Saturday, September 13, 2008

Knowshon Hurdle? Not so great.



We've all seen this over and over this past week talking about how AWESOME Moreno is...and honestly there's a bunch of players out there who can do that, and have done that, and DO do that.



One of these guys is Sam McGuffie who's at Michigan now and made a habit out of hurdling opponents to the point where players stopped going low on him because he always jumped over them...ok maybe not. Anyway there may be some of you out there who say that McGuffie did that in highschool and not in College so it's different well to you I present you the following...



BAM! Reggie Bush does it in the NFL.

The point is stop making a big deal out of this hurdle, ten bucks says we'll see a hurdle at least once more during the season.

Friday, September 5, 2008

What a way to start the week

Make no mistake, I think Laron Landry is a BEAST and I idolize him in all the extension of the word. So you can understand how surprised I was when I saw him get run over by the Giants' Brandon Jacobs....check it out...




BAM! What a way to start the season. The Giants really did look like the Super Bowl champions and throughout the whole game never let up and pressured Washington incredibly. They never got a first down until nearly the end of the first half. Eli looked better than he did most of last year, and Justin Tuck will have everyone saying "Strahan Who?" all season long....but for now the moment that everyone will remember is that nasty hit by Jacobs who had Landry saying "Who done it?"

Monday, September 1, 2008

College Football Week 1

Every Monday I'm gonna come in here and talk about what I liked most, or what I consider to be the most interesting stuff that happened this week. Now in the words of the greatest judge in the land...Let's Get it on!

I told everyone Clemson wasn't that good!! I Told you! But no one believed me everyone kept talking about all this "Clemson speed" and what not they didn't look fast at all against 'Bama. Nothing seemed to click for the Tigers, not even their all star QB Cullen Harper looked as good as he is. This naturally raises the question...is Alabama THAT good? Easy...nah. They're good, but not Florida or Georgia good, Clemson was just incredibly overrated.

In more bad news for the ACC Virginia Tech lost to ECU after the Pirates blocked a punt to seal the win. To be honest I was really pulling for ECU, last year they came really close to beating Va Tech and were in the top three teams of C-USA. Their defense is suprisingly good which is going to make for a pretty interesting match up againts Pat White and West Virginia come week two...one more thing, them Holtz boys can coach!

If you haven't gotten it by now it was not a good week for the ACC, North Carolina state got SHUTDOWN my the gamecocks of South Carolina, their offense just couldn't get anything going and it's not going to get much better considering their starting QB Russel Wilson got injured.

Well there was one conference that had a worse week than the ACC...and that was the Sun Belt. Good ol' Sunbelt you can always trust them to make the rest of the country forget how far FSU and The U have fallen. Of the 8 teams in the Sun Belt only two of them won...one of them was Troy againts Middle Tennesse(conference opponent) and Arkansas State who beat Texas A&M! Changing mascots from "Indians" to "Red Wolves" seems to have done the team some good. This is the first time this school beats a team from a BCS conference, furthermore they put an end to a 20 season opening game winning streak for Texas A&M.... The 12th man was too busy working the fields and was not available for comment. Also South Lake Carroll Highschool, I mean, North Texas got whooped on by KSU 45 - 6...nice job coach Dodge.

New year same problems for the UTEP Miners. New Defensive Coordinator's Osia Lewis 3-3-5 Defense has always been good at New Mexico and was hailed as the saving factor in reedeming the Miner's 117th ranked defense from last year. Well if the 42 points the Buffalo Bulls scored on UTEP are any indication that won't be the case, the secondary continues to be a HUGE weakness for the Miners, also it seems like Trevor Vittatoe who last year was one of the country's best Freshman QBs has been hit by the sophomore slump right in the mouth, as he threw three interceptions after being incredibly accurate all of last season....Hopefully the Miners get in shape as they receive the Longhorns in week 2.

The Top 3 are for real!!! Georgia's offense was impressive and Matthew Stafford looked very good as the Dawgs scored 45 on Georgia Southern. Florida took care of business and in a real good sign had four different players rush for TDs none of these players were Tim Tebow. USC is scary good, Rey Maulaluga leads a defensive squad which just smothered the Cavaliers and Mark Sanchez looks poised and ready to lead quite possibly the most talented offensive squad of the country.

