NFL Week 15

Here are my picks for week 15:

Cleveland over Cinncinatti
New Orleans over Detroit
Miami over Kansas City
Atlanta over Minnesota
New England over Arizona
Carolina over New York Giants
49ers over Rams
Pittsburgh over Tennessee
Buffalo over Denver
Houston over Oakland
New York Jets over Seattle
Tampa Bay over San Diego
Chicago over Green Bay


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NBA Power Rankings v3

This is season is shaping up to be a three team race. The Celtics, Lakers and Cavs have been dominent this season, with the Celtics having won 15 in a row, and the Cavs have not even lost at home yet. Also, the Nuggets appear to have vaulted to the top with their trade for Chauncy Billups.

Biggest Jump: New York Knicks (from 24 to 14)

Biggest Drop: Philadelphia Seventy Sixers (from 12 to 18) and Utah Jazz (from 4 to 10)

1. Boston Celtics (23-2)

2. Cleveland Cavailiers (20-4)

3. Los Angeles Lakers (21-3)

4. Denver Nuggets (17-8)

5. New Orleans Hornets (14-7)
6. Orlando Magic (19-6)

7. Detriot Pistons (13-9)

8. San Antonio Spurs (15-8)

9. Phoenix Suns (15-10)
10. Utah Jazz (15-11)
11. Portland Trailblazers (16-10)
12. Houston Rockets (16-9)

13. Atlanta Hawks (15-9)

14. New York Knicks (11-14)

15. Dallas Mavericks (13-10)

16. Miami Heat (12-12)

17. New Jersey Nets (12-11)

18. Philadelphia 76ers (10-14)
19. Toronto Raptors (10-14)
20. Chicago Bulls (11-13)

21. Indiana Pacers (8-16)

22. Milwaukee Bucks (11-15)

23. Memphis Grizzlies (9-16)

24. Golden State Warriors (7-18)

25. Sacramento Kings (7-19)
26. Charlotte Bobcats (8-18)

27. Los Angeles Clippers (7-17)

28. Minnesota Timberwolves (4-20)

29. Washington Wizards (4-18)

30. Oklahoma City Thunder (2-24)

NFL Power Rankings Week 15

Last weeks games showed why I had the Steelers at the top, as they drove 92 yards in the final minutes for the game winning (tho controversal) touchdown agaisnt one of the best defenses in the league. The Giants continued there fade from the top, but they get a chance to prove they can still be the class of the NFC when they play the Panthers this week.

Biggest Rise: Texans (from 26 to 16)
Biggest Fall: Jets (from 8 to 12)

1) Pittsburgh Steelers (11-3)
2) Carolina Panthers (11-3)
3) Tennessee Titans (12-2)
4) Indianapolis Colts (10-4)
5) New York Giants (11-3)
6) Baltimore Ravens (9-5)
7) Philadelphia Eagles (8-5-1)
8) Atlanta Falcons (9-5)
9) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-5)
10) New England Patriots (9-5)
11) Dallas Cowboys (9-5)
12) New York Jets (9-5)
13) Miami Dolphins (9-5)
14) Minnesota Vikings (9-5)
15) Arizona Cardinals (8-6)
16) Houston Texans (7-7)
17) Denver Broncos (8-6)
18) New Orleans Saints (7-7)
19) Chicago Bears (8-6)
20) San Diego Chargers (6-8)
21) Green Bay Packers (5-9)
22) Washington Redskins (7-7)
23) San Fransico 49ers (5-9)
24) Buffalo Bills (6-8)
25) Jacksonville Jaguars (5-9)
26) Seattle Seahawks (3-11)
27) Cleveland Browns (4-10)
28) Oakland Raiders (3-11)
29) St Louis Rams (2-12)
30) Kansas City Chiefs (2-12)
31) Cincinnati Bengals (2-11-1)
32) Detriot Lions (0-14)

Samuel, Dawkins make Pro Bowl

So much for all of the talk of Brian Dawkins demise.

Today it was announced that Dawkins was going to his 7th Pro Bowl as an Eagle, and he will be joined by new comer Asante Samuel. Dawkins has 123 tackels, 4 forced fumbels, 1 interception and 9 tackels for a loss.

Samuel leads the Eagles with 4 interceptions, 1 touchdown and he leads the NFL with 21 passes defended. This will be Samuels first trip to the Pro Bowl with the Eagles, and his 2nd overall.

Eagles v Browns Recap

A win is a win, and at this point in the season, they are all lovely, no matter who the oppenent is. With that being said, there were both some positives and negatives to take out of last nights game.

What I Liked:

1) Jason Avant: Avant had his first 100 yard receiving day of his career, and really is cementing himself as the third wide reciever on this team. He is strong and physical, and sometimes looks like another 81 that used to play for the Eagles when he is running over DB's. He has great hands, and has really had a great year.

2) McNabb: How do you not bring him back next year? Even if it takes an extension to hepp him happy, this team is nothing without 5 under the center. He hit 9 different recievers last night on his way to 290 yards. He did throw that 1 interception, but other then that, he has been the reason this team has turned it around. Since the benching, he has been dominent, and if the Eagles are foolish enough to get rid of him, teams will be lining up to get him.

3) Asante Samuel and Stewart Bradley: They both had interceptions last night, and Samuel brough his in for a touchdown, which really put the game away. I'll forgive Samuel for nearly throwing it away, as that touchdown really broke the game open. Bradley also chipped in with 6 tackels to lead the team.

What I Didn't Like:

1) Wildcat Formation: I understand that if Jackson throws that ball a little better, then it is regarded as a great play. But he didn't. Because he is not a quarterback. McNabb had the hott hand, and the Eagles were moving the ball down the field without any trickery at all. They should have just kept doing it the old fashioned way, and not tried to get fancy.

2) Red Zone Problems: I already mentioned the Jackson problem in the redzone, but the Eagles did not perform well all night down there. Two drives got stalled in the first half that should have led to touchdowns, but instead they were field goals. McNabb also threw an interception at the end of the first half. Agaisnt a team like the Browns at home, you can afford to take 3 instead of 7. But next week on the road in a division game, you need to get that 7.

3) End of the First Halfs: The Eagles should really just kneel it from here on out on the last play of the half. Three times the Eagles have lost all momentum on the last play, and they got lucky last night that they didn't get that interception run back for a touchdown to make it a 1 score game. Great hustle by Westbrook and Baskett to save that play.

Stayin Alive

Last night, the Eagles took care of business. They easily dispatched the Cleveland Browns, winning 30-10, but it was not a dominant performance. It just looked that way because they were playing the Browns.

They had two interceptions in the red zone, one by Donovan McNabb and the other by DeSean Jackson. Asante Samuel nearly threw away a touchdown, ala Jackson vs the Cowboys in week 2. So it wasn't the cleaniest performance, but after what we saw vs the Bengals earlier in the year, the fact the Eagles came out and beat an inferior opponent is a good sign to the growth this team is showing.

Now, with 2 weeks to go, the playoff picture is becoming more clear. The Eagles stand at 8-5-1, trailing Tampa Bay, Atlanta, and Dallas by 1 game. If the Eagles win out, and the Falcons or Bucs loose 1 game, that means the Eagles will be in the playoffs.

The Falcons face the Vikings this week, who demolished the Cardinals behind 4 touchdown passes from Tavaris Jackson this past weekend. The game is in Minnesota, which helps the Vikings. They are 5-1 at home, and the Falcons are a subpar 3-4 on the road. If the Falcons don't lose this game, they are virtually guarenteed a playoff spot, with a game vs the Rams the following week.

The Bucs lost to the Falcons this weekend, and have a visit from San Diego this weekend. The Chargers stand at 6-8, but are still alive for the playoffs. They have everything to play for this week. The Chargers have been competitive all year long, with close loses to the Steelers, Colts and Falcons. They are much better then there record indicates. The Bucs have lost two in a row, so they need to get back on track. They have gone from a lock to go to the playoffs to a team that might be left out. If they win this game, they face the Raiders the last game of the season, so they would be almost a lock then.

For the Cowboys, it is simple: beat the Eagles, and they are in. However, they have a huge road block in the way, with the Baltimore Ravens coming into town this weekend. The Ravens are going to be hungry after a crushing, controversial lost to the Steelers this past weekend.

Of course, this all hinges upon the Ealges winning this weekend in DC. So while everybody looks to the week 17 matchup vs the Cowboys as the decider, the Eagles will know alot more about their playoff chances this coming up weekend.

Panic Time

This weekend, when the 76ers fired Maurice Cheeks, they not only pushed the panic button.

They slammed on it with a sledge hammer repeatedly.

Just 23 games into the season, the Sixers stood at 9-14. Coming into the season, they were expected to compete for one of the top spots in the East. If they playoffs had started today, they would be on the outside looking in. That would be dissapointing based even on last year, when the Sixers finished 7th in the East. After spending mega bucks in the off season, the Sixers felt they had to make a move. And you can't fire a team, so Cheeks had to go.

