someone has this much time on their hands...but bravo. And great ending.
Brock Lesnar VS Frank Mir at UFC 81 - Watch more Free Videos
-Bess
Brock Lesnar VS Frank Mir at UFC 81 - Watch more Free Videos
-Bess
The Sports Brief's MMA rankings 11.19.08
Heavyweight:
1. Fedor Emelianenko
2. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira
3. Brock Lesnar
4. Andrei Arlovski
5. Josh Barnett
6. Randy Couture
7. Tim Sylvia
8. Alistair Overeem
9. Frank Mir
10. Gabriel Gonzaga
Honorable mention: Shane Carwin, Ben Rothwell, Fabricio Werdum, Heath Herring, Chiek Kongo, Aleksander Emelianenko, Mirko Cro Cop, Junior Dos Santos
What an impressive performance by Lesnar at UFC 91. At this point, you have to think that guys like Fedor, Nog and Mir have the best chance to take him down with their ability to win a fight off their back. Gonzaga had a solid showing, as well, and with his size, grappling and jiu-jitsu technique, perhaps he’s on his way to another title challenge. Shane Carwin is a sleeper, as well. His striking may be more ferocious than Lesnar, but his wrestling, while credible, is not up to par. It’ll be interesting to see how the UFC develops him as a potential star. Nonetheless, the Fedor-Arlovski fight on the Affliction card should be a blockbuster.
Light Heavyweight:
1. Forrest Griffin
2. Quinton Jackson
3. Lyoto Machida
4. Wanderlei Silva
5. Rashad Evans
6. Maurcio ‘Shogun’ Rua
7. Chuck Liddell
8. Thiago Silva
9. Keith Jardine
10. Babalu Sobral
Honorable mention: Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou, Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, Tito Ortiz, Vladimir Matyushenko, Brandon Vera, Luis Cane
Pretty cool that UFC 92 will feature four of The Sports Brief’s top-5 light heavyweights in the world on the same card. Machida and Silva will finally touch gloves at UFC 94, with the winner potentially looking at a title shot in the near future. Shogun returns at UFC 93 against Mark Coleman, and there are rumblings about a Chuck Liddell-Anderson Silva fight headlining UFC 95 in London, England. A lot of activity in this division in the coming months as the top fighters are competing against each other. It’ll be interesting to see how the division shakes out once the dust has settled.
Middleweight:
1. Anderson Silva
2. Matt Lindland
3. Dan Henderson
4. Rich Franklin
5. Robbie Lawler
6. Cung Le
7. Yushin Okami
8. Gegard Mousasi
9. Michael Bisping
10. Nathan Marquardt
Honorable mention: Denis Kang, Cael Sonnen, Paulo Filho, Frank Trigg, Patrick Cote, Frank Shamrock, Kazuo Misaki, Yoshihiro Akiyama, Thales Leites, Demian Maia, Chris Leben, Ricardo Almeida, Ronaldo Souza
The Anderson Silva-Patrick Cote was disappointing in how it ended, but I don’t feel Silva should have caught that much flack. I interpreted his performance as slow and methodical, picking apart his opponent in Roy Jones like fashion (his idol, by the way). While it was unfortunate to see Cote injure his knee to end the fight, there’s no doubt he was on his way to a loss. Perhaps the most unfortunate part of all this is that he almost deserves a rematch because of the premature ending, something that I certainly don’t want to see.
But the division is becoming more and more interesting. Lawler could potentially come over after EliteXC closed up shop, and Denis Kang has just been added to the mix fresh off a devastating knockout over “The man formerly known as the Beastman” Marvin Eastman.
Bisping and Maia seem in line for a contender clash, as well. Meanwhile, Henderson and Franklin will mix it up at 205. What does that do for anyone? Okami returns soon and will most likely be granted the next crack at Silva, but I don’t see him winning that fight if he even gets it. And with the WEC folding, Cael Sonnen is now a name to be discussed. His win over Filho, however, is tainted due to Filho showing up fat and disinterested.
Anyone see Mousasi kick the snot out of Ronaldo Souza? Look out for this guy. I’d be interested to see who he fights next.
Welterweight:
1. Georges St. Pierre
2. Jon Fitch
3. Jake Shields
4. Thiago Alves
5. Josh Koscheck
6. Diego Sanchez
t-7. Matt Hughes
t-7. Matt Serra
9. Karo Parisyan
10. Carlos Condit
Honorable mention: Nick Thompson, Mike Swick, Marcus Davis, Drew Fickett, Jay Hieron
This weight class has been fairly inactive as of late aside from Thiago Alves destroying Josh Koscheck. But I’ll tell you this: I became a huge Koscheck fan because of that fight. He took the fight on two weeks notice, took all that punishment but continued to come forward and scored some notable points against Alves. He had his moments and even appeared to hurt Alves at one point. And despite that convincing loss he’s still headlining the Dec. 10 Fight Night against Yoshida. The St. Pierre-Penn fight is still a couple months away, and this division will continue to be fairly quiet for a while. Hopefully Jake Shields signs with the UFC. He’s a legitimate threat to anyone in this division, especially the titleholder.
Lightweight:
1. BJ Penn
2. Eddie Alvarez
3. Joachim Hansen
4. Shinya Aoki
5. JZ Cavalcante
6. Takanori Gomi
7. Josh Thomson
8. Tatsuya Kawajiri
9. Sean Sherk
10. Kenny Florian
Honorable mention: Gilbert Melendez, KJ Noons, Nick Diaz, Victor Ribero, Joe Stevenson, Roger Huerta, Frankie Edgar
What an effort by Kenny Florian, and kudos to him for calling out BJ Penn. There’s no one left in the division for him to fight right now, not even Sean Sherk (at least not at the moment). The only unfortunate thing is that is will still be a long time before a fight with Penn happens, considering he is not fighting GSP until Super Bowl weekend.
Meanwhile, overseas where most of the lightweight talent is these guys all appear heading towards the K-1 New Years Eve event, where Hansen and Calvalcante are already scheduled to fight. Alvarez was supposed to fight Diaz on the Nov. 8 ShoXC event, but that was obviously scrapped. That would have been one hell of a fight. Suprisingly, Gomi lost a split decision to Johnny No Name last week, but we’ll chalk that up to a bad night. He’s still one of the best of the world.
Pound 4 Pound :
1. Anderson Silva
2. Fedor Emelianenko
3. Georges St. Pierre
4. BJ Penn
5. Miguel Torres
6. Forrest Griffin
7. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira
8. Mike Brown
9. Quinton Jackson
10. Brock Lesnar
Lesnar creeps in with his impressive performance over Couture, and honestly, the sky is the limit for this guy. Don’t be surprised if he makes his way up this chart over the next year. Meanwhile, let’s all welcome unheralded Mike Brown to the mix, as he pops in at number 8 on the list. His impressive destruction of former WEC featherweight champ and pound for pound elitist Urijah Faber was shocking to some, but somewhat expected by others. He was bigger, stronger and more powerful than the former champ, and up until he caught Faber with that short right, he had been dominating and controlling the fight. I interpreted Faber’s ridiculous spinning back elbow as a somewhat desperate move, a sign that he realized it would take something spectacular and unordinary to chop down Brown.
Well there you have it. Let us know what you think and if we missed any fighters that you feel should be mentioned here. Chances are we may have, but for the most part we think we’ve accounted for the best in the world here.
-Bess
1. Fedor Emelianenko
2. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira
3. Brock Lesnar
4. Andrei Arlovski
5. Josh Barnett
6. Randy Couture
7. Tim Sylvia
8. Alistair Overeem
9. Frank Mir
10. Gabriel Gonzaga
Honorable mention: Shane Carwin, Ben Rothwell, Fabricio Werdum, Heath Herring, Chiek Kongo, Aleksander Emelianenko, Mirko Cro Cop, Junior Dos Santos
What an impressive performance by Lesnar at UFC 91. At this point, you have to think that guys like Fedor, Nog and Mir have the best chance to take him down with their ability to win a fight off their back. Gonzaga had a solid showing, as well, and with his size, grappling and jiu-jitsu technique, perhaps he’s on his way to another title challenge. Shane Carwin is a sleeper, as well. His striking may be more ferocious than Lesnar, but his wrestling, while credible, is not up to par. It’ll be interesting to see how the UFC develops him as a potential star. Nonetheless, the Fedor-Arlovski fight on the Affliction card should be a blockbuster.
Light Heavyweight:
1. Forrest Griffin
2. Quinton Jackson
3. Lyoto Machida
4. Wanderlei Silva
5. Rashad Evans
6. Maurcio ‘Shogun’ Rua
7. Chuck Liddell
8. Thiago Silva
9. Keith Jardine
10. Babalu Sobral
Honorable mention: Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou, Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, Tito Ortiz, Vladimir Matyushenko, Brandon Vera, Luis Cane
Pretty cool that UFC 92 will feature four of The Sports Brief’s top-5 light heavyweights in the world on the same card. Machida and Silva will finally touch gloves at UFC 94, with the winner potentially looking at a title shot in the near future. Shogun returns at UFC 93 against Mark Coleman, and there are rumblings about a Chuck Liddell-Anderson Silva fight headlining UFC 95 in London, England. A lot of activity in this division in the coming months as the top fighters are competing against each other. It’ll be interesting to see how the division shakes out once the dust has settled.
Middleweight:
1. Anderson Silva
2. Matt Lindland
3. Dan Henderson
4. Rich Franklin
5. Robbie Lawler
6. Cung Le
7. Yushin Okami
8. Gegard Mousasi
9. Michael Bisping
10. Nathan Marquardt
Honorable mention: Denis Kang, Cael Sonnen, Paulo Filho, Frank Trigg, Patrick Cote, Frank Shamrock, Kazuo Misaki, Yoshihiro Akiyama, Thales Leites, Demian Maia, Chris Leben, Ricardo Almeida, Ronaldo Souza
The Anderson Silva-Patrick Cote was disappointing in how it ended, but I don’t feel Silva should have caught that much flack. I interpreted his performance as slow and methodical, picking apart his opponent in Roy Jones like fashion (his idol, by the way). While it was unfortunate to see Cote injure his knee to end the fight, there’s no doubt he was on his way to a loss. Perhaps the most unfortunate part of all this is that he almost deserves a rematch because of the premature ending, something that I certainly don’t want to see.
But the division is becoming more and more interesting. Lawler could potentially come over after EliteXC closed up shop, and Denis Kang has just been added to the mix fresh off a devastating knockout over “The man formerly known as the Beastman” Marvin Eastman.
Bisping and Maia seem in line for a contender clash, as well. Meanwhile, Henderson and Franklin will mix it up at 205. What does that do for anyone? Okami returns soon and will most likely be granted the next crack at Silva, but I don’t see him winning that fight if he even gets it. And with the WEC folding, Cael Sonnen is now a name to be discussed. His win over Filho, however, is tainted due to Filho showing up fat and disinterested.
Anyone see Mousasi kick the snot out of Ronaldo Souza? Look out for this guy. I’d be interested to see who he fights next.
Welterweight:
1. Georges St. Pierre
2. Jon Fitch
3. Jake Shields
4. Thiago Alves
5. Josh Koscheck
6. Diego Sanchez
t-7. Matt Hughes
t-7. Matt Serra
9. Karo Parisyan
10. Carlos Condit
Honorable mention: Nick Thompson, Mike Swick, Marcus Davis, Drew Fickett, Jay Hieron
This weight class has been fairly inactive as of late aside from Thiago Alves destroying Josh Koscheck. But I’ll tell you this: I became a huge Koscheck fan because of that fight. He took the fight on two weeks notice, took all that punishment but continued to come forward and scored some notable points against Alves. He had his moments and even appeared to hurt Alves at one point. And despite that convincing loss he’s still headlining the Dec. 10 Fight Night against Yoshida. The St. Pierre-Penn fight is still a couple months away, and this division will continue to be fairly quiet for a while. Hopefully Jake Shields signs with the UFC. He’s a legitimate threat to anyone in this division, especially the titleholder.
Lightweight:
1. BJ Penn
2. Eddie Alvarez
3. Joachim Hansen
4. Shinya Aoki
5. JZ Cavalcante
6. Takanori Gomi
7. Josh Thomson
8. Tatsuya Kawajiri
9. Sean Sherk
10. Kenny Florian
Honorable mention: Gilbert Melendez, KJ Noons, Nick Diaz, Victor Ribero, Joe Stevenson, Roger Huerta, Frankie Edgar
What an effort by Kenny Florian, and kudos to him for calling out BJ Penn. There’s no one left in the division for him to fight right now, not even Sean Sherk (at least not at the moment). The only unfortunate thing is that is will still be a long time before a fight with Penn happens, considering he is not fighting GSP until Super Bowl weekend.
Meanwhile, overseas where most of the lightweight talent is these guys all appear heading towards the K-1 New Years Eve event, where Hansen and Calvalcante are already scheduled to fight. Alvarez was supposed to fight Diaz on the Nov. 8 ShoXC event, but that was obviously scrapped. That would have been one hell of a fight. Suprisingly, Gomi lost a split decision to Johnny No Name last week, but we’ll chalk that up to a bad night. He’s still one of the best of the world.
Pound 4 Pound :
1. Anderson Silva
2. Fedor Emelianenko
3. Georges St. Pierre
4. BJ Penn
5. Miguel Torres
6. Forrest Griffin
7. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira
8. Mike Brown
9. Quinton Jackson
10. Brock Lesnar
Lesnar creeps in with his impressive performance over Couture, and honestly, the sky is the limit for this guy. Don’t be surprised if he makes his way up this chart over the next year. Meanwhile, let’s all welcome unheralded Mike Brown to the mix, as he pops in at number 8 on the list. His impressive destruction of former WEC featherweight champ and pound for pound elitist Urijah Faber was shocking to some, but somewhat expected by others. He was bigger, stronger and more powerful than the former champ, and up until he caught Faber with that short right, he had been dominating and controlling the fight. I interpreted Faber’s ridiculous spinning back elbow as a somewhat desperate move, a sign that he realized it would take something spectacular and unordinary to chop down Brown.
