Sportaholic NFL Power Rankings Week 5

The motor city was rocking last night with Detroit’s demolishing of Chicago, and just like that week 5 officially in the books and what a week it was in the NFL. Al Davis’s death sparked the Raiders back to their glory days as they took down the Texans. It was such an emotional victory for them and to be honest I didn’t know that his players felt that way about him. I always thought they despised Davis but you could tell that this game really meant something to them. Davis was one of the greatest pioneers to ever grace the NFL. His style and swagger could never be duplicated. Who else held so many titles (player, scout, GM, owner, commissioner) as he did? Who else had the balls to move his team back and forth to L.A., thumbing his nose at anyone who tried to stop him? RIP Al Davis, the things he has done good and bad for the NFL should never go unnoticed. Tebow mania is here for the masses as he nearly brought back the lowly Broncos against the Chargers. San Diego with the win is now 4-1 so you can throw out all of the slow start talk this year. San Francisco just pummeled Tampa Bay as Jim Harbaugh’s boys have the people of San Fran feeling likes it’s the late 80’s again. I don’t know what Harbaugh has done with Alex Smith but the renowned QB coach has got him playing the best ball of his career. What can you say about the Eagles? They are now 1-4 and fighting just to stay relevant. I just don’t understand why they are so bad on defense. You know besides the point of them running a lot of zone coverage schemes although they have three of the best corners in the league. Andy Reid has to figure things out because time is almost up for them to turn it around. Pittsburgh looked like they would score 70 points on the Titans # 1 ranked defense in the first quarter. I told all my people here in Tennessee don’t let Big Ben’s injury fool you, he will be ready and boy was he ever. The Steelers were a desperate team and played like it, Tennessee on the other hand played like a team that was just happy to be 3-1 and didn’t mind being 3-2 because they were not suppose to even be 3-1 at this point. Chris Johnson where are you my friend? A week after Arian Foster rushed for 155 yards on the Steelers D, Johnson was held to 59 yards. Johnson just can’t seem to get it into gear this year.

The Colts just can’t get on the board as they loss yet again to Kansas City.
Here is a suggestion for the Colts from my buddy Bart, why don’t they just put Peyton in the ears of whoever the QB is and let him breakdown what he sees from the opposing defense? Indianapolis offense is predicated on pre-snap reads thanks to Manning who has basically been his own offensive coordinator for the last decade. Who is the Colts offensive coordinator? I’m waiting….. Yeah that’s what I thought. He could give Painter or Collins everything they need to know as he would have a direct line to their helmet. Just a thought I suppose. Peyton’s little brother doesn’t quite have his decision making skills as he racked up another 3 picks in a loss against Seattle. If it wasn’t for Eli winning the Super Bowl, Giant’s fan would have ran him out of town by now. The Patriots finally decided to show up on defense as they beat their hated rival the New York Jets. BenJarvas Green-Ellis showed off some moves I didn’t know he had in that game. And of course the defending Super Bowl champs moved to 5-0 with their victory over struggling Atlanta.

1. Green Bay Packers (5-0) – The Pack just keep rolling and have figured out how to beat teams even when they don’t have their A game. Atlanta effectively played ball control and put 14 points on the Packers on their first two possessions. On top of that Green Bay lost their top OL Chad Clifton to protect Aaron Rodgers blindside. Mike McCarthy realized what was happening and made a few adjustments because Rodgers was feeling the heat and didn’t resemble his usual smooth as silk self. Once the offensive line was shored up, Rodgers and that vaunted Packer passing attack got into gear and the rest is history. Until this team is beat they will remain at the top spot.

2. Baltimore Ravens (3-1) – Bye week. I had an interesting conversation with someone on Ray Lewis last night at my Monday night football party. It was a woman who thought that Ray was the most pompous and arrogant player in the league. It really threw me off because I’ve always thought that he was just a passionate player that wore his emotions on his sleeve. After a few beers and some banter back and forth I finally got her to realize this was a man who has done a lot of good things off the field and you can’t let his demeanor and pre game dancing fool you. I think most great athletes or in anyone for that matter that are good at what they do have a certain level of cockiness to them. It was great talking with an intelligent lady on a sports topic I had never gave much thought.

3. New England Patriots (4-1) – Last week I said I just couldn’t peg New England as a real Super Bowl contender until their defense showed some teeth. The guys in Boston must have heard me as they only allowed 255 yards to the Jets that are after averaging 477.5 yards a game on defense. I like the fact that they also did this without their defensive leader Jared Mayo as he was out because of a knee sprain. Tom Brady is and will always be Tom Brady as he threw for 351 yards and 1 TD. I was excited and intrigued to see how the Revis-Welker match up would develop as well. I know Revis wouldn’t be covering him the entire game but the Jets would put him on Welker when they needed to at critical stretches in the game. Welker still had 5 catches for 124 yards but it wasn’t those crazy numbers he was posting in the previous weeks. The Jets just don’t have that same resiliency they have had in recent years and this could be a down year for sexy Rexy’s bunch.

