We have made it to Friday, a look at what's up....
- The Falcons got a solid hold on a playoff spot in the NFL with a dominating 41-14 win over the Jaguars Thursday night. One player that was invisible most of the season but has come alive in recent weeks is Roddy White. White had 10 catches and two touchdowns in the win as Atlanta improved to 9-5. I think that win clinched Atlanta's ticket to the playoffs. The Bears and Lions aren't going to catch them now.
- The Penn State story continues today as former athletic director Tim Curley and former vice president Gary Schultz are in court to fight perjury charges. A sad state of affairs in Happy Valley. Let's just hope it all gets figured out sooner than later.
- There are reports this morning that the Blue Jays made a bid of over $40 million on Yu Darvish and that was probably enough to win the bidding for the Japanese star pitcher. That would be a tall task for any AL East team to face Darvish and the 6'5" pitcher wouldn't even have to move to the United States.
- An interesting storyline is developing in Indianapolis with the Colts and Peyton Manning. Indy is assured of the No. 1 pick in the 2012 Draft and there is no doubt they will take Stanford QB Andrew Luck. Where does that leave Manning though? Does he stay and mentor the new kid? Does he ask for a trade to clear the path for Luck? I'm thinking Manning wants nothing to do with having a possible star on the roster with him and will ask out.
- It's a light morning so let's discuss four high school students being suspended for doing Tim Tebow's famous pose at school. If the kids are trying to be like Tebow, let them. It could be a lot worse.
- Last, I would like to talk about the new NFL TV deals a bit...I think we are heading towards Thursday Night games each week of the season for one and wouldn't be surprised if a weekly Saturday game is added. Saturday games showed up a lot on schedules in recent years in the final weeks of the season when college football was done. Why not do it again? Also, I like the switches possible to make the best games to another network if blocked by another great game. More viewers is more money for the NFL. Finally, all three Thanksgiving games on where people can watch them. The NFL can now control the whole holiday, a win-win for everyone.
That's the story for now, trivia later and more sports thoughts tonight....
Showing posts with label Atlanta Falcons. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Atlanta Falcons. Show all posts
Friday, December 16, 2011
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Thursday morning thoughts
It's early and it's time for a look at what's going on or about to go on....
- This new amnesty clause in the NBA deal is still odd to me. Last night, the Cavaliers used it to waive Baron Davis, who is still owed $27 million but the move gives Cleveland some salary cap relief. Maybe someone puts in a winning bid on a guy who is going to be out 8-10 weeks. Just something different to get used to.
- An interesting development in Indianapolis as Peyton Manning has begun throwing a football again according to coach Jim Caldwell. I honestly don't see the point in doing that this late in the season but it is surely part of his rehab from neck surgery. Could his pride of not being on a team that doesn't win a game be coming into play and he wants to play maybe in the final game of the season to get a win?
- The posting process for Japanese pitcher Yu Darvish ended Wednesday and we still don't know what team won the bidding. I would expect that it will take at least $90 million to sign Darvish in the combination of posting fees and a contract. My guess is the either the Rangers or Cubs won the bidding.
- Big NFL games this weekend and one tonight but Pittsburgh's Ben Roethlisberger is in a walking boot after his injury in last Thursday's win over the Browns. This game is huge for the Steelers on Monday night in San Francisco to try to hold on to hope of winning the AFC North and avoiding a likely first-round matchup in Denver with the Broncos. The way that injury looked, I'm shocked he has any chance of playing.
- In tonight's action, it's Jacksonville at Atlanta. The Falcons are clinging to a playoff spot and with the recent troubles of the Bears, it is logical to think that two wins out of three for Atlanta gets them in. The Jaguars played well last week especially Maurice Jones-Drew, who scored four times. However, I have to pick the Falcons at home with a 27-10 win.
- Last but not least, we are going to talk weather.....it's the middle of December and we haven't seen a single game played any sort of snow this season in the NFL. Blame global warming or whatever but there is just something magical at this time of year about a game in the snow. Doesn't help your fantasy team any but just a beautiful sight.
That's all for now, trivia later and more thoughts later on tonight.....
- This new amnesty clause in the NBA deal is still odd to me. Last night, the Cavaliers used it to waive Baron Davis, who is still owed $27 million but the move gives Cleveland some salary cap relief. Maybe someone puts in a winning bid on a guy who is going to be out 8-10 weeks. Just something different to get used to.
- An interesting development in Indianapolis as Peyton Manning has begun throwing a football again according to coach Jim Caldwell. I honestly don't see the point in doing that this late in the season but it is surely part of his rehab from neck surgery. Could his pride of not being on a team that doesn't win a game be coming into play and he wants to play maybe in the final game of the season to get a win?
