A bit over sports overdose over the course of the last 24 hours, if that's possible.
First was a rare Friday night Six Nations match and it saw France gain a euphoric victory over Wales, 21-16 which against heavily favoured Wales, was almost impossible to believe. Not that France aren't a good side but after the pasting Ireland gave them, even at home few expected them to defeat Wales, who were slotted to win this tournament by most.
Then Saturday was Chelsea's thrilling stoppage-time winner over an unexpectedly tough Wigan in the Premiership followed quickly by a very tight, if somewhat anti-climatic and perhaps even boring Ireland v England Six Nations match that saw the Irish barely keep England down, 14-13 and remain undefeated.
Thereafter, some Chinese television ESPN feed of the Yankees-Twins Spring Training match which was entertaining if solely for the fact that although the original feed was off the Yes network, we got to listen to incomprehensible Chinese broadcasters instead of having to bear that unbearable bore, Michael Kay. I hate the Yankees and Michael Kay but getting a respite from at least one of them whilst getting a little MLB fix in this early on was a lucky break. Still gotta consider over the course of the season and once the Mets start playing if it might not be worth investing in a little MLB radio to go along with the Chinese feed just so I can understand the commentary. The quality of the broadcast though is remarkable considering its an internet feed.
*****NFL******
But that's just what's going on at the minute - it's been quite a week already what with the Champions League matches that saw Man U earn a 0-0 draw against Jose Mourinho and Inter in Milan, Liverpool win in Madrid and Arsenal beat Roma at home.
Personally, I don't give a monkey's about Arsenal and Liverpool but the Man U-Inter match was the most anticipated football match of the season for me. Just to see anyone beat effin Man U for a change would be brilliant considering no one in the Premiership seems capable. The nil-nil draw is no disadvantage to Man U who will likely wrap it up at home. Man U dominated the first half and really should have scored a couple of times (which would have sealed the home and away advantage early on) but they were held scoreless and Inter readjusted in the 2nd half to make the match a little more interesting.
That's it for the real excitement for another week.
Meanwhile, NFL free agency kicked off with a bang and the Jets inked, as hoped, Bart Scott from the Ravens nearly straight away to immediately boost the defence. They also traded for Lito Shepherd.
Apparently, there's still a long way to go with re-making the defence but it's a good start.
And there were two other big deals already in the NFL - the Pats trading Cassel to the Chiefs relinquishing their starting QB for surprisingly little. Of course, they already have Brady waiting in the wings so this is good news for the Chiefs.
Lastly, to the surprise of no one, the Redskins massively overpayed for Haynesworth which was pretty much expected.
Monday, February 23, 2009
ARE YOU READY FOR SOME (EUROPEAN) FOOTBALL?!
These week marks some colossal Champions League matches which promise to be some of the best matches all season, in any league.
Tomorrow night opens with one of the biggest as two of the recognised top managers in football face each other when Manchester United,led by Sir Alex Ferguson travel to Milan to face Inter, led by Jose Mourinho. (see a detailed preview here.)
This is MASSIVE football. You could argue, if you wanted to be picky that Man U and Barcelona are playing the best football in Europe and that this would make a better match but frankly, that's more something for the finals. Personally, I've been waiting all season for somebody to do a number on those gawddamned Mancunians and that red-faced drunken Scot - Jose is just the lad to do it although I'm not so incredibly certain his team is. Inter are not as special a football side as their manager is, even if they are a virtual lock to win the Serie A this season.
Irrespective of what happens, not likely, with a match still to be played in Manchester, that the knockout will be decided tomorrow night, or even in the first 90 minutes of the game in Manchester. It's probably too much for Inter to expect an outright victory tomorrow night, even at home so a 0-0 draw would be productive. I watched both this weekend and neither side, with this game no doubt weighing heavily on their minds, looked very brilliant.
Prediction: 1-1 draw.
There's also Arseholenol hosting AC Roma, but let's be honest, unless you support one of them, this is the secondary match. Arsenal 2-1.
On Wednesday night, Real Madrid host Liverpool and no doubt, Liverpool should advance fairly easily in this one. Real 0-1
Lastly, almost as big perhaps as the Inter - Man U match is Juventus travelling to Chelsea. Wow, big match. Juve are looking good at the moment and Chelsea have been in a state of turmoil but Chelsea, with their new manager to the rescue, appear to all be playing as a team again after that mini little civil war that went on earlier in the season. Chelsea should take this one, maybe 2-1. (detailed preview here.)
*****
NL EAST SPIN
Gnats pitching going from bad to worse to hopeless.
I find it hard to believe they're releasing Odalis Perez. Ok, maybe he didn't give them much choice, maybe he released himself in essence, by not showing up. 30 starts, 4.34 ERA down the tubes. Look for somebody to pick him up after the World Classic and pay him at least double what he'd have gotten for the Gnats.
Plus, they already let go of their top pitcher last season, Tim Redding, gone to the Mets to seek fame and fortune as the 5th starter. Again, granted Redding is no Cy Young but still, he managed to win 10 games for them somehow which is like winning 15 or 20 games somewhere else. So that's two pitchers, gone and no real answers to replace them with. Think they sucked last season? Wow, just watch them now and if that isn't bad enough, how do you carry on when your own GM is suspected of screwing the team? They might just challenge for the worst team in baseball what with their rubbish starting rotation, their head cases in the outfield, their new Kingmanesque first baseman in Adam Dunn. What's to like? The Mets play them LOTS, that's what.
*****
Linebackers
So it's getting closer to the time now that they've cleared all that cap space, for the Jets and new coach Rex Ryan to start thinking about which Raven linebacker they're intending on plucking from the Ravens bough, Ray Lewis or Bart Scott. Gimme a break. Why would you sign a 34 year old to a big deal? Lewis has been the best in the game for years but he's not going to be for much longer. A year more, tops. The Jets have already played rent-a-fading-star last year with Favre and look where it got them. Forget it. Let the Cowboys over pay him.
These week marks some colossal Champions League matches which promise to be some of the best matches all season, in any league.
Tomorrow night opens with one of the biggest as two of the recognised top managers in football face each other when Manchester United,led by Sir Alex Ferguson travel to Milan to face Inter, led by Jose Mourinho. (see a detailed preview here.)
This is MASSIVE football. You could argue, if you wanted to be picky that Man U and Barcelona are playing the best football in Europe and that this would make a better match but frankly, that's more something for the finals. Personally, I've been waiting all season for somebody to do a number on those gawddamned Mancunians and that red-faced drunken Scot - Jose is just the lad to do it although I'm not so incredibly certain his team is. Inter are not as special a football side as their manager is, even if they are a virtual lock to win the Serie A this season.
Irrespective of what happens, not likely, with a match still to be played in Manchester, that the knockout will be decided tomorrow night, or even in the first 90 minutes of the game in Manchester. It's probably too much for Inter to expect an outright victory tomorrow night, even at home so a 0-0 draw would be productive. I watched both this weekend and neither side, with this game no doubt weighing heavily on their minds, looked very brilliant.
Prediction: 1-1 draw.
There's also Arseholenol hosting AC Roma, but let's be honest, unless you support one of them, this is the secondary match. Arsenal 2-1.
On Wednesday night, Real Madrid host Liverpool and no doubt, Liverpool should advance fairly easily in this one. Real 0-1
Lastly, almost as big perhaps as the Inter - Man U match is Juventus travelling to Chelsea. Wow, big match. Juve are looking good at the moment and Chelsea have been in a state of turmoil but Chelsea, with their new manager to the rescue, appear to all be playing as a team again after that mini little civil war that went on earlier in the season. Chelsea should take this one, maybe 2-1. (detailed preview here.)
*****
NL EAST SPIN
Gnats pitching going from bad to worse to hopeless.
I find it hard to believe they're releasing Odalis Perez. Ok, maybe he didn't give them much choice, maybe he released himself in essence, by not showing up. 30 starts, 4.34 ERA down the tubes. Look for somebody to pick him up after the World Classic and pay him at least double what he'd have gotten for the Gnats.
Plus, they already let go of their top pitcher last season, Tim Redding, gone to the Mets to seek fame and fortune as the 5th starter. Again, granted Redding is no Cy Young but still, he managed to win 10 games for them somehow which is like winning 15 or 20 games somewhere else. So that's two pitchers, gone and no real answers to replace them with. Think they sucked last season? Wow, just watch them now and if that isn't bad enough, how do you carry on when your own GM is suspected of screwing the team? They might just challenge for the worst team in baseball what with their rubbish starting rotation, their head cases in the outfield, their new Kingmanesque first baseman in Adam Dunn. What's to like? The Mets play them LOTS, that's what.
*****
Linebackers
So it's getting closer to the time now that they've cleared all that cap space, for the Jets and new coach Rex Ryan to start thinking about which Raven linebacker they're intending on plucking from the Ravens bough, Ray Lewis or Bart Scott. Gimme a break. Why would you sign a 34 year old to a big deal? Lewis has been the best in the game for years but he's not going to be for much longer. A year more, tops. The Jets have already played rent-a-fading-star last year with Favre and look where it got them. Forget it. Let the Cowboys over pay him.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
NL EAST
Not by any means a preview, but as this is the division the team I support, the intention is to follow the news therein more closely.
GNATS; Troubles Troubles
Today, a brief focus first on the GNATS finds the same headaches and question marks about prospect Elijah Dukes, to whit:
Bigger than any news about the coming season is the bizarre story about prospect Esmailyn Gonzalez, aka Carlos Alvarez, who is being investigated for "deliberate, premeditated fraud".
"...creating a false identity to secure a $1.4 million signing bonus three years ago.
That player, who has been going by the name Esmailyn Gonzalez and was thought to be 19, has been discovered to be 23-year-old Carlos Daniel Alvarez"
What makes matters even more strange is that you get the impression in reading the article that Gnats team president Stan Kasten even believes Nationals general manager Jim Bowden and special assistant Jose Rijo's names are linked. Just imagine, your own GM, defrauding the team!
*****
On the Phillies, they're kicking it World Champion style and appear simultaneously bemused and annoyed by the ongoing verbal wars with the Mets.
Cole Hamels backed off of his winter choking dog comments about the Mets, either because his swollen head has returned to its normal size or his teammates have told him to shut the fuck up or he's started to get scared about having to start a game at Citi Field.
No, he doesn't need to look for attention, his bimbo wife is like a black hole sucking in all the attention around her.
this photoshop (or is it?) has it down right. (thanks,Mr Irrelevant)
Mrs Hamels' bimbo-class comments reminded me of the good auld days when we still had Anna Benson to kick around:
Whatever happened to Anna Benson anyway?
*****
Now, this doesn't necessarily rate as Phillies or NL East news but a sound golf clap to Frank Fitzpatrick for this article envisioning Babe Ruth having to endure an A-Hole-like press conference
*****
Damning words about the Braves chances coming from their own columnists who figures that these measly Braves, who were spurned by two players this off season (but did manage to sign what should have been Mets pitcher Derek Lowe)
And indeed, even the one coup is punctuated by the question: Why do you think the Braves had to give Derek Lowe four years and $60 million when the only other known offer was for three years and $36 million?
Well done. A Mets fan couldn't have pointed this out better.
*****
As for the Marlins, well having a little trouble finding much out about them these days. Can't imagine its a lack of interest?
Apparently Josh Johnson is befuddling his teammates already (don't blow out the arm before Spring Training is over, superstah...)
and the comparisons are natural considering both will likely be moved from their leadoff spots (at least temporarily) but how do you rate Jose Reyes against Hanley Ramirez?:
As is defence, matey. Of course, Ramirez doesn't really get the opportunity to turn in two consecutive choking dog performances in September like Reyes did...
Not by any means a preview, but as this is the division the team I support, the intention is to follow the news therein more closely.
GNATS; Troubles Troubles
Today, a brief focus first on the GNATS finds the same headaches and question marks about prospect Elijah Dukes, to whit:
Asked on Wednesday how much of a distraction his off-field issues were this winter, Dukes replied: "All right, I'm done. That's it. You ruined it." He then walked away from the group of reporters interviewing him.
Those kinds of interactions with media members are just one reason some members of the Nationals organization question whether Dukes has grown enough in his year-plus with the club.
The franchise's front office has gone to great lengths to keep Dukes insulated from the public. A member of the public relations staff is required to arrange all interviews with Dukes. (Reporters are free to approach any other player on the roster on their own.)
Bigger than any news about the coming season is the bizarre story about prospect Esmailyn Gonzalez, aka Carlos Alvarez, who is being investigated for "deliberate, premeditated fraud".
"...creating a false identity to secure a $1.4 million signing bonus three years ago.
That player, who has been going by the name Esmailyn Gonzalez and was thought to be 19, has been discovered to be 23-year-old Carlos Daniel Alvarez"
What makes matters even more strange is that you get the impression in reading the article that Gnats team president Stan Kasten even believes Nationals general manager Jim Bowden and special assistant Jose Rijo's names are linked. Just imagine, your own GM, defrauding the team!