Whether or not it was a good move can be debated. The Sixers had to do someting, and Cheeks was the most expendable. But, last season they started out slow and they came back. So you could argue that he should have got a chance to turn it around.

But since they pushed the panic button, lets push it hear on Philly Stand Up.

A trade needs to be made. The fact that Thaddeus Young is coming off the bench is a joke. He needs to be starting. That means either Andre Iguodala has to play the 2, or he has to go. By my estimate, there are only 2 players on the Sixers other teams might want- Iguodala or Andre Miller. The Sixers are not trading Elton Brand, Samuel Dalembert makes to much, and Louis Williams is the best young player on the team. That leaves Iggy and Miller. 

Miller is an attractive piece for other teams because he makes 10.5 million a year, and this is the last year on his contract. Iguodala just signed a huge contract, might he is up and coming, and can be very helpful to a team. Im not saying teams would line up to get up, but he is the most tradeable piece they have other then Miller. 

So we pushed the panic button, and we hit up the ESPN Trade Machine to see what the Sixers could do to maybe turn this season around, or look ahead to this off season.

Trade 1: Sixers receive Micheal Redd for Andre Iguodala, Willie Green and Reggie Evans

The Sixers need a shooter, and Kareem Rush isnt doing the job. Micheal Redd is a pure shooter, as well as a pure 2 guard. he can slash to the basket, and knock down the jumper. He is older then Iggy, but he comes off the books in 3 years, unlike the 6 Iggy has left. The Bucks make this move to start rebuilding, and with Richard Jefferson at the 3, they have a young running team to build around. Redd isnt part of their future, but he can thrive in Philly.

Trade 2: Sixers receive Raef LaFrentz for Andre Miller and Donyell Marshall

The Blazers are a young team, and are loaded at almost all positions. The one you could say they might need an upgrade in is point guard. Steve Blake has played well, and Jayrd Bayless is a future star, but for this season, Miller could work wonders for them. He can run, he can distribute the ball, and can score when he has to. He can also play defense, and the west is loaded with point guards- Chris Paul, Deron Williams and Steve Nash. Raef LaFrentz comes with an expiring contract of 12.3 million, and the Sixers could use that to sign a point guard in the off season, such as Mike Bibby. Or they could sign a shooter like Ben Gordan. This season, they could turn the point guard duties over to Louis Williams to see what they have him in. The Blazers also get cap relief this summer, with Andre Miller coming off the books at 10.5 million.

Trade 3: Sixers receive Raymond Felton and Adam Morrison for Andre Miller

If the Sixers don't go anywhere this season,  Miller is not going to resign here. That would leave a huge hole at point guard. But they could trade him this season for a young point guard who needs a new home, and that is Raymond Felton. Felton is averaging 13 ppg as well as 6 assists. The Bobcats drafted D.J. Augustine this year, which makes Felton expendable. Felton is also a free agent this year, so if it didn't work out in Philly, they could let him walk. The Bobcats are not going to compete this year, and getting Miller gives them 10 million in off season spending for the 2009 free agent market, or to hold onto for 2010. Miller could also help young Augustine develop while he was there, and then walk to a contender in the off season. Morrison would be a throw in, as he as been a draft bust. But he does shoot .400 from beyond the arc, which could help the Sixers.

Trade 4: Sixers receive Anthony Parker and Jason Kapono for Andre Iguodala.

The Sixers need shooting, and boy do they get it with this deal. Parker is shooting almost .400 from the arc, and Kapono is shooting almost .500 beyond the arc. They also can both play the 2 and can run. Kapono is one of the best spot up shooters in the league, and Brand could kick it out to him for an almost automatic 3 pointer. Meanwhile, the Raptors are fading fast, and a core of Chris Bosh. Andre Iguodala and Jose Calderon could compete in the East. This also could make up for when they passed on Iguodala in the draft. 

I think all of these trades would do 1 of 2 things- either improve the team this year, or give the team some cap space for the off season. While it is early in the season, it wasn't to early to fire Cheeks, so it shouldnt be to early to make other moves. 

Moyer Signs; So Does Pak

The Phillies made 2 moves today, all having to do with pitching:

1) In the most important move of the day, they have signed Jamie Moyer to a 2 year deal. The deal is a long home coming. There were reports that Moyer was talking to the Brewers, but it was assumed all along that he would sign here. The hold up was whether or not the Phillies would give him a 2nd year, which they ultimatly did. I'm happy they gave it to him, because he was a big part of there success last year, and deserved to get that extra year.

2) After signing Moyer to cement there top 4 starters (Hamels, Myers, Blanton, Moyer), the Phillies added Chan Ho Pak. Pak pitched for the Dodgers last season and had an ERA of 3.40. He said he signed with the Phillies because they wanted him to start, and because they were world champions. He is expected to compete with Kyle Kendrick and J.A. Happ for the 5th spot


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Cheeks Fired?

According to Steven A. Smith, the Philadelphia Seventy Sixers have fired coach Maurice Cheeks.

The Sixers have struggled out of the gate to a 9-14 record. But still, this is a shocking move. It's still early in the season, but this is a sign of desperation if I've ever seen one. This season is blowing up in the Sixers face.

Earlier in the week I read that Flip Saunders, who coached in Minnesota and Detriot, has been linked to the job. There's no doubt the Sixers have talent, so maybe this can be turned around.

But I don't think this was the answer, assuming Smith is correct.


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Bye Bye Burrell

Any chance Pat Burrell had of returning to the Phillies ended today when the Phillies agreed to terms with left feilder Raul Ibanez.

The deal is worth 30 million and will span over 3 years. Ibanez hit .293 last season with 23 homers and 110 RBIs. That was with the woeful Mariniers, so he will get more oppurtuinites behind Howard and Utley. He does bat left tho, which could mean 3 left handed batters in a row for the Phillies, assuming he takes Burrells spot.

Where will Burrell end up? My guess is an AL team that needs a big bat for their DH. Maybe the Angles?


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Hamels Slams Mets

Have truer words ever been spoken?

In a radio interview, Cole Hamels said that the last two seasons the Phillies knew that the Meta were choke artists, and they will be until they prove him wrong.

First off all, nothing is wrong with what he said. The Meta are choke artists. The last two year they have practically handed the Phillies the divion, including an embarresing last day of the season loss to the Marlins two years ago.

Meanwhile, the Phillies are World Series Champions. So the Mets have no right to say anything back, and we can say whatever we want. That's just how it's works when your champions.

Before this season, Carlos Beltran said that the Meta were the team to beat, deaperetly trying to appear as the same type of leader that Jimmy Rollins was he said that 2 years ago.

The Meta just are not the Phillies, and Im sure someone on the Mets will try to come back with something. But if they know what's good for them, they should just be quite and try to not choke again.


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NFL Week 15

Last weeks games had 2 major upsets, with the 49ers beating the Jets, and the Texans going into Lambeu and beating the Packers. This weeks games showcase two huge matchups, with the Giants at the Cowboys, and the Steelers at the Ravens.

Last week: 11-3
Season: 38- 18

Buccaneers at Falcons: I read today that Jeff Garcia is questionable, and if he dosnt play, that is going to really hurt the Bucs chances. Both teams are coming off loses, but I'll go with the Falcons to rebound at home.
Pick: Falcons

Redskins at Bengals: The Redskins continued to unravel in Baltimore, as they diane manage anything all night on offense. But they still are somehow alive in the playoff hunt. Pick: Redskins

Giants at Cowboys: This is a huge game for both teams. The Giants need to prove that they are still the class of the NFC without Plaxico. Last year on there Super Bowl run, they came together at the end of the season. Now? They need to get back in track in time for the playoffs. Brandon Jacobs will not play, which is going to hurt there chances. The Cowboys have to win this game if they wanna make the playoffs. If they loose this, it's all over. Everything tells me to take the cowboys, but they have not proved they can win a meaningul December game yet, and there are feuding internally. Pick: Giants

Lions at Colts: Are you serious? Pick: Colts

Chargers at Chiefs: If the Chargers win and the Broncos lose, the Chargers would be 2 back with 2 to go. So somehow, at 5 and 8, they are still alive for the division.

Patriots at Raiders: The patriots survived a scare last week at Seattle, but should bounce back to win this one handedly. Pick: Patriots

Seahawks at Rams: What an awful game. I'll go with the Seahawks, who played great last week. Pick: Seahawks

49ers at Dolphins: Im gonna resist the attempt to hop on the San Fran bandwagon, even though they are playing some great football. Pick: Dolphins

Bills at Jets: The Jets, who 2 weeks ago seemed to be a super bowl favorite, are now in the same boat as there fellow New York team: they need this win to gain momentum for the playoffs. If the jets get there. Pick: Jets

Vikings at Cardinals: It looks like the Tavarus Jackson will be the starter for the Vikings, who need to win to avoid falling into a tie with the Bears. But he won't be able to outscore the Cardinals at home. Pick: Cardinals

Broncos at Panthers: The Panthers are one of the hottest teams in football right now, maybe even better then the Giants. Pick: Panthers

Packers at Jags: This Packers team is way better then there record. But unfortunalty, come playoff time, that's all that matters. Pick: Packers

Steelers at Ravens: Bill Simmons, a writer I greatley respect, said that he thinks the Steelrs defenae is better on the road then at home. That's bad news for Joe Flacco. This will be a great game, and I think
Both teams will be going to the playoffs. But this week, the Steelers show why there #1 on my power rankings. Pick: Steelers

Titans at Texans: Upset alert. The Texans have quietly won 3 in a row, and are 4-2 at home. They also went into Lambeu last week and won. Imma go with them in an upset. Pick: Texans



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DeRosa to Phillies?