- The posting process for Japanese pitcher Yu Darvish ended Wednesday and we still don't know what team won the bidding. I would expect that it will take at least $90 million to sign Darvish in the combination of posting fees and a contract. My guess is the either the Rangers or Cubs won the bidding.
- Big NFL games this weekend and one tonight but Pittsburgh's Ben Roethlisberger is in a walking boot after his injury in last Thursday's win over the Browns. This game is huge for the Steelers on Monday night in San Francisco to try to hold on to hope of winning the AFC North and avoiding a likely first-round matchup in Denver with the Broncos. The way that injury looked, I'm shocked he has any chance of playing.
- In tonight's action, it's Jacksonville at Atlanta. The Falcons are clinging to a playoff spot and with the recent troubles of the Bears, it is logical to think that two wins out of three for Atlanta gets them in. The Jaguars played well last week especially Maurice Jones-Drew, who scored four times. However, I have to pick the Falcons at home with a 27-10 win.
- Last but not least, we are going to talk weather.....it's the middle of December and we haven't seen a single game played any sort of snow this season in the NFL. Blame global warming or whatever but there is just something magical at this time of year about a game in the snow. Doesn't help your fantasy team any but just a beautiful sight.
That's all for now, trivia later and more thoughts later on tonight.....
Monday, November 14, 2011
Weekend Reflections: Nov. 14
A weekend of NFL and college football has passed along with all the other sports, here are six thoughts in my brain....
- What on earth were the Falcons doing going on 4th down on their own 30 in overtime?!? Atlanta doesn't get the first down and the Saints were able to make an easy field goal to win the game. This loss will haunt the Falcons, book it.
- Let's give it up for the Bears D and special teams. Two touchdowns on interceptions plus yet another Devin Hester punt return touchdown. If you had Chicago in your fantasy league, I think you are in great shape this week. This is a completely different team since they lost in Detroit five weeks ago and proved it in stomping the Lions on the lakefront.
- How sad is it to lose a game when the opposing quarterback completes just two passes...that's what happened to the Chiefs as Tim Tebow only had two completions but still the Broncos won the game. KC is so up and down, it can make your head spin. Their division hopes are probably done.
- How about TCU? They go into Boise and upset the fifth-ranked Broncos to end any hopes Boise State had of a national championship berth. TCU lost Andy Dalton to graduation but is still close to the same strong team from last season. Now what non-BCS school gets in? I'll go with Houston and their very high-flying passing game.
- Speaking of the BCS, the new standings are out with LSU firmly at No. 1 and Oklahoma State firmly at No. 2. I don't see LSU having any problems finishing their regular season undefeated along with a win in the SEC Title Game. I think Okla. St. has one major hurdle left and that's a date with their in-state rivals on Dec. 3. The winner of that game just might be LSU's opponent.
- Hopefully you got a chance to see the Carrier Classic Friday night on the USS Carl Vinson. It was a sight to behold, watching a basketball game on an aircraft carrier. Games like that get more people involved in the sport it seems but where else can they play? Comment about it.
Fantasy Player of the Day: Texans RB Arian Foster
Foster ran for 84 yards and a touchdown along with adding four catches for 102 yards and a score as Houston improved to 7-3 on the season with 37-9 win over Tampa Bay.
Matchup to Watch: Vikings at Packers, 7:30 p.m. (CT), ESPN
Green Bay looks to stay undefeated against one of their biggest rivals in the NFC North. I would see any problems for Aaron Rodgers and company. Here's a prediction as well...The Pack win 35-17.
This Date in History: Nov. 14, 1943
We go way back for this one....Bears QB Sid Luckman throws for a record seven touchdowns and records the first 400-yard passing game in NFL history in a 56-7 win over the New York Giants. Luckman threw for 433 yards on that afternoon.
- What on earth were the Falcons doing going on 4th down on their own 30 in overtime?!? Atlanta doesn't get the first down and the Saints were able to make an easy field goal to win the game. This loss will haunt the Falcons, book it.
- Let's give it up for the Bears D and special teams. Two touchdowns on interceptions plus yet another Devin Hester punt return touchdown. If you had Chicago in your fantasy league, I think you are in great shape this week. This is a completely different team since they lost in Detroit five weeks ago and proved it in stomping the Lions on the lakefront.
- How sad is it to lose a game when the opposing quarterback completes just two passes...that's what happened to the Chiefs as Tim Tebow only had two completions but still the Broncos won the game. KC is so up and down, it can make your head spin. Their division hopes are probably done.
- How about TCU? They go into Boise and upset the fifth-ranked Broncos to end any hopes Boise State had of a national championship berth. TCU lost Andy Dalton to graduation but is still close to the same strong team from last season. Now what non-BCS school gets in? I'll go with Houston and their very high-flying passing game.
