King James Returns Home To Cleveland Tonight

First off, I have one statement to make about this topic: WHO CARES? I mean, obviously Cleveland fans all over the nation care and think it's a big deal but honestly, grow up people. I know James humiliated you on national TV and not only a fan-base but an entire City, I get it. But c'mon, you knew he was gonna leave sooner or later if the team couldn't help him out and put together a championship worthy team. Now, maybe the way he went about leaving the team and the circumstances that surrounded his arrival in Miami could have been done a little better, it doesn't mean he didn't have the right to leave Cleveland in the first place. But let's not kid ourselves here, Lebron James put the entire Cavaliers franchise let alone an entire City on his back and tried to resurrect a franchise back to whatever "success" (if you even want to call it that) it may have had in the 1990s. He deserves a lot of gratitude from the fans and City of Cleveland. If it wasn't for King James sports in Cleveland might have become a dead topic. The Browns are still horrible and the Indians are falling off as well. King James resurrected, at least to some degree, a town that used to have some decent sports teams.

He fulfilled his contract for crying out loud. This happens in sports all the time. A player fulfills his contract with a team and then he has the right to explore other options or stay right where he is at. I may not agree with a player leaving one of my favorite teams for another team but I get over it and move on to the next game/season, etc. Part of the reason for all the hard feelings is because the d-bags at ESPN had to make his decision to leave (which was probably made long before the media event) the biggest story since the fall of the Berlin Wall (or some equivalent world event.) That didn't help the situation at all. I must admit, James is probably one of the biggest media whores I have seen in a while so of course he welcomed the attention and the spotlight for an entire hour during prime-time TV. That is the part of this whole fiasco that I don't agree with, the way he went about doing everything.

All that being said, I have this to say to any fans going to the actual game tonight or watching at home on TV: BOO all you want. You have every right to at this point. The way you were just thrown out the back door by Lebron like nothing happened is wrong. You deserved to at least be let down a lot more easier than what he gave you. Keep it civil and keep it classy as possible. That would be just what Lebron would want to have unruly fans cause a huge disaster and embarrass the City of Cleveland and the Cavaliers franchise even more. The fact that King James isn't doing to hot in Miami this year so far is a relief that all Cleveland fans need to celebrate and realize that it may turn out to be his loss after it's all said and done. Until that time when Cleveland fans can turn it back around on Lebron, stay cool and just move on from it already!

-R.N.N.
rnelson0187@gmail.com
@ryannnelson87 on Twitter

The Michael Vick Story: A Legacy Re-born?

If you were to walk up to a random person on the street and ask if they knew who Michael Vick was, I can guarantee the answer 9 out of 10 times will be simple: "He's the dog killer, right?" Unfortunately, Mr. Vick has dug himself into a massive hole and maybe this year he is slowly beginning to make the climb up and out of that hole. Maybe. A lot of people will never let him live down, and maybe rightly so, the fact that among other convictions, he financially supported and housed the dog fighting ring known as "Bad Newz Kennels" based out of Surry County, Virginia. Countless Pit Bulls not only lost their lives due to the behavior of Vick and his associates but many of the dogs were found so beat up that their lives will never be the same. Thankfully, some of the canines have been "re-trained" and have been lucky enough to find new homes that will care for them in the way they were meant to be cared for. However, others were not so lucky and had to be put down because they were just so mentally and physically destroyed by the effects of Vick's dog fighting operation. Over the past year and a half this story is what many people have come to know about Michael Vick, not football.

Not his glory days at Virginia Tech and taking the school to a BCS National Championship game as a Sophomore and breaking school record after school record in a multitude of categories as a QB. Placing third in the Heisman voting as a Freshman. Not being drafted number one overall by the Atlanta Falcons in 2001 and then two years later taking them into a cold and snowy Lambeau Field and beating the Packers in the playoffs and ending the Packers undefeated playoff record at home. His three Pro-bowl selections which his first selection came in his second year in the league. His electrifying playing style, his upbeat personality, and his great athleticism. Whether you agree or not how good of a quarterback Vick started out as during his first seasons with the Falcons, he was still a play-maker and most of all a game-changer. He brought back the scrambling days of Randall Cunningham and others but in a much bigger way. Even with all the criticism and bashing he still managed to play the game the way he wanted to and still managed to stay on top of his playing style the whole way through.

