Weekend Round-up Aug, 1 2011: Deal buster edition

This has been a summer of deals, rather it be a new CBA for the NFL and the NBA, or even a new debt deal in congress that has proved to be even more painful then the NFL lockout itself. The debt lock has President Obama playing the role of Roger Goddell and House leader John Boehner that of DeMaurice Smith (Yeah I keep up with politics as well, you have to nowadays.) This last week has been filled with acquisitions in the NFL and the passing trading deadline in the MLB, different forms of deals if you will but still the same. The summer is the time for teams in the NFL to fix that leaky offense line and in the MLB its means its time to get that left-handed power hitter or whatever is needed to make a playoff push.

However, this year has a different feel to it and especially in the NFL. The lockout has compressed a myriad of deals that usually take weeks to develop. When you couple the X games (What an epic comeback by Shaun White), Serena Williams winning her first title in 2011, and a first time winner at the Brickyard in Paul Menard, then you my friend have an eventful weekend in the sports world.

MLB trade deadline passes: The trading deadline came and went with not much of a whimper. There were some deals including a few good moves with former Houston Astro All-Star Hunter Pence going to the Philadelphia Phillies, Michael Bourn landing in Atlanta, and Ubaldo Jimenez becoming a Cleveland Indian. There were no blockbuster trades that shifted the power in one division this year as most teams looked to just improve their clubs or add prospects for those who not in the race. The biggest winner in my opinion was the Texas Rangers as they acquired Mike Adams from the San Diego Padres and Koji Uehara from Baltimore, giving them two great additions to there bullpen. The Rangers already have a lineup that can bash their opponent’s heads in featuring defending AL MVP Josh Hamilton and a pretty good stable of pitchers in C.J. Wilson, Alex Ogando, and Derek Holland. Now they have three lock-down relievers when you add Netfali Feliz to the mix. Watch out Boston, Texas is hot on your trail in the AL.

It’s always sunny in Philadelphia: I mean that literally these days with all of the free agents flocking to the land of Philly cheese steaks (that makes me hungry just saying it). It’s been an embarrassment of riches when it comes to top flight free agents making there way to the city of brotherly love. It started with the Kevin Kolb deal to Arizona for the elite corner Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie. They didn’t stop there both as they swooped in and landed All-Pro cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, who was the biggest fish in the pond this year. The Eagles also plucked DE Jason Babin who had 12 sacks with the Titans last year, DT Cullen Jenkins and his 11 sacks from Green Bay, and got more than decent backup QB in former Titan Vince Young. I think most people are underestimating the valuable recruiting chip the Eagles have in Michael Vick, as players are seemingly gravitating to his resurgence. The Cheese Steaks are good but it has to be more than that right? If there was a competition for winning free agency, it wouldn’t even be close this year as the Eagles have thoroughly dominated everyone in the NFL. Philadelphia looks to have the best team on paper thus far but as everyone knows (Especially Daniel Snyder), you don’t win the Super Bowl in August. It will be interesting to see how their acquisitions translate on the field, but they look tough to beat.

Plaxico Burress: From to Jail to the New York Jets: Burress has come full circle after his own self imposed nightmare. After shooting himself and going to jail, Burress has resurfaced in New York of all places. Sexy Rexy and the Jets had to make a splash after losing out on Nnamdi Asomugha and hated rival New England picking up Albert Haynesworth and Chad Ochocinco. Everyone knew that Burress would get signed, he is too talented a player not to, but it was surprising that he landed across the pond from his old New York Giants team. It has to a bit unsettling for Giant fans who saw Burress lead them to the promise land not too long ago. There were a number of teams chasing him including the Pittsburgh Steelers, those New York Giants and the San Francisco 49ers. According to ESPN insider Adam Schefter, Burress was on his way to meet with the 49ers when he received a choice call from the Jets front office. Burress reportedly named a price and the Jets quickly obliged. The rest is now history as Burress begins his comeback and has a chance to be a difference maker on a Super Bowl caliber team. If he can return to previous form, than the Jets may have a steal on their hands. This also signals the end of Braylon Edwards in a Jets uniform.

