Things couldn’t be lining up any better for wunderkind Daniel Jones after his dazzling debut. After all he was named NFL offensive player of the week. Even without Saquon Barkley the Giants should take advantage of the league’s worst statistical defense. After turning it over five times against the Bears’ outstanding defense (not to be confused with the Giants), Case Keenum will be looking over his shoulder at rookie Dwayne Haskins. With all the debate about whether the Giants should have picked him 6th instead of Jones, I’m hoping he gets in the game. Giants can win this one. The Yankees have yet to make an announcement on who will get the start to open up their quest for #28 next Friday in the Bronx. If tonight’s start by Paxton goes as the last 10 outings have, he’s their guy. He’s won each of those starts pitching to a 2.25 ERA. He had a 4.72 ERA through July 27th, but after his latest win on Saturday, he’s lowered that all the way down to 3.73 by allowing only 15 runs over his last 60 innings pitched. For the first time this season, I have confidence in the Big Maple, pitching in the Big Apple. Believe it or not, there are some positives that can be drawn from the 2019 Met season: Pete Alonso‘s record-breaking year, Amed Rosario‘s breakout, and Jacob deGrom‘s second straight dominant campaign, and the emergence of Jeff McNeil among others. With that said there were plenty of negatives: Overall talent level of offense is insufficient to beat playoff caliber teams, terrible bullpen, and lousy defense. Again, no playoff berth (in 3 years) for the Amazins. Isn’t that amazing?
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Week 3 in the 2019 NFL season gave us more young quarterbacks under center, and saw the NFL debuts of Giants quarterback Daniel Jones and Kyle Allen of the Panthers as well as Josh Rosen's first start with the Dolphins and Mason Rudolph's first start for the Steelers. A whopping 11 first or second-year quarterbacks have played considerable snaps, and we aren't even to October, which is music to my ears. I like the new look (and sound)of the NFL.
The over-hyped Browns had no answer for Aaron Donald on Sunday. And, I might add, this Mayfield kid is Very overrated. All talk, no action. Carson Wentz made his share of mistakes in the Eagles' 27-24 loss to the Detroit Lions, but his pass-catchers let him down in historic fashion. Seven, I said 7 dropped passes. Wow, is the Bears defense, not the best?? And who is Taylor Gabriel? Gabriel finished with six catches for 75 yards and the three scores on seven targets. Now we know who he is. Hey, I feel bad for Eli, but after Sundays last minute win (no thanks to the defense), I’m rooting for Daniel Jones. The New England Patriots have been rolling along this season with no one putting up much of a fight in the first three weeks of the season. Can the Buffalo Bills offer the Patriots some tough competition in Week 4? According to recent history, the Bills have little to no chance of pulling off the upset. However, lost among the Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs of the world, the Bills also sit at 3-0 on the season. Just ask the Jets how good the Bills are. A win is a win and the Saints got one on the road against the Seahawks in Week 3. Now some bad news: The Giants are facing anywhere from four to eight weeks without Saquon Barkley, their top playmaker on offense. The offense has lost its jaguar, but it has gained an eagle. The temptation will be to let him fly. Air it out Danny boy! The Jets still had a puncher’s chance in the third quarter of their game against the Patriots. Sure, they trailed 20-0, but Falk, making his first NFL start, still had the chance to instill hope in an otherwise miserable season in New York. Ummmm, Sammy, where are you!? The Bronco defense had to learn the hard way to never give Rodgers a free play. A hard count lured the Broncos offside. On the next play the Packers scored. Tampa had the ball left with 13 seconds to go against the Giants. The Bucs were in field goal range after Jameis Winston connected with Mike Evans for a terrific 44-yard pass play. Where was Janoris Jenkis? Burned again, that’s where. Thank goodness the Bucs’ kicking game which has been cursed for years, failed. Giants win! The Giants WIN!! The Yankees are once again the cream of the American League East crop. With the Bombers 9-1 win over the Angels on Thursday, the Yankees won their first AL East title since 2012. No wild on field celebration, not this year. Loftier goals ahead. They have bigger fish to fry, but this is the first step along the way. The Yankees, led by Judge, Sanchez, Torres and Gardner will be making their 21st postseason appearance in 25 years and 55th overall — 22 more than any other team. And they will head to October following their 21st 100-win season, their first in back-to-back years since 2002-04. And let’s not forget -- Aaron Boone becomes the first skipper in MLB