Then somewhere along the way, he lost focus. The 2007 year brought a lot of hardships to Michael and everyone knows about the dog-fighting convictions and his ultimate guilty plea and being sentenced to jail for 23 months. But it didn't end there for Vick. When he was released from prison in mid-2009 he was met with extreme financial issues and more lawsuits from creditors and others that Vick owed money to. It looked like it was never going to end for Vick but after his reinstatement into the NFL and with help from former Colts coach Tony Dungy and many others, the Philadelphia Eagles signed Vick in the 2009 off-season to a one-year deal. This signing, in my eyes started the road of redemption for Vick. He just has to make sure now he can stay on that road and continue improving and putting the past behind him and learning from his mistakes.

Since his release from prison he has been making great strides toward showing the pet lovers and animal community that he is trying to educate everyone more on the nature of dog-fighting and it's heinous results in the live altering effects it has on the animals subjected to it. He has been going across the nation and presenting his message to the people that are willing to listen. Even with occasional media criticism or protester, Michael is still working towards a solution to his problems so that life can get back to "normal" for him.

Being from Newport News myself, going to the same high school that Vick did, and growing up a VA Tech fan, naturally I have always been a fan of Vick and everything he has accomplished as a person and a football player. When I heard the news about the dog-fighting charges I was, needless to say, utterly shocked and upset with Vick. How could he be so blind. Throwing away everything that he worked so hard to accomplish in life and now it could all be destroyed because he listened to some old friends and associated himself with a bad crowd that he should have known were "bad newz." It was sad to see such a promising life get halted in an instant and everything just blew up in his face. Yet, everything Vick has worked for as a professional and a person still hangs in the balance has he tries to "redeem" himself through a new and improved game on the football field.

Personally, it will take me a very long time to forgive Vick for his off the field antics. What he did to those defenseless dog is just beyond wrong at this point. I had heard of dog-fighting cases before but not as horrific as the Vick case and that is really disturbing. As much as I want the infamous cliche "every one makes mistakes" to apply to Vick here but I think his situation cannot be rectified on that statement alone. However, as a football fan he is well on his way in redeeming himself on the field after falling off there before his incarceration. He is an amazing football player and now is one of the top QBs in the league in my opinion. As long as he is not playing the Giants I will always want to see Michael do well on the field.

So has his legacy been re-born this season. I think so. Most are calling it a "renaissance season" for Vick and I would have to agree with that assessment. It's good to have him back on the field where he belongs and see him starting to do well again. Now let's see if he can keep it that way and help his legacy continue to mature again into the Michael Vick we all knew he could become.

-R.N.N
rnelson0187@gmail.com
@ryannnelson87 on Twitter

My Mid-season Report (Just a bit late)

I know this is a little late as the NFL season is just about to wrap up Week 11 after tonight but I still wanted to check-in and give some take on the season so far. All I can say is what a CRAZY season up until now. Just shows how unpredictable the NFL is becoming season after season. The easiest way for me to do this is to look over my pre-season predictions, go division by division, and then see how well I've done so far (probably not even close, haha). If you want to take a look at them first go ahead and check them out.

NFC East
Well so far, overall the NFC East is going to plan the only difference that after Sunday night's game the Eagles have taken sole possession of first place in the division. Giants and Skins are not far behind and all those Dallas fans who scoffed at me for slating them in last place at the end of the year...who's laughing now???? NFC East is clearly the toughest division in football when it comes to those division games. They are always the best games to watch. My mid-season predictions for the East have not changed. I still think the Giants can bounce back and take the division over by the end of the year. It's just a matter of whether the Skins can make it interesting and I don't have any doubt they can't accomplish that.

NFC North
Once again, my pre-season predictions here are very close as the only difference is the destruction of the Vikings this year. I thought this division was going to at least be competitive and the Lions would have some crazy wins in order to make it interesting. Although the Bears are making it interesting as they are continuing to find ways to win. My division winner, the Packers, are looking unstoppable now and even as banged up as they are they continue to surprise people and Aaron Rodgers is looking like an MVP out there. As of now I don't see the Vikings being able to rebound so it looks like it will be a battle between the Pack and Bears and I predict the Pack still come out on top.