*****
On the Phillies, they're kicking it World Champion style and appear simultaneously bemused and annoyed by the ongoing verbal wars with the Mets.
Cole Hamels backed off of his winter choking dog comments about the Mets, either because his swollen head has returned to its normal size or his teammates have told him to shut the fuck up or he's started to get scared about having to start a game at Citi Field.
"I didn't know what I said when it happened," Hamels said. "I really didn't. I have to stick by what I said and it's something where truly I like to do most of my talking out on the field. I'm not the type of guy that needs to look for attention in the offseason."
No, he doesn't need to look for attention, his bimbo wife is like a black hole sucking in all the attention around her.
“We’re in the process of adopting an AIDS orphan from Ethiopia,” she said. “Maybe two. I’m so pumped. I’d adopt six if I could. When I was five years old — I grew up in a very rural town in Missouri, and I had never even seen a black person — they asked us to draw a picture of ourselves in the future, and I drew myself holding hands with a line of tiny black stick figures. I’ve always wanted this.”
this photoshop (or is it?) has it down right. (thanks,Mr Irrelevant)
Mrs Hamels' bimbo-class comments reminded me of the good auld days when we still had Anna Benson to kick around:
"I have toe trouble from my strip-dancing days. But I don’t want any more bungled surgery. I don’t want them to touch me. I did only one cosmetic-surgery thing: I had breast implants. After having three kids, I felt I deserved it. Kris doesn’t want me to have plastic surgery on my face. He says, ‘Don’t let them do any of that crap to you; you’re too pretty."
Whatever happened to Anna Benson anyway?
*****
Now, this doesn't necessarily rate as Phillies or NL East news but a sound golf clap to Frank Fitzpatrick for this article envisioning Babe Ruth having to endure an A-Hole-like press conference
..."For all that stuff, I apologize to the kids out there who dream of growing up to be pot-bellied womanizers with tiny feet. I'd also like to say I'm sorry to my teammates, especially those whose wives I shacked up with, those who sustained injuries in my DUI incidents, and those I urinated on."
*****
Damning words about the Braves chances coming from their own columnists who figures that these measly Braves, who were spurned by two players this off season (but did manage to sign what should have been Mets pitcher Derek Lowe)
But what is the one thing missing in Griffey’s career? A World Series. What is the No. 1 goal of any great player who is at the end of his career and is without a championship? Winning that championship.
The story is not that Griffey didn’t sign with the Braves. The story is that he signed with another team that, sentimentality aside, actually lost 11 more games than the Braves. He didn’t base his decision on a phone call from Willie Mays or a newspaper story that may or may not have angered him. He based it on the fact that there was no overwhelming reason to come here.
This is spring. It’s the time of optimism. But if Griffey really believed that the Braves were as close to competing for a championship as maybe they do - or maybe you do - he would have signed with them.
And indeed, even the one coup is punctuated by the question: Why do you think the Braves had to give Derek Lowe four years and $60 million when the only other known offer was for three years and $36 million?
Well done. A Mets fan couldn't have pointed this out better.
*****
As for the Marlins, well having a little trouble finding much out about them these days. Can't imagine its a lack of interest?
Apparently Josh Johnson is befuddling his teammates already (don't blow out the arm before Spring Training is over, superstah...)
and the comparisons are natural considering both will likely be moved from their leadoff spots (at least temporarily) but how do you rate Jose Reyes against Hanley Ramirez?:
The two are now quite different players because of Ramirez's power. The Marlins' shortstop has hit 79 home runs in the past three seasons, 32 more than Reyes. Despite the 33 home runs Ramirez hit last season, he collected merely 67 RBIs, hardly an extraordinary total even for a leadoff man. Reyes' triples and stolen bases are important. But runs win games and home runs produce runs, and Ramirez scored 12 more runs, a modest slight advantage in a 162-game season, but an advantage nonetheless.
As is defence, matey. Of course, Ramirez doesn't really get the opportunity to turn in two consecutive choking dog performances in September like Reyes did...
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
The YOUNG AND STUPID Defence
Young and Stupid
First the anonymous cousin "suggested" it to him then later the cousin "took "instructions" from A-Rod.
My cousin the Illegal Drug Courier!
Apparently, had A-Rod gone to college, he wouldn't be stupid and he wouldn't have taken steroids.
And listen, no follow up questions, lest you confuse this poor stupid man who is bravely hiding behind his anonymous cousin.
Holy shit, has anyone used the Young and Stupid Defence so often in the history of excuse making?
Here's my question for the press conference: Whilst you are no longer young, how do you know you're not still stupid? You still SEEM pretty stupid.
He knew they "weren't taking tic tacs." Whoop!
Joel Sherman, came up with a good question on maths - 36 times, or 24 times over a three year period - why would you inject inject inject if you didn't know what it was, what you were doing or what effect it was having on you?
Why Young and Stooopid, is the correct answer, bing bang!
Super Goon
Too bad Bud Selig can't say that. All he can say is Don't Blame Me!, I'm just ugly and stupid!
"I laid my bed and now I'm going to have to sit on it, I put it on my pillow, blablabla."
Ok A-rod, we believe you. You're so fucking stupid at the moment it's easy to see that how stupid you probably were when you were young as well.
But is stupid really a defence?
And where's this fucking cousin?
Young and Stupid
First the anonymous cousin "suggested" it to him then later the cousin "took "instructions" from A-Rod.
My cousin the Illegal Drug Courier!
Apparently, had A-Rod gone to college, he wouldn't be stupid and he wouldn't have taken steroids.
And listen, no follow up questions, lest you confuse this poor stupid man who is bravely hiding behind his anonymous cousin.
Holy shit, has anyone used the Young and Stupid Defence so often in the history of excuse making?
Here's my question for the press conference: Whilst you are no longer young, how do you know you're not still stupid? You still SEEM pretty stupid.
He knew they "weren't taking tic tacs." Whoop!
Joel Sherman, came up with a good question on maths - 36 times, or 24 times over a three year period - why would you inject inject inject if you didn't know what it was, what you were doing or what effect it was having on you?
Why Young and Stooopid, is the correct answer, bing bang!
Super Goon
Too bad Bud Selig can't say that. All he can say is Don't Blame Me!, I'm just ugly and stupid!
"I laid my bed and now I'm going to have to sit on it, I put it on my pillow, blablabla."
Ok A-rod, we believe you. You're so fucking stupid at the moment it's easy to see that how stupid you probably were when you were young as well.
But is stupid really a defence?
And where's this fucking cousin?
Monday, February 16, 2009
A-Hole Continues To Write His Own Comedy
First came the insincere apology about using drugs to cheat when he'd said categorically all along what a ridiculous idea it was, OF COURSE he doesn't use steroids, he doesn't need them because he was already so fucking good to begin with. But if he DID use steroids, he doesn't remember which ones and can't say with certainty when or how long (as far as he can recall anyway) and better still, because of the enormous public pressure of being paid kazillions of dollars to be an overrated choke artist for a last place team.
I mean, wow. Like steroids are some escapist drug to avoid thinking about life's problems.
Well, as funny as all that was, now comes something funnier, a limp-wristed, fake apology for trying to publically humiliate a female sports reporter because she was doing her job.
It's funny, he calls her meakly on the phone like a little pussy to apologise but when he's got unfounded accusations to make about her, he does that on the big screen with Peter Gammons, who ran through that interview with the verve of Mike Wallace in a Roger Clemens interview.
GOOD NEWS
The Hillbilly Police aren't going to bust Michael Phelps for getting caught doing a bong hit on film. Fucking liberal junkies. What happened to the good auld boys who'd have arrested him, beat the shit out of him and made him sit in a South Carolina outhouse for 15 days without bail before letting him go?
Since when did they start following laws instead of their instincts down in South Carolina. Holy Evolution Batman! Is there hope for the South yet?
Nah, just ask the 8 others who weren't famous swimmers how it works.
First came the insincere apology about using drugs to cheat when he'd said categorically all along what a ridiculous idea it was, OF COURSE he doesn't use steroids, he doesn't need them because he was already so fucking good to begin with. But if he DID use steroids, he doesn't remember which ones and can't say with certainty when or how long (as far as he can recall anyway) and better still, because of the enormous public pressure of being paid kazillions of dollars to be an overrated choke artist for a last place team.
I mean, wow. Like steroids are some escapist drug to avoid thinking about life's problems.
Well, as funny as all that was, now comes something funnier, a limp-wristed, fake apology for trying to publically humiliate a female sports reporter because she was doing her job.
It's funny, he calls her meakly on the phone like a little pussy to apologise but when he's got unfounded accusations to make about her, he does that on the big screen with Peter Gammons, who ran through that interview with the verve of Mike Wallace in a Roger Clemens interview.
GOOD NEWS
The Hillbilly Police aren't going to bust Michael Phelps for getting caught doing a bong hit on film. Fucking liberal junkies. What happened to the good auld boys who'd have arrested him, beat the shit out of him and made him sit in a South Carolina outhouse for 15 days without bail before letting him go?
The sheriff said there had not been sufficient evidence to charge him based on the photo from the party, held near the University of South Carolina in November.
He said: "We had a photo and him saying he was sorry for inappropriate behaviour. He never said, 'I smoked marijuana.' We didn't have physical evidence."
Since when did they start following laws instead of their instincts down in South Carolina. Holy Evolution Batman! Is there hope for the South yet?
Nah, just ask the 8 others who weren't famous swimmers how it works.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
A-Roid, A-Fraud, A-Hole: Which Is It?
Ah, yes, cat out of the bag. One of the biggest douchebags in baseball cheats as well. Not that we didn't expect it. Slyly, he admits using steroids but when pressed about when, he hedges his bets and limits it to the pre-Yank-Me years. But he can't say that with any certainty or conviction. Not sure I didn't plunge needles into my arse when I was with the Yankees or not but as far as my pea brain can remember, I didn't. Probably not. But don't hold me to it.
When asked if his usage took place from 2001-2003, Rodriguez said, "That's pretty accurate."
What the fuck does that mean? Is it accurate or not? "Pretty" accurate? Does that mean his usage might have taken place before 2001 or even after 2003? I'm just too fucking stupid to remember? Fat chance. That's just today's lie to cover for today's headline.
So no, I'm not a fucking liar. I just play one on tv. In pinstripes. Prison stripes.
What is like the trillionth reason in history to hate the Yankees?
The other thing to question is what is with Madonna and steroid users? First super Douche Jose Canseco then A-Rod. And maybe that's why her marriage to Guy Ritchie went bust because he wouldn't pray into her little kaballah and inject drugs into his arse cheeks.
Anyway, a little tongue-in-cheek combining that recent Facebook phenomenon and baseball's most recently shamed drug hound, Alex Rodriguez: 25 Random Things About Me. thanks, dumb as a blog
*****
Meanwhile, on London's flash west side, Chelsea have sacked their manager...again.
The sad, sad billionaire...
Now the race is on to see what muppet they tie up next to try and replace, for the third time, The Special One.
They'll never get it right again.
*****
Hard to believe, when you read about the mouse that is A-Rod, that there are athletes out there surviving on the other end of the spectrum. Hard to imagine that Ben Roethlisberger played the Super Bowl with fractured ribs.
Or maybe he should have said, did I play with fractured ribs? That's "pretty" accurate. Or maybe it was a hang nail. Or with no functioning internal organs. Where's the steroids, rib-boy?
Do you think A-Hole would play with fractured ribs? Even if he wasn't high out of his mind on steroids?
Ah, yes, cat out of the bag. One of the biggest douchebags in baseball cheats as well. Not that we didn't expect it. Slyly, he admits using steroids but when pressed about when, he hedges his bets and limits it to the pre-Yank-Me years. But he can't say that with any certainty or conviction. Not sure I didn't plunge needles into my arse when I was with the Yankees or not but as far as my pea brain can remember, I didn't. Probably not. But don't hold me to it.
When asked if his usage took place from 2001-2003, Rodriguez said, "That's pretty accurate."
What the fuck does that mean? Is it accurate or not? "Pretty" accurate? Does that mean his usage might have taken place before 2001 or even after 2003? I'm just too fucking stupid to remember? Fat chance. That's just today's lie to cover for today's headline.
In a 2007 60 Minutes interview with Katie Couric, Rodriguez flatly denied ever taking steroids. "For the record, have you ever used steroids, human growth hormone or any other performance-enhancing substance?" Couric asked.
"No," said Rodriguez. "I've never felt overmatched on the baseball field. I've always been a very strong, dominant position. And I felt that if I did my work since I was, you know, a rookie back in Seattle, I didn't have a problem competing at any level. So, no."
So no, I'm not a fucking liar. I just play one on tv. In pinstripes. Prison stripes.
What is like the trillionth reason in history to hate the Yankees?
The other thing to question is what is with Madonna and steroid users? First super Douche Jose Canseco then A-Rod. And maybe that's why her marriage to Guy Ritchie went bust because he wouldn't pray into her little kaballah and inject drugs into his arse cheeks.
