April 24, 2004. A night that will go down in National Football League history as one of the most controversial Draft nights since the merger. The San Diego Chargers were sitting pretty with the number one overall pick and had already made it known publicly that they had planned to draft coveted Ole Miss star quarterback, Eli Manning. However, Eli (through his father Archie) also made it known publicly that if the Chargers drafted him he would refuse to play for the team. So the Chargers and the New York Giants struck a trade deal that sent Eli to New York and the Giants basically promised the Chargers they would draft North Carolina State star QB Philip Rivers and trade him to the Chargers. Needless to say, this already brought Eli to the forefront of a debate as to which QB would have the better career and how the trade would affect each player and their respective teams.
Of course everyone knew where Eli came from. The Mannings by that point in time were considered football royalty. His father, Archie Manning, also an Ole Miss alum, had a great college career and was drafted second overall by the New Orleans Saints in 1971. His NFL career was somewhat uneventful, to say the least, as he ended up playing for three different teams. Now, Eli's brother Peyton on the other hand had both an excellent college career at Tennessee and by the time his little brother was drafted, already had six NFL seasons under his belt. Peyton was drafted number one overall in 1998 by the Indianapolis Colts. He would go on to start his rookie season and break multiple NFL rookie quarterback records. He had already received the NFL Most Valuable Player honors in 2003 and had taken his team deep into the playoffs a couple times.
Needless to say, after draft day Eli was already under the microscope and expected to do great things in the NFL. The Giants as a team had been struggling at the QB position for many years before Eli was drafted and his young spirit and knowledge of the game were a bright spot for the future of the organization. The Giants starting QB at the time was an aging and battered Kurt Warner. After his storied success with the St. Louis Rams, between the 1999 and 2001 seasons where he went to two Super Bowls (winning one) and being honored with MVP accolades twice, Warner had started getting injured and his age was beginning to catch up to him. Eli got his chance when he started his first NFL game on November 21, 2004 and the rest was history. Since that start 13 years ago, Manning has won two Super Bowls, been named Super Bowl MVP twice, climbed up the NFL and Giants record books for multiple categories and has started 210 consecutive games (222 including playoffs) which is the 2nd most All-Time only behind Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Farve.
Unfortunately, that consecutive start streak is about to come to and end at 4:25pm Eastern Standard Time on Sunday, December 3, 2017. In a shocking and dumbfounded decision, head coach Ben McAdoo decided to go ahead and sit Manning in this coming Sunday's game against the Oakland Raiders. In his place will start Geno Smith. The former West Virginia standout and former starting quarterback for the New York Jets, Smith has had an interesting NFL career up until this point. McAdoo even said that rookie quarterback David Webb (Texas Tech/Cal) could even see some reps before the end of the season. McAdoo told Manning that he could still start and keep his streak alive but Manning politely declined and basically said it wouldn't have the same meaning knowing he wouldn't be staying in the game and helping his team try and win.
Now if you have been following football at all this year you know by now that the Giants are statistically out of the playoffs and this pretty much signifies the end of their season as we know it. Coming into the season with such high hopes the team's troubles started early on and after multiple key injuries the troubles have not stopped since. It has been a down year for every single person that is a part of the Giants organization from the front office to the in-house intern. Even a casual fan can see that something is not going right. Albeit, Manning is unfortunately a key aspect of the team that seems to be taking the brunt of the down year. Actually, ever since the Giants last Super Bowl win in 2011, Manning has been slowly declining in his play on the field. But whether or not you think benching Manning is or is not the solution you can't trash the guy for the other problems the team has been facing this season.
Let's not forget the issues with solidifying the offensive line to protect Manning that has been going on for years now. One thing about Manning is he will protect himself first and foremost. If he's getting pressured he's either gonna throw the ball away (which sometimes leads to bad decisions and interceptions) or he is going to hit the dirt and take a sack. You aren't going to see Eli go off running like Cam Newton and break off a huge gain. Up until this week Eli has been sacked more times than he did all last season and there are still five games left so imagine that. Manning has seen line-up changes all across the o-line pretty much every single week this year. Let's not forget that 90% of his receiving core is banged up and he can't seem to find chemistry with any of the ones playing now. Oh and that billion dollar defense that was created in the off-season it's clear has nothing to play for now and has quit. Manning is not without fault here. He's accuracy and arm strength has dropped over the past few years. His decision making at times seems foggy and doesn't make any sense. Manning is part of the problem there's no question about that. However, he should not be held liable for all the blame of the Giants downfalls and shortcomings this season. Sure Manning is obviously not the long-term future at QB for the Giants (he turns 37 in about a month) but for McAdoo to go about it the way that he did is unacceptable and down-right unjustified. If the Giants don't like firing coaches mid-year then they shouldn't fire quarterbacks mid-year either!
