You know, I used to think Rex Ryan was a fantastic coach, especially for the Jets. I mean this guy has the charisma and swagger to actually survive in a city that chews people up and spits them out. He handles the media like a true New Yorker should, but as of late I really think that he is losing his touch. Every year, everybody is all over the “new and improved Jets” and how that this will finally be their year. Rex constantly makes some serious promises and goals, but everything seems to be coming up short. Is it me or does it still feel like Mark Sanchez is a rookie (and plays like one sometimes)? I know it’s his third year in the league, but I swear he just got drafted in April. With that being said, it appears that Rex has decided to back off the AFC East and is looking to pit the Jets against a new cross-town rival, the Giants. Last night, after coming off a truly demoralizing defeat to a very hot Philly squad, Rex had this to say about the upcoming match next week against the Giants: “There’s no way I’m going to be second fiddle. If we were playing the New York Yankees, I don’t want to be second fiddle to them. This is the same type of deal. I want to be the best team in football, not just the best team in this city. But we’ll start by being the best team in this city.” I really like the fire out of this guy, but at what point does an 8-6 record speak for itself? You can’t survive in the AFC with that. Every year we see the Jets losing to the same, consummate teams in the AFC after making a miraculous run late in the season to get into the playoffs. He is creating yet another rival for his Jets, trying to motivate them through his words to the media, but has this tactic worked yet? I hate to say it but if the Jets fail to at least make it to the Superbowl this year (which they won’t) I think it’s time to make some serious changes in that organization.
In what could be one of the best battles of the season, a few players on one side might be watching from the sideline. My guess is that Big Ben will play tonight, but with Lamarr Woodley and Troy Polamalu’s hamstring concerns, along with James Harrison being out on suspension for his hit on Colt McCoy last week, the Steelers defense might not be exactly what we are all used to. That being said, I still am not convinced the 49ers offense can make them a Super Bowl contender. The Steelers are going to have to throw the ball around tonight if they want to escape with a victory against a team that has one of the top run defenses in the NFL. I’m going to the Steelers tonight.
It’s been great writing these weekend recaps lately. Of course it helps being a Boston sports fan, but Monday always seems a little brighter when there isn’t much to complain about in the sports realm.
The Bruins absolutely embarrassed the Flyers on Saturday, capping off a two game road trip with a 6-0 stomping in Philly. They now sit tied with the Flyers in points atop the Eastern Conference. Tim Thomas was once again a rock in net, recording his 30th career shutout. The B’s take the ice at home tonight against the struggling Canadiens team as they look to expand their new winning streak to 5 games and pull ahead to sole possession of the conference lead.
Order was restored in Denver this Sunday, and “Tebow Time” was put on standby. As expected, the Pats took down Tebow and the Broncos, putting an end to all the miracle boy chat (at least for the next week). Oh how about Timmy boy running for his life towards the end of the 4th quarter? I mean how do you let yourself get sacked for a 29 yard loss? Brady would never allow that. Speaking of the legend, Tom threw for 2 TDs and rushed one in himself, capping off the score with a “Gronk-esque” type spike. With the win, the Pats claimed the AFC East title for the 9th time in 11 seasons with Brady at the helm.
For the first time in 7 months we got to watch the Celtics squad take the court. First things first…it was an ugly game, but basketball is back so I’ll take it! Doc played everyone, giving the starters some late game rest and the newcomers a chance to show what they got. After giving up a commanding lead in the 4th quarter, the C’s were able to hold off a late game push by the Raptors to seal off a 76-75 win in Toronto. The Raptors come to Boston Wednesday night for both teams’ final preseason game before the regular season tips off Christmas Day.
With another passing weekend, again Boston sports fans cannot complain. Our two division leaders have continued to advance, one moving ahead in their conference and the other clinching a division title. Our lost boys in green are back in action, looking to make one more run at the Larry O’Brien trophy. Once again, all is well in Beantown. Happy Monday!
The NFL upheld Steelers LB James Harrison’s attempt to appeal his one game suspension he received for leveling Browns QB Colt McCoy in a game last week. I’ll be the first to complain about the way the NFL has turned the Quarterback position into a position for girls, but once again Harrison took it too far. Apparently Harrison isn’t very thrilled about it and less than an hour ago he expressed his views via twitter.