Paul Menard wins the Brickyard 400: This has become of season of first time winners in NASCAR. First Trevor Bayne at Daytona, then Ragan Smith at Darlington and now Paul Menard joined the winners circle for the first time. Menard’s victory was a rousing upset as he outlasted defending race winner Jamie McMurray and legend Jeff Gordon. He was able to conserve just enough fuel to take the checkered flag. The win at one of the most historic venues in NASCAR was only Menard’s second victory all-time, as his only other win came in the Nationwide series. The win also moved Menard up to 14th in the Sprint Cup championship making him a contender for one of the coveted wild card spots in the Chase. Keep it going Paul.

Kobe says he will play overseas if he gets the right offer: Kobe Bryant gave a point blank answer to if he would be interested in playing overseas during the NBA lockout. He stated that he is just waiting on the right offer. So any Euro, Chinese, or Turkish team has a chance at signing one of the world best players. Bryant, just like the rest of the NBA players just want to play ball somewhere this year, even if that means going abroad. Kobe has already participated in a Philippine All-Star game that featured NBA MVP Derrick Rose and others so its not like Kobe has any second thoughts about traveling. He also grew up in Italy with his father playing in the Italian league, so again Kobe has no reservations about playing elsewhere other than the NBA. I thought out of all the NBA elite players, Kobe would be the one who did not trek overseas. His recurrent knee problems coupled with the mileage that he has logged by going to the previous 2 out of 3 NBA finals was enough for him to take a deep rest until the labor unrest cleared up. But not a competitive guy like Bryant, he just can’t sit around while others are still playing. That’s just not in his DNA even with the knees begging for mercy. This is a guy I remind you that missed most of the Lakers practice last year because his aching knees and now he wants to go over and play just because he can’t sit down. One thing is for sure, someone will be getting one hell of a player if he does sign.

And that does it for the weekend round-up. Make sure to check in with the Sportaholic this week as we have some anticipated new additions to the team. Also if you haven’t already, make sure you tune in every Saturday 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. for The Sportaholic Radio Show on Beatknockin.com.

Sportaholic AFC-NFC Championship Game Burning Questions

If you didn’t enjoy what you witnessed in the divisional round of the playoffs this weekend, then you just don’t like football. Baltimore and Pittsburgh staged a battle of attrition as both teams hit each other with such ferocity in that rivalry. The players aptly named their third meeting of this season as Armageddon and that looked like how both teams approached it. New England and the New York Jets did most of their hitting below the belt in the media. The Jets just couldn’t contain themselves against their arch rival and actually backed up their brash talk with a defensive masterpiece that befuddled soon to be MVP Tom Brady. Aaron Rodgers and the Packers confirmed what I had thought all along about the Falcons with their crushing defeat. The monsters of the midway from Chicago easily handled Seattle as Jay Cutler showed he can execute under playoff pressure.




The winning teams now move on to the conference championships and both have a classic feel to them.



The Jets and Steelers battled each other just a few weeks ago with New York able to pull out the victory 22-15. That was the first victory ever in Pittsburgh for the Jets. The teams have met only 19 times. Even though they don’t have the quantity that Bears and Packers have, they do have in quality. The three burning questions for this game:

1. Can Sanchez do it again? Mark Sanchez was just sensational against the Pats going 16/24 for 194 yards and 3 touchdowns. He thoroughly out played Tom Brady and was the key factor on offense that allowed the Jets to be effective. His performance set up the Jets running game and plays action fakes that were so effective. He seems to be able to raise his play in the playoffs and for the Jets sake hopefully he can do it again.

2. Can the Steelers line hold up against Rex Ryan’s defense: The Jets forced 5 sacks against the Pats basically playing 3 man fronts. They were able to confuse Brady with the look and were able to bump the receivers to throw their routes off. Big Ben of course is a different animal then Brady but when you look at the stats from the Ravens game, you will notice that he was sacked multiple times including the one he fumbled that was taken in for a TD by the aware Cory Redding. The one thing the Steelers have that the Pats didn’t is a speedster in Mike Wallace. Wallace can be the deep threat that could break the coverage of the Jets, so he will be vital in this game Rothlisberger may be the hardest QB to bring down in the league but the Jets will certainly get after him.

