12 Days of Christmas - NFL 2007 Style

Sang to the tune of "12 Days of Christmas," this is how the 2007 NFL regular season went:

"On the first week of the season, the NFL gave to me: A Jason Elam game-winning FG”

"On the second week of the season, the NFL gave to me: An Ohio shootout and a Jason Elam game-winning FG”

"On the third week of the season, the NFL gave to me: A goal-line stand by the New York football Giants in D.C., an Ohio shootout and a Broncos’ OT victory, and a Jason Elam game-winning FG”

"On the fourth week of the season, the NFL gave to me: Farve surpassing Marino in career passing TD’s, a goal-line stand by the New York football Giants in D.C., an Ohio shootout and a Broncos’ OT victory, and a Jason Elam game-winning FG”

"On the fifth week of the season, the NFL gave to me: A stellar Steelers shutout against the Seahawks in a rematch of Super Bowl XL, Farve surpassing Marino in career passing TD’s, a goal-line stand by the New York football Giants in D.C., an Ohio shootout and a Broncos’ OT victory, and a Jason Elam game-winning FG”

"On the sixth week of the season, the NFL gave to me: Vinny becoming the oldest starting QB to win a game in NFL history, a Stellar Steelers shutout against the Seahawks in a rematch of Super Bowl XL, Farve surpassing Marino in career passing TD’s, a goal-line stand by the New York football Giants in D.C., an Ohio shootout and a Broncos’ OT victory, and a Jason Elam game-winning FG”

"On the seventh week of the season, the NFL gave to me: Rob Bironas 8 FG’s, Vinny becoming the oldest starting QB to win a game in NFL history, a Stellar Steelers shutout against the Seahawks in a rematch of Super Bowl XL, Farve surpassing Marino in career passing TD’s, a goal-line stand by the New York football Giants in D.C., an Ohio shootout and a Broncos’ OT victory, and a Jason Elam game-winning FG”

"On the eighth week of the season, the NFL gave to me: Brady and Manning beating every NFL team, Rob Bironas 8 FG’s, Vinny becoming the oldest starting QB to win a game in NFL history, a Stellar Steelers shutout against the Seahawks in a rematch of Super Bowl XL, Farve surpassing Marino in career passing TD’s, a goal-line stand by the New York football Giants in D.C., an Ohio shootout and a Broncos’ OT victory, and a Jason Elam game-winning FG”

"On the ninth week of the season, the NFL gave to me: A record-296 yards by AP (Vikings rookie RB Adrian Peterson), Brady and Manning beating every NFL team, Rob Bironas 8 FG’s, Vinny becoming the oldest starting QB to win a game in NFL history, a Stellar Steelers shutout against the Seahawks in a rematch of Super Bowl XL, Farve surpassing Marino in career passing TD’s, a goal-line stand by the New York football Giants in D.C., an Ohio shootout and a Broncos’ OT victory, and a Jason Elam game-winning FG”

"On the tenth week of the season, the NFL gave to me: A Vinatieri-missed FG, a record-296 yards by AP, Brady and Manning beating every NFL team, Rob Bironas 8 FG’s, Vinny becoming the oldest starting QB to win a game in NFL history, a Stellar Steelers shutout against the Seahawks in a rematch of Super Bowl XL, Farve surpassing Marino in career passing TD’s, a goal-line stand by the New York football Giants in D.C., an Ohio shootout and a Broncos’ OT victory, and a Jason Elam game-winning FG”

"On the eleventh week of the season, the NFL gave to me: 8 TD’s by T.O. and Randy, a Vinatieri-missed FG, a record-296 yards by AP, Brady and Manning beating every NFL team, Rob Bironas 8 FG’s, Vinny becoming the oldest starting QB to win a game in NFL history, a Stellar Steelers shutout against the Seahawks in a rematch of Super Bowl XL, Farve surpassing Marino in career passing TD’s, a goal-line stand by the New York football Giants in D.C., an Ohio shootout and a Broncos’ OT victory, and a Jason Elam game-winning FG”

"On the twelfth week of the season, the NFL gave to me: Colts, Packers and ‘Boys Thanksgiving victories, 8 TD’s by T.O. and Randy, a Vinatieri-missed FG, a record-296 yards by AP, Brady and Manning beating every NFL team, Rob Bironas 8 FG’s, Vinny becoming the oldest starting QB to win a game in NFL history, a Stellar Steelers shutout against the Seahawks in a rematch of Super Bowl XL, Farve surpassing Marino in career passing TD’s, a goal-line stand by the New York football Giants in D.C., an Ohio shootout and a Broncos’ OT victory, and a Jason Elam game-winning FG”

"On the thirteenth week of the season, the NFL gave to me: Gibbs timeout blunder, 8 TD’s by T.O. and Randy, a Vinatieri-missed FG, a record-296 yards by AP, Brady and Manning beating every NFL team, Rob Bironas 8 FG’s, Vinny becoming the oldest starting QB to win a game in NFL history, a Stellar Steelers shutout against the Seahawks in a rematch of Super Bowl XL, Farve surpassing Marino in career passing TD’s, a goal-line stand by the New York football Giants in D.C., an Ohio shootout and a Broncos’ OT victory, and a Jason Elam game-winning FG”

"On the fourteenth week of the season, the NFL gave to me: Anthony Smith’s guarantee, Gibbs timeout blunder, 8 TD’s by T.O. and Randy, a Vinatieri-missed FG, a record-296 yards by AP, Brady and Manning beating every NFL team, Rob Bironas 8 FG’s, Vinny becoming the oldest starting QB to win a game in NFL history, a Stellar Steelers shutout against the Seahawks in a rematch of Super Bowl XL, Farve surpassing Marino in career passing TD’s, a goal-line stand by the New York football Giants in D.C., an Ohio shootout and a Broncos’ OT victory, and a Jason Elam game-winning FG”