Anyway, a little tongue-in-cheek combining that recent Facebook phenomenon and baseball's most recently shamed drug hound, Alex Rodriguez: 25 Random Things About Me. thanks, dumb as a blog
*****
Meanwhile, on London's flash west side, Chelsea have sacked their manager...again.
The sad, sad billionaire...
Now the race is on to see what muppet they tie up next to try and replace, for the third time, The Special One.
They'll never get it right again.
*****
Hard to believe, when you read about the mouse that is A-Rod, that there are athletes out there surviving on the other end of the spectrum. Hard to imagine that Ben Roethlisberger played the Super Bowl with fractured ribs.
"Fractured ribs,'' Roethlisberger said. "Luckily, in the game, I didn't take any big hits to make 'em hurt. But I knew all along there was something wrong. There wouldn't have been anything they could have done about fractured ribs anyway. It was just suck it up and play.''
Or maybe he should have said, did I play with fractured ribs? That's "pretty" accurate. Or maybe it was a hang nail. Or with no functioning internal organs. Where's the steroids, rib-boy?
Do you think A-Hole would play with fractured ribs? Even if he wasn't high out of his mind on steroids?
Monday, February 02, 2009
Was it the Best Super Bowl Ever?
(Top 100 Greatest Ever Super Bowl moments)
1. Beautiful, artistic, athletic catch in the corner of the end zone in the waning moments of the game to cap a come-from-behind after losing a 13 point lead by Santonio Holmes of a Ben Roethlisberger. game-winning pass.
2. The 100 yard interception return at the end of the first half James Harrison, perhaps the most amazing run since Don Beebe came out of nowhere to knock the ball out of Big Goof Leon Lett's hands just as the show boater is crossing the goal. Not just the run, but imagine how deflated the Cardinals must have felt at the have with an added touchdown to have to overcome, just seconds after they'd thought they'd have a touchdown of their own.
3. The Cardinals Comeback; overcoming the biggest deficit in Super Bowl history in the 4th quarter to take a 23-20 lead after being down 20-7 and did so on the arm and legs of Kurt Warner and Larry Fitzgerald, the way you'd figured from the onset it might play out.
4. Steelers coming back to win after blowing a 13 point lead in the 4th quarter. Nothing says more about the team than choking horribly in the 4th quarter, blowing the largest margin ever blown in Super Bowl history and STILL having the wherewithall to launch a game-winning comeback of their own. Amazing.
*****
For all intents and purposes, the game was over when Kurt Warner accepted the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year trophy before the start of the Super Bowl, like right on the field. Nothing better to concentrate on? Was that REALLY a wise idea? It's a similar curse to being the QB who wins the Heisman Trophy weeks before the NCAA Championship game. Kiss of death.
Also, comparing Mike Tomlin's dire certainty and confidence pre-game to Ken Wisenhunt's seemingly gee shucks just happy to be here sort of response was the first thing that made me think the Steelers would win. Yeah, I know I picked the Cards but I told you - that was that reverse psychology thing at work. Psyched out the Football Gods who, when I pick the team I prefer, always seem to enjoy letting the other side win. Bastids.
Who ran around, eluded tacklers and stuck with it better than Big Ben last night?
(Top 100 Greatest Ever Super Bowl moments)
1. Beautiful, artistic, athletic catch in the corner of the end zone in the waning moments of the game to cap a come-from-behind after losing a 13 point lead by Santonio Holmes of a Ben Roethlisberger. game-winning pass.
2. The 100 yard interception return at the end of the first half James Harrison, perhaps the most amazing run since Don Beebe came out of nowhere to knock the ball out of Big Goof Leon Lett's hands just as the show boater is crossing the goal. Not just the run, but imagine how deflated the Cardinals must have felt at the have with an added touchdown to have to overcome, just seconds after they'd thought they'd have a touchdown of their own.
3. The Cardinals Comeback; overcoming the biggest deficit in Super Bowl history in the 4th quarter to take a 23-20 lead after being down 20-7 and did so on the arm and legs of Kurt Warner and Larry Fitzgerald, the way you'd figured from the onset it might play out.
4. Steelers coming back to win after blowing a 13 point lead in the 4th quarter. Nothing says more about the team than choking horribly in the 4th quarter, blowing the largest margin ever blown in Super Bowl history and STILL having the wherewithall to launch a game-winning comeback of their own. Amazing.
*****
For all intents and purposes, the game was over when Kurt Warner accepted the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year trophy before the start of the Super Bowl, like right on the field. Nothing better to concentrate on? Was that REALLY a wise idea? It's a similar curse to being the QB who wins the Heisman Trophy weeks before the NCAA Championship game. Kiss of death.
Also, comparing Mike Tomlin's dire certainty and confidence pre-game to Ken Wisenhunt's seemingly gee shucks just happy to be here sort of response was the first thing that made me think the Steelers would win. Yeah, I know I picked the Cards but I told you - that was that reverse psychology thing at work. Psyched out the Football Gods who, when I pick the team I prefer, always seem to enjoy letting the other side win. Bastids.
Who ran around, eluded tacklers and stuck with it better than Big Ben last night?
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Cardinals 33 Steelers 24
Surprised?
Oh well, I've rooted AGAINST the Cardinals in every playoff game so far this season and wrong each time.
I still am not rooting for the QB Jesus, I don't care what a great story it is. He's had his time, his Super Bowl victory, even if he's had his loss as well.
BUT THE THEORY is if I publically support the Cardinals, they will finally lose.
Let's hope I can be wrong yet again.
You've almost got to expect the Steelers because their coach is so impressive. Defence wins championships and the Steelers have the best defence.
But this, the year of dreaming already - one expects the underdogs to win. Does Obama's magic carry on to the Super Bowl since he's supporting the Steelers openly?
Time will tell. Should be a good game though.
Surprised?
Oh well, I've rooted AGAINST the Cardinals in every playoff game so far this season and wrong each time.
I still am not rooting for the QB Jesus, I don't care what a great story it is. He's had his time, his Super Bowl victory, even if he's had his loss as well.
BUT THE THEORY is if I publically support the Cardinals, they will finally lose.
Let's hope I can be wrong yet again.
You've almost got to expect the Steelers because their coach is so impressive. Defence wins championships and the Steelers have the best defence.
But this, the year of dreaming already - one expects the underdogs to win. Does Obama's magic carry on to the Super Bowl since he's supporting the Steelers openly?
Time will tell. Should be a good game though.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
quote of the day: no arsehole for it
Following yet another demoralising loss, this time at the hands of Man City, in addition to the loss of two key but oft-out-of-commission players, Michael Owen and Joey Barton, Newcastle manager Joe Kinnear told it exactly how it was:
Following yet another demoralising loss, this time at the hands of Man City, in addition to the loss of two key but oft-out-of-commission players, Michael Owen and Joey Barton, Newcastle manager Joe Kinnear told it exactly how it was:
"It's devastating when you look at a club like Tottenham offering £16m for this player, £14m for that player. I would love to go and spend millions like that and I wish I was in the position to do so. But you can see why a lot of big [managerial] names out there didn't have the arsehole to take this job. You can see why so many people bottled it."
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Saturday, January 17, 2009
The Case of the Missing Masal Bugduv, Football Hero Or Myth?
Faint echoes of Sid Finch perhaps but this recently culled article fascinates with the curious case of Masal Bugduv, the missing Moldovan.
Perhaps the funniest bit of all is how these wank Arseholenol supporters fell right in....
Good stuff.
Favourite Kick In The Teeth of the Week:
So Dan Shaughnessy writes this torrid screed, this powerpuking stream of bile about the Cardinals being such quitters that he provokes someone to write in my favourite kick in the teeth of the week in reply:
Here, here. Fuck the Patriots and all their spoiled little fans.
Faint echoes of Sid Finch perhaps but this recently culled article fascinates with the curious case of Masal Bugduv, the missing Moldovan.
Perhaps the funniest bit of all is how these wank Arseholenol supporters fell right in....
Good stuff.
Favourite Kick In The Teeth of the Week:
So Dan Shaughnessy writes this torrid screed, this powerpuking stream of bile about the Cardinals being such quitters that he provokes someone to write in my favourite kick in the teeth of the week in reply:
This is the thanks we get for handing you Curt Schilling on a silver platter? Did you already forget that without this gift, you never even beat the Yanks in '04? Or win your first World Series title in 86 years?
But go ahead...keep crying about the Cardinals quitting that day...knowledgeable fans call it resting...that's what smart teams do when they're banged up and have the division in the bag. And I'd rather my team be known as quitters than cheaters anyway. I couldn't be happier that you choked away your perfect season in Arizona. Enjoy watching the game in the freezing cold...I hope you have a thousand, excruciating flashbacks. by CardsFan1 January 18, 7:35 AM
Here, here. Fuck the Patriots and all their spoiled little fans.
Friday, January 16, 2009
The Championship Weekend
Are There Enough Reasons There Will Be No All-PA Super Bowl?
Good gawd, was that Cardinals beating of Carolina and Jake Delhomme's 5 interception bloodshed one of the most unexpected things in recent NFL post-season memory? Let's face it, even if you detest the success of the QB Jesus as much as I do, the Cards look like they're coming together a bit both defensively and with respect to their running game. I simply can't support them. It's the joke card.
The Titans beat themselves against the Ravens thus in some ways you have to believe the Ravens are sort of here by default.
The Jints, as I suspected, folded. Yes, the Iggles were tough. Yes, the Iggles are on a great run since Donovan was McBenched but let's face it, they didn't really stop the run (one senses the myth of the Iggles defence is overblown) and it was really more a matter of how much Eli sucked than how good the D was.
The Steelers were saved in a way by the football bouncing off a helmet, Charger Luck, let's call it. But they won fair and square and they're home again against a Raven team they've lucked out again twice already this season.
Still, a better result last week picking winners, 3-1.
IGGLES @ CARDINALS
So what's on about these Cardinals then? The league laughingstocks all season long are suddenly looking ominous and formidable? Everyone is on about Fitzgerald this week, but the real tough guy of this Cardinals receiving corps is Anquan Boldin, who made the four tough guys list:
Aye, funny man, calling who, all the people in Philly who wanted to dump him into the river two months ago?
*I made the mistake of calling for an All-PA Super Bowl a few years ago. Philly made it but the Steelers lost to the Patriots and McNabb ended up puking on the field in the Super Bowl.
*The Eagles are really the only team left to root for, so I will. Which means they will lose. The Steelers and Big Ben have had their Super Bowl, ditto the QB Jesus, ditto Ray Lewis and the Ravens. I mean, the Eagles - Ravens is the Super Bowl matchup I want to see which means there's like zero chance of that ever happening now. That's the results gods for me. Pick a team to like and guaranteed they will lose.
*The Phillies have already won the World Series for Philly. Do you REALLY think Philadelphia is going to be the host of TWO World Championship teams?
Yeah, the Iggles beat the piss out of the Cards on Thanksgiving to a 48-20 tune but we all know that means nothing now. The Cards defence has been a turnover machine, forcing 9 in their two playoff games. Turnovers are often a secret of success. That and of course, their suddenly invigorated running game. In fact, if the Cards are able to beat the Iggles, it will be down to the running game keeping the blitzing Iggles defence off-balance.
Another factor to consider is how miserable the Iggles have been historically in NFC Championship games. They've won only once in four tries so far.
I'm riding on one thing and one thing only, Kurt Warner and his obnoxious wife nauseate me. Even god is sick of the pair of them by now.
That, and the Iggles having outscored opponents by a 20-0 margin in the 4th quarters of the playoffs.
The Cardinals are the biggest underdog in this round since the 1979 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who were getting 3½ points from the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC title game. The Rams won and covered, 9-0. The previous year, the Rams were 4-point home underdogs to the NFC title game to the Dallas Cowboys. Dallas prevailed, 28-0.
The Cardinals receivers will definately cause some problems for the Philly defensive backfield but the difference between this and last week may be that Warner isn't going to have sufficient time to look at all his receivers. He's going to be harried and he's going to make a few mistakes this time.
The key will be to take the game away from the crowd early on - say, a Philly interception and an early Philly score. Momentum shift to the Cards for the most of the rest of the game before a big, big Philly comeback in the 4th quarter.
PHUCK IT: PHILLY 33 Arizona 28
*****
RAVENS AT STEELERS
The Ravens at the Steelers is certainly just going to be one side smashing the other smash smash smash smash smash. The Ravens have a rookie QB and a rookie coach, neither of which has mattered one iota since the start of the post season. The Ravens are Rollin and that's all there is to it. Not striking fear in everyone's hearts like they did a few years back whilst mauling the Jints in the Super Bowl, but nobody wants to see this defence.
IF the Steelers can run on the Ravens, they will win, simple as. That's what they did to the Chargers, demoralised them with their running game and that's what they'll have to do this weekend.
WILLIE PARKER HAS NEVER RUSHED FOR MORE THAN 63 YARDS VS. BALtimore.