Thankfully, Eli Manning is a class act and he will take the decision like a professional and not cause a big scene about it. Love him or hate him you can't be mad at the guy for embracing a market like New York and still being able to do what he did for the Giants over the past 13 years as a starter for this team. Sure, he had his ups and downs along the way, every QB does, but that doesn't mean he deserved for this to happen to him in this way. If the Giants actually had an up and coming rookie QB they had been grooming to take Eli's place for a couple seasons then I could maybe accept this to some degree. But that is NOT the case. Geno Smith is a washed up former starting QB turned back-up and then was released. David Webb is an unproven rookie who only has five games left in the season to possibly win a starting job? Both these scenarios are not promising for Giants faithful who saw one young QB not pan out a few years earlier when the Giants drafted Ryan Nassib out of Syracuse in 2013. So the odds are not in Webb's favor at the present time. But hey, you never know.
If this is indeed the last we will see Manning in a Giants uniform, or on any NFL team for that matter, you cannot deny that he will go down as the greatest Giants QB of all-time and should be in the discussion for at least one of the top 15 to 20 greatest NFL quaterbacks of all-time. He will be in the Hall of Fame, maybe even first ballot. He has been critical in bringing back the Giants organization from it's low points of the late 90s and early 2000s to make them a meaningful franchise again throughout his career. All I can say is that I wish nothing but the best for Eli and his family and godspeed for whatever happens next for him in his career. He is one of that last few in a dying breed of respectable and outright professional NFL players who not only understand the game for what it is but understand the business aspect of it as well. I've read that Manning wants to play into his 40s, which we all know is that magical number where NFL QBs supposedly drop off dramatically, but that day may not come now. If I were Manning I would use this time to seriously consider my next options. He can't be traded due to the no trade clause in his contract which he requested because he wanted to be a Giant until the end of his career. Unless there is some way to scratch that clause. So the only two options he has is to ride the bench and see how long it takes for the organization to come crawling back to him or retire. My advice Eli, as hard as it may be to do, call it a career. You've given your heart and soul to the New York Football Giants and any real fan will respect you no matter what. It may not seem like the respectable way to go out but it will be the less dramatic. We all know New York loves drama.
-RNN
@ryannnelson87
It's All Right Here
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Wednesday, November 29, 2017
Monday, August 29, 2016
1st Fantasy Football Draft & Lineup
So I had my first fantasy football draft of the year this past Sunday evening and needless to say I felt a little rusty in my strategy and skills. This draft was for the Yahoo league I'm in and it's a .5 PPR league with Individual Defensive Players (IDPs). I was drafting last in the 1st round and then first in the 2nd round, etc. A pivotal draft position which was a first for me and I felt like I did not take enough advantage of it.
All that being said, here's my complete roster beginning with starters and then my bench.
QB - Russell Wilson SEA
WR - Allen Robinson JAX
WR - Dez Bryant DAL
RB - Latavius Murray OAK
RB - Ryan Matthews PHI
TE - Coby Fleener NO
W/T (Flex) - Tyler Lockett SEA
K - Chandler Catanzaro ARI
D - Tyrann Mathieu (S) ARI
DB - Bashaud Breeland (CB) WAS
DL - Michael Bennett (DE) SEA
BN - John Brown (WR) ARI
BN - Derek Carr (QB) OAK
BN - Jay Ajayi (RB) MIA
BN - Travis Benjamin (WR) SD
BN - Justin Forsett (RB) BAL
BN - James Starks (RB) GB
BN - Virgil Green (TE) DEN
I have to say, I like my QB strength. My WR starter strength is decent but depth could use a little work. Same with my RBs. My sleeper TE pick-up is second-year player who some analysts are saying could have a break-out year.
Overall, for my first draft of the season I'm satisfied with it. I'm sure as the season progression my roster will change from week to week.
Let me know what you guys think!
-@ryannnelson87 on Twitter
All that being said, here's my complete roster beginning with starters and then my bench.
QB - Russell Wilson SEA
WR - Allen Robinson JAX
WR - Dez Bryant DAL
RB - Latavius Murray OAK
RB - Ryan Matthews PHI
TE - Coby Fleener NO
W/T (Flex) - Tyler Lockett SEA
K - Chandler Catanzaro ARI
D - Tyrann Mathieu (S) ARI
DB - Bashaud Breeland (CB) WAS
DL - Michael Bennett (DE) SEA
BN - John Brown (WR) ARI
BN - Derek Carr (QB) OAK
BN - Jay Ajayi (RB) MIA
BN - Travis Benjamin (WR) SD
BN - Justin Forsett (RB) BAL
BN - James Starks (RB) GB
BN - Virgil Green (TE) DEN
I have to say, I like my QB strength. My WR starter strength is decent but depth could use a little work. Same with my RBs. My sleeper TE pick-up is second-year player who some analysts are saying could have a break-out year.