Well there you have it. Let us know what you think and if we missed any fighters that you feel should be mentioned here. Chances are we may have, but for the most part we think we’ve accounted for the best in the world here.
-Bess
Friday, November 14, 2008
The Sports Brief's Week 11 NFL picks
Half of The Sports Brief went to the Pats game last night against the Jets. Keefe would have gone, but he couldn’t get off the air soon enough, and when dealing with traffic, getting there late isn’t good for anyone. So I met my buddy Kevin from home there and we enjoyed the festivities.
Obviously the loss was tough given the circumstances. Nationally televised game on the NFL network, you’re at home, tied with the Jets at 6-3 atop the AFC East with the winner getting sole possession. Not only that, but you come back from a 24-6 deficit, tie it on a miraculous 60-second drive that consummate with an incredible pitch and catch from Cassel to Moss in the front corner of the end zone with one second left, only to see the Jets win the coin flip in OT and win on a field goal. And while I’ve never been a fan of highlighting moral victories and silver linings in professional sports, there was certainly a lot of good to be drawn from last night’s loss.
First off was the play of Matt Cassel. Is it me or is he a deep ball away from being a legitimate, top tier quarterback in the NFL? He’s slowly mastering the short routes, finding Wes Welker consistently in the middle of the field for short gains. He still needs to find his range throwing down the field to Moss, but what makes his a significant threat and dangerous QB is his mobility. Brady is mobile, but in a different way. He has tremendous pocket presence and finds small gaps as he eludes tackles, giving himself an extra split second to make a throw. Cassel, however, doesn’t quite have the pocket presence of Brady but makes up for it with his 10 and 15-yard scrambles up field. And he’s got balls too. Most quarterbacks slide in a yard or two shy of the first down marker. But Cassel is separating himself from those guys by working to get those last hard couple yards. It’s dangerous, especially with lord knows who behind him in the depth chart at this point, but he’s making a difference in doing so.
Another thing I enjoyed was the resilience of the Patriots despite spotting the Jets what appeared to be an insurmountable lead early in the game. I have to be honest, last night’s game had the feel of a Red Sox game at Fenway Park. Somehow, you just never sensed this team was out of it. The touchdown before the end of the first half shifted the momentum, and as the defense stepped up in the 3rd quarter holding the Jets at 24 points, you couldn’t help but think a comeback was in order. I couldn’t believe it when I saw people flocking to the exits after Thomas Jones punched one in to take a 31-24 lead with only 3:14 left and the Pats being forced to punt on the ensuing drive. For all those who left, serves you right, you missed a hell of an ending.
See I have a theory about leaving early…I don’t do it. I learned my lesson back in 2000 when my cousin Matt and I went to a Red game against the Devil Rays. It was the 8th inning, tied at 3 and all 6 runs have come via 3 by the Rays in the third and 3 by the Sox in the sixth. It was a fairly unexciting game. To beat traffic, we left in the bottom of the eighth and hit the Red Line to Quincy where he’d parked. While on the train, some guy was listening to the game on his handheld radio cassette player and screamed when he heard Rico Brogna hit a walk-off grand slam to win it in the bottom of the 9th. Rico hit one homerun that year for the Red Sox, and we missed it. Never again.
Finally, it was good to see Jabar Gaffney and Ben Watson step up last night, although Watson had a piss poor, critical fumble to open the 3rd quarter down in Jets territory. But each scored a touchdown with Gaffney adding an extra point, and that’s going to be important for the Pats down the stretch as teams seem to be covering Moss well and Cassel needs to look elsewhere if Welker isn’t freed up.
But one thing that did concern me was the defense and those penalties. The Jets didn’t score for 32 minutes spanning from 5:06 in the 2nd until there was only 3:14 left in the 4th. Solid showing by the Pats D after spotting 24 quick points. But down the stretch, it looked tired and overmatched. Those holding penalties on Vrabel and Sanders in the 4th were desperation moves after getting beat, and the Jets were able to convert two critical 3rd down plays in OT. The worst of which was the 3rd and 15 at their own 15. Favre bought time and hit Keller about 11 or 12 yards down field, and Meriweather was playing too soft a coverage. Not only that, but he got absolutely crushed and run over. I couldn’t help but wonder if the soft coverage was an attempt at preventing getting beat downfield and more or less focusing on damage control.
Nonetheless, I still think I’m in good shape to win my $20 bet with my buddy Scotty. If the Pats go 4-2 down the stretch. Three of those games are against Seattle, Oakland and Buffalo, and you have to think that Miami and Arizona will be winnable. The Steelers game scares me a bit, but the same could be said about the Colts game two weeks ago, a game in which the Pats should have come out on top.
Onto the picks…
Keefe’s picks:
Last week: 9-5; Overall: 69-75
Jets +3.5 over Patriots
Falcons -5.5 over Broncos
Bengals +9.5 over Eagles
Bears +5.5 over Packers
Texans +8.5 over Colts
Chiefs +4.5 over Saints
Raiders +10.5 over Dolphins
Ravens +6.5 over Giants
Buccaneers -3.5 over Vikings
Lions +14.5 over Panthers
Titans -2.5 over Jaguars
49ers -3.5 over Rams
Cardinals -3.5 over Seahawks
Chargers +4.5 over Steelers
Cowboys -1.5 over Redskins
Browns +4.5 over Bills
Besse’s picks:
Last week: 6-8; Overall: 74-70
Jets +3.5 over Patriots
Broncos +5.5 over Falcons
Bengals +9.5 over Eagles
Bears +5.5 over Packers
Texans +8.5 over Colts
Saints -4.5 over Chiefs
Raiders +10.5 over Dolphins
Ravens +6.5 over Giants
Vikings +3.5 over Buccaneers
Lions +14.5 over Panthers
Jaguars +2.5 over Titans **upset special of the week**
Rams +3.5 over 49ers
Cardinals -3.5 over Seahawks
Chargers +4.5 over Steelers
Cowboys -1.5 over Redskins
Browns +4.5 over Bills
Random Rob’s picks
Last week: 9-5; Overall: 83-61
Pats
Falcons
Bengals
Packers
Texans
Chiefs
Dolphins
Giants
Vikings
Panthers
Jags
49ers
Seahawks
Steelers
Cowboys
Browns
Obviously the loss was tough given the circumstances. Nationally televised game on the NFL network, you’re at home, tied with the Jets at 6-3 atop the AFC East with the winner getting sole possession. Not only that, but you come back from a 24-6 deficit, tie it on a miraculous 60-second drive that consummate with an incredible pitch and catch from Cassel to Moss in the front corner of the end zone with one second left, only to see the Jets win the coin flip in OT and win on a field goal. And while I’ve never been a fan of highlighting moral victories and silver linings in professional sports, there was certainly a lot of good to be drawn from last night’s loss.
First off was the play of Matt Cassel. Is it me or is he a deep ball away from being a legitimate, top tier quarterback in the NFL? He’s slowly mastering the short routes, finding Wes Welker consistently in the middle of the field for short gains. He still needs to find his range throwing down the field to Moss, but what makes his a significant threat and dangerous QB is his mobility. Brady is mobile, but in a different way. He has tremendous pocket presence and finds small gaps as he eludes tackles, giving himself an extra split second to make a throw. Cassel, however, doesn’t quite have the pocket presence of Brady but makes up for it with his 10 and 15-yard scrambles up field. And he’s got balls too. Most quarterbacks slide in a yard or two shy of the first down marker. But Cassel is separating himself from those guys by working to get those last hard couple yards. It’s dangerous, especially with lord knows who behind him in the depth chart at this point, but he’s making a difference in doing so.
Another thing I enjoyed was the resilience of the Patriots despite spotting the Jets what appeared to be an insurmountable lead early in the game. I have to be honest, last night’s game had the feel of a Red Sox game at Fenway Park. Somehow, you just never sensed this team was out of it. The touchdown before the end of the first half shifted the momentum, and as the defense stepped up in the 3rd quarter holding the Jets at 24 points, you couldn’t help but think a comeback was in order. I couldn’t believe it when I saw people flocking to the exits after Thomas Jones punched one in to take a 31-24 lead with only 3:14 left and the Pats being forced to punt on the ensuing drive. For all those who left, serves you right, you missed a hell of an ending.
See I have a theory about leaving early…I don’t do it. I learned my lesson back in 2000 when my cousin Matt and I went to a Red game against the Devil Rays. It was the 8th inning, tied at 3 and all 6 runs have come via 3 by the Rays in the third and 3 by the Sox in the sixth. It was a fairly unexciting game. To beat traffic, we left in the bottom of the eighth and hit the Red Line to Quincy where he’d parked. While on the train, some guy was listening to the game on his handheld radio cassette player and screamed when he heard Rico Brogna hit a walk-off grand slam to win it in the bottom of the 9th. Rico hit one homerun that year for the Red Sox, and we missed it. Never again.
Finally, it was good to see Jabar Gaffney and Ben Watson step up last night, although Watson had a piss poor, critical fumble to open the 3rd quarter down in Jets territory. But each scored a touchdown with Gaffney adding an extra point, and that’s going to be important for the Pats down the stretch as teams seem to be covering Moss well and Cassel needs to look elsewhere if Welker isn’t freed up.
But one thing that did concern me was the defense and those penalties. The Jets didn’t score for 32 minutes spanning from 5:06 in the 2nd until there was only 3:14 left in the 4th. Solid showing by the Pats D after spotting 24 quick points. But down the stretch, it looked tired and overmatched. Those holding penalties on Vrabel and Sanders in the 4th were desperation moves after getting beat, and the Jets were able to convert two critical 3rd down plays in OT. The worst of which was the 3rd and 15 at their own 15. Favre bought time and hit Keller about 11 or 12 yards down field, and Meriweather was playing too soft a coverage. Not only that, but he got absolutely crushed and run over. I couldn’t help but wonder if the soft coverage was an attempt at preventing getting beat downfield and more or less focusing on damage control.
Nonetheless, I still think I’m in good shape to win my $20 bet with my buddy Scotty. If the Pats go 4-2 down the stretch. Three of those games are against Seattle, Oakland and Buffalo, and you have to think that Miami and Arizona will be winnable. The Steelers game scares me a bit, but the same could be said about the Colts game two weeks ago, a game in which the Pats should have come out on top.
Onto the picks…
Keefe’s picks:
Last week: 9-5; Overall: 69-75
Jets +3.5 over Patriots
Falcons -5.5 over Broncos
Bengals +9.5 over Eagles
Bears +5.5 over Packers
Texans +8.5 over Colts
Chiefs +4.5 over Saints
Raiders +10.5 over Dolphins
Ravens +6.5 over Giants
Buccaneers -3.5 over Vikings
Lions +14.5 over Panthers
Titans -2.5 over Jaguars
49ers -3.5 over Rams
Cardinals -3.5 over Seahawks
Chargers +4.5 over Steelers
Cowboys -1.5 over Redskins
Browns +4.5 over Bills
Besse’s picks:
Last week: 6-8; Overall: 74-70
Jets +3.5 over Patriots
Broncos +5.5 over Falcons
Bengals +9.5 over Eagles
Bears +5.5 over Packers
Texans +8.5 over Colts
Saints -4.5 over Chiefs
Raiders +10.5 over Dolphins
Ravens +6.5 over Giants
Vikings +3.5 over Buccaneers
Lions +14.5 over Panthers
Jaguars +2.5 over Titans **upset special of the week**
Rams +3.5 over 49ers
Cardinals -3.5 over Seahawks
Chargers +4.5 over Steelers
Cowboys -1.5 over Redskins
Browns +4.5 over Bills
Random Rob’s picks
Last week: 9-5; Overall: 83-61
Pats
Falcons
Bengals
Packers
Texans
Chiefs
Dolphins
Giants
Vikings
Panthers
Jags
49ers
Seahawks
Steelers
Cowboys
Browns
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
The Sports Brief's Preseason All-American Team
The college basketball season is underway, and I feel compelled to give you a list of the very best players in the country. As we all know it is both a blessing and a curse for college hoops, that the NBA makes players attend schools for at least a season. On the one hand college fans get to see the very best players such as Greg Oden, Kevin Durant, Derrick Rose, Michael Beasley, and O.J. Mayo (wow looks like the top of the draft the past 2 years). But as quick as they come on the scene, they are gone. Frankly I don't think 18 year olds, who can go to Iraq and fight for the United States, can not go to the NBA where there are plenty of teams that would take a chance on them for millions of dollars a season.
There is always incredible turnover from year to year in college basketball, and for me it's quite an adjustment to get used to the teams/ players. What do we know? Derrick Rose, Michael Beasley, O.J. Mayo, Russell Westbrook, Kevin Love, Eric Gordon, Joe Alexander, D.J. Augustin, Brook Lopez, Jerryd Bayliss, Brandon Rush, Anthony Randolph, Robin Lopez, Marresse Speights, JaVale McGee, J.J. Hickson, Ryan Anderson, Kosta Koufos, George Hill, Darrell Aruther, Donte Greene, Mario Chalmers, DeAndre Jordan, Chris Douglass-Roberts, and Bill Walker were all in college last season, could have been back this season, but all went to the NBA.