Fewest yards allowed by conference title foes
Season Teams Average
1973 Oakland at Miami 230.0
1971 Baltimore Colts at Miami 232.6
1978 Dallas at L.A. Rams 246.9
1969 Kansas City at Oakland 247.6
2008 Baltimore at Pittsburgh 249.1
Something else to think about: Ben Roethlisberger was sacked an NFL-high 46 times in the regular season. Think blitz-happy Ravens aren't excited about this? That's why the Steelers MUST run the ball with success to advance.
The Steelers have won 7 of the last 8 games they've hosted the Ravens in.
Steelers were lucky in two meetings this season. Baltimore had more yards, time of possession and first downs than Pittsburgh in the first game and in the second game, the Ravens led almost the entire second half, until the Steelers scored on a controversial touchdown with 50 seconds left. They were lucky against the Chargers last weekend and Big Ben isn't likely to help hand the game to the Ravens like the Titans did last week.
So the way I see this game developing is that the Steelers will try and run and they probably won't have alot of success and Big Ben will throw a pass or two and get beaten up good every time he does.
The Ravens offence, I think, just doesn't have the tools to take on the Steelers' LBs and overall defence.
STEELERS 17 RAVENS 13
Are There Enough Reasons There Will Be No All-PA Super Bowl?
Good gawd, was that Cardinals beating of Carolina and Jake Delhomme's 5 interception bloodshed one of the most unexpected things in recent NFL post-season memory? Let's face it, even if you detest the success of the QB Jesus as much as I do, the Cards look like they're coming together a bit both defensively and with respect to their running game. I simply can't support them. It's the joke card.
The Titans beat themselves against the Ravens thus in some ways you have to believe the Ravens are sort of here by default.
The Jints, as I suspected, folded. Yes, the Iggles were tough. Yes, the Iggles are on a great run since Donovan was McBenched but let's face it, they didn't really stop the run (one senses the myth of the Iggles defence is overblown) and it was really more a matter of how much Eli sucked than how good the D was.
The Steelers were saved in a way by the football bouncing off a helmet, Charger Luck, let's call it. But they won fair and square and they're home again against a Raven team they've lucked out again twice already this season.
Still, a better result last week picking winners, 3-1.
IGGLES @ CARDINALS
So what's on about these Cardinals then? The league laughingstocks all season long are suddenly looking ominous and formidable? Everyone is on about Fitzgerald this week, but the real tough guy of this Cardinals receiving corps is Anquan Boldin, who made the four tough guys list:
Anquan Boldin suffered such an injury in Week 4 against the Jets in the Meadowlands. When Boldin was hit from behind by Kerry Rhodes it drove his head into the oncoming helmet of Eric Smith. The collision was so violent it made Kurt Warner start thinking seriously about stepping away from the game.
Boldin was left with a concussion, two facial fractures and a jaw that had to be reattached using eight plates and 40 screws. Upon leaving surgery Boldin refused post-op analgesics, declaring simply, "I don't do pain meds."
Aye, funny man, calling who, all the people in Philly who wanted to dump him into the river two months ago?
*I made the mistake of calling for an All-PA Super Bowl a few years ago. Philly made it but the Steelers lost to the Patriots and McNabb ended up puking on the field in the Super Bowl.
*The Eagles are really the only team left to root for, so I will. Which means they will lose. The Steelers and Big Ben have had their Super Bowl, ditto the QB Jesus, ditto Ray Lewis and the Ravens. I mean, the Eagles - Ravens is the Super Bowl matchup I want to see which means there's like zero chance of that ever happening now. That's the results gods for me. Pick a team to like and guaranteed they will lose.
*The Phillies have already won the World Series for Philly. Do you REALLY think Philadelphia is going to be the host of TWO World Championship teams?
Yeah, the Iggles beat the piss out of the Cards on Thanksgiving to a 48-20 tune but we all know that means nothing now. The Cards defence has been a turnover machine, forcing 9 in their two playoff games. Turnovers are often a secret of success. That and of course, their suddenly invigorated running game. In fact, if the Cards are able to beat the Iggles, it will be down to the running game keeping the blitzing Iggles defence off-balance.
Another factor to consider is how miserable the Iggles have been historically in NFC Championship games. They've won only once in four tries so far.
I'm riding on one thing and one thing only, Kurt Warner and his obnoxious wife nauseate me. Even god is sick of the pair of them by now.
That, and the Iggles having outscored opponents by a 20-0 margin in the 4th quarters of the playoffs.
The Cardinals are the biggest underdog in this round since the 1979 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who were getting 3½ points from the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC title game. The Rams won and covered, 9-0. The previous year, the Rams were 4-point home underdogs to the NFC title game to the Dallas Cowboys. Dallas prevailed, 28-0.
The Cardinals receivers will definately cause some problems for the Philly defensive backfield but the difference between this and last week may be that Warner isn't going to have sufficient time to look at all his receivers. He's going to be harried and he's going to make a few mistakes this time.
The key will be to take the game away from the crowd early on - say, a Philly interception and an early Philly score. Momentum shift to the Cards for the most of the rest of the game before a big, big Philly comeback in the 4th quarter.
PHUCK IT: PHILLY 33 Arizona 28
*****
RAVENS AT STEELERS
The Ravens at the Steelers is certainly just going to be one side smashing the other smash smash smash smash smash. The Ravens have a rookie QB and a rookie coach, neither of which has mattered one iota since the start of the post season. The Ravens are Rollin and that's all there is to it. Not striking fear in everyone's hearts like they did a few years back whilst mauling the Jints in the Super Bowl, but nobody wants to see this defence.
IF the Steelers can run on the Ravens, they will win, simple as. That's what they did to the Chargers, demoralised them with their running game and that's what they'll have to do this weekend.
WILLIE PARKER HAS NEVER RUSHED FOR MORE THAN 63 YARDS VS. BALtimore.
Fewest yards allowed by conference title foes
Season Teams Average
1973 Oakland at Miami 230.0
1971 Baltimore Colts at Miami 232.6
1978 Dallas at L.A. Rams 246.9
1969 Kansas City at Oakland 247.6
2008 Baltimore at Pittsburgh 249.1
Something else to think about: Ben Roethlisberger was sacked an NFL-high 46 times in the regular season. Think blitz-happy Ravens aren't excited about this? That's why the Steelers MUST run the ball with success to advance.
The Steelers have won 7 of the last 8 games they've hosted the Ravens in.
Steelers were lucky in two meetings this season. Baltimore had more yards, time of possession and first downs than Pittsburgh in the first game and in the second game, the Ravens led almost the entire second half, until the Steelers scored on a controversial touchdown with 50 seconds left. They were lucky against the Chargers last weekend and Big Ben isn't likely to help hand the game to the Ravens like the Titans did last week.
So the way I see this game developing is that the Steelers will try and run and they probably won't have alot of success and Big Ben will throw a pass or two and get beaten up good every time he does.
The Ravens offence, I think, just doesn't have the tools to take on the Steelers' LBs and overall defence.
STEELERS 17 RAVENS 13
Monday, January 05, 2009
DIVISIONAL PLAYOFFS; ANOTHER GRAND OPPORTUNITY TO PROVE PREDICTIVE INEPTITUDE
A normal man would throw in the towel by now. Final week's prediction nearly all going pear-shaped. Wrong on 3 out of 4 Wild Card Playoff Games. Why stop now? Perhaps Sports Amnesia can set an historic mark for wrong-headedness.
Analyse what?
I'm just going to root for the teams I hate least at this point and frankly, if I had my druthers we'd be seeing a Philly @ Carolina NFC Final and a Ravens @ Steelers AFC Final with an All-Pennsylvania Finale on the mark in conjunction with the Phillies' World Baseball title.
But just because I want it means it probably won't happen. In fact, bet on it not happening. Ideally what I should start doing is picking against my gut instincts, the opposite of whatever I think initially.
Briefly, that wildcard weekend was more shocking than anyone expected. Manning out in OT without a chance to even touch the ball before losing? Boo hoo. The Colts vauted O, buried as it was so deep in its territory so often, failed to do the business when it mattered most and hell, getting held to such a low score by the Chargers Defence is simply absurd. They didn't deserve to advance. Really. And now I am forced to wonder if Dungy retires whether or not all those big name coaches like Cowher and Shanahan and Holmgren would fall all over themselves to coach the Colts and Manning. That's coach integrity for you. Say one thing, do another. But I kind of doubt Dungy will retire on such a sour note.
Would serve everyone right to have the Dumpster Super Bowl; Cardinals v Chargers.
SATURDAY
RAVENS AT TITANS: i agree with anyone who thinks that these two toughest defences are going to shut down the running games of each other and leave the QBs and special teams to make the difference. What does that mean? Rookie against Has-Been-Revived Been?
Ravens D is slightly better at creating turnovers and give up slightly fewer TDs.
Who cares what happened in these previous matchups? This is going to be a slugfest just like the earlier 13-10 match this season, that's all you need to know.
Here's something hidden to root for: Kerry Collins gets knocked out and Vince Young nearly brings Titans back from big deficit to create a nice QB controversy for next season.
Factors: Ravens have momentum. Titans have more experience at head coach and QB.
Prediction: Ravens 17 Titans 16.
Please, please don't give these two a platform anymore...
CARDINALS AT PANTHERS: Ok, nearly the entire world wrote off the Cardinals D and the Jesus Freak QB and yet here they are, on the verge of the NFC Championship game.
Ideally, the two things to consider is Arizona's 0-5 record on the East Coast and getting absolutely rubbished in all of those games. Versus the Panthers' 8-0 record at home, which included a defeat of these very same Cardinals.
Of course, it all means nothing.
Offensively, it's Carolina's running game against Arizona's Jesus Attack. Defensively, a virtual toss-up bar the Cardinal propensity to surrender big passing TDs on the East coast.
Prediction: Panthers 23 Cardinals 17 in Overtime.
SUNDAYS GAMES
EAGLES AT GIANTS: A sure bloodbath. Two cities that hate each other, two defences that can put on some hurting, one defending World Champion the other one of the hottest teams in football. Of course the Colts proved being hot is meaningless in the scheme of the postseason apparently.
No Plax means Eli Manning has no deep threat, go-to-guy to rescue him in what is sure to be a smothering, blitzing Philly defence.
Nice ugly defensive game.
Early on, the Giants are rested but the Iggles can ride a hot McNabb much in the same way the Giants can ride a hot Jacobs on the run. If the Iggles can stop him and force Manning to win it, I say Manning has shot his wad. Maybe even his career wad with that game last season in the Super Bowl. Since he was benched midway through week 12, McNabb has thrown 10 touchdowns with two interceptions, and the Eagles are 5-1.
The Jints are not rolling into the postseason like last year. They're sort of sliding in on the heels of losing three of their last four.
The last time they slid into the playoffs was in 2006, when they lost six of their last eight and ended up losing a first-round game at Philadelphia, 23-20, on a last-second field goal. And that year they at least had a rousing, season-saving 34-28 win in Washington in Week 17.
They have never before lost three of their final four games before opening the playoffs.
This game is a pure toss up. I don't even think homefield advantage matters in this one. Let's not forget thought that the Iggles are only two weeks away from that abysmal performance against the Deadskins and are always a threat to bury themselves with their own mistakes.
Prediction: Iggles 20 Giants 10
CHARGERS AT STEELERS: Chargers are THE hot team going into this weekend but then again, the Steelers haven't played yet and they survived one of the most brutal schedules in the league.
Philip Rivers is 14-0 in December games and he is 3-2 in the postseason not to mention the fact he is at the top of his game at just the right time.
Again, the fact that the Chargers are playing like they should have been all season means this game is probably a toss up.
Dunno how Darren Sproles is going to do against the Steeler defence in the frigid air now that LD alleges he's probably not going to be able to go in a key playoff game for the second year running but this story on Sproles is fascinating or, at the very least, historical:
I'm certainly going to be rooting for him.
Whilst the Steeler defence is notably difficult to overcome, the Chargers defence has been transformed under Ron Rivera, who took over for the fired Ted Cottrell. James Harrison, Defensive Player of the Year, leads the Steelers. Two brutal defences and I'm going to go out on a limb and state that given two great QBs and two great defences, the winner of this game is going to get to the Super Bowl.
Prediction: Steelers 23 Chargers 20.
A normal man would throw in the towel by now. Final week's prediction nearly all going pear-shaped. Wrong on 3 out of 4 Wild Card Playoff Games. Why stop now? Perhaps Sports Amnesia can set an historic mark for wrong-headedness.
Analyse what?
I'm just going to root for the teams I hate least at this point and frankly, if I had my druthers we'd be seeing a Philly @ Carolina NFC Final and a Ravens @ Steelers AFC Final with an All-Pennsylvania Finale on the mark in conjunction with the Phillies' World Baseball title.
But just because I want it means it probably won't happen. In fact, bet on it not happening. Ideally what I should start doing is picking against my gut instincts, the opposite of whatever I think initially.
