This past weekend in the NFL, there were many bone crushing, and violent hits. This caused at least five players from different teams to be sidelined. Most of the injuries were due to concussions from these hard knocks. Harrison from the Steelers sidelined two Browns players by himself.
The NFL has rules to cut down down on these hits, and have just enforced these rules with a small fine to the players that carry out these hits. After this weekend it will no longer be that way. The NFL is now going to start enforcing these rules with a suspension for the players that carry these hits out. Although it is unclear on how long these suspensions will be, as a fan I do not want to see the hard hits stopping.
Football is known as one of the toughest sports of all time, and is deeply loved and revered by men all over the country. I'm o.k. with helmet to helmet hits being illegal. I can see how those are severely damaging to both players involved in the hit. Take for example the Eagles DeSean Jackson, and the Falcons Dunta Robinson. Robinson unleashed on Jackson with a helmet to helmet collision that ended with concussions for both players. Meriweather from the Patriots committed a helmet to helmet hit on a defenseless Ravens player, that was left sidelined by the hit. Yes those hits need to be taken out the game. But the NFL does not need to take action against hard bone crushing hits.
The player receiving the hit knows what he signed up for, knows that a serious injury is one play away at all times. That player knows that injury from playing football is evident, and a high possibility. Apparently the NFL commissioners have forgotten that FOOTBALL IS A CONTACT SPORT!! Contact meaning there is an extreme physical aspect that requires one play to use physical force to bring down another player. Thus can result in injury.
If the NFL wants to carry out its plans to get rid of these hits its going to cause problems. Defensive players are going to be playing with less motivation, and will not try as hard to make a tackle. Thats what defensive players are there for. They are not there to shy away from physical confrontation, but to attack it head on. Now the NFL is acting like it does not want defensive players to play defense. What is this sport going to turn into? Flag Football, or Two Hand Touch. Keep it a mans sport and keep that extreme physical aspect that America loves in the game.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Sunday, October 17, 2010
First Real BCS Standings
- Oklahoma Sooners
- Oregon Ducks
- Boise St. Broncos
- Auburn Tigers
- TCU Horned Frogs
- LSU Tigers
- Michigan St. Spartans
- Alabama Crimson Tide
- Utah Utes
- Ohio St. Buckeyes
Test of Friendship
This year the Texas Ranger's season has been nothing short of miraculous already. The post-season is not over yet and the Ranger's have done something they had never done in franchise history, win a playoff divisional series. This came against Tampa Bay in a critical game five. What is more miraculous than win itself, was the teams post game celebration, that goes deeper than any win itself.
The Ranger's are not a team filled with high profile athletes like the Yankees or Red Sox, but a team of hungry youth ready to prove themselves in the big leagues. Yeah the Rangers have two high class athletes in Cliff Lee, and Josh Hamilton, but if not for them would fans outside of Texas know who's on the team(probably not). This team though has something different about them, something deeper, something rarely seen in professional sports, more astounding than winning itself. A bond that goes way deeper than the game itself. Friendship, something the players of this organization possess. Nothing goes deeper than a Man-Bond. A man's best friends are the most important people in their lives. More than just teammates on the field, they're great friends off and this was proven in their post-game celebration after winning ALDS.
It starts years ago when Josh Hamilton came into the league. He was the number one overall pick of the 1999 draft by the Tamp Bay Devil Rays. He was destined for stardom, destined for greatness. Before he could fulfill this destiny, he experienced great failure, and depression. This came with an extreme battle against drug addiction and alcoholism During this team he faced extreme lows, even being suspended from the game he loved. It was thought by all the fans that, that was it for Hamilton. He was said to be a waste of God given talent, and ability. In 2006 his drug addiction was at an all-time worst when he showed up at his grandmother's house at two in the morning. Its been since that night though, that Hamilton has gotten back on the straight and narrow, and fulfilling his destiny. He has put together one of the most remarkable comebacks of all time. A true and great American story. He is the main reason why the Rangers can celebrate, leading the team into the playoffs.