4. Detroit Lions (5-0) – Who knew right? The Lions are roaring right now and their victory over Chicago cemented my thoughts on them. I love the fact that the defense plays with such a nasty streak, led by that ferocious defensive line. The addition of Nick Fairley only strengthens what they already do with all of the rotating linemen Jim Schwartz likes to keep fresh. Matt Stafford and Calvin Johnson will be one of the top QB-WR duos for year to come and the emergence of Jahvid Best (12 carries 163 yards 1 TD) is just another thing to worry about in that offense. They will be tested against San Francisco this Sunday as all of sudden that will be one of the top games of the week. The Lions also will give everyone a reason to watch the Thanksgiving game against the Packers as that is shaping up to be a monster game and could determine who wins the NFC north. Wow what a turnaround for this once morbid franchise.

5. New Orleans Saints (4-1) – Could have gone in so many different directions here with Buffalo, San Diego, and San Francisco all being 4-1 but I will give it to the Saints. New Orleans is kind of flying under the radar at this point but they clearly are the best team in the tough NFC South. Tampa just got blown out by San Fran, Atlanta is too inconsistent and Carolina is too young and inexperienced to pose a threat. So the Saints are all but a shoo in to make the playoffs by winning that division. They haven’t lost a game since the opening weekend against Green Bay and they could have won that one as well. Drew Brees remains on the pantheon of great QBs right now as he continues to get it done no matter what comes his way. The Saints will keep on marching as they should beat their next four opponents (Tampa Bay twice, Indianapolis, and St. Louis) before taking on ATL for what could be for the division on Nov 13.

Offensive player of the week: Drew Brees – When your stat line reads 32/45 for 359 yards and 2 TD passes, then you did everything and more that is expected from you as a QB. Brees is becoming another version Peyton Manning because I really believe that if you take him out of that offense than it would sputter to a halt. He does so much and has such chemistry with coach Sean Payton that its like those guys are one. Brees also stayed on pace to break Dan Marino’s all-time passing yards record but who isn’t on pace to break that record at this point. Just another day at the office for Mr.Brees.

Defensive player of the week: Jared Allen – Allen was his usual mad man self as he took down Arizona QB Kevin Kolb twice and was pretty much in his face all day. Minny needed someone to step up rather it be on defense or offense to get them off the skid and Allen was the man who set the tone for them. Good to see them finally finish a game and not give it up in the second half.

Sportaholic Tennessee Titans vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Preview

Tennessee Titans at Pittsburgh Steelers

Sunday, Oct 09, 2011 at 12:00PM CDT

TV: CBS

The Titans made it look easy last week against Cleveland as they put a 34-13 beat down on the Browns. Matt Hasselbeck was the man once again, as he passed for 220 yards on only 10 completions and had three of those go for TDs. Even Chris Johnson got on track somewhat as he had his first game of over 100 yards finishing with 101 on 23 carries. The offense has looked downright dominant at times so far this season. On the other hand Cleveland’s offense sputtered and couldn’t get anything going besides dinks and dunks for from Colt McCoy who finished with a good statistical game going 40/61 for 350 yards and a TD pass. If you pass 61 times you should throw for a bunch of yards so I see no fault in that from the Titans defense. They limited the Browns big plays and took advantage of the lack of playmakers that Cleveland had. Jonathon Babineaux’s 97-yard TD return all but sealed the game for Tennessee.

Speaking of big plays, the Titans have been getting them all of the field from multiple sources. With Jared Cook, Nate Washington and now with Chris Johnson getting back in the mix, the Titans have explosive play capability. As long as Matt Hasselbeck is able to stay upright, then he will deliver the ball accurately. The Titans now take their show on the road with all this momentum in what is a great time to travel to Pittsburgh to take on the reeling Super Bowl runner-ups. The Steelers suffered more than just a loss to Houston last week as a number of their key players suffered injuries. Intimidating LB James Harrison broke his orbital bone and won’t play, Rashard Mendenhall is questionable and the biggest banged up star of them all Ben Rothlisberger has been in a walking boot all week but will likely give it a go. This current version of Pittsburgh is not what most football fans are use to seeing. The marauding defense has looked flat out old at certain points this season. The Pittsburgh offensive line has been in shambles as they have suffered a rash of injuries to their linemen that led them to sign former starter Max Starks. I guess you have to pull out all the stops when your QB by 14 sacks, third most in the league. Big Ben in response to all the pressure has probably played some of the worst football of his 8-year career in return posting an 80.2 QB rating with 5 Ints and 4 fumbles so far.

