Thursday Night Pick ‘Em – Week 13

Posted on December 1, 2011 by davecouture

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Eagles @ Seahawks 8:20PM

The Eagle’s season has been a complete disaster this year. Their star WR is almost as pissed off as the Eagle’s fans are. Vince Young will get the start at QB tonight while Vick sits out for the third week in as many weeks. Also out this week are CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, and their other top downfield threat Jeremy Maclin will sit out again. Pete Carroll has the Seahawks playing well and Marshawn Lynch looks poised to earn himself the money he deserves this offseason. I’m going with the Seahawks tonight. The Eagles don’t even have more talent on the field this week with all their injuries and the fact that they are a complete mess on and off the field doesn’t make me feel to good about their chances tonight.

Prediction: Seahawks 23 Eagles 20

Boston is a Hockey Town

Posted on November 30, 2011 by jtulz07

It’s been four days since a CBA agreement has “tentatively” been reached, less than a month from a possible opening day (nearly 2 months behind schedule), and already the NHL has been put on the back burner. Don’t get me wrong, I grew up playing basketball but come from a hockey family, so I try to be as impartial as possible. A few days off and it feels like everyone has forgotten about the Bruins. Maybe it’s just the excitement of the NBA’s sudden rise from the grave, but we can’t forget where the Bruin’s stand. The B’s look to cap off an incredible month of November (11-1) tonight against the Leafs. A win will help them secure first place in the Northeast Division, pushing ahead of Toronto. The B’s have already won twice against the Leafs in the early season, so you can expect them to come out swinging. I’m confident this will be a game the Bruins won’t allow themselves to lose. Not only is first place on the line, but the B’s want to continue to prove that Boston is still a hockey town.

Big Baby Keeps Busy

Posted on November 30, 2011 by jtulz07

11′ Colts vs. 08′ Pats

Posted on November 30, 2011 by davecouture

There is a reason the Colts are 0-11 this season and it is not all because Peyton Manning got injured. I’m not saying they are a playoff team without him, but they are not an 0-11 team. Tom Brady went down week one of the 2008 season and the Patriots finished 11-5. When you lose you’re All-Pro QB for the full season you are forced to change your offense, not keep it the same as the Colts have this year. The Colts pass/rush ratio is 32.9/22.5. A difference of over 10 more passes than rushes per game. Why would you revolve your team’s offense around the passing game with a quarterback you know can’t throw the ball? In 2008 when Brady got injured the Patriots pass/rush ratio was 33.3/32.1. A difference of just over 1 more passes than rushes each game. When you lose your star quarterback you must change your offense around your other strengths. The Patriots used a running tandem of Sammy Morris, Green-Ellis, Faulk, and LaMont Jordan. You can’t tell me that’s a better tandem than Joseph Addai, Donald Brown, and Delone Carter. We all know the Patriots as a passing team, but in 2008 they were forced to change their strategy and the results showed. When Jim Caldwell gets fired at the end of this season everyone will be saying it was undeserved because Manning was injured, and that certainly is not the case.

NFL Power Rankings – Week 13

Posted on November 30, 2011 by davecouture

1. Packers (11-0) – Their record speaks for itself.

2. Patriots (8-3) – Their offense is still great and the defense is improving each week.

3. Ravens (8-3) – They shut down the 49ers on Thanksgiving without Ray Lewis. They’ll be even better when he’s back.

4. Saints (8-3) – 49 points against the Giants defense is no fluke.

5. Steelers (8-3) – Big Ben looks good and they’re defense is strong as always.

6. 49ers (9-2) – They hung in there with the Ravens. Their shaky offense is why they are here.

7. Cowboys (7-4) – If they played up to their talent level they could be in the top 5.

8. Lions (7-4) – They still have Megatron and a solid defense. If they can survive without Suh the next two weeks they should make the playoffs.