"On the fifteenth week of the season, the NFL gave to me: a blustery ‘Skins victory, Gibbs timeout blunder, 8 TD’s by T.O. and Randy, a Vinatieri-missed FG, a record-296 yards by AP, Brady and Manning beating every NFL team, Rob Bironas 8 FG’s, Vinny becoming the oldest starting QB to win a game in NFL history, a Stellar Steelers shutout against the Seahawks in a rematch of Super Bowl XL, Farve surpassing Marino in career passing TD’s, a goal-line stand by the New York football Giants in D.C., an Ohio shootout and a Broncos’ OT victory, and a Jason Elam game-winning FG”

"On the sixteenth week of the season, the NFL gave to me: A takedown of a Packer by a referee, a blustery ‘Skins victory, Gibbs timeout blunder, 8 TD’s by T.O. and Randy, a Vinatieri-missed FG, a record-296 yards by AP, Brady and Manning beating every NFL team, Rob Bironas 8 FG’s, Vinny becoming the oldest starting QB to win a game in NFL history, a Stellar Steelers shutout against the Seahawks in a rematch of Super Bowl XL, Farve surpassing Marino in career passing TD’s, a goal-line stand by the New York football Giants in D.C., an Ohio shootout and a Broncos’ OT victory, and a Jason Elam game-winning FG”

"On the seventeenth week of the season, the NFL gave to me: A Big Apple simulcast on CBS and NBC as well as amazing Andre’s kickoff returns for TD’s, A takedown of a Packer by a referee, a blustery ‘Skins victory, Gibbs timeout blunder, 8 TD’s by T.O. and Randy, a Vinatieri-missed FG, a record-296 yards by AP, Brady and Manning beating every NFL team, Rob Bironas 8 FG’s, Vinny becoming the oldest starting QB to win a game in NFL history, a Stellar Steelers shutout against the Seahawks in a rematch of Super Bowl XL, Farve surpassing Marino in career passing TD’s, a goal-line stand by the New York football Giants in D.C., an Ohio shootout and a Broncos’ OT victory, and a Jason Elam game-winning FG”

HAPPY NEW YEAR, Everyone!

Hopefully tonight's MLB All-Star game will not be unwatchable, but instead a hard-fought slugfest. Look @ the top of the starting lineup for the American League. They have Ichiro batting leadoff, DJ next, then the tenacious trio of A-Rod, Big Papi and Vlad the Impaler. The NL has a starting lineup of Reyes, B*nds, Beltran, Junior, Wright and Fielder leading off the game. But that is just the cream of the crop.

The AL reserves, as well as the NL reserves, are also stacked. The AL has "Hip, hip Jorge!" Posada, 2006 AL MVP Morneau, Torii Hunter - who robbed Barry Bonds of a home run in Milwaukee - and "Manny being Manny" Ramirez. The NL has Derrek Lee, "Winnie-the-Pujols", Matt "I am on a" Holliday, Carlos Lee and Alfonso Soriano. And i haven't even gone to pitching.

The starting pitchers are Dan Haren - who has a superb 2.20 ERA, and Jake Peavy - the best pitcher in the National League. The AL has 12-2 Josh Beckett, reliever Jonathan Papelbon, an excellent closer in JJ Putz, and two of the best in the Major Leagues, Justin Verlander and Johan Santana. The NL has Francisco Cordero, who has 27 saves, a young phenom in Cole Hamels and the #1 closer all-time in Trevor Hoffman.

I believe that the National League will come up on top, winning 12 - 9.

Sports Similarities

(http://www.vale.k12.or.us/)

Has anyone noticed the eerie similarities between many teams in different sports? I have.

For instance, there is the leader of his team, the player that won or could possibly win many MVP trophies - yes, I am talking about Canadian-born and the face of the Phoenix Suns' franchise, point guard Steve Nash, and 2007 Super Bowl MVP and the face of the Indianapolis Colts' franchise, quarterback Peyton Manning. Before last year, these two teams - the Colts and the Suns - would constantly meet in the semifinals, being denied every time by the better team.


There are also the similarities between the two dynasties in both the NBA and the NFL. Both the New England Patriots and the San Antonio Spurs won 3+ titles in the last five years. Both have a nonchalant leader - power forward Tim Duncan and quarterback Tom Brady. Both have a top-five defense in the league annually, and have a top-notch veteran defensive stopper - small forward Bruce Bowen and strong safety Rodney Harrison. Lastly, both dynasties have a key veteran that they signed in the offseason - sharpshooter Michael Finley and outside linebacker Adalius Thomas.

There is the all-purpose player - running back LaDanian Tomlinson of the San Diego Chargers and small forward LeBron James. There is also the free-spending team - the Washington Redskins, New York Knicks and the New York Yankees.


The top rivalries in both the NFL and MLB are alike, since one of the teams in both rivalries are reddish in color and the other team is whitish in color with blue outlines. I am talking about the Washington Redskins against the Dallas Cowboys and the Boston Red Sox against the New York Yankees.

Then there are the teams which find their players almost always behind bars. The 2006-2007 Cincinnati Bengals and the early 2000 Portland Trail Blazers were the bad boys of the NFL and the NBA.

The player in the clutch comes up huge nearly every game - Derek Jeter of the New York Yankees, Adam Vinatieri of the New England Patriots and Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers.