According to Philly.com, the Phillies are reportedly interested in the Chicago Cubs Mark DeRosa.

DeRosa can play both 2nd base and left field, and had 21 homers last season for the Cubs. The Phillies woudl reportedly send a minor league to the Cubs, which could be J.A. Happ. The Padres would also be involved in the deal, as they would send Jake Peavey to the Cubs.

This tells us two things about the Phillies off season plan. First, it looks like Pat Burrell will not be resigned, and the Phillies will go with a mix of DeRosa and Geoff Jenkins at left. Also, it tells us that maybe Chase Utley could miss more time then they are letting on, and that is why they feel the need to acquire DeRosa.

Remember, this is just a rumor, and ESPN says that the Cubc are no where near getting Peavey, which could affect the Phillies deal.

Mets Sign K-Rod

The New York Mets, one of the biggest choke artists in the MLB, hope to have solved that problem.

Today, the Mets agreed to a 3 year, 37 million doller deal with Fransico Rodriquez. Last season Rodriquez broke the single season record for saves in a season with 62. He had an ERA of 2.24 with 77 strike outs in 68.1 innings. He also blew 7 saves.

He is regarded as one of the best closers in the game, so this will help the Mets. Since they are trying to catch the division rival, World Champion Phillies, this move made sense, because they had one of the worst bull pens in baseball last year. But the Phillies still have them on this one, as Brad Lidge may not have had as many saves, but he was perfect, and didn't blow 1 save all season. The Mets new prize man blew 7. Lidge also had a lower ERA (1.95), and had more stike outs (92).

So basically, the Mets still suck.

NFL Power Rankings Week 14

We have a new #1 on the top of our Power Rankings this week, as the Pittsburgh Steelers have over taken the New York Giants for the #1 spot. I realize that the Giants only lost 2 games, and last week was just 1 game in a 16 week season, and if Dominik Hixon catches that ball, who knows what would have happened.

But he didnt.

And for the rest of the season, they'll have to relay on him, and not Plaxico Burress to catch that ball, and becasue of that, there no longer #1 in my books.

Biggest Increase: Ravens ( From 16 to 7)

Biggest Drop: Redskins (From 8 to 20)

1) Pitssburgh Steelers (10-3)
2) Tennessee Titans (12-1)

3) Carolina Panthers (10-3)
4) New York Giants (11-2)

5) Indianapolis Colts (9-4)

6) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-4)

7) Baltimore Ravens (9-4)
8) New York Jets (8-5)

9) Philadelphia Eagles (7-5-1)
10) New England Patriots (8-5)

11) Atlanta Falcons (8-5)

12) Dallas Cowboys (8-5)

13) Arizona Cardinals (8-5)
14) Miami Dolphins (8-5)
15) Denver Broncos (8-5)

16) Minnesota Vikings (8-5)
17) New Orleans Saints (7-6)

18) Green Bay Packers (5-8)

19) Chicago Bears (7-6)

20) Washington Redskins (7-6)

21) San Fransico 49ers (5-8)

22) Buffalo Bills (6-7)
23) San Diego Chargers (5-8)
24) Jacksonville Jaguars (4-9)
25) Cleveland Browns (4-9)
26) Houston Texans (6-7)

27) Seattle Seahawks (2-11)

28) Oakland Raiders (3-10)
29) St Louis Rams (2-11)
30) Kansas City Chiefs (2-11)

31) Detriot Lions (0-13)

32) Cincinnati Bengals (1-11-1)

Eagles v Giants Recap

What a huge win. When I looked at the Eagles playoff picture after there last loss to the Giants, I thought that they had to go 6-1 in the final 7 games to make the playoffs. When they tied the Bengals, then went on to lose to the Ravens, the playoffs looked like it had as much of a chance of happening as Andy Reid ordering diet coke. 

My how much can change in one Sunday.

With the Eagles win today, followed by losses by the Cowboys and the Redskins, the Eagles are now in the best position possible to make the playoffs. With the Giants, Cardinals, Buccaneers, Vikings and Panthers all likely to make it, that leaves 1 playoff spot for the Eagles, Cowboys, Redskins, and Falcons. The Eagles are only 1 game behind the Cowboys and Falcons, and .5 games ahead of the Redskins. The catch? They get to play the Redskins and the Cowboys. So there fate is in there hand. If they can win out, they will finish 10-5-1. That would leave the Cowboys at 10-6 and the Redskins at 9-8. If the Falcons win out, that would leave them  at 11-5, ahead of the Eagles. But they have a hard remaining 3 games, with a visit from the Bucs next week, and a trip to Minnesota the following week. Both teams will need to win those games. The Eagles better hope that they lose one of them, because the last one is vs the Rams, which is a sure win.

So its simple: The Eagles need to win out, the Falcons need to lose, and the Eagles are in.

With all that in mind, lets look at todays huge win.

What I Liked:

1) Coaching: For all of the blame I cast on Andy Reid, looking at the two games the Giants and the Eagles played this season, they look like night and day. I give the coaching staff the credit for obviosly making the better adjustments between games. 

2) The Defense: After getting burned for 219 rushing yards in their last meeting, the defense gave up only 88. And after yielding 36 points last time, they let up only 7 points in this one, and those 7 points were in garbage time. The defense absolutely dominated. They stopped the Giants on all 3 of their 4th down conversion attempts, and never let the Giants get in sync as an offense. They did get lucky on a drop pass by Dominck Hixon, but other then that, the Giants never even came close to scoring.

3) Brian Westbrook: Two great games in a row. After limping thru most of the season, the Brian Westbrook from last season might be back. That 30 yard touchdown run, he would not have been able to do that earlier in the year. Or that 40 yard touchdown catch. He appears as elusive and quick as ever, and thats bad news for the rest of the NFC East.

4) Kevin Curtis: True, he did only have 2 catches, but that first one was huge. It was still a game, and the Eagles has not scored. With the wind, and both teams struggling as offenses, I thought Curtis came down with a huge catch. I felt it got the offense rolling. It was a shame he got hurt later.

5) Donovan McNabb: While not his most impressive day stats wise (19/30, 191 yds, 1 TD), two things he did won the game for then: he ran the ball, and he did not turn it over. McNabb ran for two first downs in this game, which was huge. Everyone allways tells him to run it, and today he finally did. Why does he take that element away from his game? The other thing he did, not turning it over, was probaly the biggest. For a QB that never used to throw interceptions, he was throwing it away at an alarming rate these last few weeks. The last two weeks? Zero interceptions. Eagles Record? 2-0. 

Thing I Didn't Like:

1) Asante Samuel: I dont break down film, but from a fans point of view, I feel he has been a dissapointment. He has the same about of interceptions as Quiten Mikell, and I can think of numerous times he's been burned. Today he got in the way of a sure thing, game over Dawkins interception. 

2) Reggie Brown: Should he even be on the roster next year? I like the receiving core of Jackson, Curtis, Baskett, and Avant then throwing Brown in their. 

3) Antonio Pierce: First of all, he shouldn't have been on the field today. He was involved in a felony, and tried to hide the gun for Plaxico Burress. He was questioned by NYPD earlier in the week. So he shouldn't have been on the field. But on the field, he was called for numerous penalties, and looked pathetic as he tried to hold Westbrook on the ground as the Eagles tried to run their hurry up offense. 

4) First Win in Division: Does anybody realize that the Eagles are now 3-7 in their last 10 

NFC East games, and this was their first win this season? Man, those days of 6-0 seem like forever ago. 

Giant Boost

Don't look now, but the Eagles might be on to something.

9 days after beating the NFC West leading Cardinals, the Eagles continued there winning ways by beating the NFC East leading, Super Bowl defending New York Giants 20 to 14.

The thing most surprising other then the fact that the Eagles won? That the score dosnt even show how dominant the Eagles were. The Giants only scores came on a blocked field goal attempt, and a garbage time touchdown. Other then that, they really never even threatened.

Brian Westbrook had over 100 yards rushing, a 30 yard touchdown run, and a crucial 40 yard touchdown catch that put the game away. Donovan McNabb threw for 1 touchdown, ran for 3 first downs, but most importantly threw zero interceptions.

The Eagles did everything that has plagued them all year- dominated the time of possession, converted on 3rd downs, and ran the ball. They did all of this in a must win game, and now not only are there playoff hopes alive, they are bright.