Where does that leave us? The same place as every new season since we've been attached to these incredble freshmen and underclassmen only to see them go pro, looking for the next big thing. We start our list with a very familiar face...
Tyler Hansbrough, SR, UNC
Like saying Tim Tebow could be a factor the year after he wins the Heisman. I would have voted for Beasley for player of the year a season ago, but truth is Hansbrough put up monster numbers in the ACC and then wisely came back to school. He's the best player on the best team, should be a force again and the overwhelming favorite to not only be All-American 1st team, but POY.
James Harden, Soph, Arizona St.
Last season the lefty Harden posted the 8th highest points per game average for a freshmen in Pac-10 history. His 17.8 ppg, helped him land on the All Pac-10 1st team, the other four players to earn that honor were lottery picks in this past draft. Harden, who is also a steals machine, flirted with going pro, but decided to come back to school. I predict a monster season that propells him into the early 1st round, a 2-and-down guy.
Luke Harangody, JR, Notre Dame
The Big East is loaded once again this year with 7 teams in the pre-season Top 25 including the Irish. Harangody burst onto the scene last year and was a 20-10 guy. If he comes close to those numbers this year, when everyone is expecting him to do it, he's a no brainer for the All-American team. The spotlight is on this season.
Blake Griffin, Soph, Oklahoma
Griffin was one of many incredible freshmen last season in college basketball. But unlike the majority of them who had success, even some who didn't, he returned to school like Harden. With Beasley, Walker, Augustin, the Kansas guys, and even DeAndre Jordan gone to the pros, Griffin should take down Big 12 Player of the Year no problem, promting him to All-American status.
Willie Warren, FR, Oklahoma
Wait a minute. Before we crown Griffin the Big 12 Player of the Year, his biggest competition could come from super stud freshmen teammate Willie Warren. Warren dropped a game-high 23 in the most recent McDonald's All-American game. We've seen freshmen make big time impacts in the past few seasons. Durant was POY and Beasely finished 2nd. I expect Warren to be in the mix as well.
Jrue Holiday, FR, UCLA
One of the few college freshmen that I actually saw play an entire game and did not just see in highlights, the McDonald's game, or read about. Holiday's high school team played on ESPN last year and he was as good as advertised. UCLA will get a lot of attention trying to make it back to 4 consecutive Final Fours. Darren Collison has been named a preseason All-American in some publications, not The Sports Brief however, but the Bruins will be in the public eye all season.
Holiday and Warren will continue the trend of freshmen showing up on post season All-American lists.
Yes I know that is 6 players, consider it a bonus. Sometimes they name 6 guys to the 1st team. Didn't 15 guys take home 1st Team All Big East last year? I'm looking forward to another exciting season.
Besse also wants everyone to keep an eye out for University of Vermont star junior Marqus Blakely (see below).
-Keefe
There is always incredible turnover from year to year in college basketball, and for me it's quite an adjustment to get used to the teams/ players. What do we know? Derrick Rose, Michael Beasley, O.J. Mayo, Russell Westbrook, Kevin Love, Eric Gordon, Joe Alexander, D.J. Augustin, Brook Lopez, Jerryd Bayliss, Brandon Rush, Anthony Randolph, Robin Lopez, Marresse Speights, JaVale McGee, J.J. Hickson, Ryan Anderson, Kosta Koufos, George Hill, Darrell Aruther, Donte Greene, Mario Chalmers, DeAndre Jordan, Chris Douglass-Roberts, and Bill Walker were all in college last season, could have been back this season, but all went to the NBA.
Where does that leave us? The same place as every new season since we've been attached to these incredble freshmen and underclassmen only to see them go pro, looking for the next big thing. We start our list with a very familiar face...
Tyler Hansbrough, SR, UNC
Like saying Tim Tebow could be a factor the year after he wins the Heisman. I would have voted for Beasley for player of the year a season ago, but truth is Hansbrough put up monster numbers in the ACC and then wisely came back to school. He's the best player on the best team, should be a force again and the overwhelming favorite to not only be All-American 1st team, but POY.
James Harden, Soph, Arizona St.
Last season the lefty Harden posted the 8th highest points per game average for a freshmen in Pac-10 history. His 17.8 ppg, helped him land on the All Pac-10 1st team, the other four players to earn that honor were lottery picks in this past draft. Harden, who is also a steals machine, flirted with going pro, but decided to come back to school. I predict a monster season that propells him into the early 1st round, a 2-and-down guy.
Luke Harangody, JR, Notre Dame
The Big East is loaded once again this year with 7 teams in the pre-season Top 25 including the Irish. Harangody burst onto the scene last year and was a 20-10 guy. If he comes close to those numbers this year, when everyone is expecting him to do it, he's a no brainer for the All-American team. The spotlight is on this season.
Blake Griffin, Soph, Oklahoma
Griffin was one of many incredible freshmen last season in college basketball. But unlike the majority of them who had success, even some who didn't, he returned to school like Harden. With Beasley, Walker, Augustin, the Kansas guys, and even DeAndre Jordan gone to the pros, Griffin should take down Big 12 Player of the Year no problem, promting him to All-American status.
Willie Warren, FR, Oklahoma
Wait a minute. Before we crown Griffin the Big 12 Player of the Year, his biggest competition could come from super stud freshmen teammate Willie Warren. Warren dropped a game-high 23 in the most recent McDonald's All-American game. We've seen freshmen make big time impacts in the past few seasons. Durant was POY and Beasely finished 2nd. I expect Warren to be in the mix as well.
Jrue Holiday, FR, UCLA
One of the few college freshmen that I actually saw play an entire game and did not just see in highlights, the McDonald's game, or read about. Holiday's high school team played on ESPN last year and he was as good as advertised. UCLA will get a lot of attention trying to make it back to 4 consecutive Final Fours. Darren Collison has been named a preseason All-American in some publications, not The Sports Brief however, but the Bruins will be in the public eye all season.
Holiday and Warren will continue the trend of freshmen showing up on post season All-American lists.
Yes I know that is 6 players, consider it a bonus. Sometimes they name 6 guys to the 1st team. Didn't 15 guys take home 1st Team All Big East last year? I'm looking forward to another exciting season.
Besse also wants everyone to keep an eye out for University of Vermont star junior Marqus Blakely (see below).
-Keefe
Friday, November 7, 2008
The Sports Brief's Week 10 NFL picks
Last night I went to Conor Larkin's on the campus of Northeastern to watch the first NFL start for Brady Quinn. I had a vested interest in the game because I managed to snatch Quinn in a couple fantasy leagues off the free agent list. But I also faced a dilemma. Start him? Or sit him?
I had him in fourleagues, three of which I had Romo as my starter (out) and Pennington as my number two guy. The Dolphins are at Seattle this week, and the Seahawks have been dishing out serious frequent flier miles to opposing offenses. Looking back, I think they've allowed over 300 yards in the air in the last 5 or 6 games. I felt compelled to start him over Quinn in those leagues. Rosenfels was my backup (to Romo) in another league, so I started Quinn there. My keeper league on Fanball.com (worst site, by the way) was a big question mark, as well. I had been rolling with Matt Schaub and Big Ben, but both got banged up last week, Schaub worse than Ben. I dropped Big Ben in hopes that Schaub could return later this year and picked up Quinn and Pennington. This is a touchdown league, and my contention was that Quinn would be efficient but Jamal Lewis, whom I also had, would run it in from a few yards out a couple times. So I went with Pennington.
Let's just say I wish I started both Quinn and Lewis; thankfully I rolled with Lewis though. Meanwhile, karma sure was a bitch last night. I was facing Eddie Royal in my fanball league but had him going in a yahoo league. When he got stuffed at the 1-yd line, I couldn't contain the excitement. As I said to Milano, I don't care if Royal goes 10 for 150 tonight, just don't score.
A 93 yard slant route later, it was a bittersweet moment.
How about Jay Cutler? I'm up against him in our NFL.com league this week and he shoved 35 points down my throat. Terrific. I have Drew Brees going, hopefully he can match that.
Anyway, onto the picks. Keefe and I still aren't picking well enough to warrant any explanation. But we'd love to hear your thoughts on the upcoming games and how you think some of them will play out.
Keefe’s picks:
Last week: 6-8; Overall: 60-70
Browns -3.5 over Broncos (definitely didn’t cheat on this one)
Falcons -.5 over Saints
Titans -3 over Bears
Lions +6.5 over Jaguars
Seahawks +9.5 over Dolphins
Packers +2.5 over Vikings
Patriots -3.5 over Bills
Jets -8.5 over Rams
Texans -1.5 over Ravens
Panthers -9.5 over Raiders
Steelers -3.5 over Colts
Chiefs +15.5 over Chargers
Giants +2.5 over Eagles
Cardinals -9.5 over 49ers
Besse’s picks:
Last week: 8-6; Overall: 68-62
Browns -3.5 over Broncos
Saints +0.5 over Falcons
Bears +3 over Titans
Lions +6.5 over Jaguars
Dolphins -9.5 over Seahawks
Packers +2.5 over Vikings
Patriots -3.5 over Bills
Rams +8.5 over Jets
Texans -1.5 over Ravens
Panthers -9.5 over Raiders
Colts +3.5 over Steelers
Chiefs +15.5 over Chargers
Giants +2.5 over Eagles
Cardinals -9.5 over 49ers
Random Rob’s picks:
Last week: 7-7; Overall: 74-56
Browns
Saints
Bears
Jaguars
Seahawks
Packers
Pats
Rams
Texans
Panthers
Colts
Chargers
Giants
49ers
Don't forget Calzaghe v. Jones tomorrow night for the light heavyweight championship of the world. And a week from tomorrow, Brock Lesnar challenges Randy Couture for the UFC heavyweight title. Should be a hell of a fight.
-Bess
I had him in fourleagues, three of which I had Romo as my starter (out) and Pennington as my number two guy. The Dolphins are at Seattle this week, and the Seahawks have been dishing out serious frequent flier miles to opposing offenses. Looking back, I think they've allowed over 300 yards in the air in the last 5 or 6 games. I felt compelled to start him over Quinn in those leagues. Rosenfels was my backup (to Romo) in another league, so I started Quinn there. My keeper league on Fanball.com (worst site, by the way) was a big question mark, as well. I had been rolling with Matt Schaub and Big Ben, but both got banged up last week, Schaub worse than Ben. I dropped Big Ben in hopes that Schaub could return later this year and picked up Quinn and Pennington. This is a touchdown league, and my contention was that Quinn would be efficient but Jamal Lewis, whom I also had, would run it in from a few yards out a couple times. So I went with Pennington.
Let's just say I wish I started both Quinn and Lewis; thankfully I rolled with Lewis though. Meanwhile, karma sure was a bitch last night. I was facing Eddie Royal in my fanball league but had him going in a yahoo league. When he got stuffed at the 1-yd line, I couldn't contain the excitement. As I said to Milano, I don't care if Royal goes 10 for 150 tonight, just don't score.
A 93 yard slant route later, it was a bittersweet moment.
How about Jay Cutler? I'm up against him in our NFL.com league this week and he shoved 35 points down my throat. Terrific. I have Drew Brees going, hopefully he can match that.
Anyway, onto the picks. Keefe and I still aren't picking well enough to warrant any explanation. But we'd love to hear your thoughts on the upcoming games and how you think some of them will play out.
Keefe’s picks:
Last week: 6-8; Overall: 60-70
Browns -3.5 over Broncos (definitely didn’t cheat on this one)
Falcons -.5 over Saints
Titans -3 over Bears
Lions +6.5 over Jaguars
Seahawks +9.5 over Dolphins
Packers +2.5 over Vikings
Patriots -3.5 over Bills
Jets -8.5 over Rams
Texans -1.5 over Ravens
Panthers -9.5 over Raiders
Steelers -3.5 over Colts
Chiefs +15.5 over Chargers
Giants +2.5 over Eagles
Cardinals -9.5 over 49ers
Besse’s picks:
Last week: 8-6; Overall: 68-62
Browns -3.5 over Broncos
Saints +0.5 over Falcons
Bears +3 over Titans
Lions +6.5 over Jaguars
Dolphins -9.5 over Seahawks
Packers +2.5 over Vikings
Patriots -3.5 over Bills
Rams +8.5 over Jets
Texans -1.5 over Ravens
Panthers -9.5 over Raiders
Colts +3.5 over Steelers
Chiefs +15.5 over Chargers
Giants +2.5 over Eagles
Cardinals -9.5 over 49ers
Random Rob’s picks:
Last week: 7-7; Overall: 74-56
Browns
Saints
Bears
Jaguars
Seahawks
Packers
Pats
Rams
Texans
Panthers
Colts
Chargers
Giants
49ers
Don't forget Calzaghe v. Jones tomorrow night for the light heavyweight championship of the world. And a week from tomorrow, Brock Lesnar challenges Randy Couture for the UFC heavyweight title. Should be a hell of a fight.
-Bess
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Rock the Vote!
With today being voting day, make sure you get out there, here are 10 more pressing issues that need your vote. As always feel free to write-in.
Best team in the NFL?
1. Giants
2. Titans
3. Steelers
4. Panthers
Best player in the NBA?
1. Kobe Bryant
2. LeBron James
3. Chris Paul
4. Dwight Howard
Best show on television?
1. CSI
2. The Office
3. 30 Rock
4. The New 90210
Best college football team?
1. Alabama
2. Texas Tech
3. Penn State
4. Texas
5. Florida
6. Oklahoma
Best NBA rookie?
1. Derrick Rose
2. Rudy Fernandez
3. O.J. Mayo
4. Michael Beasely
Best Will Ferrell movie?
1. Anchorman
2. Old School
3. Step Brothers
4. Talladega Nights
Best pound-for-pound MMA fighter?