There is also the all-star duo in the MLB, the NBA and in the NFL - the Batman and Robin of sports. In the MLB, there is the Yankees' Alex Rodriguez (Robin) and Derek Jeter (Batman). In the NBA there was Shaquille O'Neal (Batman) and Kobe Bryant (Robin) and is Shaq and Dwayne Wade (Robin). In the NFL there is Marvin Harrison (Robin) and Peyton Manning (Batman).

If you do not believe me, watch the NBA, MLB and NFL games on your tube. You will see the comparisons between these teams and players.

Pictures: Steve Nash (www.i-sportsbook.com), Tom Brady (www.baltimoresun.com), Three Spurs (www.sportsresourcezone.net), Red Sox vs. Yankees (point23.blogspot.com), Redskins vs. Cowboys (www.washingtonpost.com)

My 2007 NFL Mock Draft

Pick and NFL Team	Player Chosen	Why (Before the Actual Draft)
#1 Oakland Raiders	QB JaMarcus Russell – LSU Actual: QB JaMarcus Russell – LSU	The Raiders are desperate for a QB, for their pervious signee – QB Aaron Brooks, an ex- Saint, faltered and are in need for a franchise player that would turn their team around. Al Davis loves him.
#2 Detroit Lions	OL Joe Thomas – University of Wisconsin Actual: WR Calvin Johnson – Georgia Tech University	If the Lions do NOT trade this pick (which is very unlikely) they would likely bolster their offensive line by signing this premiere offensive lineman
#3 Cleveland Browns	RB Adrian Peterson – University of Oklahoma Actual: OL Joe Thomas – University of Wisconsin	The Browns, although they signed Jamal Lewis, need a RB for the future, and this would be the best choice for the Browns. (Sorry Brady Quinn)
#4 Tampa Bay Buccaneers	WR Calvin Johnson – Georgia Tech University Actual: DE Gaines Adams – Clemson University	The Bucs are salivating over this deal, that is if he falls this far. They would most likely complete a draft-day trade with the Lions in order to guarantee their pick of Johnson
#5 Arizona Cardinals	DE Gaines Adams – Clemson University Actual: OT Levi Brown – Penn State University	If they do not shore up their offensive line via trade to get Joe Thomas, their next plan would be getting Adams, the best DE in the draft
#6 Washington Redskins	DT Amobi Okoye – University of Louisville Actual: S LaRon Landry – LSU	If the Redskins do not trade this pick to another team in need of a talented player, they would get a rising superstar, improving their dreadful D-line in 2006
#7 Minnesota Vikings	QB Brady Quinn – University of Notre Dame Actual: RB Adrian Peterson – University of Oklahoma	The Vikings would appreciate it if Quinn drops this far in the draft, since they have an aging superstar (Brad Johnson) and Tavaris Jackson is only a rookie last season
#8 Atlanta Falcons	S LaRon Landry – LSU Actual: Jamaal Anderson – University of Arkansas	The Falcons need to fill this hole in the defensive secondary, and they would be ecstatic if he falls this far
#9 Miami Dolphins	OT Levi Brown – Penn State University Actual: WR Ted Ginn Jr. – Ohio State University	The Dolphins have been eying Brown for a while, and if they don’t get Quinn in a draft-day deal, then they’ll go with Brown
#10 Houston Texans	CB Leon Hall – Michigan University Actual: DT Amobi Okoye – University of Louisville	The Texans need to improve a terrible defense last year, and he will be a great fit for this young franchise
#11 San Francisco 49ers	DT Alan Branch – University of Michigan Actual: MLB Patrick Willis – University of Mississippi	Branch would improve a defensive line that would do much better next year
#12 Buffalo Bills	MLB Patrick Willis – University of Mississippi Actual: RB Marshawn Lynch – University of California	After losing London Fletcher-Baker to the Redskins and Takeo Spikes to the Eagles, the Bills have no choice but to sign this tackling machine
#13 St. Louis Rams	DE Anthony Spencer – University of Purdue Actual: DE Adam Carriker – University of Nebraska	Since vets La Roi’ Glover and Leonard Little are getting old, he would be a young reserve for this franchise
#14 Carolina Panthers	TE Greg Olsen – University of Miami Actual: Trade with N.Y. Jets à CB Darelle Revis – University of Pittsburgh	Olsen would make a great pass catcher that already has two all-star WR’s – Steve Smith and Keyshawn Johnson
#15 Pittsburgh Steelers	LB Paul Posluszny – Penn State University Actual: OLB Lawrence Timmons – Florida State University	Paul would be an excellent fit for the Steelers, who lost talented all-star Jerry Porter to the Dolphins.
#16 Green Bay Packers	RB Marshawn Lynch – University of California Actual: DT Justin Harrell – University of Tennessee	In desperate need of a RB after losing all-star Ahman Green to free agency, they would gladly take this player
#17 Jacksonville Jaguars	WR Ted Ginn Jr. – Ohio State University Actual: Trade with Denver Broncos à DE Jarvis Moss – University of Florida	Without a standout WR, the Jaguars desperately need one, and Ginn would fit that description perfectly
#18 Cincinnati Bengals	CB Darelle Revis – University of Pittsburgh Actual: CB Leon Hall – Michigan University	Since the Bengals are weak at corner because Tory James ditched the Bengals for the Pats, Revis would go here.
#19 Tennessee Titans	CB Aaron Ross – Texas University Actual: S Michael Griffin – University of Texas	Losing “Pacman” Jones for the entire season hurts the team. Ross would fit the hole left by Jones
#20 New York Giants	OLB Lawrence Timmons – Florida State University Actual: CB Aaron Ross – Texas University	Releasing controversial LB LaVar Arrington resulted in a hole in the linebacker position. Thus, the Giants would improve the LB spot by signing Timmons
#21 Denver Broncos	DE Jarvis Moss – University of Florida Actual: Trade with Jaguars à S Reggie Nelson – University of Florida	The pass rush for Denver was abysmal last year, so Moss would be the replacing Trevor Pryce
#22 Dallas Cowboys	WR Robert Meachem – University of Tennessee Actual: Trade with Browns à QB Brady Quinn – University of Notre Dame	An aging WR tandem – T.O. and Terry Glenn are in their 30’s – would need help, so Meachem would move to the slot position
#23 Kansas City Chiefs	WR Dwayne Bowe – Louisiana State University Actual: WR Dwayne Bowe – Louisiana State University	The Chiefs are in desperate need for a top-notch WR, for their best pass catcher was Eddie Kennison. Bowe would be this impact player
#24 New England Patriots (From Seattle)	S Michael Griffin – University of Texas Actual: FS Brandon Merriweather – University of Miami	All-Pro Safety is coming off consecutive injury-prone seasons, so Griffin will replace him in due time
#25 New York Jets	DE Adam Carriker – University of Nebraska Actual: Trade with Panthers à LB Jon Beason – University of Miami	Carriker would join the Jets’ 3-4 defensive scheme, should the Jets choose this him
#26 Philadelphia Eagles	S Reggie Nelson – University of Florida Actual: Trade with Cowboys --> DE Anthony Spencer – University of Purdue	With Michael Lewis gone and ballhawk Brian Dawkins turning older by the day, Nelson is a young playmaking safety who also could play CB for the Eagles secondary.
#27 New Orleans Saints	CB Chris Houston – University of Arkansas Actual: WR Robert Meachem – University of Tennessee	To improve their secondary, one that gave up too many deep passes last year – such as the long bombs WR’s Chad Johnson and Donte’ Stallworth caught – Houston would bring his excellent cornerback skills to their terrible secondary
#28 New England Patriots	LB Jon Beason – University of Miami Actual: Trade with 49ers --> OT Joe Staley – Central Michigan University	With their second pick in the first round, the Pats would choose UMiami LB Jon Beason to improve their already talented defense
#29 Baltimore Ravens	OT Joe Staley – Central Michigan University Actual: OG Ben Grubbs – University of Auburn	Joe Staley, a player whose stock is rising quickly, would be snagged by the Ravens, whose offensive line has been decimated – Ogden is old and Mughelli is released
#30 San Diego Chargers	WR Dwayne Jarrett – University of Southern California Actual: WR Craig Davis – LSU	Jarrett would give the Chargers the deep-threat player they have been lacking for a while
#31 Chicago	OG Justin Blalock – University of Texas Actual: TE Greg Olsen – University of Miami	The Bears need to get reserve players for their aging offensive line, so OG Justin Blalock would provide just that.
#32 Indianapolis Colts	LB David Harris – University of Michigan Actual: WR Anthony Gonzalez – Ohio State University	The Colts’ needs range from RB to LB in the draft, after losing essential players Dominic Rhodes and Cato June in free agency. Any player in the following positions would fit for the last pick of the first round: RB, LB, CB, WR