The Titans should be out for a taste of revenge after last season’s 19-11 defeat at the hand of these same Steelers. They physically imposed their will on Tennessee last year and had Vince Young so flustered he had to be taken out of the game for Kerry Collins. This year is almost a 180 degree difference at QB with Matt Hasselbeck in the saddle. He is familiar with facing defenses and this shouldn’t be but another game for the 13 year vet. The Steelers also allowed Houston RB Arian Foster to rush for over 150 yards. That’s unheard of against a Mike Tomlin coached team. It has a lot to do with the injuries they have on that side of the ball but it also means that Chris Johnson should have a favorable match up this week. The addition of Ahmard Hall should boost Johnson even more as he comes back from a 4-game performance enhancement suspension. He will have his chances with no Harrison coming his way but Harrison’s fill in Lawerence Timmons isn’t a slouch either.

Let’s take a look at the keys for the Titans to win the game:

1. The Titans need to get after Big Ben: As I stated earlier in this column, Roethlisberger has been sacked 14 times so far this year and as a result his stats are among the worst ever in his career. To top things off, he suffered a sprained foot rather if the Steelers want to admit it or not. He’s been in a walking boot all week after being taken down multiple times by the Texans last week. The Titans will need to continue the harassment of Ben to be able to disrupt the Steelers offense. Rashard Mendenhall is questionable so that puts even more pressure on Roethlisberger and the passing game if he is not able to go. The Titans defense already has 10 sacks so far this season and if they want to take down Pittsburgh they will need more of the same.

2. Who steps up for Hasselbeck this week? The loss of Kenny Britt has forced the entire receiving corps to step up their game. Last week it was Jared Cook who stepped up and made big plays in the passing game including a game breaking 80-yard TD haul that displayed his speed and athleticism. You could tell the defender underestimated Cook’s speed and he paid dearly for it. Nate Washington just needs to keep doing what he is doing. This four game stretch is the most consistent I’ve seen him play in a Titans uniform. All of the receivers seem to be benefiting from the stability Hasselbeck has brought to the QB situation as it was a revolving door open the past few years with Vince Young and Kerry Collins. He also has brought the big play with him as the Titans are making plays in the passing game and not just relying on big runs from Chris Johnson. They have to keep it up to maintain a level of unpredictability on the offensive side of the ball. Chris Johnson will get involved more but for now the passing game is clicking and if its not broke don’t fix it. Look for Hasselbeck to continue to spread the wealth.

3. Will the Titans come out and make this there statement game? Lets be honest here, most people, pundits and predictions didn’t have the Titans being 3-1 at this point of the season and many still don’t believe this team is legit. This is a chance for the Titans to lay claim to being one of the best teams in league in dramatic fashion. They can dismantle the team that has generally dominated the AFC with New England in recent memory and bury them even deeper in the loss column. This game will go a long way in determining if the Titans have what it takes to contend with the top teams. They have every reason to win this game with the injuries that Pittsburgh is facing and all of the momentum they have going into this one. You have to win the ones your suppose to in this league. If Tennessee wants respect then they have to earn it and there is no better place to go take it then in Pittsburgh. We will see what the Titans are made of after this game.

NOTES:

TITANS: Seek 4th consecutive win…In past 2, QB MATT HASSELBECK has 5 TDs vs. 1 INT & 119 passer rating. Hasselbeck aims for 5th consecutive game with 100+ passer rating. Has 8 TD passes this season – his most in 1st 4 games of any of his 11 seasons as starting NFL QB…RB CHRIS JOHNSON (101 yards) record 25th career game with 100+ rush yards last week. Johnson (5,907) needs 93 scrimmage yards to reach 6,000 career…WR NATE WASHINGTON spent 4 seasons (2005-08) with Steelers…TE JARED COOK had career-long 80-yard TD rec. last week – longest TD catch by Titans/Oilers TE sinceWILLIE FRAZIER on 11/6/64 (80). TE CRAIG STEVENS posted 1st TD catch in ’11 last week…Defense allows NFL-low 14 points per game in ’11…LB BARRETT RUUD leads team with 27 tackles…DE DERRICK MORGAN has sack in 2 of past 3…Rookie LB AKEEM AYERS (2nd round, No. 39) recorded 1st career sack last week...S JORDAN BABINEAUX had 97-yard INT-TD return last week, 3rd-longest in franchise history…STEELERS: Club has won 4 of past 5 at home…In 3 career games vs. Titans, QB BEN ROETHLISBERGER is 2-1 & has completed 67 of 93 passes (72 pct.) for 910 yards with 5 TDs & 102.9 passer rating. Roethlisberger has 18-7 (.720) record as starter in Oct…RB RASHARD MENDENHALL has 6 rush TDs in past 7 games…WR HINES WARD (11,838) needs 67 rec. yards to surpass HOFerMICHAEL IRVIN (11,834) for 19th-most in NFL history. Has 100+ rec. yards (109, 103) in 2 of past 3 vs. Titans. WR MIKE WALLACE averages 113.5 rec. yards per game this season (454 total). Aims for 4th consecutive game with 100+ yards at home (102, 104, 126). 11 of WR ANTONIO BROWN’s 15 rec. have been for 1st downs (73.3 pct.) this season…TE HEATH MILLER (298) needs 2 catches to become 1st Pit. TE with 300 career…Defense allows 277 yards per game, 2nd-lowest in NFL this season (BENGALS, 275.5)…In last game vs. Ten., LB JAMES HARRISON had 2 sacks, 2 FFs & FR…S TROY POLAMALUhas 3 INTs in 5 career games vs. Titans