1. Anderson Silva
2. Fedor Emelianko
3. Georges St. Pierre
4. B.J. Penn
MLB Free Agent who will have the best 2009?
1. Manny Ramirez
2. Mark Teixeira
3. CC Sabathia
4. A.J. Burnett
NFL MVP at the mid-way point?
1. Philip Rivers
2. Clinton Portis
3. Kurt Warner
4. Andre Johnson
5. Albert Haynesworth
MLB player you would start your franchise with?
1. Hanley Ramirez
2. Evan Longoria
3. CC Sabathia
4. Jose Reyes
5. Alex Rodriguez
Make sure you rock the vote(s) today!
-Keefe
Best team in the NFL?
1. Giants
2. Titans
3. Steelers
4. Panthers
Best player in the NBA?
1. Kobe Bryant
2. LeBron James
3. Chris Paul
4. Dwight Howard
Best show on television?
1. CSI
2. The Office
3. 30 Rock
4. The New 90210
Best college football team?
1. Alabama
2. Texas Tech
3. Penn State
4. Texas
5. Florida
6. Oklahoma
Best NBA rookie?
1. Derrick Rose
2. Rudy Fernandez
3. O.J. Mayo
4. Michael Beasely
Best Will Ferrell movie?
1. Anchorman
2. Old School
3. Step Brothers
4. Talladega Nights
Best pound-for-pound MMA fighter?
1. Anderson Silva
2. Fedor Emelianko
3. Georges St. Pierre
4. B.J. Penn
MLB Free Agent who will have the best 2009?
1. Manny Ramirez
2. Mark Teixeira
3. CC Sabathia
4. A.J. Burnett
NFL MVP at the mid-way point?
1. Philip Rivers
2. Clinton Portis
3. Kurt Warner
4. Andre Johnson
5. Albert Haynesworth
MLB player you would start your franchise with?
1. Hanley Ramirez
2. Evan Longoria
3. CC Sabathia
4. Jose Reyes
5. Alex Rodriguez
Make sure you rock the vote(s) today!
-Keefe
Monday, November 3, 2008
Calzaghe-Jones just six days away
If anyone's happened to tune into HBO last night for episode 2 of Calzaghe Jones 24/7, you would have heard Jones at one point exclaiming, "I'm baaaaack." While victories over Anthony Hanshaw and a washed-up Felix Trinidad are nothing more than confidence builders in my eyes, Jones has looked significantly better in those fights than he did during his horrific three-fight losing streak to Antonio Tarver (twice) and the brutal KO loss to Glen Johnson.
I've been a Jones, Jr. fan for almost 10 years. He was the pound for pound greatest when I first started sitting down to watch boxing matches, and with the likes of YouTube, I've had a chance to enjoy highlights and fights before my spectating began. He was the best in the world in five different weight classes, an entertainer and the most exciting fighter in the world. To see him plummet drastically, almost overnight, like he did against Tarver and Johnson was terrifying to me as a fan and boxing as a sport. Let's face it, Tarver is no where near the businessman, entertainer and fight mogul that Jones is. He can talk a fair game, but after his deflating performance in Rocky Balboa, he's been nothing but a disappointment in the light heavyweight division, particularly following losses to Bernard Hopkins and "Bad" Chad Dawson in his last fight. Couple that with uninspiring decision wins over Elvir Muriqi and Clinton Woods and you no longer have a major draw in the sport.
Glen Johnson, meanwhile, has a lot of John "Quietman" Ruiz in him. Well, actually, maybe it's more the nickname and nothing else. Johnson doesn't build up fights much, he lets his fists do the talking. And while he's probably legitimately lost no more than 3 fights in his career (he's gotten screwed in numerous decision losses), Johnson isn't much of a draw either. Which is why Joe Calzaghe chose Roy Jones, Jr. as his next opponent at Madison Square Garden this Saturday, Nov. 8. Regardless of whether Jones still has the speed, agility and ferocity in his fists that he possessed in the 90's and earlier this century, his aura and mystique along with his personality, confidence and gab are enough to crank out yet another blockbuster fight. I loved what Roy Jones, Sr. said last night:
"If Roy trained for this fight, Calzaghe can't beat him."
What is this guy Karo Parysian? I don't doubt that Jones, Jr. abstained from training for a good portion of his fights, particularly during the height of his career against bums like Antoine Byrd, Tony Thornton and Merqui Sosa. But it raises and interesting point. Calzaghe is the ultimate workhorse, a come at you type of fighter who is constantly busy and putting on the pressure. Ironically, he's a heavier version of Ricky Hatton. Jones, however, likes to circle and move, picking his spots and working in spurts, but exploding when he does and unleashing a fury that most have been able to endure. Who's that like? Floyd Mayweather.
Are Jones' skills declining? I don't doubt it. But can you argue that his brief, 3-fight losing streak could also be attributed to complacency and a declining work ethic? I don't doub that either. Personally, 24/7 may have been the best thing for him, because it gave him reason to establish a legitimate, hardcore training camp to prepare for this fight. And while he still thinks he's the best, no one else does. Perhaps he said it in the first episode:
"If I lose on the 8th, who cares? But if he lose, his streak has ENDED."
To me, nothing is more dangerous than a motivated Jones with nothing lose. I'll be tuning in on Saturday to watch the fight. One reason is because I'm still a tremendous Jones fan and still enjoy watching him compete at this level. To see him win the fight, the title, and thus a showdown (and re-match) with Bernard Hopkins could be the best possible scenario for the sport of boxing. Two of the boxing's best meeting over 10 years later to settle a score, and doing it at a different weight class which they both sat at the top of.
The other reason I'll be watching is because of the 24/7 series that HBO keeps pumping out. If you haven't been watching these, you should. The De la Hoya/Mayweather series set the standard, and Mayweather/Hatton was pretty tremendous, as well. This latest has met that standard and De la Hoya/Pacquiao will soon follow on the 16th. Below is episode 1 of Calzaghe/Jones. Check it out. I'll post episode 2 once it's available and you can catch episode 3 this Thursday night.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on this matchup, where you think Jones stands today as a fighter and how you think things will play out on the 8th and beyond.
-Bess
I've been a Jones, Jr. fan for almost 10 years. He was the pound for pound greatest when I first started sitting down to watch boxing matches, and with the likes of YouTube, I've had a chance to enjoy highlights and fights before my spectating began. He was the best in the world in five different weight classes, an entertainer and the most exciting fighter in the world. To see him plummet drastically, almost overnight, like he did against Tarver and Johnson was terrifying to me as a fan and boxing as a sport. Let's face it, Tarver is no where near the businessman, entertainer and fight mogul that Jones is. He can talk a fair game, but after his deflating performance in Rocky Balboa, he's been nothing but a disappointment in the light heavyweight division, particularly following losses to Bernard Hopkins and "Bad" Chad Dawson in his last fight. Couple that with uninspiring decision wins over Elvir Muriqi and Clinton Woods and you no longer have a major draw in the sport.
Glen Johnson, meanwhile, has a lot of John "Quietman" Ruiz in him. Well, actually, maybe it's more the nickname and nothing else. Johnson doesn't build up fights much, he lets his fists do the talking. And while he's probably legitimately lost no more than 3 fights in his career (he's gotten screwed in numerous decision losses), Johnson isn't much of a draw either. Which is why Joe Calzaghe chose Roy Jones, Jr. as his next opponent at Madison Square Garden this Saturday, Nov. 8. Regardless of whether Jones still has the speed, agility and ferocity in his fists that he possessed in the 90's and earlier this century, his aura and mystique along with his personality, confidence and gab are enough to crank out yet another blockbuster fight. I loved what Roy Jones, Sr. said last night:
"If Roy trained for this fight, Calzaghe can't beat him."
What is this guy Karo Parysian? I don't doubt that Jones, Jr. abstained from training for a good portion of his fights, particularly during the height of his career against bums like Antoine Byrd, Tony Thornton and Merqui Sosa. But it raises and interesting point. Calzaghe is the ultimate workhorse, a come at you type of fighter who is constantly busy and putting on the pressure. Ironically, he's a heavier version of Ricky Hatton. Jones, however, likes to circle and move, picking his spots and working in spurts, but exploding when he does and unleashing a fury that most have been able to endure. Who's that like? Floyd Mayweather.
Are Jones' skills declining? I don't doubt it. But can you argue that his brief, 3-fight losing streak could also be attributed to complacency and a declining work ethic? I don't doub that either. Personally, 24/7 may have been the best thing for him, because it gave him reason to establish a legitimate, hardcore training camp to prepare for this fight. And while he still thinks he's the best, no one else does. Perhaps he said it in the first episode:
"If I lose on the 8th, who cares? But if he lose, his streak has ENDED."
To me, nothing is more dangerous than a motivated Jones with nothing lose. I'll be tuning in on Saturday to watch the fight. One reason is because I'm still a tremendous Jones fan and still enjoy watching him compete at this level. To see him win the fight, the title, and thus a showdown (and re-match) with Bernard Hopkins could be the best possible scenario for the sport of boxing. Two of the boxing's best meeting over 10 years later to settle a score, and doing it at a different weight class which they both sat at the top of.
The other reason I'll be watching is because of the 24/7 series that HBO keeps pumping out. If you haven't been watching these, you should. The De la Hoya/Mayweather series set the standard, and Mayweather/Hatton was pretty tremendous, as well. This latest has met that standard and De la Hoya/Pacquiao will soon follow on the 16th. Below is episode 1 of Calzaghe/Jones. Check it out. I'll post episode 2 once it's available and you can catch episode 3 this Thursday night.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on this matchup, where you think Jones stands today as a fighter and how you think things will play out on the 8th and beyond.
-Bess
Friday, October 31, 2008
The Sports Brief's Week 9 NFL picks
Trick or treat from The Brief.
Last week was somewhat of a recovery for The Brief, although Rich was still below .500 with his picks at 6-8. Random Rob rebounded from a tough week 7 to once again take the crown. I'm waiting for Rob to hit the proverbial wall in his rookie season. This is getting downright ridiculous.
Speaking of ridiculous, how about Danyelle Sargent as a sports reporter? In case you're not familiar with Sargent or her work, here's a snipet from a couple years ago when she was working for ESPN. Talk about a brutal opening to the show. Sargent vented her frustration to the producers in the back, but didn't realize she was sharing it with the millions watching at home. It's now classic YouTube material:
Anyway, Sargent was at it again last weekend as she is now working as a sideline reporter for FOX. Before the 49ers and Seahawks game, Sargent pulled aside Mike Singletary for a pre-game interview, the significance being that it was the first time Singletary was leading the troops onto the field as the head coach since Mike Shula got canned. The interview started a little something like this:
"I heard that your mentor Bill Walsh was one of the first phone calls that you made when you found out that you had the job. What does it mean to you to be the head coach of the 49ers?"
Singletary was caught off-guard, understably so since Walsh died in July 2007 and Singletary actually played for the Bears. If anyone was his mentor, it was Mike Ditka. Apparently producers were screaming wildly in Sargent's ear, because she stopped the interview saying, "I'm sorry. Oh. I'm sorry. What, what did I, what was wrong?" Did she do any preparation for this interview? Or did she simply rely on football knowledge she clearly didn't possess? Regardless, what an idiot. The video of the interview was available on the internet earlier this week but has since been taken down. Nonetheless, she's been taking a lot of heat for it. Could this have been the beginning of the end for Singletary, leading to that solid post-game press conference meltdown?
Another solid YouTube clip from this past week's football action. Gotta feel bad for this kid. What the hell are these carts doing in the back of the end zone? Going all out to make a catch and this is how he's rewarded. As much as I want to fault the QB for making such a terrible throw, the WR had to realize at some point that the ball was clearly way out of the back of the end zone. It wasn't even close. I won't put this on the same level as Dan Orlovsky bad, but jesus, this is bad. So in the resulting injury. If you couldn't handle Willis Mcgahee, Napoleon Kaufman or even Alvin Mack getting his leg stretched another foot and a half in the program, this video isn't for you.
Here's McGahee's injury at Miami in the National Championship game:
And different sport here, but you gotta love a little Sid Vicious:
Alright, onto this week's picks...
Keefe’s picks:
Last week: 6-8; Overall: 54-62
Bills -5.5 over Jets
Bears -12.5 over Lions
Bengals +7.5 over Jaguars
Browns -1.5 over Ravens
Cardinals -2.5 over Rams
Texans +4.5 over Vikings
Titans -6.5 over Packers
Buccaneers -8.5 over Chiefs
Dolphins +3.5 over Broncos
Cowboys +7.5 over Giants
Eagles -6.5 over Seahawks
Falcons -2.5 over Raiders
Patriots +5.5 over Colts
Redskins -2.5 over Steelers
Besse’s picks:
Last week: 7-7; Overall: 60-56
Bills -5.5 over Jets
Bears -12.5 over Lions
Bengals +7.5 over Jaguars
Browns -1.5 over Ravens
Cardinals -2.5 over Rams
Texans +4.5 over Vikings
Packers +6.5 over Titans
Chief +8.5 over Bucs
Dolphins +3.5 over Broncos
Cowboys +7.5 over Giants
Eagles -6.5 over Seahawks
Falcons -2.5 over Raiders
Patriots +5.5 over Colts
Redskins -2.5 over Steelers
Random Rob:
Last week: 9-5; Overall: 67-49
Bills -5.5 over Jets
Lions +12.5 over Bears
Bengals +7.5 over Jaguars
Ravens +1.5 over Browns
Rams +2.5 over Cardinals
Vikings -4.5 over Texans
Packers +6.5 over Titans
Buccaneers -8.5 over Chiefs
Dolphins +3.5 over Broncos
Cowboys +7.5 over Giants
Seahawks +6.5 over Eagles
Raiders +2.5 over Falcons
Colts -5.5 over Patriots
Steelers +2.5 over Redskins
-Bess
Last week was somewhat of a recovery for The Brief, although Rich was still below .500 with his picks at 6-8. Random Rob rebounded from a tough week 7 to once again take the crown. I'm waiting for Rob to hit the proverbial wall in his rookie season. This is getting downright ridiculous.