history to win at least 100 games in each of his first two managerial seasons. Yeah, I know... I’m bragging. This was a season of low, rather than high, drama. It was a season of overcoming unending adversity in which a major league record number of injuries struck down starters, their reinforcements and the reinforcements of the reinforcements. You couldn’t make this story up. This organization, those in and out of uniform, has every right to be proud. This is just the beginning. There are still goals to be attained. Best record, ALDS, ALCS, and the World Series. It won’t be easy. Winning the East guarantees the Yankees nothing in the first round. If they do end up with the best record, they have to play either the Rays or the Indians or the A’s, who swept the Yankees in Oakland the last time the two teams played. And please know that the Yankees were 3-4 against the A’s this season, 3-4 against the Astros, 3-4 against the Indians, 4-2 against the Twins. The best they have done against any possible playoff team is the Rays, against whom they are 12-5. If they are going to win the 11 games in October, they have to step it up a notch. Might make all the difference in the world as in, World Series. In an “ideal world,” it never would have come to this. Not after two weeks. But this is not a perfect world. Eli Manning is no longer the face of the Giants franchise. “We are making a change,” Giants coach Pat Shurmur said, “and going with Daniel as the starter.” And that was it. And now the Giants are on the hook for $17 million for only eight quarters of work. And I don’t feel bad for them. With two starting receivers out, Eli manning wasn’t the problem with the sluggish offense. But Giants management saw what they perceived as “the writing on the wall”, and decided to move toward the future. It was assumed that if the Giants switched quarterbacks this year, it would come under circumstances similar to when Manning replaced Kurt Warner 15 years ago, when the team determined it wasn’t in a title hunt (despite being 5-4 at the time) and opted to fully embrace the future. Not this time around. GM Dave Gettleman threw up the white flag. He wants “his Guy” in there. Yet, not a word about the horrible defense that continually misses tackles, blows coverages, lacks execution, has no pass rush and looks lost. Broken, putrid and embarrassing. There are better college defenses. Yet Eli pays the price. Whatever happens next for Eli Manning, Giants fans should be grateful how he carried himself through the entirety of his career. Class and dignity all the way: 16 seasons, two Super Bowls. Thank you Eli. Josh Allen and the Bills are officially the kings of New York—and New Jersey. Week 2 and they are already calling for Eli’s head. The Bills were clearly the better team.
The Bears finally have a kicker--Eddy Pineiro, who scored every single one of Chicago’s points Sunday. Sunday brought a pair of spectacular game-winning plays that made me feel warm and fuzzy inside. The first was from the Houston Texans’ 13-12 win over the Jaguars. The other was the Falcons and Eagles (24-20). Two fun games to watch. Same old tune for the wandering G-Men: Reminding us of last week's start against Dallas. Embarrassing defense and other then Saquon Barkley , a lackluster offense. And please stop with the Eli stuff. When the Giants are 1-5 (if we’re lucky to get one win) then you give a look at Mr. Jones. The Cowboys (2-0) topped the 30-point mark for the second straight week (uggh). Prescott has 7 touchdown passes through the first two weeks of the season. It’s only Week 2, but Ben Roethlisberger is out for the season, Nick Foles of the Jaguars and Drew Brees of the Saints are out long-term. All need surgery. Fantasy guys shouldn’t be left alone. New England (an outrageous 18.5-point favorites) demolished the Dolphins in Miami, 43-0. As assumed, all eyes were on AB. He did score a touchdown. Good advice is sometimes bad. The consensus was that Lamar Jackson should become a wide receiver and Kyler Murray should play baseball. Luckily, both players ignored the chorus of detractors and, as a result, the N.F.L. appears to have two more potential superstars. The crowd at Met Life grew less and less amenable to Eli and the Giants’ offense, which opened the game with a five-play, 75-yard drive for a touchdown, then feebly ended the next four drives with punts and a first-half-ending interception. It was pretty much the same in the second half. Would be nice to have Sheppard and Tate back. Patrick Mahomes threw four touchdown passes in a near perfect second period that led the Kansas City Chiefs to a 28-10 victory over the Oakland Raiders on Sunday. Future HOFer in the making? Ok, so the Browns win big 23-3. Is it me or did Baker Mayfield and the offense feel “off”? The Jets better hope that Sam Darnold returns quicker than expected, because their offense is completely helpless without out him. It just never ends with Odell.