Sportaholic Power Rankings Week 4

If there is one thing that I have noticed in the first quarter leg of the NFL season it’s the extraordinary QB play that we have witnessed. Everyone knows that it’s a passing league nowadays, but this has just been ridiculous so far this season. Even a blind man can see that this has been a demented year of offensive numbers. From Cam Newton’s Xbox stats to Aaron Rodgers record breaking QB rating pace, its has been an offensive palooza so far this year. There are currently 7 players over the century mark for QB rating with Rodgers leading the pack at 124.6 which would be an all-time record if the season stopped today. The QB position is at an all-time premium and this season the QBs have set a level of excellence never seen before. There are six QBs on pace to break Dan Marino’s all-time single season passing yards total including Drew Brees, Cam Newton, Aaron Rodgers Phillip Rivers, Tony Romo and Tom Brady who would just obliterate it at a projected finish of 6,212 yards. Just take a look at the stats from yester year to this season and you will see the anomaly that I a speaking of. Is this a trend or is this a sign of what to expect in the future of the NFL? I would certainly think you could make a compelling argument that the NFL as a league has catered to the offensive side of the ball with all of the rule changes and protection it has built around the QB. The league knows that offense sells and that’s what its about these days. What ever happened to defenses being ahead of offense to begin the season? Just another cliché we can throw out the window in this nutty year of the offense of 2011

Even more so, you can see how offensives have evolved to the point of no return these days. No huddle, spread and wildcat offenses are the product of innovation in the league. Its even worse in college football as they seem to do everything in the NCAA now days. Offenses will slow down however as the temperature changes. Nothing like a cold November chill to cool down the hot play we have seen of late. I don’t know what to make of this offensive explosion and excellent QB play of late. I am a football purist who loves to see great defense just as much as I love to see great offense. One thing is for sure, offense is running circles around defenses these days and this is only the beginning.

Now for the rankings

1. Green Bay Packers (4-0) – No way this team is going anywhere from the top spot. Not when Aaron Rodgers is chucking the rock for 408 yards and 4 touchdowns and adding another 2 on the ground. I could go on and on about the greatness of Rodgers but I’m pretty sure you get enough of that reading other columns. The Packers as a team is what impresses me the most. The are complete in every facet of the game from special teams to offense to defense this team really has no weaknesses. They overwhelm you on offense with their athletic receivers and Rodgers precision passing and even though they are allowing 24.3 points a game on defense they still can get after your QB with Clay Matthews and shutdown your receivers with two pro bowl corners in Tramon Williams and the forever young Charles Woodson. Even the special teams has stepped up with Randall “Corn” Cobb giving that unit a boost. They will have their hands full in the NFC North this year as Chicago isn’t going anywhere and the upstart Lions who are a formidable foe for the first time in over a decade. Its going to be a great race in that division but until further notice or this team losses, they belong at the top.

2. Baltimore Ravens (3-1) – That was an ugly game of epic proportions Sunday night against the Jets. Charm City turned into Turnover City as both teams just didn’t seem to care about the ball that much. Joe Flacco and Mark Sanchez were just plain out terrible for both of their teams. One of the major reasons was the defense being played on both sides. Baltimore’s defense as always is straw that stirs the drink in Raven land but Flacco gives me reason to be concerned. Maybe it was just an off night but when you stat line reads: 10/31 163 yards 1 pick and a rating of 30.5, your not picking your end of the bargain compared to that defense. You know Ray Ray and the gang were in his ear about this. The Ravens and every other team for that matter can only do so much with a limited QB and Flacco has to prove that he is the elite QB that he said he was this off-season. So far I’m not inclined to agree with him.