Briefly, that wildcard weekend was more shocking than anyone expected. Manning out in OT without a chance to even touch the ball before losing? Boo hoo. The Colts vauted O, buried as it was so deep in its territory so often, failed to do the business when it mattered most and hell, getting held to such a low score by the Chargers Defence is simply absurd. They didn't deserve to advance. Really. And now I am forced to wonder if Dungy retires whether or not all those big name coaches like Cowher and Shanahan and Holmgren would fall all over themselves to coach the Colts and Manning. That's coach integrity for you. Say one thing, do another. But I kind of doubt Dungy will retire on such a sour note.
Would serve everyone right to have the Dumpster Super Bowl; Cardinals v Chargers.
SATURDAY
RAVENS AT TITANS: i agree with anyone who thinks that these two toughest defences are going to shut down the running games of each other and leave the QBs and special teams to make the difference. What does that mean? Rookie against Has-Been-Revived Been?
Ravens D is slightly better at creating turnovers and give up slightly fewer TDs.
Who cares what happened in these previous matchups? This is going to be a slugfest just like the earlier 13-10 match this season, that's all you need to know.
Here's something hidden to root for: Kerry Collins gets knocked out and Vince Young nearly brings Titans back from big deficit to create a nice QB controversy for next season.
Factors: Ravens have momentum. Titans have more experience at head coach and QB.
Prediction: Ravens 17 Titans 16.
Please, please don't give these two a platform anymore...
CARDINALS AT PANTHERS: Ok, nearly the entire world wrote off the Cardinals D and the Jesus Freak QB and yet here they are, on the verge of the NFC Championship game.
Ideally, the two things to consider is Arizona's 0-5 record on the East Coast and getting absolutely rubbished in all of those games. Versus the Panthers' 8-0 record at home, which included a defeat of these very same Cardinals.
Of course, it all means nothing.
Offensively, it's Carolina's running game against Arizona's Jesus Attack. Defensively, a virtual toss-up bar the Cardinal propensity to surrender big passing TDs on the East coast.
Prediction: Panthers 23 Cardinals 17 in Overtime.
SUNDAYS GAMES
EAGLES AT GIANTS: A sure bloodbath. Two cities that hate each other, two defences that can put on some hurting, one defending World Champion the other one of the hottest teams in football. Of course the Colts proved being hot is meaningless in the scheme of the postseason apparently.
No Plax means Eli Manning has no deep threat, go-to-guy to rescue him in what is sure to be a smothering, blitzing Philly defence.
Nice ugly defensive game.
Early on, the Giants are rested but the Iggles can ride a hot McNabb much in the same way the Giants can ride a hot Jacobs on the run. If the Iggles can stop him and force Manning to win it, I say Manning has shot his wad. Maybe even his career wad with that game last season in the Super Bowl. Since he was benched midway through week 12, McNabb has thrown 10 touchdowns with two interceptions, and the Eagles are 5-1.
The Jints are not rolling into the postseason like last year. They're sort of sliding in on the heels of losing three of their last four.
The last time they slid into the playoffs was in 2006, when they lost six of their last eight and ended up losing a first-round game at Philadelphia, 23-20, on a last-second field goal. And that year they at least had a rousing, season-saving 34-28 win in Washington in Week 17.
They have never before lost three of their final four games before opening the playoffs.
This game is a pure toss up. I don't even think homefield advantage matters in this one. Let's not forget thought that the Iggles are only two weeks away from that abysmal performance against the Deadskins and are always a threat to bury themselves with their own mistakes.
Prediction: Iggles 20 Giants 10
CHARGERS AT STEELERS: Chargers are THE hot team going into this weekend but then again, the Steelers haven't played yet and they survived one of the most brutal schedules in the league.
Philip Rivers is 14-0 in December games and he is 3-2 in the postseason not to mention the fact he is at the top of his game at just the right time.
Again, the fact that the Chargers are playing like they should have been all season means this game is probably a toss up.
Dunno how Darren Sproles is going to do against the Steeler defence in the frigid air now that LD alleges he's probably not going to be able to go in a key playoff game for the second year running but this story on Sproles is fascinating or, at the very least, historical:
Well, no one can resist that sort of story, right? We all have a little bit of the scout in us, right? We all want to say we saw Springsteen before he got big, we caught Tom Hanks at a dinner theater, we bought a priceless painting from some street artist before she became famous. So I went to the game and watched a tiny little football player, who looked barely old enough to cross the street without holding hands, play on a high school football field under spotty lights. I saw him disappear and reappear. I saw him split in two and then split in two again. I saw him fly and stretch like a rubber band and transform himself into different shapes. He was remarkable.
I'm certainly going to be rooting for him.
Whilst the Steeler defence is notably difficult to overcome, the Chargers defence has been transformed under Ron Rivera, who took over for the fired Ted Cottrell. James Harrison, Defensive Player of the Year, leads the Steelers. Two brutal defences and I'm going to go out on a limb and state that given two great QBs and two great defences, the winner of this game is going to get to the Super Bowl.
Prediction: Steelers 23 Chargers 20.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
WILDCARD WEEKEND
Despite a rather embarassing performance predicting the final weekend of the NFL regular season, Sports Amnesia is back again with wild and wacky predictions for the first round of the playoffs involving the wild card submissions and the lesser-rans of the division winners.
At least the prediction of a Giants-Steelers Super Bowl is still intact and will remain so for at least another week since neither are playing this weekend.
For once, we can be thankful for a Patriot-less post-season.
EVERYONE is going against the home teams in these matchups, primarily because the wild cards would appear hotter or stronger than the likes of the Fins, Cardinals, Vikings or Chargers. Danger in unanimity, is what this crystal ball says. All the home teams are underdogs.
Since the advent of the 12-team format in 1990, home squads are 50-22 on wild-card weekend. Never have all four lost.
SATURDAY
ATLANTA AT ARIZONA: The Falcons, along with the Fins are two of the biggest turn-around teams in NFL history, rising from the dregs of the league to playoff spots. The Falcons have done this with a great running game and a rookie QB, namely Charger-reject Michael Turner and Matt Ryan.
Arizona has done it with an ageing Jesus Freak QB in Kurt Warner, some great wideouts and an unimpressive defence. In fact, the defence yielded 79 more points during the regular season than any of the other playoff teams. This points to the Cards being simply incapable of stopping the Falcons.
The Cardinals are 12-4 at home under coach Ken Whisenhunt.
Cardinals defence has been aggressive, despite not being all that impressive overall, claiming 30 turnovers this season but the Fantasy-stat offence gave up 30 turnovers as well. They have virtually no answer for the Falcons running game and frankly, if the Falcons stick to running the ball which is what they do best, they should beat the Cards into gradual submission.
Prediction: Falcons 31 Cardinals 26
*****
INDIANAPOLIS AT SAN DIEGO
In week 12,the host Chargers tied the game in the fourth quarter, but left 1:35 on the clock for Peyton Manning, who drove the Colts 35 yards downfield to set up Adam Vinatieri's 51-yard field goal as time expired.
Count on this game being equally tight. Despite the mysterious underperformance of the Chargers for most of the season, the Chargers are still a dangerous team offensively and they proved this in part, by storming back to overtake the Broncos' three game lead and win the division.
The Chargers have scored 52, 41, 22 and 34 points over their last four games. It isn't likely the Colts have an answer defensively even though their defence has performed admirably since their bye week so it would appear this game will simply be a matter of who has the ball last.
Over his last four games, Chargers QB Phillip Rivers has completed 64.7 of his passes for 1,054 yards and a 123.5 passer rating with 11 touchdowns and just one interception. Incredibly, Manning has been even better in that time, with 1,054 passing yards, an 85.6 completion percentage and a 135.7 passer rating to go with eight touchdowns and zero interceptions.
The issue of course is that Manning is Manning and will not be stopped, not even on the road and it is Manning who shifts the balance in what might be an epic playoff game.
Prediction: Colts 28 Chargers 26
*****
SUNDAY
BALTIMORE AT MIAMI
Naturally, the first order of business is the Ravens Defence. Only one team in the NFL was statistically better and the Ravens are the kind of defence that can bust anyone up but good. They force alot of turnovers but so does the Dolphins' rather underrated defence. Difference is, the Dolphins turn it over offensively far less than does this Colts offence led by rookie QB Joe Flacco.
Nonetheless, in Week 7 this season, the Ravens beat the Dolphins, 27-13, to snap a three-game losing streak. Baltimore stopped Miami's "Wildcat" offense, holding the Dolphins to 71 yards on the ground.
Does the combination of a weak-armed Miami QB and a terrific tag-team running game offset the Ravens' Defence? They say D wins games this time of year along with a running game - they don't say much about a rookie QB. Since 1970, rookie quarterbacks are 2-6 in playoff games
Prediction: Dolphins 26 Ravens 20
*****
PHILLY AT MINNESOTA
This games angle is that Eagles coach Andy Reid meets his former offensive coordinator Brad Childress.
The Iggles rose from the dead several times this season, notably after Donovan McNabb's miserable performance against the Ravens in Week 12, then a crappy showing in a loss against the Redskins in Week 16.
The most dangerous weapon (and perhaps only serious weapon) the Vikings have is Adrian Peterson who was held to just 70 yards in his only game vs. the Eagles last year.
The Iggles defence can be deadly and if Peterson is cut off the Vikes are stuck relying upon two lackluster QBs to save them. Doesn't sound good. Potentially, the biggest rout of the wildcard weekend:
Prediction: Iggles 48 Vikings 17
So my strongest prediction is that not ALL road teams will win this weekend. It just doesn't make sense, historically.
Despite a rather embarassing performance predicting the final weekend of the NFL regular season, Sports Amnesia is back again with wild and wacky predictions for the first round of the playoffs involving the wild card submissions and the lesser-rans of the division winners.
At least the prediction of a Giants-Steelers Super Bowl is still intact and will remain so for at least another week since neither are playing this weekend.
For once, we can be thankful for a Patriot-less post-season.
EVERYONE is going against the home teams in these matchups, primarily because the wild cards would appear hotter or stronger than the likes of the Fins, Cardinals, Vikings or Chargers. Danger in unanimity, is what this crystal ball says. All the home teams are underdogs.
Since the advent of the 12-team format in 1990, home squads are 50-22 on wild-card weekend. Never have all four lost.
SATURDAY
ATLANTA AT ARIZONA: The Falcons, along with the Fins are two of the biggest turn-around teams in NFL history, rising from the dregs of the league to playoff spots. The Falcons have done this with a great running game and a rookie QB, namely Charger-reject Michael Turner and Matt Ryan.
Arizona has done it with an ageing Jesus Freak QB in Kurt Warner, some great wideouts and an unimpressive defence. In fact, the defence yielded 79 more points during the regular season than any of the other playoff teams. This points to the Cards being simply incapable of stopping the Falcons.
The Cardinals are 12-4 at home under coach Ken Whisenhunt.
Cardinals defence has been aggressive, despite not being all that impressive overall, claiming 30 turnovers this season but the Fantasy-stat offence gave up 30 turnovers as well. They have virtually no answer for the Falcons running game and frankly, if the Falcons stick to running the ball which is what they do best, they should beat the Cards into gradual submission.
Prediction: Falcons 31 Cardinals 26
*****
INDIANAPOLIS AT SAN DIEGO
In week 12,the host Chargers tied the game in the fourth quarter, but left 1:35 on the clock for Peyton Manning, who drove the Colts 35 yards downfield to set up Adam Vinatieri's 51-yard field goal as time expired.
Count on this game being equally tight. Despite the mysterious underperformance of the Chargers for most of the season, the Chargers are still a dangerous team offensively and they proved this in part, by storming back to overtake the Broncos' three game lead and win the division.
The Chargers have scored 52, 41, 22 and 34 points over their last four games. It isn't likely the Colts have an answer defensively even though their defence has performed admirably since their bye week so it would appear this game will simply be a matter of who has the ball last.
Over his last four games, Chargers QB Phillip Rivers has completed 64.7 of his passes for 1,054 yards and a 123.5 passer rating with 11 touchdowns and just one interception. Incredibly, Manning has been even better in that time, with 1,054 passing yards, an 85.6 completion percentage and a 135.7 passer rating to go with eight touchdowns and zero interceptions.
The issue of course is that Manning is Manning and will not be stopped, not even on the road and it is Manning who shifts the balance in what might be an epic playoff game.
Prediction: Colts 28 Chargers 26
*****
SUNDAY
BALTIMORE AT MIAMI
Naturally, the first order of business is the Ravens Defence. Only one team in the NFL was statistically better and the Ravens are the kind of defence that can bust anyone up but good. They force alot of turnovers but so does the Dolphins' rather underrated defence. Difference is, the Dolphins turn it over offensively far less than does this Colts offence led by rookie QB Joe Flacco.
Nonetheless, in Week 7 this season, the Ravens beat the Dolphins, 27-13, to snap a three-game losing streak. Baltimore stopped Miami's "Wildcat" offense, holding the Dolphins to 71 yards on the ground.