3. Will either team suffer a letdown performance, after two emotional and physical games against their arch rivals: It goes without saying how much both of these teams hate the ones they just beat to get here. Both of those games were emotionally charged and physically dominating. The Steelers were down to their last offensive linemen against the Ravens and the Jets seemed way too emotional after their victory over New England. Its funny to think that these two both could have a letdown game based on their come from behind victories over their rivals. Which team can channel their emotions and pick themselves up will have the advantage in this game.



As for the Packers and Bears, these teams have been going at each other for quite some time, since 1921 as a matter of fact and have the longest standing rivalry in the NFL. This is the first time they have met in the playoffs since 1941. They split this year’s games and now face each other with a chance to represent the NFC in the pro bowl. The familiarity between these two teams breeds hatred. Bears Head Coach Lovie Smith spares no punches in his dislike for the Packers. He purposely played his starters in the week 17 even though they had a playoff spot locked up.

1. Aaron Rodgers can you keep this up? Rodgers has been on tear since entering the playoff. He could have gone to jail the way he absolutely assaulted the Falcons secondary for 366 yards and 4 touchdowns. He can burn the defense with his legs as well as he has showed great mobility his entire career. He was actually second in the league in QB rushing yards under Michael Vick. The playoffs have been his coming out party but the Bears defense will want to change that.

2. Will the real Jay Cutler stand up? Cutler played like grizzled vet in his first playoff game against Seattle. He came out firing for the Bears and hit TE Greg Olsen a TD on his third play. He would finish 15/28 for 274 yards 2 touchdowns and no INTs. He also rushed for two more scores becoming the first QB since the great Otto Graham to have at least two throwing and two rushing touchdown in their first playoff game. Not Aaron Rodgers numbers or anything but still good enough. Cutler is always the one rub I have against Chicago because you never know which Cutler will show up. As a matter of fact, the two of his worse games of the season against this very Green Bay Packers team. Cutler’s actions will dictate how Chicago fares in this game.

3. Which defense will impose their will on the offense: There will definitely be no shortage of great defensive players on the field with the likes of Brian Urlacher, Charles Woodson, Lance Briggs, Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers. Both defenses played lights out football in their victories over the past weekend. It poses the question of which one will be superior in the NFC championship game. Both will have to be on their A-game as both quarterbacks come into the game hot and looking to make plays for their teams.



This should be a great weekend of football featuring the final four in the NFL. Who pegged these four teams as the final standing this year? That is the great thing about the NFL, you never know who will rise to the occasion. It will be Jets-Steelers and Bears-Packers for a chance to represent their conference in the Super Bowl.

Sportaholic NFL Power Rankings Week 10

After all the games on Sunday, I think the best performance came on Monday night. In the speed drill demolishing of the Washington Redskins 59-28, Micheal Vick was almost flawless. His stat line is mind-boggling, he completed his first 10 passes and finished 20 for 28 for 333 yards with four touchdowns. Vick also ran eight times for 80 yards and two scores and now and he also moved into second all-time for rushing yards by a QB. The numbers don't even do this game justice. This was a Monday night massacre. Most casual fans probably turned the channel by halftime. Vick and the Eagles were just dominant in every phase of the game.

Vick's pocket presence now is unbelievable. He throws with pinpoint accuracy in the pocket and on the move. Vick is the most dangerous weapon in the NFL right now. How do you stop a guy who runs in the 4.2, 4.3 range, can drop a pass into tight coverage, can throw on the run, and has playmakers like Desean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin? (Both have at least 4.3 speed, Jackson maybe 4.2) The answer to that question is you don't. And with the NFC wide open this year, the Eagles have as good a chance as any team to come out of the conference. Vick gives them a transcendent star, one that no one has ever seen on the football field. He has finally has combined his freak athleticism with the ability to read and dissect coverage. This is what everyone envisioned when he was drafted out of Virginia Tech. Unfortunately, things didn't go as planned but after his jail sentence, it seems Vick has finally taken his game to the next level. NFL be on lookout because the ultimate weapon will be coming to a town near you.