NFC South
This is one of the divisions that I have been the least accurate on so far. The South has probably been the most competitive division so far with Atlanta 8-2 and both the Saints and Bucs at 7-3. This division is wide open as the home stretch of the season comes upon us here soon. I regrettably had the Bucs in last place at the end of the year and unless they have a complete breakdown and the Panthers do a 180 it looks like the Bucs are in the hunt for a division title at the midway point. I still think the Falcons will stay in 1st in the South but the Bucs will finish in 2nd and the Saints will be a Wild Card team in the Playoffs.

NFC West
You want to talk about a pathetic division then take a look at the NFC West this year. The division leading Seahawks are a mere 5-5 and it is possible that the division out of the West could have a losing record and still make the playoffs and host a wild card team in the first round. The two teams that I had atop the division (49ers and Cards) are at the bottom as of now and it looks like it might stay that way. My predictions for the final standings will be the Seahawks taking the division with either a .500 or losing record.

AFC East
Apparently my assumption that the Jets were a little too over-hyped this year was incorrect as they are being placed into the mix of best team in the NFL at this point in the season. However, the Pats were and still are owning that division and I think they will come out on top when it comes to the end of the season. However, my predictions about the Jets have definitley proven to be untrue and be prepared to watch out for them in the Playoffs.

AFC North
This is probably the division that I screwed up the most. I picked the Bengals to finally get it together and take first place in the North. That was a BIG mistake. I ultimately think the Steelers, especially with Big Ben being back, will be too much for the rest of the North although the Ravens are making a strong case this year as well. I will have to change my picks to the Steelers and Ravens being atop that division by the end of the year.

AFC South
My picks for the South aren't holding up as of right now either with the Jags officially in first place. I still think the Colts own that division and the Titans, with all the drama, will rebound to take 2nd place. That being said I think my pre-season predictions will hold come the end of the year.

AFC West
Well my faith in the Oakland Raiders for this season has not been diminished yet, however I had the Chargers making it to the Super Bowl this year and they have been nothing but disappointing so far. Cheifs have surprised everyone so I think when it comes to the end of the year the Chargers will retain first place and the Chiefs will be in 2nd. However, only being slightly better than even the NFC West the division winner might come out with a losing record.

Playoffs
The way things are looking right now I think it's hard to make an argument about the Falcons, Packers, or Eagles making a long run in the playoffs. My original team to come out to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl was the Packers and I will continue to hold to that. On the other side I regrettably had the Chargers winning it all. Now when they are hot, they can't be stopped but for some reason they have lost some very winnable games this year and you just can't have that in the playoffs. I think out of the AFC it's either gonna be the Steelers or the Patriots (even though it kills me to suggest those two teams). I hate to say it but it looks like another win for the AFC in the Super Bowl this year but I would love to see Aaron Rodgers get one and finally move out of the shadow of Favre.

This season has become one of the most unpredictable ones in a long time so we'll see how the rest goes.

-R.N.N.
rnelson0187@gmail.com
@ryannnelson87

I'm From......So I Must be a Fan of.....Does it Really Matter?

Just from the sheer fact that I was born and raised in Virginia I am expected to be a Washington Redskins fan, a UVA fan, a Nats fan, and a Caps fan according to many individuals out there in the local sports world today. Let me counter that by saying I am a Giants fan in football, a Virginia Tech Hokie, George Mason, and UNC fan for all college sports, an Atlanta Braves fan, and don't really care for the NHL (but if I had to choose a team I guess I would say the Caps). Family has a lot to do with these decisions that I made to become fans of these teams. I didn't say "Oh, well I was born in VA so I have to root for the Redskins and all other DC teams." NO! I was raised in the Virginia Beach area of the state so there was a big fan base down there of Panther and Falcons fans as well for the NFL. I also did not decide to choose to root for those teams because they were "geographically" closer than any other teams.

These assertions that where you were raised is directly related to what teams you should and should not root for is utterly ridiculous. I was raised a Giants fan because my family raised me that way. It also helps that my grandfather and family before me were raised in New Jersey. I have been to the NY/NJ area a couple times in my life-time but just because I was not born there does not mean I am not allowed to root for them. My whole dad's side of the family has always rooted for them and that's the way I was raised. When I started understanding sports I made the decision to continue to be a Giants fan and always have been since that day and always will be.