The Atlanta Falcons lost to the Saints, dropping them to 8-5. The Eagles are now .5 games behind them, and own the tie breaker because of there victory over them earlier this season. If the Dallas Cowboys do their part and lose to the Steelers today, and they would also be 8-5, with the Eagles playing them the last game of the season.

Just like 1 bad game in Baltimore spelled doom for the season, 1 great game in New York has brought the season back to life.


-- Post From My iPhone

Are You Kidding Me?

What a joke

Today the NHL suspended Sean Avery, a member of the Dallas Stars, 6 games and ordered him to counseling after his comments regarding his former girlfriend, Elisa Cuthbert.

When asked about playing in Calgary, Avery said "it seems to be a common thing now, NHL players falling in love with my sloppy seconds". He was revering to the fact that a player on the Calgary team was currently dating Cuthbert. She has also been romantically linked to other players in the NHL.

While it is disrepectiful for him to say that, it by no means warrents a suspension. It wasn't racist or sexist. If anything, it is more of an insult to the player dating Cuthbert, not her.

The NHL said that something had to be done, and that his prior actions were taken into consideration. But he has never been suspended before, even though he did lead the NHL in penalty minutes the last two seasons. But if the NHL felt he was such a dirty player, then why has he never suspended before? I wonder if this was his only offense, if he would have been delt the same punishment?

Or a better question would be, what would happen if a girl said that about a boy? Like what if Mia Hamm and Nomad Garciaparra got divorced, and he started to date another soccer play? Had she said the same thing, I wonder how the public would take it. I have a feeling that the guy would been seen in a bad light, labeled as a player.

This whole situation is out of hand. ESPN in an article actually sensored it out of an article. Sloppy seconds? Is that really that bad of a term?

I don't think so, but I do think this whole thing is out of hand, and the NHL is just trying to show some muscle and get in the headlines.


-- Post From My iPhone

Cowboys v Steelers

For some reason, this game was ommoted from my usual weekly picks. I don't know why, but since I have to go into a whole post for it anyway, I'll discuss the game more in depth.

Other then the Buccaneers at Panthers Monday might matchup (what an upgrade from Houston Jacksonville) this is the best game of the weekend. The Cowboys are trying to prove they are once again a Super Bowl contender, after a mid season collapse has left them fighting for their playoff lives.

Since the return of Tony Romo, the Cowboys beaten Seattle, Washington and the 49ers. While a win is a win in the NFL, that isn't a hard 3 game stretch by any means. But it has allowed Romo to get back to his usual self, and it couldn't come at a better time.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have the best defense on the league, and it's going to be cold in Pittsburgh. The Cowboys offense is going to have to bring it's A+ game if they have any chance of leaving Heniz Field with a win.

Running on the Steeles defense is up easy task, and with the injury to Marion Barber (who is expected to play), they are going to have to win this game thru the air. And when you have to play on the road against a tough defense in the cold, you don't want to win the game like that.

The Cowboys defense is not in the same class at the Steelers. They have secondary problems, and the return of Pac Man from suspension will not help. The Steelers offense should be able to move the ball on them.

Right now the Cowboys are at 8-4, with the Eagles trailing them by 1.5 games. A Cowboys loss here would, coupled with an Eagles win, would put them only .5 games back, with a Week 17 matchup in Philly still looming.

Pick: Steelers


-- Post From My iPhone

Brand Out

The Sixers will try to turn things around tommorw night agaisnt the Detriot Pistons, but now they will have to do it without their best player.

ESPN is reporting that Elton Brand will not play Friday because of a strained right hamstring. Brand left the Sixers last game early with the injury.

NFL Week 14

I missed Week 13, except for the Thanksgiving day games. I went 2-0 during the day, but thankfully was wrong with the Eagles. Here are my picks for week 14 in the NFL.

Last Week (week 12 and thanksgiving): 9-7
Season: 27-15

Raiders at Chargers: For all of the talk about how bad the Raiders are, and what a joke they are to watch, the Chargers have 1 more win then the Raiders do. 1. Is LaDanian Tomlinson even a top 10 back in the NFL this season? Pick: Chargers

Dolphins at Bills: The Bills lost at home to the 49ers last week, as they fell to .500 on the season. This game is being played in a dome in Toronto, as the Bills try to expand their fan base.After this game, the Canadians might be asking for another team. Pick: Dolphins

Jags at Bears: The Bears are 1 game behind the division leading Minnesota Vikings, and need this win badly. The Jags have completely fallen apart, after getting smacked by the Texans Monday Night. This one is easy. Pick: Bears

Cheifs at Broncos: The Broncos have no choice but to win the AFC West, as they are the only team in it with a winning record. They played well last week in beating the Jets, to add onto their nice win at Atlanta two weeks ago. Pick: Broncos

Vikings at Lions: I will not pick the Lions the rest of the season. Pick: Lions

Texans at Packers: The Packers are two games out with 4 to play, so their playoff outlook is very very bleek. But after an emotional win last Monday Night, the Texans should help the Packers playoff chances. Pick: Packers

Browns at Titans: Are the Titans the best team in the AFC? Their come back win vs the Lions didn't show anybody anything excpet that the Lions suck. This game won't show anybody anything either. Pick: Titans.

Bengals at Colts: The Colts have been living dangerously on the edge on their comeback streak, and didn't score an offensive touchdown vs the Browns last weekend. This one should be easier tho. Pick: Colts

Falcons at Saints: With the Saints playoff hopes all but dead, they are now only playing for their pride and for Drew Brees attempt at Marinos record. But I think this one will be close. I am very tempted to take the Saints, but I can't make the jump. Pick: Falcons

Rams at Cardinals: How lucky are the Cardinals they get to play in the NFC West? Pick: Cardinals

Jets at 49ers: The 49ers beat the Bills last weekend, and are playing better football under Mike Singletary. Who would rather have him then Andy Reid? If the Jets had won last week, Id go 49ers, but if the Jets are really a Super Bowl contender, they have to bounce back. Pick: Jets

Pats at Seahawks: It dosn't matter the Seahawks had 9 days to prepare. I heard Mike Holmgren was near tears after the Thanksgiving day loss, and this one won't be much better. Pick: Pats

Redskins at Ravens: In a battle of teams only 90 minutes away from each other, both teams need this one badly. But I don't see the Redskins offense putting up anything vs the Ravens defense. Pick: Ravens

Bucs at Panthers: This is probaly the game of the week, as these two 9-3 teams will battle for the lead in the NFC South. The winner will have their playoff destiny in their own hands, and will probaly have a first round bye. I havn't been sold on the Panthers or the Bucs all year, but I think being at home, on Monday Night Football will do it for the Panthers. Pick: Panthers

State of The Sixers

The Sixers come back, dream season has not started how it was supposed to. The excitement of signing Elton Brand, and resigning Andre Iguodala and Louis Williams is gone. Now, after last nights loss to the Lakers, all that is left is a 8-11 team, who have lost 5 of their last 6.

Before we go into whats wrong with these Sixers, lets compare them to last seasons version. Last season, no body was expecting anything out of the Sixers at all. At this point last season, without Elton Brand, the Sixers were 6-13. That is only two games worse then this team. This years team has been over .500 1 time, while last years team did not manage to get over .500 until the 71 games into the season.

At this point last season, the Sixers were averaging 92 points per game, and allowing almost 95 points per game. This season, the Sixers are giving up the same amount of points, but are scoring 2 points less per game. Last years team finished 40-42, and were bounced in the first round of the playoffs. Does anyone see anything to make you think this year will end any differntly? The only differnce in my opnion is that the Sixers are now tied to the Elton Brand, Andre Igoudala combo for about 5 years.

No one on the team is having a particularly good season. Elton Brand is averaging 16 and 10, but came up small last night with only 3 points in a loss to the Lakers. Andre Iguodala is averaging 6 points less then last season, and is clearly adjusting to having Brand down low.

But with almost 1/4 of the season completed, its time to ask if maybe this team is what it is: a .500 team. Last time Elton Brand and Andre Miller were on the same team, it was with the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2002-2003 season. That team won a total of 22 games. While this Sixers team is better, it does show that maybe the Brand, Miller, Iguodala combination might not work. It hasn't so far. So far, all you can ask is, was it the right move to re sign Iguodala for all that money? Or would the Sixers have been better off signing Josh Smith?

There is still along to games to be played, but so far, this team looks like a failed experiment.

Plax Done for Season

In a move that surprised little, the Giants have placed wide receiver Plaxico Burress on the non football injury list, ending his season. That also went along with fines and suspensions for the rest of the season, for conduct detrimental to the team. 

Burress was the teams third leading receiver, but that is only because he demands double team coverage. He had 35 catches for 454 yards and 4 touchdowns. With him out of the lineup, the team will now relay on Amani Toomer, who has 39 catches for 480 yards and 4 touchdowns. While he has been productive as the number 2 receiver, it is yet to be seen if he can carry the load Burress did. Along with Steve Smith, they will have to keep defenses honest, as the team will now try to stop the run.