Nicknames

Over the years, there has been a variety of nicknames conjured in the sports world - from "He Hate Me" (WR Rod Smart) to "The Refrigerator" (Lineman William Perry) - nicknames are unique to every person.

In the NFL, there was the great Water Payton, known only to fans as "Sweetness". Then there was "Prime Time" cornerback Deion Sanders, for performing his best at night, "The Bus" Jerome Bettis, for driving over other players, and "The Freak" Jevon Kearse, for his rare athleticism and his style of play.

Also, there are broad nicknames that not only surround players, but entire franchises. For twenty years, from 1980 to 2000, there was the New Orleans Saints, who were known as the "'Aints" until they won their first playoff game in 2000 against the St. Louis Rams. The Dallas Cowboys proudly proclaim themselves as "America's Team", while the Oakland Raiders' Stadium is the "Black Hole." Similarly, parts of the Cleveland Browns stadium is called "The dawg pound". The Green Bay Packers fans are "Cheeseheads", since Wisconsin is home to the largest producer of cheese. Their stadium is infamously known as the "Frozen tundra" since the stadium was home to the coldest NFL game on record in 1967.

Entire teams, or even parts of a team deserve great nicknames. There was the "Fun Bunch" - a group of Redskins WR's and TE's during the early 1980's. Also during that same time, the offensive line coach for the Redskins, Joe Bugel, came up with a nickname for the team's offensive line - "The Hogs". The St. Louis Rams were known as the "Greatest Show on Turf" during their glory years to their historic Super Bowl run in 2000. The 1970's Minnesota Vikings' defensive line was known as the "Purple people eaters" since they would gobble up the opposing team's QB. Similarly, the Steelers' defensive line is infamously known as the "Steel Curtain".

In the MLB, there was the "Sultan of Swat" - the great Babe Ruth, "The Big Unit" Randy Johnson, "Hammerin'" Hank Aaron, "Shoeless" Joe Jackson, "The Wizard of Oz" Ozzie Smith, "The Rocket" Roger Clemens, "A-Rod" Alex Rodriguez, "Mr. October" Reggie Jackson, and "The Big Hurt" Frank Thomas.


In the NBA, there are tons of NBA nicknames for every superstar.