Now with Hamilton a part of this outstanding Rangers team, it has become more than a team. It's a group of friend, grown men, doing what they love, and loving who they are doing it with. The Rangers first post-season series win is much deeper than just a win. Its about overcoming adversity, and staying together. After the Rangers made it into the post-season, they celebrated with alcohol. Hamilton could not be a part of this celebration, being a recovering alcoholic, he did not want to slip up and take a step back. His friends realized he was not a part of that celebration and understood why, but they vowed to make sure Hamilton could be a part of the next.
When the Rangers beat the Rays in a critical game five of the ALDS, it was time to celebrate once more. The only question, would Hamilton be a part of it? His teammates made sure of it, when they celebrated ginger ale, instead of champagne or beer. They knew that Hamilton wouldn't take part in the celebration if alcohol were present. The other players wanted their friend there to celebrate with them, after-all he was much of the reason for their success.
In today's world it is hard to find friends of this stature. People today, even close friends can do some pretty messed up things, and screw you over. I have been both a victim, and culprit of this. To this day I am still trying to mend some of my lost friendships. It just so hard to find good friends in this world, luckily I have been blessed with a great group of friends. People that will drop what they're doing to help me out if I need it. If I screw them over they find a way to forgive me, even if it takes a little time. They know I would do the same for them.
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This is why the Ranger's post-game celebration speaks to me so much. The character of those players in that organization, are some of the most caring, and stand-up people I have ever seen, especially in the professional sports world. There are few things that can last forever. Friendship is one of these, and its those friendships that will always stand through the test, the world puts on them.
The Ranger's are not a team filled with high profile athletes like the Yankees or Red Sox, but a team of hungry youth ready to prove themselves in the big leagues. Yeah the Rangers have two high class athletes in Cliff Lee, and Josh Hamilton, but if not for them would fans outside of Texas know who's on the team(probably not). This team though has something different about them, something deeper, something rarely seen in professional sports, more astounding than winning itself. A bond that goes way deeper than the game itself. Friendship, something the players of this organization possess. Nothing goes deeper than a Man-Bond. A man's best friends are the most important people in their lives. More than just teammates on the field, they're great friends off and this was proven in their post-game celebration after winning ALDS.
Now with Hamilton a part of this outstanding Rangers team, it has become more than a team. It's a group of friend, grown men, doing what they love, and loving who they are doing it with. The Rangers first post-season series win is much deeper than just a win. Its about overcoming adversity, and staying together. After the Rangers made it into the post-season, they celebrated with alcohol. Hamilton could not be a part of this celebration, being a recovering alcoholic, he did not want to slip up and take a step back. His friends realized he was not a part of that celebration and understood why, but they vowed to make sure Hamilton could be a part of the next.
When the Rangers beat the Rays in a critical game five of the ALDS, it was time to celebrate once more. The only question, would Hamilton be a part of it? His teammates made sure of it, when they celebrated ginger ale, instead of champagne or beer. They knew that Hamilton wouldn't take part in the celebration if alcohol were present. The other players wanted their friend there to celebrate with them, after-all he was much of the reason for their success.
In today's world it is hard to find friends of this stature. People today, even close friends can do some pretty messed up things, and screw you over. I have been both a victim, and culprit of this. To this day I am still trying to mend some of my lost friendships. It just so hard to find good friends in this world, luckily I have been blessed with a great group of friends. People that will drop what they're doing to help me out if I need it. If I screw them over they find a way to forgive me, even if it takes a little time. They know I would do the same for them.
This is why the Ranger's post-game celebration speaks to me so much. The character of those players in that organization, are some of the most caring, and stand-up people I have ever seen, especially in the professional sports world. There are few things that can last forever. Friendship is one of these, and its those friendships that will always stand through the test, the world puts on them.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
What? Did What?
Today was a wild day in the college football world. Three top ten teams went down, and there was a few more big surprises in this day before the BCS polls come out.