9. Giants (6-5) – Similar to the Cowboys. Still have a great pass rush and a solid offense.

10. Falcons (7-4) – Their offense is getting better.

11. Raiders (7-4) – Palmer looks great and Bush has helped them miss McFadden a little less.

12. Jets (6-5) – They still have Rex Ryan, but to counter that they also still have Mark Sanchez.

13. Bengals (7-4) – The rookie combination on offense continues to shine, the defense looks solid also. Unfortunately they have to play the Ravens and Steelers twice each season.

14. Broncos (6-5) – One name is all you need to know. Tim Tebow, he’s a winner.

15. Bears (7-4) – We saw what Caleb Hanie could do. It reflects in this weeks ranking.

16. Texans (7-4) – Now officially the worst 7-4 team in the league. Who is the QB in Houston again?

17. Titans (6-5) – If Chris Johnson can play like he did last week, they have a solid playoff shot.

18. Eagles (4-7) – The best 4-7 dream team in NFL history.

19. Chargers (4-7) – My bet is Norv Turner won’t be living in San Diego next season.

20. Redskins (4-7) – Teams don’t make the playoffs with quarterbacks like John Beck and Rex Grossman.

21. Bills (5-6) – They have completely fallen apart and have basically no shot at the playoffs.

22. Buccaneers (4-7) – Josh Freeman has had an off year, and so has a lot of the team.

23. Seahawks (4-7) – Similar to the Washington situation, you usually don’t make the playoffs with QB’s like Jackson and Whitehurst.

24. Dolphins (3-8) – They look like they are turning around, its a little too late though.

25. Cardinals (4-7) – Same as many other teams in the NFL, Kevin Kolb doesn’t look like the solution.

26. Panthers (3-8) – Imagine if they didn’t have Cam Newton?

27. Vikings (2-9) – Hey at least they’ll probably have a top 5 pick.

28. Browns (4-7) – Their offense is just terrible.

29. Jaguars (3-8) – I’ve been surprised Jack Del Rio lasted this long.

30. Rams (2-9) – What a disappointing year for Sam Bradford.

31. Chiefs (4-7) – Tyler Palko just isn’t gonna cut it.

32. Colts (0-11) – Doesn’t get any worse.

Happy Valentine’s Day

Posted on November 30, 2011 by jtulz07

Two months ago today, the Red Sox officially said their goodbyes to Tito with a less than forgiving sendoff. With Ben Cherington stepping into Theo’s spot, Red Sox Nation sat by idly, waiting for his first move to be made. Shortly after a weekend of thanks that all Boston fans would approve, the Red Sox created their own headlines. Rumors surfaced from sources close to the situation late Tuesday night that Bobby Valentine would take the helm at Fenway as the Red Sox 45^th manager.

With two months of built up anticipation for this very moment, it could have only been expected that Red Sox Nation would let their voices be heard about their feelings for the newly selected manager. From MLB analysts around the country to local sports figures, the opinions seem to be split down the middle. They either love it or hate it, nothing in between. Personally, I think it’s a good move. Granted, it may be due to the fact that everything we’ve heard about the Sox for the past 3 months has made me want to slit my wrist, so some positive news is a bit uplifting, but I think Valentine has potential. He’s a guy that knows baseball, plain and simple. He knows how to prep a team and come out on top. I mean as recent as last year he was in consideration for several other managerial spots with the Marlins and Orioles before staying on as an ESPN analyst, so he must be doing something right. He just wanted to hold off until a real team offered him a job. Sorry Nons. Seriously though, the Sox need this kind of boost, especially after our recent collapse. I think it’s definitely going to bring new life to the club. The Red Sox are expected to officially announce the move sometime Thursday.

Tuesday’s Top Tweets

Posted on November 29, 2011 by jtulz07

Starting today, each Tuesday we’ll post some of the top/funniest tweets of the week from the sports world. If you have any tweets you want to see posted, shoot an email to bsb.tips@gmail.com. Don’t forget to follow the Boston Sports Blog @BostonSB!

Rivalry Renewed

Posted on November 29, 2011 by jtulz07

One of the most famed rivalries in sports….Celtics vs. Lakers. With promises of the NBA season back in action, who could wait to see these two teams go at it again? Well C’s fans, you didn’t have to wait long. The East Coast, West Coast rivalry is already at battle, this time, off the court.