Overall, for my first draft of the season I'm satisfied with it. I'm sure as the season progression my roster will change from week to week.
Let me know what you guys think!
-@ryannnelson87 on Twitter
Friday, August 5, 2016
2016 Fantasy Football Rankings
So it's that time of year again. Whether you like it or not, football season is upon us and less than two weeks away from the HOF game which has now unofficially signified the start of the NFL pre-season. That also means that fantasy football season is getting underway. Leagues around the internet are being re-activated and players are already starting to strategize for all their upcoming drafts within the next few weeks and months. Sports outlets all over the media are putting out their top position rankings for fantasy football and I wanted to throw my two cents in the hat.
So if I may, here are my Top 5 fantasy football players (including a SLEEPER pick) at each general position that is usually on a general roster set-up for fantasy football leagues. Usually, in most leagues that I have ever played in you have the following positions: QB, RB, WR, TE, DEF/ST, K. Now depending on your league manager you may have multiple slots available for each position but those are the general ones included in all leagues. That being said, let's jump right into it.
Top 5 QBs:
1. Aaron Rodgers
2. Cam Newton
3. Tom Brady
4. Russell Wilson
5. Carson Palmer
SLEEPER: Eli Manning
Any QB in this Top 5 list could win a Super Bowl this year. Whenever I look at QBs I look at who their WR core is and every one of these QBs has a Top 5 core in my mind. Even with the 4-game suspension Tom Brady will still be a relevant Fantasy QB and would not be surprised if he still goes high in Drafts. Eli should hopefully have a fully healthy Victor Cruz coming back to the line-up and with the rookie Shepard making huge waves in Camp already, Manning is a Sleeper to have a pretty good year as a Fantasy starter or at the least a quality back-up.
Top 5 RBs:
1. Devonta Freeman
2. Doug Martin
3. Todd Gurley
4. Adrian Peterson
5. Lamar Miller
SLEEPER: Ezekiel Elliot
When I look at RBs I always keep in mind the system that each RB is in. Is it a multi-back system? Which back gets the most carries? All the backs on my list are either the #1 back or will be getting a majority of the carries this year. One guy that sticks out on this list is Lamar Miller. He IS going to the main man in Houston this year. He will be getting 100% of the carries as long as he's healthy. Miami severely under utilized him last year and I don't think Houston will be making that same mistake. Don't sleep on Ezekiel Elliot either. It's his job to lose this year so as long as he stays healthy he will be very beneficial to have stored away on an Fantasy roster.
Top 5 WRs:
1. Antonio Brown
2. Julio Jones
3. Odell Beckham Jr
4. A.J. Green
5. Allen Robinson
SLEEPER: Victor Cruz
My WR Top 5 was the hardest position to choose from in regards to who is going to be the MVP of the fantasy world this year. No doubt that the Top 3 are going to all go in the first round of many drafts this year. Either one of those guys could have been #1 on my list in my opinion. That being said, I included the most productive Jags WR from last year because that offense is going to be fine-tuned and ready to go for a division championship this year. Don't sleep on Mr. Salsa this year. IF he can stay healthy and produce early on that chemistry with Manning should be like riding a bike and he may be a gem on the waiver wire if he's still there in the middle of the season.
Top 5 TEs:
1. Rob Gronkowski
2. Jordan Reed
3. Greg Olsen
4. Tyler Eifert
5. Jason Witten
SLEEPER: Ladarius Green
I don't think anyone can argue with this list. Gronk is the clear #1 and Reed is the clear #2. There is just no other TE in the league right now that are MVPs of fantasy TEs than those two. Keep in mind that when Romo is healthy Jason Witten is his #1 target on the field so he will be getting the looks this year as long as he's healthy. Finally, watch out for the Ladarius Green in the Steeler offense. Big Ben loves his TEs and if Green can produce early and show he is worthy, Big Ben will throw it his way often.
Top 5 Ks:
1. Stephen Gostkowski
2. Graham Gano
3. Chandler Catanzaro
4. Blair Walsh
5. Robbie Gould
SLEEPER: Josh Brown
When it comes to kickers I always try and figure out two things. 1) How many times does the team score a game on average and the K is doing a lot of extra points and no actual FGs. 2) Does a team hardly ever score TDs and the K is always relied on to score FGs from all over the field. It's obvious that this list has a little bit of both of those scenarios and you can't go wrong with any of my Top 5 in my opinion.
Top 5 DEF/STs:
1. Broncos
2. Panthers
3. Seahawks
4. Chiefs
5. Cardinals
SLEEPER: Giants
I think we all know who the Top DEFs will be again this year. However, watch out for those G-men. A completely re-worked D-Line & Secondary. The G-men are looking to regain that Defensive might from 2007 & 2011.