Speaking of ridiculous, how about Danyelle Sargent as a sports reporter? In case you're not familiar with Sargent or her work, here's a snipet from a couple years ago when she was working for ESPN. Talk about a brutal opening to the show. Sargent vented her frustration to the producers in the back, but didn't realize she was sharing it with the millions watching at home. It's now classic YouTube material:
Anyway, Sargent was at it again last weekend as she is now working as a sideline reporter for FOX. Before the 49ers and Seahawks game, Sargent pulled aside Mike Singletary for a pre-game interview, the significance being that it was the first time Singletary was leading the troops onto the field as the head coach since Mike Shula got canned. The interview started a little something like this:
"I heard that your mentor Bill Walsh was one of the first phone calls that you made when you found out that you had the job. What does it mean to you to be the head coach of the 49ers?"
Singletary was caught off-guard, understably so since Walsh died in July 2007 and Singletary actually played for the Bears. If anyone was his mentor, it was Mike Ditka. Apparently producers were screaming wildly in Sargent's ear, because she stopped the interview saying, "I'm sorry. Oh. I'm sorry. What, what did I, what was wrong?" Did she do any preparation for this interview? Or did she simply rely on football knowledge she clearly didn't possess? Regardless, what an idiot. The video of the interview was available on the internet earlier this week but has since been taken down. Nonetheless, she's been taking a lot of heat for it. Could this have been the beginning of the end for Singletary, leading to that solid post-game press conference meltdown?
Another solid YouTube clip from this past week's football action. Gotta feel bad for this kid. What the hell are these carts doing in the back of the end zone? Going all out to make a catch and this is how he's rewarded. As much as I want to fault the QB for making such a terrible throw, the WR had to realize at some point that the ball was clearly way out of the back of the end zone. It wasn't even close. I won't put this on the same level as Dan Orlovsky bad, but jesus, this is bad. So in the resulting injury. If you couldn't handle Willis Mcgahee, Napoleon Kaufman or even Alvin Mack getting his leg stretched another foot and a half in the program, this video isn't for you.
Here's McGahee's injury at Miami in the National Championship game:
And different sport here, but you gotta love a little Sid Vicious:
Alright, onto this week's picks...
Keefe’s picks:
Last week: 6-8; Overall: 54-62
Bills -5.5 over Jets
Bears -12.5 over Lions
Bengals +7.5 over Jaguars
Browns -1.5 over Ravens
Cardinals -2.5 over Rams
Texans +4.5 over Vikings
Titans -6.5 over Packers
Buccaneers -8.5 over Chiefs
Dolphins +3.5 over Broncos
Cowboys +7.5 over Giants
Eagles -6.5 over Seahawks
Falcons -2.5 over Raiders
Patriots +5.5 over Colts
Redskins -2.5 over Steelers
Besse’s picks:
Last week: 7-7; Overall: 60-56
Bills -5.5 over Jets
Bears -12.5 over Lions
Bengals +7.5 over Jaguars
Browns -1.5 over Ravens
Cardinals -2.5 over Rams
Texans +4.5 over Vikings
Packers +6.5 over Titans
Chief +8.5 over Bucs
Dolphins +3.5 over Broncos
Cowboys +7.5 over Giants
Eagles -6.5 over Seahawks
Falcons -2.5 over Raiders
Patriots +5.5 over Colts
Redskins -2.5 over Steelers
Random Rob:
Last week: 9-5; Overall: 67-49
Bills -5.5 over Jets
Lions +12.5 over Bears
Bengals +7.5 over Jaguars
Ravens +1.5 over Browns
Rams +2.5 over Cardinals
Vikings -4.5 over Texans
Packers +6.5 over Titans
Buccaneers -8.5 over Chiefs
Dolphins +3.5 over Broncos
Cowboys +7.5 over Giants
Seahawks +6.5 over Eagles
Raiders +2.5 over Falcons
Colts -5.5 over Patriots
Steelers +2.5 over Redskins
-Bess
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
NBA ’08-’09 Preview
Tonight the NBA season kicks off with a trio of games including the Boston Celtics raising their 17th banner before their showdown with LeBron and the Cavs. Also tonight marks the NBA debut of one Greg Oden as the Blazers face the Lakers. I’m looking forward to another great basketball season, many teams have improved themselves thanks to free agency, trades, and the draft. I will get on record now with my picks for playoff teams and individual awards. (playoff teams in bold)
Eastern Conference
Atlantic:
1. Boston Celtics
2. Toronto Raptors
3. Philadelphia 76ers
4. New York Knicks
5. New Jersey Nets
The Celtics will miss James Posey, but not enough to effect them winning the division again. The 6ers made the most noise bringing in Elton Brand, but I like Calderon running the point for a Raps team that, if healthy, have the best 4-5 duo in the East with Bosh and Jermaine O’Neal. Mike D’Antoni will actually keep the Knicks out the basement. The Nets will struggle and eventually trade Vince.
Central:
1. Detroit Pistons
2. Cleveland Cavaliers
3. Indiana Pacers
4. Milwaukee Bucks
5. Chicago Bulls
Pistons got the same crew back, and the Cavs added Mo Williams which should make it a good battle at the top. Pacers are sneaky good with the likes of Danny Granger and a surprisingly good Mike Dunleavy, I think they beat out the Hawks and Wiz for the 8 seed. I liked the Bucks pick up of Richard Jefferson at first, but even he and Michael Redd will need more help, losing the aforementioned Mo Williams is going to hurt. The Bulls have plenty of guards, and they’ll also have plenty of losses.
Southeast:
1. Orlando Magic
2. Miami Heat
3. Atlanta Hawks
4. Washington Wizards
5. Charlotte Bobcats
Can the Heat turn it around? I think they can. Wade looked great in the Olympics and will be one of the best players in the NBA all season. It may be tough but they need to keep Marion happy, by letting him shoot, and throwing him oops. Dwight Howard will continue to improve, scary right? Wizards have the 2nd best “Big 3” in the East, but how many games will they play together? They’re certainly an X-factor.
Western Conference:
Northwest:
1. Utah Jazz
2. Portland Trail Blazers
3. Denver Nuggets
4. Minnesota Timberwolves
5. Oklahoma City Thunder
Deron Williams will miss the start of the season, but once again the debate of who is the best PG in the league will come down to him and CP3 at the end of the year. I know I’m not alone in liking the Blazers, how can you not? Great young team that could be stalled by injuries once again. Nuggets will score plenty of points, but the loss of Camby makes them even worse defensively, they’ll battle for the 8th seen to no avail.
Pacific:
1. Los Angeles Lakers
2. Phoenix Suns
3. Los Angeles Clippers
4. Golden State Warriors
5. Sacramento Kings
Lakers look like the clear cut favorite bringing everyone back from the Western Conference championship team plus Andrew Bynum. After that it could get interesting. A full season with Shaq and Grant Hill in Phoenix with a new coach. Nash and Amare are good enough to get any team to the playoffs. Corey Maggette is now on the Warriors with Baron Davis and Marcus Camby playing for the Clips. The injury of Monta Ellis significantly impacts their chances of a post season appearance.
Southwest:
1. New Orleans Hornets
2. San Antonio Spurs
3. Houston Rockets
4. Dallas Mavericks
5. Memphis Grizzlies
The Celtics lost James Posey and the Hornets found him. He could very well be the missing piece. Ron Artest comes to Houston to shake things up a bit. If Yao and T-Mac stay healthy (goodluck) they could be a major player. The Spurs are the Spurs, and the Mavs have Dirk and a new head coach. Put everything together and you got the toughest division in basketball, and the only one with 4 playoff teams.
Playoffs:
Eastern Finals: Celtics over Raptors
Western Finals: Hornets over Jazz
Finals: Celtics over Hornets
Awards:
MVP: Chris Paul, Hornets
Rookie of the Year: Michael Beasley, Heat
Defensive Player of the Year: Kevin Garnett, Celtics
6th Man of the Year: Lamar Odom, Lakers
Coach of the Year: Nate McMillan, Trail Blazers
All-NBA 1st Team:
Chris Paul, Hornets
Kobe Bryant, Lakers
LeBron James, Cavaliers
Amare Stoudemire, Suns
Dwight Howard, Magic
All-NBA 2nd Team:
Deron Williams, Jazz
Dwayne Wade, Heat
Chris Bosh, Raptors
Kevin Garnett, Celtics
Tim Duncan, Spurs
All-Rookie Team:
Michael Beasely, Heat
Greg Oden, Trail Blazers
Derrick Rose, Bulls
O.J. Mayo, Grizzlies
Eric Gordon, Clippers
Rudy Fernandez, Trail Blazers*
*Some how left him off, the next day had to add him. Watching the Olympics I said he could potentially win the ROY over Beasley and teammate Oden. Also we've seen at least 6 guys be named to the All-Rookie team before, so I'm keeping 6.
-Keefe
Eastern Conference
Atlantic:
1. Boston Celtics
2. Toronto Raptors
3. Philadelphia 76ers
4. New York Knicks
5. New Jersey Nets
The Celtics will miss James Posey, but not enough to effect them winning the division again. The 6ers made the most noise bringing in Elton Brand, but I like Calderon running the point for a Raps team that, if healthy, have the best 4-5 duo in the East with Bosh and Jermaine O’Neal. Mike D’Antoni will actually keep the Knicks out the basement. The Nets will struggle and eventually trade Vince.
Central:
1. Detroit Pistons
2. Cleveland Cavaliers
3. Indiana Pacers
4. Milwaukee Bucks
5. Chicago Bulls
Pistons got the same crew back, and the Cavs added Mo Williams which should make it a good battle at the top. Pacers are sneaky good with the likes of Danny Granger and a surprisingly good Mike Dunleavy, I think they beat out the Hawks and Wiz for the 8 seed. I liked the Bucks pick up of Richard Jefferson at first, but even he and Michael Redd will need more help, losing the aforementioned Mo Williams is going to hurt. The Bulls have plenty of guards, and they’ll also have plenty of losses.
Southeast:
1. Orlando Magic
2. Miami Heat
3. Atlanta Hawks
4. Washington Wizards
5. Charlotte Bobcats
Can the Heat turn it around? I think they can. Wade looked great in the Olympics and will be one of the best players in the NBA all season. It may be tough but they need to keep Marion happy, by letting him shoot, and throwing him oops. Dwight Howard will continue to improve, scary right? Wizards have the 2nd best “Big 3” in the East, but how many games will they play together? They’re certainly an X-factor.
Western Conference:
Northwest:
1. Utah Jazz
2. Portland Trail Blazers
3. Denver Nuggets
4. Minnesota Timberwolves
5. Oklahoma City Thunder
Deron Williams will miss the start of the season, but once again the debate of who is the best PG in the league will come down to him and CP3 at the end of the year. I know I’m not alone in liking the Blazers, how can you not? Great young team that could be stalled by injuries once again. Nuggets will score plenty of points, but the loss of Camby makes them even worse defensively, they’ll battle for the 8th seen to no avail.
Pacific:
1. Los Angeles Lakers
2. Phoenix Suns
3. Los Angeles Clippers
4. Golden State Warriors
5. Sacramento Kings
Lakers look like the clear cut favorite bringing everyone back from the Western Conference championship team plus Andrew Bynum. After that it could get interesting. A full season with Shaq and Grant Hill in Phoenix with a new coach. Nash and Amare are good enough to get any team to the playoffs. Corey Maggette is now on the Warriors with Baron Davis and Marcus Camby playing for the Clips. The injury of Monta Ellis significantly impacts their chances of a post season appearance.
Southwest:
1. New Orleans Hornets
2. San Antonio Spurs
3. Houston Rockets
4. Dallas Mavericks
5. Memphis Grizzlies
The Celtics lost James Posey and the Hornets found him. He could very well be the missing piece. Ron Artest comes to Houston to shake things up a bit. If Yao and T-Mac stay healthy (goodluck) they could be a major player. The Spurs are the Spurs, and the Mavs have Dirk and a new head coach. Put everything together and you got the toughest division in basketball, and the only one with 4 playoff teams.
Playoffs:
Eastern Finals: Celtics over Raptors
Western Finals: Hornets over Jazz
Finals: Celtics over Hornets
Awards:
MVP: Chris Paul, Hornets
Rookie of the Year: Michael Beasley, Heat
Defensive Player of the Year: Kevin Garnett, Celtics
6th Man of the Year: Lamar Odom, Lakers
Coach of the Year: Nate McMillan, Trail Blazers
All-NBA 1st Team:
Chris Paul, Hornets
Kobe Bryant, Lakers
LeBron James, Cavaliers
Amare Stoudemire, Suns
Dwight Howard, Magic
All-NBA 2nd Team:
Deron Williams, Jazz
Dwayne Wade, Heat
Chris Bosh, Raptors
Kevin Garnett, Celtics
Tim Duncan, Spurs
All-Rookie Team:
Michael Beasely, Heat
Greg Oden, Trail Blazers
Derrick Rose, Bulls
O.J. Mayo, Grizzlies
Eric Gordon, Clippers
Rudy Fernandez, Trail Blazers*
*Some how left him off, the next day had to add him. Watching the Olympics I said he could potentially win the ROY over Beasley and teammate Oden. Also we've seen at least 6 guys be named to the All-Rookie team before, so I'm keeping 6.