3. New England (3-1) – Its sucks that I have to keep them this high when they have a defense allowing 477.5 yards a game. Tom Brady will continue his assault on the record books as he is on pace to shatter Dan Marino’s passing yards record and Wes Welker last I heard was on some ridiculous 160 catch 2,400 yard season as well but that defense will let them down. Beliechek is known as defensive wizard but his defense hasn’t been anything but magical these past few seasons. As their last playoff proved, that offense can only carry you so far when you get into the playoffs. Your team has to be at least somewhat balanced on both sides of the ball and this is why I can’t peg them as a super bowl favorite in my book just yet.

4. Houston Texans (3-1) – On my radio show I said that if Houston wants to be considered one of the elite teams this year, then they would have to stand up and prove it against Pittsburgh. Not only did they stand up but they sat down the usually ultra physical Steelers. Big Ben couldn’t was flat out harassed (Oops no pun intended on that one but take it as you may) and roughed up for sacks. Wade Phillips defense 3-4 defense is already paying dividens as it has made them a much more aggressive team on that side which I always wanted to see out of the Texans defense. I didn’t buy into the Mario Williams to LB move at first but it seems to be working. He is still able to get to the QB but he is doing it in various ways this year.The Andre Johnson injury is a scare but he will only be out for a few weeks as they will baby him back onto the field. Those hamstring injuries are always tricky but Houston’s medical staff just dealt with Arian Foster similar injury. Speaking of Foster, he is one of the reasons I think Houston has the most complete offense in the league. They can run the ball with Foster or can pass the ball on you with Matt Schaub, Andre Johnson. And Owen Daniels. I like this team, all they need is more confidence and to continue the good play on defense.

5. Detroit Lions (4-0) – At what point did you think it was over in their game against Dallas? When I glanced at the score and saw it 20-3 going into halftime I thought to myself “Same old Lions” but these are not your father’s Lions by a long shot. Matt Stafford and Calvin Johnson got warmed up and stole one in Jerry’s house with a little help from Mr. Tony Romo. I just can’t understand for the life of me what goes on in Romo’s head in those pressure filled situations. Is it a little man who tells him what to do because he should be stop listening to that guy. Chris Cooley’s of the Washington Redskins comments (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Chris-Cooley-enjoys-Tony-Romo-8217-s-foibles-w?urn=nfl-wp8665) pretty much summed up what every up what every non Cowboy fan and hell maybe even some Cowboy fans think about Romo. In any event the Lions have showed they can take a lick and keep on ticking as this is their second straight week coming from behind on a double digit deficit. Megatron proved why he is an elite receiver rather Rob Ryan believes it or not. You have to love Coach Jim Schwartz’s dig at Ryan for saying that Johnson was “Almost as Good” as Cowboys receivers Dez Bryant and Miles Austin to which Schwartz responded “I’m just glad that the third-best receiver on their team is on our team. Touché Jim.

Offensive Player of the Week: Matt Forte – All the love and praise has been heaped on the QBs this year for the offensive explosion we’ve seen this year but you have to give up to Forte for his 205 yard outburst against the Carolina Panthers. What’s even more stunning about this is that he was allowed to receive 25 carries in Mike Martz’s pass happy offense. Maybe Martz has finally come to grips that he will need to rely on Forte more in order to keep QB Jay Cutler upright for the rest of the season. Running the ball and playing good defense is what I’m use to see from a Chicago Bears team and I’m glad to see them getting back to that identity even it was just for one week.

Defensive Player of the Week: Mario Williams – Like I said above, I love the way the Texans defense got after Ben Rothlisberger and for that I have to give the ringleader his due. Williams had 2.0 sacks and a number of hurries to flush Ben out the pocket giving his teammates the opportunity to bring him down. Houston and Tennessee look as if they will battle for the AFC South crown this year without Peyton Manning in the fold and if the Texans D steps up and plays this way every game then I have to give them the edge in that race.

James Harrison: Diary of an angry NFL player.

http://www.mensjournal.com/jamesharrison

I don’t know about you but I know James Harrison is ready to play some football. This man is angry and since he can’t hit any one any time soon he took his shots at various targets through the media. The 2008 defensive player of the year didn’t bite his tongue as he ripped the commish Roger Goddell and even his own teammates Ben Roethelisberger and Rashard Medenhall. Harrison was featured in the Men’s Journal magazine and who ever booked him should get a raise for conducting the best interview of the year so far. Here are a few excerpts from Harrison’s article:

On Roger Goddell: If that man was on fire and I had to piss to put him out, I wouldn't do it," Harrison told the magazine. "I hate him and will never respect him."

If the Steelers had won Super Bowl Harrison stated he would say the following to Goddell: "Why don't you quit and do something else, like start your own league in flag football?"

On Ben Rothislisberger: “Stop trying to act like Peyton Manning. You ain’t that. You just get paid like him.”



On Rashard Mendenhall: “He is a fumble machine.”