Now for the power rankings:

1.New York Jets (7-2) - This is simply by default. The two teams I had ahead of them both loss. The Jets are just beating the teams they are suppose to, albeit if its closer than it should be. The Jets seem to lack focus at the beginning of game and turn it on in the end to win. You can do that with the likes of Detroit and Cleveland but you can't do that against good teams. Mark Sanchez has to be commended on his performance. He gutted out the win with a bad calf. Santanio Holmes's grab in OT was all about sheer will as he took it to the house. And Rex Ryan don't you ever do this again: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/1011/did-you-see-that-1112/content.6.html

2.New England Patriots (7-2) - So they go and get clobbered by the Browns and turn around clobber the Steelers? That's just the kind of unpredictable year it has been in league. Tom Brady was just masterful against the Steelers D, going 30/43 for 350 yards and no INTS. You just don't see those type of numbers against Pittsburgh. It's the first time in a long time I actually felt sorry for them. Brady had it all working and was throwing lasers all over the field. The 19-yard TD pass to Rob Gronkowski pretty much summed up the night for the Steelers. Pittsburgh scored a few garbage time touchdowns but the game was never really in doubt. Brady and the hoodie just has the Steelers number.

3. Philadelphia Eagles (6-3) - That was just a scary good performance from the Eagles last night. They are the fastest team in the league and seem like they could field a track team if they wanted to. With Vick they are the best team in the NFC. Yeah, I said it. If their defense can at least give them decent play, I see no reason why that can't make a Super Bowl run.

4. Atlanta Falcons (7-2) Yet another team that I have been resisting to put in the rankings, but they showed in defeating my previously top ranked Baltimore Ravens, that have what it takes. Matt "Matty Ice" Ryan is the real deal. The guy is 17-2 at home and if they could find a way to get home-field advantage in the playoffs, they will definitely be a factor. Roddy White has finally stepped up on a consistent basis and is making his claim as one of the best receivers in the game. What is up with the NFC south division? Can't anyone win the division two straight years for once please? I'm looking at you New Orleans Saints.

5.Baltimore Ravens (6-3) - The top team from last week, the Ravens are a bit of an enigma to me. They have a offense that should be better than they have shown thus far. The defense still has that reputation of the last few years but that no longer needs to apply to them. As I watched the Thursday night game, I remember saying to myself "This isn't that great intimidating Ravens D anymore" Matt Ryan and Roddy White just undressed their secondary. Ed Reed can say they gave that one away all he wants, the fact of the matter is that the Ravens offense is now better than its defense. Just don't tell Ray Lewis I said that.

Other News and Notes from the around the league:

Its getting real Chilly in Minnesota - You could just tell this was going to be an epic fail of a game for the Vikings, and that's exactly how it turned out. After arguing and bickering the whole week, with anonymous sources saying the likes of " I hate playing for him" and the always popular " I know he doesn't have my back so why should I have his", the Vikings imploded on Sunday. The Vikes now stand at 3-6, as Brett looks older with each passing game and his body is breaking down in sections (Ankle, Jaw and now shoulder), Percy Harvin continues to have concussion and migraine issues, and the team has mutiny written all over it. What a sad waste of Brett last season. I just don't see how this team can make the playoffs with so much negativity surrounding them.

Garrett's great debut - So how bout them Cowboys? I've been wanting to say that all season and finally have a reason. Jason Garrett was handed the keys to the team and looks to have way more control than Wade "Aw Shucks" Phillips had. They actually played with a sense of urgency, something that has been on a milk carton in Dallas. I won't jump to far with this but to me it just goes to show you what good coaching and player accountability will do for your team. Garrett is demanding his players be great and expects nothing less from himself. He has to win at least 5 games in my opinion to have the interim title removed. All in all good win and Garrett now has as many wins as Phillips did this whole year.

The Jags get the last laugh - The funniest part about that Hail Mary pass is the way it was set-up for Jacksonville. It was just a bad series of events for the Texans. Houston took over the ball with 1:33 left in the game. Matt Schaub was able to get them down to the Jags 40 with 22 seconds left and he spiked the ball. This is the point where tight end Joel Dreessen made two critical mistakes that help set up the Jaguars' winning play. He was called for a false start that pushed the Texans back to their 45 and then Dreessen caught an eight-yard pass, and promptly fumbled.

