Taking a Free Ride

I'd like to focus on a sport that gets far less publicity than others. Skiing. Free ride skiing. Each year major ski companies sponser dozens of the world's best athletes to do one thing, ski some of the most rugged terrain in the world. These skiiers are not racing. The only thing they're sent to do is find extreme lines and hit huge jumps. In exchange for this, skiiers agree to be filmed for ski videos and all of their expenses are paid. This is an interesting form of marketing as I can not imagine how this could be transfered over to other sports.

Cover 2

It's an old addage in the NFL, defense wins championships. This year is no different. As teams with the best record currently in the NFL also have stifling defense, The Baltimore Ravens have been known for theirs for the past decade, led by Ray Lewis. Last week however, they were shown up by an even more smothering defense, the Pittsburgh Steelers. To make matters even worse, Sports Illustrated, published a picture of the Ravens QB, Joe Flacco after being sacked in the game which then led to an article outlining how dominant the steelers defense is. I think this must be a thorn in Ray Lewis's side, as many thought this year was the raven's year since they now have a potent offense. Play offs should bring some interesting match-ups.

When will it end?

There's no argument that can be made with a straight face that Terrell Owens is not one of the best wide receivers of all time. He's one of the most physical receivers to ever play the game and has hands to match. His speed is unparalleled and his acceleration is not something that can be measured, he only turns it on when the lights are shining on sundays. All of these great qualities come with one of the worst attitudes towards ones teammates in the league. T.O. has a long history of being disrepectful to his quarterbacks and coaches. From Jeff Garcia to Donavon Mcnabb, he always demands attention and can't stand it if anyone else is in the spotlight. All of this talent really goes to waste when T.O. starts arguments and fights with his teammates and demoralizes them which hinders his team more than his great athleticism can help.

Jets, team of destiny?

As the Patriots made their championship runs easrlier this decade, they played games where they just seemed to win and never really blew other teams out while exhibiting large amounts of heart and desire. The 2009 Jets are looking like they're following that same pattern. Brett Favre is putting up pedestrian numbers this year and leads the league in interceptions, certainly not a stat he's proud of. With that being said, the Jets are at 9-5 and control their own destiny in the AFC East. Last week's game against the bills is a perfect example of how the Jets seem to overcome adversity. With two minutes left and things looking extremely bleek, J.P. Losman rolled out with two minutes left of the game and was sacked, causing a game losing fumble, giving the Jets a quick defensive touchdown. This is the type of thing happened to the Patriots when they were winning championships and I'm sure Jets fans are hoping this is a sign for good things to come.

Celtics Cavaliers Clash Inevitable

The Celtics are off to their best start in franchise history of 22-2. Paul Pierce looks great and Danny Ainge looks like a genius for his moves around last year's draft. The Celtics looks like they're already ready wrap up a 2009 championship run as they've already shown in play-off form. There's one team in the east that may beg to differ-Labron James' Cleveland Cavaliers. They're undefeated at home and look like they have the fire power to keep up with the Celtics in the east. It should be interesting seeing these two teams meet in the east conference finals.

What else can happen to the Pats?

Although it's very sad that QB Matt Cassel's dad died, I think now, the Patriots season could be over. It's been said that he's most likely going to play in Sunday's game against the Raiders but still, he's going to be upset. I think it's great that's he still being a part of the team but his performance will most likely suffer. How could it not? On the other hand, maybe it will get his mind off of things and act as a healthy distraction.

All of his teammates are being extremely supportive which is great. Some were sending him text messages, some giving him hugs, he has a good group of guys that will help him through his grieving process. He has been improving throughout the season and the Pats are known for having a 21-2 record in December games so hopefully they'll play well on Sunday.

Titans vs. Jets

The Titans have been undefeated this season but there’s talk that their game against the Jets this Sunday might change that. I was shocked to read on ESPN.com that most people think the Jets are going to make the Titans have their first loss. This is a small market team so their undeafeated schedule allowed them to gain recognition. That being said, they still face challenges such as the Jets on a weekly basis, who feel they can beat them as the Titans have now gained the noteriety in the national scope.