Can the Giants defense get to Brady? Will the Patriots team from weeks 1-13 show up or will the latter 2007 season Pats make an appearance? Toomer - butter fingers or touchdowns? Will Moss be the deadly weapon, or will Gaffney or Welker be the go-to-guys? Lots of questions, but one thing is certainly clear. This weekend's XLII is anyone's game.
Now, before all you naysayers jump on your "the 2007 Pats are the greatest team in NFL history" soapbox, let me stop you before you start. Arguably, the Pats ARE one of the most magnificent, well-coached, well-rounded, sensationally skilled teams to ever touch the turf. With that sentiment, I concur. However, since week 17 when the underdog Giants frightened their favored foes (final score, Pats-38, Giants-35) with pass rush plays and tit for tat scoring on offense, Eli & company have gained an uncanny confidence and subsequently, have emerged as the team you want to root for. The team that just COULD win. The little engine that ... could.
Here, I could brief you on the considerably long list of 2007 Patriots team and individual players' accolades. Hmmm...no need for that because for 19 weeks, the talk of New England and their greatness has been (pardon the understatement) driven into the ground at sports bars, office breakrooms, sports chat shows, and every other place where humans eat, sleep, or breathe. I'll spare you. However, what I must share with you is my belief in a Giants team whose maturation as a fighting unit has been compelling to watch and has been effective for winning playoff games (3, to be exact) on the road. Following a mediocre 10-6 regular season, who would have thought we would be watching Little Manning in the Big Game?!?!
Game plan, Giants...Get the pressure on Brady. Yes, Brady's offensive line is one of the best in the League, but with the man power of Umenyiora and Strahan, it IS possible. Use Burress and Toomer for those receiving yards when necessary but preferably, let Bradshaw and Jacobs gain major yardage for you on the ground, and convert those big 3rd downs. Offensive Line...take notes from Brady's offensive line, and protect Eli as if your lives, your family's lives, your children's lives, and your JOBS depended on it. If that mentality does not keep you on your toes for keeping your QB upright, what will!?!? Finally, be inspired, confident, and focused!
Football fanatics, if the Giants employ these strategies, and if the Patriots are not careful and extremely aware, XLII could be the game to end a perfect Patriots dream and the beginning of a fantastical Cinderella story for New York. The Giants -the little engine that ... MIGHT.
*Erica Renee
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Aussie Open
I am no expert on tennis, but I was doing some homework and a few interesting things are going on. Roger Federer pulled out a huge win vs James Blake in the open. This puts Federer into the semifinals and one step closer to winning in the open three straight years in a row. Federer is also looking to pull within one of taking Pete Sampras' record of 14 Grand Slam titles. There is still a lot of tennis to be played and thing could really heat up. I will do my best to keep my eyes open for interesting highlights!
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
THE BALLOT IS IN
The Baseball hall of fame vote was just released earlier this week, and after falling short eight times Rich “Goose” Gossage was voted into the hall of fame. The hall of fame requires a 75 percent vote, “Goose” received 85.8 percent. Gossage was known for his fiery fastball and temperament. He was a nine time all star and pitched for nine different MLB teams from 1972- 1994. Gossage had 310 saves and in 52 of those he got 7 outs or more. Gossage will likely go to the Hall of Fame wearing Yankee’s pinstripes. He spent 6 seasons with the Yanks and won his only World Series with them in 1978.
While it was a great day for Gossage, Jim Rice was looked over again in his second to last year on the ballot; he will appear on the ballot next year for his fifteenth and final try. Rice only received 72.2 percent of the votes he needed. Rice played his entire 16-year career as a solid member of the Boston Red Sox team. He led the AL in home runs in 1977, 1978, and 1983. Rice finished his career with a batting average of .298, 2,452 hits, and 382 home runs. In his time he was considered one of the greats, now he has one-year left to wait and see if he will finally go the Hall of Fame.
Gossage will be inducted into the Hall of Fame on July 27th along with former commissioner Bowie Kuhn, ex-Pirates owner Barney Dreyfuss, former Dodgers owner Walter O’Malley, and managers Dick Williams and Billy Southworth whom were all elected last month by the Veterans Committee.