Beckham Jr. drew plenty of attention during his Browns debut on Sunday for wearing a watch in an actual NFL game. Just the way he wanted it. I mean, why should Antonio get all the attention?? Well, it wasn’t just a regular watch — it was a Richard Mille (never heard of him) watch that is currently being priced north of $189,500. This begs a couple questions: Why would Beckham ever want to expose such a valuable watch to potential damage in a contact sport? And … was he even allowed to wear the watch? To answer those questions.. the NFL does have a rule against Beckham’s watch, but the Browns wide receiver plans to wear it in future games anyway. The second answer is easier (see above). Beckham told reporters that people are only making a big deal about the watch because it was him wearing an expensive watch. He added that he will wear it for Week 2’s game against the Jets. The NFL had addressed the rule violation with Beckham and the Browns on Monday, but I guess he’s willing to take whatever potential fine the NFL has in store. It’s a nice watch, but you’d think he’d rather not wear it during a football game. I peeked in on the first few minutes of the Brown’s game on Sunday and the cameras were clearly focused on Beckham. Just the way he wanted it. Maybe this is a good thing. Hopefully Odell will be on time for the much needed Brown’s practices this week. I know it’s only week one and we still have two games to play but…
Saw all these social media posts about Eli and Jones. Eli Wasn’t the problem, the defense was! The Giant's defense stinks. Cowboys gained 495 total yards. New season, same Jameis Winston for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Richard Sherman's first interception with the 49ers was a pick 6. He didn’t have one all last season. A day after the acquiring former Steelers malcontent/diva Antonio Brown, the reigning Super Bowl champions showed they might not even need him, getting 341 yards and three touchdown passes from 42-year-old Tom Brady to beat Pittsburgh 33-3. Saquon Barkley finished with 120 rushing yards on 11 carries and caught 4 passes for 19 yards. But 15 touches in a game from the team’s best player is not a winning formula for the Giants. Odell Beckham Jr.’s debut with Cleveland was an utter disaster for his new team, as Cleveland committed 18 penalties and got pummeled, 43-13, at home Sunday by Tennessee in the Browns opener. He had 7 catches. He made sure he got some attention wearing a $300,000 dollar watch during the game. Hey, Look at me! Nick Foles’ first start for his new team didn’t last long, and his next one could be at least two months away. The former Eagles quarterback departed his Jacksonville debut in the first quarter with what the team disclosed as a fractured collarbone that will require surgery. The Jags just can’t catch a break. In the third quarter with the Giants trailing 28-10 and with a third-and-2 from the Dallas 8-yard line. Manning handed the ball off to Eli Penny, who entered the game with 149 career rushing yards, and he gained 1 yard. Say What!? Well, that was some bad Jets football, outside of Bell and Mosely. Barf! Did you know on this day in 1960, the first ever AFL game saw the Denver Broncos, defeat the Boston Patriots 14-10? The Giant's defense stinks. I have been remiss with my blog due to some minor surgery and a hurricane. I’m walking again and Dorian gave us only a glancing blow, so all is well in this part of the planet. I am however back, just in time for the kickoff of the 2019 NFL season. With so many marquee teams operating with legitimate hope for success, and with a handful of star players beginning fresh eras with new franchises, the 2019 NFL season is ripe for the kind of drama and excitement that's worthy of the league's