Well the biggest upset, is that of the number one Buckeyes of Ohio St. The went into Camp Randall Stadium and let the double headed monster of John Clay and James White run all over them. It was a dominating victory for the Badgers, especially throughout the first half and fourth quarter. Ohio St. with Terrell Pryor leading the way mounted a small comeback and pulled the Buckeyes within striking distance but just could not capitalize. Pryor choked in the fourth quarter, just like I called in my earlier post. I would have really liked to see Bielema pull out the card and go for two against the Vest and really prove him a good one.
A huge shocker was that Mac Brown's Longhorn squad, who dropped two straight coming into this day, beat the number seven Nebraska CornHuskers. Every body had written this young Texas squad off and believed they did not stand a chance against this number seven team. Going back to last year, Texas snuck away with a final second(I mean one second) victory, that left Nebraska fans sour. Now with Nebraska's last chance for redemption, before they head to the Big-Ten, a game they had circled on their calenders a year ago just came out flat, and looking unmotivated. What the hell Bo Pelini? What happened to whipping the horns? Great job Mac for keeping your team motivated after dropping two straight.
Next was Kentucky beating number ten South Carolina. Going into this game Spurrier had never ever ever lost a game to the Wildcats, but that was all changed in the final minutes of tonights game. The Cocks had a nice sized lead throughout the game, but gave it away late. It was a twenty-four yard touchdown with a minute and fifteen seconds left that put the Cats ahead. With time for a final drive the ball was in Garcia's hands. He led his team to red-zone but through a pick in the endzone with six seconds left. What were you thinking boy!? You could have at least kicked a field goal for the tie and overtime. I can understand why you did it though, that little hate thing between you and Spurrier.
Finally, what has happened to Urban Meyer's squad? He just dropped three straight, the first two understandable coming from ranked teams. This lost to the Mississippi St. Bulldogs though, that can not happen. This team is suppose to be good, but losing to the bottom team of your conference, come on Urban coach them up, get a win for Gator Nation, that jean short wearing crowd needs it.
Enough for upsets, how bout the teams that proved themselves right before the BCS polls come out. Michigan St. won against an Illinois team when everyone picked them to lose. Wisconsin really helped Mich. St. out beating number one Ohio St. tonight. Oregon stayed idle as they had a bye week but also get help with the Ohio St. loss. Oregon will probably move to number one in the human polls for the first time in school history. Auburn really put on a show against Arkansas, started as shoot out ended as a high scoring blowout. Cam Newton or Newtzilla as I like to call him, man-handled that Arkansas-D by himself. Boise St. put a whipping on the week team they played today, but it was needed for them to secure a spot in the top five. LSU was a little surprising as they struggled against that unheard of team they played. But Les always like to keep his games interesting.
Today was a wild day in the college football world, but exciting and I enjoyed. Hopefully tomorrows BCS Polls are equally shocking, and exciting.
Well the biggest upset, is that of the number one Buckeyes of Ohio St. The went into Camp Randall Stadium and let the double headed monster of John Clay and James White run all over them. It was a dominating victory for the Badgers, especially throughout the first half and fourth quarter. Ohio St. with Terrell Pryor leading the way mounted a small comeback and pulled the Buckeyes within striking distance but just could not capitalize. Pryor choked in the fourth quarter, just like I called in my earlier post. I would have really liked to see Bielema pull out the card and go for two against the Vest and really prove him a good one.
A huge shocker was that Mac Brown's Longhorn squad, who dropped two straight coming into this day, beat the number seven Nebraska CornHuskers. Every body had written this young Texas squad off and believed they did not stand a chance against this number seven team. Going back to last year, Texas snuck away with a final second(I mean one second) victory, that left Nebraska fans sour. Now with Nebraska's last chance for redemption, before they head to the Big-Ten, a game they had circled on their calenders a year ago just came out flat, and looking unmotivated. What the hell Bo Pelini? What happened to whipping the horns? Great job Mac for keeping your team motivated after dropping two straight.
Next was Kentucky beating number ten South Carolina. Going into this game Spurrier had never ever ever lost a game to the Wildcats, but that was all changed in the final minutes of tonights game. The Cocks had a nice sized lead throughout the game, but gave it away late. It was a twenty-four yard touchdown with a minute and fifteen seconds left that put the Cats ahead. With time for a final drive the ball was in Garcia's hands. He led his team to red-zone but through a pick in the endzone with six seconds left. What were you thinking boy!? You could have at least kicked a field goal for the tie and overtime. I can understand why you did it though, that little hate thing between you and Spurrier.