If he doesn't fumble than the clock more than likely would have run out. The Texas would have been able to run a few more plays and at worst take it to overtime but as it stood the Jags got the ball on 34 yard line. Houston decided to play soft coverage and allowed an 11-yard pass to Marcedes Lewis. A (for lack of better word) stupid offsides penalty by the Texans Antonio Smith placed the ball at the midfield. From there David Garrard was able to launch a pass in the end zone and instead of catching the ball or batting it AWAY from the offensive player, Glover Quin knocks it right into the hands of Mike Thomas for the TD catch. End of game. The game was an important one too as it put the Jags ahead of the Texans in the division. What a way to lose.

Sportaholic NFL Power Rankings Week 9

 Another week and another shuffle in the rankings. The NFL has been so weird this year. You usually can count on one or two dominant teams but not this year. This has become the year of the unknown. We never know from week to week which teams will show up. There are a few consistent teams ( Pittsburgh, Baltimore, New York Jets) as far as winning, but they are not ripping teams apart. A few teams are playing as well as can in the situation their in ( Indianapolis and Green Bay) and then you have the upstarts, who are no longer the push overs they use to be (Kansas City, Oakland, and even Detroit). Now with that being said, I present to you the week 9 rankings.

1.Baltimore Ravens (6-2) - Its looks like that Bills game was a fluke. I had been reluctant to put them in the top spot without seeing a dominant performance from them and I finally got what I was looking for out of them against Miami. Ray Rice is an underrated back and I always come away impressed with his play when I get a chance to see him. Joe Flacco had a great game going 20/27 for 266 yards 2 TDs no Ints.The addition of Ed Reed has put playmaking back into their secondary as well. They added another playmaker on the offense in Donte Stallworth as too. The Ravens and Pittsburgh will battle the whole season for the AFC north crown.

2.Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2) - The Steelers came out dominant at first against the Bengals but had a hard time putting them away. Ben Roethlisberger was less than spectacular but got the job done. They got more than enought breaks from the lowly Bengals (How can this team be so bad at the simple things?) Hopefully James Harrison won't be hearing from the league for his hit on Jordan Shipley, it looked perfectly legal to me. Pittsburg just keeps chugging along beating the teams that they are suppose to. Thats what champions do.

3. New York Jets (6-2) - This is the hardest team in the league to predict on a week to week basis. They almost lost to Detroit, if it wasn't for the last moment heroics. They have a young offense and that leads to inconsistency. Speaking of consistency, Mark Sanchez has to learn to stop thinking so much and just go play some football. The Jets did have the run game working as Tomlison and Shonne Greene combined for 101 yards rushing and 114 yards receving. And the one thing they can always count on is Sexy Rexy's defense.

4. New York Giants (6-2) - Welcome to the rankings Giants (and NFC). The New York football Giants defensive line have become the most domineering and destructive force in the league. They now have taken out Matt Hasselback, Tony Romo (for the season), Jay Cutler, and Matt Moore. This was their recipe for the Super Bowl last time they won in 2008. I know somewhere in Dallas, Jon Kitna is paranoid and he should be.

5.New England Patriots (6-2) - Previously number one ranked New England makes a mighty stumble. I know by the look on Bill Belicheck's face that he hates losing to his former protege Eric Mangini. The Browns actually showed the blueprint for beating the Pats. They ran the ball effectively racking up 230 yards, 184 of those coming from Peyton Hillis (Boy does that trade for Brady Quinn is looking awfully good now). They flustered Tom Brady with with a variety of fronts and coverages, which is the only way to stop him. It's hard to imagine the Browns soundly beating New England at every phase of the game like they did. You have to love the trick play they ran on the goal line with Chansi Stuckey and Josh Cribbs as well. New England will bounce back but that sure was an ugly loss.

Other News and Notes from the league:

The Channing Crowder and Le'ron McClain incident has grown legs. Now Miami Dolphins coach Tony Sparano is confirming that the Ravens fullback spit in the face of Crowder. I saw the replay of the incident but never saw anything come out of McClain's mouth. Even though I didn't see it, it's hard to say that Crowder would have got that upset if he didn't. The league will review it and if McClain did, he will be fined .