So there you have it. My Top 5 fantasy players for each position for the 2016-17 fantasy season.
@ryannnelson87 on Twitter
So if I may, here are my Top 5 fantasy football players (including a SLEEPER pick) at each general position that is usually on a general roster set-up for fantasy football leagues. Usually, in most leagues that I have ever played in you have the following positions: QB, RB, WR, TE, DEF/ST, K. Now depending on your league manager you may have multiple slots available for each position but those are the general ones included in all leagues. That being said, let's jump right into it.
Top 5 QBs:
1. Aaron Rodgers
2. Cam Newton
3. Tom Brady
4. Russell Wilson
5. Carson Palmer
SLEEPER: Eli Manning
Any QB in this Top 5 list could win a Super Bowl this year. Whenever I look at QBs I look at who their WR core is and every one of these QBs has a Top 5 core in my mind. Even with the 4-game suspension Tom Brady will still be a relevant Fantasy QB and would not be surprised if he still goes high in Drafts. Eli should hopefully have a fully healthy Victor Cruz coming back to the line-up and with the rookie Shepard making huge waves in Camp already, Manning is a Sleeper to have a pretty good year as a Fantasy starter or at the least a quality back-up.
Top 5 RBs:
1. Devonta Freeman
2. Doug Martin
3. Todd Gurley
4. Adrian Peterson
5. Lamar Miller
SLEEPER: Ezekiel Elliot
When I look at RBs I always keep in mind the system that each RB is in. Is it a multi-back system? Which back gets the most carries? All the backs on my list are either the #1 back or will be getting a majority of the carries this year. One guy that sticks out on this list is Lamar Miller. He IS going to the main man in Houston this year. He will be getting 100% of the carries as long as he's healthy. Miami severely under utilized him last year and I don't think Houston will be making that same mistake. Don't sleep on Ezekiel Elliot either. It's his job to lose this year so as long as he stays healthy he will be very beneficial to have stored away on an Fantasy roster.
Top 5 WRs:
1. Antonio Brown
2. Julio Jones
3. Odell Beckham Jr
4. A.J. Green
5. Allen Robinson
SLEEPER: Victor Cruz
My WR Top 5 was the hardest position to choose from in regards to who is going to be the MVP of the fantasy world this year. No doubt that the Top 3 are going to all go in the first round of many drafts this year. Either one of those guys could have been #1 on my list in my opinion. That being said, I included the most productive Jags WR from last year because that offense is going to be fine-tuned and ready to go for a division championship this year. Don't sleep on Mr. Salsa this year. IF he can stay healthy and produce early on that chemistry with Manning should be like riding a bike and he may be a gem on the waiver wire if he's still there in the middle of the season.
Top 5 TEs:
1. Rob Gronkowski
2. Jordan Reed
3. Greg Olsen
4. Tyler Eifert
5. Jason Witten
SLEEPER: Ladarius Green
I don't think anyone can argue with this list. Gronk is the clear #1 and Reed is the clear #2. There is just no other TE in the league right now that are MVPs of fantasy TEs than those two. Keep in mind that when Romo is healthy Jason Witten is his #1 target on the field so he will be getting the looks this year as long as he's healthy. Finally, watch out for the Ladarius Green in the Steeler offense. Big Ben loves his TEs and if Green can produce early and show he is worthy, Big Ben will throw it his way often.
Top 5 Ks:
1. Stephen Gostkowski
2. Graham Gano
3. Chandler Catanzaro
4. Blair Walsh
5. Robbie Gould
SLEEPER: Josh Brown
When it comes to kickers I always try and figure out two things. 1) How many times does the team score a game on average and the K is doing a lot of extra points and no actual FGs. 2) Does a team hardly ever score TDs and the K is always relied on to score FGs from all over the field. It's obvious that this list has a little bit of both of those scenarios and you can't go wrong with any of my Top 5 in my opinion.
Top 5 DEF/STs:
1. Broncos
2. Panthers
3. Seahawks
4. Chiefs
5. Cardinals
SLEEPER: Giants
I think we all know who the Top DEFs will be again this year. However, watch out for those G-men. A completely re-worked D-Line & Secondary. The G-men are looking to regain that Defensive might from 2007 & 2011.
So there you have it. My Top 5 fantasy players for each position for the 2016-17 fantasy season.
@ryannnelson87 on Twitter
Labels:
Fantasy Football,
NFL
Location:
Woodbridge, VA 22191, USA
Wednesday, June 29, 2016
The NBA's GOAT
Take a look at the above picture. Soak it in for a few seconds. Also, it's old so put Lebron in a Cavs jersey and add one more Title and Finals MVP to his trophies. These four players are just a small group of numerous other great players the NBA has seen in its history before and after the merger of 1976.