I am a Virginia Tech fan simply because my entire dad's side of the family went to school there and I pretty much grew up on that campus for a lot of the first part of my life. I was raised to be a fan. Enough said. I will always be a Hokie fan no matter how much crap they get from the critics about being over-rated and whatever.

I became a Braves fan for a number of reasons. To keep it short, one of my best-friends as a kid was a huge Braves fans and their minor-league team was stationed out of Richmond and a family member of mine had always been a Braves fan. Now, I'm not a huge fan of baseball but as a casual fan I decided that I wanted to start following the Braves (This was WAY before the Nats were even a idea). It's always stuck with me even when the Nats came to DC. First of all the Nats have always been a crappy team. They just now might start a very slow rise to a mediocre team. The Braves will always be my team when it comes to the MLB.

I really could honestly care less about Hockey. But when i do catch the occasional game or what not I must say because I do live in the DC area now the Caps are the only team that I am rooting for in the "area." With the NBA I have weirdly enough always been an Orlando Magic fan. This one is simply because I acquired it from a childhood friend and it has just always stuck with me ever since. Plus the Wizards are horrible why would I ever want to be associated with them.

Look, here's the deal. I respect people who have been born and raised in VA or the DC area and have always been a Skins fan, etc. That's awesome. My girlfriend's entire family pretty much as always been Skins fans because they had been born and raised one as well. But just like her being a Giants fan has been passed down from previous generations as well. I could have decided that I wanted to be a Skins fan because I was born in VA but I stuck with family and will continue to root for the Giants as long as I live. I respect the people who root for the Nats and other VA related teams. What I don't respect is "DC-ers" who ridicule people for not being Skins fans, etc. because they live in the DMV. Listen, the DMV is one of the most DIVERSE areas of the nation. People come from all over the world and set up residence here. Their "fandom" may lie somewhere else like Pittsburgh, Philly, New York, just to name a few. So CHILL OUT! People move around all the time and are raised different ways. Not every single person in the DMV is gonna be a Skins fan, etc. So let it go and live with that fact.

Now there is a difference between being a "true fan" and a "bandwagoner" and believe me there are some bandwagoners around the DMV who just like to root for the team that's the most popular or winning. Or there are fans who just want to root against DC teams just because they can. So those people can just suck it. I'm gonna wrap this up.

Bottom line is, people are all raised differently. People move around constantly. People have the ability to make their own decisions about who they are a fan of (wow, crazy concepts, I know). I have a right as a human being to root for whoever the hell I want to whether it's a team from the area that I live in or not. If tomorrow I decided I wanted to be a Seattle Seahawks fan (even though who would want to be, haha) I could make that decision. Even though they may be on the other side of the country, if I wanted to root for them and become a fan I could do that. So get of your high horse DC fans and realize that you aren't the only people that live in the DMV and their are gonna be people around that aren't fans of your sports. SO WHAT! DEAL WITH IT! That is all.

-R.N.N.
@ryannnelson87
rnelson0187@gmail.com

NFL Wanted Ad: America Needs a New Team (R.I.P. Dallas Cowboys)

WANTED: NEW NFL TEAM TO CALL "AMERICA'S TEAM"

The National Football League is looking for qualified teams for a new position that has currently become vacant after Week 7 of the 2010-2011 season. The open position is for that of "America's Team." Key responsibilities include but are not limited to, being a media-whore and wanting all the attention, all the time. This means getting networks like ESPN and others to bend over backwards for you in order to make you look good no matter what. Your players always get coverage over any other team. The qualified team must own and operate a huge bandwagon in order for millions of fans to "jump on" no matter where they are from or what team they grew up on. These fans just want to root for the team that is winning at the moment, gets all the media attention, has all the money, and the team and the players are always over-hyped every single season no matter what. These fans do not necessarily have to know a lot about the game of football or it's history. These fans are sometimes very illogical and will say whatever they want without thinking. The qualified team must have an excellent history in the league which includes Hall of Fame players, playoff appearances, and a great winning tradition. Super Bowl championship(s) are a plus but are not necessarily required to fill the position. Of course, all of these items are always over-hyped and talked about by the fans or media all the time.