Michigan lost another home opener to a non BCS team.....well atleast this one was a Div I school. But seriously they weren't even close, still I expect big things from the Wolverines especially Sam McGuffie in the future. Let's stay in the Big 10...Ohio State shut down Youngstown state but Heisman candidate Beanie Wells got injured, depending how serious the injury is the Buckeyes are going to look to Terrelle Pryor who had a real easy time running it in for a TD. The Illini came on the short end of a shootout with Chase Daniel and the rest of the Mizzou Tigers, it was a very exciting game hopefully the Illini find their defense as the year goes on. Finally PJ Hill tore it UP! (and get me gobs of fantasy points in the process) If Wells is out, look for PJ Hill to grab some national attention and maybe even some Heisman Consideration??




Alright that's it for this week....any comments or hate? or suggestions?? Fell free to email me: l2odnunez@gmail.com

Thursday, August 28, 2008

This could be awesome...


Remember that above? When Chad Johnson put "Ocho Cinco" on the back of his jersey to honor Hispanic heritage month, then later on demanded that reporters address him as Ocho Cinco? Well.....according to Miami sport's radio station 790 The Ticket Chad Johnson has legally changed his last name to "Ocho Cinco" meaning his name is now "Chad Ocho Cinco" which means that now he should be able to put that on his jersey without getting penalized....HAHAHA, Chad Johnson is crazy but this is just hilarious, imagine the media calling him Ocho Cinco? It's too much!!!

Source: Hashmarks

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

UTEP should join the Big 12 Conference

I have noticed in the past couple of years that many BCS conferences have been looking for teams to add to make the conferences even better than what they are now, this includes the Big 12. Which is why I raise the case for the University of Texas At El Paso. I am saying this because over the past couple of years the UTEP football team has gone up against a football team from the Big 12. Over the past two years UTEP gave Texas Tech a run for the money both in the Sun Bowl in El Paso, as well as in Lubbock last year. This year they will be playing the University of Texas on Sep. 6 in El Paso, and will try and show the country they have what it takes to pull of the upset. Next year this UTEP team will be going to Austin, to take on the Longhorns, while the Kansas Jayhawks will be going down to the Sun Bowl to take on the Miners. Not to many non BCS teams can say they are going to play two Big 12 teams in one year. If UTEP can show a strong showing against in the next two years I believe that they can replace a team such as Baylor in the South. I know this is off the subject but not only does this happen in football but over the last couple of years the UTEP basketball team has gone up against A&M in College Station and Tech both in Lubbock and in El Paso. The change would not only good for UTEP but for the Big 12 Conference as well.

Monday, August 18, 2008

Home Field Advantage? Not for these guys...

Without a doubt one of the great things about college football is the atmosphere. There's nothing better than thousands of fans all draped in their school colors making the ground shake with their collective roar. Great fan support is essential if a team wants to win, that's why there's even a term like "home field advantage". Ask anyone who's ever played againts LSU at Tiger Stadium, or Michigan at The Big House and they'll tell you what an impact it is to play in such a hostile environment. To win in a situation like this is truly a feat by any visitor, not all schools are as lucky however; some teams walk step out to a half empty stadium, with lackluster support from their fans. These are the schools with the WORST home field advantage.

10. School: San Jose St.
Conference: WAC
2007 Record: 5 - 7
Home Games: 5
Average Attendance: 15,465



9. School: New Mexico St.
Conference: WAC
2007 Record: 4 - 9
Home Games: 7
Average Attendance: 14,412



8. School: Buffalo
Conference: MAC
2007 Record: 5 - 7
Home Games: 5
Average Attendance: 13,568



7. School: Rice
Conference: C-USA
2007 Record: 3 - 9
Home Games: 6
Average Attendance: 13,353



6. School: Utah St.

Conference: WAC
2007 Record: 2 - 10
Home Games: 5
Average Attendance: 13,131



5. School: Ball St.
Conference: MAC
2007 Record: 7 - 5
Home Games: 5
Average Attendance: 13,085




4. School: Idaho
Conference: WAC
2007 Record: 1 - 11
Home Games: 6
Average Attendance: 11,479




3. School: Kent St.

Conference: MAC
2007 Record: 3 - 9
Home Games: 5
Average Attendance: 8,999




2. School: Florida Int.
Conference: Sun Belt
2007 Record: 1 - 11
Home Games: 5
Average Attendance: 7,982




1. School: Eastern Michigan

Conference: MAC
2007 Record: 4 -8
Average Attendance: 6,810




Hm...so what can I say?? I guess not winning games and being the MAC doesn't really bring out the crowds.