-Keefe
Friday, October 24, 2008
The Sports Brief's Week 8 NFL picks
The Sports Brief hits the road this weekend. We will be up at Jillian's tomorrow night in Manchester, NH to watch the execution of Patrick Cote. Anderson Silva will play the role of executioner. All kidding aside, Cote does have boulders for hands and a chin of granite, so it could be fairly exciting. If he get inside the long reach of Silva, you never know what will happen. Mark Delagrotte is a master of gameplans, so perhaps this will be just a taste of what he brings to the table if Kenny Florian ever gets to match up against BJ Penn.
On Sunday, we take our act to Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA for a rematch (of sorts) between the St. Louis Rams and your New England Patriots. Should be interesting to see if there's a letdown for either team. The Pats have scored some impressive wins and followed that up with horrible losses. The Rams, meanwhile, are streaking under new head coach Jim Haselett. Steven Jackson is questionable, and I would assume that every Patriots fans is hoping he's unable to go. The last thing the Pats need is another Ronnie Brownesque performance. Anyway, onto the picks. Keefe and I have been taking a beating as of late. Let's hope it gets better.
Keefe's picks:
Last Week: 5-9 overall: 48-54
"I will not comment on each game until I am above .500. It’s not worth it for anyone involved. Let’s see if I can get back in it with these…"
Buccaneers +3.5 over Cowboys
Redskins -7.5 over Lions
Bills -1.5 over Dolphins
Patriots -7.5 over Rams
Chargers -3.5 over Saints (in London)
Jets -12.5 over Chiefs
Falcons +8.5 over Eagles
Raiders +6.5 over Ravens
Cardinals +4.5 over Panthers
Browns +6.5 over Jaguars
Texans -9.5 over Bengals
Giants +2.5 over Steelers
49ers -4.5 over Seahawks
Titans -4.5 over Colts
Besse's picks:
Last week: 5-9; Overall: 53-49
This week I gave up on trying to figure out matchups, as well. Instead, I clicked on teams I want to win. Not sure how that'll work out, but at least I'll be rooting for teams that I want to cover.
Bucs +3.5 over Cowboys
Saints +3.5 over Chargers
Panthers -4.5 over Cardinals
Falcons +8.5 over Eagles
Ravens -6.5 over Raiders
Pats -7.5 over Rams
Redskins -7.5 over Lions
Jets -12.5 over Chiefs
Dolphins +1.5 over Bills
Browns +6.5 over Jaguars
Texans -9.5 over Bengals
Giants +2.5 over Steelers
49ers -4.5 over Seahawks
Colts +4.5 over Titans
Random Rob's picks:
Last week: 5-9; Overall: 58-44
Cowboys
Chargers
Cardinals
Eagles
Ravens
Pats
Redskins
Jets
Bills
Jaguars
Texans
Steelers
Seahawks
Titans
-Bess
On Sunday, we take our act to Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA for a rematch (of sorts) between the St. Louis Rams and your New England Patriots. Should be interesting to see if there's a letdown for either team. The Pats have scored some impressive wins and followed that up with horrible losses. The Rams, meanwhile, are streaking under new head coach Jim Haselett. Steven Jackson is questionable, and I would assume that every Patriots fans is hoping he's unable to go. The last thing the Pats need is another Ronnie Brownesque performance. Anyway, onto the picks. Keefe and I have been taking a beating as of late. Let's hope it gets better.
Keefe's picks:
Last Week: 5-9 overall: 48-54
"I will not comment on each game until I am above .500. It’s not worth it for anyone involved. Let’s see if I can get back in it with these…"
Buccaneers +3.5 over Cowboys
Redskins -7.5 over Lions
Bills -1.5 over Dolphins
Patriots -7.5 over Rams
Chargers -3.5 over Saints (in London)
Jets -12.5 over Chiefs
Falcons +8.5 over Eagles
Raiders +6.5 over Ravens
Cardinals +4.5 over Panthers
Browns +6.5 over Jaguars
Texans -9.5 over Bengals
Giants +2.5 over Steelers
49ers -4.5 over Seahawks
Titans -4.5 over Colts
Besse's picks:
Last week: 5-9; Overall: 53-49
This week I gave up on trying to figure out matchups, as well. Instead, I clicked on teams I want to win. Not sure how that'll work out, but at least I'll be rooting for teams that I want to cover.
Bucs +3.5 over Cowboys
Saints +3.5 over Chargers
Panthers -4.5 over Cardinals
Falcons +8.5 over Eagles
Ravens -6.5 over Raiders
Pats -7.5 over Rams
Redskins -7.5 over Lions
Jets -12.5 over Chiefs
Dolphins +1.5 over Bills
Browns +6.5 over Jaguars
Texans -9.5 over Bengals
Giants +2.5 over Steelers
49ers -4.5 over Seahawks
Colts +4.5 over Titans
Random Rob's picks:
Last week: 5-9; Overall: 58-44
Cowboys
Chargers
Cardinals
Eagles
Ravens
Pats
Redskins
Jets
Bills
Jaguars
Texans
Steelers
Seahawks
Titans
-Bess
Monday, October 20, 2008
Success causing complacency in Red Sox Nation
The Red Sox season ended last night in Game 7 of the ALCS. The last time the Sox lost in a deciding Game 7 of the Championship Series was back in 2003, the old Aaron Boone classic. For Sox fans, the feeling of watching Tim Wakefield giving up the gopher ball to Boone was the most painful sports moment. Probably even worse than the Tim Duncan draft lottery, the Oden/ Durant draft lottery, and even the Patriots losing the Super Bowl last year with a chance for perfection. It was that bad. The team had come so close, but ultimately it was another year, (85 at the time, but I don’t think anyone was counting, without a World Series title.)
So why did last night’s loss not seem to bother the fans, players, and manager like it did just 5 years ago? 1 win away from the World Series. Is it as simple as the team had won twice the previous four years? Really? I guess maybe that’s good enough for some. Don’t get me wrong there are fans out there who live and die with this team, and they’re not worried about 2003, 2004, 2007, or even 2009, just this team right here and right now.
Terry Francona said, and I’m paraphrasing, that’s he has had the most fun he’s ever had the past couple of months. Wow. I guess World Series rings in ’04 and ’07 weren’t a good time. I think winning it again would have been fun Tito. Maybe that’s just me. I don’t know if this was a cheap shot at Manny Ramirez, by saying how enjoyable the past 2 months were, (the only 2 months Francona has managed the Sox without Manny). This goes back to my article “Sox Gave Away Manny,” chemistry, getting alone, and having fun is important, but so is talent. The team made it further, I’ll admit then I thought when they handed LA the division, and paid for it mind you, but still this was the defending World Series champions. Do you want to get along and have fun playing cards or win? Theo and the crew made their decision.
In 2003, on October 17th, the day after, no Red Sox fan had a productive day. Even if you were able to make it to work or school you were simply in a daze. After 11 innings and having your heart ripped out your chest Temple of Doom style you just went through the motions the next day, at best.
Today? The day after yet another Game 7 loss in the ALCS? You hear things, “They were down 3-1,” “4 ALCS’s in the past 6 years,” “The future is bright (we’ll access this point later on),” “Patriots play the Broncos tonight,” “Celtics start next week,” “The Sports Brief is the best sports blog out there.” Ok not all of that is being said. I still feel that a combination of winning 2 World Series rings has taken away that killer instinct. And not just 2 Championships for the Sox, but look at the entire sports town.
In this decade the New England Patriots got the whole thing started and won 3 Super Bowls, the Boston Red Sox have won 2 World Series titles, the Boston Celtics just won the NBA title, and the Bruins still have a team, so I’ve been told. What comes from all of this? Mainly, spoiled fans. The New England fan base has changed tremendously in the past 7-8 years. Now everyone expects their teams to win, and if they don’t, well look back at all the other trophies and banners. As Besse points out, For a fan base that grew tired of losing and anxious for a World Series title, it's hard to believe that it's now growing tired of winning.
Is the excitement still there? As Jalbert pointed out in his “Old School Fenway” piece, it is, but you have to look for it. It’s not there as much as before with all the corporate and front running fans. For die hard fans, it can be tough, but you have to block out all of those people who can seemingly bring your experience down. Don’t forget, winning championships, despite the recent trend is not easy. My grandfather has still seen the Sox win as many times as I have. Don’t take the success of these teams for granted. Remember it wasn’t that long ago when I was writing letters to the Patriots to start Scott Zolak because he actually won a game.
The 2008 baseball season is over for the Sox, we’ll let it marinate for just a little bit. But here comes the off season. And this isn’t an off season coming of a World Series title, where you have to debate on whether you even need a guy like Johan Santana. No, this will be different. Health, free agents, trades, will be more important this time around. And don’t look now but the American League champs just got better last night, during the game… David Price is here to stay.
-Keefe
So why did last night’s loss not seem to bother the fans, players, and manager like it did just 5 years ago? 1 win away from the World Series. Is it as simple as the team had won twice the previous four years? Really? I guess maybe that’s good enough for some. Don’t get me wrong there are fans out there who live and die with this team, and they’re not worried about 2003, 2004, 2007, or even 2009, just this team right here and right now.
Terry Francona said, and I’m paraphrasing, that’s he has had the most fun he’s ever had the past couple of months. Wow. I guess World Series rings in ’04 and ’07 weren’t a good time. I think winning it again would have been fun Tito. Maybe that’s just me. I don’t know if this was a cheap shot at Manny Ramirez, by saying how enjoyable the past 2 months were, (the only 2 months Francona has managed the Sox without Manny). This goes back to my article “Sox Gave Away Manny,” chemistry, getting alone, and having fun is important, but so is talent. The team made it further, I’ll admit then I thought when they handed LA the division, and paid for it mind you, but still this was the defending World Series champions. Do you want to get along and have fun playing cards or win? Theo and the crew made their decision.
In 2003, on October 17th, the day after, no Red Sox fan had a productive day. Even if you were able to make it to work or school you were simply in a daze. After 11 innings and having your heart ripped out your chest Temple of Doom style you just went through the motions the next day, at best.
Today? The day after yet another Game 7 loss in the ALCS? You hear things, “They were down 3-1,” “4 ALCS’s in the past 6 years,” “The future is bright (we’ll access this point later on),” “Patriots play the Broncos tonight,” “Celtics start next week,” “The Sports Brief is the best sports blog out there.” Ok not all of that is being said. I still feel that a combination of winning 2 World Series rings has taken away that killer instinct. And not just 2 Championships for the Sox, but look at the entire sports town.
In this decade the New England Patriots got the whole thing started and won 3 Super Bowls, the Boston Red Sox have won 2 World Series titles, the Boston Celtics just won the NBA title, and the Bruins still have a team, so I’ve been told. What comes from all of this? Mainly, spoiled fans. The New England fan base has changed tremendously in the past 7-8 years. Now everyone expects their teams to win, and if they don’t, well look back at all the other trophies and banners. As Besse points out, For a fan base that grew tired of losing and anxious for a World Series title, it's hard to believe that it's now growing tired of winning.
Is the excitement still there? As Jalbert pointed out in his “Old School Fenway” piece, it is, but you have to look for it. It’s not there as much as before with all the corporate and front running fans. For die hard fans, it can be tough, but you have to block out all of those people who can seemingly bring your experience down. Don’t forget, winning championships, despite the recent trend is not easy. My grandfather has still seen the Sox win as many times as I have. Don’t take the success of these teams for granted. Remember it wasn’t that long ago when I was writing letters to the Patriots to start Scott Zolak because he actually won a game.
The 2008 baseball season is over for the Sox, we’ll let it marinate for just a little bit. But here comes the off season. And this isn’t an off season coming of a World Series title, where you have to debate on whether you even need a guy like Johan Santana. No, this will be different. Health, free agents, trades, will be more important this time around. And don’t look now but the American League champs just got better last night, during the game… David Price is here to stay.
-Keefe
Friday, October 17, 2008
Old School Fenway
The Sports Brief is proud to offer you a special submission from reader and dear friend Brian Jalbert. Please don't forget to scroll down and enjoy our Week 7 NFL picks after this terrific read.
As I was sitting in my seat at Fenway last night for Game 5 of the ALCS, for most of the game, I had planned in my head what type of rant I was going to go on after the game was finally over, the series was finally over, and the season was over. I had a list of things I wanted to complain about, most of which had nothing to do with the Red Sox team, but more with the fans.
Scenario number 1: Two couples sat to our left trying to throw peanuts into each other's mouths from a distance of five feet away. This would be acceptable in a middle school cafeteria maybe, but completely unacceptable at a Red Sox playoff game. Especially in the fifth inning of a possible elimination game. And especially during pitches so I can't see the damn game! (I know I said they were to my left, but anyone that has been to Fenway before knows that if you're in the right field grandstands, section 8 to be exact, your whole body is turned to the left to see the game.
Scenario number 2: The professional camera man. Sitting behind me was a man with a camera so large that I thought it was an old school computer from the 80's. Anytime a big play happened (which wasn't often before 2 outs in the 7th), while most of us were cheering, this guy was busy taking pictures. It made absolutely no sense to me. Although after looking at some of the photos on his camera, it was pretty cool. But that's beside the point.
Scenario number 3: A two-run double puts the Rays up 7-0, the fair-weather fans start to leave the ballpark. This is a playoff game. Not only is it a playoff game, but it's a do-or-die playoff game. If they lose, that's it. How do you leave early? Isn't there a tiny 1% chance of you that thinks they could make the comeback? And if they do make this comeback, don't you want to say "I was there!" instead of saying "Well, we left in the top of the 7th because it was getting late."
