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.

AL MVP

Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox's second basemen, was recently named AL MVP. I listened to a video about it on ESPN.com and I really liked how he wasn't arrogant about it. He said that he was just honored to be awarded that title and he could not believe it. I can imagine why he feels so honored too considering 1959 was the last year a second basemen was awarded AL MVP. Peter Gammons said he has great personality and his humor rubs off on other players on his team.

Brandon Jacobs of the New York Giants, got hurt in last week's game. I think at first people were making it into something it wasn't, thinking he was going to be out for a while, but recent reports say it's probably nothing. His coach told him he couldn't practice yesterday but I think his coach is just looking out for him. Jacobs even said that he wasn't upset with his decision and that he'd rather be safe than sorry.
I think what got people worried was the fact that when this type of thing happened to his knee last year, he was out for three weeks. This definitely isn't the same as that and it's no where near as dramatic.

"Shmoey Porter"

A few days ago, Joey Porter of the Miami Dolphins, talked all this smack about the Patriots. He said that he doesn't like them and never did but obviously he's not going to like them. Why would he say that to the media though? He didn't even say it during a game. He said it to the media during the week. Usually team rivalries go without saying so I really dont think it's necessary for him to state the obvious. There are numerous blog comments on an article that ESPN.com posted that are hilarious. Most of the people are Miami fans but New England fans stick up for their team by calling Joey Porter, Shmoey Porter.

Nick Swisher

The New York Yankees now have center fielder-first baseman, Nick Swisher, from the Chicago White Sox. In exchange for him, the Yankees traded infielder, Wilson Betemit and two minor league pitchers, Jeff Marquez and Jhonny Nunez.

I heard that Nick Swisher's contract is supposedly going to include an option in 2012 for $10.25 million with a $1 million buyout. That's crazy!

Plenty of blogs I've read have numerous posts where people are saying how much they hate Swisher. It seems what may have been a good trade for the Yankees is not necessarily a good trade for the fans.

Jets vs. Pats

I can't believe the Jets are in first place. In last night's game against the Patriot's at first yeah, the Patriots seemed as though they'd loose, but shortly after that, they started gaining points. It was unbelievable that the Pats scored a touchdown with ONE SECOND remaining. I was about to turn the TV off, thinking my favorite team had lost and then BAM, I had a reason to leave it on. I know they still lost 31-34 in overtime but they put up a good fight at least. When the ref was deliberating whether or not Randy Moss's touchdown had all of the right factors to be actually counted as one, it was nerve-racking. I also can't believe the misque that QB, Matt Cassell had when the ball was snapped to him and he wasn't even looking! I really wish Tom wasn't injured!!

How Far is Too Far?

When Justin Tuck hit Brooks Bollinger in last week's Giants v Cowboys game, he was immediately given a 15 yard penatly for a late hit and driving the quarterback into the ground. When watching replays of this, I find it extremely hard to understand how you can ask a 300 pound man (Justin Tuck) to immediately stop in his tracks the second a ball is thrown. Then, this week, NFL announced they were also fining Justin $7500 for the hit. That is outrageous. This league has become too quarterback centered and has forgot its roots.

Can They Do It Again?

With basketball season starting, the Celtics are back and look hungry for another championship!With Shaq not being the man he used to be, not many other teams in the league look like they can match up with the Celtics man for man offensively. I think the Celtics should have a pretty easy run at another championship. From what I've seen, Kevin Garnett looks healthy and looks like he has really focused this off season to really prepare himself. Their first test this season will be against Cavaliers player, Lebron James, which will be a good indicator as to how ready the celtics are in this young season.

Quarterbacks, Hurt or Hurting their Team?

Tony Romo and Eli Manning have gone down with injury last week both sounding pretty dire. Now, both quarterbacks are coming out and saying that they're fine to play this weekend. Now comes the question, are they helping or hurting their team by playing, still injured. With backups with Brad Johnson and David Carr, each team will manage if their quarterbacks can't play. Both Eli and Tony are proven winners in the NFL but even when good players get hurt, it might be worse than just letting their back ups play. If they play and they're injured, even though they say they're fine, they might not be completely fine and it will hurt their team. I know Eli said that players are supposed to get banged up and he'll be ok but I dont think it would hurt the team if he just let himself heal and allowed the backup to play for him. Tony Romo said he only injured his pinky but who knows, that could be a huge issue when trying to through the ball.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3648727
http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2008/10/14/eli-manning-hurt-chest-against-browns-unsure-of-severity/

Again?

They did it again. I dont believe it and neither do most of the sports nation. The Red Sox have done the improbable. They came back from a seven run deficit to beat the Rays 8-7. The Rays had their way with the Red Sox for seven innings of the game. I read on ESPN that they hadn't had a postseason rally like this one since 1929! That's really crazy. I think this is really going to hurt the Rays morale. Although this isn't the Red Sox team from 2004, with Josh Beckett and John Lester, it looks like they'll definately have the ability to comeback and win the series. After talking with some Red Sox fans today, it seems as though most of them turned off their TV and went to sleep thinking that their team lost. Little did they know they were going to wake up the next morning and watch the highlights of the amazing win they missed the night before. I give the Red Sox a 50/50 chance of winning the ALCS.


http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=281016102

All Business, No Vacation For the Patriots

The Patriots, one of the only team in the NFL that is a consistant drain on the Charger's batteries.


