Saturday, January 19, 2008

AFC Conference Championship Matchup

AFC CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP:
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (13-5) V. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (17-0)


INITIAL THOUGHT: With Philip Rivers questionable, Antonio Gates hobble and LT leaving last week's game early this game could get ugly quickly and the Pats could be on their way to another Super Bowl appearance.

SECOND THOUGHT: Perhaps if Billy Volek does start and play it could make for one of those historic backup with some ability takes over and surprises people.

X-FACTOR: Philip Rivers if he plays for San Diego, if he does not then Antonio Cromartie and how many turnovers he can cause. For New England, Laurence Maroney, if he can get going in the cold weather it could be a long day for SD.

KEY MATCHUP: The San Diego Receivers vs. The New England Secondary: If the Chargers can get a passing game going then it could be a tough game, if not it could be rough.

PREDICTION: Patriots - 24 Chargers - 21

FINAL THOUGHT: Let's be honest the Patriots are a machine, and not to mention undefeated. I think it will be a closer game, but the Pats pull out in the end at home in the cold.

I'll be back with an NFC Conference Championship Preview...

...til next time

-E

Friday, January 18, 2008

A few videos worthy of posting...

TERRELL OWENS CRYING!!

For everyone out there, especially Eagles, 49ers, and Ravens fans (basically teams T.O. has burned in the past) and basically fans of the NFL, here is an epic video of proportions for you to enjoy. After the Giants did everyone a favor and showed how much of fraud Wade Phillips is.

My favorite quote is, "I've always had a great relationship with my quarterback..." PLEASE ask Jeff Garcia and Donovan McNabb about that comment....PLEASE! Hell even ask Drew Bledsoe, who TO was ready to throw under the bus quickly when he wanted Tony out there at Q.

Oh yeah, if Hillary Clinton appeared stronger and more passionate because of her crying performance after winning the projections in New Hampshire, perhaps T.O. will look more passionate as an athlete after this display.

Moving on to my second NEW favorite video...

VOTE FOR CHRIS W. BOSH!

This video is pure genius and it definitely earned a vote from me for Chris Bosh into the All-star game. It will be almost impossible to surpass Lebron and KG to become a starter, but averaging 21.7 ppg and 9.3 rpg, I think he is worthy of an all star nod.

A few other issues of note...

* The Baltimore Ravens hired Eagles secondary and former special teams coach John Harbaugh as the successor to Brian Billick. Interesting hire here to say the least. I have personally seen what Harbaugh can do as he has been with the Eagles organization for a bit of time and I have been impressed with his talents there, however I am not quite sure how this will translate into a head coaching position. It's definitely a gamble for Baltimore and it may pay off going with a youthful coach, IF they are committed to rebuilding in key positions with youth at QB and WR among others.

* Even though the Celtics has slipped up a bit lately, I am beginning to retrack my thoughts on the Celtics not making it to the Finals (and yes since this is my blog, I can change my mind!). KG is one of the most unselfish players in NBA, and it can be said that Pierce and Allen are unselfish as well. They are getting what they need from Rajon Rondo at point and James Posey and Eddie House are the type of role players this team should be content with. My only question about the Celts is if they need a veteran point guard to backup Rondo and step up if he ever becomes hurt. Free Agent PG Gary Payton anyone?

*There are only two remaining coaching vacancies left in the NFL, the Washington Redskins and Atlanta Falcons. Obviously, the Falcons job is not very attractive and with Jason Garrett, Tony Sparano (no no not Tony Soprano) and Pete Carroll essentially out of the picture, I'm not really sure where the Falcons should look next. They better look away from any old timers such as Marty Schottenheimer and avoid knuckleheads like Mike Tice. They need a whole new attitude in there, but perhaps a GM should be hired first. Now for the Redskins, a prediction would be for them to go out there and hire some flashy name like Steve Spurrier or someone from history like Joe Gibbs, but when it comes down to it they were a playoff team, so they should go with someone who could build on the current team and not change the whole team philosophy. The solution: Gregg Williams. P.S. Norm Chow is available and I think a good offensive mind (Dolphins? Ravens? Falcons?)

* Sunday's Conference Championship games should be a lot of fun, not only for the team matchups but for the potential of the weather conditions in both games. I will check back in with predictions before kickoffs.

....til next time

-E

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

I come from a Land Down Under

G'day mates:

Well Australia has been a ridiculous trip and explaining it wouldn't do it justice. I did however attend a Cricket test match between India and Australia in Sydney. Apparently a feud was developing between the teams over "racial" issues which made the match even more entertaining. The Indian squad was accused of using racial slurs against one of the Aussie players, who ended being one of their better players, in my opinion at least for what it is worth.

I went in not really understanding any of the rules and guidelines for the sport, but found myself quickly learning on the go. The thing that stuck out the most for me was that macthes can last 5 days! I attended Day 5 of the match and was there for over 3 hours and the whole time only India was up to bat. Definitely an experience and a recommendation for anyone who has a chance to experience a different sport. I, however, will continue blogging on sports most closely related to U.S. Sports.

Once I overcome this jetlag...I will be sure to discuss some of the hot topics in sports today.

...til next time

-E