“17 games,1000+ snaps, 100+ tackles, 12+sacks and 2 forces fumbles since my last incident and I get a suspension for a football play! ”
First, I want to congratulate Mr. Harrison on his two forced fumbles; very relevant to the matter. (John Abraham did that last night in one game.) Basically he is saying since he has been well behaved in the NFL for one season’s worth of games, he doesn’t deserve to get suspended when he steps out of line. A football play would have been to lower your shoulder and drive it into McCoy’s ribs for the tackle, not lead with your head and drill the defenseless QB with a helmet to helmet hit. Those are legitimate penalties and the NFL should continue to focus on those and not call a penalty when a defenders hand taps a quarterback’s helmet. I am all for a hard hit in the NFL, its part of the game, and it’s what makes the NFL what it is today. At the same time I am glad the NFL is cracking down on the guys like Harrison and Ndamukong Suh who don’t think twice about attempting to end players’ careers.
In the past week more than ever, Tim Tebow has been trending. And I’m not talking about Twitter (although he is). Tim Tebow is trending worldwide in everyday life. You can’t go anywhere without hearing a discussion about the mile high savior. With the Patriots – Broncos matchup this Sunday, everyone is putting Tebow up against Brady. Take what I’m about to say with a grain of salt because as much as I love the Pats, I am a Tebow fan (except this week). I like the guy’s competitive spirit and will to win. He’s done some magical stuff over the past few weeks, but there’s just no way you can put him next to Tom. I don’t see the fire staying lit beyond the New England Patriots. Let’s be honest, the Pats are going to put up numbers this week. They’re going to break down the Bronco defense and score points. We may not have the greatest defense out there, but Denver doesn’t put up points. They haven’t under Tebow all season. I mean last week against Chicago they had zero points entering the final few minutes of the game. There’s just no way the Pats lose this game Sunday. It was a good run Timmy, and maybe you can continue it next week. But for now, Tebow Time has expired.
After being beaten in a game which they lead by 12 points in the 4th quarter to the rival Giants last week the Cowboys have put themselves in as close to a must-win situation as it comes. Tony Romo played great last week, and I expect that to continue against the horrendous Buc’s defense, which ranks near the bottom of the league. Dallas lost DeMarco Murray for the season, which definitely will hurt them, but Felix Jones looked good and seemed ready to carry the load on the ground. I can’t see Americas team falling again this week.
Prediction: Cowboys 30 Buccaneers 17
Sunday December 18th, 2011
Bengals @ Rams 1:00PM
Cincinnati must win to even have a slim chance at a playoff birth and this is exactly the opponent they would like to face in a must win situation. The Rams looked absolutely pathetic last week, and their overall coaching staff is partly to blame. They had six attempts from the one-yard line and it took them until the 6th time to put the ball in the hands of their only offensive star in Steven Jackson.
Prediction: Bengals 27 Rams 10
Redskins @ Giants 1:00PM
The Giants are flying high after a huge come from behind victory last week and I expect it to continue. The Redskins took the Patriots to the wire last week and their offense looked better than usual, but then again they did play the Patriots and their horrific defense.
Prediction: Giants 28 Redskins 20
Saints @ Vikings 1:00PM
This one could be very lopsided, especially if Adrian Peterson isn’t around to help the Vikings run some clock and keep the ball away from Drew Brees and the red-hot Saints offense. The Saints have played exceptionally well the past few weeks and I don’t expect this one to be too much of a struggle.
Prediction: Saints 34 Vikings 17
Packers @ Chiefs 1:00PM
Packers fans have to be happy with the way Coach McCarthy used his start players last week, even with the unfortunate injury to star receiver Greg Jennings. Expect Green Bay to score early and often to break this game open early. My bet is they will play these final three games to win them, and will pull their stars once they get a comfortable lead.
Prediction: Packers 35 Cheifs 13
Panthers @ Texans 1:00PM
I’m not predicting the upset, but I also would not be shocked if it happens. The Panthers offense has been much improved this season, but their defense just lacks the talent to be a legitimate playoff contender. I still don’t believe rookie T.J Yates will be the answer at the QB position, but its what they have and it looks like its what they will stick with. I got the Texans, but barely.
Prediction: Texans 24 Panthers 20
Seahawks @ Bears 1:00PM
The Bears look to have fallen apart this season, pretty similar to their mental collapse last week vs. Tim Tebow and the Broncos. Its astonishing that they managed to blow last weeks game and it just shows that without Jay Cutler or Matt Forte this team cannot get the job done offensively. It’s the exact opposite for the Seahawks who went from being one of the worst run offenses early in the year, to one of the best later in the season. Keep the skittles comin’ as Lynch and the Seahawks take this one.