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Top Selling Jerseys

NFLShop.com Top Selling Jerseys from April 1 to July 31 are as follows:

1. Brett Favre, Green Bay Packers
2. Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys
3. Tom Brady, New England Patriots
4. Eli Manning, New York Giants
5. Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts
6. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings
7. LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego Chargers
8. Marion Barber, Dallas Cowboys
9. Darren McFadden, Oakland Raiders
10. Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers
11. Brian Urlacher, Chicago Bears
12. Devin Hester, Chicago Bears
13. Randy Moss, New England Patriots
14. Troy Polamalu, Pittsburgh Steelers
15. Michael Strahan, New York Giants
16. Brian Westbrook, Philadelphia Eagles
17. Terrell Owens, Dallas Cowboys
18. Osi Umenyiora, New York Giants
19. Jason Witten, Dallas Cowboys
20. DeMarcus Ware, Dallas Cowboys
21. Reggie Bush, New Orleans Saints
22. Patrick Willis, San Francisco 49ers
23. Jay Cutler, Denver Broncos
24. JaMarcus Russell, Oakland Raiders
25. Matt Hasselbeck, Seattle Seahawks

Wow...Brett was number one, my guess is because of all the Green Bay fans who were thinking of getting the latest throwback, Jokes on you bastards!

So I like to analyze stuff that doesn't need to be analyzed or should be analyzed so let's see...

Teams with multiple players in the top 25 jerseys: 6 Teams, Dallas Cowboys: 5 (Tony Romo, Marion Barber, Terrell Owens, Jasson Witten, DeMarcus Ware), New York Giants: 3 (Eli Manning, Michael Strahan, Osi Umenyiora), New England Patriots: 2 (Tom Brady, Randy Moss), Oakland Raiders: 2 (Darren McFadden, JaMarcus Russell), Pittsburgh Steelers: 2 (Ben Roethlisberger, Troy Polamalu), Chicago Bears: 2 ( Brian Urlacher, Devin Hester)

No Surprises here, "America's Team" is in first place, with the Super Bowl winners in second place followed by the bigest case of "almost but not quite" the Patriots. Perhaps the biggest shock is to see Oaklands two young offensive stars on here, I mean neither of them have even started a game, Russel has as much playing time in the NFL as I do and McFadden hasn't even taken a snap in a preseason game...hype much?? The Steelers and the Bears show that your team doesn't have to win in order for your players to be popular they just have to have cool hair, or be big scary looking white guys from crappy colleges.

NFC players: 16
AFC players: 9

Hm...so while the AFC has better teams the NFC has better individual talent? Well No, they have more popular players I guess...think about it the only "media darlings" I can think of in the AFC are Peyton Manning and Chad Johnson...You'll find as much camera whores in the NFC as you would on Myspace...TO, Reggie Bush, Tony Romo, Brett Favre, Devin Hester, Matt Leinart, Michael Vick(HEY he still counts.) So now let's see wether Defensive or offensive players are more popular...

Offense: 18
Defense: 6
Special Teams: 1

WOW...well no, not wow...no surprise what's truly shocking is that of those six defensive players only one of them is from the AFC(Hairs-n-Muscle Polamalu) come on people! Show more love to Bob Sanders, or Champ Bailey, or heck even Mike Vrabel. The special teams player is Devin Hester...because that's pretty much what he is. So which position is the most popular??