Bill Belichick, the head coach of the Pats, decided that since the team is already in California after playing the 49ers, they should just stay and train for about a week or so until they play the Chargers. This is instead of flying all the way back to Gillete Stadium in Boston and then flying back again to California. The press seems to be making this into a big deal however, I think it's a good idea. It's such a hassle to fly to California, back to Boston, and a week later back to California again. Sure, it's not weather conditions they're used to or the same facilities but when it comes down to it, I would imagine they would like this better as well.
They are flying over three time zone though which will definately take some time to get used to but Belicheck has it under control. He flew the team out a day early just so they can get acclamated to the change.
They already defeated the 49ers so hopefully they'll go back to Boston undefeated.

http://www.projo.com/patriots/content/sp_fbn_patriots_04_10-04-08_R7BQJTQ_v11.153583c.html

Who Needs Pedro?

Jon Lester's story should be considered one of the most important sports (for this decade at least). He not only has grown into one of the most dominant and consistent pitchers in the American Leauge, he has gone through some of the worst hardships that one should ever endure. I cannot imagine what went through this new players head the day he was diagnosed with cancer. He must have been thinking, "I worked my entire life to get here, how can I allow this sickness to stop me now." Jon Lester's eventual success over cancer is a heartwarming story in itself, then combine this with his emergence as a dominant pitcher on one of the best teams in baseball a year after beating cancer. This story becomes downright amazing. He pitched 7 great innings in the Red Sox's win over the Angels last night and appeared to have total control over all of his pitches. As this man matures, he will use the strength he's gained from beating cancer, which will result in an amazing baseball career.

http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080929&content_id=3573177&vkey=news_bos&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos

Bills Out of Collection

The Bills have gone through a lot since their rise to power in the early 90's. Jim Kelly has been replaced with Trent Edwards and things have really begun to change for the northern New Yorker faithful. The Bills offense is really clicking, they have already put up a Division leading 78 points this season (which is basically 30 more than the once high flying Patriots). I think that this team looks ready to take advantage of Brady's, unfortunate injury in the wide-open east with bruisers like Marchaun Lynch and lightning speed players, Lee Evans and Roscoe Parrish.

I would expect them to continue their dominance over the next couple weeks considering their relatively light schedule of the Rams, Cardinals and Chargers, none looking particularly strong this season. Looking at their schedule for the rest of the year however, I think there are no real powerhouses with the exception of Denver and I would not be the least bit surprised if this team goes 12 and 4.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/teams/schedule?team=buf

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/teams/stats?team=buf

Out of the Park

Sunday will mark the last day the Yankees play at the now old, Yankee Stadium. It's been reported that Bob Shepperd, the team's public announcer will not be able to make their final game. He's been out for what I think is almost a year now due to his health. The fact that he will not be announcing, let alone be at the game, is so sad. Sheppard has been the announcer for Yankee Stadium since 1951, announcing 58 seasons! It looks like his absense will not be forever because he told Newsday he hopes to announce for the new stadium.

http://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/yankees/ny-spjim0916,0,3744977.story

Sunday is going to be a historical and sad day. Although the Yankees will still be playing (and only across the street), it still seems like so much is being left behind.
Memories after memories were formed at Yankee Stadium. The pictures of iconic players that inspire children to become one of them will be the only piece of the stadium that you can hold forever.
I can't wait to see what the new stadium looks like even though now there is of course, accusations that it was built with wrong budgets, etc. I really dont think that a new stadium was needed. A team as big as the Yankees didn't need to compensate with a new fancy stadium. Sure it was old but it didn't seem that demolishing it was crucial. I guess we'll have to wait and see what the new stadium looks like and what new memories will be made there.

Rutgers Routed

What's happening with Rutgers? In 2006, they were unbeatable. Now, they're starting off their season not so unstoppable.

Last night's game, Rutgers lost to North Carolina by 32 points!

Ever since they lost their big name star, Ray Rice, it's been nothing but dissapointment. Isn't it weird how one person can hold so much weight over a team? They really need to turn it around with next year's recruiting class however, it may be difficult depending on their record. If they keep playing like this, it will be harder for them to actually get players to WANT to be on their team.

http://sports.espn.go.com/broadband/video/videopage?videoId=3583163

Can Cassel Conquer?

Monday, September 8th, many people's worst fears were confirmed. It was announced that Tom Brady, arguably the greatest quarterback of all time, will be (here comes the words that haunt me forever) out-for-the-rest-of-the-season because of tearing not only his ACL, but his MCL as well.

With Brady out, who will replace him? It looks like Matt Cassel, someone who started off as a baseball player will be the one. Cassel apparently didn't take a liking to his baseball career and switched to football. All of that is fine, players switch all of the time however, the fact that he hasn't started a single game since high school is a little disconcerting.

On the plus side, there are a few similarities he shares with Brady. They were late-round-picks, both started off as baseball players, both around 6'4 to 6'5, hey, maybe he won't be that bad. It looks like they're not so different after all.

Cassel will officially start his career as quarterback Sunday at 4pm against the Jets at Giant Stadium.

Will this lifelong backup be able to keep the Patriot's season on track?

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=8644