Finally, what has happened to Urban Meyer's squad? He just dropped three straight, the first two understandable coming from ranked teams. This lost to the Mississippi St. Bulldogs though, that can not happen. This team is suppose to be good, but losing to the bottom team of your conference, come on Urban coach them up, get a win for Gator Nation, that jean short wearing crowd needs it.
Enough for upsets, how bout the teams that proved themselves right before the BCS polls come out. Michigan St. won against an Illinois team when everyone picked them to lose. Wisconsin really helped Mich. St. out beating number one Ohio St. tonight. Oregon stayed idle as they had a bye week but also get help with the Ohio St. loss. Oregon will probably move to number one in the human polls for the first time in school history. Auburn really put on a show against Arkansas, started as shoot out ended as a high scoring blowout. Cam Newton or Newtzilla as I like to call him, man-handled that Arkansas-D by himself. Boise St. put a whipping on the week team they played today, but it was needed for them to secure a spot in the top five. LSU was a little surprising as they struggled against that unheard of team they played. But Les always like to keep his games interesting.
Today was a wild day in the college football world, but exciting and I enjoyed. Hopefully tomorrows BCS Polls are equally shocking, and exciting.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Insult to Injury
Brett Favre's magical season from last year is quickly fading, and turning into a dismal 2010-2011 season. It seems like every week something new goes wrong for him.
First he starts this season with a gimpy ankle. Nobody really knows if he even wanted to compete this season. The head ball coach of the Minnesota Vikings had to send veteran teammates to Mississippi to convince Favre to play this season.
The next is that Favre now has a lingering case of tendinitis, that keeps bothering him week in and week out. It is the likely reason of him throwing seven interceptions already, not even midway through the season. Come on Brett at least throw the ball away.
Then out of no where Jenn Sterger accuses Favre of allegedly sending nude pictures of himself via text message. This is now causing a huge distraction for that Minnesota locker room. Brett I've seen pictures of your wife, and she is a beautiful woman. Why would you want to risk that?
To add insult to injury Wednesday at practice, Brett took a groin shot from a thrown football. Now he's definitely not going to be able to avoid the Cowboys rush. Here is a link to the funny video of the shot Favre took to the groin.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMywHFojUtY
Hopefully Favre can pull out the victory, because I am a number four fan, but other fans do not expect it. I suggest if he is own your fantasy team sit him.
First he starts this season with a gimpy ankle. Nobody really knows if he even wanted to compete this season. The head ball coach of the Minnesota Vikings had to send veteran teammates to Mississippi to convince Favre to play this season.
The next is that Favre now has a lingering case of tendinitis, that keeps bothering him week in and week out. It is the likely reason of him throwing seven interceptions already, not even midway through the season. Come on Brett at least throw the ball away.
Then out of no where Jenn Sterger accuses Favre of allegedly sending nude pictures of himself via text message. This is now causing a huge distraction for that Minnesota locker room. Brett I've seen pictures of your wife, and she is a beautiful woman. Why would you want to risk that?
To add insult to injury Wednesday at practice, Brett took a groin shot from a thrown football. Now he's definitely not going to be able to avoid the Cowboys rush. Here is a link to the funny video of the shot Favre took to the groin.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMywHFojUtY
Hopefully Favre can pull out the victory, because I am a number four fan, but other fans do not expect it. I suggest if he is own your fantasy team sit him.
BCS Standings
As we all know the first BCS standings for the 2010 college football season come out this Sunday. These standings are always unpredictable, and always holds a surprise.This is where I believe the first five teams should be in the standings.