The Giants are 2-0 this season without Burress, but one was agaisnt the Seahawks. They also beat the Washington Redskins, but now that teams will be able to prepare for them knowing they won't have Burress, we'll see if they can keep it up. 

Around the NBA

With the NBA season about a month old, things are starting to come into shape, and story lines are developing.

1) Stephon Marbury Benched: When Marbury was first brought to New York, it brought the city alive, almost like their own son was coming back home to play. Now, be can't even get on the court. New coach Mike D'Antoni has decided Marbury is not part of the plans, and has not played him 1 minute this season. Surprisingly, Marbury has seemed to take it in stride, saying general qoutes like "it's not my call" and "I'll do what's best for the team".

That was until recently. In a long time coming tirade, Marbury called out his team mates, naming Quiten Richardson, saying that they stabbed him in the back by not sticking up for him. Finally, everyone has agreed it is better for him to just stay home. The Knicks are now working on what to do with him, whether it be trade him or buy him out.

One rumor out there has the Miami Heat trading Shawn Marion for him. I don't get why the Heat (or any team) would trade for him. The Knicks are going to buy him out. Then you can get Marbury at a discounted rate. I think Miami is the place for him. The Heat have young point guard Mario Chalmers, but Marbury would be a 1 year deal. And coming out if this situation, you'd have to think that he would be on his beat behavior, and try to prove people wrong, in hopes of getting a new contract.

Right now the Heat are 9-9, 4 games behind the Orlando Magic. Dwanye Wade is having an MVP year. If Marbury can play anywhere near what he is capable of, they have a real chance of making the playoffs.

2) Billups in Denver: When the Denver Nuggets and Detroit Pistons swapped points guards, I thought it was a good deal for both. And while there is still plenty of the season to go, the early winner looks like Denver. They are 11-3 in games that Chauncy Billups has played in. If the playoffs started today, they would be the number 2 seed.

Mean while, in Detroit, the honeymoon ended fast for Allen Iverson, as he has already been punished for missing a practice. There has also been rumbelings that Richard Hamilton is not happy with the amount of shots he is getting. I still they will turn it around, but right now, the clear winner in that trace appears to be Denver.

3) Portland Trailblazers: The season is still young, the the Trailblazers, if the playoffs started today, would be the 3 seed. They have impressive wins over the Pistons, Hornets, and Rockets. They are also undefeated at home. Greg Oden, after one of the worst starts to a career someone could have, has bounced back to average 8 points and 7 rebounds, highlighted by a 22 and 10 effort vs the Warriors. The Blazers should keep winning, as they face the Knicks and Wizards for their next 2.

-- Post From My iPhone

Phils Pass on Moyer, Burrell

Midnight came and went for the Phillies, as they decided not to offer pitcher Jamie Moyer and left fielder Pat Burrell arbitration.

That dosnt mean that they are not going to be with the Phillies next year, but it does mean that now they could walk and the Phillies will get nothing.

I don't understand why they wouldn't offer Moyer arbitration. Moyer is definitly at the end of his career, but arbitration would have given him pretty much a one year deal. That would be perfect for the Phillies. Now that have to negotiate a deal with him, and hope he accepts a one year offer.

With Burrell, I understand a little more. Burrell made 14 million last year, and after helping the Phillies win the world series, was due for a raise. I don't think the Phillies were ready to commit 17 million to Burrell, with big raises coming for players like Ryan Howard, Cole Hamels and Shane Victorino.

Let's hope the Phils have a backup plan, because if they lose both Moyer and Burrell, those are two holes that won't be able to be filled with role players.


-- Post From My iPhone

Phillies Start Off Season

A month since the Phillies took over the city of Philadelphia, they now must look to the future.

In their quest to repeat as World Champions, the Phillies have every single one of their key players returning. Barring some unforseen trade, the Phillies will return Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley and Cole Hamels. Though Hamels will be due for a raise, as well as Shane Victorino and Jayson Werth, all of them are expected to be back.

The two key Phillies who are in limbo are Pat Burell and Jamie Moyer. Today is the deadline for the team to offer both of them arbitration. It is expected that both will be offered, but that dosn't mean they will be signed. This just means that if another team signs them, the Phillies get draft picks in return.

Burrell has been on the team longer then any other player on the roster. However, if they had not won the World Series, the likely hood of him returning would be slim. Burrell had a good season, tallying 33 homers, 86 RBI's, and batted .250. However, he was seen as a defensive liablity and was taken out of many close games for both base running and defensive reasons. Though he has been consistent in his time in Philly, he has never been able to make that leap from good to great. He will want more money then the Phillies are willing to give him. But, people believe he wants to return to Philly, and the Phillies want him back for the right price. I find it unlikely he will be back, becasue a team that could use him as a DH could decide to through some money at him. Maybe the Angels, who will most likely loose Mark Texeira to the Red Soxs, will decide to take some of that money and throw it Burells way.

Jamie Moyer, probaly the best dead line pick up of Pat Gillicks time in Philly, is 46 years old, and is up for arbitration this year. He was a steady hand for the Phillies this season, and won game 3 of the World Series. He had a 3.71 ERA, and was 16-7 this season. He will probaly be back, as he is from outside of the Philly area and would like to return. It would also most likely be a one year deal, which would benefit the Phillies. If they are unable to sign Moyer, they could look to Derec=k Lowe or A.J. Burnett. Both are avaibale, and could be signed even if they to come to terms with Moyer. Lowe was 14-11 with a 3.24 ERA. He would be a good addition, as the Phillies would then have a rotation of Cole Hamels, Brett Myers, Derek Lowe, Joe Blanton, and Jamie Moyer.

The Phillies open spring training on Feb. 14.

Giant Twist

For years, Plaxico Burress has killed the Eagles in every game they have played him. But with the Eagles playing the Giants next week, they will not have to face Buress. Not this week.

Or possibly for the next 3 to 3.5 years.

While some details have been released, lets recap as to what is generally understood to be what took place on Friday night. With Burress already listed as out for the weekend game agaisnt the Redskins, he along with team mates Antonio Pierce and Ahmad Bradshaw. Burress was with his body guards, who were aware that he had a loaded gun on him. It later came out that team mate Stever Smith had been robbed earlier in the week, and this could be the reason for his descion to carry an illegal firearm (this hasn't been confirmed). After some drinks, I've read that Burress ws visibily drunk. His gun was in his pants, and at one point slipped down and into his pant leg. As Burress went to grab it, it went off, firing the bullet completely through his already injured theigh. Screaming in pain, team mate Pierce tried to stop the bleeding. At this point, Burress did not want to go to the hospital for fear of this getting out in the public, but eventually did go to see a doctor. He signed in under the alias Harris Smith, and was treated for the gun shot wound. It has also been reported that Pierce hid the gun for Burress, which is also a crime in New York.

Since that night, it has been reported that the hospital did not report Burress to the police, which is a law since he had a gun shot wound. This is a misdemeanor in New York. Also, it has been reported that Burress has been laughing and joking with team mates about it, and is not worried.

However, unless his fame gets him out, he should be. In New York, carrying an illegal firearm is a 3- 3.5 year sentence, no questions asked. Much like any case involving a high profile athlete, this could go both ways. Burress could cut a deal, and get off without serving any time. However, New York could try to make an example of him, and put him behind bars. I think that is the right thing to do. Not just as an Eagles fan, but as a citizen who does not want other people thinking that you can carry a gun illegally and get away with it just becasue you can catch a football.

This impacts the NFL a great deal. First off, the likely hood of Burress playing for the Giants again is slim. He has clashed with the coaches and management, and was on thin ice as it was. Now, why would the Giants welcome him back? They won the Super Bowl last year, and have won the two games that he has not played in this season. They suspended him earlier in the season for showing up late. I find it hard to believe they will welcome a felon back on thier team.

The next question is, what happens to Pierce? He, along with Jason Tuck, is the heart of the defense, and also the most vocal. What if he gets suspended for some games? Last year, the three most recongnizable and vocal members of the defense were Micheal Strahan, Osui Umanyuora and Pierce. Now, none of them could be on the field come Sunday.

The Giants already have the divison pretty much wrapped up, but this is going to kill what has been a feel good season for the Giants so far. This team is getting bad vibes around it at the wrong time. Last year at this time, they were starting to come together. Now, they are coming apart.

The winners in all this? The Eagles, who get 9 days to prepare for a team filled with turmoil.

Eagles v Cardinals Recap

The Eagles finally gave the fans something to be thankful for on Thursday, as they absolutely dominated the visiting Arizona Cardinals. It wasnt hard to tell which team needed it more, as the Eagles (for once all season) dominated the line of scrimmage and played harder. The Eagles pounded the Cardinals to the tune of 185 yards on the ground, which if you've been watching this team all season, is the most telling stat as to how dominent they were.

What I Liked:

1) Donovan McNabb: As with the quarterback of any team, it all starts with him. And this week, he delivered. McNabb came out hot, and led the Eagles to two first quarter touchdowns, which is 2 more then they had in the previous 6 quarters. McNabb finished 27 of 39 for 260 yards and 4 touchdowns. He led the Eagles to a touchdown in every quarter, and really put to sleep the critics who were calling for his head all week. It sad to say, but if all McNabb is playing for now is to up his trade value, then this game showed other teams that when McNabb is on his game, he's one of the best in the league.