In a word, wow is all I can say.  Not only did Harrison let it all out on the most powerful man in the NFL but he also threw his own teammates under the bus. He also called Goddell a number of other things including an anti-gay slur, stupid, puppet and dictator. If you can’t tell by now, Harrison has a serious dislike for the commish. He didn’t limit himself to just those few either, as he took on ESPN and NBC commentators Tedy Bruschi and Rodney Harrison calling them clowns. He then called out Houston Texan linebacker Brian Cushing saying he was “Juiced out of his mind.”  Twitter has blown up over the comments of Harrison. I had to join in on the coversation (@Los2112) as the question was asked who was tougher Ray Lewis or James Harrison (I picked Harrison by the way)? Harrison seems to be upset with all of the fines that have been directed his way in light of the leagues new stance of hard hits. He even played the race card by saying he thinks black players are punished more severely than white players for those hard hits. Wait, what?

This man needs to get on the field and vent some of frustrations because they are clearly getting the best of him at this point. The most obscene part is that Harrison’s Super Bowl performance was horrible as he recorded only 1 tackle as the Steelers D allowed Aaron Rodgers to carve them up. Rodgers was 24/39 304 yards and 2 touchdowns and that doesn’t even include the 7 or 8 balls his receivers dropped. I don’t know maybe Harrison is trying to run himself out of town by going in on his own teammates and the Rooney’s right hand man Goddell. Harrison will be the guest on Sportcenter at 5 pm CST today so make sure to tune in for his follow up and for the full article click here: http://www.mensjournal.com/jamesharrison. If we know one thing about Harrison it’s that he doesn’t mince his words for anybody. 

Photo credits: Men's Journal Magazine

Bummer of a Summer 2011 edition

                

I I posted my very first article last year entitled “Summer of Bummers” as I featured a summer full of scandals that were rampant this time last year. If you can remember way back when to 2010, we had the “luxury” of witnessing the annual Brett Favre watch, Lebron-a-thon, Albert Haynesworth’s fall from grace in DC, Ben Roethlisberger’s late night romp, and Tiger was still recovering from his own scandal from which he has seemingly never has fully recovered. To avoid confusion, I decided to call this issue, “Bummer of a Summer”. To be sure, this summer has seen it’s own share of scandals as well: as we have Frank McCourt running the once proud Los Angeles Dodgers organization into the ground; College Football is in shambles from its own self inflicted wounds; and Alberto Contador is looking to win his 4th tour de France with the biggest cloud of suspicion (yeah I watch a little cycling, don’t judge me) hovering over him. But worse than all of the scandals, are the crazy NBA and NFL lockouts, which make for a different set of circumstances of which most sport fans aren’t accustomed. The summer months of sports are usually dull in my humble opinion. Baseball, Tennis, and Golf just doesn’t stir up the same type of emotions for me as Football and Basketball. As bad as the summer of 2010 was, at least it was entertaining and we knew we could look forward to seeing Football and Basketball in the Fall.

As a matter of fact, looking back at last year’s summer to the summer of 2011 it makes one long for Big Al coming to camp overweight and uninspired in Washington, the annual Brett Favre watch, and even that stupid decision fracas Lebron and co put together. It at least gave us something to talk about until the season started. The NFL and now the NBA are in full-blown lockout mode and both have put their respective upcoming seasons in jeopardy. This is unprecedented as the two of top sports leagues in our country will be taking a hiatus for an unforeseen amount of time. On some levels I can definitely understand the owners of the NBA locking out their players. A report from SI.com stated that 22 of the leagues 30 teams are operating in the negative. The players’ salaries are bloated and the current model of the NBA is broken, there is just no way around it. But no one made the owners pay guys like Rahsard Lewis and Gilbert Arenas over 100 million dollars in the first place. The NFL’s situation is different as the owners and the players can’t figure out how split 9 billion dollars worth of revenue among the two parties. The NFL system is not broken but neither side seems to want to concede any type of concessions that could possibly push the sides closer.

As it is now, neither situation makes us fans happy. We want the business side of things to work themselves out so we can see our sports heroes do what they do best. We expect for Roger Goddell, David Stern, DeMaurice Smith, Billy Hunter and all of the lawyers involved to find a way to get deals in place, because quite frankly it’s their job to do so. The dialogue from both leagues is what scares me as a fan the most. You have Charles Barkley saying that the current labor situation in the NBA could possibly swallow up the entire year and Kevin Durant saying that the players are ready to go all the way until some concessions are made on the side of the owners. In other words, this one is going to be a dogfight just like the NFL’s and maybe even worse. The NFL has had its share of tough talk as players as prominent as Adrian Peterson have stuck their own foots in their mouths. DeMaruice Smith has made some statements that have made me think that this labor thing may never end.