There was "Air Jordan" which became "MJ" and "Air Canada" which became "Air Carter" or "VC" for Vince Carter.

Other nicknames include the great "Magic" Johnson, who earned his nickname from the magic he does on the basketball court.
"The Iceman" George Gervin got his nickname for his cool composure on the basketball court.
"The Admiral" David Robinson, received his from being in the military after graduating from high school.
"The Doctor" Julius Erving would prescribe new types of dunks during each game.
Gary Payton was known as "the glove" for his ball-swiping steals that seemed almost regular. "Round Mound of Rebound" Charles Barkley got his from his rebounding skills night in and night out.
Then there was "Stevie Franchise" for Steve Francis, who technically is not a franchise player for any team, whether it is Orlando, Houston or even New York.
"The Answer" Allen Iverson, who would constantly answer everyone's questions.
Karl Malone was known as "The Mailman" for his deliveries during each game.
There was the self-proclaimed "Agent Zero" for Gilbert Arenas
"Human Highlight Reel" Dominique Wilkins, for every dunk he made deserved to be a highlight "T-Mac", short for Tracy McGrady, "'Melo", short for Carmelo Anthony's first name, "C-Webb", short for Chris Webber, "J-Rich" Jason Richardson
"The King" LeBron James
"KG" or "The Big Ticket" for Kevin Garnett, who always receives a huge crowd wherever he goes
"Air Gordon" Ben Gordon, on the big shots he hits during games just like MJ
"Big Ben" Ben Wallace, for his resemblance to the clock tower in London
"Big Shot Bob" Robert Horry, on his clutch shots during the NBA playoffs
"The Diesel" Shaquille O'Neal, for his size and bullish way he dunks a basketball, his teammate "The Flash" Dwayne Wade, for the comic book hero who was as fast as a speeding bullet, and "The Matrix" Shawn Marion, my favorite player overall, who received his nickname from another NBA legend, Kennny "the Jet" Smith, who is currently a TNT basketball analyst.

From "The Black Hole" to "The Rocket", nicknames can come from anywhere and can encompass anything, from an individual player on a baseball team to a stadium filled with rowdy football fans.

March Madness '07!

This has been a crazy, yet predictable NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament this March. There has been a lot learned this year, such as rooting for the teams that start with "V" - Vanderbilt, Vegas (UNLV), Virginia Tech, Virginia Commonwealth (VCU), and Virginia. Nearly all of the games were predictable, for it was easy for a person to get every pick right in the NCAA tourney brackets.

In the first round of the tourney, there were some upsets, ranging from ninth-ranked Purdue defeating eighth-ranked Arizona, to the biggest upset - VCU beating Duke - once an almighty powerhouse in the tourney. The only other upset was Xavier (#9) defeating BYU (#8). Although 11th-ranked Winthrop beat 6th-ranked Notre Dame, Winthrop was considered the better team - by far. An astonishing victory was Vandy's clobbering of the University of George Washington, by 33 points!!! Surprisingly there was only three first-round upsets out of the 32 total games played in the first round. :O <-- A surprised smiley. In the second round, there was four upsets total - UNLV surprisingly trouncing 2nd-ranked Wisconsin, one of three big upsets in the entire tournament - USC beating Texas, Vandy shocking 3rd-ranked Washington State, and Tennessee defeating 4th-ranked UVa. The third huge upset in the entire tourney was USC shockingly defeating Texas, since Texas was led by AP player of the year and a freshman - Kevin Durant. Many people predicted Texas to reach the sweet sixteen, or even the elite eight, against UNC (The other crucial upset was VCU's victory over Duke). The only staggering defeats from the sweet sixteen forward was 2nd-ranked UCLA defeating #1 Kansas and #2 Georgetown defeating #1 UNC - both games taking place in the elite eight. Amazingly, the tourney will end with a January basketball and the BCS National Championship game rematch of Ohio State University against the returning champion, the veteran Florida Gators. I, like many other basketball fanatics, made my own predictions of the NCAA tournament. In the first round, i had Arizona defeating Purdue and Georgia Tech defeating UNLV in the Midwest region. In the West region, i predicted Illinois defeating VT (Virginia Tech), Duke defeating VCU and Gonzaga defeating Indiana. In the East region, i had Arkansas defeating USC - like many sports commentators predicted - and both GW and Oral Roberts shocking Vandy and Washington State. All of these picks in the first round were wrong - 75% of my picks were correct. In the second round, there was only half as many mistakes made. I foolishly predicted Michigan State to beat top-ranked UNC and was surprised by the results of the other four games that i missed - UNLV defeating Wisconsin, USC defeating Texas, and Vandy defeating Washington State (in double overtime!).

From this point onto the National Championship game, all but one of the games i predicted are correct. The only game i missed was the Memphis-Texas A&M match. I thought Acie Law IV would dominate and shock this underrated Memphis team. Boy, was i wrong! I luckily foresaw the final four teams - Georgetown, OSU, Florida and UCLA, and even the National Championship game, between OSU and Florida. I was shocked (in a good way) that i foresaw this Championship matchup.

What a tourney this has been in March!

Wheels and Deals

What a month this March has been! From the Bucs' signing of Jeff Garcia to the returning of Fred Smoot to the Redskins, there has not been a crazier month this year.