Prediction: Seattle 20 Bears 17
Dolphins @ Bills 1:00PM
In a matchup of two teams going in opposite directions the Dolphins look to stay hot and continue their winning ways. Miami just parted ways with head coach Tony Sporano, which to me came at a weird time considering they had just started winning games, and doing so in convincing fashion.
Prediction: Dolphins 23 Bills 17
Titans @ Colts 1:00PM
The Titans aren’t exactly sure what their QB situation will look like this week, but fortunately for them they get to wing it against a winless Colts team. Expect a lot of action from Chris Johnson, which in turn will result in a Titans victory.
Prediction: Titans 24 Colts 13
Lions @ Raiders 4:05PM
Carson Palmer has struggled dramatically during his shortened season with the Raiders, and so far it looks like another terrible front office move by the Raiders, and a great move for a Bengals franchise that seems to be headed in the right direction. The Lions will get Ndamukong Suh back this week and their defense should improve from the past two weeks. This is a must win for both teams if they want a shot at a playoff berth this season.
Prediction: Lions 28 Raiders 14
Jets @ Eagles 4:15PM
The only role the Eagles have a chance to play in this season’s playoffs outcome is the spoiler role. Not exactly what they were expecting back in September. They have the talent to beat the Jets and potentially put an end to their season, its more a question of whether they will show up to play or not. I like the Eagles in this one as Andy Reid looks to hold on to any hope of coming back next season.
Prediction: Eagles 24 Jets 23
Browns @ Cardinals 4:15PM
The Cardinals are coming off an impressive victory against a great 49er team and I can’t see the Browns bringing them down. The Browns defense is much improved but their offense is just terrible and lacks any threatening weapons.
Prediction: Cardinals 20 Browns 13
Patriots @ Broncos 4:15PM
In what everyone is calling the game of the week veteran QB Tom Brady will attempt to show the nation how a real quarterback plays. Yes, I am on the Tebow bandwagon right now and I love the way the guy plays but I believe Coach Belichick can get even a defense as bad as the Patriots ready to contain Tebow. The Broncos defense has been great for the most part but they have to go up against an experience Patriots offense with many weapons. The only hope I see the Broncos having is if they can at least hold the Patriots offense in check until the so-called “Tebow Time” comes around. “Tebow Time” is going to have to be more than just a solid five to ten minutes of play in the 4th quarter this week.
Prediction: Patriots 31 Broncos 20
Ravens @ Chargers 8:20
The Chargers are clinging on to the small bit of hope they have of making the post season this year as they attempt to turn their season around and sneak in. In order for that to happen they are going to have to win out, and then hope for some more help along the way. I see their season coming to an end this week in front of a nation audience.
Prediction: Ravens 24 Chargers 21
Monday December 19, 2011
Steelers @ 49ers 8:30PM
This is shaping up to be one of the best defensive battles of the season, especially if the Steelers offense is without Big Ben. I think he toughs it out and plays this week and the Steelers stay in the hunt for the top seed in the AFC. I expect this one to be low scoring which fares well for the 49ers that need a win to keep pace with the Saints for a chance to have a first round bye in the playoffs.
1. Steelers (13-3)– Pittsburgh has one tough game remaining on their schedule and that’s this weekend against the 49ers. I got them winning that one and also beating the Rams and Browns.
2. Patriots (13-3) – I have the Pats winning out against their rather easy remaining schedule, unfortunately they lose the tiebreaker to the Steelers.
3. Texans (12-4) – They luck out and get to play Carolina and Indy the next two weeks, but then have to face the Titans who I think will be fighting for their playoff lives in week 17. I see them losing that one.
4. Denver (10-6) – They lose this week to the Pats but then win out. If that is the case it doesn’t even matter what the Raiders for Chargers do.
5. Ravens (12-4) – They have two reasonably tough matchups remaining with the Chargers and Bengals. I see them losing one of them and getting the Wild Card.
6. Titans (10-6) – This is the sleeper team that I see passing the Jets. I see both the Jets and Titans finishing at 10-6 but the Titans will hold the tiebreaker by having a better conference record.
Left Out: Jets (10-6), Raiders (8-8), Chargers (8-8), Bengals (8-8)
NFC
1. Packers (16-0) – They should win out and clinch the 1 seed
2. Saints (13-3) – They have a reasonably easy remaining schedule as long as they can beat the Falcons, which I see happening. They steal the 2 seed from the 49ers.