The lockouts will destroy all the positive momentum both leagues had going for them. The NBA just had its best ratings since “His Airness” Michael Jordan roamed the court in 1998 (how awkward is it that he is now on the owners’ side of things instead of the players). Lebron’s decision last year, whether you liked it or not, has brought about a ratings boom for the league as it gave fans a team to hate and despise in Miami. The NFL just had one its flagship franchises in Green Bay win the Super Bowl. It’s the number one sport in America and still hasn’t reached its ceiling. Most fans understand that the owners and players will always have a certain level of distrust with one another. That is just the nature of these types of relationships. But to possibly take away an entire season from the fans in the name of greed for both sides is definitely a turn off to us fans. Real fans support their teams no matter what, when it comes to the product on the field or the hardwood. I am a Dallas Cowboys fan and last year, as everyone knows, was possibly the most painful season I have endured. But I still brought my Cowboy gear, watched the games, and if I could have given my right arm I would have just to travel to Jerry’s world in Dallas to watch and cover a game. I’m sure those who are reading this did mostly the same during the course of the NFL season. So when the league decides that it’s best for them to cancel everything until further notice it just doesn’t sit well with us. What would they do if we all decided to strike and refused to buy tickets and fill the stadiums?

This year’s “Bummer of a Summer” has taking on an entire different meaning from last years. The bummer is that two of top sports league’s in the world that feature some of the greatest athletes that have ever been produced, can’t come to an agreement, so that everyone in sports world can get on with their sports lives as usual. Writers and bloggers won’t have anything to write about, reporters won’t have anything to report about and fans won’t have anything to cheer about. And there is nothing that any of us can do about this but watch and wait. This summer has definitely become the the mother of all sports bummers.

Super Bowl Finale Prediciton

After countless reading and observing about the spectacle that is Super Bowl XLV, I believe the time has come for my Super Bowl prediction. But before I can do that, we have to take a look at the breakdown of both teams and who has the edge in certain categories including offense, defense, coaching, special teams and intangibles. Pittsburgh and Green Bay match-up well on paper as both are 1st and 2nd respectively in per allowed per game and also 2nd and 5th in total defense. Troy Polamalu of the Steelers won defensive player of the year with the Packers Clay Matthews coming in second and not to mention their dueling hair personality’s battle as well.

Now for the breakdowns:



Offense:

The Pack’s offense has been on attack entering this game. Aaron Rodgers has just been everything you ask for from a QB. He is able to make throws from anywhere in the pocket and also on the move. He is one of more mobile QB’s in the league and with the Packers explosive receiving corps featuring Greg Jennings, Donald Driver and Jerome James, he is able to make plays at will. Couple that with the fact that these guys now have running game thanks to rookie James Starks and you have a dynamic offense capable of putting up points on anybody. Even though the Steelers have probably the best D in the league, I fully expect Rodgers and company to move the ball on them.

The Steelers on the other hand also have one of the better offenses in the league as well. Ben Roethlisberger extends plays better than anyone in the league at his position. How many times can you remember watching a Steelers game and saying that the opposing defense just can’t get Big Ben down? He may not be your prototypical QB a la Peyton Manning or Tom Brady but Roethlisberger is a proven winner and you should want a guy on your team like that. Reshard Mendenhall had maybe his best game as a pro in the AFC championship game against the Jets. He 121 yards rushing on 27 carries and gave great balance to the offense. The Steelers also have an underrated and speedy receiving quartet led by one of the fastest men in the league in Mike Wallace. Wallace along with Emmaunel Sanders and Antonio Brown form probably the fastest ever receiving tandem in Steelers history and don’t forget about Heath Miller coming over the middle as he is the security blanket for Big Ben.

Edge: Packers

Defense: The Packers defense under Dom Capers is one of the best at mixing up their blitz packages and bringing heat off the corners. Charles Woodson was last year’s defensive player of the year and has the versatility to cover as well as blitz from his position. Tramon Williams is becoming a shut down corner as of late and gives Capers flexibility to be able call all of those blitz packages. Clay Matthews is just a beast coming off the edge as an outside linebacker and will command a double team most of the game. Even when you double team Matthews, he still will make plays. This guys motor never stops running. Anybody that pours water on their head in subfreezing temperatures as Matthews does is crazy. Sam Shields has been a pleasant surprise in the secondary Green Bay as his two interception game in the NFC conference championship proved. He adds to the confusion on the defense on the Packers as you don’t want to test him to many times either.