And this is what Fenway has become my friends. It was making me sad right before my very eyes. I've been going to games for a while now. I've even emptied out my bank account when I was younger in order to go to a regular season game that Pedro was pitching in the middle of April. I also hold the record for most Sports Bars consumed in one game at 12, but that can be written about in another article. I remember the days of tie ball games in the 8th and hoping Brian Daubach would get a chance in the 9th because he "had a flare for the dramatic." I remember the days that place was loud, that place was the place to be. I never wanted to leave. Most of all, I remember going to game 4 of the 2004 ALCS and fans still holding out hope even though we were down 3-0 in the series to the Yankees, a team we NEVER beat. Now, Fenway had turned into something I was almost embarrassed of. My aunt, who admittedly is not a huge baseball fan, lives in Tampa. Around the 5th, she called me and asked why the crowd was so quiet. She told me we needed some of those cowbells that her fans in Tampa had. I calmly explained to her that in Boston, we always prided ourselves on never having to use cowbells or thunderstix because we made our own noise. And that's what had made Fenway so amazing over the years. It was still old school. The fans still had to show up and make the noise to become the 10th man on the field. Not anymore though. It seemed those days were gone and the "real fans" were far and few between. As that top of the 7th rolled on, I began to wonder if the old Fenway would ever come back. If the place would ever shake again the way it used to. If it would ever be so loud that you couldn't even hear the music playing after a big play or a big hit.
Then, something happened. Almost as if the 7-0 lead by the Rays weeded out those fair-weather fans. They had all left. Now, all that was left at Fenway was about 33,000 people who cared. About 33,000 people who knew they probably weren't going to win this game, but also knew there was a 1% chance that they did win the game and at no point did they want to miss it.
As Pedroia hit a single that stayed in the air for a good 3 hours to right, the place started to gain some life back. Maybe it was a mock cheer because we had cut the lead to 7-1, maybe it was the fact that Gabe Gross easily could have caught the ball, or maybe it was just pure excitement from the Fenway Faithful. Whatever it was, the place was damn loud for a 6 run ballgame. Just as we were settling back in, Papi comes up and puts one out of the park. And we're not talking about a home run that just cleared the wall, we're talking a good 20 rows back. All of a sudden, Fenway was back! The place was loud. People were jumping up and down all over again. It felt like it was a late 90's, early 2000's walk off game. They were down 7-4, but the place was just hoppin because everyone knew that they weren't out of this yet. Fenway was old school once again and it was LOUD! A four run 7th cuts the lead to 3 and Fenway was the place to be. At that moment, I was picturing a man in a business suit trying to get back into the stadium and laughing. Of course, the man behind us was still flashing his camera, and the couples to our left didn't seem to care much, but 99% of that stadium cared. And they cared a lot. As the game went on, we all know how it ended. J.D. Drew became a hero, Sox win, I ate at least 3 Fenway Franks, and the place went nuts. The place was literally shaking. I've never felt anything like it. My knee is swollen to the size of a hot air balloon today from jumping up and coming down awkwardly on it, but at no point last night did I care. Nobody cared. The Sox won. All our worries were behind us.
The whole experience made me feel good again. Made me proud to be a Boston fan again. As the security was kicking us out about 45 minutes after the game, we proceeded to high five the people around us and be on our way. And while I'm watching Games 6 and 7 over the weekend, I'm going to hear those cowbells and think to myself, I'm happy to have had Old School Fenway back, even if it was just for one night.
-Jalbert
As I was sitting in my seat at Fenway last night for Game 5 of the ALCS, for most of the game, I had planned in my head what type of rant I was going to go on after the game was finally over, the series was finally over, and the season was over. I had a list of things I wanted to complain about, most of which had nothing to do with the Red Sox team, but more with the fans.
Scenario number 1: Two couples sat to our left trying to throw peanuts into each other's mouths from a distance of five feet away. This would be acceptable in a middle school cafeteria maybe, but completely unacceptable at a Red Sox playoff game. Especially in the fifth inning of a possible elimination game. And especially during pitches so I can't see the damn game! (I know I said they were to my left, but anyone that has been to Fenway before knows that if you're in the right field grandstands, section 8 to be exact, your whole body is turned to the left to see the game.
Scenario number 2: The professional camera man. Sitting behind me was a man with a camera so large that I thought it was an old school computer from the 80's. Anytime a big play happened (which wasn't often before 2 outs in the 7th), while most of us were cheering, this guy was busy taking pictures. It made absolutely no sense to me. Although after looking at some of the photos on his camera, it was pretty cool. But that's beside the point.
Scenario number 3: A two-run double puts the Rays up 7-0, the fair-weather fans start to leave the ballpark. This is a playoff game. Not only is it a playoff game, but it's a do-or-die playoff game. If they lose, that's it. How do you leave early? Isn't there a tiny 1% chance of you that thinks they could make the comeback? And if they do make this comeback, don't you want to say "I was there!" instead of saying "Well, we left in the top of the 7th because it was getting late."
And this is what Fenway has become my friends. It was making me sad right before my very eyes. I've been going to games for a while now. I've even emptied out my bank account when I was younger in order to go to a regular season game that Pedro was pitching in the middle of April. I also hold the record for most Sports Bars consumed in one game at 12, but that can be written about in another article. I remember the days of tie ball games in the 8th and hoping Brian Daubach would get a chance in the 9th because he "had a flare for the dramatic." I remember the days that place was loud, that place was the place to be. I never wanted to leave. Most of all, I remember going to game 4 of the 2004 ALCS and fans still holding out hope even though we were down 3-0 in the series to the Yankees, a team we NEVER beat. Now, Fenway had turned into something I was almost embarrassed of. My aunt, who admittedly is not a huge baseball fan, lives in Tampa. Around the 5th, she called me and asked why the crowd was so quiet. She told me we needed some of those cowbells that her fans in Tampa had. I calmly explained to her that in Boston, we always prided ourselves on never having to use cowbells or thunderstix because we made our own noise. And that's what had made Fenway so amazing over the years. It was still old school. The fans still had to show up and make the noise to become the 10th man on the field. Not anymore though. It seemed those days were gone and the "real fans" were far and few between. As that top of the 7th rolled on, I began to wonder if the old Fenway would ever come back. If the place would ever shake again the way it used to. If it would ever be so loud that you couldn't even hear the music playing after a big play or a big hit.
Then, something happened. Almost as if the 7-0 lead by the Rays weeded out those fair-weather fans. They had all left. Now, all that was left at Fenway was about 33,000 people who cared. About 33,000 people who knew they probably weren't going to win this game, but also knew there was a 1% chance that they did win the game and at no point did they want to miss it.
As Pedroia hit a single that stayed in the air for a good 3 hours to right, the place started to gain some life back. Maybe it was a mock cheer because we had cut the lead to 7-1, maybe it was the fact that Gabe Gross easily could have caught the ball, or maybe it was just pure excitement from the Fenway Faithful. Whatever it was, the place was damn loud for a 6 run ballgame. Just as we were settling back in, Papi comes up and puts one out of the park. And we're not talking about a home run that just cleared the wall, we're talking a good 20 rows back. All of a sudden, Fenway was back! The place was loud. People were jumping up and down all over again. It felt like it was a late 90's, early 2000's walk off game. They were down 7-4, but the place was just hoppin because everyone knew that they weren't out of this yet. Fenway was old school once again and it was LOUD! A four run 7th cuts the lead to 3 and Fenway was the place to be. At that moment, I was picturing a man in a business suit trying to get back into the stadium and laughing. Of course, the man behind us was still flashing his camera, and the couples to our left didn't seem to care much, but 99% of that stadium cared. And they cared a lot. As the game went on, we all know how it ended. J.D. Drew became a hero, Sox win, I ate at least 3 Fenway Franks, and the place went nuts. The place was literally shaking. I've never felt anything like it. My knee is swollen to the size of a hot air balloon today from jumping up and coming down awkwardly on it, but at no point last night did I care. Nobody cared. The Sox won. All our worries were behind us.
The whole experience made me feel good again. Made me proud to be a Boston fan again. As the security was kicking us out about 45 minutes after the game, we proceeded to high five the people around us and be on our way. And while I'm watching Games 6 and 7 over the weekend, I'm going to hear those cowbells and think to myself, I'm happy to have had Old School Fenway back, even if it was just for one night.
-Jalbert
The Sports Brief's Week 7 NFL picks
I'll admit, I (Besse) went to bed before the Red Sox dramatic comeback last night at Fenway Park. Then again, I know a lot of people that went to bed or left the park, as well. But they all did it when the score was 5-0, or if that wasn't enough, waited until Upton hooked one of the wall in left off Papelbon to make it 7-0. For me, I waited until Ortiz launched a Tiger Woods tee shot into the right field seats to make it 7-4 and a ballgame again. I couldn't do it. I was exhausted and sure the Rays would hold on. The last thing I wanted to do was stay up waiting for a dramatic comeback and not get it, or even worse, root for the Rays to hold and collapse. So instead, I slept soundly until I got a text from a buddy saying, "Wow. What a comeback." Mind you, I'm rooting for the Rays here for several reasons:
1) I just don't like Boston. Not when the team is led by Pedroia and Youkilis, two of the biggest shitheads in all of baseball.
2) Carlos Pena. We both played at Northeastern, although I'd say he played a bit more and a bit better than I did. I also played with his brother Omar, who was a hell of a player himself.
3) Evan Longoria. What a player.
4) What a story. This team is so exciting to watch, and after 10 years of holding down the fort in the basement of the AL East all those first round picks are paying on.
5) I have a friendly lunch bet going with a co-worker who is also a season ticket holder at Fenway. I'm not exactly making bank right now, so any free lunch is certainly welcome when I can get it.
Nonetheless, at least the comeback makes the series exciting again, and will give the Rays the chance to clinch at home. But I said it after Game 4 and I'll say it again, Francona lined up his rotation for this exact situation. Down 3-1, he had a fighting chance with Dice-K, Beckett and Lester. Although the Sox dodged a bullet last night with Dice-K, they now send one of the greatest postseason pitchers of all time seeking redemption, and one of the best lefties in the game today coming off a rough start. The Sox are in great shape to make another run, but the Rays have been resilient all year. This should make for absolute tremendous threater. Too bad Chip Carey and company have the call. Where's Donny O. and Rem-Dawg when you need 'em?
Game six actually being necessary does pose a bit of a problem for us here at The Sports Brief, however. You see, UFC 89 takes place in England on Saturday and is being show, for free, on SpikeTV in a delayed telecast. Headlining the card is an exciting showdown between two promising middleweights. Chris "The Crippler" Leben, fresh of a 30-day stint in the slammer, takes on Michael "The Count" Bisping, who has looked very impressive in a pair of middleweight fights since dropping from 205. Keefe and I are both die-hard Leben fans. He's an exciting fighter who loves to brawl and has a chin of iron, granite, brick, whatever. The only guy to knock him out is Anderson Silva, and well, it's almost an honor at this point to be knocked out by Silva. Bisping, meanwhile, is relentless. He fights at a torrid pace, something you might expect out of Manny Pacquiao at 135 lbs. He doesn't throw bombs like Leben, and his chin, for the most part, is untested. But he's highly skilled, athletic and agile, and it should make for a terrific matchup.
On the undercard, Keith "The Dean of Mean" Jardine takes on Brandon "The Truth" Vera. Jardine is coming off that awful, brutal beatdown at the hands of The Axe Murderer. But he's taking on Vera, a fighter with a completely different style and approach, perhaps one that is tailored to Jardine's liking. Vera is in search of an impressive victory after a couple snoozers for wins, but Jardine is in the same boat.
Keefe and I will go on the record as saying that we like Leben and Jardine, both 'dawgs in Vegas, to come out as winners on Saturday. If you can parlay that ass, let us know. You should consider doing it too.
Onto the picks. I'm praying that Romo starts this week. I have him in four fantasy leagues and need him. I went to pick up Brad Johnson in those leagues as insurance, but in my ESPN league, "Turd Ferguson" (my girlfriend's brother) made a strategic move and claimed him on waivers ahead of me. Well played. I texted him and told him I hope Romo plays just to spite him. Some solid action ahead of us this weekend, including what could be a brutal Monday Night game between the Broncos and Pats. Keefe and I are heading to Gillette next week for the Rams game. Normally we'd be excited, but with Matt Cassel at the helm, that's certainly not the case these days.
For Random Rob this week, I utilized the little box of paper clips on my desk. I counted out seven red (Home team), seven blue (Away team), seven green (Favorite) and seven purple (Underdog). I gave it a hard shake or two, then drew a clip for each game, matching up the color with the respective team.
Keefe's picks:
Last week 7-7, overall 43-45
Chargers +0.5 over the Bills
In a basically pick em game I’ll go with San Diego after what they did to the Pats last week. Bills are good, but get their 2nd loss.
Bears -3.5 over Vikings
Kyle Orton has provided some passing to the offense that’s needed a boast. Matt Forte is solid, but they’ll be better off passing this week in the battle of 3-3 teams in the NFC North.
Steelers -9.5 over Bengals
Is Carson Palmer healthy? I don’t know.
Chiefs +7.5 over Titans
Undefeated Titans have a close call in a game they should dominate. Chris Johnson has good game coming off the bye week.
Saints +3.5 over Panthers
Carolina D looks sorry last week, think the Saints should put up some points.
Cowboys -6.5 over Rams
Roy Williams, in. Pacman Jones, out. Tony Romo, ? Either way America’s team wins by at least a touchdown.