3. 49ers (12-4) – They have two potential losses when they play this week vs. the Steelers, and when they go to Seattle the following week.
4. Cowboys (10-6) – It will more than likely come down to week 17 and I see them holding it together for a full 60 minutes and beating them. The overall conference record will be the tiebreaker.
5. Falcons (10-6) – I see them along with the Giants and Lions finishing at 10-6. Atlanta beat Detroit so they get the tiebreaker here.
6. Lions (10-6) – They will finish 3-3 in their division, as will the Giants, but it looks like Detroit will have the better conference record.
Left Out: Giants (10-6), Bears (8-8), Seahawks (8-8)
Check back in at the end of the Regular Season and I will have a full NFL Playoff prediction including who will win this years Super Bowl.
Needless to say, there were some pretty incredible tweets/status updates about Tebow yesterday. One in particular I found pretty solid was from a Jewish kid: “If the Broncos win the Superbowl, I’ll debate becoming a Christian.” However, with that being said, I’m not going to post about how much a winner Tebow is – at this point it’s a no brainer. Nor how much he sounds like he’s 12 when he does a post game interview – seriously though if he says “believe” one more time I might dropkick him. Actually, I’m going to talk about raw stats on this one. There is still a heated debate as to the success of Tim Tebow in the quarterback position; even Brian Urlacher made the comment last night that he was a “Good running back.” The CEO of BSB, none other than Jimmy Tully himself, enlightened me with some pretty interesting statistics that were featured on ESPN back in November, and I did some more research of my own to compare Tim Tebow and the greatest Denver Bronco in history, John Elway. In Elway’s rookie season, he amassed a 4-6 record in 10 starts, threw for 1600 yards and change, 7TDS, 14 INTs and had an abysmal 52% QB rating. In Tebow’s coming out party, he’s 7-1 in 8 starts, has thrown for 1300, 11TDs, 2INTs and boasts an 83.9 passer rating. This also does not account for Tebow’s rushing skills, which if you could have guessed absolutely demolish Elway’s. I know that it is difficult to compare these two individuals, as Elway may have had more “Raw QB Talent,” but I think these numbers surprise even the biggest Tebow critic. The whole nation is rallying around this guy. Couple that with his will to win and his drive to improve? I like the sound of that.
Welcome to Gronk Nation! (as if you needed an introduction) You can talk about Tim Tebow all you want, and don’t get me wrong I’ve hopped on the Tebow bandwagon, but we’ve got our own Messiah right here in New England. Rob Gronkowski. Fourteen weeks into his breakout season, Gronk set the NFL tight end receiving touchdown record with 15 thus far, passing both Vernon Davis and Antonio Gates, both with 13. Now, there’s no need to complain but what gets me here is the whole “receiving touchdown” record. The all-time single season record for touchdowns, in general, by a tight end was also 13, by the same two guys. Gronkowski had 14 total coming into this week’s game, so as far as the record is concerned, he broke it last week against the Colts. This week merely improved his record to a total of 16 TDs. But the NFL is the NFL and they have their guidelines and what not on how to determine records so I guess he did it this week. In a sense, he actually broke two records. Receiving touchdowns and total touchdowns. Gronk now sits pretty in the record books two “receiving touchdowns” (three if your want to be realistic) ahead of the the next guy with a bit more football to play.
And on a side note, Gronk went absolute beast mode (per usual) on those two Redskins defenders. I mean having the skill to make a diving catch, the intelligence to get up and run immediately, the power to drag them 5 yards down the field on his back, the command to stay in bounds, again the intelligence to keep running with the play, and finally the absolute beast mode mentality that it takes to turn a short pass play for a first down into a 49 yard explosion that set up his record breaking touchdown reception. Boom! Get Gronk’d!
Thank god its Thursday. Tonight the Steelers take on the Browns on Thursday Night Football. It just doesn’t get any easier for the Browns after taking a beating from the Ravens last weekend. The Steelers look drastically better than they had at the beginning of the season and look poised to make a serious playoff push. James Harrison had 3 sacks last week and looks like he hasn’t lost a step. The Browns have one of the best secondaries in the NFL and if they could just get some support from their offense they would at least be able to put up a fight in their defensive minded division. Colt McCoy is still young, but I’m just unsure he will be the long-term answer as the signal caller for the Browns. As I’m sure most of you predict; the Steelers take this one.
Boston Sports Blog 