I wanted to start off this blog with a fake wanted ad that the NFL would post after the Cowboys lost the right or were "fired" from the title of "America's Team." Now I never thought they were America's Team but since they have been branded with that for a while now I think they should have lost the official title after their "Big Three" (Aikman, Smith, and Irvin) left the team. The title gained popularity in the late 1970s after the NFL created a highlight film and some donk labeled them "America's Team" solely because they were "popular", always on T.V., and had a lot of fans. Of course, the media ate this up and so it began. I guess all the other teams in the league at that time were never on T.V. or had any fans either.

Nevertheless, after the Giants dismembering of the Dallas Cowboys on national television during this past week's Monday Night Football, the spot where the Cowboys first got the title, I think it's about time for someone prominent in the media to step up and official propose a new team for America (or kill the title all together and have no "America's Team). Since I am not a prominent member of the media I can't really proclaim that and have it mean anything. However, I can give you reasons why the Cowboys should have the titled revoked and put forth some possible replacement teams if the title of "America's Team" must live to see another day.

First off, the Cowboys haven't been to the Super Bowl in 14 years (1996 win over the Steelers). Yes, they may have been to the playoffs multiple times since then but have barely made it past the 2nd round in most instances. The prolific offense that they used to be known for has died down considerably. All those fans that said Romo would be some sort of "savior" for the franchise, be the next Aikman for that team, and take them to the promise land all over again couldn't be farther from the truth. Romo will never be Aikman, will not end his career with the Cowboys, and will be lucky to ever win a Super Bowl, let alone a Conference Championship. Good try, Romo. The O-line is in shambles especially this year with all the injuries.

No one on the team has stepped up and commanded the team from a locker-room standpoint. How can you be a good team let alone "America's Team" if you don't have a leader in the locker-room? Some say Romo is the leader of the team but I haven't seen any indications on or off the field that he has control of that locker-room and we all know Wade Phillips has zero control over it. However, as much as it pains me I will give the 'Boys some credit, their defense has always stayed pretty good over the years but is still not a top tier D in the NFL. Jerry Jones is a reputable owner this is true and has been for many years now but spending over $1 Billion on a new stadium that is more comparable to the Las Vegas strip than an actual sporting venue does not mean you are one of the well-liked owners of the League.

I think overall, the team itself does not posses the heart, charisma, or leadership to continue being called "America's Team" any longer. That being said, which current NFL team could even come close replacing the Cowboys as "America's Team"? I think I might have a few suggestions.

1. The Pittsburgh Steelers. Steel Town. A symbol of hard working, middle America. Hardcore fans all over the nation that are just as dedicated to their team as anyone in the league. "Grind it out" Offense with a hard-nose Defense that has always been dominant. Six Super Bowl Championships. Hall of Famers like Terry Bradshaw, Lynn Swann, Mean Joe Greene, and others. Great tradition of winning and great ownership in the Rooney Family. Always getting a lot of media attention whether good or bad. Probably one of the top contenders to take over the title of America's Team. Currently they have one of the best records in football and with players like Roethlisberger as QB and Polamalu on defense they are ripe to make it to another Super Bowl this year.

2. The New England Patriots. With team colors of red, white, and blue. A mascot that symbolizes the Revolutionary War and our independence as a Nation. Based out of one of the oldest areas of America and with a fan base that has many, many "band-wagoners" it would seem perfect for a team like the PATRIOTS to take the torch from the Cowboys. Media attention is also pretty huge as well. With the Kraft family at the helm as of 1994 a winning tradition has not always been a part of the franchise. However, with the addition of Tom Brady as QB and Bill Belichick as a coach a firm winning tradition has been established over the past decade. With three Super Bowl Championships all within the past decade and one other appearance in 1985 the history is not really there for this team. However, what the team has done over the past decade can definitley make up for a lot of things in my opinion.

3. The New Orleans Saints. The only thing that makes this team a contender to take the torch from the Cowboys is their one Super Bowl win and first appearance last year and the story behind it: Hurricane Katrina. I respect the story and the team and everything that it did for the community of not only New Orleans but the country as a whole. The Saints gained a new love from the media and fans alike as many jumped on the Saints band-wagon during the 2009-2010 season. However, the winning tradition is not there (it never has been there) and the history of the team is not anything spectacular. They do have some notable famous historic players in Archie Manning, Sam Mills, and Willie Roaf. However, it's more their current successes with the Brees and Payton era that have brought them to the forefront of people's minds as the new "America's Team." I'm sure their successes will continue so that is probably what I am basing this off of in considering them to take over the title of America's Team.