*jana*
While it was a great day for Gossage, Jim Rice was looked over again in his second to last year on the ballot; he will appear on the ballot next year for his fifteenth and final try. Rice only received 72.2 percent of the votes he needed. Rice played his entire 16-year career as a solid member of the Boston Red Sox team. He led the AL in home runs in 1977, 1978, and 1983. Rice finished his career with a batting average of .298, 2,452 hits, and 382 home runs. In his time he was considered one of the greats, now he has one-year left to wait and see if he will finally go the Hall of Fame.
Gossage will be inducted into the Hall of Fame on July 27th along with former commissioner Bowie Kuhn, ex-Pirates owner Barney Dreyfuss, former Dodgers owner Walter O’Malley, and managers Dick Williams and Billy Southworth whom were all elected last month by the Veterans Committee.
*jana*
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
LSU, College Football Champs 2007, Preview of 2008
How thrilling it was to watch LSU romp over Ohio State in last night's annihilation at the Allstate BCS Championship game! Let's get right down to the facts.
Ohio State - I expected for Ohio State to be more prepared for this game than they were. After losing to Florida in last year's Championship game, you would think that this team would prepare to redeem itself against another SEC opponent. I mean, who loses 2 consecutive BCS title games to the same conference? We got our answer last night.
One disadvantage for Jim Tressel and Ohio State is that they have not played a game since their November 17th victory over Michigan, but LSU had to prepare and play (and won) their December 1st game against Tennessee for the SEC title. My assessment is that having to fight it out for a conference title, at least for the past two years with Florida and LSU, seems to make for a more formidable foe.
And then, on Ohio State's part, penalties, turnovers, mistakes. They were unsuccessful at matching LSU's speed on offense and physicality on defense. With the Buckeyes's 10-0 start over the Tigers, one would assume that this Bowl game was finally going to be an accurate matchup. But that would have been just that - an ASS-umption. Congratulations, LSU (and to the SEC) for finishing off a wacked-out college football season victoriously.
And looking ahead to 2008, my excitement for LSU and the SEC is overshadowed by USC's projected #1 pre-season ranking. If nothing else, the 2007 college football season should have taught us to pay closer attention to strengths of schedules (or lack of strength, AHEM, USC) and to stop giving high rankings to mediocre teams such as Michigan, for example, based more on legacy than on talent. It pains me that, even in the midst of possibly losing 10 of their most important starters, USC still is being considered as next year's #1.
To those on the USC bandwagon, I have this to say...a truly talented and well-rounded team can be beat down during the season, drop in the ranks, and still rise to the top - if the team is TRULY solid and talented and plays a tough schedule. Analysts continue ranking the USC's the Michigans, etc. so high because they know that, a couple of mid-season losses to unranked teams would diminish their chances of playing for BCS games at season's end. So they say, "let's rank them high to start so their finishes won't be so dismal." Guess what, people...USC 2008 will be the doppelganger of Michigan 2007. Remember, Erica Renee said it first.
My college football fans, the war has been fought, and the war has been won. Let's prepare to move over the trenches and into the battlefield better known as NFL playoff season...
Erica Renee
Ohio State - I expected for Ohio State to be more prepared for this game than they were. After losing to Florida in last year's Championship game, you would think that this team would prepare to redeem itself against another SEC opponent. I mean, who loses 2 consecutive BCS title games to the same conference? We got our answer last night.
One disadvantage for Jim Tressel and Ohio State is that they have not played a game since their November 17th victory over Michigan, but LSU had to prepare and play (and won) their December 1st game against Tennessee for the SEC title. My assessment is that having to fight it out for a conference title, at least for the past two years with Florida and LSU, seems to make for a more formidable foe.
And then, on Ohio State's part, penalties, turnovers, mistakes. They were unsuccessful at matching LSU's speed on offense and physicality on defense. With the Buckeyes's 10-0 start over the Tigers, one would assume that this Bowl game was finally going to be an accurate matchup. But that would have been just that - an ASS-umption. Congratulations, LSU (and to the SEC) for finishing off a wacked-out college football season victoriously.
And looking ahead to 2008, my excitement for LSU and the SEC is overshadowed by USC's projected #1 pre-season ranking. If nothing else, the 2007 college football season should have taught us to pay closer attention to strengths of schedules (or lack of strength, AHEM, USC) and to stop giving high rankings to mediocre teams such as Michigan, for example, based more on legacy than on talent. It pains me that, even in the midst of possibly losing 10 of their most important starters, USC still is being considered as next year's #1.