If you saw the Austin Collie hit when it happend, what was your initial reaction to it? I personally don't think it was a dirty hit. It's just football and the nature of the game itself. Collie tried to get down after making the catch but was in between two defenders with another one trying to get out of the way. Its unfortunate the way it turned out. If Quiton Mikell and Kurt Coleman get fined for that, then the rule is officially ridiculous. Even two of Collie's teammates (Aaron Francisco and Jacob Lacey) stated that it was a clean hit. Everyone should hope Collie is ok and makes a full recovery.

Phillip Rivers just won't let the Chargers give up. He is single handely keeping the Chargers season alive. Rivers has had to deal with various reasons for his top four receivers being out. Vincent Jackson had the whole holdout thing and Antonio Gates, Legedu Nanee and Malcolm Floyd all being out with various injuries. He has had to make due with practice squad receivers with rookie Seyi Ajirotutu catching two touchdowns passes last game. The guy just has a will to win and has thrown for 2,944 yards through nine games, 357 more than any other quarterback. He is on pace to break Dan Marino's all -time season mark. I wouldn't be surprised if he breaks it or if San Diego comes back to win the division with Rivers at the helm.

Wade Phillips almost wasn't the first coach to get fired this season. Brad Childress almost got that distinction after he made the impromptu decision to cut Randy Moss, without consulting owner Zygi Wilf. You know that is kind of important Brad. If you going to cut a future hall of famer, you might just want to tell the guy who owns the team not to mention you cost your team 3rd round draft pick. Wilf reportedly so upset he responded by almost firing the embattled Childress rather than cutting Moss. The Vikings owner surveyed his players to see what the atmosphere was like. Fortunate for Childress, Wilf backed off. But now the coach will be based on a week to week performance. The victory they pulled out against Arizona was unbelievable. Favre rescued the Vikings season and his coach's job.

And Finally, what is your over/under on Jason Garrett remaining the coach in Dallas after this season? I say its about 50/50 at best. Jones will let Garrett audition but it really is unfair to Garrett. He has the same players who cost Wade Phillips his job. I will say their is no motivation like knowing your job is on the line. Everyone will be on the hook if they continue to play the way they have been. If Garrett doesn't get the job done, Jones will be relentless in finding a big name coach to fill the vacancy.

I don't necessarily think that you have to go after the big name coach in order for the team to be successful but I'm sure Jerry will chase the big names first. Just look at Mike Tomlin, Jim Harbaugh and Mike Smith.They all have had success and were not big name at the time of their hiring. If Jerry does chase, Bill Cowher or Jon Gruden seem like good hires. Cowher has a track record as a disciplinarian and would add some needed direction in that department but a lot of sources are saying he won't be interested in the position because of the authority Jerry Jones would want to exert on him. As for Gruden, he would come into a similar situation as the one he had in Tampa Bay. There are players in place but the culture of the team needs to be changed. He is a football man in every pore of his body. I think he could turn around the team. Hopefully they can get someone, even if it's not the big name to turn the fortunes of the franchise around for America's team.

Sportaholic NFL Power Rankings Week 8

Another tough week in the NFL and a few top teams took a tumble. The Jets couldn’t score a point in Lambeau and Pittsburgh met a desperate defending Super bowl champ with all the voodoo working on Halloween. The Titans for some reason just can’t beat the Chargers. The Patriots and the Colts beat up on Minnesota and Houston. Some other really good teams had a bye this week. (Giants, Ravens, Eagles)



Now let’s unveil the new top five

1. New England Patriots – They just keep finding ways to win. They shut down the Vikings offense when they needed to and Tom Brady will always give you an opportunity to win. The throw he made to Brandon Tate was a thing of beauty. The young defense is now starting to find their way and jell. The hit by Myron Rolle on Brett Favre was vicious, gave the old man eight stitches. And for all the Randy Moss pre-game talk, he had all of one catch for eight yards.