celebration of its 100th year. There are 256 games in the NFL season, so strap yourself in and get ready for a wild ride. Here are my predictions… AFC North 1.Cleveland Browns(11-5) 2.Pittsburgh Steelers(9-7) 3.Baltimore Ravens(8-8) 4.Cincinnati Bengals(5-11) There is no question Cleveland has been the hype team of this offseason. I struggled with 11 wins, not sure they are THAT good, but the Steelers aren’t that good either, the schedule-makers didn't do them a favor. AFC South 1.Indianapolis Colts(10-6) 2.Tennessee Titans(8-8) 3.Houston Texans(5-11) 4.Jacksonville Jaguars(4-12) With Luck gone, not so sure the Colts are as good as many say they are. Mediocre division for sure. But on paper, the Colts still look like the class of this division. Even with Foles over center, the Jags still stink. AFC East 1.New England Patriots(13-3) 2.New York Jets(9-7) 3.Buffalo Bills(5-11) 4.Miami Dolphins(3-13) BREAKING NEWS…The New England Patriots are going to win the AFC East. Again. Still rebuilding, the Jets play five games against 2018 playoff teams and four against clubs with double-digit wins. Nine wins might be a stretch. AFC West 1.Kansas City Chiefs(14-2) 2.Los Angeles Chargers(11-5) 3.Oakland Raiders(5-11) 4.Denver Broncos(4- 12) The Kansas City Chiefs were fun to watch in 2018—a wildly prolific offensive team led by a magical young MVP quarterback in Patrick Mahomes. But as good as the Chiefs were offensively, they were equally awful on defense, and that defense cost them the AFC Championship Game. The Chargers could be the upset pick to win the division…Maybe. NFC North 1.Green Bay Packers(12-4) 2.Chicago Bears(11-5) 3.Minnesota Vikings(9-7) 4.Detroit Lions(5-11) Another tough pick. This division race is even more intriguing than usual. Will Rogers bounce back with a new head coach? Are the Bears for real? Are the Vikings cable of winning 9 games with the 10th toughest schedule in the league? NFC South 1.New Orleans Saints(13-3) 2.Carolina Panthers(8-8) 3.Atlanta Falcons(8-8) 4.Tampa Bay Buccaneers(4-12) Even with the Bucs, this might be the best division in the NFL. Defending-champion New Orleans is the favorite to win. On paper, the Saints are one of the league's more complete teams, and they have a chip on their shoulder (think-playoff non-call). NFC East 1.Dallas Cowboys(12-4) 2.Philadelphia Eagles(11-5) 3.New York Giants(5-11) 4.Washington Redskins(4-12) Dallas faces a number of legitimate Super Bowl contenders during the latter portion of the regular season—the Rams at home in Week 15, the Bears on the road in Week 14 and the Patriots on the road in Week 12. Yeah I know- Elliot is back. I really want to believe the Giants are better than last year. But, I can’t. Manning is on his last legs and the defense is a hot mess. How many games till Jones starts? (I hope none) NFC West 1.Los Angeles Rams(11-5) 2.Seattle Seahawks(8-8) 3.San Francisco 49ers(8-8) 4.Arizona Cardinals(3-13) The Rams won 13 games and the NFC Championship Game last year, but all is not sunny in La La Land this offseason. There are several questions marks-Todd Gurley's balky knee being the biggest concern for the team. The 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and tailback Jerick McKinnon are healthy now (or getting there), and general manager John Lynch was aggressive again this offseason in adding talent like linebacker Kwon Alexander. Ok, that’s it…don’t hate me. Next time, play off predictions. |
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December 2019
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NHL 12/5/19 1 Bruins 2 Capitals 3 Islanders 4 Blues 5 Oilers 6 Flyers 7 Hurricanes 8 Avalanche 9 Jets 10 Coyotes NFL 12/5/19 1 Ravens 2 49ers 3 Seahawks 4 Patriots 5 Saints 6 Cheifs 7 Vikings 8 Packers 9 Bills 10 Texans |