After an amazing Game 7 of the NBA finals came to an end a few Sunday nights ago and a professional sports championship finally came back to the City of Cleveland after 52 years, I found it fitting to do a brief blog about the grand ole question: "Who is the greatest NBA player of all time?" I don't like to answer that question with one player that I really think is the GOAT, but more so a progressive question that can have more than one answer. If you take a look at the above four players half of them are already retired (another is probably pretty close to retirement). So that leaves only one player who still has a good amount of time to add to his trophy list of the three shown. Do I think any four of the players in the above picture could be consider the GOAT of the NBA, absolutely. Does one of them stand out to me more than any other, yes. Are their players not shown in this picture that I also would consider as the greatest player in NBA history, you got it.
Since I consider it impossible to narrow it down to one player, I'll give you my Top 5 greatest players in NBA history (up until this point). If you can, without a doubt, commit to one player being the GOAT of the NBA and give me your reasoning (with back-up) then please let me know because I find it impossible to do so. So that being said, my Top 5 of All-Time are as follows:
1. Michael Jordan
2. Bill Russell
3. Wilt Chamberlin
4. Lebron James
5. Magic Johnson
I have to say if that was my starting 5 in any generation I believe they would go undefeated. A couple players I was debating over include: Larry Bird, Tim Duncan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Shaq. I think that Top 5 is without a doubt one I can stick with for years to come unless someone really, REALLY amazes everyone and has a flawless career.
The game just isn't the same anymore. Too many players are good but just will not be able to surpass that upper echelon of players. Steph Curry may be the only player who has the capability to get there but even he has his weaknesses and injury issues.
1. Michael Jordan ("MJ")
You want to talk about the best all-around player in NBA history it has to be MJ. He could to it all. Not only was he a prolific scorer but he played defense as well. Ever since his college days at UNC you knew he was going to be something special when he entered the League. With 6 Titles, 5 MVPs, and 6 Finals MVP, MJ is among the best when it comes to winning Titles. His 30.1 points per game career average is an NBA record (over 15 seasons). He defined a generation of basketball that included hard work, dedication, and the will to win no matter what. He has inspired so many players today. Everyone that played with him and around him became a better player and his ability to do anything with a basketball and make things happen just added to his persona. Needless to say, I think MJ is on the top of many people lists and regarded as the best player in NBA history.
2. Bill Russell
There is no player that will ever rival Russell's number of Titles (he has a total of 11 by the way). Not to mention they are all with the same team, the Boston Celtics. That number alone and to do it with the same team defines greatness in my mind. He really re-defined defensive play and ushered it into a new era. His rebound stats are only second to that of the next person on this list. Not to mention his five MVP awards which is also tied for second behind the person before him on this list. Needless to say he was a defining player during a transition era for basketball not only internally but society as a whole as well. I haven't seen a big man that has come through the league yet that will ever rival the stature and just all around center the NBA has ever seen.
3. Wilt Chamberlin
I think Wilt and Bill could have easily switched spots on this list but it's that Title number that separates Bill from Wilt in my mind. Wilt was somewhat of a physical phenom. To my knowledge, the Game had never really seen anyone like him before. Not just because of his height but his physical build as well. He had a very dominant force inside the paint and showed this very early on in his career. Not to mention he is a scoring machine and the all-time leader in assists and rebounds. Who can forget his 100 point game which has never been touched (and probably will never be). Even though his playoff wins and titles are lacking he makes up for it with what he has accomplished in his career and just the kind of mythical persona he became throughout the years. Needless to say he has gone down in history as one of the most dominant big men the Game has ever seen.
4. Lebron James
Now the first three players on this list are retired, Hall of Fame players. Lebron is neither of those two things (at least not yet). At the ripe age of 31, Lebron still has many more years to come barring any injury and it doesn't look like he's slowing down any time soon. Whether or not you agree with how he handled The Decision in 2010, needless to say he made his time in Miami worth it by winning back-to-back Championships with the team. He kept players like D-Wade and Chris Bosh relevant. He's now a three time NBA champion, three time NBA Finals MVP, and four time League MVP. He has become the All-Time leader in assists and scoring for the Cavs (and still going). Lebron has accomplished many feats before the age of 30 that have set him apart as one of the greatest players of all time. While his trophy case can still be added to, what he has accomplished so quickly and early in his career is a sign of greatness that cannot be ignored. Aside from all that, Lebron has gained greatness in the League not just for his awards and Titles, but for his ferocious play and physical abilities. I consider him one of the best all-around players the League has seen in a while and while his defensive abilities have come into question time and time again throughout his career he has shown he can play D (see most recent Game 7 block basically saving the game). All in all I cannot see how Lebron James is not part of any Top list of All-Time greats of the NBA.