And finally....a wildcard suggestion....

4. The Washington Redskins? Located near the most powerful city of the Free World and capitol of the United States in Washington, DC. Three Super Bowl Championships. Great tradition of winning although that has been a problem since their last Championship over a decade ago. With HoFers like Jurgensen, Baugh, and Riggins the history is all there for the Redskins. However, their current successes have just not been there and that is a major hindrance in my mind. Also the ownership of the team by Daniel Snyder has come under major scrutiny ever since he took over the team in 1999. Before Snyder the team had great ownership under the Cooke family and that's when the Super Bowl Championships were won. In my mind if they can just start winning again and maybe prove to the country that their fans aren't just talking it up every year then maybe the could be a consideration for America's Team. Until then they are still on the back burner in my mind.

In conclusion, it is time for the Cowboys to pass the torch of America's Team to a new, more qualified franchise. It was a nice run for the 'Boys and overall (even though it pains me to say it) they did a good job being America's Team for almost three decades now. I know it won't be easy for them to give up the title but I think it's time to let another team put it on their resume and be "America's Team."

-R.N.N.
@ryannnelson87
rnelson0187@gmail.com

Biggest Rivalries of the NFL - 2010 Version

Rivalries. A very strong word when it comes to most competitive sports today. When I think of great rivalries in sports today I think of Yankees against Red Sox, Michigan facing Ohio State, and maybe making a comeback is the Lakers and the Celtics just to name a few.

However, the word rivalry doesn't hold as much anymore in the NFL necessarily. My opinion is that NFL rivalries have lost their vigor and spunk over the years. Now I know some "die-hard" fans will get upset with these statements but I just don't get the usual vibes I'm used to when it comes to these so called "rivalry games" nowadays. Granted, I have only been around sports for about 19 years but growing up as a Giants fan I remember watching those NFC East games with family and the atmosphere was just like we were at the stadium watching the game. Yelling, cheering, booing and all at high (often over exaggerated) levels of volume. The week leading up to those rival games (most of all against the Eagles back then) were fun and very competitive among fans we knew of the opposing teams. Then come game time it was intense. The games were always close, always on the edge of your seat kind of stuff. One team may have been better or worse than the other but on those days both teams were just as good as the other. That's what made these games so special and competitive. Each team had a chance to win every time they played each other no matter what players were on each team or their records.

Their were even heavy rivalries between teams from both conferences. Of course you always had your common in division rivals such as Redskins-Cowboys, Packers-Bears, Patriots-Colts, Broncos-Cheifs, just to name a few. But their used to many rivalries that spread between both conferences. The Cowboys and Bills became pretty big rivals during the 1990s mainly because they played each other multiple times in the Super Bowl during that decade. The Giants developed rivalries with pretty much all the other New York teams and the only one that has survived to this day is the one with the Jets (which I am growing on and developing a small hatred for the Jets). When the Rams used to be in Los Angeles a small (and short-lived) rivalry with the Raiders used to be a big game. The Cowboys and the Steelers have always held a small rivalry over the years. You can start to see where I' m going with this. Rivalries used to be a huge deal in the NFL. I don't think they carry as much weight anymore.

I must say, as a Giants fan if I know next week's game is going to be against another NFC East team my mood is a little more exciting and I am always looking forward to a Sunday against the Eagles or Cowboys. However, I just don't see my excitement expressed across the Giants Nation. I listen to New York sports talk radio every once in a while. The hosts there just treat it like another game on the schedule. I live in the Washington, DC area and listen to sports talk radio here as well. Skins-Cowboys week has never seemed more irrelevant.

Now, let me stop there and say that there are plenty of fans out there who still cherish the rivalries in the NFL and the share it and show it. I'm not saying that the spirit for the rivalries is missing with the fan base because I will be the first one to bash the Cowboys and their fans the week leading up to a game against my Giants. I know there are plenty of fans out there who love rivalry weeks. There are some fans that just don't get into that much anymore. The family that I talked about before that would always watch games as if they were actually there don't really get into the whole "rivalry week" that much anymore and regard pretty much every game as just another game on the calendar.