In the NFL, there has been a flurry of offseason signings and trades up to this point. On March 1st, WR's Antonio Bryant, Drew Bennett, Joe Horn and Keenan Mcardell were cut by their teams. Two of four have found new teams - Horn signing with the Falcons and Bennett signing with the Rams. On that same day there was a blockbuster trade between the Lions and the Broncos, with CB Dre' Bly ditching the Lions to head to Denver to be paired up with the best CB in the league - Champ Bailey, an ex-Redskin, for starting RB Tatum Bell. Other deals that were made this month include CB Nate Clements heading from Buffalo to San Francisco, MLB London Fletcher-Baker leaving the Bills to sign with the Redskins, CB Fred Smoot heading back to the Redskins, TE Vishante Shancoe signing with the Vikings, QB Jeff Garcia signing with the Bucs... this list could go on forever...

QB's
Jeff Garcia --> Buccaneers
Brad Johnson --> Cowboys
Patrick Ramsey --> Broncos
Matt Schuab --> Texans
Kelley Holcomb --> Eagles

RB's
Tatum Bell --> Lions
Travis Henry --> Broncos
Thomas Jones --> Jets
Dominic Rhodes --> Raiders
Willis McGahee --> Ravens
Jamal Lewis --> Browns
Ahman Green --> Texans
T.J. Duckett --> Lions
Reuben Droughns --> Giants

WR's
Drew Bennett --> Rams
Joe Horn --> Falcons
Kelley Washington --> Patriots
Donte' Stallworth --> Patriots
Wes Welker --> Patriots
Brandon Stokely --> Broncos
Dennis Northcutt --> Jaguars
Shaun McDonald --> Lions
Bobby Wade --> Vikings
Bethel Johnson --> Eagles
Kevin Curtis --> Eagles
Ashlie Lelie --> 49ers
Bobby Wade --> Vikings

TE's
Daniel Graham --> Broncos
Jermaine Wiggins --> Jaguars
Kyle Brady --> Patriots
Vishante Shiancoe --> Vikings
Marcus Pollard --> Seahawks
Randy McMichael --> Rams

OL (Offensive Line)
Derrick Dockery --> Bills
Seth Mckinney --> Browns
Tony Pashos --> Jaguars
Leonard Davis --> Cowboys
Edwin Mulitado --> Ravens
Luke Pettigout --> Buccaneers

DT's/DE's
Darwin Walker --> Bills
Montae Reagor --> Eagles
Patrick Kerney --> Seahawks

LB's
Shawn Barber --> Texans
Donnie Edwards --> Chiefs
Napoleon Harris --> Chiefs
Joey Porter --> Dolphins
Adalius Thomas --> Patriots
Brian Simmons --> Bengals
Kawika Mitchell --> Giants
Takeo Spikes --> Eagles
Cato June --> Buccaneers
London Fletcher-Baker --> Redskins

DB's
Kenny Wright --> Browns

S's
Terrance Holt --> Cardinals
Michael Lewis --> 49ers
Deon Grant --> Seahawks

CB's
Dre' Bly --> Broncos
Nick Harper --> Titans
Roderick Hood -- > Cardinals
Travis Fisher --> Lions
Nate Clements --> 49ers
Mike Rumph --> Rams
Fred Smoot --> Redskins

Raid of the Running Back

Over the past couple of months, there have been loads of wheelings and dealings with running backs. About a quarter of all the NFL teams have new starting running backs, whether the teams got them from trade or from the free agent market.

The off-season overhaul of halfbacks started with the trade of RB Tatum Bell and two reserve players from the Denver Broncos to the Detroit Lions for the acquisition of cornerback Dre Bly. Now that Denver did not have a RB, they quickly signed ex-Tennessee Titan Travis Henry, who was unexpectedly cut by his former team. The Chicago Bears, coming off their Super Bowl loss to the Indianapolis Colts, dealt starting RB Thomas Jones and their second-round draft pick this year for the New York Jets second round pick and the seventh round pick in this April’s NFL draft. The New York Giants, on the other hand, just lost Tiki Barber to retirement, so they had a huge gap to fill at halfback. They acquired Reuben Droughns from the Cleveland Browns, who let Droughns be expendable after signing ex-Raven RB Jamal Lewis to a one-year deal. Since the Baltimore Ravens had no RB at the time, they traded three draft picks, two third round picks and one seventh round pick, to the Buffalo Bills for unhappy halfback Willis McGahee. Also, the Green Bay Packers lost Ahman Green to free agency, for he signed with the Houston Texans. Just recently, the Detroit Lions signed ex-Falcon and Redskin and free-agent T.J. Duckett.

Here are the projected running backs for the 2008 NFL season:

(Those in bold are off-season acquisitions and those italicized are backup RB’s becoming starters in 2008)

NFC

NFC East
New York Giants: Reuben Droughns
Philadelphia Eagles: Brian Westbrook
Dallas Cowboys: Marion Barber III
Washington Redskins: Clinton Portis / Ladell Betts

NFC North
Chicago Bears: Cedric Benson
Green Bay Packers: Not Known Yet
Minnesota Vikings: Chester Taylor
Detroit Lions: Tatum Bell / Kevin Jones

NFC South
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Cadillac Williams
Carolina Panthers: DeShaun Foster
Atlanta Falcons: Warrick Dunn
New Orleans Saints: Reggie Bush / Deuce McAllister

NFC West
Seattle Seahawks: Shaun Alexander
St. Louis Rams: Stephen Jackson
San Francisco 49ers: Frank Gore
Arizona Cardinals: Edgerrin James

AFC

AFC East
New England Patriots: Laurence Maroney
Buffalo Bills: Anthony Thomas
New York Jets: Thomas Jones
Miami Dolphins: Ronnie Brown

AFC North
Baltimore Ravens: Willis McGahee
Cleveland Browns: Jamal Lewis
Cincinnati Bengals: Rudi Johnson
Pittsburgh Steelers: Willie Parker

AFC South
Indianapolis Colts: Joseph Addai
Tennessee Titans: Not Known Yet
Jacksonville Jaguars: Maurice Jones-Drew
Houston Texans: Ahman Green

AFC West
San Diego Chargers: LaDainian Tomlinson
Kansas City Chiefs: Larry Johnson
Denver Broncos: Travis Henry
Oakland Raiders: LaMont Jordan / Dominic Rhodes

What a year it would be for halfbacks in the NFL!