5. Magic Johnson
What can I say, Magic is a player that is undoubtedly one the most "magical" players of all-time. He almost single-handedly created a new style of play with no-look passes, trick plays, and amazing shots only seen if you watched the Globetrotters play. Most of his records are related to assists. He has the highest career assists per game than any player of all-time. He has the most assists in an NBA All-Start game (22), Playoff game (24) and Finals game (21). Probably explains why he led the NBA in assists four times between 1983 and 1987. Not to mention his five NBA titles, 3 League MVPs, and 3 Finals MVPs to round out the trophy case. Some even claim he was the innovator of the style of play called "Showtime". Needless to say, Magic pioneered a new era in the game of basketball and made way for many of the styles of play that you see in the League today.
So there you have it. My Top 5 Greatest NBA Players of All-Time. Can't say that I agree with everything I said but at least you've got something to go off of as far as who I feel can be considered the GOAT of the NBA.
-R.N.N.
@ryannnelson87 on Twitter
Labels:
basketball,
GOAT,
NBA
Location:
Gainesville, VA, USA
Thursday, June 16, 2016
New Posts Soon! (Hopefully)
A lot has happened in the 4+ years since I have last posted on here. Needless to say I could write an entire post about the changes that have happened in my life since February 2012. Along with those changes I've decided to diversify the format of this blog to more generalized topics that include everything. Obviously, my passion for sports will still be the majority of my posts but I wanted to incorporate such topics as politics, entertainment, and just life in general.
Makes things interesting instead of talking about sports ALL the time (although that's interesting enough for me.)
For a good three and a half years I was working two jobs (one full-time & one part-time). Took away a lot of extra free time for me and any attempts to start up this blog again failed big time. Last month I was finally able to leave the part-time job which will easily free up 10-16 hours during my week. That being said, I really want to get back to posting on here. Whether it's multiple times a week or once a month, I feel that this avenue of expressing ideas is easier. Not to mention free from the pressures of most social media outlets where you get bombarded with comments, spam, and other unwelcome distractions.
All that being said, I hope within the next few weeks to get my next post up after a 4 year drought. I hope everyone will stayed tuned and stay with me.
Cheers!
Makes things interesting instead of talking about sports ALL the time (although that's interesting enough for me.)
For a good three and a half years I was working two jobs (one full-time & one part-time). Took away a lot of extra free time for me and any attempts to start up this blog again failed big time. Last month I was finally able to leave the part-time job which will easily free up 10-16 hours during my week. That being said, I really want to get back to posting on here. Whether it's multiple times a week or once a month, I feel that this avenue of expressing ideas is easier. Not to mention free from the pressures of most social media outlets where you get bombarded with comments, spam, and other unwelcome distractions.
All that being said, I hope within the next few weeks to get my next post up after a 4 year drought. I hope everyone will stayed tuned and stay with me.
Cheers!
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Super Bowl XLVI - Thoughts and Predicitons
It's that time of the year again, the finale of the NFL season and all it's glory, the Super Bowl is here. This coming Sunday the New York Giants will face off against the New England Patriots in a Super Bowl rematch of 4 years ago that many of us remember very well. The Patriots trying to go for the perfect 18-0 season and the Giants were the underdog team that had to win every game on the road to get to the game. When it was all said and done the Giants drove down to score the winning touchdown after some amazing plays of which David Tyree ended up catching a ball on his helmet in order to get a key first down and long gain. It ended with a touchdown catch by Plaxico Burress and the Giants did the unthinkable and beat the undefeated Patriots in the biggest game of the year.
Now, the Giants and Patriots are back in the Super Bowl and under very different circumstances. The Giants were looking like they were going to implode as they came down the home stretch of the regular season and ended up winning the NFC East and battling through the playoffs including two tough road games against Green Bay and San Francisco. The Patriots experienced little competition in the AFC East and took that momentum as they took care of business against the Broncos and Ravens. However, on paper these two teams may look different than their 2007 counterparts but the mentality in both locker rooms has changed very little from the first Super Bowl match-up. The Giants offense and defense are playing lights out when it counts and they are looking unstoppable up to this point. The Patriots continue to score points and win games despite having the worst defense in the league (Giants defense was also ranked at the bottom as well this year). Yet both of these teams managed to make it to the one of the biggest stages in sports.
However, let's not forget that the Giants successfully beat the Patriots in the regular season this year and I have a feeling that this Super Bowl game will be very similar to that game during the regular season. Both teams can throw the ball successfully and there is no question about that. It's the running games of both teams that have been sluggish all year. I wouldn't be surprised if Manning and Brady throw the ball at least 50 times in this game because the running games of each of these teams is gonna get no where.