To finish this topic up, my whole point is that the NFL as a whole just doesn't promote or show love to the "rivalry game" as much as they used to. It mainly seems just like another game on the schedule. Rivalries that used to be household names no matter if you were a fan of the teams or not just don't seem that important anymore. To put it bluntly, I don't really think rivalries exist in the real sense of the term in the NFL anymore. Your thoughts are welcomed.

-R.N.N.
rnelson0187@gmail.com
@ryannnelson87

Giants D Back to 2008 Form

First of all, huge, HUGE win for the G-Men last night at home. I took away three key things from that game last night.
1. I am not buying the fact that the Bears are a legit team this year.
2. The NFC is a complete mess at the moment.
3. The Giants showed that they can become a legit team this year.

Let's take point number one. Like many other fans and NFL experts after the first 2 weeks of watching Jay Cutler and the Bears I was on the verge of jumping on the "Cutler Bandwagon." This team really looked liked the old Bears that went to the Super Bowl a few years ago, especially the defense. Cutler looked to be a perfect fit for the Mike Martz offense that was scripted to re-vitalize the Bears. However, after watching the game last night and also referencing back to their previous weeks, it seems the Bears have many issues to address. From what I saw that offensive line is very disorganized and let the Giants line take out two QBs and allowed 10 sacks and only 58 yards on the ground. I don't know if it was the Giants defense that just played really well or the complete breakdown of the Bears offense. Either way, I have several doubts in regards to this Bears team being able to beat those top-tier teams especially come crunch time when it counts. I am not buying the Bears just yet.

Number 2. After week 4 the NFC is proving to once again be a complete crap show this year. The NFC West is just god-awful (Go Rams!) along with the bottom feeders of the NFC North and South. No game is predictable any more. After watching the Super Bowl Champ Saints almost lose to the Panthers and the Falcons almost give one away to the 49ers, I just can't believe how up in the air the NFC is this year. The AFC isn't much better this year either but at least you still have some predictability there (at least for now, it's only Week 4). I will be completely surprised if have a few teams with 8-8 or 9-7 records that win the division the way things are looking right now. Overall, the NFC is just laughable right now and I don't see it getting any better as we are a quarter of the way through the season.

Finally, point number three. It seems that all the Giants need is a little drama the week before a game and they come out guns blazing and running on all cylinders. Giants safety Antrel Rolle had some discouraging words concerning the leadership on the team and aimed a lot his comments at Coach Coughlin. Former players such as Tiki Barber, Antonio Pierce and Michael Strahan also had some "words of wisdom" and were very outspoken during the week about the current problems with the Giants team. It seems the team and the defense especially took this personally and also took it out on the Bears O-line and Cutler. The running game (minus the key fumbles) looked good and is hopefully back on track if Bradshaw can stay healthy. Manning and the other offense players looked to be more in control after the debacle that was the Titans game last week. So if the G-Men can come out and play like they did last night every game then I definitley think they can still get back to a legit team in the league. Now as a Giants fan that game last night really raised my spirits ten-fold and really reminded me of the Super Bowl team of 2008 that rocked Brady and the then undefeated Pats. Maybe there is hope for this season after all.

-R.N.N.
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Moving and Job Searching

The title says it all. My two top priorities this month and one is going smoothly so far and the other is not. I'm sure you can guess the better of the two.....

Moving out of the townhouse that I'm living in now and into my girlfriend's parents' house for a while. This is all in an attempt to save up enough money to get our own house (hopefully within a year or so). Haven't actually started moving anything yet (reason why it's going smoothly) but I am slowly gonna start moving stuff over so I don't have to do it all at once.

Job searching. Enough said right there. With the move to Manassas looming by the 1st of the month, a commute to my current job in McLean just isn't viable. Especially with what they are paying me and the quality of the job. So anything closer to Manassas is a plus. There are other reasons why I want a new job but that one has become the most relevant when thinking about it recently.

Overall, this month has started off o.k. and I hope it stays that way.

On a lighter note...excited to be able to watch World Cup soccer this weekend and everyday is a closer day to the start of NFL season which is what I am looking forward to the most.