By the way, the video I found on YouTube is a bit random, but AMAZING!!!! : )

The Year that was 2006

From T.O suspected of having an overdose on pills to the St. Louis Cardinals winning the MLB World Series, this has been a wacky year in sports.

In January, we saw the thrilling national championship in NCAA football between the University of Southern California Trojans against the Texas Longhorns. What a game! USC seemed to have the game under control, with Matt Leinart at the helm and LenDale White, not Reggie Bush, running wild. Then came the ultimate turning point in the game. After making a nice catch and run of 31 yards, Reggie Bush tried to lateral the ball to another USC player but ended up coughing up the ball and losing possession. From that point onward, the tide had turned and it was Vince Young's moment to shine. He scored three touchdowns in total, two in the final quarter and the Texas defense stopped the Trojans on a fourth and two from USC's 45 yard line with two minutes left to capture the victory and snap the Trojans' 34-game winning streak.

In February, came the NBA All-Star weekend, where Dirk Nowitski, a seven-foot power forward, won the three-point shooting contest and lil' Nate Robinson, at five feet nine inches, won the slam dunk contest. In the all-star game, King James took charge, leading the East to a come-from-behind victory, 122-120, over the West.

In March, the NCAA basketball tourney was underway, and my, was there a shocker! The number eleven seed in the Washington D.C. region, the George Mason Patriots of the Colonial Athletic Association, went all the way to the Final Four, upsetting #7 Witchita State Shockers first, then #6 Michigan State, then #3 North Carolina, with Freshman Tyler Hansborough leading the Tar Heels, and lastly, beating #1 UConn in overtime before losing to the eventual National Champions, the Florida Gators, led by the powerful center Jokakim Noah. (Who shares the same birthday as me!)

In April, the NFL draft was held. The Houston Texans chose defensive end Mario Williams as the first pick in the draft, a surprising move given that Reggie Bush is a more explosive player. The Denver Broncos moved up from the fifteenth pick in the draft to the twelfth pick to select Jay Cutler, a quarterback out of the University of Vanderbilt. The steal of the draft was a three-way tie: Chicago, with the 57th pick, choosing speedy kick returner and punt returner Devin Hester from the U, Jacksonville, with the 60th pick, choosing pinball Maurice Jones-Drew from UCLA, and New Orleans, choosing Marques Colston, from Hofstra, with the 225th pick in the Draft. All had excellent seasons with their respective teams.

In May, Barry Bonds passed Babe Ruth for second all-time in career home runs, hitting 715 on May 28. Also, the NBA playoffs were at its peak, with the Phoenix Suns coming back from a 3-1 game deficit against the L.A. Lakers to beat them and, in the second round, beating the L.A. Clippers. The best series, though, was between the best two teams in the Western Conference - the Dallas Mavericks and the San Antonio Spurs. The Miami Heat advanced to the Conference finals against the Detroit Pistons, and the Mavericks faced the Suns in the Western Conference finals.

In June, the FIFA World Cup started, as well as the NBA Finals. In the World Cup in Germany, the following teams made it to the round of sixteen: Germany, Sweden, Argentina, Mexico, Italy, Australia, Ukraine, Switzerland, England, Ecuador, Portugal, Netherlands, Brazil, Ghana, Spain and France. By the semifinals, the teams left were Germany and Italy and Portugal and France. The Germany-Italy game was a game of the ages. Italy ended up winning the entire tourney, defeating headbutting Zinedine Zidane and the French team, in penalty kicks, after the score was tied 1-1 after regulation and overtime.

In July, the Tour de France started, but there was no final victor. The winner, Floyd Landis, tested positive for an illegal substance and had his prize taken away. Also, the MLB All-Star game was played, with the American League coming back from 2-1 to win 3-2, thanks to Texas Rangers' shortstop Michael Young, who won it on a game-winning double in the bottom of the ninth inning.

In August, the NFL preseason and the NCAA football season were underway.

In September, the NFL season started, while the MLB season came to an end. The Chicago Bears held the Green Bay Packers scoreless, 26 - 0, The Baltimore Ravens held the Tampa Bay Bucs scoreless, 27 - 0, sacking the Bucs' QB three times and picking him off three times, The Seattle Seahawks won 9-6, thanks to a last-second Josh Brown field goal, and Peyton Manning defeated his brother, 26-21 in the first week of the NFL regular season.

Sang to the tune of "12 Days of Christmas," this is how the NFL regular season went:

"On the first week of the season, the NFL gave to me: Peyton defeating Eli on National T.V."

"On the second week of the season, the NFL gave to me: T.O. breaking his hand, and Peyton defeating Eli on National T.V."

"On the third week of the season the NFL gave to me: Chris Simms losing his spleen,
T.O. breaking his hand, and Peyton defeating Eli on National T.V."

"On the fourth week of the season, the NFL gave to me: Santana Moss catching a 68 yard bomb in OT, Chris Simms losing his spleen, T.O. breaking his hand, and Peyton defeating Eli on National T.V."