To those on the USC bandwagon, I have this to say...a truly talented and well-rounded team can be beat down during the season, drop in the ranks, and still rise to the top - if the team is TRULY solid and talented and plays a tough schedule. Analysts continue ranking the USC's the Michigans, etc. so high because they know that, a couple of mid-season losses to unranked teams would diminish their chances of playing for BCS games at season's end. So they say, "let's rank them high to start so their finishes won't be so dismal." Guess what, people...USC 2008 will be the doppelganger of Michigan 2007. Remember, Erica Renee said it first.
My college football fans, the war has been fought, and the war has been won. Let's prepare to move over the trenches and into the battlefield better known as NFL playoff season...
Erica Renee
Monday, January 7, 2008
Bittersweet Endings
It was a pretty crazy weekend in Football. For those of you who missed the games here is a quick rundown: Seattle beat Washington 35-14, Jacksonville surprised Pittsburgh 31-29, the NY Giants won versus Tampa Bay 24-17, and San Diego finished off Tennessee 17-6.
The weekend kicked off with Washington heading to Seattle. After all the Redskins have endured this season with the death of Sean Taylor, the team really turned around their season to prove they deserved a playoff spot. They locked in their spot with a 21 point win; they also fell from the playoffs with 21 point loss. For those of you who aren’t NFL fans that was Sean Taylor’s number, coincidence? The game itself was all Seattle in the first half, when the tables turned the Redskins looked like they may pull out a win. In just 2 ½ fourth quarter minutes Seattle watched their 13 point lead turn into a one point shortage. Seattle responded with three touchdowns to finish what playoff hopes the Redskins had left. Seattle’s conquest means they battle the Green Bay Packers 3:30pm ET this coming Saturday.
In game two of Saturday’s line-up the Jacksonville Jaguars faced the Pittsburgh Steelers. These two teams are well matched, but I believe that Jacksonville is shaping up to be the new Pittsburgh. Their defense looked solid, and running game is far superior to the majority of teams in the NFL. With these factors and with Pittsburgh having some key players out with injuries, the Jaguars kicker Josh Scobee was able to steal the win with a 37 seconds left to play field goal. So this coming Saturday at 8pm ET the Jaguars will try and put the first dent into the Patriots perfect season by knocking them out of the playoffs.
Had you turned on your TV Sunday and just watched the first quarter of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and NY Giants game, you would have expected to turn back in an hour and see Tampa Bay dominating the game. The Giants never picked up a first down. However, the tables turned and Tampa’s inexperienced offensive line didn’t stand a chance verse the Giant’s fired up defense. It was obvious the Tampa Bay starters had been rested before the playoffs, they did not perform nearly as well as they had for most of this season. The offense looked sloppy, and the defense just couldn’t stop what was one of the most impressive performances we have seen Eli Manning give. The Giants were ready for this game, and if they continue to perform this way, no team should dismiss facing them in the playoffs. The Giants performance led them to a 24 to 14 win over the Buccaneers, and that put the Giants at 8-1 on the road. This Sunday they stay on the road and head to Dallas 4:30pm ET.
Capping off the weekend was the San Diego Chargers victory over the Tennessee Titans. It’s been thirteen years since San Diego has won in the postseason, and they fought through the rain to get there. The Titans started strong with two field goals and kept the Chargers to zero at the half. When the Chargers returned to the field they were ready to play and held the Titans to just those first six points. LT secured the Chargers victory with an air-born touchdown that had to be reviewed on video to insure it was indeed a touchdown. So the Chargers took the win 17 to 6 over the Titans. Next Sunday at 1PM ET The Chargers will take on the Indianapolis Colts, and try to defeat them for the second time this season.