2. Indianapolis Colts – Did you see Peyton Manning run for a first down Monday night? I see why he doesn’t do that often, he looked so awkward sliding. Even with all the weapons they have lost, they remain potent on offense. As long as the Sheriff is in town, they have a shot. (Pun intended)

3. Pittsburgh Steelers – Talk about a tough venue, trying to go into the Super Dome and face “Who Dat” nation on Halloween. They even set a world record for the largest Halloween gathering with 17,777 fans in costumes (don’t they always have that many at every home game?). I can’t say that they didn’t have their chances though. A lot of late mistakes but sooner or later Big Ben was going to show some vulnerability. The Saints defense finally played like it did last year. With that all said, the Steelers will be just fine

4. New York Jets – A goose egg Jets? Did I miss the frozen tundra out there or something? Mark Sanchez took a lot of heat for that game but it wasn’t his entire fault. His receivers (Jerricho Cotchery in particular) dropped multiple passes. The run game wasn’t effective either, with LT and Shonn Greene combining for just 76 yards. The Jets defense did their part, only allowing a very good offensive team to nine points. It was just an ugly game by both teams. That Clay Matthews is a beast.

5. Baltimore Ravens – The Ravens had a bye this week and with Tennessee losing, I have to keep them at this spot. They have a tough game against Miami this week. The Dolphins are 4-0 on the road this season and are coming to town. We should get a better feel for the Ravens, after their head scratching performance against Buffalo.

Honorable mention: Tennessee Titans, Green Bay Packers, Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Sportaholic NFL Power Rankings

I wanted to wait until the Monday night game was in the books but upon further review I don't have Dallas (duh) or the Giants in my top five so it was OK to go ahead and post my Power rankings. In one of my previous posts (http://thenashvilleblog.com/2010/10/pretenders-and-contenders/) I listed my Pretenders and Contenders as of week 4. The list included two teams at the time that I thought until they got their act together were not going to make the playoffs. Both of those teams have finally straightened up and look to make some major noise going into week 9. The two teams you ask? None other than AFC co-division leaders Tennessee and Indianapolis and both make their introduction into the top five. And with that being said let's jump in the Power Rankings

1. New York Jets - I have to keep them here even though they had a bye week. The offense has been fluid and only looks to get better with another week of practice and finding places for Santonio Holmes to get the ball. Sexy Rexy's (Pun totally intended) defense will always show up and give the team a chance. I really like this team and they look to be the class of the league right now

2.Pittsburgh Steelers - As everyone knew, the addition of Big Ben to the offense has infused life back into that side of the ball. Before Rothelisberger, the passing offense was ranked dead last and now with him back they have already rose to 26th in the league. Aaron Smith was lost for the season with a torn tricep and may be a bigger blow than most think but the defense is the least of their worries these days in Steeler nation. One other thing I worry about with the Steelers is how they sometimes get a little cute with Ben back in the lineup and pass more than they should. All in all this is a solid team and Super Bowl contender.

3. Tennessee Titans - On paper you look at this team and try to figure out who some of these guys are. You know the names Vince Young, Chris Johnson, Cortland Finnegan and after his break out performance Kenny Britt. I challenge anyone outside of of Tennessee to name any other players from this team. Hmm? That's what I thought. But the thing about the Titans is that they play with a mean streak that is indicative of their coach Jeff Fisher. They will hit you in the mouth, just ask Philadelphia. The emergence of Britt really is intriguing for this team. If you can combine a speedy deep threat to the likes of Chris Johnson you are definitely on to something. The running lanes will be open more now for Johnson and Vince Young now that a passing game has developed. This is a team to be reckoned with and will have something to say about the AFC south crown.

4.New England Patriots - The gritty, gutty Patriots gutted one out against the mistake prone San Diego Chargers but it wasn't without its faults. The Pats almost had a fourth quarter meltdown. San Diego was able to find their offensive rhythm in the fourth and came back from 20-3 down to almost tie the game. New England was saved by a missed field goal from the unreliable Kris Brown ( Houston fans know what I am talking about.) New England is a good team but I am weary of their young defense. Good teams will make that field goal and take it to overtime or not be in that position at all in the first place. I noticed a lot of holes in the secondary that Phillip Rivers was able to take advantage of. But to be honest if that is one thing you have to worry about, than you should be OK. As long as Tom Brady and Bill Belicheck are on the same page, the good times should continue in Boston.