- Speaking of the BCS, the new standings are out with LSU firmly at No. 1 and Oklahoma State firmly at No. 2. I don't see LSU having any problems finishing their regular season undefeated along with a win in the SEC Title Game. I think Okla. St. has one major hurdle left and that's a date with their in-state rivals on Dec. 3. The winner of that game just might be LSU's opponent.
- Hopefully you got a chance to see the Carrier Classic Friday night on the USS Carl Vinson. It was a sight to behold, watching a basketball game on an aircraft carrier. Games like that get more people involved in the sport it seems but where else can they play? Comment about it.
Fantasy Player of the Day: Texans RB Arian Foster
Foster ran for 84 yards and a touchdown along with adding four catches for 102 yards and a score as Houston improved to 7-3 on the season with 37-9 win over Tampa Bay.
Matchup to Watch: Vikings at Packers, 7:30 p.m. (CT), ESPN
Green Bay looks to stay undefeated against one of their biggest rivals in the NFC North. I would see any problems for Aaron Rodgers and company. Here's a prediction as well...The Pack win 35-17.
This Date in History: Nov. 14, 1943
We go way back for this one....Bears QB Sid Luckman throws for a record seven touchdowns and records the first 400-yard passing game in NFL history in a 56-7 win over the New York Giants. Luckman threw for 433 yards on that afternoon.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Sunday NFL Selections
Final day of the weekend, here's six NFL predictions for you to watch for...
- Saints d. Falcons. Big NFC South matchup to see who gets control. I can see Drew Brees throwing for over 275 with 3 TDs. Give me New Orleans 24-20.
- Steelers d. Bengals. Cincy has been on a roll, winning five straight but run into a team that is trying to stay alive in the AFC North race. Ball control wins this for Pittsburgh, 20-13.
- Bucs d. Texans. A fun interconference battle as Houston tries to keep their lead in the AFC South but Tampa has been playing well with Freeman and Blount. Tampa Bay wins 31-28.
- 49ers d. Giants. Is this game in 1990? Haven't seen both teams this good playing in a long time. Jim Harbaugh has brought instant credibility and will lead San Fran to another win, 23-13.
- Bears d. Lions. The Windy City will live up to its name with winds expected to be 25-35 MPH. Very low scoring game due to that and the fact Chicago plays outside gives them this game, 10-6.
- Patriots d. Jets. Sunday night in the Big Apple. Jets tried to go all ground game last time around and it didn't work. This could be an up-and-down battle but I think New England wins 35-24.
Fantasy Player of the Day: TCU QB Casey Pachall
Pachall threw for 473 yards and five TDs as the Horned Frogs ended the 35-game home winning streak for Boise State in a 36-35 upset win over the fifth-ranked Broncos.
Matchup to Watch: Giants at 49ers, 3:15 p.m. (CT), Fox
A battle of two teams with a combined 13-3 record out on the West Coast. The New York passing game against the San Francisco running attack. A treat for anyone for one of the few late games Sunday
This Date in History: Nov. 13, 1982
Ray Mancini defeats Duk Koo Kim in Las Vegas. Kim would die four days later from his brain injuries from the fight. This would cause major changes in the sport of boxing.
- Saints d. Falcons. Big NFC South matchup to see who gets control. I can see Drew Brees throwing for over 275 with 3 TDs. Give me New Orleans 24-20.
- Steelers d. Bengals. Cincy has been on a roll, winning five straight but run into a team that is trying to stay alive in the AFC North race. Ball control wins this for Pittsburgh, 20-13.
- Bucs d. Texans. A fun interconference battle as Houston tries to keep their lead in the AFC South but Tampa has been playing well with Freeman and Blount. Tampa Bay wins 31-28.
- 49ers d. Giants. Is this game in 1990? Haven't seen both teams this good playing in a long time. Jim Harbaugh has brought instant credibility and will lead San Fran to another win, 23-13.
- Bears d. Lions. The Windy City will live up to its name with winds expected to be 25-35 MPH. Very low scoring game due to that and the fact Chicago plays outside gives them this game, 10-6.
- Patriots d. Jets. Sunday night in the Big Apple. Jets tried to go all ground game last time around and it didn't work. This could be an up-and-down battle but I think New England wins 35-24.
Fantasy Player of the Day: TCU QB Casey Pachall
Pachall threw for 473 yards and five TDs as the Horned Frogs ended the 35-game home winning streak for Boise State in a 36-35 upset win over the fifth-ranked Broncos.
Matchup to Watch: Giants at 49ers, 3:15 p.m. (CT), Fox
A battle of two teams with a combined 13-3 record out on the West Coast. The New York passing game against the San Francisco running attack. A treat for anyone for one of the few late games Sunday
This Date in History: Nov. 13, 1982
Ray Mancini defeats Duk Koo Kim in Las Vegas. Kim would die four days later from his brain injuries from the fight. This would cause major changes in the sport of boxing.
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