2) Brian Westbrook: Finally, a Westbrook sighting. His two rushing touchdowns were as many as he had in the last 6 weeks combined, and he broke 100 yards on the ground for only the second time this season. He also caught two touchdowns, including the one that put the Eagles on the board first. Not only were his stats impressive, but if you watched the game, you noticed that the Westbrook that played on Thursday was not the same one that has been playing. He ran hard, fast, and was elusive. He averaged 5 yards a carry, his second highest average of the season. Hopefully, he can keep this up, and not fall back into a slump like after the Atlanta game.

3) Joselio Hanson: Hanson came up for the Eagles, starting in the place of the injured Asante Samuel, catching his first career interception. It came off of a Stewart Bradely tip, but Hanson showed good ball skills in making the catch even though it was behind him and tipped. While it is just one game, it says something that Jim Johnson put Hanson in as the starter over Lito Sheppard. I know that it was because Sheppard has played the Nickel Corner all season, but after manning the starting cornerback spot for years, he probaly could have done it. This showed faith in Hanson, and it also showed the Eagles will be moving on without Sheppard next season.

4) 3rd Down Conversions: Its not often a player who hasnt played a down all season for a team, comes in for a 3 yard rush and gets a standing ovation. But when Kyle Eckel came in and converted 3rd and 1 for the Eagles early in the first half, it was huge for the Eagles. It got the gorilla sized monkey off their back, and set the tone of success for the night. For the game, the Eagles were 10 of 15 on 3rd down, as compared to 3 of 10 for the Cardinals.

What I Didn't Like:

1) Inconsistency: When you win by 28 points, theirs not much to not like about the win. But after watching the Eagles play the Bengals and Ravens, you have to ask yourself, where was this team during those games? The Ravens defense is good, but the Bengals defense isn't. How come the Eagles coulnd't put up 48 on them? Its been the Eagles achielles heal all season, and hopefully they can keep up this momemtum into the next game.

2) NFC East: How much does it suck that the Eagles play in the NFC East? The Cardinals were the best team in the their division by far, and the Eagles killed them. For all of the biggest problems with the Eagles, maybe their biggest problem is their divsion. For most of the Andy Reid era, the divsion has been the Eagles friend, once going 6-0. But now the Eagles are in the toughest spot in the NFL, having to climb over 3 teams that are all in the top 10 in the NFL, just to make the playoffs.

3) Max Jean-Gillies: He went down for the season, and this isnt going to help an already depleated line.

4) Andy Reid: I know they won, but in a way, it irks me that he is probaly sitting in his office thinking "I knew it was the right move to bench McNabb." It still wasn't. And he still needs to go.

Cardinals at Eagles

After last weeks debacle agaisnt the Ravens, the Eagles look to keep there very slim playoff hopes alive. The schedule is hard, and it starts tonight when the Arizona Cardinals come to the Linc. Donovan McNabb reclaims his starting role and will try to get an offense on track that hasn't scored a touchdown in 6 quarters.

Why The Eagles Will Win:
1) Cardinals on the road: As loaded with talent the Cardinals are, that has never seem to translated to the road. They are no where the same team on the road as they are at home. their biggest road victory was at Seattle- and people were excited about that one. It'll be crazy in Philly tonight, and I don't know if the cardinals are ready.

2) Cardinals Schedule: The Cardinals have lost to the Giants, the Panthers and the Redskins. Those were the 3 hardest teams on the schedule. Their division has the 49ers, Rams and Seahawks in it. Those are 6 easy wins right there. So who knows how good this team really is.

3) McNabb: Afrer being benched last week, maybe McNabb will respond and return to his old form. He has to, because this is his last chance.

4) The Defense: As bad as the offense played last week, the defense played well. The 37 points let up is misleading, as the offense was pretty much responsible for all but 7 of them. As good as the Cardinals offense is, if the Eagles can get to Kurt Warner, who isn't mobile, they could really rattle the offense.

Why The Eagles Will Lose:
1) Asante Samuel hurt: The strentgh of the Cardinals are the wide recievers, with young wideouts Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin topping the group. Asante Samuel is the Eagles best cornerback, and is doubtful for tonight. If he can't go, the Eagles are in trouble.

2) Franchise in Dissaray: The Eagles are a mess right now. The head coach and the quarterback hate each other. Starters are being benches everyweek. This is not a team ready to go out and win a big game.

3) Injuries: Injuries have been one of the reasons that the Eagles season has gone the way it has. Tonight, Asante Samuel, Brian Westbrook and Correll Buckhalter are all hurt, and Samuel might not play. Buckhalter might not play either. That means alot of Lorenzo Booker and Dan Klecko. Is that getting anyone excited? Just the Cardinals

Prediction: Last week, I went with the Eagles in a homer pick, ignoring all the obvious. I can't do that this week. The Eagles are playing the worst football this franchise has played in awhile. Could the Eagles turn it on tonight and beat the Cardinals? Possible. Could the Cardinals choke under the pressure and come to Philly and lay an egg? Yeah. But nothing about the way the two teams are playing makes you think that would happen. The only reason the Eagles get respect anymore is because of their name, not their play. Tonight, I think McNabb will play better, but in the end, they lose a close one to put an end to their season.

Pick: Cardinals 27 Eagles 20

Thanksgiving Day Picks

NFL don't have much to be thankful for, as two of he three games today feature the Detroit Lions and the Seattle Seahawks.

Tennessee Titans at Detroit Lions: The Titans will have to do something they havnt done all season- rebound from a loss. The lions have shown improvement since Daunte Culpepper has been quarterback, and they breifly led Tampa Bay by 17 last week. But this won't be the week they break through and get the win. Pick: Titans

Seattle Seahawks at Dallas Cowboys: With the return of Tony Romo, Dallas has won two in a row and are back on the right track. Seattle got Matt Hasselback back last week, but that still wasn't enough to pull out the victory. It won't be today either. Pick: Cowboys

Do the Fans Win?

Last week, after a promising start to the young season, the New York Knicks traded away there two best players, Zach Randolph and Jamal Crawford. Zach Randolph was having a career year, averaging 21 points, 13 rebounds, and 1 assist. He was benefiting from new coach Mike D'Antoni's style of play. Crawford was also having a good season, averaging 20 points and almost 5 assists. The Knicks were an exciting team to watch, and after years of killing basketball in New York, they were a young promising team.

Donnie Walsh, GM of the Knicks, changed the outlook of the team in a matter of hours. First, he traded Jamal Crawford to the Warriors for power forward/ center Al Harrington. Then, he traded Zach Randolph to the Clipper for power forward Tim Thomas and shooting guard Cuttino Mobley. What did all of those players have in common? By 2010, they would be off the books, giving the Knicks almost 27 million dollers in salary cap space. That is the summer when players like LeBron James, Dwanye Wade, Chris Bosh and Amera Stoudemire could be free agents.

There is alot to get out of this trade. First, from a basketball perspective, the trade does not help the Knicks. The potential benefits are maybe Harrington, who can put it on the floor and take the outside shot, can flourish in D'Antoni's system just like Randolph. Also, by moving Crawford, the Knicks let Nate Robinson get more playing time, and they can develop him further. But other then that, it gives away there two best players, and makes them significantly worse. It also sends a message to the players that winning is not the number one priority in the orgainization right now.

This trade also calls into question what the Knicks motives were coming into this season. Did they showcase Randolph and Crawford for the sole purpose of trading them when they could? Are they even trying to win games, or just up the value of their players? My guess is that yes, that is exactly what they were doing. I think all along Walsh knew his goal was to free cap up for the 2010 off season. But this posts the question, is that wrong? And is it fair to the fans?

The fans can look at it two ways when a team completely gives up on the season for hopes of signing a free agent in the future. They could look at it in a positive way. The Knicks now have a chance to sign LeBron James, Dwanye Wade or Chris Bosh. Infact, they could even sign two of them. This would make them instant favorites to win an NBA Championship. It would also make them one of the most exciting and marketable teams in the league. The center of the basketball universe would once again be in New York.

But what if they don't sign any of those players. What if Wade decides to stay in Miami, or LeBron wins a championship this season in Cleveland and then re ups?What do the Knicks, and the fans, do then? They have sold the next two seasons away for a chance at these guys. The Knicks, more the likely, will not win a championship until then. So why would the fans root for them, knowing that there not trying to win. They might put up with it until 2010, but if that season starts without James or Wade in Madison Square Garden, the fans will be cheated and mad.

This situation is happening alot now in the NBA. Teams are losing to try to get number 1 picks. Selling seasons for money. Players are trying harder in contract years, and teams are quitting on their coach. In sports, the goal is to win. But should that come at the expense of the fans?