"On the fifth week of the season, the NFL gave to me: Reggie Bush's first TD, Santana Moss catching a 68 yard bomb in OT, Chris Simms losing his spleen, T.O. breaking his hand, and Peyton defeating Eli on National T.V."

"On the sixth week of the season, the NFL gave to me: two Redskins tickets, Reggie Bush's first TD, Santana Moss catching a 68 yard bomb in OT, Chris Simms losing his spleen, T.O. breaking his hand, and Peyton defeating Eli on National T.V."

"On the seventh week of the season, the NFL gave to me: A Matt Bryant GW 62-yard FG, two Redskins tickets, Reggie Bush's first TD, Santana Moss catching a 68 yard bomb in OT, Chris Simms losing his spleen, T.O. breaking his hand, and Peyton defeating Eli on National T.V."

"On the eighth week of the season, the NFL gave to me: LT running wild, A Matt Bryant GW 62-yard FG, two Redskins tickets, Reggie Bush's first TD, Santana Moss catching a 68 yard bomb in OT, Chris Simms losing his spleen, T.O. breaking his hand, and Peyton defeating Eli on National T.V."

"On the ninth week of the season, the NFL gave to me: A Nick Novak GW FG against the 'Boys, LT running wild, A Matt Bryant GW 62-yard FG, two Redskins tickets, Reggie Bush's first TD, Santana Moss catching a 68 yard bomb in OT, Chris Simms losing his spleen, T.O. breaking his hand, and Peyton defeating Eli on National T.V."

"On the tenth week of the season, the NFL gave to me: Devin Hester's 108-yard TD run, A Nick Novak GW FG against the 'Boys, LT running wild, A Matt Bryant GW 62-yard FG, two Redskins tickets, Reggie Bush's first TD, Santana Moss catching a 68 yard bomb in OT, Chris Simms losing his spleen, T.O. breaking his hand, and Peyton defeating Eli on National T.V."

"On the eleventh week of the season, the NFL gave to me: two 80-yard Lee Evans TD's, Devin Hester's 108-yard TD run, A Nick Novak GW FG against the 'Boys, LT running wild, A Matt Bryant GW 62-yard FG, two Redskins tickets, Reggie Bush's first TD, Santana Moss catching a 68 yard bomb in OT, Chris Simms losing his spleen, T.O. breaking his hand, and Peyton defeating Eli on National T.V."

"On the twelfth week of the season, the NFL gave to me: Jason Campbell's first win, two 80-yard Lee Evans TD's, Devin Hester's 108-yard TD run, A Nick Novak GW FG against the 'Boys, LT running wild, A Matt Bryant GW 62-yard FG, two Redskins tickets, Reggie Bush's first TD, Santana Moss catching a 68 yard bomb in OT, Chris Simms losing his spleen, T.O. breaking his hand, and Peyton defeating Eli on National T.V."

"On the thirteenth week of the season, the NFL gave to me: Four Reggie Bush TD's, Jason Campbell's first win, two 80-yard Lee Evans TD's, Devin Hester's 108-yard TD run, A Nick Novak GW FG against the 'Boys, LT running wild, A Matt Bryant GW 62-yard FG, two Redskins tickets, Reggie Bush's first TD, Santana Moss catching a 68 yard bomb in OT, Chris Simms losing his spleen, T.O. breaking his hand, and Peyton defeating Eli on National T.V."

"On the fourteenth week of the season, the NFL gave to me: No Colts' run defense, Four Reggie Bush TD's, Jason Campbell's first win, two 80-yard Lee Evans TD's, Devin Hester's 108-yard TD run, A Nick Novak GW FG against the 'Boys, LT running wild, A Matt Bryant GW 62-yard FG, two Redskins tickets, Reggie Bush's first TD, Santana Moss catching a 68 yard bomb in OT, Chris Simms losing his spleen, T.O. breaking his hand, and Peyton defeating Eli on National T.V."

"On the fifteenth week of the season, the NFL gave to me: LT breaking three NFL records, No Colts' run defense, Four Reggie Bush TD's, Jason Campbell's first win, two 80-yard Lee Evans TD's, Devin Hester's 108-yard TD run, A Nick Novak GW FG against the 'Boys, LT running wild, A Matt Bryant GW 62-yard FG, two Redskins tickets, Reggie Bush's first TD, Santana Moss catching a 68 yard bomb in OT, Chris Simms losing his spleen, T.O. breaking his hand, and Peyton defeating Eli on National T.V."

"On the sixteenth week of the season, the NFL gave to me: A Bengals' botched extra-point attempt, LT breaking three NFL records, No Colts' run defense, Four Reggie Bush TD's, Jason Campbell's first win, two 80-yard Lee Evans TD's, Devin Hester's 108-yard TD run, A Nick Novak GW FG against the 'Boys, LT running wild, A Matt Bryant GW 62-yard FG, two Redskins tickets, Reggie Bush's first TD, Santana Moss catching a 68 yard bomb in OT, Chris Simms losing his spleen, T.O. breaking his hand, and Peyton defeating Eli on National T.V."

"On the seventeenth week of the season, the NFL gave to me: A Detroit Lions victory, A Bengals' botched extra-point attempt, LT breaking three NFL records, No Colts' run defense, Four Reggie Bush TD's, Jason Campbell's first win, two 80-yard Lee Evans TD's, Devin Hester's 108-yard TD run, A Nick Novak GW FG against the 'Boys, LT running wild, A Matt Bryant GW 62-yard FG, two Redskins tickets, Reggie Bush's first TD, Santana Moss catching a 68 yard bomb in OT, Chris Simms losing his spleen, T.O. breaking his hand, and Peyton defeating Eli on National T.V."