The number one overall team is definitely got to be the Auburn Tigers. So far the have been one of the few teams to prove themselves this season. They are currently undefeated this season, with their wins coming over formidable opponents. Their most impressive victory is their 35-27 win over the South Carolina Gamecocks, who went on to upset then number one Alabama Crimson Tide. Their other notable victories have been over two decent SEC teams in Mississippi State, and Kentucky. Their other notable victory is that over the Clemson Tigers. They can add another win over a good team to their resume, if they get a win over number twelve Arkansas Razorbacks this weekend. This would greatly help boost their stock in the standings. In this BCS system its all about what teams you beat and the teams they beat. Auburn has definitely beaten the teams they needed to, to get this number one position.
The number two team has to be the Oregon ducks, because to me they are one of the most proven teams at this point in the 2010 season. They have not just won their games this season they have dominated them. Their smallest margin of victory is an eleven point Pac-10 conference win over Arizona St. All their other victories have come by twenty or more points. They have a 72-0 victory over New Mexico, and 69-0 victory over Portland State. Now I know these are not strong opponents, but Oregon is the only team to have large victories like this over any opponent this season. Oregon also beat a top ten ranked Stanford team 52-31. They also have a huge out of conference win over the Tennessee Volunteers. Yes the Volunteers are at the bottom of their conference but they are part of the SEC, which is probably the toughest conference in the NCAA. Oregon has a bye week, so they cannot really improve their stock right before the standings come out.
The number three ranked team needs to be the Boise St. Broncos. Their are so many mixed emotions about a non-BCS automatic qualifier being ranked this high, or even having a chance to make it to the BCS championship. One opinion(not mine) is that Boise St. does not deserve to be ranked this high, because their strength of schedule is not the greatest. I agree its not but they have played to good teams this season and won. One of these victories is over then top twenty ranked Virginia Tech. Hoakies with the final score being 33-30. Now Virginia Tech went on the next week to lose to FCS school James Madison, but then later on beat a top twenty five ranked NC State team. Boise St.'s other notable victory is over the Oregon St. Beavers in a final score of 37-24. This same Oregon St. team went on to beat top ten ranked Arizona Wildcats. The Broncos face San Jose St. this weekend and if they can come out and dominate this team, they can secure their top five spot in the standings.
The fourth ranked team should be the Michigan St. Spartans. To me this team has really come out and proved themselves this season. They are my pick to win the Big-Ten. The Big-Ten is one of the better conferences this year and the Spartans already have to in-conference wins over ranked opponents. The first was over an extremely tough Wisconsin Badger team by a score of 34-24. The other is over a ranked Michigan Wolverine team that has been running wild on other opponents. That games final score 34-17. The Spartans have really proven themselves so far into this season, playing most of it without their head coach, who was out due to a blood clot. The Spartans host Illinois this weekend and with a decisive victory can put themselves in the top five.
The fifth ranked team I think has to be Louisiana St. Tigers. None of their victories have been very decisive, most coming in the final minutes by a touchdown or less. None the less they have three victories over ranked opponents. The first was over a top twenty North Carolina Tarheel team with the final score being 30-24. Although the Tarheels are missing thirty percent of their team, they're still a good team. The next over a top twenty-five team in West Virginia by a score of 20-14. This Mountaineer team is not a bad team either. Their final notable victory came over the Florida Gators with a 33-29 win. Florida has struggled this year but they are still a strong opponent to face. The Tigers face off against McNeese St. this weekend, a team I haven't even heard off, but if they finally get a decisive victory over them, look for LSU to move up in the standings.
Now most of you are probably wondering where Ohio St. is in these rankings. The answer not there. I believe they are a good team, but they have not proven they should be ranked in the top five yet. They are always over ranked at the beginning of the season, and when it comes time for Big-Ten play, Pryor chokes and cost them the game. I'm looking for this to happen this weekend, by a good Wisconsin team. If Ohio St. can get a victory though, they should move up a little in the standings.
They BCS standings can never be predicted, and it seems like there is a surprise team in the standings every year. This year will probably be no different. This is just were I believe the teams should be ranked in the top five, but tune into ESPN 8:15pm et, Sunday to see your team is ranked.