Does the combination of a weak-armed Miami QB and a terrific tag-team running game offset the Ravens' Defence? They say D wins games this time of year along with a running game - they don't say much about a rookie QB. Since 1970, rookie quarterbacks are 2-6 in playoff games
Prediction: Dolphins 26 Ravens 20
*****
PHILLY AT MINNESOTA
This games angle is that Eagles coach Andy Reid meets his former offensive coordinator Brad Childress.
The Iggles rose from the dead several times this season, notably after Donovan McNabb's miserable performance against the Ravens in Week 12, then a crappy showing in a loss against the Redskins in Week 16.
The most dangerous weapon (and perhaps only serious weapon) the Vikings have is Adrian Peterson who was held to just 70 yards in his only game vs. the Eagles last year.
The Iggles defence can be deadly and if Peterson is cut off the Vikes are stuck relying upon two lackluster QBs to save them. Doesn't sound good. Potentially, the biggest rout of the wildcard weekend:
Prediction: Iggles 48 Vikings 17
So my strongest prediction is that not ALL road teams will win this weekend. It just doesn't make sense, historically.
Friday, December 26, 2008
FIVE QUESTIONS ON THE FINAL WEEKEND
After months of stretching the debacle of Sports Amnesia's previous NFL winners choices (New Orleans-SanDiego Super Bowl, pshaw!) it's time, not to ridicule my previous choices rather to embellish further on the season's outcome.
With that in mind, here are my selections in the key games with Playoff Implications and the resultant NFL Playoffs the majority of which, I wager in advance, without the benefit if Sky Sports, a monopoly of galactic influence which would charge a minimum of 40 quid a month to watch NFL games. (this in a country whose primary sport, football, cannot be seen EVER on a professional level without first ponying up the monthly charge of cable...), I will see about five minutes of which, as you can guess, takes some of the fun out of watching the season to begin with.
In any event:
1. Will the JETS beat the DOLPHINS and will the BILLS beat the PATS or JAGS beat the RAVENS to allow the Jets to creep into the playoffs?
Firstly, yes, Jets will beat Dolphins. I know everyone sees these as the trajectory of two opposite motion QBs; Favre, beaten and old, verge of retirement versus Pennington, defeating the team that rejected him, hot on the comeback trail and leading the Fins to completing a dramatic turnaround season. The rationale is that with everyone in the world seeing this as a Dolphins win and ultimately, the AFC East title. Jets in a thrillah, 23-21.
Secondly, no. The Pats are 23-2 in December since 2003 which means they don't lose this time of year unless its absolutely meaningless. Victory gives the Pats a chance at the AFC East and the Bills are well, Patsies this season. Patriots in a snoozer, 31-10.
Lastly, no. The late kickoff means by 4:15 the Ravens will know they HAVE to win to make the playoffs. Now the Jags have likely already packed for the winter holidays seeing as how they sport a crappy 5-10 record and playing the Ravens in Baltimore where the Ravens haven't given up more than 13 points all season, Ravens clinch their playoff spot with a 23-16 victory.
What it all means is that the Jets, for losing to rubbish Western teams all season on the road, will NOT make the playoffs, Favre may rightly retire and the Jets will be left in the same position they were at the end of last season: Huge Question Mark at QB and out of the playoffs. Bravo, but that's pretty much what you get when you spend millions on veterans either just past or beyond their prime. Late season gasping.
What it means for the Fins, similarly, is all or nothing results in nothing. Pats win the AFC East and the Ravens make it in as a wildcard.
2. Will the COWBOYS be able to overcome the IGGLES in Philly and can the RAIDERS upset the BUCS?
First of all, even though this is a vicious rivalry, for the game to mean anything for the Iggles with respect to playoff implications, the Raiders will have to beat the Bucs in the 1:00 kickoff match. Otherwise, its simply a golden opportunity to overturn the Cowboys' apple cart. There's alot of scenarios for a Cowboys playoff but if they win, they're in.
The Bucs have lost three in a row, including a beating at home at the hands of the Chargers. Not an impressive way to limp into the playoffs. Simply put, if they lose again, they're out and even if they win, they still need Dallas to lose to go forward. That's the kind of position losing three in a row just before season's end puts you in. Bucs nip this one, barely, 21-20.
All of which means the Iggles will kickoff their match with only the hopes of spoiling the Cowboys season keeping them from their own season being spoilt.
A simple glance in the direction of Tony Romo's post-season record, or perhaps one might suggest, Romo's record when the games matter most, for an insight on how this will play out.
Iggles 28-20 over choking-dog Romo and the Boys.
Result: Boys and Iggles out, Bucs in.
3. Does Minnesota or Chicago get in the playoffs to become the proverbial Midwestern sacrificial post-season goat?
The sad certainty is that one of these two teams are going to make it in.
If all things stay equal, i.e. both teams win, or perhaps more likely, both teams lose, the Vikings will back in on the basis of tiebreakers. That means the Bears need to the Vikes to lose to the Giants and they need to beat the Texans on the road. That's the ONLY way they get in (if my scenario above, that the Bucs actually win, works out). And whilst I was surprised they didn't blow it all against the Pack last week on MNF, all it probably means is that Bears fans can torture themselves an extra week.
The Bears are 5-0 in their last 5 games after a MNF appearance. By contrast, the Texans are 4-1 at home this season. To my thinking, the most important item of note is that the Texans seem to follow most any impressive victory with a loss. They beat the Titans at home a few weeks ago (then were crushed like grapes against the Raiders.)
There's a nagging feeling that the Bears simply can't advance to the playoffs because they don't deserve it but it says here the Bears 24 Texans 20.
Simultaneously, the Vikings will hosting a Giants team that might play its first team for the first half only, if that. Now, either the Vikes are so pathetic they can't even beat the Giants' 2nd team in the 2nd half, OR they will fall so far behind early that it won't matter - especially when you consider that the Giants have won the last 3 in Minnesota.
Derrick Ward will get his 1,000 yards rushing and the Giants will be only 5th team in history to have a pair of 1,000 yard rushers in the same season.
Giants win 30-13 and the Vikes spoil their season with turnovers.
Meaning of course, Bears fans get another week to suffer and host a wildcard game.
4. Can the Chargers complete their dramatic come-from-behind finish by beating the Broncos at home and make the Broncos the Official Jets of the West?
The short and sweet of this is that the Chargers have won four of the last five head to head matches whilst scoring twice as much as the Broncos. Granted, the Broncos haven't been as strong as the Chargers the last few seasons but the Broncs have spent the last five weeks losing to the Raiders, Carolina and Buffalo whilst barely beating KC and whipping the mediocre Jets.
Verdict: Chargers 38 Broncos 31
5. How will the other seedings shake out?
Based on the above results and a few others, here's how Sports Amnesia sees it:
NFC
1 NY Giants
2 Atlanta
3 Chicago
4 Arizona
WC Carolina
WC Tampa Bay
Meaning:
First Round NFC matchups:
Tampa Bay at Chicago
Carolina at Arizona
AFC
1 Tennessee
2 Pittsburgh
3 New England
4 San Diego
WC Indianapolis
WC Baltimore
First Round AFC Matchups:
Baltimore at New England
Indianapolis at San Diego
Based on all of the above, here are some far-reaching predictions:
NFC
Chicago 20 Tampa Bay 3
Carolina 33 Arizona 16
thus,
Chicago at Atlanta
Carolina at New York Giants
Atlanta 23 Chicago 13
Giants 27 Carolina 23
thus,
Atlanta at NY Giants
Giants 36 Atlanta 17
AFC
New England 17 Baltimore 16
Indianapolis 37 San Diego 28
thus,
Indianapolis at Pittsburgh
New England at Tennessee
Pittsburgh 28 Indianapolis 24
New England 31 Tennessee 14
thus,
New England at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh 27 New England 17
THUS
SUPER BOWL
NY Giants v Pittsburgh.
And if it gets this far, madames et messieurs, we'll let you know the Super Secret result.
After months of stretching the debacle of Sports Amnesia's previous NFL winners choices (New Orleans-SanDiego Super Bowl, pshaw!) it's time, not to ridicule my previous choices rather to embellish further on the season's outcome.
With that in mind, here are my selections in the key games with Playoff Implications and the resultant NFL Playoffs the majority of which, I wager in advance, without the benefit if Sky Sports, a monopoly of galactic influence which would charge a minimum of 40 quid a month to watch NFL games. (this in a country whose primary sport, football, cannot be seen EVER on a professional level without first ponying up the monthly charge of cable...), I will see about five minutes of which, as you can guess, takes some of the fun out of watching the season to begin with.
In any event:
1. Will the JETS beat the DOLPHINS and will the BILLS beat the PATS or JAGS beat the RAVENS to allow the Jets to creep into the playoffs?
Firstly, yes, Jets will beat Dolphins. I know everyone sees these as the trajectory of two opposite motion QBs; Favre, beaten and old, verge of retirement versus Pennington, defeating the team that rejected him, hot on the comeback trail and leading the Fins to completing a dramatic turnaround season. The rationale is that with everyone in the world seeing this as a Dolphins win and ultimately, the AFC East title. Jets in a thrillah, 23-21.
Secondly, no. The Pats are 23-2 in December since 2003 which means they don't lose this time of year unless its absolutely meaningless. Victory gives the Pats a chance at the AFC East and the Bills are well, Patsies this season. Patriots in a snoozer, 31-10.
Lastly, no. The late kickoff means by 4:15 the Ravens will know they HAVE to win to make the playoffs. Now the Jags have likely already packed for the winter holidays seeing as how they sport a crappy 5-10 record and playing the Ravens in Baltimore where the Ravens haven't given up more than 13 points all season, Ravens clinch their playoff spot with a 23-16 victory.
What it all means is that the Jets, for losing to rubbish Western teams all season on the road, will NOT make the playoffs, Favre may rightly retire and the Jets will be left in the same position they were at the end of last season: Huge Question Mark at QB and out of the playoffs. Bravo, but that's pretty much what you get when you spend millions on veterans either just past or beyond their prime. Late season gasping.
What it means for the Fins, similarly, is all or nothing results in nothing. Pats win the AFC East and the Ravens make it in as a wildcard.
2. Will the COWBOYS be able to overcome the IGGLES in Philly and can the RAIDERS upset the BUCS?
First of all, even though this is a vicious rivalry, for the game to mean anything for the Iggles with respect to playoff implications, the Raiders will have to beat the Bucs in the 1:00 kickoff match. Otherwise, its simply a golden opportunity to overturn the Cowboys' apple cart. There's alot of scenarios for a Cowboys playoff but if they win, they're in.
The Bucs have lost three in a row, including a beating at home at the hands of the Chargers. Not an impressive way to limp into the playoffs. Simply put, if they lose again, they're out and even if they win, they still need Dallas to lose to go forward. That's the kind of position losing three in a row just before season's end puts you in. Bucs nip this one, barely, 21-20.
All of which means the Iggles will kickoff their match with only the hopes of spoiling the Cowboys season keeping them from their own season being spoilt.
A simple glance in the direction of Tony Romo's post-season record, or perhaps one might suggest, Romo's record when the games matter most, for an insight on how this will play out.
Iggles 28-20 over choking-dog Romo and the Boys.
Result: Boys and Iggles out, Bucs in.
3. Does Minnesota or Chicago get in the playoffs to become the proverbial Midwestern sacrificial post-season goat?
The sad certainty is that one of these two teams are going to make it in.
If all things stay equal, i.e. both teams win, or perhaps more likely, both teams lose, the Vikings will back in on the basis of tiebreakers. That means the Bears need to the Vikes to lose to the Giants and they need to beat the Texans on the road. That's the ONLY way they get in (if my scenario above, that the Bucs actually win, works out). And whilst I was surprised they didn't blow it all against the Pack last week on MNF, all it probably means is that Bears fans can torture themselves an extra week.
The Bears are 5-0 in their last 5 games after a MNF appearance. By contrast, the Texans are 4-1 at home this season. To my thinking, the most important item of note is that the Texans seem to follow most any impressive victory with a loss. They beat the Titans at home a few weeks ago (then were crushed like grapes against the Raiders.)
There's a nagging feeling that the Bears simply can't advance to the playoffs because they don't deserve it but it says here the Bears 24 Texans 20.
Simultaneously, the Vikings will hosting a Giants team that might play its first team for the first half only, if that. Now, either the Vikes are so pathetic they can't even beat the Giants' 2nd team in the 2nd half, OR they will fall so far behind early that it won't matter - especially when you consider that the Giants have won the last 3 in Minnesota.
Derrick Ward will get his 1,000 yards rushing and the Giants will be only 5th team in history to have a pair of 1,000 yard rushers in the same season.
Giants win 30-13 and the Vikes spoil their season with turnovers.
Meaning of course, Bears fans get another week to suffer and host a wildcard game.
4. Can the Chargers complete their dramatic come-from-behind finish by beating the Broncos at home and make the Broncos the Official Jets of the West?