Two of the NBA’s biggest names being talked about are Chris Paul and Dwight Howard. Rumors have been lingering for months now regarding the C’s interest in Howard. It’s highly unlikely that even getting Howard alone could happen without getting rid of Rondo. But with the cap space and reality of putting Rondo on the trading block, it is possible to go after both. Likely? Maybe a stretch. Rondo does a great job running the offense but Ainge is looking for someone to put up points along side Pierce, which Rondo has never been able to do on a consistent basis. Fast forward a few months to present day and now the Lakers have entered the mix, and their not stopping at Howard. The Lakers want to and are in a decent shape to acquire both Howard and Chris Paul. This idea doesn’t sit well in my stomach. Sure it’s just speculation, but if the Lakers were to trade Bynum and Gasol, for these two stars, you can sure put the seemingly unraveling Lakers of last season back on the map.

New Season, New Rules

Posted on November 28, 2011 by nolankartholl

Three things as a result of the shortened NBA season:

1. John Wall will have his coming out party. Due the fact that this kid has more athleticism than just about anyone who has entered the league in the last decade – besides Yoa Ming of course – the shortened season will help him come out of the gates hot. Building off of his incredible second half performance last year, 17+ points and 8+ assists per game( look it up), this guy is going to come out of the gates like Seabiscuit.

2. Oklahoma City will cruise. Okay, so everyone is talking about how the shortened season will benefit the vets because they will have more poise and know how to manage the ups and downs better. With that being said, I am very excited to see how the San Antonio Spurs – who have a mean age of 46 – are going to hold up with back-to-back-to-back games. I love the Spurs, don’t get me wrong, but Oke City is young, fast, and healthy. These guys have the mojo and the scorers to flat out beat teams with their pace.

3. The Miami Heat will win the NBA Title. I mean, I know how much everyone out here loves Lebron… why wouldn’t you? This guy knows how to make a classy exit, perform in the 4th quarter and announce the unprecedented 8-peat – what’s not to like? Son of a bitch. Okay seriously now, I hate to announce it here on BSB, but I can’t get away from it. The shortened season, coupled with the fact that the Heat gelled late last year is a recipe for success. The 66 games will give guys like Dwayne Wade, who still have some left in the tank, the ability to push themselves more down the stretch. Athleticism and the ability to stay injury free will be critical this season.

It may be “un-BSB” of me to post this, but I’m a Pacer fan (at least we have Larry Bird), so I really have no hope whatsoever.

Room for Improvement

Posted on November 28, 2011 by jtulz07

In the NFL, it’s hard to criticize a team that’s first place in their division, looking at a first round bye in the playoffs. If you’re the Patriots, it comes with the territory. Winning isn’t enough. Perfection is the goal sought after. Bill would be the first to tell you that his team has yet to reach this state of excellence, despite their decade of dominance in the league. At 8-3 this year, you best believe the Pats have been under strict scrutiny. The secondary is horrible. Brady has shown signs of being human. Ochocinco was a bust. Blah, blah, blah. The hits just keep on coming.

Well let’s take a look at the facts. Kyle Arrington is leading the league in interceptions with seven and the Pats are actually tied 2nd overall in picks. Sure they’re ranked dead last in total defense and I agree they need to improve, but hey, we’ll take what we can get. Alright, so now Brady’s taking criticism? He leads the league in passing with 3,627 yards and is 2nd in passer rating and TD passes. Let’s be honest, Tom’s still nowhere near human. Ochocinco…alright ya got me.

Chad Ochocinco has been less than stellar for the Pats, to say the very least. I think he played more of a role in the win against the Eagles than he has all year. Not only did he not play, but word on the street is that Terrell Owens was on the Patriots sidelines at the beginning of the game. T.O. wants back and what better place than New England? The Pats have nothing to lose in at least taking a look at Owens. If he too is a bust, we get rid of him. The Patriot’s offense has been great with our young guns and Tom but add a deep threat into the mix…game over.