In the long run, this was a good trade for the Knicks. They werent going to win with the current team, so why not suffer for 2 years then hope to get LeBron. But for the fans, the Knicks have given them no team to root for until 2010, and maybe beyond. So why the Knicks orgainization might be the winner in this trade, the clear loser right now is the fans.

NBA Power Rankings v2

Alot has changed since our last power rankings. The Knicks, who were on the rise this season, pretty much sold there season away for a chance to compete for LeBron James in 2010. The Atlanta Hawks appeared to have fallen back down to earth, going 2-5 since there surprising 6-0 start. Also, we had a Greg Oden sighting, as he gets he NBA career on track- finally.

Biggest Jump: Nuggets (8 spots; 14 to 6) Spurs (8 spots; 24 to 16)

Biggest Drop: Grizzlies (9 spots; 16 to 25)

1. Los Angeles Lakers (11-1)
2. Cleveland Cavialiers (10-3)

3. Boston Celtics (13-2)

4. Utah Jazz (9-5)
5. New Orleans Hornets (7-5)

6. Denver Nuggets (9-5)
7. Detriot Pistons (8-5)
8. Phoenix Suns (9-5)

9. Portland Trailblazers (8-6)

10. Houston Rockets (9-5)
11. Orlando Magic (9-4)
12. Philadelphia 76ers (7-6)

13. Atlanta Hawks (8-5)

14. Toronto Raptors (6-7)

15. Miami Heat (7-6)

16. San Antonio Spurs (6-6)

17. Chicago Bulls (6-8)
18. Indiana Pacers (5-7)
19. Dallas Mavericks (6-7)
20. Milwaukee Bucks (7-8)

21. New Jersey Nets (6-6)
22. Golden State Warriors (5-8)
23. Sacramento Kings (5-10)

24. New York Knicks (7-6)

25. Memphis Grizzlies (4-9)

26. Minnesota Timberwolves (3-9)
27. Charlotte Bobcats (3-9)
28. Oklahoma City Thunder (3-9)
29. Los Angeles Clippers (2-11)
30. Washington Wizards (1-10)

McNabb to Start; What Now?

One day after pulling the rug out from underneath his franchise quarterback, Andy Reid is ready to put Donovan McNabb back in.

Reid announced today that McNabb, and not Kevin Kolb, would be the starting quarterback this Thursday when the Eagles take on the Arizona Cardinals. This is a surprise, because Reid probaly lost McNabb's loyalty and trust after pulling him yesterday.

When Reid decided to make the switch to Kolb yesterday, it was a huge move. Not only did it change the game, it changed so much about this orgainization and the outlook.

First, from the perspective of trying to win the game, it was a bad call. McNabb was playing poorley, with two interceptions and 1 fumbel. But the fumbel was not his fault, as the Raven was allowed to freely get a hit on McNabb as he threw the ball. And the first interception, even though he did make the throw, should have been defended better by DeSean Jackson. The second interception was purely his fault, as he threw it right to Ed Reed.

But despite all of that, the Eagles were still only down 3 points. It was a must win game in which the defense was dominating the Ravens offense. The 10 points allowed were more the offenses fault, as they put the Eagles defense in a bad situation off turnovers. So the game was still very much winnable. And on the road, in pretty much a playoff, must win situation, who do would you want under center? The 10 year, pro bowl, experienced quarterback, or the 2nd year, never played a meaningful snap quarterback? Reid went with the latter.

As we all know, the choice completely backfired. Kolb threw two interceptions, including one that was ran back for a touchdown. The Eagles ended up being blown out. You could tell there was no chance the Eagles were going to win the game. The Ravens were not afraid of Kolb. The game was over the minute McNabb was put on the bench.

So as poor as a descion it was from a game management perspective, it was a worse call from a franschise perspective. Everyone knows if the Eagles don't make the playoffs, McNabb is likely gone. But at this point, how do you get anything in a trade for him? When Reid told McNabb to sit down, he threw all of the blame on McNabbs shoulders, and killed any value he had. If he would have let McNabb play it out, maybe McNabb turns it around. But by pulling him, you ruined his confidence. How does he not look over his shoulder knowing he can get pulled on Thursday night?

I personally believe that when Reid decided to bench him, he was trying to save his own job. Alot of the talk this week was about Reid and how he could be gone after the season. McNabb caught alot of heat for the Bengals game, but Reid caught more. By benching McNabb, Reid threw all the blame off of him, and onto McNabb. He pretty much made McNabb the scape goat for the whole season. Reid and McNabb have allways had each others back, and neither ever really critizced each other. It was an unspoken truth that McNabb and Reid were a pair, and they would go down, or rise up together. But yesterday, Reid stabbed McNabb in the back. Despite all the poor coaching choices, and making McNabb play with the likes of James Thrash and Todd Pinkston, McNabb never threw Reid under the bus. Not only did Reid throw McNabb under the bus yesterday, he pretty much put him on the bus out of Philly.

So lets say McNabb is gone after this season, which is looking more and more likely. I think the only reason Reid put him back in as the starter for Thrusday is to get something for him via a trade in the off season. With McNabb gone, what does this mean for the orgainization? This is not a young team by any means. Westbrook is looking more and more like a broken down player. At no point this season has he looked like a player then can carry this team by himself. Plus, Reid will allways want to throw it. The only reason he has had some success is because of the play of McNabb. Teams used to fear McNabb. No one is going to be afraid of the Kevin Kolb- Reggie Brown connection next season. If your going to get rid of McNabb, you need to blow the whole thing up.

With McNabb gone, your going to have major holes at quaterback, left, and right guard next season, since Runyan and Thomas most likely won't be back. Those are arguably the three most important positions on the offense. And that is not even mentioning the complete lack of a fullback. Reid pretty much decided just to no have any one of the roster for that position this year. So theres a need for a fullback to.

If McNabb goes, Reid needs to go to. Start this thing from the ground up. You have two first round picks next year, so that is a place to start. Do you want Andy Reid making those picks? This Eagles team needs a young, enthusiastic coach to come in here and light a fire under this team. Changing the quarterback does change the face of the team, but changing the coach changes the franchise. Which team has a better chance to win next season: A team with McNabb at quarterback with a new coach, or a team with Kolb at quarterback and Andy Reid?

I think McNabb does. When Reid pulled McNabb, it was an attempt to save his own butt, to show he knows more then we do, and to save the season he's runied. But all it did was prove that he needs to go. McNabb has played poorly this season, but Reid has cost the Eagles more games. This season, all Reid is doing is running this once pround franchise into the most mismanged, worst team in the city.

No OT Needed

The wheels are offically off. Yesterday in Baltimore, the Eagles left no doubt as to who was the winner and who was the loser . There was no tie. Just one beat down. The final was Ravens 36, Eagles 7, but how they got there, and the drama ensued, was much more then a football game. It could have been a movie. There was a desperate team. Old veteren trying to prove himself. A coach with kids in jail trying to win it all. Then there was betrayal. And there were exciting plays. Unfourtunatly for the Eagles, they had it all but exciting plays. The game was kept close early by the great play of the defense, and despite nothing from the Eagles offense. Donovan McNabb started out better then usual, but it was apparent Andy Reid was trying as hard as he could to make sure. McNabb hit 4 of his first 5 targets--- for a grand total of 17 yards. The Eagles managed to dink and dunk themselves to exactly 0 points of offense in the first half. The offense had 82 total yards in the first half, with McNabb throwing for 59 of them on 8/18 passing. But he also threw 2 interceptions, and fumbled one away. He accounted for 3 turnovers, and the Ravens were able to capaitlize, and led 10-0 at one point. Qutien Demps however, brought the Eagles season back to life with a 100 yard kickoff return right before the half. Somehow, someway, despite playing so awful, the Eagles were only down 3 points at half. Then Andy Reid did it. He benched his franchise quarterback. When the Eagles offense took the field to start the second half, McNabb was on the sideline. Kevin Kolb was under center, and in all likely hood, a new era began. And if this is what the new era is going to look like, we have a long time ahead of us before we see Eagles green marching down Broad. Kolb was 10/23 for 79 yards and 2 interceptions. He had one pass returend 108 yards for a touchdown. He looked awful, and so did the Eagles. No one on the Eagles had a good game. Brian Westbrook ended up with 14 attempts for 39 yards. Kevin Curtis had 2 catches for 12 yards. And Andy Reid tried to challenge a call twice- and twice was told he wasn't allowed to. The Eagles looked lost, and like an orgainization on a fast downward spiral. Unfourtunatly, the Eagles don't get alot of time to turn this around. They face the Arizona Cardinals this Thursday night, and this game will tell us alot about the future of this team. And hopefully, it looks brighter then today.

Eagles v Ravens

This is a must win game for the Eagles. They can still make a push for the playoffs, but it has to start today. They can't afford to show up and play awful like last week. They'll get blown out by a good Ravens team if that happens.

Why The Eagles Will Win: 

1) Run Defense: The defense kept them in the game last week, and this season has done consistently well agaisnt the run. Despite the crowded secondary, the run defense is the stregnth of this team. With that being said, the Ravens are the 3rd best rushing team in the league, averaging almost 150 yards per game on the ground. Shutting down the run will be key for the Eagles, because if they do, the game goes into Joe Flaccos hands.