The short and sweet of this is that the Chargers have won four of the last five head to head matches whilst scoring twice as much as the Broncos. Granted, the Broncos haven't been as strong as the Chargers the last few seasons but the Broncs have spent the last five weeks losing to the Raiders, Carolina and Buffalo whilst barely beating KC and whipping the mediocre Jets.
Verdict: Chargers 38 Broncos 31
5. How will the other seedings shake out?
Based on the above results and a few others, here's how Sports Amnesia sees it:
NFC
1 NY Giants
2 Atlanta
3 Chicago
4 Arizona
WC Carolina
WC Tampa Bay
Meaning:
First Round NFC matchups:
Tampa Bay at Chicago
Carolina at Arizona
AFC
1 Tennessee
2 Pittsburgh
3 New England
4 San Diego
WC Indianapolis
WC Baltimore
First Round AFC Matchups:
Baltimore at New England
Indianapolis at San Diego
Based on all of the above, here are some far-reaching predictions:
NFC
Chicago 20 Tampa Bay 3
Carolina 33 Arizona 16
thus,
Chicago at Atlanta
Carolina at New York Giants
Atlanta 23 Chicago 13
Giants 27 Carolina 23
thus,
Atlanta at NY Giants
Giants 36 Atlanta 17
AFC
New England 17 Baltimore 16
Indianapolis 37 San Diego 28
thus,
Indianapolis at Pittsburgh
New England at Tennessee
Pittsburgh 28 Indianapolis 24
New England 31 Tennessee 14
thus,
New England at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh 27 New England 17
THUS
SUPER BOWL
NY Giants v Pittsburgh.
And if it gets this far, madames et messieurs, we'll let you know the Super Secret result.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
WEEK 2
How do you follow up a week full of big injuries and upsets?
JAGS(-5)over Bills -Bills arent facing a jet-lagged team this week.
Packers (-3) over LIONS - either the Lions really suck or the Falcons are going to the Super Bowl.
RAMS (+8.5) over Giants - surprise.
SEAHAWKS (-7) over Niners -
Dolphins (+6.5) over CARDS
Patriots (-1) over JETS - too easy to write off the Pats now that Brady's gone.
TEXANS (+4.5) over Ravens
CHIEFS (-3.5) over Raiders
BRONCOS (+1.5) over Chargers
Steelers (-6) over BROWNS
Eagles (+7) over COWBOYS
last week: 10-5
How do you follow up a week full of big injuries and upsets?
JAGS(-5)over Bills -Bills arent facing a jet-lagged team this week.
Packers (-3) over LIONS - either the Lions really suck or the Falcons are going to the Super Bowl.
RAMS (+8.5) over Giants - surprise.
SEAHAWKS (-7) over Niners -
Dolphins (+6.5) over CARDS
Patriots (-1) over JETS - too easy to write off the Pats now that Brady's gone.
TEXANS (+4.5) over Ravens
CHIEFS (-3.5) over Raiders
BRONCOS (+1.5) over Chargers
Steelers (-6) over BROWNS
Eagles (+7) over COWBOYS
last week: 10-5
Sunday, September 07, 2008
WEEK 1 PREDICTIONS
Ok, Thursday night football with these timezones, very difficult. For the record I was mildly surprised the Jints didn't perform an Openng night post-world champion flop. Nor was the defense as bad as presumed. Or, more likely, the Skins are just not ready for primetime.
Bengals (-1.5) over RAVENS
Joe Flacco, zero to hero in one pre-season? Nah. Hard to pick for the Bengals, a team forever rotting on the inside but even 9-7 covers.
Lions (-3) over FALCONS
Another rookie QB another loss. Yes Michael Turner could rush for 189 yards and yes both teams will proably run the ball like Woody Hayes' old OSU teams but this too will be a low scoring affair and the passing edge must go to the Lions.
Jets(-3) over DOLPHINS
So many good stories here: Two QBs with new teams, Fat Parcells back, Ricky Williams from bong hit to starting running back. Jets have reloaded and know Pennington's flaws and patterns. He will probably complete 20 dink passes and Ricky might even score but the Dolphin D is not up to the task. Favre is still learning the Jets O but seriously, would you rather rely on Pennington as your starting QB? I didn't think so.
PATRIOTS (-16.5) over Chiefs
Easy pickings. Mystery shrouds Tom Brady in first start back since Super Stunner '08. The Chiefs are the right team to come back against. Not unlike throwing against tackling dummies. My only concern is that the Pats jump to an early 5 TD lead and Brady comes out. Still, Chiefs can't score. Or defend. Herm Edwards? Nah.
Texans (+6.5) over STEELERS
I'm not convinced Big Ben is worth his significant paycheck. The Texans are in the second year of a good new coach and will be greatly improved. This will be closer than it should be.
TITANS (+3)over Jaguars
Alot of people like the Jags to the Super Bowl but is Gerrard is not capable of doing it on his own and the O line is too banged up to help the run. Is this Vince Young's season in the sun?
SAINTS (-3.5) over Bucs
Yes the Bucs beat the Saints twice last season but Nawlins survived the latest hurricane wave and this Saints team might well be Super. The Bucs won't outscore them.
NINERS (+2.5) over Cardinals
Neither team has a settled QB situation. The Cards are crap on the road and Frank Gore will roll.
BILLS (-1) over Seahawks
The Bills might well be the best team that doesn't make the playoffs this season. The Seahawks are going to be jet-lagged all day and the nucleus of that surprise team of a few years ago is like faded wallpaper.
EAGLES (-7.5) over Rams
Donovan McNabb is ready for one last hurrah. The Rams will struggle all season not to be the worst team in the NFL.
Panthers (+9) over CHARGERS
Week one is where the Panthers make their comeback statement now that Delhomme is finally back. They always field a tough D. Don't be shocked by an upset here, even on the road and despite SD's potentest of offensive attacks.
Cowboys (-5.5) over BROWNS
The Browns are a mess. There are big expectations which will make that mess all the bloodier. The Boys on the other hand will win the NFC East and won't choke til Round 2 of the payoffs.
Bears (+9.5) over COLTS
Lots of questions for Peyton, shown up by his kid brother and banged up. Unlike Brady and the Chiefs, da Bears are not the D you want to get the rust off against.
PACKERS (-2.5) over Vikings
If Favre were the Messiah everyone says he is, the Pack would have won more tan one Super Bowl. The Pack are a strong team and Aaron Rodgers has waited a long time to get here-he won't disappoint. The Vikes? The wanted Favre so wHat does that say about their current QB? Vikes D is good but they can't stop the O froM turning the ball over.
Broncos (+3) over RAIDERS
This is Jay Cutler's breakout season -it'd better be - he's my starting fantasy team QB. Da Raiders will be better this year than last year but tht's like saying AIDS isn't as bad as the ebola virus.
Ok, Thursday night football with these timezones, very difficult. For the record I was mildly surprised the Jints didn't perform an Openng night post-world champion flop. Nor was the defense as bad as presumed. Or, more likely, the Skins are just not ready for primetime.
Bengals (-1.5) over RAVENS
Joe Flacco, zero to hero in one pre-season? Nah. Hard to pick for the Bengals, a team forever rotting on the inside but even 9-7 covers.
Lions (-3) over FALCONS
Another rookie QB another loss. Yes Michael Turner could rush for 189 yards and yes both teams will proably run the ball like Woody Hayes' old OSU teams but this too will be a low scoring affair and the passing edge must go to the Lions.
Jets(-3) over DOLPHINS
So many good stories here: Two QBs with new teams, Fat Parcells back, Ricky Williams from bong hit to starting running back. Jets have reloaded and know Pennington's flaws and patterns. He will probably complete 20 dink passes and Ricky might even score but the Dolphin D is not up to the task. Favre is still learning the Jets O but seriously, would you rather rely on Pennington as your starting QB? I didn't think so.
PATRIOTS (-16.5) over Chiefs
Easy pickings. Mystery shrouds Tom Brady in first start back since Super Stunner '08. The Chiefs are the right team to come back against. Not unlike throwing against tackling dummies. My only concern is that the Pats jump to an early 5 TD lead and Brady comes out. Still, Chiefs can't score. Or defend. Herm Edwards? Nah.
Texans (+6.5) over STEELERS
I'm not convinced Big Ben is worth his significant paycheck. The Texans are in the second year of a good new coach and will be greatly improved. This will be closer than it should be.
TITANS (+3)over Jaguars
Alot of people like the Jags to the Super Bowl but is Gerrard is not capable of doing it on his own and the O line is too banged up to help the run. Is this Vince Young's season in the sun?
SAINTS (-3.5) over Bucs
Yes the Bucs beat the Saints twice last season but Nawlins survived the latest hurricane wave and this Saints team might well be Super. The Bucs won't outscore them.
NINERS (+2.5) over Cardinals
Neither team has a settled QB situation. The Cards are crap on the road and Frank Gore will roll.
BILLS (-1) over Seahawks
The Bills might well be the best team that doesn't make the playoffs this season. The Seahawks are going to be jet-lagged all day and the nucleus of that surprise team of a few years ago is like faded wallpaper.
EAGLES (-7.5) over Rams
Donovan McNabb is ready for one last hurrah. The Rams will struggle all season not to be the worst team in the NFL.
Panthers (+9) over CHARGERS
Week one is where the Panthers make their comeback statement now that Delhomme is finally back. They always field a tough D. Don't be shocked by an upset here, even on the road and despite SD's potentest of offensive attacks.
Cowboys (-5.5) over BROWNS
The Browns are a mess. There are big expectations which will make that mess all the bloodier. The Boys on the other hand will win the NFC East and won't choke til Round 2 of the payoffs.
Bears (+9.5) over COLTS
Lots of questions for Peyton, shown up by his kid brother and banged up. Unlike Brady and the Chiefs, da Bears are not the D you want to get the rust off against.
PACKERS (-2.5) over Vikings
If Favre were the Messiah everyone says he is, the Pack would have won more tan one Super Bowl. The Pack are a strong team and Aaron Rodgers has waited a long time to get here-he won't disappoint. The Vikes? The wanted Favre so wHat does that say about their current QB? Vikes D is good but they can't stop the O froM turning the ball over.
Broncos (+3) over RAIDERS
This is Jay Cutler's breakout season -it'd better be - he's my starting fantasy team QB. Da Raiders will be better this year than last year but tht's like saying AIDS isn't as bad as the ebola virus.
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
NFL POWER RANKINGS
1. New Orleans Saints- avoiding more hurricane disasters is the 1st sign of les bons temps to come. This is potentially the most fearsome offense of 2008-09.
2. New England Pats- last year`s Super Bowl flop was the harbinger of doom to come, or at least that`s what most of us cling to after the 18-0 run. The demise will liely be slow coming.
3. Dallas Cowboys- until the playffs anyway, a formidable team.
4. San Diego Chargers- when or if all the heavies are healthy, they could go all the way.
5. Indy Colts- Peyton's brother won it all faster. Peyton's leaky line will not keep him healthy forever.
6. NY Giants-mild super hangover and injury means the Dwill fall somewhat short.
7. Carolina Panthers-Jake is back. That should suffice.
8. Baltimore Ravens-must be crazy to go this high with an aging defensive nucleus, rookie coach and rookie QB but they'll limp to the top of their division by season's end,
9. Jax Jags-still not good enough to win the division but still a teamno one fancies playing
10. NY Jets-even with Broadway Brett and millions in aging free agents still only 2nd best team in Jersey.
11. Chicago Bears-run, run, run. Don't let any of the QBs pass.
12. Tennessee Titans- will start strong then fade, just missing the playoffs.
SUPER BOWL:Logically, given the above, Saints v. Pats but Pats will not even make it to the AFC final. Final score: Chargers 23 Saints 20.
1. New Orleans Saints- avoiding more hurricane disasters is the 1st sign of les bons temps to come. This is potentially the most fearsome offense of 2008-09.
2. New England Pats- last year`s Super Bowl flop was the harbinger of doom to come, or at least that`s what most of us cling to after the 18-0 run. The demise will liely be slow coming.
3. Dallas Cowboys- until the playffs anyway, a formidable team.
4. San Diego Chargers- when or if all the heavies are healthy, they could go all the way.
5. Indy Colts- Peyton's brother won it all faster. Peyton's leaky line will not keep him healthy forever.
6. NY Giants-mild super hangover and injury means the Dwill fall somewhat short.
7. Carolina Panthers-Jake is back. That should suffice.
8. Baltimore Ravens-must be crazy to go this high with an aging defensive nucleus, rookie coach and rookie QB but they'll limp to the top of their division by season's end,
9. Jax Jags-still not good enough to win the division but still a teamno one fancies playing
10. NY Jets-even with Broadway Brett and millions in aging free agents still only 2nd best team in Jersey.
11. Chicago Bears-run, run, run. Don't let any of the QBs pass.
12. Tennessee Titans- will start strong then fade, just missing the playoffs.
SUPER BOWL:Logically, given the above, Saints v. Pats but Pats will not even make it to the AFC final. Final score: Chargers 23 Saints 20.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
FINAL: Germany v Spain:
Well, it's all over in less than 24 hours and the final, I can't decide is either the least appealing of all options or bound to be a good final in any event regardless of the fact I can't stand either team.