The weekend kicked off with Washington heading to Seattle. After all the Redskins have endured this season with the death of Sean Taylor, the team really turned around their season to prove they deserved a playoff spot. They locked in their spot with a 21 point win; they also fell from the playoffs with 21 point loss. For those of you who aren’t NFL fans that was Sean Taylor’s number, coincidence? The game itself was all Seattle in the first half, when the tables turned the Redskins looked like they may pull out a win. In just 2 ½ fourth quarter minutes Seattle watched their 13 point lead turn into a one point shortage. Seattle responded with three touchdowns to finish what playoff hopes the Redskins had left. Seattle’s conquest means they battle the Green Bay Packers 3:30pm ET this coming Saturday.
In game two of Saturday’s line-up the Jacksonville Jaguars faced the Pittsburgh Steelers. These two teams are well matched, but I believe that Jacksonville is shaping up to be the new Pittsburgh. Their defense looked solid, and running game is far superior to the majority of teams in the NFL. With these factors and with Pittsburgh having some key players out with injuries, the Jaguars kicker Josh Scobee was able to steal the win with a 37 seconds left to play field goal. So this coming Saturday at 8pm ET the Jaguars will try and put the first dent into the Patriots perfect season by knocking them out of the playoffs.
Had you turned on your TV Sunday and just watched the first quarter of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and NY Giants game, you would have expected to turn back in an hour and see Tampa Bay dominating the game. The Giants never picked up a first down. However, the tables turned and Tampa’s inexperienced offensive line didn’t stand a chance verse the Giant’s fired up defense. It was obvious the Tampa Bay starters had been rested before the playoffs, they did not perform nearly as well as they had for most of this season. The offense looked sloppy, and the defense just couldn’t stop what was one of the most impressive performances we have seen Eli Manning give. The Giants were ready for this game, and if they continue to perform this way, no team should dismiss facing them in the playoffs. The Giants performance led them to a 24 to 14 win over the Buccaneers, and that put the Giants at 8-1 on the road. This Sunday they stay on the road and head to Dallas 4:30pm ET.
Capping off the weekend was the San Diego Chargers victory over the Tennessee Titans. It’s been thirteen years since San Diego has won in the postseason, and they fought through the rain to get there. The Titans started strong with two field goals and kept the Chargers to zero at the half. When the Chargers returned to the field they were ready to play and held the Titans to just those first six points. LT secured the Chargers victory with an air-born touchdown that had to be reviewed on video to insure it was indeed a touchdown. So the Chargers took the win 17 to 6 over the Titans. Next Sunday at 1PM ET The Chargers will take on the Indianapolis Colts, and try to defeat them for the second time this season.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Let's Go Bowling!
What better way to begin 2008 than by watching the million and one college bowl games we have at our disposal on every channel! Truly, a football fanatic's fantasy!
To keep this short because I, too, am glued to my tube at the moment, my BCS predictions for today, January 1, 2008, are as follow:
Sugar Bowl-University of Georgia vs. Hawaii
*Hawaii has a lot to prove. Statiscally, Brennan looks to be an outstanding leader of a solid offense, but can this offense hold up against Georgia's defense which ranks 3rd in the SEC? I think that Hawaii will put up a worthy fight. However, with Georgia's speed and experience in big bowl games, Georgia will take this one.
Rose Bowl -USC vs. Illinois
*Okay...so USC gets lucky with this potentially effortless win. But as does Hawaii, Illinois has something to prove. Having only one more loss than their Southern Cal rival with 3 during their regular season, they could be a contender. Then we must remember that this game is essentially a home game for the Trojans, so though they lack the true talent of past Rose Bowl Trojan teams, USC should pull the win, off "spirit" alone.
To keep this short because I, too, am glued to my tube at the moment, my BCS predictions for today, January 1, 2008, are as follow:
Sugar Bowl-University of Georgia vs. Hawaii
*Hawaii has a lot to prove. Statiscally, Brennan looks to be an outstanding leader of a solid offense, but can this offense hold up against Georgia's defense which ranks 3rd in the SEC? I think that Hawaii will put up a worthy fight. However, with Georgia's speed and experience in big bowl games, Georgia will take this one.
Rose Bowl -USC vs. Illinois
*Okay...so USC gets lucky with this potentially effortless win. But as does Hawaii, Illinois has something to prove. Having only one more loss than their Southern Cal rival with 3 during their regular season, they could be a contender. Then we must remember that this game is essentially a home game for the Trojans, so though they lack the true talent of past Rose Bowl Trojan teams, USC should pull the win, off "spirit" alone.
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