I think this rematch will hopefully be a good one as well. I see it being a high scoring yet close game as both teams will probably swap scoring drives as the game goes on. Look for the Giants D to try and pressure Brady as much as possible just as they did this season and in 2007. I think the Patriots will focus on making sure Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks are non-factor but that will open up Manning's other options in Manningham and Boos. All in all I do think the Giants will manage the win. I will say 35-31 Giants. Victor Cruz or Eli Manning are your Super Bowl MVP.
Hope everyone enjoys the game! GO GIANTS!
Friday, November 11, 2011
NFL Week 10 Picks
Happy Veteran's Day everyone! Since I have the day off from work today thanks to all those men and women who are willing to serve their country I decided to take the time to do my Week 10 picks. Since I am posting this after the Thursday night game this week I battled on who I was going to pick but I ended up going with the Chargers and once again they failed me as Carson Palmer showed he still has got some swag left. But let's get right to the rest of my picks for Week 10. I went 10-4 last week and that puts me at 74-33 (.692) for the season.No more BYE weeks for the rest of the season.
NFL Week 10 - Sunday, November 13
1:00PM Games
Lions OVER Bears - UPSET SPECIAL - I am surprised the Bears are favored in this game. I know they just game off a big win against the Eagles but they have their weaknesses that's for sure. The Lions do have to go on the road to win this game but I think they will be able to take care of the Bears.
Jaguars OVER Colts - I think the Colts have started to show sparks this season as they continue to move on without Peyton Manning. However, MJD and the Jags will prevail and keep the Colts win-less on the road.
Chiefs OVER Broncos - I wasn't sold on the whole Tebow thing from the beginning and thankfully that hasn't come to bite me, yet. The Chiefs have looked decent the past couple weeks and I feel that at home they can take care of the dismantled Broncos.
Steelers OVER Bengals - I will be rooting for the Bengals in this game of course and at home it will give them an advantage. No one is talking about the Bengals that much this year and they are a decent team and are gonna surprise some people if they were to make the playoffs. However, the Steelers are just to strong on both sides of the ball not to lose this game but they are gonna have to fight hard for it.
Bills OVER Cowboys - UPSET SPECIAL - I cannot believe the Cowboys are favored in this game. Yes, the Bills lost pretty bad to the Jets last week who successfully exploited the Bills weaknesses. However, the Cowboys beat a bad Seahawks team and still have not impressed me at all this year. I look for Buffalo to come back strong in Arlington and take down the Cowboys.
Saints OVER Falcons - NFC South lead is on the line in this game and I would love to see the Falcons win but they have let me down this year in a lot of cases. Being at home may help them a little bit, but the Saints need to make a big run here and I think it may start with this game (although I hope they don't beat the Giants in a few weeks). This will be a good game and probably come down to a one or two possession game.
Browns OVER Rams - Seems like this game should be an easy one to pick considering the Rams situation this year. I really thought the Rams were gonna be better this year and was rooting for them early but unfortunately the complete opposite has happened. The Browns are still in the midst of their re-building but I like what I see on both sides of the ball. I look for them to win a low-scoring affair at home this week.
Redskins OVER Dolphins - UPSET SPECIAL - Once again, the Skins fail to be favored this week in a game that, I think, is gonna be ugly. The Dolphins got their first win last week against a rallying Chiefs team and the have the potential to be a decent team. If the Skins offense doesn't score some points they WILL lose this game. The Defense is doing it's job every game but it's a no longer "Defense wins games" league. Skins better realize that this week.
Texans OVER Bucs - The Texans will win the AFC South this year. And this game will only help them to achieve that task. The Bucs have flaked all year and even at home this week I don't feel like this game will be any different. Get ready for a big game by Foster.
Panthers OVER Titans - Call me crazy, but I like the Panthers at home this week. The Titans have been one of those teams this year that I don't want to pick against but with this game I like the panthers who are actually favored to win. Now if you ask me, I am buying on Cam Newton and have been since the first game.
Eagles OVER Cardinals - The Eagles are DEFINITELY not the team we thought they were gonna be this year. I would hope they could beat the lowly Cards at home this week, but who knows. McCoy should be able to have a big game against a week Cards Defense.
4:00PM Games
Ravens OVER Seahawks - Ravens coming off a huge win in Pittsburgh and I don't think they should have any problems continuing with that momentum on the road against the Seahawks.
Giants OVER 49ers - UPSET SPECIAL - I like that the Giants are not favored in this game. Granted the 49ers have been playing lights out this year which nobody expected. However, the Giants have been playing pretty well and need to keep that momentum through there grueling second half schedule. This year's Giants team kinda reminds me of the Super Bowl year. We'll see how they do on the road against a tough 49ers team.