QB: 10 (Brett Favre, Tony Romo, Tom Brady, Eli Manning, Peyton Manning, Ben R , Jay Cutler, JaMarcus Russell, Matt Hasselbeck)

RB: 6 (Adrian Peterson, LaDainian Tomlinson, Marion Barber, Darren McFadden, Brian Westbrook, Reggie Bush)

LB: 3 (Brian Urlacher,DeMarcus Ware, Patrick Willis)

WR: 2 (Randy Moss,Terrell Owens)

DE: 2 (Michael Strahan, Osi Umenyiora)

TE: 1 (Jason Witten)

S: 1 (Troy Polamalu)

KR: 1 (Devin Hester)

The usual spotlight players...QBs and RBs stealing the spotlight...why aren't there ever any Long snappers or Centers on this list?? A nice surprise is Patrick Willis who tore it UP at San Franciso last year, I'm also glad to see Jason Witten who's very underratted and should be payed alot more.

So there you go, a lot of information about Jersey sales for a couple of months.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Where's the Love?

Russ Lande of War Room Scouts recently wrote a piece for The Sporting News in which he goes on to talk about who he considers to be the top ten quarterbacks for the 09 NFL draft, here’s a copy of the list:


  1. Tim Tebow, Florida, Jr.
  2. Matthew Stafford, Georgia,Jr.
  3. Josh Freeman, Kansas State, Jr.
  4. Cullen Harper, Clemson, Sr.
  5. Colt McCoy, Texas, Jr.
  6. Chase Daniel, Missouri, Sr.
  7. Nathan Brown, Central Arkansas, Sr.
  8. Chase Holbrook, New Mexico State, Sr.
  9. Sean Glennon, Virginia Tech, Sr.
  10. Rhett Bhomar, Sam Houston State, Sr.


In this list there is one HUGE glaring obvious absence. I’m sure if you know anything about

college football you already know who I’m talking about. So I ask Mr. Lande….where’s the love?? Why the exclusion of Texas Tech’s Graham Harrell?


The only reason I can think of is the label that Harrell has been unfairly given, “System Quarterback” so let’s break it down. Let’s take a look at Harrell’s numbers from last year, 48 touchdowns, 14 interceptions, 512 completions out of 713 attempts with 5705 yards, all I can say is WOW…but still many people think “System QB” so let’s take a look at other “System QB”s and see how they stack up I am going to focus on three other guys, Timmy Chang who tore it up in college but didn’t make it in the NFL, Colt Brennan who rewrote the record books and will look to get a job in the NFL, and finally a player who was included in Russ Lande’s list, Chase Holbrook.



Completions

Attempts

Yards

TDs

INTs

Graham Harrell(2007
)

512

713

5705

48

14

Timmy Chang(2004)

358

602

4258

38

13

Colt Brennan(2007)

359

510

4343

38

17

Chase Holbrook(2007)

381

543

3866

26

18


There’s a clear difference between Harrell and the rest of these players isn’t there? Holbrook’s numbers would perhaps be a lil’ bit higher if he hadn’t missed one game against Louisiana Tech last year; still Harrell threw a lot more than any of these players, had more touchdowns, fewer interceptions than most(except for Chang), and more completions. Not only that but Harrell plays in the Big XII while all these other players play against WAC defenses which are for the most part not as good as those in the Big XII. So obviously Harrell is a player, anyone who can throw 48 TDs in 12 games is amazing, I don’t care what system you’re playing in, not many other players can match that. I guarantee Chase Daniel, or Matthew Stafford wouldn’t have the same kind of numbers if they played under Mike Leach.


So now that I’ve made my case that Harrell is not simply a “system QB” let’s go on to see other names that were included instead of Graham Harrell. Start at the top, Tim Tebow last year’s Heisman winner and a QB who’s a huge double threat, especially when it comes to those short yardage situations. According to Russ Lande Tim Tebow is the #1 NFL prospect for next year, but let’s weigh the facts. Running QBs simply don’t cut it in the NFL it’s as simple as that, the last mobile QB to make it to a Super Bowl was Donovan McNabb with the Eagles, and he didn’t win, five years before it was Air McNair with the Titans, and they lost. Before that it was John Elway when he won with the Broncos. That’s it, mobile QBs are simply not successful in the NFL. Let’s take a look at the top QBs in the league, Tom Brady(not mobile), Peyton Manning(not Mobile), Carson Palmer(not mobile)….starting to get the picture?