5.Indianapolis Colts - I flipped and flopped in my head who to put in this slot. I really like Baltimore, but that was just a bad performance they had against the Bills. They should have blown them out. So instead I will go with the Colts this week. Indianapolis had a bye this week and thank god for that. The players have been dropping left and right with Austin Collie, Dallas Clark, Joseph Addai and Donald Brown all getting injured. The biggest one is Clark, he has always been Peyton's safety net, so that will definitely be a blow to their high powered offense. I just think Manning will find a way to get the best out of what he has and they will battle Houston and Tennessee all the way to the end for the AFC South. I have a personal belief to never ever bet against Peyton Manning. He has burned me too many to do so.

Honorable Mention: Baltimore Ravens, Green Bay Packers, Atlanta Falcons and the Kansas City Chiefs.

Finally Friday Edition 4

The New York Jets have been catching a lot of heat in the press for the treatment of reporter Ines Sainz, and probably for good reason. I have reason to believe this knowing how the Jets operate (If you seen hard knocks, you know what I mean) with their brash and bravado style all stemming from coach Rex Ryan. That was until I saw a picture of this woman. Just look at her:

She is freakin hot. Now seeing the picture of this beautiful woman, does it skew your view of way the players handled being interviewed by her? In no way am I saying that she should not be taken seriously, she is a credential holder of the New York Jets, but at the same time this is like putting a piece of meat in front of dogs. In some cases and most cases I should say, Men will be men. If they see an attractive woman, they are going to say things to her. She may not like some of the things they say, but she signed up for this profession. Now I am all about equal rights and all that stuff but this is different. The reason this has really never been issue before is that there are not many hot women reporters. I can think of a few (Hello, Erin Andrews call me) but can think of more average looking woman working the sidelines. Its the gift and the curse of being attractive, people are more into your looks than your brain. I know a few women reporters and from what I understand they feel they have to dress down in some cases to be taken seriously. Sainz dresses like she going to a club in south beach. So to wrap this up, If you act professional and dress in a business manner, it forces people to respect you and value your opinion. If you dress like Snooki from Jersey Shore you will get treated in that manner.

Monday night recap

Ravens 10 Jets 9 - So all that talking for this Jets? I mean all off season all we here coming out of the coach and the players mouth is how they are going to the Super bowl. They had propped themselves up as the the second coming of the Broadway Joe's team. So when the lights were on and the cameras focused on them, they go out and lay a dude with the national spotlight on them Monday night. Mark Sanchez looks like a man on a mission to prevent the Jets from doing anything special this year. Sanchez completed less than half of his passes, totaling only 74 yards passing. Its not his entire fault, the play calling from Brian Schottenheimer looked anything but innovative. And To be fair as well credit must be given to the Ravens. The defense still is one of the hardest hitting in the league. They were harassing Sanchez all night and seemed to be in the backfield at will. I see why Ray Lewis landed that old spice swagger commercial. The hit he put receiver coming over the middle made me hurt. Joe Flacco had a decent night going 20/38 238 yards and an interception. At least he tried to pass the ball downfield. The Jets seemed content on running and taking field goals. If your goal is to reach the Super Bowl, than your offense better score points. The jury is still out those J-e-t-s ( I can't stand that stupid cheer), they face their arch rival in New England on a short week. Good win for the Ravens.

Chiefs 21 Chargers 14- Why do we have to go threw this every year with the Chargers? Its like a script from a bad reality show. Their motto has to be its not the way you start but the way you finish. Once again, just like the past few seasons the Chargers look anything but ready for the 1st game of the season. San Diego came out flat and let the young Chiefs gain their confidence. Jamal Charles made defenders look silly with his burst of speed for a touchdown run. Dexter McCluster broke a punt return for a 94 yard return and touchdown. The Chiefs have looked to upgrade at something that can't be taught, and that is speed. Between McCluster and Arenas the return game looks to be solid. Phillip Rivers was able to move the ball and finished 22/39 298 yards 2 TDs and a rating of 98.0. I thought the absence of Vincent Jackson was going to be evident but not so much. Rivers seems to have trust in WR Legedu Nannee who finished with 5 catches for 110 yards and a TD. The Chiefs pretty much dared anyone else to beat them in the pass game not named Antonio Gates, throwing double and sometimes triple coverage at him. Matt Cassel numbers wasn't impressive going 10/22 for 68 yards and a TD. Kansas City (or New England west as I call them, is it me or do they have like the entire Pats staff of a few years back on that team) looks like a young team on the rise.