Germany did it by lucking out against the Turks in their semifinal, out-Turkeying Turkey by scoring a last-minute goal of their own just moments after Turkey had a late score, yet again to come back and tie the match. For me, Turkey are the team of the tournament for their dramatic finishes, even if they didn't make it as far as the final. They made it further than anyone envisioned.
Spain did it by derailing the Russian over-hype train that everyone was knocking each other over trying to climb aboard. Let's face it, it's difficult to recall a more overhyped player than Arshavin, who didn't play in the first two games, allegedly dazzled for two more and then fizzled out on the big stage like a wet firecracker. I was rooting for Russia since they aren't Spain, who I can't stand anyway with their nancy boy strikers, rubbish backline and sometimes middling midfielders. But Russia didn't show up for the big match, shot their wad against the Dutch and that was that. PLUS, you had to figure after the first three underdogs advanced to the semifinal it only made sense that Spain, even though they were favoured, were the real underdog against the Russians solely for their storied history of choking in precisely these sorts of situations, and would therefore go through.
So it's the North against the South in the final and I don't really care which side wins.
*****
Although the final is still to be played I'm ready with my all-tournament team which is subject to change should someone unexpected score a hat-trick.
Keeper: Iker Casillas will be in the final but so is that glowering douchebag, Lehmann, so being there doesn't mean much. Casillas' high point was probably stopping the penalties against the Italians that sent them forward. The man who didn't however, Gianluigi Buffon, had a more stunning tournament from the three goal debacle against the Dutch (one of which was wrong and two more of which were virtually unstoppable), to the penalty he stopped against Mutu which kept Italy from immediate elimination, to one spectacular save against another when the Italy back line was one of the worst they've fielded in a decade. Buffon more than anyone, kept his team in the running and deserves to be the starting keeper.
Right Back: Hamit Altintop, Turkey.- the man of the match against both the Czechs and Croatia, Altintop was solid throughout. Other possible choices, Vedran Ćorluka, Croatia - or Sergio Ramos for Spain. Ćorluka in particular, a bright young spot with great forward motion who will likely end up as the team's starting centre back in due course.
centre back: Hands down, Carles Puyol - for once his team hasn't crashed out early and Puyol, one of the best defenders in the world, consistent throughout bar the early exit against Sweden with the bum knee. He helped shut the Russians down with a brilliant performance and might well be one of the keys if they are to defeat Germany tonight.
Left back: Very close between Yuri Zhirkov whose every game sounded like jerk off jerk off jerk off but was one of Russia's better players despite being held scoreless, and my favourite, Giovanni van Bronckhorst whose clearance sent the Dutch forward for their 2nd goal against Italy and set the Dutch scoring machine in motion, the king of the fastbreak for the Dutch. There will be those whingeing for Philipp Lahm, especially after his game-winner against the Turks but less face it, his defence was quite often rubbish, including the opening half against Turkey and he relied too often on cheap fouls to compensate for a lack of skill.
Defensive Midfielder: Konstatin Zyryanov comes to mind although he was more forward than defending, he scored the winner against Greece and was solid against the Swedes to get the Russians back on track after that hideous opening (and closing) match against Spain. The winner though, is Marcos Senna for Spain who did a brilliant job helping Pujols shut down the Russians in the semi-final. Orlando Engelaar may have found himself in this tournament performing quite competently, gets a vote for honourable mention.
Right midfield: Bastian Schweinsteiger was, along with Wayne Rooney, one of the bright young stars of Euro2004. Rooney was busy marrying his ChavCow girlfriend in a crass display of imperial money wasting and Schweinsteiger was busy kicking ass, getting a red card against Croatia and scoring against the Portugese and Turkey. Andrés Iniesta had a brilliant semi-final against the Russians but too little too late. Darijo Srna was one of the strongest on a strong right sided attack for Croatia.
Centre midfield - Sorry, gotta go with the Germans here again in the form of Michael Ballack. Very true he was nearly invisible against Croatia but that sizzling goal against Austria was one of the strongest of the tournament and his engine in the middle when he was running well, was driving the Germans forward. However, he might miss the final which would knock him out of the running, as far as I'm concerned. There's a real glut here though. A vote could be made for Cesc Fàbregas who was absolutely brilliant in the matches he played in, even coming off the bench and he clearly outplayed Arshavin who might have been given the nod if he wasn't so overhyped and had played better in the semi-final. Likewise Luka Modric, the new Tottenham Spur who will likely be crushed in the Premiership ultimately but has quite a motor on him and watching his pace is worthwhile. And Hakan Yakin certainly merits a vote considering he was a scoring machine for a team with no offence. My favourite would be Wesley Sneijder for the Dutch, who was great whilst the Dutch were hot but they plunged out so suddenly and quietly that you almost forgot about those first two matches against Italy and France wherein he was simply brilliant and had two memorable goals. Yes, there is your winner.
Left midfield: You might be tempted by Lukas Podolski as the easy choice with three goals but he disappeared after the first two games and unless he scores a hattrick in the final, he's not my guy. Arjen Robben would have been a logical choice, that brilliant goal against France but as he was with Chelsea and in Spain this season, he's a brittle little fucker who is hurt more than healthy and that in the end, spells his demise. David Silva has had flashes, and normally Ronaldo would fit in here automatically but he had a rather rubbish tournament combined with a disappointing finish so eff him, he's won enough stuff this season with Man U. Instead I'm picking Roger Guerreiro, the anti-Pole when you consider that nation's skinhead racist tendancies it must be difficult for a Brasilian to survive in Poland even if he is a decent footballer. Impressed against both Germany and Austria.
Forwards: : One thing for certain, it isn't going to be Toni who had the worst tournament for a forward and most certainly the most missed shots of anyone on earth. Good thing Mario Gomez was there to keep him company in ignominy. I would have voted for Ivica Olić but for those crossbars against Turkey. Nope, the guy I'd want most up front would be Semih Sentürk and I would pair him with David Villa more because of that late, clutch winner against Sweden than his hattrick against the Russians. If I were desperate, I'd play Hakan Yakin up instead of in midfield and there you go, quite a side.
Manager: No doubt about it: GUUS
As for tonight's final, traditional winners against traditional losers. Simply because I think Lehmann is a big, noisy douchebag and a rubbish keeper to boot, I'm going to go with Spain. Class over Schmutz. Spain 3 Germany 2. And it will be a good match.
Well, it's all over in less than 24 hours and the final, I can't decide is either the least appealing of all options or bound to be a good final in any event regardless of the fact I can't stand either team.
Germany did it by lucking out against the Turks in their semifinal, out-Turkeying Turkey by scoring a last-minute goal of their own just moments after Turkey had a late score, yet again to come back and tie the match. For me, Turkey are the team of the tournament for their dramatic finishes, even if they didn't make it as far as the final. They made it further than anyone envisioned.
Spain did it by derailing the Russian over-hype train that everyone was knocking each other over trying to climb aboard. Let's face it, it's difficult to recall a more overhyped player than Arshavin, who didn't play in the first two games, allegedly dazzled for two more and then fizzled out on the big stage like a wet firecracker. I was rooting for Russia since they aren't Spain, who I can't stand anyway with their nancy boy strikers, rubbish backline and sometimes middling midfielders. But Russia didn't show up for the big match, shot their wad against the Dutch and that was that. PLUS, you had to figure after the first three underdogs advanced to the semifinal it only made sense that Spain, even though they were favoured, were the real underdog against the Russians solely for their storied history of choking in precisely these sorts of situations, and would therefore go through.
So it's the North against the South in the final and I don't really care which side wins.
*****
Although the final is still to be played I'm ready with my all-tournament team which is subject to change should someone unexpected score a hat-trick.
Keeper: Iker Casillas will be in the final but so is that glowering douchebag, Lehmann, so being there doesn't mean much. Casillas' high point was probably stopping the penalties against the Italians that sent them forward. The man who didn't however, Gianluigi Buffon, had a more stunning tournament from the three goal debacle against the Dutch (one of which was wrong and two more of which were virtually unstoppable), to the penalty he stopped against Mutu which kept Italy from immediate elimination, to one spectacular save against another when the Italy back line was one of the worst they've fielded in a decade. Buffon more than anyone, kept his team in the running and deserves to be the starting keeper.
Right Back: Hamit Altintop, Turkey.- the man of the match against both the Czechs and Croatia, Altintop was solid throughout. Other possible choices, Vedran Ćorluka, Croatia - or Sergio Ramos for Spain. Ćorluka in particular, a bright young spot with great forward motion who will likely end up as the team's starting centre back in due course.
centre back: Hands down, Carles Puyol - for once his team hasn't crashed out early and Puyol, one of the best defenders in the world, consistent throughout bar the early exit against Sweden with the bum knee. He helped shut the Russians down with a brilliant performance and might well be one of the keys if they are to defeat Germany tonight.
Left back: Very close between Yuri Zhirkov whose every game sounded like jerk off jerk off jerk off but was one of Russia's better players despite being held scoreless, and my favourite, Giovanni van Bronckhorst whose clearance sent the Dutch forward for their 2nd goal against Italy and set the Dutch scoring machine in motion, the king of the fastbreak for the Dutch. There will be those whingeing for Philipp Lahm, especially after his game-winner against the Turks but less face it, his defence was quite often rubbish, including the opening half against Turkey and he relied too often on cheap fouls to compensate for a lack of skill.
Defensive Midfielder: Konstatin Zyryanov comes to mind although he was more forward than defending, he scored the winner against Greece and was solid against the Swedes to get the Russians back on track after that hideous opening (and closing) match against Spain. The winner though, is Marcos Senna for Spain who did a brilliant job helping Pujols shut down the Russians in the semi-final. Orlando Engelaar may have found himself in this tournament performing quite competently, gets a vote for honourable mention.
Right midfield: Bastian Schweinsteiger was, along with Wayne Rooney, one of the bright young stars of Euro2004. Rooney was busy marrying his ChavCow girlfriend in a crass display of imperial money wasting and Schweinsteiger was busy kicking ass, getting a red card against Croatia and scoring against the Portugese and Turkey. Andrés Iniesta had a brilliant semi-final against the Russians but too little too late. Darijo Srna was one of the strongest on a strong right sided attack for Croatia.
Centre midfield - Sorry, gotta go with the Germans here again in the form of Michael Ballack. Very true he was nearly invisible against Croatia but that sizzling goal against Austria was one of the strongest of the tournament and his engine in the middle when he was running well, was driving the Germans forward. However, he might miss the final which would knock him out of the running, as far as I'm concerned. There's a real glut here though. A vote could be made for Cesc Fàbregas who was absolutely brilliant in the matches he played in, even coming off the bench and he clearly outplayed Arshavin who might have been given the nod if he wasn't so overhyped and had played better in the semi-final. Likewise Luka Modric, the new Tottenham Spur who will likely be crushed in the Premiership ultimately but has quite a motor on him and watching his pace is worthwhile. And Hakan Yakin certainly merits a vote considering he was a scoring machine for a team with no offence. My favourite would be Wesley Sneijder for the Dutch, who was great whilst the Dutch were hot but they plunged out so suddenly and quietly that you almost forgot about those first two matches against Italy and France wherein he was simply brilliant and had two memorable goals. Yes, there is your winner.
Left midfield: You might be tempted by Lukas Podolski as the easy choice with three goals but he disappeared after the first two games and unless he scores a hattrick in the final, he's not my guy. Arjen Robben would have been a logical choice, that brilliant goal against France but as he was with Chelsea and in Spain this season, he's a brittle little fucker who is hurt more than healthy and that in the end, spells his demise. David Silva has had flashes, and normally Ronaldo would fit in here automatically but he had a rather rubbish tournament combined with a disappointing finish so eff him, he's won enough stuff this season with Man U. Instead I'm picking Roger Guerreiro, the anti-Pole when you consider that nation's skinhead racist tendancies it must be difficult for a Brasilian to survive in Poland even if he is a decent footballer. Impressed against both Germany and Austria.
Forwards: : One thing for certain, it isn't going to be Toni who had the worst tournament for a forward and most certainly the most missed shots of anyone on earth. Good thing Mario Gomez was there to keep him company in ignominy. I would have voted for Ivica Olić but for those crossbars against Turkey. Nope, the guy I'd want most up front would be Semih Sentürk and I would pair him with David Villa more because of that late, clutch winner against Sweden than his hattrick against the Russians. If I were desperate, I'd play Hakan Yakin up instead of in midfield and there you go, quite a side.
Manager: No doubt about it: GUUS
As for tonight's final, traditional winners against traditional losers. Simply because I think Lehmann is a big, noisy douchebag and a rubbish keeper to boot, I'm going to go with Spain. Class over Schmutz. Spain 3 Germany 2. And it will be a good match.