Dolphins -2.5 over Ravens
Ravens O is terrible. The D, is ok. Miami will continue to surprise with another W.
49ers +10.5 over Giants
Giants should bounce back with a win, but asking them to cover with that number, is too much.
Texans -8.5 over Lions
How many 1 win teams in week 7 of the NFL season have been 8.5 point favorites? I’ll still take Schaub, Andre Johnson and the Texans.
Raiders +3.5 over Jets
If the Jets are going to be a playoff team this is one they need to have. I think they win it, but it’s close.
Browns +7.5 over Redskins
Browns beat the Giants, and the Skins loss to the Rams, and Washington is understandably 7.5 point favorites this week. How about the NFL? Anderson and Edwards looked like the ’07 Browns last week, keep an eye on them.
Packers +1.5 over Colts
Colts looked good last week, but how much does it matter? I’ll take Aaron Rodgers and the points this week. No Addai for Indy.
Buccaneers -10.5 over Seahawks
Talk about a stinker on Sunday Night. Seattle is hurting, and quietly Tampa Bay is having a nice season. Can that city have playoff baseball and football this year?
Broncos +3.5 over Patriots
Patriots don’t deserve to be the favorites after last weeks game. It’s not just Matt Cassel hurting this team. The secondary was brutal. Malcolm Floyd and Vincent Jackson looked like All-Pros, what will Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal do on MNF? I’m afraid to watch.
Besse's picks:
Last week: 5-9, Overall: 48-40
Chargers +0.5 over Bills
San Diego looked impressive against the Patriots last week, and I still think the Bills are slightly overrated. Edwards suffered a concussion and it'll be interesting to see how he bounces back after the bye week. LT has a solid two score game.
Vikings +3.5 over Bears
Matt Ryan passed for 301 yards against that Bears secondary. Gus Frerotte is a solid veteran who will find some open lanes through the air and create a little breathing room for AP. Bears may win by a FG, but don't cover.
Steelers -9.5 over Bengals
Carson Palmer is out. Willie Parker is also out. Bengals have a solid pass defense, and but Mewelde Moore has been a nice fill-in. He should rush for 100 yards and a score or two while Big Ben should just limit the mistakes. Solid win for the Steelers here.
Titans -7.5 over Chiefs
Larry Johnson has been suspended and the Chiefs already suck. Look for a virtual shutout in this one for the Titans defense.
Saints +3.5 over Panthers
This could be a fun game to watch two offenses go at it. Both quarterbacks have a lot of weapons, but Brees is one of the best in the game AND he gets Colston AND Shockey (potentially) back this week. I really like this Saints team.
Rame +6.5 over Cowboys
Cowboys win, but there have been a lot of distractions this week. Pacman is a tough hit to that already porous secondary. Whether Romo plays or not, the offense should be sufficient. With him, it's explosive. But the Rams should have some openings to score points this week and at least keep pace for a while.
Dolphins -2.5 over Ravens
I was sorely disappointed by the Ravens defense last week. And that offense is just pathetic. This seems like a trap game to me in terms of betting, but the Dolphins are playing some solid football these days.
Giants -10.5 over 49ers
This could be the last time JT O'Sullivan quarterbacks an NFL team. He has completely wilted under pressure the last couple weeks, and the Giants defensive line will do just that. Solid bounce back performance for the Giants here.
Texans -8.5 over Lions
I think we have a new poll question. Worst current starting quarterback in football is a) Dan Orlovsky b) JT O'Sullivan c) Joe Flacco d) Seneca Wallace e) Matt Cassel
Jets -3.5 over Raiders
This Jets team is looking better and better to me. Raiders are still a joke, and McFadden is coming down to earth a bit.
Browns +7.5 over Redskins
Good game here. Browns looked like they found themselves a bit last week. Jason Campbell needs to pull his head out of his ass and start looking for Santana Moss again. Redskins should bounce back with a win, but no way do they cover the spread.
Colts -1.5 over Packers
No Addai? No problem. Colts continue to roll over Rodgers and the Packers with Dominic Rhodes filling in. Pick him up in fantasy.
Buccaneers -10.5 over Seahawks
This spread could have been 80 and I would have taken the Bucs. Seahawks are the worst team in the NFL right now without Matt Hasselbeck.
Broncos +3.5 over Patriots
How are the Pats a favorite? I can't believe this. I feel like this is one of those "bet the house on this one" games. Even if the Pats find a way to win, it's only by a field goal. Broncos are just a much better team on paper.
Random Rob's picks:
Last week: 9-5, Overall: 53-35
Chargers
Vikings
Bengals
Chiefs
Panthers
Cowboys
Dolphins
Giants
Texans
Raiders
Browns
Colts
Bucs
Pats
-Bess
1) I just don't like Boston. Not when the team is led by Pedroia and Youkilis, two of the biggest shitheads in all of baseball.
2) Carlos Pena. We both played at Northeastern, although I'd say he played a bit more and a bit better than I did. I also played with his brother Omar, who was a hell of a player himself.
3) Evan Longoria. What a player.
4) What a story. This team is so exciting to watch, and after 10 years of holding down the fort in the basement of the AL East all those first round picks are paying on.
5) I have a friendly lunch bet going with a co-worker who is also a season ticket holder at Fenway. I'm not exactly making bank right now, so any free lunch is certainly welcome when I can get it.
Nonetheless, at least the comeback makes the series exciting again, and will give the Rays the chance to clinch at home. But I said it after Game 4 and I'll say it again, Francona lined up his rotation for this exact situation. Down 3-1, he had a fighting chance with Dice-K, Beckett and Lester. Although the Sox dodged a bullet last night with Dice-K, they now send one of the greatest postseason pitchers of all time seeking redemption, and one of the best lefties in the game today coming off a rough start. The Sox are in great shape to make another run, but the Rays have been resilient all year. This should make for absolute tremendous threater. Too bad Chip Carey and company have the call. Where's Donny O. and Rem-Dawg when you need 'em?
Game six actually being necessary does pose a bit of a problem for us here at The Sports Brief, however. You see, UFC 89 takes place in England on Saturday and is being show, for free, on SpikeTV in a delayed telecast. Headlining the card is an exciting showdown between two promising middleweights. Chris "The Crippler" Leben, fresh of a 30-day stint in the slammer, takes on Michael "The Count" Bisping, who has looked very impressive in a pair of middleweight fights since dropping from 205. Keefe and I are both die-hard Leben fans. He's an exciting fighter who loves to brawl and has a chin of iron, granite, brick, whatever. The only guy to knock him out is Anderson Silva, and well, it's almost an honor at this point to be knocked out by Silva. Bisping, meanwhile, is relentless. He fights at a torrid pace, something you might expect out of Manny Pacquiao at 135 lbs. He doesn't throw bombs like Leben, and his chin, for the most part, is untested. But he's highly skilled, athletic and agile, and it should make for a terrific matchup.
On the undercard, Keith "The Dean of Mean" Jardine takes on Brandon "The Truth" Vera. Jardine is coming off that awful, brutal beatdown at the hands of The Axe Murderer. But he's taking on Vera, a fighter with a completely different style and approach, perhaps one that is tailored to Jardine's liking. Vera is in search of an impressive victory after a couple snoozers for wins, but Jardine is in the same boat.
Keefe and I will go on the record as saying that we like Leben and Jardine, both 'dawgs in Vegas, to come out as winners on Saturday. If you can parlay that ass, let us know. You should consider doing it too.
Onto the picks. I'm praying that Romo starts this week. I have him in four fantasy leagues and need him. I went to pick up Brad Johnson in those leagues as insurance, but in my ESPN league, "Turd Ferguson" (my girlfriend's brother) made a strategic move and claimed him on waivers ahead of me. Well played. I texted him and told him I hope Romo plays just to spite him. Some solid action ahead of us this weekend, including what could be a brutal Monday Night game between the Broncos and Pats. Keefe and I are heading to Gillette next week for the Rams game. Normally we'd be excited, but with Matt Cassel at the helm, that's certainly not the case these days.
For Random Rob this week, I utilized the little box of paper clips on my desk. I counted out seven red (Home team), seven blue (Away team), seven green (Favorite) and seven purple (Underdog). I gave it a hard shake or two, then drew a clip for each game, matching up the color with the respective team.
Keefe's picks:
Last week 7-7, overall 43-45
Chargers +0.5 over the Bills
In a basically pick em game I’ll go with San Diego after what they did to the Pats last week. Bills are good, but get their 2nd loss.
Bears -3.5 over Vikings
Kyle Orton has provided some passing to the offense that’s needed a boast. Matt Forte is solid, but they’ll be better off passing this week in the battle of 3-3 teams in the NFC North.
Steelers -9.5 over Bengals
Is Carson Palmer healthy? I don’t know.
Chiefs +7.5 over Titans
Undefeated Titans have a close call in a game they should dominate. Chris Johnson has good game coming off the bye week.
Saints +3.5 over Panthers
Carolina D looks sorry last week, think the Saints should put up some points.
Cowboys -6.5 over Rams
Roy Williams, in. Pacman Jones, out. Tony Romo, ? Either way America’s team wins by at least a touchdown.
Dolphins -2.5 over Ravens
Ravens O is terrible. The D, is ok. Miami will continue to surprise with another W.
49ers +10.5 over Giants
Giants should bounce back with a win, but asking them to cover with that number, is too much.
Texans -8.5 over Lions
How many 1 win teams in week 7 of the NFL season have been 8.5 point favorites? I’ll still take Schaub, Andre Johnson and the Texans.
Raiders +3.5 over Jets
If the Jets are going to be a playoff team this is one they need to have. I think they win it, but it’s close.
Browns +7.5 over Redskins
Browns beat the Giants, and the Skins loss to the Rams, and Washington is understandably 7.5 point favorites this week. How about the NFL? Anderson and Edwards looked like the ’07 Browns last week, keep an eye on them.
Packers +1.5 over Colts
Colts looked good last week, but how much does it matter? I’ll take Aaron Rodgers and the points this week. No Addai for Indy.
Buccaneers -10.5 over Seahawks
Talk about a stinker on Sunday Night. Seattle is hurting, and quietly Tampa Bay is having a nice season. Can that city have playoff baseball and football this year?
Broncos +3.5 over Patriots
Patriots don’t deserve to be the favorites after last weeks game. It’s not just Matt Cassel hurting this team. The secondary was brutal. Malcolm Floyd and Vincent Jackson looked like All-Pros, what will Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal do on MNF? I’m afraid to watch.
Besse's picks:
Last week: 5-9, Overall: 48-40
Chargers +0.5 over Bills
San Diego looked impressive against the Patriots last week, and I still think the Bills are slightly overrated. Edwards suffered a concussion and it'll be interesting to see how he bounces back after the bye week. LT has a solid two score game.
Vikings +3.5 over Bears
Matt Ryan passed for 301 yards against that Bears secondary. Gus Frerotte is a solid veteran who will find some open lanes through the air and create a little breathing room for AP. Bears may win by a FG, but don't cover.
Steelers -9.5 over Bengals
Carson Palmer is out. Willie Parker is also out. Bengals have a solid pass defense, and but Mewelde Moore has been a nice fill-in. He should rush for 100 yards and a score or two while Big Ben should just limit the mistakes. Solid win for the Steelers here.
Titans -7.5 over Chiefs
Larry Johnson has been suspended and the Chiefs already suck. Look for a virtual shutout in this one for the Titans defense.
Saints +3.5 over Panthers
This could be a fun game to watch two offenses go at it. Both quarterbacks have a lot of weapons, but Brees is one of the best in the game AND he gets Colston AND Shockey (potentially) back this week. I really like this Saints team.
Rame +6.5 over Cowboys
Cowboys win, but there have been a lot of distractions this week. Pacman is a tough hit to that already porous secondary. Whether Romo plays or not, the offense should be sufficient. With him, it's explosive. But the Rams should have some openings to score points this week and at least keep pace for a while.
Dolphins -2.5 over Ravens
I was sorely disappointed by the Ravens defense last week. And that offense is just pathetic. This seems like a trap game to me in terms of betting, but the Dolphins are playing some solid football these days.
Giants -10.5 over 49ers
This could be the last time JT O'Sullivan quarterbacks an NFL team. He has completely wilted under pressure the last couple weeks, and the Giants defensive line will do just that. Solid bounce back performance for the Giants here.
Texans -8.5 over Lions
I think we have a new poll question. Worst current starting quarterback in football is a) Dan Orlovsky b) JT O'Sullivan c) Joe Flacco d) Seneca Wallace e) Matt Cassel
Jets -3.5 over Raiders
This Jets team is looking better and better to me. Raiders are still a joke, and McFadden is coming down to earth a bit.
Browns +7.5 over Redskins
Good game here. Browns looked like they found themselves a bit last week. Jason Campbell needs to pull his head out of his ass and start looking for Santana Moss again. Redskins should bounce back with a win, but no way do they cover the spread.
Colts -1.5 over Packers
No Addai? No problem. Colts continue to roll over Rodgers and the Packers with Dominic Rhodes filling in. Pick him up in fantasy.
Buccaneers -10.5 over Seahawks
This spread could have been 80 and I would have taken the Bucs. Seahawks are the worst team in the NFL right now without Matt Hasselbeck.
Broncos +3.5 over Patriots
How are the Pats a favorite? I can't believe this. I feel like this is one of those "bet the house on this one" games. Even if the Pats find a way to win, it's only by a field goal. Broncos are just a much better team on paper.
Random Rob's picks:
Last week: 9-5, Overall: 53-35
Chargers
Vikings
Bengals
Chiefs
Panthers
Cowboys
Dolphins
Giants
Texans
Raiders
Browns
Colts
Bucs
Pats
-Bess
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