The number one overall team is definitely got to be the Auburn Tigers. So far the have been one of the few teams to prove themselves this season. They are currently undefeated this season, with their wins coming over formidable opponents. Their most impressive victory is their 35-27 win over the South Carolina Gamecocks, who went on to upset then number one Alabama Crimson Tide. Their other notable victories have been over two decent SEC teams in Mississippi State, and Kentucky. Their other notable victory is that over the Clemson Tigers. They can add another win over a good team to their resume, if they get a win over number twelve Arkansas Razorbacks this weekend. This would greatly help boost their stock in the standings. In this BCS system its all about what teams you beat and the teams they beat. Auburn has definitely beaten the teams they needed to, to get this number one position.
The number two team has to be the Oregon ducks, because to me they are one of the most proven teams at this point in the 2010 season. They have not just won their games this season they have dominated them. Their smallest margin of victory is an eleven point Pac-10 conference win over Arizona St. All their other victories have come by twenty or more points. They have a 72-0 victory over New Mexico, and 69-0 victory over Portland State. Now I know these are not strong opponents, but Oregon is the only team to have large victories like this over any opponent this season. Oregon also beat a top ten ranked Stanford team 52-31. They also have a huge out of conference win over the Tennessee Volunteers. Yes the Volunteers are at the bottom of their conference but they are part of the SEC, which is probably the toughest conference in the NCAA. Oregon has a bye week, so they cannot really improve their stock right before the standings come out.
The number three ranked team needs to be the Boise St. Broncos. Their are so many mixed emotions about a non-BCS automatic qualifier being ranked this high, or even having a chance to make it to the BCS championship. One opinion(not mine) is that Boise St. does not deserve to be ranked this high, because their strength of schedule is not the greatest. I agree its not but they have played to good teams this season and won. One of these victories is over then top twenty ranked Virginia Tech. Hoakies with the final score being 33-30. Now Virginia Tech went on the next week to lose to FCS school James Madison, but then later on beat a top twenty five ranked NC State team. Boise St.'s other notable victory is over the Oregon St. Beavers in a final score of 37-24. This same Oregon St. team went on to beat top ten ranked Arizona Wildcats. The Broncos face San Jose St. this weekend and if they can come out and dominate this team, they can secure their top five spot in the standings.
The fourth ranked team should be the Michigan St. Spartans. To me this team has really come out and proved themselves this season. They are my pick to win the Big-Ten. The Big-Ten is one of the better conferences this year and the Spartans already have to in-conference wins over ranked opponents. The first was over an extremely tough Wisconsin Badger team by a score of 34-24. The other is over a ranked Michigan Wolverine team that has been running wild on other opponents. That games final score 34-17. The Spartans have really proven themselves so far into this season, playing most of it without their head coach, who was out due to a blood clot. The Spartans host Illinois this weekend and with a decisive victory can put themselves in the top five.
The fifth ranked team I think has to be Louisiana St. Tigers. None of their victories have been very decisive, most coming in the final minutes by a touchdown or less. None the less they have three victories over ranked opponents. The first was over a top twenty North Carolina Tarheel team with the final score being 30-24. Although the Tarheels are missing thirty percent of their team, they're still a good team. The next over a top twenty-five team in West Virginia by a score of 20-14. This Mountaineer team is not a bad team either. Their final notable victory came over the Florida Gators with a 33-29 win. Florida has struggled this year but they are still a strong opponent to face. The Tigers face off against McNeese St. this weekend, a team I haven't even heard off, but if they finally get a decisive victory over them, look for LSU to move up in the standings.
Now most of you are probably wondering where Ohio St. is in these rankings. The answer not there. I believe they are a good team, but they have not proven they should be ranked in the top five yet. They are always over ranked at the beginning of the season, and when it comes time for Big-Ten play, Pryor chokes and cost them the game. I'm looking for this to happen this weekend, by a good Wisconsin team. If Ohio St. can get a victory though, they should move up a little in the standings.
They BCS standings can never be predicted, and it seems like there is a surprise team in the standings every year. This year will probably be no different. This is just were I believe the teams should be ranked in the top five, but tune into ESPN 8:15pm et, Sunday to see your team is ranked.
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