2) Joe Flacco: Flacco has been impressive so far this season, starting all games for the Ravens as a rookie out of Delaware. His stats are not that impressive tho- 8 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. He has gone 4 games this season without even throwing a touchdown. And agaisnt the better defenses he's played- Colts, Giants, Titans- he has thrown at least 2 interceptions. I think the Eagles can rattle him, as they do with many young rookie quarterbacks.

3) Donovan McNabb, Andy Reid, and Desperation- If the Eagles lose this game, they almost certainly will not make the playoffs. So this it is for Andy Reid and Donovan McNabb. They came out flat last week, and this is there oppurtunity to redeem themselves. This is a must must must win game. Over there time here in Philadelphia, the Eagles have done well in these types of games- at least in the regular season. The Eagles should come out today and play with a desperation and intensity like never before.

Why The Eagles Will Lose:

1) Ravens Defense: Last week, the Eagles managed 13 points in 5 quarters and 18 posseions vs the Bengals. The Bengals defense is not even in the same league as the Ravens. The Ravens defense allows only 18 points a game, thats 6th in the league. They give up the 3rd fewest yards, and allow only 80 rushing yards a game. So any hope the Eagles fans had of Reid rushing it is probaly gone. If the Eagles couldn't lite up the Bengals, I don't see them being succesfull agaisnt a much stronger Ravens team.

2) Close Games: The Eagles have no faired well in close games over the last few years. They are something like 1-12 in close games during that time period. On the road, in a game that should have a playoff atmosphere, this game will be close. Two good defenses will keep it that way. And unfortunalty, for the Eagles, that might not be a good thing.

3) Jon Harbaugh- Harbaugh used to be the Eagles special teams coach, and then the secondary coach last season. This is his first season as Ravens head coach. If anyone knows the Eagles, it's him. The Eagles special teams are not that good to begin with, and he will know how to break them apart. This could be a bad matchup for the Eagles.

Pick: Call it a homer pick, but I think the Eagles come out and pull this one out. They need it so bad. Reid needs it McNabb needs it. If they want any fans in Philadelphia, they have to win this game.

Prediction: Eagles 21- Ravens 17

NFL Week 12

Here are my picks for Week 12: 

Last Weeks Record: 10-3

Season: 18-8

Panthers at Falcons: This game is huge, as the surprising Falcons try to win a meaningful November game with playoff implications. Its crazy how far they've come since Michael Vick. The Panthers are impressive, but I still don't believe. Pick: Falcons

Texans at Browns: Brady Quinn has played well since he took over, and led the Browns to a come from behind win last week agaisnt the fading Bills. They should have turned to him much earlier, because now there playoff hopes are gone. But I think Quinn will continue to be impressive, and the Browns roll. Pick: Browns

49ers at Cowboys: The Cowboys won an impressive game last week on the road at Washington in the return of Tony Romo. The 49ers are playing great, and I'm tempted to pick them in an upset. But I can't take the plunge. Pick: Cowboys

Raiders at Broncos: The Broncos answered a lot of questions by winning in Atlanta last week. There defense is still there weak point, but the Raiders are the remedey to all problems. Pick: Broncos

Buccaneers at Lions: The Lions played well last week, and the Daunte Culpepper to Calvin Johnson connection finally got on the board. I don't know why, but I really think the Culpepper/ Johnson team is going to be a good one for the rest of the season. The Lions were in the game for a while vs the Panthers, and the Bucs just lost Ernest Graham for the season. Pick: Lions

Jets at Titans: This is the game of the week in the NFL. The Jets looked good in a Thursday night victory in New England, and are coming together at the right time. This will be the game most people will pick an upset in. No body believes in the Titans, but I don't know why. All they've done is win every game. Their defense is the best in the NFL. I can see them forcing Favre into some bad throws, and over his career, Favre has a habbit of throwing an interception at the wrong time in big games. Plus, this game is in Tennessee, and even though they are undefeated, I think this is a big statement game for them. Pick: Titans

Bills at Kansas City: The Bills are falling apart at the seems. They are now last place in the division, and lost last week to the Browns on a heart breaking last second field goal. But the Chiefs can fix a lot of problems for teams that are fading. If the Bills loose this game, it will complete there fall from grace. Pick: Bills

Bears at Rams: The Bears got demolished by the Packers 37-3 last weekend, but still remain in first place in the division. They are tied with the Packers and Vikings for first place, so every game is a big one. They can't afford to come out an lay an egg against a much weaker Rams team. Pick: Bears

Patriots at Dolphins: After losing a heartbreaker to the Jets, the winner of this game will be in second place in the division. If you think about it, which team is the bigger surprise at this point in the season? The Patriots, who are still competing for a playoff berth despite losing Tom Brady, or the Dolphins and the fact that they are competing for a playoff berth at all? I'll go with the Dolphins, and for them to continue there surprising season vs the Patriots. Pick: Dolphins

Giants at Cardinals: The Cardinals got the monkey off their back last week by winning a game on the road vs the Seahawks. The Giants are no Seahawks, but this game is in Arizona. The Giants are hurt to, with both Plaxico Burress and Brandon Jacobs missing practice. I'm gonna go with the Cardinals in the upset. Pick: Cardinals

Colts at Chargers: The Colts are one of the hottest teams in the league, and the Chargers have lost 3 of their last 4, including last week to Pittsburgh. Sometimes, its as simple as that. Pick: Colts

Redskins at Seattle: Coming off a loss Sunday night to the Cowboys, the Redskins need this win to keep pace in the playoff race. You can't afford to lose to the Seahawks if you want to be a serious playoff contender. Pick: Redskins

Vikings at Jaguars: The Jaguars and Vikings were a lot of peoples sleeper pick to be in the Super Bowl, but those people look silly now. The Vikings are tied for first, but with a record f 5-5. The Jags are a mess, simply put. But, I'm a big believer in home field advantage, so I'll go with the Jags. Pick: Jags

Packers at Saints: In a good Monday Night Football matchup, the Packers travel to the Saints coming off a blowout win vs the Bears. The Saints are in last place in the NFC South, and had a hard time beating the lowly Chiefs last week. Pick: Packers

Utley Out Until June

World Champion second baseman Chase Utley will require surgery on his right hip, according to ESPN.

The injury is expected to take around 3-4 months to heal, at which point he can begin baseball activities. That would leave his return possible for Opening Day. While it would obviously hurt to have Utley out of the line up, baseball is a marathon and not a sprint. The Phillies need to hold Utley out until he is without question 100%. If they want to repeat as champions, they will need him in the lineup. It is better he misses games at the beginning then the end, since the Phillies never start off good anyway.

ESPN says this could mean the resigning of Tadahito Iguchi, who has played with the Phillies over the last two seasons. They also could make prospect Jason Donald, a shortstop, a second basemen.

Team USA Members Still Golden

While the season is still young, the results from the members of team USA have been impressive. For the brief period when USA was not on top of the basketball world, the reasons were debated by everyone. They said that we needed to go back to college players. We needed to have the team practice harder. We needed to build a team, not an All-Star team.

But one of the real reasons that USA suffered was because the key players in the NBA did not want to give up their summer to play more basketball and risk injury. Many teams also did not want their athletes to play because of the risk of injury.

So when Phoenix GM Jerry Colangelo took over responsibility of rebuilding the team, he required all team members to make a 2 year commitment. Many people thought this would scare the NBA players away, but players like LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Carmelo Anthony signed up to help the USA reclaim gold.

The results were impressive. Team USA cruised through group play, winning their games by an average of 32 points. They went on to claim the Gold medal, beating Spain in the championship game by 11 poins, 118-107. But the true test was still to come. Would the members of Team USA suffer in the upcoming NBA season, making them unlikely to resign up in 2012?

So far, the results have been impressive. Chris Bosh was on team USA, and is having a career year. This season, he is averaging 27 points, 11 rebounds and 1 block. Compare that to last season, and he has improved in every category. Tayshaun Prince has increased his scoring by 4 points and his rebounds by 5. Dwight Howard had his first career triple double, and other key members like Jason Kidd, Lebron James, Chris Paul and Carlos Boozer have maintained there level of play despite playing all summer.

But no one benefited more from the Olympics then Dwyane Wade. He was coming off a season that ended on the injured reserve, and was facing questions about his durability. Despite that, he suited up for Team USA anyway, and had a great summer. He was their best offensive player, and he had taken that momentum and brought it to the NBA. 

This season, he is averaging 27 points, 3 steals, 8 assists, and and 5 rebounds. That is an improvement in every single category from last year. But most importantly, after watching him this summer, people were saying that Wade was back. Playing in the Olympics allowed him to get back his confidence, and prove to himself he was healthy. Without it, who knows how his season would be going so far?

The results from the members of team USA have been almost as impressive as they were over the summer. Hopefully now players will notice that team members were able to still be sucessful despite their participation in the Olympics, and USA will be able to remain on top.