The last great Mobile QB to play college football was Vince Young, now he’s still a rookie but so far he’s been having a hard time in the NFL. Let’s compare his last year with Texas to Tebow’s performance last year.



Pass attempts

Completions

Yards

TDs

INTs

Rush attemps

Rush Yards

Rush TDs

Avg

Vince Young(2005)

325

212

3036

26

10

147

993

12

6.8

Tim Tebow(2007)

350

234

3286

32

6

210

895

23

4.3


Tebow’s numbers show that he has thrown and rushed more than Vince Young did, because of that he had more passing and rushing TDs, his rushing TDs however mostly came at the goal line when his 6’3 240lb frame came in handy. Which lead to Tebow getting hit quite a lot to the point that his hand got injured, How many coaches in the NFL would be willing to risk their running QB to get hit that much? None. The point is Young was faster, and bigger than Tebow but that still hasn’t made a difference in the NFL so I highly doubt Tebow would have that edge in the NFL. Which leads of course to say that Tebow is a better passer than Vince Young, and yes he is…but is he a better passer than Harrell? Or even Matthew Stafford? Or Chase Daniel?...doubt it.


Which leads me to my next point, Matthew Stafford. Now don’t get me wrong, he’s a good player but is he really the #2 QB? Matt Stafford last year had 348 attempts for 194 completions for 2523 yards 19 TDs and 10 INTs…..that’s right 19 TDs and 10 INTs that’s more than half of his total TD count. When compared to Harrell we can see that second year starter Stafford threw almost half as many passes but only 4 less interceptions than Harrell. While Stafford’s completion percentage was 55.7 while Harrell’s was 71.8. Overall Stafford just doesn’t overshadow Harrell in any way, not even physically while Stafford stands at 6’3 and 237lbs, Harrell is just as impressive at 6’3 and 205lbs. I really don’t see how anyone would take Stafford over Harrell.


As for the rest of the players, they’re not really worth analyzing, the only player which deserves to be as high as he is ranked is Chase Daniel, I’d even rank him higher. The point is if Harrell’s numbers are a product of the system, then so are Tim Tebow’s. So Where’s the Love Russ Lande?? Where's the love NFL Scouts? Where’ the Love Heisman voters??

Monday, August 4, 2008

Weekend Observations

Green Bay is holding a QB competition for that starting job
My money is on Matt Flynn

HOF Game: Redskins vs. Colts
Colt Brennan > Jason Campbell

Steve Smith of Carolina Panthers suspended for two-games
Doesn't Steve Smith look like a Ninja Turtle

Thursday, July 31, 2008

How is it possible to compare A QB from the MAC to QBs from the BCS

Personally I have always found it interesting when many sports writers try to compare a Non-BCS quarterback to one of a major conference. I am talking about Dan LeFevour from Central Michigan, no disrespect to him but I have always found it weird when everyone starts to compare him to the likes of a Chase Daniel or a Graham Harrell, the talent level that these two play against is at the top compared to what LeFevour sees every week. Week in week out, these two Heisman candidates face top of the line talent from all around the nation, while LeFevour gets his hands usually on some second hand prospects. There's no way that you can do that, if any BCS QB would play in a system like that, there is no telling what they would be able to do. It has gotten to the point where Central Michigan's Athletic Director(Jason Holtman) has decided to put up a giant billboard of LeFevour in hopes of him winning the Heisman Trophy. Wouldn't you know that this same A.D. was the same one who decided to get behind Joey Harrington way back when at Oregon in hopes of winning him the Heisman.

To add as a starting QB at Central Michigan, Dan LeFevour has not beaten a single BCS team coming in to the 2008 season, now how can you compare, that just shows you that you can't. I can remember a year ago when everyone said that Colt Brennan should win the Heisman based on his team's record, I can see that but the only team they played from a power conference was Washington and if I'm not mistaken, they were near the bottom of the PAC-10 last year. When it was Hawaii's turn to play with the big boys in the Sugar Bowl, they just got manhandled by one of the best teams in the nation. Just goes to show you that you CAN'T compare BCS QBs to those of any non BCS school, and wouldn't you know it Central Michigan happens to bump heads with National Champion contender, the Georgia Bulldogs this coming season. Good Luck Dan!