Sunday Night Game
Patriots OVER Jets - UPSET SPECIAL - The Jets are playing really well at home this year and I would like nothing more than to see the Patriots go down 3 weeks in a row. However, I don't think Brady is gonna let that happen especially if it's a chance to take down the rival Jets. Pats win on the road.
Monday Night Game
Packers OVER Vikings - I don't even really think I needed to pick this game. But I guess I will. Packers will stay undefeated at home this week and keep on pace to complete the perfect season.
Well there they are, my Week 10 picks. Enjoy the games everyone!
-R.N.N.
@ryannnelson87 on Twitter
rnelson0187@gmail.com
NFL Week 10 - Sunday, November 13
1:00PM Games
Lions OVER Bears - UPSET SPECIAL - I am surprised the Bears are favored in this game. I know they just game off a big win against the Eagles but they have their weaknesses that's for sure. The Lions do have to go on the road to win this game but I think they will be able to take care of the Bears.
Jaguars OVER Colts - I think the Colts have started to show sparks this season as they continue to move on without Peyton Manning. However, MJD and the Jags will prevail and keep the Colts win-less on the road.
Chiefs OVER Broncos - I wasn't sold on the whole Tebow thing from the beginning and thankfully that hasn't come to bite me, yet. The Chiefs have looked decent the past couple weeks and I feel that at home they can take care of the dismantled Broncos.
Steelers OVER Bengals - I will be rooting for the Bengals in this game of course and at home it will give them an advantage. No one is talking about the Bengals that much this year and they are a decent team and are gonna surprise some people if they were to make the playoffs. However, the Steelers are just to strong on both sides of the ball not to lose this game but they are gonna have to fight hard for it.
Bills OVER Cowboys - UPSET SPECIAL - I cannot believe the Cowboys are favored in this game. Yes, the Bills lost pretty bad to the Jets last week who successfully exploited the Bills weaknesses. However, the Cowboys beat a bad Seahawks team and still have not impressed me at all this year. I look for Buffalo to come back strong in Arlington and take down the Cowboys.
Saints OVER Falcons - NFC South lead is on the line in this game and I would love to see the Falcons win but they have let me down this year in a lot of cases. Being at home may help them a little bit, but the Saints need to make a big run here and I think it may start with this game (although I hope they don't beat the Giants in a few weeks). This will be a good game and probably come down to a one or two possession game.
Browns OVER Rams - Seems like this game should be an easy one to pick considering the Rams situation this year. I really thought the Rams were gonna be better this year and was rooting for them early but unfortunately the complete opposite has happened. The Browns are still in the midst of their re-building but I like what I see on both sides of the ball. I look for them to win a low-scoring affair at home this week.
Redskins OVER Dolphins - UPSET SPECIAL - Once again, the Skins fail to be favored this week in a game that, I think, is gonna be ugly. The Dolphins got their first win last week against a rallying Chiefs team and the have the potential to be a decent team. If the Skins offense doesn't score some points they WILL lose this game. The Defense is doing it's job every game but it's a no longer "Defense wins games" league. Skins better realize that this week.
Texans OVER Bucs - The Texans will win the AFC South this year. And this game will only help them to achieve that task. The Bucs have flaked all year and even at home this week I don't feel like this game will be any different. Get ready for a big game by Foster.
Panthers OVER Titans - Call me crazy, but I like the Panthers at home this week. The Titans have been one of those teams this year that I don't want to pick against but with this game I like the panthers who are actually favored to win. Now if you ask me, I am buying on Cam Newton and have been since the first game.
Eagles OVER Cardinals - The Eagles are DEFINITELY not the team we thought they were gonna be this year. I would hope they could beat the lowly Cards at home this week, but who knows. McCoy should be able to have a big game against a week Cards Defense.
4:00PM Games
Ravens OVER Seahawks - Ravens coming off a huge win in Pittsburgh and I don't think they should have any problems continuing with that momentum on the road against the Seahawks.
Giants OVER 49ers - UPSET SPECIAL - I like that the Giants are not favored in this game. Granted the 49ers have been playing lights out this year which nobody expected. However, the Giants have been playing pretty well and need to keep that momentum through there grueling second half schedule. This year's Giants team kinda reminds me of the Super Bowl year. We'll see how they do on the road against a tough 49ers team.
Sunday Night Game
Patriots OVER Jets - UPSET SPECIAL - The Jets are playing really well at home this year and I would like nothing more than to see the Patriots go down 3 weeks in a row. However, I don't think Brady is gonna let that happen especially if it's a chance to take down the rival Jets. Pats win on the road.
Monday Night Game
Packers OVER Vikings - I don't even really think I needed to pick this game. But I guess I will. Packers will stay undefeated at home this week and keep on pace to complete the perfect season.
Well there they are, my Week 10 picks. Enjoy the games everyone!
-R.N.N.
@ryannnelson87 on Twitter
rnelson0187@gmail.com
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