The Steelers have the most formidable defense in the league. They are the bullies in a league full of bullies. You can’t start a conversation about the Steelers D without first speaking about all-world safety Troy Polamalu. I’ve been noted as saying that he is the Steelers most valuable player, more valuable then even Roethlisberger. He can cover and stuff the run. His instincts are bar none as he makes at least one or two big plays a game. The offense always has to know where number 43 is. James Harrison is a ferocious linebacker known for big hits and big fines. Do not I repeat do not come over the middle while this man is roaming around because you will pay for it dearly, just ask Mohammed Massaquoi. Lamar Woodley holds down the other side of the linebacking core and is more of a pass rushing player. He is able to get to QB as good as anybody. Polamalu’s partner in crime at safety is Ryan Clark and he is a ball-hawk known for big plays as well. As you can see, the Steelers defense has playmakers all over the field.

Edge: Steelers

Coaching:

Mike McCarthy is making his first Super Bowl appearance and you know that means a few jitters but that doesn’t mean much besides that. Sean Payton appeared in his Super Bowl last year and won and even Mike Tomlin got it done in his first appearance two years ago. McCarthy has seen over the development of Aaron Rodgers and also the departure of Brett Favre. He has endured the whole saga with a humility and even-keeled nature not seen by much. McCarthy grew up in Pittsburgh while the legendary Chuck Noll was roaming sidelines and it shows in McCarthy. Both men are very stoic in nature and don’t show any emotions while coaching. That is probably the best quality about McCarthy.

Mike Tomlin can be described as opposite of McCarthy. You will see him getting into his players on the sidelines and also very demonstrative when he engaged with the refs. The players seem to feed off his energy. I guess when your one of the youngest coaches in league not to mention the youngest to win a Super Bowl, its makes it that much easier to move around on the sidelines. Tomlin is one of the most comical men in a press conference. His answers are always straightforward, honest and to the point. His teams stay true to their Pittsburgh tradition as they are big, strong and physical teams. He has proved he is able to handle the big stage as he already has one Super Bowl ring. That is the only reason I will give him the edge in this category over McCarthy because there is no way of simulating what the biggest game of your life is like until you have participated in one. Tomlin looks just like this actor to me as well which makes it funny every time I see him http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=mike+tomlin&view=detail&id=A4815F5924047CBBCFBA177F104C8611D81AF30B&first=1&FORM=IDFRIR&qpvt=mike+tomlin

Edge: Steelers




Special Teams:

In a game that is evenly matched as this one, they usually come down to one big play or special team play. The Packers have one of the best kickers in football with Mason Crosby. The guy doesn’t miss much and has +50 yards range. He is a definite plus to have in a game of this magnitude. Rookie James Starks and veteran Charles Woodson handle the kick off returning duties for the Packers and are decent in that aspect.



The Steelers cut their long time kicking ace Jeff Reed mid-season after he missed seven of 22 attempts overall, including all four between the 40- and 49-yard lines. He was 4 of 9 at Heinz Field, where swirling winds and mushy grass make kicking difficult. He was replaced by Shaun Suisham the former Washington Redskin kicker. Suisham has been solid in the postseason as he has made all of his field goal attempts but he was always shaky in Washington. The kick-off return tandem of Antwaan Randle El and Antonio Brown is respectable but nothing spectacular.



Edge: Green Bay



Intangibles:

The Packers were among the worst hit team for injuries this year as they had to overcome. The list includes some of their key contributors in starting TE Jermichael Finley, Starting RB Ryan Grant and Starting LB Nick Barnett. All of these players are vital to the Packers but some kind of way GM Ted Thompson and HC Mike McCarthy continue to plug the holes so they don’t sink the ship. That shows resiliency not only by the front office but for the players as well as the backups have come in and held the team steady throughout the season. Aaron Rodgers, Charles Woodson, and Clay Matthews provide leadership and their even-keeled coach keeps them at an even pace not to get too high or too low in any series of events

The Steelers had to endure the Big Ben saga that seemed to take over the summer and also losing him for the first quarter of the season. Charlie Batch came in and played admirably and led them to a 4-1 record over that span. This team probably is the toughest mentally you will ever come across. Remember in the AFC divisional round when they were down 21-7 to the Ravens and all hope seemed lost? Remember when the Pats blasted them at home and everybody jumped off the bandwagon? I do, and every time this team faced some type of adversity they have resoundingly taken care of business. This is a team that is used to winning so this won’t to big of a stage for them to handle. Mike Tomlin is a tough minded coach who doesn’t concern himself with nothing other than winning football games.

Edge: Steelers

This should be an epic game featuring two of the storied franchises in the NFL. Both teams have an already decorated trophy case and would like to add to their accomplishments. It’s sad that this is the last game of the season and maybe even beyond that with the cloud of uncertainty surrounding the upcoming labor dispute between the owners and players. So everyone should enjoy this game. Call over you family and friends and forget about all of life’s everyday problems and enjoy America’s game for one evening. Enjoy the lavish accommodations that Jerry Jones has bestowed upon us for this grand finale to the season rather if your swinging your terrible towel or wearing your cheesehead. So with all that being said here is my prediction

Steelers 28 Packers 24