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

September 6,2008

Sunday, July 27, 2008

Packers head coach Mike McCarthy has a good reason...

In a recent press conference Packers head coach Mike McCarthy said the following,

"Aaron Rodgers the starting quarterback of the Green Bay Packers. That's been stated over and over again. I hope you can finally understand that. That's where we are as an organization."


That's it. Period. Now we know the "What" aspect of the story it's time to think about the "Why". NO it's not because Favre already said he was retiring and is apparently in the midst of a midlife crisis where (ironically) football is the only thing keeping him from going back to abusing painkillers. Nor is it because not many coaches in their right mind wouldn't take a guy who throws six interceptions in a playoff game and the media will hail him as the greatest in the post game show. No it is not any of these reasons...the reason why the Packers don't want Brett back is because of this...

That's right! The Madden Curse!!!! It's all so obvious now.

The Packers front office thought all was well when Brett retired and was later announced as the cover athlete, "Screw it, he's gone" they thought. In this way the Pack was immune to their QB breaking something(Vince Young, Madden 08 or Shaun Alexander 07, OR Donovan McNabb Madden 06) and of course in order for something to sideline Brett it would have to be HUGE...I'm thinking like a broken pelvis(which at his age isn't too unexpected). So when Brett said he wanted to come back the front office was understandably going crazy I mean after all the Madden curse is what sent Ray Lewis' career into oblivion and arguably what sent Michael Vick to prison. With that being said there was no way they could let him in, "Send him to the Jets....or the Milwaukee Bucks -- I mean Tampa Bay Bucs, screw it, send him back to Southern Miss!" Packers GM was heard screaming in Lambeau Field**.

So now you know the REAL reason behind the Favre debacle.Who'd a thunk the Packers front office were so versed in video game based superstitions??....Also nobody likes his Wrangler jean ads.


This article in no way shape or form reflects the true reasons why Favre is let go...well maybe it does but it's not the Madden Part.
** Ted Thompson didn't say that.

Friday, July 25, 2008

Haruki Nakamura Update

Haruki Nakamura, every ones favorite Black Belt sporting Free Safety(well he's mine anyway) has been fighting for a spot on the Baltimore Ravens and is apparently doing a pretty good job. The hard nosed ferocious tackler is roommates with another player who shares that characteristic with him and whose name also drives Spell Check crazy, Tom Zbikowski. Both of them team up in the backfield and are wreaking some havoc, as made apparent when Zbikowski picked off Troy Smith in the end zone after a Nakamura tip. The two apparently have made a quick friendship and even have their "own language" as Nakamura puts it which makes it much easier for them to communicate on the field. There is of course some differences between them, after all Nakamura is a sixth round pick while Zbikowski is a third round pick so, while Zbikowski looks to make an impact on the team as soon as next season Nakamura should be happy if he makes the team and gets some play time on any of the four special teams squads.

I like this guy. He's a hard worker, he's serious about football, he knows the game, he knows his job and despite being undersized plays with a heart that many players can't match. Not only that but the Ravens are a good match for him, when you think of the Ravens images of tough hard hitting, no nonsene tough guys immediately come to mind(except for Siragusa, he's pretty friggin' adorable...oh and Kyle Boller) So I hope Haruki can earn a spot and eventually we can see him and mr. golden gloves in the backfield knocking some heads.

Sources: www.baltimoreravens.com
The Evening Sun

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Free Favre T-Shirt!


Now you too can proclaim to the world that poor lil' Brett Favre should be allowed to keep on throwing the pigskin in the pros. Seriously...I don't really know what to think. I mean I really like Favre, but I think if you say something you should keep your word. I dunno.

Buy Here

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

I didn't say it...


"Virginia's Marquis Weeks caps off his 100 yard kick off return for the touchdown. 'That was just instinct. Kind of like running from the cops,' said the senior tailback."



...Haha that ain't right.


Found on: Keithwhite.us

Monday, July 7, 2008

Here's the beauty of high school football



The fattest ,slowest,ugliest,smelliest, and sweatiest guy on the team are one and the same, the star DT.